Scoot and Tourism Malaysia have signed a three-year memorandum of collaboration to promote Malaysia as a travel destination in key regional markets ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
The agreement, which runs until August 5, 2028, outlines joint efforts to raise awareness of cities across Malaysia through integrated marketing and co-branded campaigns, including digital promotions and familiarisation trips.
The partnership will tap on regional travel demand through co-branded activities and campaigns
The initiative targets travellers from Australia, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Scoot currently flies to 11 Malaysian cities: Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Langkawi, Melaka, Miri, Penang, Sibu and Subang.
With the addition of Kota Bharu on October 26, 2025, the airline will operate 115 weekly flights to 12 cities in Malaysia.
Scoot director of marketing, communications and loyalty Agatha Yap said: “Malaysia has always been an important market for Scoot, and we hope that this collaboration will allow us to drive even more awareness and interest in the various Malaysian cities that Scoot serves… we hope to connect more travellers to Malaysia from Singapore and the rest of Scoot’s extensive network.”
Manoharan Periasamy, director general of Tourism Malaysia, shared: “This strategic partnership with Scoot comes at a crucial time as we ramp up efforts for VM2026. Leveraging Scoot’s extensive network will allow us to tap into high-potential regional markets and attract more international visitors to explore Malaysia’s unique offerings.
“We are confident that this collaboration will contribute significantly to our 2025 target of welcoming 43 million international visitors.”
The Maldives will be more selective with travel trade show participation as cost of such activations have gone up, said a top Maldives tourism industry official, who added that presence will only be maintained at the “bigger” events.
Abdulla Ghiyas, chairman, Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC), told TTG Asia that participation at international travel trade shows are “getting more expensive”, due to higher cost of hiring spaces at such events.
Ghiyas remarked the Maldives is shifting focus from trade shows to targeted campaigns as tourism marketing costs rise
In place of trade show participation, the country’s NTO has adopted new strategies, shifting towards more direct and impactful initiatives that deliver measurable results.
Ghiyas said: “We are investing heavily in B2C advertising, brand awareness campaigns, and on-ground activations in key source markets. In addition, we are running conversion and performance-driven joint marketing campaigns with airlines, OTAs, and tour operators to ensure our spend is targeted and accountable.”
MMPRC’s partnership with Liverpool FC is a prime example of such a shift.
He said there are plans to raise the promotion budget to support these new strategies, and funding will come from a portion of the Tourism Goods and Services Tax.
Meanwhile, Ghiyas is hopeful that the recent opening of the country’s new airport terminal will herald a new tourism era. The facility can cater to 7.5 million passengers per year, a sharp rise from 1.5 million at the old terminal that was a bottleneck for inbound traffic, he acknowledged.
“We now have opportunities for more airlines, more slots,” he said.
With the help of the expanded airport, the Maldives aims to welcome three million visitors per year in the next three years, up from a target of 2.3 million.
He noted that the Maldives has an inventory of 63,000 beds, and capacity at the moment is under 60 per cent.
As such, the destination can certainly accommodate more visitors and have enough facilities to support greater arrivals.
Ascott has been appointed by Coronade Properties to manage the hotel in the Coronation Square integrated development in Johor Bahru.
Located in the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the hotel will be directly linked to the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
The partnership marks the first major hospitality collaboration since the historic Singapore-Malaysia JS-SEZ agreement
The collaboration is the first major hospitality partnership since the JS-SEZ agreement between Malaysia and Singapore in January 2025. It also marks the debut of the Ascott brand in Johor Bahru and will be the sixth Ascott-branded property in Malaysia. The other five Ascott-branded properties are in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Ascott manages more than 40 properties in Malaysia, both operating and in the pipeline.
Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will have 207 rooms within Tower 1 of Coronation Square, in the IIBD of the JS-SEZ. It is scheduled to open in 2H2029 and will have an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, fitness centre, residents’ lounge and meeting rooms.
Coronation Square is a five billion ringgit (US$1.07 billion) integrated development by Coronade Properties and is the first project in the 101-hectare IIBD. The 3.9-hectare development will comprise hotel, medical, office and residential components, as well as the 111,500m² Coronation Square Mall. Construction of the mall will begin in 2026 and is targeted for completion in 2030. The development will be connected to the RTS station at Bukit Chagar and the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facilities via a 210-metre elevated walkway. It will also have basement parking for about 4,500 vehicles, with around 700 bays reserved for RTS users.
Paduka Alinah Ahmad, director of corporate relations, Coronade Properties, said: “As Coronation Square develops into a vibrant destination, this partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Johor’s hospitality and real estate landscape.”
Wong Kar Ling, chief strategy officer and managing director for Southeast Asia, Ascott, added: “With the JS-SEZ catalysing greater cross-border investments and the RTS enhancing connectivity, Johor Bahru is entering a dynamic new phase of growth. Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru allows us to introduce our namesake Ascott brand to this market, positioning us at the heart of this transformation to capture rising demand from corporate, long-stay and leisure segments.
“Ascott’s presence in Malaysia continues to deepen, with over 40 properties in operation and in the pipeline. We are committed to expanding our footprint with high-quality developments that meet the evolving expectations of discerning travellers visiting the country.”
SKS Group has signed an agreement with Marriott International to open Four Points by Sheraton Johor Bahru, following the rebranding of AmanSari Residence Resort in Bandar Seri Alam.
The hotel is scheduled to open in 1Q2026.
Staff prepare the site for the upcoming Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Johor Bahru, scheduled to open in early 2026
This project marks SKS Hospitality’s first entry into franchise operations and continues the group’s brand expansion. Four Points Johor Bahru will be its second Four Points property and the fourth under the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, following the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Desaru, Sheraton Johor Bahru (due in 3Q2025), and Courtyard by Marriott Subang (opening in 2026).
The hotel will feature 150 guestrooms across three categories. It is designed to accommodate both business and social events, with 1,770m² of function space including a 1,130m² divisible Grand Ballroom, a 310m² Junior Ballroom, five meeting rooms, and a 255m² pre-function area.
Andree Susilo, vice president of hotel development for Asia-Pacific at Marriott International, said that Bandar Seri Alam is a vibrant and fast-growing township, making it a suitable location for a brand offering stylish comfort and reliable essentials. He added that the partnership reflects Marriott’s commitment to expanding its presence in Malaysia.
Meera Raj, head of SKS Hospitality, stated: “The transformation of this legacy hotel into Four Points by Sheraton Johor Bahru is not just a change in name – it’s a reawakening of purpose, rooted in our commitment to create stays that guests will remember for a long time.”
Start the year-end holidays with a five-night sailing from Singapore to South and North Bali aboard Genting Dream. Departing on November 30, 2025, the cruise offers a chance to explore two contrasting ports – Denpasar and Celukan Bawang – while spending two days at sea on a ship equipped for both relaxation and activity.
Onboard, guests can access halal and vegetarian dining options, live entertainment, spa facilities, and a range of activities including waterslides, pools, Jacuzzis, rock climbing, ziplining and a rope course. The Palace, a private area with dedicated amenities and 24-hour butler service, is available for those seeking added privacy. Two full days at sea are scheduled.
Genting Dream’s exclusive five-night Bali cruise departs Singapore on November 30, 2025
The itinerary includes two stops in Bali. In Denpasar, visitors can explore markets, visit Pura Agung Jagatnatha, and view exhibitions at the Bali Museum. In Celukan Bawang, the schedule allows time for swimming, snorkelling and visiting nearby villages.
This five-night sailing is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and bookings open from August 21. Cabin availability is limited.
As the Indian outbound tourism market continues to grow for Tourism Australia, the NTO is devising its strategies to sustain and build on the momentum. Moving forward, Tourism Australia will prioritise high-yield travellers as well as the leisure and business events segments in India.
It also remains committed to investing in travel trade partnerships and consumer engagement initiatives to further boost Indian arrivals to Australia.
Tourism Australia is targeting high-yield Indian travellers as visitor numbers and travel interest continue to grow
“India remains the fastest-growing inbound market for Tourism Australia. Prior to Covid-19, it ranked as our seventh-largest market. Today, it stands at number five and continues to be one of the most promising markets for the future. With India’s accelerating economic growth, we are witnessing a rise in the high-net-worth population, which will significantly contribute to outbound travel from the country,” said Nishant Kashikar, country manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, during a media roundtable held on the sidelines of Australia Marketplace India (AMI) from August 3 to 6 in Jaipur.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), visitor arrivals data for the year ended (YE) May 2025 confirms Australia welcomed 453,000 visitors from India, up by 10 per cent. The annual B2B event brought together more than 100 Indian travel agents and 82 Australian tourism operators. While 30 per cent of the sellers were visiting India for the first time, 20 per cent of all participating buyers were new to the platform.
According to Tourism Australia, Indian travellers are extending their stays, with the total number of nights spent in Australia reaching nearly 29 million – a 21 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
“The reason we are seeing this trend is because Indian travellers are no longer limiting themselves to just three or four cities; they are now exploring new states, territories and lesser-known regions across Australia,” added Kashikar.
According to Chennai-based Sriharan Balan, managing director, Madura Travel Service, the outbound demand for Australia in India has taken a great leap post-lockdown.
“We are opening an office in Sydney to catch up with the demand. We are hiring Tamil speaking drivers and guides to cater to our guests. We have student groups who are visiting Australia in November and January. Destinations like Tasmania and Cairns and Canberra are now also climbing up the popularity charts of the Indian outbound traveller.”
Presently, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales are key popular destinations among Indian tourists. The ease of visa processing has played a vital role in promoting travel to Australia in India. The entire process is digitised with no interviews or biometrics needed.
“Visitors get up to a three-year multiple entry visa if they are travelling for the purpose of leisure or for a holiday and one gets up to a five-year multiple entry visa if travelling for MICE or business events. So, we are seeing a very high increase in terms of repeat visitation into Australia not just for leisure but also for business events,” said Kashikar.
Luxury cruise specialist Silversea is gearing up for the opening of its hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – The Cormorant at 55 South – with the unveiling of land offerings that will present guests with an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remote and ecologically rich destinations.
The Cormorant at 55 South hotel is set to welcome first guests in January 2026, and will be a key component in Silversea’s seamless six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise programme. It will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to Antarctica, where guests can fly over the Drake Passage and lead into their expedition from the comfort of the hotel.
The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams will offer guests a seamless and immersive gateway to Antarctica when it opens January 2026
Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, said in a release: “Our vision for The Cormorant at 55 South has always been to transform a journey that had to be endured, into one our guests truly enjoy.
“The Cormorant will be more than just a place to stay – it will become a new point for discovery at the edge of the world while also making the journey to Antarctica more comfortable and enjoyable for our guests. Our teams have created an enriching offering for guests to explore during their stay, giving them the opportunity to engage with the natural and historical heritage of Puerto Williams, all while enjoying the elevated comfort and service that is synonymous with Silversea.”
A variety of guided excursions and activities are available for different activity levels. These experiences will provide intimate access to the subpolar landscapes, from the Magellanic subpolar forests such as those in Parque Municipal Ukika to panoramic vistas, and more.
The Cormorant at 55 South itself is a haven for birdwatching and ecological discovery. The surrounding area is home to an array of bird species, including the cormorant – which serves as inspiration for the hotel’s name – dolphin gull, upland goose, and the yellow-billed pintail. Guests may also admire native horses and guanacos, as well as marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals in the nearby Beagle Channel.
In an earlier interview with TTG Asia, Conrad Combrink, senior vice president, Silversea Expeditions, said: “Our expeditions are designed to not just take our guests to the world’s remote destinations, but place them at the heart of these phenomena, supported by elevated comfort. From our enriching excursions led by industry experts onboard and onshore, to guest-first innovations like our Antarctica Fly Cruise programme and our new hotel in Puerto Williams that provide an effortless journey to Antarctica, we continue to unlock the best in luxury travel that blends enriching discoveries with thoughtful design.”
Combrink added that Silversea is the only cruise line to homeport from Puerto Williams, and The Cormorant at 55 South will provide adventurers with a luxurious pre-departure experience, allowing them to “begin their journey with comfort and ease, topped with Silversea’s personalised service and warm hospitality”.
Gold Coast Airport’s 2024 Master Plan has received approval from the federal government, paving the way for a 20-year development framework aimed at shaping the airport into a more connected and accessible precinct in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The plan, which includes environmental and sustainability measures, was developed following extensive consultation with local communities and cultural stakeholders. It outlines a range of future developments such as a public plaza with integrated transport, expanded hotel and office facilities, a health and wellness centre, a technology and conference hub, a retail village and travel centre, and an extension of Southern Cross University.
Rendering of the Master Plan, which aims to boost connectivity and regional growth across the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the plan enhances connectivity across the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales.
“Ensuring GCA’s connectivity and accessibility is vital for the success of both our airport and the regions we serve. It will also deliver an enduring legacy for the 2032 Games,” she said.
Passenger traffic is projected to more than double by 2044, with 13 million travellers expected annually. Evans said the mixed-use precinct would support a broader role for the airport. “Our vision extends beyond being just an airport – we aim to be a destination in our own right,” she said.
According to the plan, the airport’s economic contribution to the region is expected to reach nearly US$990 million each year and support over 6,000 jobs within two decades. Evans noted the approval represented a significant step towards delivering a future-focused precinct expected to generate health, employment and social benefits for surrounding communities.
The announcement follows the recent sale of a 74.25 per cent stake in Queensland Airports Limited to KKR and Skip Capital, opening the door to further investment opportunities.
“The future is bright for our business as we continue to expand, innovate and evolve,” she said.
The 2024 Gold Coast Airport Master Plan can be viewed here.
AmaWaterways has rolled out 42 new river cruise departures for 2027 in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution.
Two new itineraries include cruises on the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers in France, and a journey along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. These trips feature experts from the Smithsonian and offer cultural and educational experiences.
The new itineraries include cultural explorations along the rivers of France, South-east Asia, and Europe, combining expert-led excursions with immersive local experiences
Eleven itineraries along Europe’s major rivers – such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône – will run in 2026 and 2027. Each includes excursions and talks by specialists, with optional pre- and post-cruise packages hosted by AmaWaterways staff.
AmaWaterways cruises provide dining in multiple venues, unlimited drinks with meals, daily cocktail hours, small group excursions, high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness classes, airport transfers, and more, with trips lasting from eight to 15 days.
The new France itinerary covers Normandy, Burgundy and Provence in 15 days, starting in Paris and travelling along three rivers, with visits to sites such as Omaha Beach and Monet’s home. The Mekong journey lasts 17 days, combining a seven-night river cruise with visits to cities and villages in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Other cruises include an eight-day tulip season cruise through Holland and Belgium, and Danube cruises covering parts of Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans. Guests can also take Christmas market cruises along the Danube and Rhine, as well as trips through Portugal’s Douro River Valley, the Rhône River in Provence, and the waterways of Bordeaux.
“At AmaWaterways, our mission is to create travel experiences that uncover the heart of each destination,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are delighted to partner with Smithsonian Journeys and together offer guests voyages that inspire curiosity, deepen the connection with the places they visit and provide the exceptional comfort and service our guests expect, all the while creating shared and lasting memories.”
Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys, added: “With interest continuing to build, we are excited to introduce the 2027 programme, featuring sailings along Europe’s most iconic rivers and, new for 2027, a chance to venture farther, delving into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on the culturally rich Mekong River.
“As always, these voyages will include the distinctive touches of the Smithsonian – two Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard each voyage and thoughtfully curated shore excursions – and will open the door to new opportunities for curious explorers to more deeply engage with the vibrant history and rich cultures of these extraordinary destinations.”
Full details and booking options are available on AmaWaterways’ website.
Airport Dimensions, in partnership with Blue Sky Lounge, has opened its newest facility, Blue Sky Premier Lounge, at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Indonesia.
This launch follows a strategic investment in Blue Sky Group’s subsidiary Bumi Liputan Angkasa, announced in March. The expansion brings Airport Dimensions’ expertise to Indonesia, adding to its network of over 80 airport lounges worldwide. As the 17th lounge in the Asia-Pacific region, it reflects growing demand for premium airport services and supports the company’s ongoing regional expansion.
The new lounge offers premium facilities and local experiences amid growing passenger traffic at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport; photo by Blue Sky Group
Blue Sky Premier Lounge responds to increased passenger traffic at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, which now handles more than one million travellers monthly. The lounge is located in the domestic terminal near security and a short walk from the gate, offering 500m² of space and seating for up to 137 guests.
The menu highlights local cuisine using regional ingredients, with an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring dishes such as Coto Makassar, Pisang Ijo, and I-ta Suki’s steamboat noodles. A live cooking station operates throughout the day, and a dedicated coffee corner serves Ippolito, Blue Sky’s in-house brand, locally roasted in Indonesia. Guests can also enjoy cold-pressed juices, unlimited Le Minerale water and soft drinks.
Service is designed to provide a seamless experience, beginning with dedicated ambassadors assisting passengers throughout the terminal and a buggy service transporting guests between the lounge and gate. The lounge offers two productivity zones with high-speed Wi-Fi, showers, restrooms, VIP private rooms available for an additional fee, separate prayer rooms for men and women, and a nursery room for families. A smoking wing is also available, equipped with air purification systems.
The lounge is accessible to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class. Priority Pass and LoungeKey members may use the lounge, along with guests booking in advance or purchasing entry on the day, subject to availability. Entry is priced at 195,000 rupiah (US$11.90) per person, with promotional offers during the opening period.
This opening marks the eighth new lounge Airport Dimensions has launched since December, following openings at Jersey Airport, London Heathrow, Lima, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each new lounge supports the company’s goal to meet rising traveller demand in key aviation hubs through operational expertise and strategic growth.
Errol McGlothan, president of Airport Dimensions, EMEA & APAC, commented: “This opening represents not just the expansion of our lounge network, but the strength of collaboration between two industry leaders. Together, we’ve developed a space that meets the rising demand for tourism and premium travel in Indonesia, while setting a new standard for airport lounges in the region.”
“We are excited to partner with Airport Dimensions to open the Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. This lounge combines world-class comfort with local culture, offering travellers a premium experience in one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing cities,” added Linan Kurniahu, CEO of Blue Sky Group.
