The inclusion of 11 Asian airports in the new OAG Megahubs 2024 report underscores the region’s growing prominence as a global aviation powerhouse and highlights several critical achievements, such as Asia’s strategic importance in facilitating the flow of people and goods, and strong tourism investments post-pandemic, details Mayur Patel, head of Asia at OAG Aviation.
This episode of TTG Conversation: Five Questions video news series continues the aviation development discussion with Patel, where he scrutinises the OAGMegahubs 2024 report to identify Asia’s competitive advantages in travel and tourism.
Among key takeaways are Kuala Lumpur’s rise as an aviation hub, the growing power of secondary airports in the region, things destinations are doing to translate their powerful air hub status into inbound tourism performance, and factors that will shape the list of next top megahubs.
Peach Aviationstarts service from Singapore to Osaka
Peach Aviation became the only Japanese airline to offer services from Changi Airport to Osaka, with its inaugural flight taking off on December 5.
The airline will offer daily seven-hour flights between the two destinations, operated on the Airbus A321LR.
AirAsia
AirAsia adds flights for upcoming Lunar New Year As AirAsia prepares to welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, the airline will add seasonal flights for Chinese New Year, reconnecting families and friends between Singapore and East Malaysia.
From January 24 to February 5, customers can enjoy late-night flights from Singapore to Kuching, along with limited-time services to Sibu, Miri, and Tawau. With 22 extra flights to selected East Malaysia destinations, AirAsia will operate 43 flights during the festive season, offering over 7,900 seats.
Vietjet Thailand
Vietjet Thailand launches new Mumbai-Bangkok route
Vietjet Thailand has introduced its inaugural Mumbai-Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) service on December 3.
The new service will operate daily in the early stage.
Hong Kong Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines restarts Vancouver service Hong Kong Airlines will be resuming direct flights to Vancouver, Canada from January 18, 2025.
The twice-weekly services will provide additional travel options for passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Vancouver, and those connecting via Hong Kong.
Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, Japan
Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono is set to open on December 15, and will offer 234 rooms across three categories, from Superior to Studio Suite. A highlight is the Nikko Style Suite, which comes equipped with a hot spring bath, and directly connected to the Rooftop Lounge. Rooms on the seventh and eighth floors are equipped with their own natural hot spring baths.
The L-shaped complex boasts a prime location directly facing the ski slopes of Niseko Hanazono Resort. Facilities include a restaurant, café and bar, club lounge, gym, dry sauna, open-air bath, and more.
dusitD2 Fagu
dusitD2 Fagu, India
dusitD2 Fagu is set amid the majestic Himalayan landscape of Fagu, near Shimla. The property features 80 guestrooms boasting views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Located just 80 minutes from Shimla Airport and four-and-a-half hours from Chandigarh Airport, dusitD2 Fagu is also easily accessible from Kalka Railway Station, which provides access to the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. Other nearby attractions include Kufri, Mashobra, Narkanda, and Mahasu Peak.
The hotel will feature a spa, swimming pool, F&B, an amphitheatre, event venues, and an EV charging station.
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, the Maldives
The 50-key private villa Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection is situated on the Kudafunafaru island, just 45 minutes by seaplane ride from Male International Airport.
It features 30 overwater villas and 20 beachfront villas, most of which have a private pool.
Facilities include two restaurants and bars, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, retail outlet and a diving and water sports centre.
Habyt Kada at Maxwell
Habyt Kada at Maxwell, Singapore
Located at Tanjong Pagar in Singapore, the new Habyt Kada at Maxwell provides guests with flexible accommodation for all lengths of stays in a preserved heritage building dating back to the 1920s colonial period.
Featuring 18 rooms ranging from ensuite to studio, two-bedroom and three-bedroom, each comes with a kitchenette and a view of the city’s urban landscape. Facilities comprise a gym, wellness centre, and a co-working space.
Nearby for guests to explore are Maxwell Food Centre, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown, and nearby MRT stations for easy access to the rest of the garden city.
As the sale period for Disney Adventure – Disney Cruise Line’s first ship to homeport in Asia – approaches, a study conducted by YouGov Surveys has found strong purchase intentions among Singapore consumers.
The survey, which was conducted in November with a sample size of 1,050 adults in Singapore, found that 43 per cent of Singapore consumers are likely to consider booking the upcoming cruise, with millennials showing the strongest interest – 56 per cent of them expressing intent to book.
Wayfinder Bay is one of the seven uniquely themed areas onboard Disney Adventure
It also noted that while respondents are familiar with the launch of Disney Cruise Line in Singapore, only one in five are very familiar with the details.
For those considering a Disney cruise, dining at themed restaurants is the top attraction, with 53 per cent of respondents citing this feature as their primary draw. Unique onboard activities and entertainment appealed to 52 per cent of respondents. Additionally, relaxing in Disney staterooms and exploring the seven themed areas were equally attractive to 51 per cent of respondents.
Disney characters remain a key draw, with Mickey and Friends being the most popular (at 55 per cent), followed by Disney princesses (45 per cent) and Marvel superheroes (48 per cent). Notably, more than half of respondents (54 per cent) who are likely to book the Disney cruise said they would be more likely to book based on the availability of their favourite Disney characters onboard, a sentiment more pronounced among millennials.
Disney Adventure will open for bookings on December 10 from 08.00 Singapore time via the Disney Cruise Line website, contact centre, and travel agents. Tickets will be on sale for sailings starting December 15, 2025 through March 2026. Three- and four-night voyages are available, with the programme designed for dedicated days at sea so that guests can fully enjoy the Disney experience onboard.
As Disney Cruise Line builds up to the sale period starting next week, it also unveiled a collaboration with United Overseas Bank (UOB) to offer UOB cardholders across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam special benefits when booking Disney Adventure vacations.
Demand for luxury travel among Filipinos is on the rise, driving the introduction of new, exclusive offerings such as expedition cruises, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and lavish rail journeys.
Shan Dioquino David, CEO and president of the newly-launched CITTI Elite, highlighted their recent partnerships and product launches, including Four Seasons Yachts, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ponant, and Scenic Luxury Cruises.
Filipino travellers are redefining luxury, seeking exclusive experiences from private yacht cruises to off-the-beaten-path adventures; Four Seasons Yachts, pictured
David noted that high-net-worth individuals are increasingly willing to spend upwards of US$100,000 for the ultimate in exclusivity and luxury. These travellers expect premium experiences, such as hotel suites of at least 70m², Mercedes vehicles for overland tours, Evian water, and meticulous attention to detail. They also prefer smaller ships with a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
Rajah Travel Corp. has also expanded its luxury offerings to include more unique destinations, such as mountaineering across the Canadian Rockies, scenic train journeys through Switzerland on the Glacier Express, specialised tours in the Amazon, and river cruises in India.
Aileen Clemente, chair and president of Rajah Travel, observed: “Well-travelled people who have gone to the typical tourist places now tend to be selective and go to off-beat destinations.”
Clemente shared that some travellers have a particular goal, such as visiting all UNESCO World Heritage and UN heritage sites. “But there’s often a trade-off,” she said, adding that in seeking out these unique destinations, luxury sometimes takes a backseat.
CITTI Elite’s ultra-luxury itineraries are tapping into these evolving preferences, offering destinations like the Galapagos, Latin America, Rovaniemi-Polar Arctic Circle, and South Africa, while opulent train journeys through Europe are also gaining popularity among Filipino travellers.
Amadeus’ Travel Trends for 2025 report has highlighted five trends poised to shape the future of global travel, with Asia playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in the tourism sector.
The report was created in collaboration with the travel forecasting agency Globetrender.
Travellers are embarking on journeys driven by nostalgia, and living out their childhood dreams, like a Polly Pocket-inspired Airbnb rental, pictured
Asia set to lead global tourism revival
After years of restricted travel, travellers are excited to rediscover Asia’s cultural treasures. China is opening its doors to millions by expanding visa-free travel, while Thailand’s new digital nomad visas and broader visa-free programme for 93 countries are set to attract a global audience. Pop culture is also driving interest, with the upcoming season of The White Lotus set in Thailand, Squid Game season two expected to boost travel to South Korea, and renewed curiosity about Japan’s history inspired by the TV series Shōgun. Adding to this momentum, Iberia has recently launched direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo, making it easier than ever for travellers to explore Japan.
Over the next 15 years, IATA predicts that Asia-Pacific will record the fastest rise in passenger numbers and contribute to more than half of the net increase in global passenger numbers by 2043. Amadeus data reflects this momentum as outbound travel from Chengdu, China, surged 66% to 35.2 million passengers from 2016 to 2023, while Guangzhou grew 20%. Delhi also saw a 31% rise with over 30 million outbound passengers in 2023.
New heydays
Nostalgia is fuelling the rise of “new heydays,” with the past taking centre stage. From the comeback of 90s films and CDs to Gen Z’s love for digital cameras, culture is embracing the retro everywhere you look.
In travel, adults are seeking to relive gap years, distant honeymoons and childhood dreams – for example, Airbnb listed a Polly Pocket-inspired rental – and travellers from the US are flocking back to Miami, a Miami Vice era hotspot.
As millennials enter middle age, we will see the revival of the classic caravan and camping holiday. Eurocamp is seeing a huge rise in bookings, with 2024 shaping up to be its best year in five decades. In the US, adult summer camps are also booming, with Club Getaway reporting a 9% jump in revenue from its adult segments in 2024 compared to 2023.
Personalised flying
In 2025, air travel will reach new heights of personalisation, blending smart tech with customised in-flight experiences. Although many passengers consume content on their own devices, airlines are upping the ante by combining algorithmic entertainment with hyper-personalised in-flight systems that deliver box-fresh content – from movies and TV series to advertisements and things to buy – that are tailored to the individual flyer, based on their historic preferences (as loyalty scheme members). With high-speed Wi-Fi from providers like SpaceX’s Starlink now available, passengers can stream their favourite content mid-flight just as effortlessly as they would at home. We may also see airlines increasingly loaning VR headsets to passengers in first and business class – in 2024, premium airline start-up Beond began handing out Apple Vision Pros to people flying its Maldives route.
Trailblazer hotels
In 2025, hotels are set to make headlines by evolving into destinations in their own right, such as immersing guests in the local culture, history, and natural beauty of their surroundings. In Asia-Pacific, trailblazing properties like Capella Ubud in Bali, with its rainforest luxury tents, and The Temple House in Chengdu, which fuses Qing dynasty architecture with modern design, are leading the way. Hoshinoya Tokyo reinterprets the traditional Japanese ryokan experience with tatami rooms and tea ceremonies, while heritage gems like Neemrana Fort Palace in India, a 15th-century fortress turned luxury retreat and the colonial Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, Malaysia offer authentic cultural and historical experiences in breath-taking settings. These unique stays are redefining what it means to travel.
Real-life connections
Facing digital fatigue, travellers are closing their apps and opening their passports, using travel to make new friends and even find romance in real life. According to Amadeus booking data, solo leisure travel soared by 15.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a further 9.2% rise so far in 2024.
The 2025 trends report predicts a wave of group and solo adventures designed to spark genuine connections. This is prompting the rise of apps such as Hello Strangers, which organises dinners with five strangers, carefully selected through personality-matching algorithms, and PlateCulture, which offers travellers the chance to savour authentic local cuisine in the homes of local hosts.
Festival tourism is on the rise in Asia-Pacific, offering travellers opportunities to connect over shared cultural and social interests. Events like the Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia and the Holi Festival in India attract both locals and international visitors, fostering communal experiences and cultural exchange.
Daniel Batchelor, vice president, global corporate marketing and communications at Amadeus, commented: “Asia is set for a tourism revival, while we are also seeing a rise in spontaneous solo travel, as people seek more off-screen, authentic experiences.
“Asia isn’t just recovering; it’s redefining itself. Travellers are drawn to the region’s unique ability to balance timeless cultural traditions with modern innovation. In 2025, Asia won’t just be a destination; it will be a global trendsetter. After a year where change has become the backdrop to daily life, travellers are seeking a deeper connection to people and places more than ever.”
BWH Hotels is introducing its Best Western brand to the heart of Vietnam’s largest metropolis and commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, with the signing of Best Western Central Home Saigon, a new mid-scale hotel under construction situated next to Binh Loi Bridge and Pham Van Dong Boulevard in District 13.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the 126-key hotel is easily accessible from the city and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It is also a short distance from District 1, the home of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic attractions, such as Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more.
Best Western Central Home Saigon is set to open in 2026
BWH Hotels currently operates five hotels and resorts in Vietnam and its portfolio is set to grow with multiple new projects in the pipeline.
“Complementing Caravelle Hotel, a member of WorldHotels Elite and legendary downtown five-star hotel, Best Western Central Home Saigon will enable BWH Hotels to cater to all business and leisure travellers in this major metropolis,” said Olivier Berrivin, vice president – APAC, BWH Hotels.
Srikant Kodali has been named the new director of sales & marketing of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru. He will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing team to achieve the hotel’s revenue goals, while further enhancing the brand’s presence and reputation.
With over 13 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive expertise across sales, marketing, and event operations. Prior to joining JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, Kodali held key leadership roles at various properties within Marriott International.
The multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) for Shenzhen permanent residents, suspended in 2015, resumed on December 1. Announced by the Central Government on November 29, the scheme is now extended to Shenzhen residence permit holders for the first time. Government statistics suggest that over 10 million people will benefit from this move.
Attractions like Ngong Ping 360 have been actively promoting to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) since the border reopened, working closely with travel trade partners to attract GBA residents. Its managing director James Tung told TTG Asia: “The reintroduction of multiple entry visa for Shenzhen residents is definitely welcomed by NP360. The travel behaviours and patterns for GBA residents has changed post-pandemic, with a focus on authentic local experiences. NP360 is poised to capture these travellers by offering authentic local flavours.
The new multiple-entry scheme aims to attract more Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong; photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board
“We are introducing new tenants at Ngong Ping Village, including local tea restaurants and an authentic Hong Kong herbal tea shop, to create a refreshed and nostalgic Hong Kong atmosphere for visitors.”
With over 10 million residents eligible for this visa arrangement, Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung believes Hong Kong will be able to handle the surge of visitors from Shenzhen.
“They are not first-time visitors and will seek in-depth experiences rather than shopping or typical sightseeing. Their footprint will be scattered around the city, rather than concentrated in traditional attractions. Moreover, the majority of them will be day-trippers, given the close proximity of Hong Kong and the efficient transportation network, such as high-speed rail services. Still, travel agents have a role to play, offering day-long or four- to six-hour immersive tour products that tell the story behind,” she explained.
According to Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai, the Central Government has expanded the IVS to include 59 cities nationwide, broadening Hong Kong’s visitor base. He added that the new arrangement will provide greater convenience for Shenzhen residents travelling to Hong Kong and facilitate exchanges between the two cities, helping to attract more Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong.
Global youth travel experiences provider Contiki has introduced four new trips in Asia, namely Borneo Adventure, Philippines Island Hopping East, China Adventure, and Eternal India Express.
The brand’s inaugural trip to the Malaysian part of Borneo offers wildlife enthusiasts a chance to see rare species, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys, all unique to the region. This nine-day journey explores Bako National Park, spends a day on Selingan Turtle Island to witness turtles nesting on the beach, and includes a cruise along the Kinabatangan River for more wildlife encounters.
Contiki’s Eternal India Express lets travellers explore Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore in just over a week
An increasing number of young travellers are now seeking destinations where they can experience wildlife in its natural habitat while supporting ethical practices. According to a recent Contiki survey, 29 per cent of travellers aged 18-35 actively look for sustainable travel experiences with eco-conscious brands. By visiting sanctuaries for endangered species like orangutans and sun bears, the trip also supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Following its launch in early 2024, Contiki’s Philippines Island Hopping has already seen an unprecedented surge in bookings. In response to this demand, the brand has introduced a new trip covering four additional islands in the eastern Philippines. For those looking to explore both the eastern and western parts of the country, the 22-day Ultimate Philippines Island Hopping trip offers the complete experience.
Kicking off in Cebu City, travellers will have the opportunity to see dolphins in the wild and experience a rare sardine run – one of the few mass migrations of its kind in the world – during a snorkelling adventure. The journey also features an authentic Filipino eight-course meal in Bohol. The trip includes flights and boat transfers between islands for a seamless experience.
Contiki has reintroduced its popular China Adventure trip, a 12-day journey designed for travellers who find it challenging to navigate China due to language barriers and its vast size, making it ideal for those who prefer a guided group tour. Highlights include a guided tour of Beijing, a visit to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, sampling local street food, exploring a panda sanctuary, and, of course, seeing the Great Wall of China.
Contiki’s new Eternal India Express offers an affordable way for travellers to explore India’s top destinations in just over a week. The trip covers Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore. Highlights include entry to the Taj Mahal, a tiger safari in Ranthambore, and a tuk-tuk tour through the streets of Old Delhi.
Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong commented: “Keeping in mind the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve focused on making these trips budget-friendly for our young travellers. We’ve also lowered our base prices, and our upcoming Cyber Sale will give young travellers the chance to book their trips for the most affordable price.”
With over 13 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive expertise across sales, marketing, and event operations. Prior to joining JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, Kodali held key leadership roles at various properties within Marriott International.
