Oceania Cruises has launched the second wave of its 2026 Collection of Voyages, with more than 60 new itineraries ready for booking from today, November 14. The voyages on three of Oceania Cruises’ most intimate ships, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena, which carry just 670 guests each, will cover ports across the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Oceania Cruises’s Regatta
Framed by iconic cities such as Mumbai, Cape Town, Rome, and Singapore, the new sailings offer travellers the perfect opportunity to explore further, with the line’s ultra-premium small ships also visiting places more unexpected. Oceania Cruises’ guests can delight in lesser-known destinations, such as yachting haven Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; the Turkish island of Bozcaada; Maputo, the charismatic capital of Mozambique; and Karlskrona, a Swedish city spread over 30 islands.
Oceania Cruises’ small ships spend between 30 and 50 per cent more time in each port than premium cruise lines, including many overnight stays, to encourage in-depth exploration. Once ashore, guests can choose from hundreds of excursions in each port of call catering to a wealth of interests, including food, wine, history, architecture, and local culture.
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has expanded its collaboration with Aiello, a startup specialising in Natural Language Processing to deploy the AI-powered Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA) across six MHR properties in Singapore and Thailand.
This follows on from MHR’s implementation at Orchard Hotel Singapore in June this year. AVA was first rolled our at MHR’s M Social Hotel Phuket in Thailand.
Aiello’s AI-powered Aiello Voice Assistant is now deployed across six properties of Millennium Hotels and Resorts in Asia
AVA is able to enhance the guest experience through personalised, voice-activated services and establish new benchmarks for operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer at MHR, said: “By embracing Aiello’s AI technology, we’re adopting a data-driven approach that allows us to better understand guest preferences, enabling us to deliver personalised services while unlocking new revenue opportunities.”
Ke-Vin Lim, head of group innovation at City Developments Limited, parent of MHR, added that the hotel group is the first of its kind in Singapore to implement the AVA in guestrooms.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to integrating advanced technology, significantly enhancing property value and positioning us as more competitive and attractive for the future,” he said.
Lim added that the adoption of AI aligns with MHR’s sustainability vision. “By replacing outdated in-room amenities and printed materials, we’re making a long-term, sustainable investment,” he said. MHR’s six properties in Singapore have already achieved the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification.
According to Aiello CEO and co-founder Vic Shen, the replacement of cabling in over 2,300 guestrooms with AVA would reduce 6,240kg of carbon dioxide emissions, which would have taken 284 trees to absorb.
Shen said the MHR collaboration would demonstrate how AI solutions can transform hotel management.
“Together with MHR, we’re leading the digital transformation of the hospitality industry, creating more intelligent and intuitive hotel environments,” said Shen.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has unveiled the world’s first global sustainability standard designed for attractions as well as a comprehensive sustainability guide for business event venues, a move coinciding with the city-state’s hosting of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Global Sustainable Tourism Conference this week.
Developed with support from STB, the GSTC Attraction Criteria aims to serve as the global sustainability standard for attractions and provides a common understanding of sustainable practices for attractions worldwide. This is the first-ever global standard specifically designed for attractions. Attractions can expect to apply for the certification in early 2026, after the onboarding and GSTC accreditation of certification bodies in 2025.
Singapore Tourism Board and Global Sustainable Tourism Council have developed the new GSTC Attraction Criteria to serve as the global sustainability standard for attractions
As part of the development of the GSTC Attraction Criteria, STB, the Association of Singapore Attractions, and other international organisations joined the GSTC’s Attraction Criteria Advisory Group. The group provided feedback and consultation during the development of the criteria. Additionally, professionals and practitioners in the attractions industry, as well as members of the public, were involved in shaping these criteria during the development process.
GSTC’s CEO, Randy Durband, said: “Today marks a significant step forward as we introduce the GSTC Attraction Criteria, the culmination of 14 months of collaboration and dedication. We deeply appreciate the contributions of STB, who has made this possible. Together, let’s embrace this opportunity to lead the attractions sector towards a more sustainable path.”
Additionally, the new MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook is the latest development in Singapore’s move towards responsible business events. Content was built on data and learnings obtained from the 2023 national MICE Industry Carbon and Waste Baseline exercise, which studied energy, water and waste generated by Singapore’s six purpose-built MICE venues.
The MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook aims to help event venues manage their carbon emissions, and offers practical recommendations for energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation efforts.
STB’s chief sustainability officer, Ong Huey Hong, said: “These initiatives are pivotal in positioning Singapore as a leading sustainable urban destination and demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. By developing world-class standards and providing the industry with practical tools, we are not only enhancing our own tourism sector but also contributing to global sustainability efforts in tourism.”
STB has chosen to reinforce its commitment to supporting the reduction of carbon emissions at business events by encouraging GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Conference delegates to offset their carbon footprint from air travel by purchasing quality carbon credits through a credible offset project. Delegates who do so will receive a pre-loaded value souvenir card, which can be used for public transportation in Singapore. The initiative aims to create awareness of the carbon emissions impact of air travel and encourage delegates to take ownership of their own emissions, thereby fostering a greener, more sustainable delegate journey from start to end.
India has become the fifth-largest inbound tourism source market for Australia for the year ending in August 2024, up from its position as the seventh-largest in 2019. This has spurred Tourism Australia to intensify its efforts to further boost Indian arrivals, starting with a high-level trade engagement earlier this week.
Tourism Australia led a delegation of 15 CEOs representing all of its state and territory tourism organisations, including convention bureaus, to Delhi and Mumbai from November 11 to 14. They met with airline partners, Air India and IndiGo, as well as key distribution partners like MakeMyTrip and Thomas Cook to reinforce Australia’s commitment to the Indian market.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is expected to attract many Indian visitors to Australia when tournament begins in late-November; India’s cricket team will play against Australia on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth (pictured)
The NTO also unveiled a new four-part social content this week starring former Australian cricketer David Warner, who has a strong fan base in India. The series produced for Tourism Australia’s Instagram account @australia showcases some of Warner’s favourite holiday destinations and experiences in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. This comes just before Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a cricket tournament scheduled to begin from November 22. Cricket tournaments involving India have long attracted a large number of Indian spectators.
“We have significant ambitions for the Indian market. Politically and economically, our two countries have never been closer. Since 2019, direct flights between India and Australia have increased from eight to 25. The upcoming BGT will feature a five-match series across Australia, culminating on New Year’s Eve. We view this sporting event as a prime opportunity to capture India’s attention on Australia. During this period, our aim is to showcase Australia’s story beyond the stadiums,” said Phillipa Harrison, managing director, Tourism Australia during a press conference in New Delhi.
Harrison shared that the 2024 BGT has five times the number of bookings compared to that in 2019.
She also revealed that the second edition of Come & Say G’day campaign in India will feature local Indian talent.
Tourism Australia is expecting a 15 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals in the next 12 to 13 months. Presently, 59 per cent of Indian tourist arrivals to Australia come from the VFR segment while 15 per cent have stated holidays as their purpose of travel.
From left: Five Leader Group Co’s Thanasit Khunplome and Onyx Hospitality Group’s Yuthachai Charanachitta
Onyx Hospitality Group has signed an agreement to manage Amari The Tide Bangsaen, which will come with a significant transformation and rebranding of the present The Tide Resort.
Located in Thailand in the Chonburi Province, the property is scheduled to relaunch in the second quarter of 2025.
From left: Five Leader Group Co’s Thanasit Khunplome and Onyx Hospitality Group’s Yuthachai Charanachitta
Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, said Amari The Tide Bangsaen would be an exciting new addition to the Amari brand, bringing its signature hospitality and exceptional guest experiences to a region undergoing dynamic growth.
The area, located in Eastern Thailand, has seen steady expansion in recent years, driven by the continuous development of infrastructure to support tourism and its capacity to host major international events. This positions Amari The Tide Bangsaen as an appealing destination for Thai and international tourists seeking beachfront accommodation within close reach of both Bangkok and Pattaya city. Furthermore, Bangsaen’s strategic location offers quick access to key tourist attractions within the province, as well as popular local shops and restaurants, all just minutes away.
Thanasit Khunplome, representing the owner of Five Leader Group Co., said that the decision to rebrand the hotel from The Tide Resort to Amari The Tide Bangsaen marks a significant shift aimed at enhancing growth and competitiveness in the local market. This rebranding will also facilitate the city’s hosting of world-class sporting events, such as the Bangsaen Series, Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, and Bangsaen Grandprix Road Race, among others.
Thanasit commented: “The Amari brand is a long-established name, well recognised among both domestic and international tourists, inspiring confidence in meeting our set goals. Previously, Onyx Hospitality Group handled marketing for The Tide Resort, demonstrating consistent business growth through its vision, as well as the capabilities of its management team and staff. This strong foundation affirms our confidence in the decision to rebrand from The Tide Resort to Amari The Tide Bangsaen today.”
Following on from its recent recognition as the second highest-ranking hospitality company on Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces in Asia list – its eighth consecutive win, Hilton has now snagged third place in the Singapore’s Best Workplaces ranking by Great Place to Work Singapore.
This marks the third consecutive year that Hilton has been lauded as the top hospitality company to work for in the Lion City, reaffirming its leadership in fostering an exceptional workplace culture.
Hilton Singapore Orchard is one of five properties the group has in Singapore
Central to Hilton’s success are the stories of its team members, whose passion and dedication bring the company’s values to life every day.
Fazli Junior, for example, is a 41-year-old lobby ambassador at Conrad Centennial Singapore and a cornerstone of the hotel team for the past two decades. Starting out as a bellman in 2004, Fazli steadily rose through the ranks to his current role. His consistent dedication to delivering exceptional service has earned him numerous accolades, including this year’s Employee of the Year award by the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union and the Singapore Hotel Association. Fazli’s career progression reflects Hilton’s long-standing focus on nurturing career growth and helping team members thrive.
Alexandra Murray, area vice president & head of South East Asia, Hilton, said: “At Hilton, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to grow. When our team members thrive, their positive energy extends beyond the workplace – enhancing guest experiences, benefiting communities, and contributing to the overall success of our owners.”
Earlier this year, Hilton was ranked the third Best Workplace in Sri Lanka, second Best Workplace in Indonesia, third Best Workplace in the Philippines, and for the first time, second Best Workplace in Vietnam.
The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai, China
Poised along the Bund, The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai offers vistas of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline, as well as convenient access to landmarks like Yu Garden, Nanjing Road Walkway, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Museum.
With 192 guestrooms, including 13 suites, guests can also enjoy the St. Regis Butler Service, a signature offering that provides each guest with personalised attention. Facilities comprise restaurants, bars, spa, fitness centre, ballroom, and three function rooms over 140m² each.
The hotel is located 17km from both the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and 41km from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Australia
After undergoing an extensive refurbishment on its 436 guestrooms, public spaces and more, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has reopened its doors to welcome guests to the hotel.
Along with the new grand entrance and a refreshed lobby, the hotel has also created a multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the hotel, with two restaurants – tilda and Delta Rue, two bars – bar tilda and Wentworth Bar.
Interactive stations let guests manage their stay and enjoy a streamlined arrival process, with the new online concierge app that puts all hotel services directly at guests’ fingertips via their phones.
Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is within proximity to key transport hubs and offers easy access to Kingsford Smith Airport. The property is minutes from iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the luxury fashion district.
Glow Bangkok Riverside
Glow Bangkok Riverside, Thailand
Glow Bangkok Riverside features 126 rooms and suites, each offering a 42-inch TV, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi.
Among the facilities available are a fitness centre, laundry service, on-site parking, and an outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel also has an all-day riverfront dining venue boasting views of the river.
Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach
Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach, Indonesia
The 120-key Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach features ocean views, private balconies, and, in select rooms, outdoor bathtubs that bring guests closer to the island’s serene surroundings.
The resort offers several F&B venues, an infinity pool, fitness centre, pool bar, as well as its Sekisah Pavilion for small events.
Guests can connect with the local community through curated experiences, such as Bahasa Indonesia classes to learn useful phrases, and guided market tours to discover the local produce and traditions.
Accor is accelerating its growth in Asia with 27 hotel signings and 8,117 keys year-to-date, spanning 12 brands across eight countries.
The premium, midscale and economy (PM&E) segments remain central to Accor’s strategic growth plan. Leading the way are Accor’s midscale and economy brands such as Novotel and ibis. Meanwhile, the premium segment, featuring brands like Pullman and Mövenpick, is gaining significant traction.
A rendering of Raffles Tokyo, which is set to open in the Japanese capital in 2028
A key focus of Accor’s expansion has been its conversion-friendly brands, including Mercure, Handwritten Collection, and ibis Styles. While all of Accor’s 45-plus brands offer conversion opportunities, select brands within the group’s diverse portfolio present a strong business case for rapid growth, particularly in Asia, by appealing to independent hotel owners.
The group also plays a significant role in the luxury and lifestyle sectors through its Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel brands, while lifestyle brands such as Mondrian and SO/, part of Ennismore, are benefitting from strong expansion opportunities and gaining positive momentum across the region.
Key milestones for Accor this year include the signings of the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia, the first Mövenpick Living in Singapore; and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel situated alongside Waterloo Street, the group’s second Handwritten Collection in Singapore.
In India, one of the five deals signed is Pullman Varanasi, which will be Accor’s first hotel in the destination, while in Indonesia, signings such as the Kapuk Hills Hotel Jakarta – Handwritten Collection and Novotel Medan reinforce Accor’s stronghold in Indonesia’s growing hospitality sector.
Accor also had 10 signings in Vietnam, including the first Tribe hotel in the country.
Another milestone achievement is Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ plans to debut in Tokyo in 2028 with a 130-room hotel located in the city’s World Trade Center.
Garth Simmons, chief operating officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, said: “Asia continues to be a dynamic and fast-evolving market for hospitality.
“The strategic signings we have secured so far in 2024 reflect our commitment to strengthening our footprint and delivering long-term value across key markets in Asia.”
Bangkok’s iconic riverfront will come alive nightly through the Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 light and cultural showcase from November 16 to December 15, with seven landmarks across 14 key locations marked for light displays, laser shows, projection mapping, Thai cultural performances, and fireworks displays.
Highlights this year include illumination, laser shows and fireworks at the Phra Phuttha Yodfa Memorial Bridge, and light and sound shows at an abandoned Building at Soi Lhong 1919.
Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 light and cultural showcase returns to Bangkok’s iconic riverfront from November 16
The annual event is part of the Thailand Winter Festivals celebration, and is presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and key partners.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor, expects Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 to generate at least 600 million baht (US$17.1 million), boost local tourism income, and encourage extended stays along the Chao Phraya River.
She noted: “This spectacular event supports Thailand’s goal to become one of the world’s top five tourism revenue-generating destinations, leveraging our rich cultural heritage through strong public-private partnerships.”
Airline leaders in attendance at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 68th Assembly of Presidents, which opened in Brunei Darussalam on November 14, have passed a series of resolutions covering sustainability, aviation safety, and the streamlining of regulations.
In a press statement, AAPA said airlines are firmly committed to reducing their carbon footprint. With extreme weather events on the rise, airline leaders are aware of the risks to aviation safety from climate change. With Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in short supply, AAPA believes that a multi-prong strategy in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) net zero emissions reduction roadmap, is critical to meeting the industry’s net zero emissions target.
AAPA’s 68th Assembly of Presidents opened in Brunei Darussalam with the theme, Jetting into 2050: Future Proofing Asian Aviation
The assembly passed a resolution calling on governments, suppliers, air navigation service providers, and airlines to deploy all aspects of the ICAO roadmap, namely SAF, breakthrough technology, Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (more commonly known as CORSIA) offsets, and operational efficiency, in pursuing the net zero emissions by 2050 goal.
In particular, SAF produced by co-processing sustainable feedstock together with crude fossil fuel in conventional aviation fuel refineries, is a cost-effective way to stimulate SAF supply. Airlines and fuel suppliers could give impetus to SAF transition with co-processed SAF being made available at airports immediately.
Subhas Menon, AAPA director general, said: “Every new generation of aircraft and engine delivers 15 to 20 per cent more fuel efficiency. The acceleration of plans for carbon-friendly aircraft and propulsion systems is an effective pathway to the common goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, starting with short-haul aircraft that currently account for some 28 per cent of industry emissions. With delays in the delivery of new generation aircraft, airlines are extending the use of older equipment. A strategy that prioritises technology alongside SAF, is a surer route to carbon neutrality, than one over-reliant on SAF.”
Aviation safety remains the number one priority of all airlines. The assembly adopted a resolution calling for civil aviation authorities, aviation safety agencies, and airlines to work closely together to share best practices through data analysis, to mitigate risks such as the loss of control in-flight. The resolution also called on all stakeholders to support the adoption of safety measures that address the most critical risk categories identified in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Assembly of Presidents acknowledged that supply chain disruptions and air space closures, are leading to more flight diversions, delays, and cancellations, while also inhibiting future growth.
A third resolution was passed calling on governments to refrain from introducing unilateral measures that would disproportionately inconvenience the travelling public and increase the cost burden on the airline industry, while achieving limited benefits. There needed to be greater recognition of the value of aviation to the global economy, and closer collaboration among governments, industry, and service providers, to streamline protocols for international travel.
Menon concluded: “The outlook for the region’s airlines is broadly positive, given the sustained demand for air travel and strong rebound in trade activity. It is a remarkable recovery on key metrics, considering that air transport ground to an almost complete standstill for two years during the pandemic. This is also a timely testament to the industry’s endurance and longevity as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the ICAO Chicago Convention in 2024. By keeping the travelling public and the economies we serve at the core of our strategy, the industry is well positioned to tackle upcoming challenges and pursue sustainable growth in the years ahead.”
