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Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 27th January 2026
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Page 5

Cirque du Soleil adds 26 more KOOZA shows in Singapore

By TTG Asia
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Cirque du Soleil has extended the Singapore run of KOOZA with 26 additional performances from February 25 to March 19, 2026, at Bayfront Event Space. The extension follows demand for the production. The new shows are now scheduled to go on sale with presale options.

KOOZA returns to Singapore after seven years. The show combines acrobatics and comedy within a circus format and is suitable for a wide audience. The story follows the Innocent through a fictional kingdom guided by the Trickster. The production uses traditional circus acts presented in a contemporary style. The Singapore run coincides with the Chinese New Year period.

Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA will add performances from February 25 to March 19, 2026, at Bayfront Event Space

The production recently completed runs in Hong Kong and South Korea. In Singapore, it is presented by Mast Entertainment, a Cirque du Soleil partner since 2007, and Lushington Entertainments, part of the Singapore Grand Prix group.

An exclusive presale for the added performances began on January 12 via Fever, offering a 10 per cent discount across ticket categories. From now to January 25, presale tickets are available on Fever and SISTIC, with five per cent off VIP tickets and 10 per cent off other categories. General sales begin on January 26 through the same platforms.

VIP Experience tickets are priced at S$378 (US$280) and include premium seating and access to a private lounge with food, drinks and merchandise. Standard tickets start from S$98, with multiple seating options available.

For more information, visit Cirque du Soleil.

AI adoption and challenges take focus at PATA Singapore industry forum

By Audrey Ng
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From attractions and hotels to OTAs and DMCs, tourism businesses have been adopting AI in various forms. As the technology develops, questions remain around how it can be applied effectively and responsibly across the sector.

These issues were the focus of the inaugural In My Honest Opinion (IMHO) Industry Dialogue organised by the PATA Singapore Chapter. The session, titled Navigating the AI Revolution in Tourism, was held on January 15.

Industry leaders discuss the use of AI in tourism during the inaugural IMHO Industry Dialogue organised by the PATA Singapore Chapter in Singapore

“It is a space created for real conversations among the industry,” said Soon-Hwa Wong, chairman of the PATA Singapore Chapter, explaining the decision to launch the dialogue series.

The event featured a presentation by Jordan Tan, chief technology officer at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), followed by a fireside chat with Tan and David Lim, chairperson of the Association of Singapore Attractions. The discussion was moderated by Karen Yue, group editor of TTG Asia.

During his presentation, Tan outlined how AI is being integrated into tourism to support productivity, including through internal operations, customer service and content creation. He said STB’s approach focuses on accelerating internal generative AI use cases to enhance visitor experiences and improve efficiency, while also preparing the wider tourism sector for broader adoption through capability building and support.

With STB’s Tourism 2040 vision targeting between S$47 billion (US$35 billion) and S$50 billion in tourism receipts, innovation has been identified as a key driver. Tan highlighted initiatives such as Tcube, STB’s innovation platform that allows companies to test AI solutions in a controlled environment, while stressing the importance of governance and risk management to ensure responsible deployment.

The fireside chat shifted the discussion towards practical implementation, covering common misconceptions about AI, potential use cases and considerations for business leaders before investing in the technology.

Lim stressed the importance of data quality. “AI is useless unless you feed it good data,” he said, noting that Sentosa recorded higher customer satisfaction scores after improving its customer relationship management data.

Tan emphasised the need for organisations to understand their core problem statement before adopting technology or AI solutions. He said: “Oftentimes it’s another area within the organisation that needs resolving rather than the need for technology or AI.”

The discussion also addressed workforce concerns, with Lim noting the importance of employee engagement. “People within your team need to feel that AI is not going to take their job. It is there to make workers more efficient, smarter, and stretch themselves.”

The session concluded with a reminder that AI is not a universal solution and that its value depends on identifying specific business needs.

Reflecting on the dialogue, Wong commented: “Our first session focused on navigating the AI revolution in tourism, where we explored how AI is already changing decision-making, customer engagement, productivity, and competitive advantage across the industry. The discussion reinforced one clear message: AI is no longer a future topic – it is a present-day leadership challenge.

“This is just the beginning. IMHO is not about having all the answers – it’s about asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and learning together as an industry.”

The next IMHO session is expected to take place in the coming quarter.

Karim von Alvensleben helms as GM of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane

By TTG Asia
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Minor Hotels has appointed Karim von Alvensleben as general manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, ahead of the hotel’s opening in 2Q2026.

Von Alvensleben brings experience in hotel pre-openings and operations, having held senior leadership roles with Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Wynn, Regent, One&Only and Six Senses.

In his new role, he will oversee the pre-opening and launch of the 197-room Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, with responsibility for operations, team development and brand positioning in the Lao capital.

Asian region maintains strong appeal among European markets

By Karen Yue
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Asia’s diverse cultures and heritage continues to fascinate high-end European travellers, especially those from German-speaking markets

Asia’s diverse cultures, heritage value, warm hospitality, and safety are expected to keep moneyed Europeans invested in exploring the region this year despite mounting global geopolitical issues that could impact travel confidence, opined Astrid Oberhummer, CEO and founder of Lobster Experience, a specialist in high-end tourism and organiser of B2B events for European luxury travel trade buyers.

In an interview with TTG Asia, Oberhummer underscored the value of safety among high-end European travellers.

Lobster Experience’s Astrid Oberhummer says Loop series of B2B events connect “serious” European luxury travel trade buyers with destination sellers

“Asia is seen as being rather neutral in the current state of geopolitical affairs, and is therefore regarded as a safe region for holidays,” she stated, adding that modern airports with premium lounges, a well-established global air network, luxury hotels, and destination experiences that are aligned with Europeans’ travel motivations all come together to create an attractive region.

Oberhummer shared that well-heeled European travellers are incorporating wellness into their holiday, preferring traditional healing as well as science-backed treatments; prioritising sustainable and responsible tourism products; splurging on multi-generational trips; and demanding immersive itineraries that provide a deeper look into destinations.

While travel disruptions are more common in today’s volatile world, Oberhummer said high-net-worth travellers’ reliance on travel agents are helping to maintain travel confidence.

“You could hardly go anywhere today without something happening at the moment. And with the Europeans, especially those from German-speaking markets, being so driven by security, travel agents play such a big role in their travel (procurement) journey. Europeans need certainty that there is support in case of a flight disruption or situations in the destination,” she explained.

She believes that Asia can build on its enduring tourism appeal to attract even more European luxury travellers.

“Travel agents are really desperate for information about more Asian products. They have sold the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, which have been hot favourites post-Covid, and now need more options from this region,” said Oberhummer.

Oberhummer’s events team, which produces a series of Loop events connecting luxury travel agents from across various European markets with destination representatives, is now looking to expand the Asian seller community.

Asian sellers are guaranteed connections with “serious, discerning and educated buyers” with sustained outbound business appetite, especially travel agents from the affluent DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), as well as Central and Eastern European markets, and Northern Europe.

“It has become complex to define where European travel business is coming from. For example, some travel agencies serving the Russians are now based in Europe while some agencies operating in Vienna do not serve the Austrian market. When sellers attend our Loop events, we bring them clarity in connections,” she added.

Lobster Experience will host Loop Leisure Spring and Loop MICE Spring in Madeira, Portugal, from March 22 to 29, 2026. However, Asian sellers have year-round opportunities to connect with their desired European markets through other Loop events, such as Loop Beyond Borders in Baden-Baden, Germany and Loop Wellbeing in Mallorca, Spain, both in October.

Skyscanner adds new planning feature to guide value-led travel choices

By Rohit Kaul
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Skyscanner has launched its Cheapest Destination Planner tool across 19 markets, including India, and in 13 languages. The feature aims to simplify travel planning by helping users make value-led decisions and compare options more easily.

Speaking at a news conference in New Delhi on January 15, Neel Ghose, travel trends and destinations expert at Skyscanner, explained that the tool operates through three steps.

Neel Ghose speaking at the press conference in New Delhi during the launch of the company’s Cheapest Destination Planner tool

Users first select the month they wish to travel, which could coincide with a birthday, anniversary or school holiday period. The tool then identifies the 10 cheapest destinations from the chosen departure point, alongside information such as average return airfares and key reasons to visit each destination.

Travellers can then explore flight and hotel options to finalise their plans. Ghose said the goal is to reduce the complexity of travel planning and make it easier for users to act on insights and convert interest into bookings.

Skyscanner developed the Cheapest Destination Planner following research across several markets, including a survey conducted with OnePoll in November 2025 among 2,000 respondents in India.

“The first thing we are seeing is that, of all the people we surveyed, 84 per cent are considering international travel in 2026, which is significant and clearly reflects the growth of the Indian middle class,” said Neel Ghose.

The survey found that 89 per cent of Indian travellers are interested in visiting alternative or lesser-known destinations, while 77 per cent are willing to spend more on a luxury hotel stay on the final night of their trip. It also showed that 81 per cent of respondents find planning travel for 2026 daunting.

Cost was identified as the main challenge, with 46 per cent citing expenses as a factor that makes booking overwhelming, while 45 per cent said they were unsure when to travel this year.

The Cheapest Destination Planner has also been rolled out in other markets including Singapore, Japan, Australia, South Korea, the US, the UK, France and Poland.

Banyan Group highlights expansion plans as portfolio reaches 100 resorts

By TTG Asia
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Banyan Group enters 2026 following a year of portfolio growth, bringing its global footprint to 100 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and over 20 branded residences across more than 20 countries, as the group continues to add new properties across multiple markets.

In Africa, the group will enter safari hospitality with the opening of Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape in Tanzania, marking its debut in East Africa. In West Africa, Dhawa Ouidah is scheduled to open in Benin. In the Caribbean, Banyan Group will establish its presence in the Dominican Republic with Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana.

Singapore president Tharman Shanmugaratnam with executives from Banyan Group and Mandai Wildlife Group during a visit to Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, the group’s 100th resort

In Europe, Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro is set to reopen for the 2026 season following design updates and the expansion of dining, spa and well-being offerings.

Across Asia and the Middle East, the group will continue to expand its portfolio with openings including Banyan Tree Guangzhou Jiulong Lake and Banyan Tree Mount Emei in China, Angsana Ashar Valley Tents in Saudi Arabia, Angsana Bogor in Indonesia, Garrya Danang in Vietnam, and several Homm properties across the Philippines, China and Indonesia. Folio Bogor in Indonesia will become the group’s second Folio hotel globally.

In 2026, Banyan Group will extend its wellness-led Banyan Tree Connections programme to additional resorts across Asia, the Middle East and Vietnam, following earlier launches in China, the Maldives, Mexico and Thailand.

A key milestone in 2025 was the opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore, the group’s 100th resort. The accompanying Rainforest Festival attracted more than 4,000 visitors and raised more than S$600,000 (US$468,000) for charitable causes. During the year, the group also expanded its branded residences portfolio, launched its first residential project in Europe, and continued environmental and community initiatives across its markets.

“Crossing the 100-resort milestone marks a new chapter for Banyan Group as we build on our legacy by expanding into new and meaningful markets, strengthening our brands, and deepening our focus on wellbeing-led and regenerative travel,” said Eddy See, president and chief executive of Banyan Group.

“Guided by purpose-driven growth, design-led experiences, and responsible stewardship, we remain committed to creating long-term value for destinations, partners, and communities as we expand into new parts of Africa and the Caribbean.

Savaya Group unveils Zumana beachfront project in Bali

By TTG Asia
0

Savaya Group, in partnership with Kharisma Anugrah Jawara Abadi (KAJA Group), an Indonesian hospitality developer, has unveiled Zumana, a beachfront hospitality project planned for Kuta Beach in Bali.

Scheduled to open in 2026, Zumana is positioned as a space centred on social interaction and shared experiences, using music, architecture and programmed gatherings to shape how guests engage with the venue and with one another. The project is set on Kuta Beach, an area closely linked to Bali’s early tourism development.

Zumana, a new beachfront hospitality project by Savaya Group and KAJA Group, is scheduled to open on Kuta Beach in Bali in 2026

Located along one of Bali’s most established coastlines, the development aims to reposition Kuta within the current hospitality landscape, offering a renewed use for a destination long associated with the island’s international profile.

The venue will cover about 3,250m² and will include a beachfront day-use area and a 200-seat restaurant, designed to operate from daytime through to evening dining and nightlife.

“Building on the global success of Savaya, this project underscores our long-term commitment to Bali as a destination with both a distinct identity and global relevance. At its core, our work is about creating experiences that stay with guests long after they leave,” said Alex Cordova, chief executive of Savaya Group.

“In collaboration with Savaya Group, we are proud to introduce a beachfront experience that sets a new benchmark for Indonesia and South-east Asia,” added Nadia Tjahyadikarta, managing director of KAJA Group.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts reveals top travel trends for 2026

By TTG Asia
0

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has identified a set of travel trends expected to shape demand in 2026, based on findings from its Luxury Travel Report and insights from its global portfolio.

The research points to sustained interest in travel linked to major sporting events, historic settings and science-led wellness, alongside growing demand for nature-based experiences, distinctive hotel identities, pet-inclusive stays and smaller-scale experiences at sea.

Heritage-focused travel continues to shape travel trends in 2026; Lijiang Ancient Town in China, pictured

Sport moves centre stage in travel planning
Major sporting events such as Formula 1, the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics continue to attract international travellers, with sports tourism playing a more defined role in trip planning. Hotels are increasingly combining accommodation with access to live events and related services. In the US, some city hotels are offering short stays paired with premium seating at professional basketball games, lounge access and private transfers. In India, palace hotels are opening access to historic polo tournaments, including match viewing, opportunities to meet players, riding experiences, traditional dining and spa treatments linked to local heritage. Elsewhere, properties in major football cities are developing tailored packages around international tournaments, supported by on-site coordination, pre-match events and customised arrival services.

Heritage is the new frontier
According to Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury Travel Report, more than nine in 10 luxury travellers want historic elements integrated into their trips. This is reflected in hotel openings planned for 2026, many of which focus on restoring historic buildings for contemporary use. Several new openings in 2026 will centre on restored historic buildings, including early 20th century city properties, centuries-old palazzi and late 19th-century mansions in established cultural centres.

Rise of cognitive wellness
Wellness travel is increasingly shaped by scientific and medical approaches, with retreats combining technology-led assessments and treatments with established wellness practices. Often described as cognitive wellness, this approach focuses on longer-term health rather than short-term relaxation. Programmes are becoming more personalised, drawing on data such as genetic profiles, sleep patterns and stress indicators. In North America, some resorts now offer touchless therapies, hyperbaric oxygen sessions, red-light therapy, dry flotation and IV infusions aimed at recovery and immunity. In northern Europe, urban hotels are introducing sleep clinics that use targeted nerve stimulation to support rest. In the Alps, wellness programmes are combining Eastern wellness principles with technology-based interventions.

Breaking free from the beige
The Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels & Resorts found that 83% of luxury travellers believe they can identify when a hotel is designed for mass appeal rather than individual character. The company refers to this uniformity as “beige-ification”. In response, some hotels are placing greater emphasis on local design, craft and culture. In North Africa, a resort draws on regional architecture and community-based experiences to reflect its setting. In Central America, a coastal retreat incorporates locally inspired décor alongside activities such as horseback riding, surfing and spa treatments. In Asia, a city hotel integrates national cultural references across its design, dining and guest programming. Properties described as “defying the beige” will be highlighted during Independent Hotel Week, running from January 26–30, 2026.

Pawsome adventures
Pet-inclusive travel is extending beyond basic accommodation policies to include more structured services for animals. Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Preferred Pets programme includes features such as pet beds, bowls, toys and in-room dining menus. At large destination resorts, facilities may also include pet boarding, grooming and on-site veterinary services. In major cities, some hotels are collaborating with luxury brands on pet-related products. In Asia, urban hotels are offering services such as private dog parks, walking guides, pet sitting, grooming and prepared treats.

Communing with nature
Nature-based wellness experiences are becoming a core part of hotel programming, with activities such as forest bathing, outdoor meditation and barefoot walking. These experiences reflect wider interest in slower travel and time spent outdoors. In California wine regions, some resorts are offering guided sessions aligned with lunar cycles, combining breathwork, reflection and intention setting. In Mexico, nature-led programmes may include barefoot walks through botanical gardens followed by time by the sea, with rest periods and light refreshments included.

A shift to intimate seacations
Seacationing is evolving through smaller-scale experiences that contrast with large cruise ships. In Egypt, new Nile cruise offerings are focusing on limited cabin numbers, onboard dining, lounge areas, small pools and wellness facilities, with itineraries operating between Luxor and Aswan. In East Asia, a resort model based primarily on land is also incorporating sea excursions such as whale watching and private yacht trips, alongside supervised maritime activities for younger guests.

The report can be viewed here.

Korean Air enhances Terminal 2 lounges with new Prestige East experience

By TTG Asia
0

Korean Air has opened its renovated Prestige East (Left) Lounge at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 ahead of its official launch on January 14.

Covering 1,553m² with 192 seats, the lounge offers a full range of facilities including dining areas with buffet and live cooking stations, a bar, shower facilities, and work-friendly zones.

Guests can take part in hands-on cooking classes at the Cooking Studio L’atelier

Interactive features include the Ramyeon Library, where passengers can prepare customised instant noodles, Cooking Studio L’atelier with hands-on classes run by chefs from Grand Hyatt Incheon, and an arcade area with games and photo booths for families and younger travellers.

Passengers can book lounge access in advance via the Korean Air website or app using vouchers or mileage, while first and Prestige Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members retain priority entry. Real-time crowd monitoring and mobile queuing improve seating availability during busy periods.

The lounge reopening is part of a wider Terminal 2 expansion ahead of Korean Air’s integration with Asiana Airlines. The first phase, completed in August 2025, included redesigned Miler Club and Prestige East (Right) Lounges, as well as two Prestige Garden lounges. Renovations of the First Class Lounge and Prestige West Lounge are expected to finish in 1H2026.

When complete, Korean Air’s Terminal 2 lounge space will expand from 5,105m² to 12,270m², with total seating increasing from 898 to 1,566, giving passengers more options for dining, work and leisure before flights.

For more information, visit Korean Air.

Connecting the dots

By Rachel AJ Lee
0

Tell me more about the decision to take over Jetstar Asia’s routes. Overall, how does Scoot identify and select destinations?
We constantly explore opportunities for network expansion across the regions, opening new city links and improving connectivity for our customers.

Following Jetstar Asia’s exit from Singapore, we have been progressively adjusting our network to support the demand for air travel to several destinations in Asia. This includes the launch of three-times weekly services to Okinawa from December 15, 2025, and two-times weekly flights to Labuan Bajo during the Northern Winter 2025 season, subject to regulatory approvals.

We have also increased our frequencies and capacities on other routes previously served by Jetstar Asia, such as Bangkok, Clark, and Manila, to support demand.

When evaluating new routes such as Okinawa and Labuan Bajo, we looked beyond just point-to-point traffic, but also demand to and from the wider SIA Group network, to assess the commercial value.

What are Scoot’s expansion plans?
Over the past year, we have added 13 new destinations: Kertajati (Greater Bandung) in Indonesia; Koh Samui in Thailand; Kota Bharu, Melaka, Sibu and Subang in Malaysia; Padang in Indonesia; Phu Quoc, Danang, and Nha Trang in Vietnam; Shantou in China; Iloilo City in the Philippines; and Vienna in Austria.

We will also be flying to Okinawa from December 15, 2025; Chiang Rai from January 1, 2026; and Tokyo (Haneda) from March 1, 2026.

We have received seven Embraer E190-E2s so far and anticipate the delivery of the remaining two by the end 2025. The E2s enable us to serve thinner routes to non-metro destinations such as Davao, Pekanbaru and Sibu. Currently, our E2s operate to 18 destinations in South-east Asia.

In addition to the E2s, we have added two wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft and four narrow-body Airbus A320 Family aircraft this year. We are expecting five more A320s this year and one more 787 next year. The fleet mix allow us to operate short, medium and longhaul flights that feed traffic to each other, and provides the flexibility to better match capacity to demand.

These new additions not only support our fleet renewal efforts, but also drive our network expansion plans. Our ongoing fleet renewal plan ensures that we maintain a young, modern and fuel-efficient fleet, with an average fleet age of around seven years – approximately half the industry average.

What do you think is the long-term impact of Scoot’s strategy on Asia’s tourism landscape?
While we do not have specific insights into the economic impact of Scoot’s business on the tourism industry in Asia, airlines play a significant role in stimulating demand through network expansion, which supports the growth in air travel and ultimately promotes trade and tourism, benefitting the broader economy.

Singapore’s domestic market is relatively small with a population size of about six million. As such, our strategy is to look at demand not only from Singapore, but also from beyond our borders. With Singapore as our home base, we leverage our geographic advantage and the world-class infrastructure and reputation of Singapore Changi Airport to provide seamless travel to and through Singapore to the rest of our network.

Scoot partnered with Dohop recently. Will there be more airlines joining this interline platform, and will the airlines mainly be low-cost carriers?
We recently launched our virtual interline platform, developed in partnership with travel solutions technology company Dohop.

In addition to the initial launch airline partners – Citylink and EasyJet – we have since added Air India Express, Jeju Air and Sky Express to the mix. This platform allows customers to book flights from Singapore to over 80 additional destinations across the globe.

Apart from the convenience of a seamless booking experience, customers can choose to purchase ConnectSure for journeys booked through Scoot’s new platform. This service protects passengers in the event of flight delays or cancellations, ensuring peace of mind on connected journeys.

We will continue to explore partnership opportunities with other likeminded airlines to provide our customers with more travel options, at great value.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Thailand sees record hotel transaction volumes in 2025
TTG Asia | Bali weighs tougher entry checks for international visitors
TTG Asia | Thai AirAsia welcomes new GM