Lights on local festivals
Thailand has attracted global attention by securing international mega-events, but local organisers are reflecting on whether greater long-term value could come from investing in home-grown festivals – Pongsiri “Tom” Hetrakul, founder of Awakening Bangkok, shares his perspective on the potential of domestic events
Connecting the dots
Calvin Chan, chief commercial officer of Scoot, charts the carrier’s future, from absorbing key routes to adding new aircraft to serve smaller cities across Asia
Connection over crowds
Jens Thraenhart, co-founder of the High-Yield Tourism Podcast, discusses why meaningful growth starts with strengths
A decade-long streak
From the launch of flagship properties to the integration of AI-driven training tools, Frasers Hospitality is proving that staying at the top requires a blend of local respect and global innovation – CEO Eu Chin Fen dives into the philosophy and future plans of a brand that continues to set the benchmark for extended-stay living
Building a new world
China’s H World Group has marked South-east Asia as a key pillar of its globalisation strategy, with a growing presence across Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos — chief strategy officer He Jihong outlines the path ahead
A new chapter in Asia-Pacific
Family-owned Riu Hotels & Resorts will enter South-east Asia in April 2026 with the 504-room Riu Palace Phuket – Oliver Kluth, SVP sales & business development for the Indian Ocean & Dubai, discusses the group’s eastward expansion, its all-inclusive model in Phuket, and completing its global footprint
A weird and wonderful career
Seasoned hospitality personality, Arthur Kiong, will bow out of his role as managing director of Far East Hospitality (FEH) at the end of 2025 – he recalls lessons from his four-decade-long career and is certain that retirement will continue to bring fruitful days
A green mandate
As Thailand’s hotel sector stabilises after the pandemic, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the 62-year-old Thai Hotels Association (THA), discusses the industry’s push for higher standards, sustainability, and policy reform, while reflecting on the rise of FIT markets and efforts to maintain Thailand’s competitive edge
Temptations for the curious
Lesser-known destinations and rich local experiences, all parts soothing, enriching and active, are what luxury river cruise expert, AmaWaterways is offering to lure curious explorers, especially those from Asia-Pacific – a source market that CEO Catherine Powell is keen on
State of sensible tourism
Sarawak Tourism Board’s CEO, Sharzede Salleh Askor, sheds light on the Malaysian state’s tourism game plan, which takes local communities, local heritage, and the environment into serious consideration
