TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Thursday, 29th January 2026
Page 32

Cross Hotels & Resorts grows portfolio across Thailand and Indonesia

0

Cross Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Bangkok and Bali with new openings and partnerships, including an urban retreat, a lifestyle hotel, a luxury eco-resort, and the signing of Elle Resort & Beach Club Bali by Cross Collection, a beachfront destination in Seminyak combining hospitality with fashion and lifestyle.

Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, opened in 2025, is a 75-room urban retreat offering a rooftop pool, social spaces, and easy access to Bangkok’s shopping, dining, and transport hubs. Cross Vibe Bangkok Srinakarin, opening in December 2025, is a 196-room lifestyle hotel in an emerging district, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness facilities, and eight versatile event spaces.

Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, one of Cross Hotels & Resorts’ newly opened properties, combines a peaceful urban retreat with easy access to the city’s dining, shopping, and transport hubs

In Indonesia, Cross Celesta Nusa Penida, opening in 2027, is a 61-villa eco-resort on the cliffs of Nusa Penida with sustainable design, wellness-focused experiences, and ocean views. Elle Resort & Beach Club Bali by Cross Collection, opening in 2028, will offer 170 ultra-luxury rooms and suites with a signature beach club providing day-to-night experiences.

Existing properties are also being upgraded.

Away Chiang Mai Thapae, a fully vegan destination, has added 30 suites, a plant-based restaurant, and expanded wellness facilities. The group also offers tailored family packages, curated activities, and scenic wedding venues across its portfolio, supported by dedicated specialists.

Cross Hotels & Resorts’ lifestyle credentials were highlighted when Away Bangkok Riverside Kene featured in the TV series Married at First Sight UK, showcasing Bangkok as a honeymoon destination along the Chao Phraya River.

Sustainability remains central, with Green Hotel Certifications, CF Hotels recognition, and STAR awards. Initiatives include eco-conscious developments, community-led projects, and programmes that minimise environmental impact while supporting local communities.

“Travel is evolving, and so are travellers,” said Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts. “Guests want more than a place to stay – they want experiences that inspire, rejuvenate, and connect them to the world around them. Our new openings in Bangkok bring fresh, immersive experiences to the city. Alongside our luxury eco-resort in Indonesia, these properties are designed to create meaningful moments that leave a positive mark on both travellers and the communities they visit.”

Agoda, Philippines to boost hospitality through technology

0

Agoda recently partnered with the Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) to launch the inaugural Executive Masterclass platform under the theme Leadership for Resilience.

The one-day session brought together 72 participants, including DoT senior officials, hotel associations, and hotel partners from across the Philippines, with a focus on capacity building and inclusive growth in tourism.

The collaboration aims to empower industry leaders and support resilient tourism

The Masterclass engaged senior executives in knowledge-sharing and interactive modules designed to enhance their ability to leverage technology, improve service offerings, and support economic growth through collaboration. The programme highlights Agoda’s commitment to empowering the local tourism ecosystem through data-driven decision-making and the integration of advanced technologies such as AI.

The event also serves as a prelude to preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN, reflecting a shared emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and leadership among government, private sector and host communities. Leveraging Agoda’s network of accommodation, the session reinforced the strong partnership between the company and the DoT, laying the groundwork for continued growth and innovation in the sector.

Mike Hwang, country director for the Philippines at Agoda, said: “By equipping our partners and the industry with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic market, we support the vision of seeing the world for less and encourage shared growth for stakeholders across the Philippines.”

Verna C Buensuceso, undersecretary for tourism development planning at DoT, added: “The theme Leadership and Resilience resonates deeply especially at this time when natural calamities and other disruptions have affected countries worldwide. It reminds us that true leadership encompasses guiding our stakeholders and communities through uncertainty, embracing innovation and adversity and ensuring that recovery and growth are inclusive and sustainable.”

Aviation roundup: Xiamen Airlines, Emirates and more

0
Xiamen Airlines touched down in Kuala Lumpur on its first flight from Quanzhou.

Xiamen Airlines debuts Quanzhou-Kuala Lumpur service
Tourism Malaysia has welcomed the launch of Xiamen Airlines’ inaugural direct flight connecting Quanzhou and Kuala Lumpur. The route operates four times a week with a Boeing 737, accommodating 169 passengers per flight, with eight in business class and 161 in economy.

The new service strengthens air connectivity between Malaysia and southern China, supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchange. The route offers Chinese travellers convenient access to Malaysia’s urban destinations, islands, culinary offerings and heritage towns, complementing the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Emirates

Emirates increases Egypt connectivity
Emirates will add six weekly frequencies on its Dubai–Cairo route from December 1, 2025, to meet rising demand during the peak winter season. The schedule is designed to maximise connections with the airline’s global network.

From February 1, 2026, the service will operate daily, complementing the existing four daily flights. Operated by a Boeing 777, the route offers seamless connections to key destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Cairo remains a key market for Emirates and currently hosts the highest A380 deployment in the Middle East and North Africa outside Dubai. The fifth daily flight will make it the airline’s most served African city.

Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines resumes Hanoi flights
Hong Kong Airlines will restart its daily direct service between Hong Kong and Hanoi, Vietnam, on December 19, 2025.

The route reinforces the airline’s connectivity across South-east Asia and its commitment to the Belt and Road region by facilitating trade and cultural exchange. It will also enhance onward connections through Hong Kong to destinations including Vancouver, Sydney, and Melbourne, supporting the city’s position as a key international aviation hub.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand launches Christchurch-Adelaide route
Air New Zealand has launched its first Christchurch-Adelaide service, marking a new milestone in its trans-Tasman network. The inaugural flight departed Christchurch on October 27, linking New Zealand’s South Island directly with South Australia for the first time.

The seasonal service operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays until March 27, 2026, offering around 15,000 seats across the season. Operated by an Airbus narrowbody aircraft, the route provides South Island travellers with greater convenience when flying to Australia while opening opportunities for more Australian visitors to explore the South Island’s key destinations.

Royal Caribbean unveils Caribbean adventures for 2027-28

0

Royal Caribbean has released its 2027-28 Caribbean itinerary, offering year-round vacations from Florida homeports.

From April 2027, travellers can choose two- to eight-night getaways, including seven-night adventures on Star of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral (Orlando), as well as short Oasis Class getaways on Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Wonder of the Seas from Miami.

Wonder of the Seas brings Caribbean thrills and luxury getaways to Miami year-round; photo by Royal Caribbean International

Guests can explore the Caribbean and The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Miami, and Tampa. Highlights include the return to Samaná, Dominican Republic, as well as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, and the Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean will also debut Perfect Day Mexico in late 2027, with an exact opening date to be announced in 2026.

From Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries featuring new adventures in Samaná, whale watching, waterfall hikes, and beach days at Royal Beach Club Cozumel, opening in 2026. Onboard, guests can enjoy more than forty dining and drinking options, entertainment such as Back to the Future: The Musical, and the largest waterpark at sea.

Utopia of the Seas will deliver short three- and four-night getaways including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with day passes available. The ship offers more than forty dining and entertainment options, multiple pools, and thrills such as the ten-storey Ultimate Abyss dry slide.

Harmony of the Seas, following its 2026 amplification, will offer seven-night adventures to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, Philipsburg, St Maarten, and Falmouth, Jamaica. Guests can visit Perfect Day at CocoCay or enjoy Royal Beach Club Paradise Island or Cozumel. Onboard highlights include a Caribbean-inspired pool deck, new bar The Lime & Coconut, and more than twenty dining options.

From Miami, Wonder of the Seas offers three- and four-night getaways to The Bahamas, including Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, day passes are available to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, opening in December 2025. Onboard, guests can enjoy the Ultimate Abyss, dining favourites, and play for all ages.

From Tampa, Radiance of the Seas provides four- to eight-night Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Beach Club Cozumel. Onboard activities include a rock-climbing wall, poolside movies, and a range of dining experiences.

For more information, visit Royal Caribbean.

TFE Hotels strengthens leadership team across Australia

0

TFE Hotels has made several strategic leadership appointments across its Australian portfolio.

Jay Hore has been appointed area general manager, ACT, overseeing the ACT hotel cluster. He previously served as general manager of Hotel Kurrajong Canberra and A by Adina Sydney.

From left: Ansarina Flower and Sid Singh

Sid Singh has been promoted to cluster general manager, responsible for Vibe Sydney, Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks, and the Cluster Reservations Team across NSW, ACT, QLD, NT, and WA. He was most recently general manager at Vibe Sydney.

Chris Greening joins as general manager of A by Adina Sydney, having most recently served as hotel manager at Oxford House, Paddington. He has held senior roles with QT Hotels & Resorts, Independent Collection by EVT, and Crystalbrook Collection.

Andrew O’Donovan has been appointed general manager of Travelodge Hotel Hurstville, following roles including assistant hotel manager across multiple properties.

Ansarina Flower becomes general manager of Travelodge Sydney Airport, having previously led multiple TFE properties including Travelodge Hurstville and St Marks Road Co. Café.

Claire Slattery has been named hotel general manager of Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong, returning to NSW after her role as rooms division manager at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough.

Fernando Rousseau has been promoted to executive assistant hotel manager at The Eve Hotel Sydney, where he was previously assistant hotel manager at A by Adina Sydney.

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore appoints new GM

0

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has named Sahil Ranaut as general manager. He will oversee hotel operations, focusing on guest experience and business performance.

Ranaut brings over 16 years of hospitality experience, including senior roles with Marriott and IHG, and most recently served as area director of revenue management at Park Hyatt Hyderabad, managing 14 hotels across Southern India.

Conrad Singapore Marina Bay welcomes new GM

0

Conrad Singapore Marina Bay has appointed Fabio Berto as general manager. Berto joins from Conrad Manila, where he led the hotel through a period of strong performance and enhanced brand distinction.

With more than 30 years in international luxury hospitality, Berto has held leadership roles at Hilton properties including Hilton Niseko Village in Japan, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and Hilton London Metropole.

At Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, he will focus on strengthening the hotel’s connection to Marina Bay and delivering experiences that reflect the area’s distinctive character.

Klook expands leadership team

0

Klook has strengthened its leadership team with two key appointments: Daniel Kao as senior vice president of product & technology and Jakii Chu as senior vice president of growth marketing.

Both bring extensive experience from global tech and e-commerce companies to support Klook’s next phase of growth.

From left: Daniel Kao and Jakii Chu

Kao, formerly chief technology officer at VIP.com and director of site operations and quality engineering at eBay, will focus on enhancing the company’s product and technology capabilities, using data and AI to improve the consumer experience.

Chu, previously chief marketing officer at Instacart and senior vice president of eCommerce at Fanatics, will lead Klook’s performance marketing transformation and develop an integrated marketing technology and analytics framework.

New hotels: Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport, La Résidence Phou Vao and more

0
Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport

Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport, China
Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport offers 91 rooms and suites with panoramic views of aircraft and Shanghai’s skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan layouts create a quiet, light-filled environment, while Horizon Club privileges include curated breakfasts and evening turndown service.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Shangri-La Jiangnan Wok, led by Michelin-starred chef Tiger Yang and area executive Chinese chef Joe Hou, presents reinterpretations of traditional Jiangnan flavours through nine seasonal profiles, with takeaway bento boxes available for travellers.

The property provides nearly 3,000m² of flexible event space adjacent to the National Exhibition and Convention Center, suitable for weddings, conferences, and exhibitions. Its location offers direct access to Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, the high-speed rail station, and the metro network, with downtown Shanghai and other Yangtze River Delta cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing reachable within an hour.

La Résidence Phou Vao

La Résidence Phou Vao, Laos
La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang reopens this month after a year-long renovation.

Set on Phou Vao Hill, the heritage hotel overlooks the UNESCO-listed temples of Luang Prabang and offers views of the Mekong Valley and surrounding mountains, with the old town a short walk away. Spanning 1.2 hectares of gardens, the property blends Lao design with French colonial influences.

All suites have been refurbished with new bathrooms, bespoke furnishings, handwoven textiles, and artworks reflecting the hotel’s heritage. The restaurant has been reimagined as a French brasserie, complemented by a Lao tasting menu. A new cultural programme, led by local historians, will offer guests a deeper connection to the city, while service continues to reflect Lao hospitality.

Novotel Sydney Cabramatta

Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, Australia
Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, opening in November, boasts 140 guestrooms and suites designed for business and leisure travellers.

The hotel forms part of the newly rebranded Cabravale Club Resort, a fully integrated destination featuring a resort-style swimming pool, fitness centre, dining, event and entertainment venues, all within close proximity under one roof.

Traders Hongqiao Airport

Traders Hongqiao Airport, China
Traders Hongqiao Airport features 520 guestrooms, some with views of aircraft or the city’s expressways. The hotel integrates smart technology, including luggage delivery robots, barista-style coffee robots, and an express check-in/out system linked to Shangri-La Circle profiles. Guests have access to a seven-choice pillow menu, all-day portable meals, and flight-related comfort packs, as well as a food hall offering a range of regional and international options, from baked goods and traditional breakfasts to local specialties.

The hotel is directly connected to Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, the high-speed rail station, and the city metro, providing easy access to Shanghai and surrounding cities.

Macau hosts Japanese travel agents to deepen tourism cooperation

0

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) invited a group of travel agents from Tokyo and Osaka for a familiarisation visit from October 29 to November 1, 2025 to provide an update on Macau’s tourism + offerings and to conduct business meetings with local travel operators.

The initiative is part of efforts to attract visitors from different market segments in Japan.

Travel agents from Tokyo and Osaka explore Macau’s heritage, attractions and hospitality to develop new tourism products for Japanese visitors

Organised by MGTO through the Japan Association of Travel Agents, the group included nearly 30 representatives from Japanese travel agencies and Air Macau’s representatives in Japan. MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, deputy director Cheng Wai Tong, and other guests welcomed the group at a lunch featuring Macanese food held on October 30, 2025 at Taipa Houses.

With Macau and Japan currently connected by daily direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka, MGTO once again invited a familiarisation group of travel agents from the two cities, following a similar initiative last year. A key part of the visit was the Macau-Japan (Tokyo and Osaka) Travel Mart, held on October 31 2025 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.

The business exchange session brought the Japanese delegation together with representatives from more than 40 Macau travel agencies, hotels, integrated resorts, MICE venues, and air and sea transport companies. Both sides discussed partnership opportunities to cater to Japanese travellers of various profiles.

During their stay, the group experienced both traditional and modern attractions in Macau to help inspire the design of new tourism products for Japanese visitors, including female travellers and school excursion groups. The itinerary included walking tours around the Historic Centre of Macao, Taipa and Coloane villages, site inspections of hotels and integrated resorts, entertainment shows, an open-top bus night tour, and local food experiences. The group also learned about tourism developments in the NAPE and ZAPE areas and joined a workshop to create Macau-themed souvenirs.

Japan remains one of Macau’s top 10 visitor source markets, and MGTO continues to pursue initiatives to strengthen ties. In September, MGTO led a Macau delegation to the Tourism Expo Japan 2025, where it launched the travel guide Journey to Experience Macao: Family Fun in Macao, created for the Japanese market.

In April, a tourism promotion was staged in Tokyo featuring anime elements to connect with younger Japanese travellers, along with other activities aimed at encouraging more visitors and expanding the international market.