TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 7th April 2026
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Page 10

Electric boat taxi service launches on Bangkok’s historic canals

By Anne Somanas
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TTA Mariner Co. (TMC) and MuvMi have introduced a new electric boat taxi service for commuting within Bangkok’s old town waterways.

Operating daily from 09.00 to 17.00, the current fleet consists of eight electric boats. Each vessel accommodates up to six passengers and travels at an average speed of 12 kilometres per hour.

Bangkok introduces electric boat taxis linking 14 piers as part of efforts to improve urban mobility and reduce emissions; photo by TMC

Following a free trial run that will conclude in mid-April, standard fares will start at 35 baht (US$1.07) per passenger. Prices increase in a tiered structure based on passenger volume and travel distance, with bookings made through the MuvMi application.

Luxakorn Varasap, spokesperson for TMC, stated: “The MuvMi app is available in English and designed with an easy-to-use UX/UI, allowing visitors to quickly select their pick-up and drop-off piers along the route.”

Users select a preferred pier on the application map and receive details of the assigned boarding point.

The route connects 14 piers along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and Khlong Bang Lamphu, with key stops including Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier, Phra Sumen Fort in Bang Lamphu, Nang Loeng Market via Nakhon Sawan Pier, and Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium near Ratchadamnoen Nok Pier.

Visitors can charter an entire boat for a private group experience starting at 1,000 baht per hour, with bookings arranged in advance via the E-Boat Taxi Thailand by TMC Facebook page, the company’s Line Official Account, or its dedicated call centre.

TMC plans to gradually expand the fleet to reduce passenger waiting times and improve accessibility along the route.

Emphasising the environmental benefits, Varasap noted that the electric boats represent a move towards more sustainable urban mobility. They eliminate fuel spills and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65 per cent compared to diesel boats.

She explained: “By using electric propulsion instead of conventional fuel engines, the boats help reduce carbon emissions, minimise noise pollution, and improve air quality along canal communities.”

Arabian Travel Market 2026 moves to August dates

By TTG Asia
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The 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been rescheduled and will now take place from August 17 to 20, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event was originally planned for May 4 to 7, 2026. Organiser RX said the change was made to prioritise the safety and well-being of participants and to provide greater flexibility for the global travel industry to attend.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 will now take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from August 17 to 20

ATM is now in its 33rd edition and serves as a platform for destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality companies, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals to connect and conduct business.

The event is held annually in Dubai and brings together participants from across the travel and tourism sector.

RX said it will continue working with exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to manage the transition to the new dates.

“Arabian Travel Market has long served as a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector,” said Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for the Middle East at ATM.

“The decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.”

New hotels: Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection and more

By TTG Asia
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Taj Paro Resort & Spa

Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan
Taj Paro Resort & Spa is located in Paro Valley, with views of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. The 45-room resort is built using local stone and reclaimed wood, reflecting Bhutanese architecture. Rooms are designed with natural materials and views of the surrounding mountains.

Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant and a bar, along with a spa, indoor heated swimming pool and fitness centre. Guests can take part in cultural activities such as workshops and guided visits to nearby sites.

The resort is close to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) and other religious landmarks in the valley. Paro International Airport is around 10 km away.

Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection

Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, Vietnam
Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection has opened on the southern bank of the Huong River in central Vietnam, next to Truong Tien Bridge. The hotel sits within Hue’s UNESCO-listed heritage area and is located in the city centre.

The property has 161 guestrooms across two towers, with facilities include an all-day dining restaurant serving Vietnamese and international dishes, and a lobby lounge that operates as a bar in the evening. Wellness facilities include a spa with treatment rooms, a fitness centre and steam room.

The hotel offers meeting and event spaces for up to 370 guests. Nearby attractions include Hue’s historic monuments and riverfront sites. The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport, around 15 km away.

1 Hotel Tokyo

1 Hotel Tokyo, Japan
1 Hotel Tokyo in Akasaka occupies floors 38 to 43 of the Akasaka Trust Tower. The 211-room property includes 24 suites and three penthouses, with views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo Tower. Rooms use natural materials, local craftsmanship and plant elements.

Facilities include three dining venues, a café and a bar focused on Japanese gin. There is over 460m² of event space, including meeting rooms and private dining areas. Wellness facilities include a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool and an outdoor deck.

The hotel is part of Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, a mixed-use development with offices and retail. It is within reach of Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya, and close to parks and embassies. Tokyo’s main airports, Haneda and Narita, are accessible by road and rail.

Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort

Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort, Vietnam
Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort marks a new retreat in Quang Hanh Valley in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh Province. Built around natural hot mineral springs, it is about 30 minutes from Halong and around two and a half hours by road from Hanoi.

The resort has 178 villas and 38 rooms, all with private onsens and access to saunas. Villas range from two to four bedrooms, with sizes from 110 to 550 m². Two larger villas include five bedrooms, private dining areas and additional facilities.

Facilities include a Japanese restaurant, a bar and an all-day dining venue. Wellness features include access to Yoko Onsen with multiple baths, a spa, indoor pool, fitness centre and children’s club. The resort also has meeting rooms and private dining spaces.

Nearby attractions include Long Tien Pagoda, Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda and Sung Sot Cave.

Thaddaeus Weiss returns to lead Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

By TTG Asia
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Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has appointed Thaddaeus Weiss as general manager, overseeing both the hotel and The Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski.

Weiss returns to the property after previously serving as hotel manager from 2021 to 2024 and being part of the pre-opening team. He most recently held the role of hotel manager at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where he oversaw multiple divisions and operations.

Flight disruption deepens as Middle East conflict escalates

By Karen Yue
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Airlines around the world have announced further adjustments to their flight schedule as the US-Israel-Iran war escalates.

Cathay Pacific said on March 18 that it would cancel its Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights up to and including April 30. Affected travellers are offered the flexibility to rebook, reroute or cancel their tickets.

Cathay Pacific is among several airlines that have extended suspension of flights to and from the Middle East

Scoot announced on March 17 more affected flights between Singapore and Jeddah – these would be suspended until March 28. Its full-service sister, Singapore Airlines, has also extended cancellations of its Singapore-Dubai flights to March 28.

Japan Airlines has suspended its Tokyo-Doha flights until March 31 and Doha-Tokyo flights until April 1.

Lufthansa Group has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Dubai until March 28. These flights were previously cancelled through March 15. At the same time, all airlines of the group will suspend flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman and Erbi until March 28; to and from Beirut until March 28; to and from Tel Aviv until April 9; to and from Riyadh until April 5; and to and from Tehran until April 30.

Latest updates from Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways show that they will continue to operate a limited flight schedule so as to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew.

Etihad said “services will operate only once all safety criteria are met”.

The Middle East conflict is costing the travel and tourism industry. The World Travel & Tourism Council said earlier this week that international visitor spend is estimated to be falling by at least US$600 million per day while disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity are affecting tourism demand across the region.

Private jet arrivals rise in Maldives as overall tourist numbers decline

By Feizal Samath
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While the Maldives – like most Asian destinations – has seen a sharp drop in tourist arrivals owing to the conflict in the Middle East, a key transit hub for travellers from Europe, the number of private jets bringing high-end visitors has increased significantly.

A total of 128 private jets landed in the Maldives between February 18 and March 14, a 166 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when 70 aircraft arrived, according to official data.

Private jet traffic to the Maldives has increased as high-end travellers bypass disrupted Middle East transit routes

The figures indicate a shift in travel patterns among high-end travellers seeking direct access to the island destination.

Visit Maldives chairperson Abdullah Ghiyas acknowledged the rise in private jet arrivals but said this segment accounts for less than one per cent of this year’s target of 2.5 million arrivals.

“However, in terms of spending patterns, the revenue is high from this segment of traveller,” he said.

Last year, the Maldives welcomed 2.2 million travellers. While most of the private jets were bringing in Middle Eastern nationals, there were also visitors from Asia and Europe.

To mitigate the impact on arrival numbers, Visit Maldives has called for a unified industry approach to launch joint marketing campaigns.

“These initiatives will specifically target markets such as India, China, Russia, and other Asian regions where travel disruptions have been comparatively less severe, ensuring that demand for the destination remains sustainable,” the state tourism authority said in a statement.

“We are looking at diversifying the market to increase numbers from India, China and Russia, which are unaffected by developments in the Middle East,” Ghiyas said.

Most European traffic travels via Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

The country manager for a European DMC said the company had lost 11 million euros owing to cancellations. “Of the 4,000 pax, we have seen 2,000 cancellations,” he said, adding that airlines were allowing full ticket refunds to travellers seeking to cancel bookings, while ticket prices have risen along with travel insurance.

Looking ahead, the industry official, who declined to be named, said that the perception of Dubai and other Middle East hubs as safe destinations has been shaken by the conflict, denting confidence in using these transit points.

“Even if the war ends tomorrow it will take several months to restore confidence in the Middle East,” he added.

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance rolls out year-round travel campaign

By TTG Asia
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The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance has launched a new global campaign titled Love Sri Lanka, Always, aimed at encouraging travel throughout the year and reducing seasonal fluctuations in visitor demand.

The campaign focuses on promoting the island as a year-round destination by highlighting experiences tied to specific seasons, including cultural events, wildlife activity and natural landscapes. It targets selected international markets, with India identified as a key source due to its proximity and air connectivity.

The Minneriya elephant gathering is among the seasonal experiences highlighted in Sri Lanka’s new tourism campaign; photo by Willowtreehouse

Sri Lanka offers a range of travel experiences across short distances, including wildlife, beaches, tea-growing regions and cultural sites. The campaign aims to encourage both short visits and longer itineraries by presenting different aspects of the country at different times of the year.

Key features include seasonal events such as the Minneriya elephant gathering, Vesak celebrations and the Kandy Esala Perahera. These experiences are used to promote travel outside traditional peak periods and to support tourism activity across different regions.

The campaign is delivered through digital channels, using video, photography and targeted marketing to reach travellers during trip planning stages. It also builds on the existing Love Sri Lanka platform, which provides travel information and trip planning resources.

The initiative comes as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild visitor demand. Tourism operators across the country remain active, with destinations open to international travellers.

Hilton expands with hotel signings in Sydney and Ulaanbaatar

By TTG Asia
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Hilton has signed two new hotels in Australia and Mongolia, expanding its lifestyle brand in Sydney and its luxury brand in Ulaanbaatar.

In Australia, Hilton will introduce its Motto by Hilton brand with a new hotel in Sydney’s CBD. In Mongolia, the company will enter the market with Conrad Ulaanbaatar, marking its first property in the country.

From left: Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre and Conrad Ulaanbaatar form part of Hilton’s expansion into Australia and Mongolia

Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre will be located on York Street, close to The Rocks, Darling Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Scheduled to open in late 2027, the hotel will feature 152 rooms, including interconnecting options for families and groups.

The property will include communal spaces designed for social use, alongside food and beverage outlets such as a café, bar and rooftop venue. Motto by Hilton currently has 10 properties globally, with additional developments in the pipeline.

In Mongolia, Conrad Ulaanbaatar is scheduled to open in 2028 within the Ulaanbaatar Eco Tower, a mixed-use development in the city’s CBD. The 227-room hotel will be located near Sükhbaatar Square, the National Art Gallery and the National Academic Drama Theatre.

Facilities at the property will include four dining venues, about 1,800m² of meeting and event space, and wellness facilities such as an indoor pool and spa.

“This signing reflects our commitment to partnering with owners to deliver meaningful, experience-led luxury for today’s discerning traveller,” said Qian Jin, president for Greater China and Mongolia at Hilton.

Tal Shefer, senior vice president of brand management for Asia-Pacific at Hilton, commented: “With rooms that are designed to flex, and common spaces that are social by nature, Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre is a perfect example of a cleverly compact launchpad that will connect explorers with the pulse of the city.”

Amadeus links UnionPay payments to airline booking channels

By TTG Asia
0

Outpayce from Amadeus and UnionPay International have entered a partnership that will allow airlines to accept UnionPay cards directly through their payment systems.

The agreement enables airlines using Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform to process UnionPay transactions natively across both direct and indirect booking channels. Native acceptance is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, with rollout across markets continuing through the year.

The partnership will allow airlines using Amadeus systems to accept UnionPay cards directly across booking channels

UnionPay cards are issued in 85 countries and regions and can be used in 183 markets. The payment method is widely used by travellers in Asia-Pacific, making it relevant for airlines serving Chinese outbound markets.

According to ResearchAndMarkets, Chinese outbound travel is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 per cent, increasing from US$140 billion to US$386 billion by 2033.

Under the new arrangement, travellers booking through the Amadeus Travel Platform can be redirected to complete payments directly with the airline using UnionPay cards. This allows access to services such as loyalty benefits that may require direct payment with the airline.

For airlines, direct processing of payments is expected to improve cash flow and provide greater control over areas such as fraud management. It also allows airlines to offer consistent payment options across their own websites and third-party distribution channels.

The Amadeus Travel Platform connects travel providers, including airlines, hotels and rail operators, with more than 60,000 travel sellers.

“UnionPay has established a solid presence in the airline payment vertical. By deepening cooperation with Amadeus, UnionPay cards will be fully integrated into the underlying technology of airline distribution,” said Bomme Sheng, global director of UnionPay International.

“We are committed to enabling a smooth payment experience in every channel however the traveller chooses to pay,” added Damian Alonso, head of product and partnerships at Outpayce.

Scenic Group to add three new river cruise ships for Europe and Asia

By TTG Asia
0

Scenic Group plans to expand its river cruise fleet with three new vessels scheduled to enter service between 2027 and 2028. The additions include one Emerald Cruises ship and two Scenic luxury ships operating in Europe and Asia.

The expansion comes as the company marks its 40th year of operations.

Scenic Group will add three new river cruise ships to its fleet between 2027 and 2028, including vessels operating on the Douro and Mekong rivers; Scenic Spirit and Spirit II, pictured

The new ships are part of a broader fleet expansion programme. Scenic Group has previously confirmed several additional vessels, including Emerald Astra, scheduled to begin service in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and Emerald Lumi, which will operate on France’s Seine River from 2027.

The new vessels will operate on the Douro River in Portugal and the Mekong River in South-east Asia.

The first of the ships, Emerald Nova, is scheduled to begin service in June 2027 on the Douro River. The vessel will join Emerald Radiance and operate itineraries exploring northern Portugal and neighbouring regions in Spain.

One of the routes, the 11-day Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley itinerary, includes visits to cities and wine regions along the river, with activities such as guided hikes and kayaking.

Scenic Aria, another vessel planned for the Douro River, is expected to enter service in September 2027. The ship will join Scenic Azure and operate itineraries including the 11-day Unforgettable Douro and the eight-day Delightful Douro cruises.

The third vessel, Scenic Spirit II, is scheduled to begin service in early 2028 on the Mekong River, which flows through Vietnam and Cambodia. The ship will expand the company’s presence in the region following increased demand for cruises in South-east Asia.

The company is also introducing new yachts under the Emerald Cruises brand, including Emerald Kaia in 2026, Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, as well as the Scenic Ikon yacht in 2028.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | BBTF 2026 to focus on gastronomy and destination readiness
TTG Asia | Frasers Hospitality expands Asia footprint
TTG Asia | Thailand pivots to regional tourism hub