TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 27th January 2026
Page 8

Picnic Island Tasmania unveils full experience menu before 2026 debut

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Picnic Island Tasmania has released details of its curated guest experiences ahead of its scheduled opening in February 2026, positioning the private island as an all-inclusive base for exploring Tasmania’s east coast.

The experience menu centres on nature, food and low-impact exploration, with activities shaped around local conditions, wildlife patterns and guest interests rather than fixed itineraries. A dedicated island host works with guests to plan daily programmes, allowing flexibility for weather and seasonal changes.

Curated activities at Picnic Island immerse guests in the natural and cultural landscape of Tasmania’s East Coast

Wildlife encounters are a key feature, with opportunities to observe Little Penguins and Short-tailed Shearwaters that nest on the island, as well as Australian fur seals, dolphins and migrating whales offshore. Marine excursions and guided walks are conducted under established protocols to minimise environmental impact. Other nature-based options include boat-based marine discovery trips and stargazing.

Culinary experiences focus on regional producers and Tasmanian ingredients. Guests can visit oyster farms, distilleries and cool-climate vineyards on the mainland, while meals on the island are prepared by a private chef using local produce.

Exploration activities include boat trips to Wineglass Bay and other parts of the Freycinet coastline, guided peninsula walks, cycling, hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, subject to conditions.

Wellness offerings include yoga, meditation, cold-water immersion and in-suite massage treatments, with an emphasis on privacy, limited guest numbers and time away from digital distractions.

Most experiences are included in the all-inclusive rate. Selected additions, such as helicopter flights, specialist guides and extended wellness services, are available at extra cost.

For more information, visit Picnic Island Tasmania.

BTS World Tour marks Singapore for four-night performance

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K-pop powerhouse, BTS, has unveiled their World Tour schedule for 2026/2027, and has marked Singapore for their longest run in Asia. The South Korean boy band with a global fanbase will perform on December 17, 19 to 20, and 22.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a statement that this underscores Singapore as a premier destination for entertainment with a vibrant, year-round calendar of exciting leisure experiences.

Singapore scores four nights in K-pop powerhouse BTS’s world tour schedule

The BTS win is an extension of STB’s partnership with Hybe, which manages several K-pop artists including BTS, following successful collaborations with other top K-pop acts.

Guo Teyi, director, leisure events, STB, said: “We’re pleased to host the BTS World Tour for four nights in Singapore in partnership with Klook – the longest run in Asia outside of (South) Korea and Japan.

“This milestone reflects the strong collaborative partnership with Hybe and its label, and is testament to the growing confidence international artists and
producers have in Singapore’s ability to deliver unforgettable, world-class live entertainment.

“We look forward to welcoming Army (the global fanbase of BTS), and to showcasing not only an extraordinary series of performances, but also the vibrant and distinctive experiences our city has to offer.”

Singapore has a strong track record in hosting massive, multi-night concerts, with success stemming from the country’s entertainment ecosystem, encompassing expertise in delivering exceptional experiences, world-class venues, strong regional connectivity, excellent infrastructure, safe environment and diverse accommodation options that cater to different traveller preferences.

STB’s partnership with Hybe kicked off in 2024, and both have rolled out diverse initiatives including content creation for social media, and event participation featuring prominent K-pop acts such as j-hope, Seventeen, and Enhypen.

Most recently, Singapore was featured in Jin’s music video, Don’t Say You Love Me.

Klook, which is committed to supporting STB on inbound tourism initiatives, will work with Hybe “to bring global icons BTS to Singapore”.

Sarah Wan, general manager, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, said: “Together, we are reshaping how fans experience travel and entertainment. With a strong track record supporting major concerts and events across Asia, we are excited to connect fans with this world-class experience and showcase the best of what Singapore has to offer.”

BTS had performed in Singapore previously – in 2014 for their BTS 2014 Live Trilogy Episode 2! The Red Bullet Tour; in 2017 for the KBS Music Bank World Tour; and in 2019 for the Love Yourself Tour. For the 2019 concert, tickets were sold out in four hours.

BTS members have also held solo concerts in Singapore; Suga performed in 2023 and j-hope in 2025.

The BTS World Tour will kick off this April in Goyang, South Korea, and move on to other Asia-Pacific cities including Tokyo, Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong and Manila. Organisers have indicated plans for more cities to be announced in 2027.

Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong appoints GM

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Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong has named Ross Park as its general manager.

Park has been with Marriott since 2016 and most recently managed rooms and commercial teams at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

His background includes sales and marketing strategy, brand conversions, and hotel openings across international brands.

Indonesia tourism ministry urges shift to high-value, niche itineraries

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Indonesia’s minister of tourism has called on travel companies to develop high-value, niche itineraries to meet current travel demand, as the Ministry of Tourism released a series of official travel guides aimed at supporting product development by travel agents.

The guides are intended to help agents design specialised itineraries and include Wisata Rasa Bumi Pasundan, a gastronomic roadmap for West Java; Indonesia Gourmet Guide, a curated directory of 120 restaurants in Jakarta and Bali; Wellness Journey Across the Java Wonders, which highlights Yogyakarta and Surakarta as holistic health destinations; and the Wonderful Indonesia Diving Directory, covering dive sites in eastern Indonesia with safety information and locations of hyperbaric chambers.

ASITA celebrates its 55th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to quality and sustainable tourism and introducing new travel guides; photo by Mimi Hudoyo

Speaking to members of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) at the association’s 55th anniversary celebration in Jakarta last week, tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the focus of tourism development must move beyond volume.

“The future of Indonesian tourism is not just about chasing numbers. We are strengthening the quality of the visitor experience and ensuring the industry remains sustainable for generations to come,” she said.

Widiyanti said ASITA members were expected to actively socialise and use the guides in developing high-value, niche itineraries. She also called for stronger professional integrity across the industry, noting that sustainable growth depended on a licensed and orderly business ecosystem. She urged ASITA to ensure all partners were officially registered and compliant with current ministerial regulations, which are designed to protect international visitors and safeguard Indonesia’s tourism credibility.

Safety and innovation were highlighted as priorities for the coming year, with the ministry planning to roll out a nationwide safety initiative, including specialised training for travel agents. Widiyanti added that to remain competitive, ASITA members must adjust their marketing strategies to target six pillars of modern travel: cultural immersion, eco-friendly tourism, nature and culture, culinary, wellness and bleisure.

ASITA chairman Nunung Rusmiati stated the 55th anniversary marked a moment of reflection and reaffirmation of the association’s direction.

“At the age of 55, ASITA is committed to being a mature and respected association, upholding the dignity of the Indonesian travel industry, and making a real contribution to realising quality and sustainable tourism towards Golden Indonesia,” she said.

She noted the association had taken steps to strengthen professionalism through service standards and business ethics, reinforce tourist safety and protection, apply sustainable tourism principles, support members and the wider business ecosystem, and strengthen collaboration with central and regional governments.

“Through this series of strategic steps, ASITA affirms our position as a strategic partner of the government and tourism stakeholders in building a quality, sustainable, and globally competitive Indonesian tourism ecosystem,” she added.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, ASITA also signed a memorandum of understanding with Messe Berlin (Singapore) to form a host collaboration for Travel Meet Asia 2026. Budijanto Ardiansjah, secretary general of DPP ASITA and chairman of the ASITA Fair Executive Committee, said the partnership was expected to strengthen international promotion and support the development of tourism events and exhibitions.

He shared: “This collaboration is expected to strengthen the promotion of Indonesian tourism at the international level, increase global market access for Indonesian tourism industry players, and support the development of quality and sustainable tourism events and exhibitions.”

Thailand pivots to quality growth with Tourism Next 2026 strategy

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set out its strategic direction for 2026 under the Thailand Tourism Next framework, targeting up to three trillion baht in total tourism revenue as it shifts towards higher-value tourism.

The strategy follows a resilient performance in 2025, when tourism continued to support economic recovery despite global uncertainty. International arrivals reached 32.97 million, including a record 10.8 million visitors from longhaul markets. Arrivals from the UK and the US each exceeded one million for the first time. Domestic travel remained steady, with 202 million trips taken by Thai travellers. Combined tourism activity generated about 2.7 trillion baht in revenue.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool outlines the Thailand Tourism Next strategy for 2026

At the centre of the 2026 agenda is the Amazing 5 Economy framework, which prioritises value over volume. The Life Economy focuses on wellness and medical tourism, while the Sub-Culture Economy targets niche segments such as film, sports, yacht and cruise tourism, private aviation and creative industries. Night Economy initiatives aim to extend length of stay and spread activity beyond daytime hours. Circular Economy measures embed sustainability and regional income distribution, while the Platform Economy supports digital travel services, e-commerce and cashless systems.

Five marketing strategies support this approach, including strengthening confidence in the Amazing Thailand brand through safety and service standards, positioning Thailand as a premium destination, and enhancing air connectivity through airline partnerships. These are supported by targeted communications, demand management and efforts to spread travel across regions and seasons.

International campaigns include Healing is the New Luxury, positioning Thailand as a year-round destination centred on well-being and cultural experiences. Domestic campaigns continue to promote higher-value travel and reinforce engagement with local destinations. Longhaul markets will be prioritised through experience-led travel and cultural depth, while shorthaul markets will be addressed through market-specific engagement and expanded niche offerings.

These efforts are supported by the development of TAT as an intelligence hub, using digital platforms to connect travellers and tourism operators, alongside initiatives to promote year-round festivals, pilot green destinations and recognised quality and sustainability standards.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “Thailand Tourism Next marks a clear shift from recovery to transformation. In 2026, the focus is on elevating quality, restoring balance and creating long-term value for the economy, society and the environment. The three trillion-Baht target reflects confidence in Thailand’s potential and a commitment to growth that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient for the future.”

Inspiring Vacations launches women-only tours across Asia

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Inspiring Vacations has introduced a new range of tours exclusively for women, partnering with female leaders in key destinations to offer tailored itineraries. Each journey includes a female tour leader and provides opportunities to engage with inspiring local women in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea.

The Inspired Women tours combine regular sightseeing with experiences that support female-first businesses, focusing on wellness, culture and connection. Packages include daily breakfast and selected meals, hotel accommodation, small group travel with a maximum of 16 to 20 participants depending on destination, select transportation and in-depth sightseeing. Most tours also include airport transfers and traditional accommodation experiences such as a Korean hanok or Japanese ryokan.

The new Inspired Women tours offer female travellers immersive experiences and engagement with local women-led businesses in India, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam

Peita Davis, head of global product at Inspiring Vacations, said the tours are designed to highlight women’s stories while offering meaningful engagement for travellers.

Itineraries include a range of destinations and activities. The 13-day Inspired Japan & South Korea tour features a pottery class in Kyoto, a visit to meet a Hiroshima survivor, a traditional Obanzai home meal, encounters with haenyeo divers in South Korea, and a meeting with a North Korean defector at the DMZ. Prices start from A$8,395 (US$5,640) from Australia and A$10,195 from New Zealand.

The 14-day Inspired Sri Lanka tour includes a cinnamon product centre, mask-making workshop, Galle Tuk Tuk tour, morning yoga and Ayurvedic massage, and visits to the Barefoot Gallery and Selyan Fairtrade Handloom, from A$3,595 from Australia and A$4,695 from New Zealand.

The 10-day Inspired Vietnam tour covers Koto Van Mieu, a cooking class in Hanoi, the Vietnam Women’s Museum, lantern-making in Hoi An and Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village, from A$2,495 from Australia and A$2,995 from New Zealand.

Additional tours include the 13-day Inspired Vietnam & Sapa from A$3,245 from Australia, and 15-day Inspired India from A$5,645 from Australia, featuring women-led businesses, cultural workshops, yoga sessions, and city tours.

Paul Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Inspiring Vacations, said: “I’m thrilled to be part of yet another exciting new range thoughtfully designed for our valued female customers. To further encourage connection between travellers, each Inspiring Women tour also offers paired solo options. This is a popular choice for many of our customers and is often cited by previous travellers as a great way of forging lasting friendships.

He added: “The Inspired Women’s range was created in response to our customer feedback and demand, and each tour is a great way to dive deeper into the destination and forge a kinship with like-minded travellers.”

Oceania Cruises implements adults-only travel for future voyages

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Oceania Cruises will now welcome only adult guests on all new reservations for future voyages, effective immediately. The policy applies to travellers aged 18 and older and aims to enhance the onboard atmosphere for guests.

Reservations made before January 7, 2026, that include travellers under 18 will be honoured, ensuring a smooth transition for existing bookings. The move reflects the cruise line’s focus on providing a relaxed environment that encourages connection and a serene travel experience.

Oceania Cruises’ new policy ensures a tranquil, adult-focused atmosphere on all future sailings; photo by Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises commented that the policy change responds to guest preferences for a calm onboard atmosphere and supports the brand’s commitment to delivering inspirational journeys where travellers can explore at their own pace and enjoy the company of like-minded fellow guests.

The cruise line conducted research among repeat guests, travel partners and new clients. Findings indicated that guests are drawn to Oceania Cruises for its unhurried pace, sophisticated service and tranquil environment, attributes highly valued by mature and affluent travellers.

Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, said: “Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again. By transitioning to an adults-only experience, we are enhancing the very essence of the Oceania Cruises journey – one defined by sophistication, serenity and discovery.”

Agoda introduces AI chatbot to address last-minute booking queries

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Agoda has unveiled its Booking Form Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to answer booking-related questions during the final stage of the reservation process. The tool is intended to address common last-minute queries that can cause travellers to pause or exit before completing a booking.

According to internal research by Agoda, 28 per cent of users navigate back to the property page from the booking page to recheck trip details. Customer research found that uncertainty around promo codes, cancellation policies and price differences are among the main reasons bookings are delayed or abandoned. The Booking Form Bot provides real-time responses to these queries within the booking form, allowing users to remain on the page while seeking clarification.

Agoda’s new Booking Form Bot provides real-time answers to booking questions during the final stage of the reservation process

The chatbot builds on Agoda’s existing Property AMA Bot, which answers more than 30,000 accommodation-related questions each day. While the earlier tool focuses on property information, the Booking Form Bot operates at checkout, where booking decisions are finalised. It draws directly from the user’s active booking session, including the selected property, room type, rate plan and terms, enabling it to provide session-specific answers without requiring users to repeat information.

Questions handled by the bot include eligibility for free cancellation, cashback offers and payment terms. Agoda said the approach aims to reduce friction at checkout by providing context-aware information at the point of decision.

The Booking Form Bot is accessible by tapping a chat icon on the booking form page and is available on the Agoda app and mobile browser. Agoda did not disclose plans to expand the tool to desktop platforms.

The launch forms part of Agoda’s broader use of AI to support the booking process across accommodation, flights and activities. The company said the focus remains on improving clarity and efficiency at key points in the user journey.

Idan Zalzberg, chief technology officer at Agoda, said: “Helping travellers stay informed at every step of their journey is central to building trust in our platform. At the booking stage, last-minute questions often arise around cancellation options or payment terms. The Booking Form Bot provides instant answers right when travellers need them, helping them book with confidence.”

Dream Cruises rolls out pickleball clinic at sea

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Dream Cruises is partnering with Singapore’s pickleball club, Performance Pickleball, to launch an exclusive pickleball clinic at sea aboard Genting Dream from February 3 to 6, 2026.

The three-night cruise departs from Singapore to Phuket and marks the first-ever pickleball-at-sea experience.

Guests can learn and play pickleball at sea on Genting Dream, alongside on-board entertainment and dining

The sailing features Performance Pickleball’s professional mobile court, introductory clinics led by trained coaches, and a curated range of retail offerings for players of all levels. Guests can learn and play while enjoying ocean views, entertainment and on-board amenities.

In addition to the clinics, passengers can explore the ship’s recreational facilities, including waterslides, rope courses and fitness centres, or relax at The Spa. Evenings feature Broadway-style shows, while families can enjoy glow bowling, VR attractions, arcades and kids’ clubs. Over 35 dining venues onboard offer halal, vegetarian and Jain options, as well as a wide range of international cuisines.

Participants can register for the clinic at the Box Office Counter on Deck 6. Participation is free, with limited slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The sailing also serves as a lead-up to Singapore’s first-ever Epic World Championship (April 30 to May 4, 2026), a four-day pickleball tournament for amateur players supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. Guests on the cruise have the chance to sharpen their skills ahead of this landmark event.

For more information, visit StarDream Cruises.

TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Edgar Lacker, Aviareps

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Asia will remain a major tourism destination and traveller source market this year, with significant growth in outbound numbers from countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, largely driven by economic resilience, a growing middle class, and improved visa policies and flight network, according to Edgar Lacker, CEO of Aviareps, a global representation company serving the travel and tourism industry.

In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions, Lacker lays out why Asia is shaping up as the travel powerhouse in 2026, the continued value of volume markets China and India, emerging source markets to watch for, and destinations in this region that are shining bright.