Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has promoted Becky Lim to chief sales officer.
With over 20 years’ experience in payments, loyalty, and airport hospitality, Lim has spent six years as managing director, commercial, building a global client portfolio and driving consistent revenue growth.
In her new role, Lim will lead PPG’s global sales teams, drive revenue growth, refine sales strategies, oversee product development and pricing, and expand responsibility for Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge Operations.
She previously held senior roles at DragonPass Asia Pacific, Visa, American Express, and DBS Bank, and holds a BA in Marketing with High Honors from Michigan State University.
Benoît-Etienne Domenget has been appointed group CEO of Ponant, effective November 3, 2025, succeeding Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving to pursue new professional opportunities.
With 25 years in hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism, Domenget will focus on driving the Group’s international growth while upholding Ponant’s maritime expertise, hospitality standards, and environmental commitments.
He most recently served as CEO of Sommet Education, leading its international expansion across Glion, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality, and Invictus Education, establishing the group as a global leader in hospitality and luxury management education.
Indonesian travel to Europe has slowed this year due to global economic and geopolitical factors, but the Vatican’s opening of the Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee has renewed interest in pilgrimage travel and helped sustain the market.
Although the introduction of a new five-year Schengen visa was expected to encourage more travel, its impact has been limited. Ricky Hilton, general manager of communications and CRM at Golden Rama Tour & Travel, said some clients have received the visa from France, Spain, and Norway, but the overall number remains small.
The Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee draws renewed interest in European travel from Indonesia to the Vatican City, pictured
Hellen Xu, CEO of Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia, explained that the five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is available only to applicants who have obtained a Schengen visa in the past three years.
“However, there is no guarantee that eligible applicants will always get the five-year visa,” she said, adding that its effect on group bookings has been minimal.
“This policy is still limited to operational services, not a sales driver.”
Amid weak demand for European travel, the Vatican’s Holy Door, which opens every 25 years, has become a key source of business. Ricky noted that pilgrimage tours, such as Golden Rama’s Porta Sancta (Holy Door) packages, have provided much-needed stability.
“The Porta Sancta in the Vatican has opened up opportunities to boost travel to Europe. Cities like Paris, Milan, and Barcelona have become popular routes for pilgrimages, and this trend has become a ‘safety net’ that stabilises our European traffic,” he said.
The tours typically last 10 to 12 days, covering the four holy doors in Rome – St Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls – as well as stops in cities such as Monaco, Lourdes, and Pisa. Itineraries also include leisure activities such as museum visits and shopping.
Xu said the Holy Door has also driven Panorama JTB’s performance in Europe for 2025. “Without the Holy Door, our European performance would likely have been flat compared to 2024,” she said.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Worldwide Hotels (WWH), Singapore’s largest home-grown hotel group, to introduce Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena.
The 362-room property, currently Value Hotel Thomson, will be rebranded and renovated from late 2Q2026, with reopening planned for August 2026. It will feature a swimming pool, fitness areas, and an all-day dining restaurant.
From left: Worldwide Hotels’s Carolyn Choo and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’s Joon Aun Ooi
The hotel will cater to leisure, business, and group travellers from China, India, South-east Asia, and beyond. Located along Balestier Road, it is within walking distance of Novena MRT station, a 15-minute drive from the CBD, and about 30 minutes from Changi International Airport.
The partnership strengthens the relationship between Wyndham and Worldwide Hotels, combining international reach with local expertise. It adds to Wyndham’s Singapore portfolio, which includes Wyndham Singapore Hotel and Hotel Traveltine Downtown Singapore, Trademark Collection by Wyndham.
Days Inn by Wyndham operates about 1,500 properties globally and is known for dependable, affordable stays supported by Wyndham Rewards, which has around 120 million members worldwide.
Joon Aun Ooi, president of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, commented: “Our collaboration with Worldwide Hotels reflects our shared vision to deliver quality, accessible hospitality that meets the evolving needs of travellers. This new addition under the Days Inn brand not only expands our diversified portfolio but also reinforces our long-term partnership with one of Singapore’s most respected hospitality groups. Together, we are setting the stage for sustained growth and stronger brand presence in this key gateway city.”
“We are proud to rebrand our property under Worldwide Hotels as Days Inn by Wyndham. This strategic franchise partnership lets us leverage Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ global reputation and loyalty programme, all while continuing to offer the comfort and value our guests expect,” said Carolyn Choo, CEO and managing director of Worldwide Hotels.
She added that the property’s location near major medical facilities makes it well suited to accommodate medical tourists in addition to leisure and corporate travellers, and that the rebranding reinforces Worldwide Hotels’s commitment to its promise of ‘Hospitality that matters, Stay better’ while extending its reach to travellers globally.
Agoda has partnered with the UK’s largest hotel chain, Premier Inn, to make more than 900 of its properties in the UK, Germany and Ireland available to Agoda’s customers.
With Premier Inn now on the platform, travellers gain access to a wider range of reliable, quality stays while Premier Inn benefits from exposure to high-potential markets, as the collaboration aims to offer greater choice and value to the growing number of Asian travellers exploring Europe.
The partnership aims to connect travellers from Asia and beyond to over 900 properties across the UK, Germany and Ireland
Agoda data shows a 20 per cent increase in searches for travel to the UK and Europe in 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Excluding intra-Asian destinations, the UK ranks among the top five most searched international destinations for Asian travellers.
The partnership also connects Premier Inn with new international audiences through Agoda’s strong presence and digital reach in Asia.
“Premier Inn’s commitment to delivering great value, consistent quality, and ensuring every guest enjoys a good night’s sleep are shared values that underpin Agoda’s mission to make travel more accessible and rewarding. Together we’re bringing trusted stays to millions of new travellers across Asia and beyond,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda.
“Partnering with Agoda is another exciting step forward in reaching even more guests and travellers across international markets. Greater visibility of all of our 900+ hotels will allow a new set of travellers to enjoy the comfort, service and convenience we consistently offer,” said Tim Sleep, director of sales and distribution, Premier Inn.
Emirates has introduced new services and products for people with disabilities at the 7th AccessAbilities Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre. The airline’s offerings include an Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on its website, providing information for travellers with varying accessibility needs and allowing journey planning by specific requirements.
Emirates also unveiled new onboard sensory products and fidget toys, enhancements across the in-flight experience, improved on-ground features at Dubai hub, and initiatives under development.
A new wheelchair-accessible Mercedes V250 joins Emirates’ Chauffeur Drive service, providing safer and more independent travel for passengers with mobility needs
The Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub contains information on Mobility Assistance, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, and Hidden Disabilities. Customers can explore sections by journey stage: Before your flight, Departure from Dubai, Onboard your flight, Connecting in Dubai, and Arriving in Dubai. They can also browse by specific needs, such as booking special assistance, autism-friendly travel guides, Dubai Airport maps, Be My Eyes support, and applying for a Sanad tourist card.
Other sections cover Travelling with a Wheelchair and Mobility Aids, Medical Travel, and Family Travel, including Travelling with Children, Travelling during pregnancy, and Unaccompanied Minors.
From November 1, 2025, sensory products and fidget toys will be available in all cabin classes. These include a tactile stress reliever, two types of fidget cube, and a rubber popper, provided to neurodiverse passengers, those struggling onboard, and nervous flyers if required. In Business Class, a new mattress hood secures the seat mattress, reducing disruption for customers with mobility disabilities.
Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system, ice, now offers more than 600 movies with closed captions and 200 with audio description. Headphones are compatible with hearing aids in the ‘T’ position. The Airbus A350-900 features a redesigned interface with audio cues, voice metadata, touch and swipe support, and access to audio-descriptive content.
At Terminal 3, Dubai International, barrier-free corridors with biometric access enable independent movement. Self-service kiosks have text-to-speech functionality, braille and tactile features, headphone jacks, and adjustable heights.
Emirates has also introduced a wheelchair-accessible Mercedes V250 van for its Chauffeur Drive service, with electric lift and safety restraints, available for First and Business Class customers in Dubai and expanding to 10 vehicles by early 2026.
Furthermore, Emirates has established an Office of Accessibility and Inclusion and became the world’s first autism-certified airline in March 2025. More than 35,000 staff have received training, and the Travel Rehearsal initiative has been rolled out in 17 countries.
The airline continues to develop policies, products, and processes to improve accessibility across online, call centre, airport, and in-flight services.
Singapore Oceanarium will celebrate World Sea Jelly Day with Animal Spotlight: Sea Jellies from November 1 to 23, 2025. The second in its Animal Awareness Days series, the programme highlights the ecological importance of sea jellies and aims to deepen public understanding of their role in ocean ecosystems.
Visitors can join a 45-minute guided session offering a behind-the-scenes look at sea jelly care, feeding, breeding, and conservation. Priced at S$28 (US$20) per person aged four and above, the programme includes a complimentary plush keychain.
Discover the vital role of sea jellies in sustaining ocean ecosystems through guided tours, expert insights and themed family activities this November; photo by Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa
On November 1, Hiroshi Miyake of Kitasato University will lead an expert session on global collaboration in sea jelly and deep-sea animal research. A workshop on plankton sampling and species identification will also take place at the Marine Lab.
The series includes themed food and retail offers, and a children’s Abyssal ArtVenture workshop held in partnership with the National Library Board on November 1, 8, and 15.
The Animal Spotlight series supports Singapore Oceanarium’s goal to promote marine biodiversity awareness through hands-on learning and guided experiences. Other editions focus on manta rays and corals.
Guests can be among the first to experience South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection on Panglao Island with the exclusive Elite Access offer, available for stays until October 31, 2025.
The promotion includes 3,000 pesos (US$52) in resort credit for dining and leisure activities, with additional benefits for ALL and Accor Plus members.
Aya Kids Club offers over 150m² of indoor and outdoor play space with cultural games, crafts and activities for younger guests
The 188-room luxury resort caters to families with cultural, wellness and island experiences. Villas and suites feature Visayan-inspired décor, while the Aya Kids Club provides indoor and outdoor play spaces with cultural games and crafts. Guests can snorkel or dive in world-class reefs, explore local farms, join cultural ceremonies, and relax on the beach.
Sirenna, a mythical sea guardian, inspires the nightly Sunset Ritual of music, light and storytelling that celebrates Boholano traditions. Families can take part in the South Farm Journey to learn organic farming and meet animals, or join the M Moment to craft rare Asin Tibuok sea salt with local artisans. Curated island excursions visit the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise with cultural show, Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Shrine, with guided trips to Balicasag and Pamilacan including dolphin watching and picnic lunches.
Lola’s Sanctuary offers farm-to-spa wellness treatments rooted in traditional Boholano practices, including hilot massage with coconut oil, lemongrass and Asin Tibuok. Guests can enjoy detox juices, herbal teas, and educational sessions, while the Mindful Walk combines meditation and discovery through gardens and coastal paths.
Dining ranges from UMA, serving Filipino cuisine, to Manja with international comfort food, and Sirenna beach bar with Mediterranean-tiki style meals. Water activities include a Maui canoe, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, bamboo rafting and snorkelling.
South Palms also provides venues for celebrations, from the Acqua Pavilion for intimate gatherings to the Marcela Ballroom and beachfront lawn for weddings and multi-generational events.
Sustainable tourism requires diversification of destinations alongside investment in human resources, infrastructure and technology, according to an international delegation who spoke at a ministerial roundtable at Tourism Expo Japan in late September.
Representatives from seven countries and six global organisations considered the topic “driving regional transformation” at the four-day event, Japan’s largest travel showcase for the trade and public, which was this year held in Aichi Prefecture to stimulate greater regional tourism.
International delegates call for sustainable tourism models that support local communities, cultural preservation, and regional development; photo by Kathryn Wortley
UN Tourism executive director Zoritsa Urosevic said: “Diversification is not only about creating new places to visit but about building authentic, inclusive and resilient tourism models that safeguard cultural values, generate stable employment and enhance the attractiveness of regions.”
PATA chair Peter Semone called on tourism stakeholders to stop “chasing numbers” of visitors but instead focus on tourism’s social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits, or “meaningful tourism”.
Addressing attendees via video message, Julia Simpson, CEO of WTTC, said regional tourism growth is possible only with strong partnerships between public and private organisations.
Miguel Gallego of the European Travel Commission introduced its Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade campaign, which was launched in July to promote responsible travel. The initiative calls on travellers to visit off-season and to off-the-beaten path places using eco-friendly options while supporting local businesses, thereby creating “a better way to travel that benefits travellers, local communities and the places they visit”.
At the country level, Australia’s representative said regional locations account for 51 per cent of its tourism employment and the country aims for 40 per cent of all tourism revenue to benefit regional areas by 2030. In Uzbekistan, the 2030 vision seeks to promote regional nature and village cultures under the campaign UzSustainable, shared its representative.
The series of earthquakes in the Philippines over the past two weeks, with northern Cebu and Davao Oriental most affected, has drawn attention to the structural soundness of hotels and other tourism accommodation.
“From a natural disaster perspective, most hotels follow rather rigid structural engineering standards in the Philippines and this is a good thing,” said C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett.
PTAA prepares the provisions for those affected by the earthquake in northern Cebu with the help of Cebu Association of Tour Guides; photo by PTAA
“What can be done is reassuring potential visitors on this fact and also for the Department of Tourism to be more proactive and central government in a flow of information. Tourism is often the face of a nation but sadly the current administration is oblivious to this,” Barnett pointed out.
For its part, the Philippine Hotel Owners Association “complies with all provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines and is committed to ensuring the safe and enjoyable stay of its hotel guests”, assured executive director Benito Bengzon Jr.
When a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Davao Oriental last Friday, hotels and resorts including Discovery Samal Resort, Rogen Inn Davao and Park Inn by Radisson Davao reported no structural damage after inspections by safety and engineering teams. There were no major injuries, and all guests and employees were safe and accounted for.
The same applied to Cebu, which experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake two weeks ago, followed by hundreds of aftershocks and a magnitude six tremor this morning (October 13).
The tourism impact of these seismic events, including recent quakes in Baguio, Isabela, Zambales and La Union, has been mitigated due to the current lean and rainy season and ongoing lower demand compared to last year.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reported that seven destinations and accommodation were affected by the Davao quake, but no tourists were impacted.
Until further notice, tourism activities are temporarily suspended in Mount Apo Climb, Davao Oriental Park, Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park, Mount Hamiguitan Museum, Cape San Agustin, Subungan Museum, Pusan Point and National Museum Davao.
In her new role, Lim will lead PPG’s global sales teams, drive revenue growth, refine sales strategies, oversee product development and pricing, and expand responsibility for Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge Operations.
He most recently served as CEO of Sommet Education, leading its international expansion across Glion, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality, and Invictus Education, establishing the group as a global leader in hospitality and luxury management education.
