TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 30th January 2026
Page 55

Accor elevates culinary offerings with new in-house F&B group

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Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, has launched Table For, an in-house food and beverage group aimed at elevating hotel dining across the Pacific. Its first restaurant, Flaminia, will open at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour this summer, with further concepts planned.

The group will bring together internal experts across culinary, operations, design and guest experience, supported by collaborators including Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo of the Maybe Group and culture agency Example. Table For will oversee the development of new venues and the evolution of existing restaurants and bars, guided by guest insights, local relevance and global best practice.

Table For brings together Accor’s in-house culinary and hospitality teams with expert collaborators to develop new restaurants and bars across the Pacific

The leadership team includes Ben Creek as head of Table For, Chris O’Connor, Jenn Pride, and culinary director Rosy Scatigna. Catino and Lombardo will lead beverage innovation and hospitality across the portfolio, alongside winemaker and sommelier Shun Eto. Example will provide support on strategy, brand development, design, marketing and PR.

Table For is designed to service both Accor-managed properties and the group’s wider network of owners, developers and franchise partners, delivering scalable F&B concepts across different markets and asset types.

The initiative builds on Accor’s recent portfolio developments, including Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s transformation, and collaborations under its partnership with Ennismore, such as Hyde Melbourne Place, Mondrian Gold Coast, and 25hours Sydney The Olympia. Flaminia, developed in collaboration with chef Giovanni Pilu, is the first Table For venue scheduled to open later this year.

Catino and Lombardo described their collaboration with Accor on Table For as an opportunity to apply their hospitality expertise in creating bars that foster social connection, memorable experiences, and set new standards for innovation within the group.

Adrian Williams, chief operating officer, Accor Pacific, said: “We are redefining what it means to dine in a hotel, and treating our restaurants and bars as standalone heroes that locals and travellers actively seek out. This is about celebrating creativity, elevating our guest experience and delivering real value for our partners. Through Table For, we’re reimagining existing venues, developing entirely new concepts, and delivering experiences that guests and locals will seek out, enjoy and remember.”

“Table For gives us the platform to launch bold new concepts, reimagine existing venues and stay ahead of the evolving tastes of guests and locals alike. Importantly, it not only sharpens how we operate and deliver, but also celebrates the power of collaboration in bringing great ideas to life,” added Creek.

Radisson Hotel Group adds Sihanoukville property to growing portfolio

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Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has signed Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville, set to open in early 2029 within the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights mixed-use township on Cambodia’s southern coast.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s main deep-water port, is being developed into a Special Economic Zone by 2038, creating a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology alongside growing leisure demand.

The 176-key Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights will open in 2029, expanding the group’s presence in South-east Asia

The 176-key hotel will feature rooms and serviced apartments, most with ocean views, three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. It is a five-minute walk from a private beach and close to the CBD, 25 minutes from Sihanoukville International Airport and 20 minutes from Serendipity Pier.

The Bay of Lights development covers 934 hectares and includes residential, commercial, hospitality, and leisure facilities, including a marina and cultural attractions. RHG has secured a prime site in the International Convention Center district, near premium outlets and a golf course, benefiting from planned infrastructure upgrades and attracting an estimated 650,000 visitors annually.

RHG already has two hotels under development in Phnom Penh: Radisson Blu (160 keys) and Radisson Red (200 keys), both opening in 2027. The new Sihanoukville property will further strengthen its presence in Cambodia and the wider South-east Asia Pacific region.

With around five million visitors expected in 2024, Sihanoukville is emerging as a key tourism and business hub, offering beaches, cultural sites, markets, and natural attractions.

“Sihanoukville is a hidden gem of South-east Asia, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and fast-growing economic opportunities. The signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville underlines our commitment to expanding in Cambodia’s key destinations, complementing our pipeline in Phnom Penh,” said Ramzy Fenianos, chief development officer, APAC, RHG.

Trip.Biz expands tools for smarter and safer corporate travel

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Trip.Biz, the business travel management brand of Trip.com Group, has launched Trip.Biz One, an all-in-one solution designed to simplify corporate business travel. The platform addresses challenges such as off-platform bookings, overspending, non-adherence to travel policies and inefficient reconciliation processes.

Trip.Biz One integrates booking, policy compliance, workflow automation and AI-driven business intelligence, with real-time desktop-to-mobile synchronisation. This allows companies to streamline business travel management and improve return on investment.

Trip.Biz’s Tao Song discusses the evolving role of the travel manager

Key features of Trip.Biz One include consolidated bookings and policy management through a single platform covering flights, hotels, airport transfers, ride-hailing and car rentals, with automated approval workflows. It offers extensive booking selections, including corporate negotiated rates, and real-time policy compliance monitoring.

The platform also includes AI-driven business intelligence via the Trip.Biz AI Chatbot, providing recommendations and traveller support, as well as rapidly customisable configurations and comprehensive duty-of-care capabilities. Reporting insights and analytics enable companies to make data-driven decisions and strengthen travel ROI.

In addition to launching Trip.Biz One, the company is reinforcing its presence in South-east Asia and expanding globally through partnerships with Saudia Airlines, Pan Pacific Hotels Group and Constellation Travels in the Philippines, enhancing inventory offerings and market reach. The platform’s digital-first architecture supports traditional business travel as well as emerging bleisure trends.

“Companies need to redefine expectations on how business travel can support revenue growth amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty and economic risks, and this has shifted from cost management to one that is smarter, safer and more sustainable,” said Tao Song, CEO, Trip.Biz.

“With Trip.Biz One, we are bringing together three critical pillars – People & Service, Technology & Inventory and Sustainability – into a single, intelligent platform that empowers companies to deliver greater efficiency, stronger compliance and a better travel experience for every business traveller.”

New hotels: Kai Hakone, Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi and more

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Kai Hakone

Kai Hakone, Japan
Hoshino Resorts has reopened Kai Hakone – the 34-room onsen ryokan, located on the historic Hakone Kaido, features the brand’s Hakone Gokochi style, with Edo-period travel motifs. Two suites over 110m² include open-air baths, landscaped courtyards, and two bedrooms for multigenerational stays.

Public spaces include the Sawa-chaya Tea House, serving tea and dango, and a Cultural Discovery programme on yosegi-zaiku marquetry. Seasonal kaiseki meals reflect the area’s history as a Tokaido Road waystation.

The ryokan is a seven-minute drive from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi

Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, Indonesia
Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, Marriott International’s first hotel in the city, is a 242-room property located within Pakuwon Mall Bekasi Superblock, offering direct access to shops, dining, and entertainment. It is also nearby Bekasi Barat LRT Station for easy travel to Jakarta and West Java.

Rooms feature city views, high-speed Wi-Fi, workspaces, and modern amenities, with Executive and Premier Suites boasting extra space. Facilities include a rooftop pool with a kids’ pool, fitness centre, and a wellness centre with nine treatment rooms.

The property also has dining options as well as two floors of meeting facilities, including a 372m² ballroom, which can host up to 1,200 guests.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, Australia
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first dual-branded hotel in Australia with Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, both in the Melbourne Walk precinct next to Bourke Street Mall.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins has 179 rooms and suites, with design elements referencing Melbourne’s heritage and landmarks. Guests can dine at Fern Bar & Dining, which opens onto Fern’s Garden courtyard overlooking Melbourne Walk.

Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall features 273 rooms, including 92 double-double rooms for families, an open-plan lobby, and a 220m² private terrace with views of Bourke Street Mall and the city skyline. The Greenery offers buffet breakfast and all-day dining, with children aged 12 and under eating free.

Both hotels place guests within walking distance of Melbourne’s retail, dining, and cultural attractions, combining modern design with local character.

Lucy Ozehatomachi

Lucy Ozehatomachi , Japan
Lucy Ozehatomachi has recently opened and is Japan’s first hotel dedicated to mountain tourism. Located at Hatomachi Pass, the main trailhead into Oze National Park, the 25-room lodge includes 12 dormitories, 10 twin rooms, and three family rooms, with showers, bidet toilets, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour food and drink stations.

Guests have hiking support, luggage lockers, trail advice, and activities including a bear-bell workshop. Meals focus on hearty, practical fare such as pork miso soup with grilled mackerel and fried half-boiled eggs.

Lucy Ozehatomachi provides a base for exploring Oze’s seasonal landscapes and high-altitude trails, filling a gap in overnight mountain lodging for both domestic and international visitors.

Cordelia Cruises sets sail from Kochi on first international routes

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Cordelia Cruises will operate new international itineraries for Empress from October 25, 2026, with direct sailings from Kochi to Malé, the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Kochi becomes the ship’s new homeport, giving Indian travellers access to key destinations across the Indian Ocean.

Cordelia Cruises offers direct sailings from Kochi to the Maldives and Sri Lanka starting October 2026; photo by Cordelia Cruises

The five-night itinerary sails Kochi to Malé, as well as to Colombo and Kochi, departing every Sunday and returning Friday, with two full days at sea. A two-night weekend cruise operates from and to Kochi with days at sea, departing every Friday and returning Sunday, providing a short-break option.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a range of dining options, entertainment, and activities. Shore excursions in the Maldives include lagoon visits, coral reef exploration, and island tours, while Sri Lanka offers historic forts, local markets, cultural landmarks, and beaches.

For more information, visit Cordelia Cruises.

JW Marriott Singapore South Beach welcomes new GM

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JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has appointed Karl Hudson as general manager.

Hudson, who has overseen the opening of over 80 hotels with Marriott International and most recently served as regional vice president for Japan and Guam, brings extensive leadership experience to the hotel.

He will guide the property’s growth while maintaining its lifestyle identity and design focus, emphasising people, personalisation, and place-making to ensure it remains a leading destination for both business and leisure.

Soneva Group strengthens leadership team with new appointments

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Soneva Group has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team, effective September 2025.

Joanna Flint joins as chief commercial officer, Chris Whitehouse as chief financial officer, and Abhishek Sharma has been promoted to chief operating officer.

From left: Chris Whitehouse, Joanna Flint and Abhishek Sharma

Flint brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and technology, with roles at Mandarin Oriental, Google, and Singapore Airlines. She will drive Soneva’s global commercial strategy, enhancing sales, digital capabilities, and customer experience across existing and new markets.

Whitehouse brings his expertise in financial strategy, risk, corporate financing, and asset management gained at The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC to his new role. He will strengthen Soneva’s financial foundations and support sustainable expansion.

With more than 25 years’ experience in luxury hospitality across the Maldives, India, Egypt, and Mauritius, Sharma will oversaw all three Soneva resorts.

The appointments coincide with the opening of Soneva’s global headquarters in Dubai, providing a strategic base to strengthen industry partnerships, attract talent, and connect with key feeder markets.

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort names new GM

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Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, operated by Minor Hotels, has appointed Michael Parker as general manager.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality, with senior roles across the UK, China, Cambodia, and the Maldives. He joined Minor Hotels in 2023 as complex general manager, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

In his new role, Parker will focus on a renovation of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s food and beverage outlets and enhancements to the Anantara Wellness programme. His goal is to elevate culinary offerings and expand wellness experiences.

Tourism Cares holds first Asian Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand

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Thailand has become the first Asian destination to host Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Summit, held from September 7 to 13, 2025, across locations in Krabi and Bangkok.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its Los Angeles office partnered with the US-based non-profit to deliver the inaugural Asian edition, first announced at Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2024 and the TAT Strategic Directive briefing last year.

Attendees of the summit in Thailand during the event’s opening ceremony at the White Lotus Sofitel in Krabi; photo by Tourism Authority of Thailand

Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares, called the collaboration a natural fit.

“Having our first Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Asia was an incredible milestone for Tourism Cares. The Tourism Authority of Thailand was the perfect destination partner to host our summit, as they are embedding sustainability through many of their strategic programmes, such as their STAR sustainability certification and their Meaningful Relationship initiative,” he said, referencing TAT’s 2023 campaign encouraging travellers to connect with themselves, local communities, and nature.

The programme combined education, networking, and immersive field visits – including a stop at TAT’s Amazing Green Fest 2025 eco-travel showcase in Nakhon Pathom – linking international travel professionals with Thai community leaders and enterprises.

Attendees ranged from senior figures at global tour operators, DMOs, airlines, and sustainability consultancies to media and social enterprises.

Notable participants included representatives from the Jordan Tourism Board North America, Intrepid Travel, Disney’s Adventures by Disney/National Geographic Expeditions, USTOA, and agencies from Latin America.

Delegates engaged with organisations featured on the Meaningful Travel Map, a digital platform curated by Tourism Cares to showcase vetted community-based enterprises. The map reflects the organisation’s definition of “meaningful travel” as tourism that delivers social, environmental, and economic benefits to host communities while providing travellers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Takehara emphasised the summit’s impact: “Attendees got to experience first-hand how these community-based organisations in Krabi and Bangkok were prioritising sustainability while integrating the needs of their communities and creating top-notch visitor experiences,” he noted.

The summit also forged stronger links between Thai partners on the map and global operators, with participants committing to integrate new goals for positive impact into their own businesses.

The initiative builds on the March 2024 Meaningful Travel FAM in Thailand, organised with TAT, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air, which laid the groundwork for the larger-scale summit and helped identify the 45+ Thai partners now featured on the Meaningful Travel Map.

Looking forward, Takehara cautioned that Asia’s rising demand must be managed responsibly: “We are at a significant crossroads where traveller interest in Asia is growing significantly, but we must ensure that everyone benefits in this new chapter.”

Looking forward, Tourism Cares will continue expanding its support for its Thai Meaningful Travel Map impact partners, focusing on training, resources, and trade connections to ensure small businesses have a stronger “seat at the table” in shaping the region’s tourism future.

BWH Hotels to debut Aiden brand in Thailand

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BWH Hotels has signed Aiden Surawong Bangkok, introducing its Aiden brand in Thailand.

Situated in Surawong, one of Bangkok’s oldest districts, the avant-garde boutique hotel is close to the Chao Phraya River and the city’s cultural attractions. Aiden Surawong Bangkok will combine social spaces, remote working areas and wellness offerings, under a design concept inspired by celestial stars and gemstones.

Aiden Surawong Bangkok will offer 77 rooms when it opens end of this year

The hotel will feature 77 rooms with organic textures and locally inspired amenities. Guests can unwind on the rooftop with an urban pool and city views, or gather in the lobby lounge for cocktails and social interaction.

Aiden Surawong Bangkok is scheduled to open in December 2025 and will become BWH Hotels’ 14th property in Bangkok across eight of its brands, with additional properties planned in the city.

Olivier Berrivin, vice president – APAC, BWH Hotels, said: “Aiden is a new generation of hotels for smart, savvy, and well-informed travellers who crave complete convenience without sacrificing their sense of style. From a social hangout to moments of relaxation and Instagram-worthy spaces, this impressive hotel will give our guests the inspiration they need to continue their journey of discovery in Bangkok.”