Emirates begins next phase of fleet retrofit with a380 and 777 upgrades

November 24, 2025

Emirates’ retrofit programme is entering its next phase, with 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s scheduled for cabin updates.

From August 2026, the airline will introduce new onboard features, a next-generation in-flight entertainment system and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity with Starlink as part of wider fleet modernisation.

The airline will introduce new seating, in-flight entertainment and Starlink connectivity across 111 aircraft starting August 2026

Emirates Engineering, working with Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, Starlink and UUDS, will install new seating designs and an onboard lounge on 60 A380s, paired with Panasonic’s Astrova in-flight entertainment system. The work covers 111 aircraft and supports the airline’s longer-term plans for product consistency across its fleet.

Business Class on the A380 and Boeing 777 will be fitted with Emirates’ latest seating based on Safran’s S Lounge design used on A350 aircraft. Seats will include wireless charging, customisable lighting, storage, minibar amenities and multiple charging options, including USB-C and wireless ports. Customers will have access to 4K ice entertainment. Premium Economy will feature Recaro seating with a mechanical recline system, leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging, a side table and a 13.3-inch screen. Economy Class will feature Safran Z400 seats with an adjustable eight-way headrest.

The Astrova system will be installed on A380s and Boeing 777s, offering 4K OLED displays, Spatial Audio, Bluetooth and 67W USB-C charging. It includes a 3D moving map and personalised content recommendations through Emirates’ Skywards programme. Starlink Wi-Fi will also be added across both aircraft as part of the retrofit.

The programme was announced in 2021 for 120 aircraft and expanded to 191 aircraft in May 2024, before increasing to 219 aircraft later that year. To date, 76 aircraft have been refurbished. Each A380 requires about 22 days and each Boeing 777 about 18 days to complete, with two refurbished aircraft returning to service each month.

“Emirates’ retrofit programme is about continuously elevating standards across our entire fleet. Our customers expect an excellent experience every time they fly Emirates, and this investment ensures we deliver on that promise in the years to come, wherever they travel with us,” said Emirates Airline president Tim Clark.

Google plans AI-powered hotel and flight booking in AI Mode

By TTG Asia

November 24, 2025

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Google is developing hotel and flight booking through AI Mode, building on the agentic tools it introduced two weeks ago for restaurant, event and wellness reservations. The company is working with partners including Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Details on booking flow and payments are still being finalised, and Google has not given a launch date. Partner companies will manage transactions and service bookings made in AI Mode.

Google will soon add hotel and flight booking to its AI Mode travel tools; photo by Subh Naskar

The update follows Google’s recent AI shopping rollout ahead of the holidays. The company has also been expanding its agentic payments work, including a partnership with PayPal in October and the launch of an Agent Payments Protocol in September. Google is exploring how to use information previously provided by users, with permission, and said advertising is likely to follow only after establishing product-market fit.

Investor concerns emerged about potential risk to online travel agencies following the announcement, but BTIG described those concerns as overstated.

Google has added trip-planning tools to Google Canvas, allowing users in AI Mode to request recommendations and create itineraries that can be saved in Canvas. The feature is available to desktop users in the US who have opted into the AI Mode experiment in Google Labs.

The company has also widened access to its AI-powered Flight Deals tool within Google Flights. Previously available in the US, Canada and India, it is being rolled out to more than 200 countries and territories, including Germany, the UK, France, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, and now supports more than 60 languages.

Other companies are also developing agentic booking and commerce tools. OpenAI launched ChatGPT apps last month with Expedia and Booking.com as early partners. Perplexity partnered with SelfBook in the spring to offer hotel booking. Stripe and OpenAI launched Instant Checkout in ChatGPT in September, and Visa and Mastercard have introduced tools to support agentic commerce.

Julie Farago, Google’s vice president of engineering for travel and local search, said: “Our goal is that you’ll be able to also book flights and hotels directly in AI Mode. We’re not going to rush this out the door because we want to make sure that it’s a seamless experience and that people have all the control that they need and expect.”

“We’re committed to partnering with travel companies of every size, so you have all the best options at your fingertips.”

PATA highlights sustainable tourism strategies for tropical coastal cities

By TTG Asia

November 21, 2025

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PATA has released its Developing Sustainable Tourism in Tropical Coastal Cities: Global Case Studies report which outlines strategies for sustainable tourism development in tropical coastal destinations.

Launched on November 18 during the 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, the publication identifies four key pillars: resource management, harmony between locals and visitors, diversification of the economy and tourism products, and implementation of sustainable practices across the private sector.

Released at the 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, the report outlines strategies for balancing growth, sustainability, and community engagement in coastal destinations

The report examines challenges faced by coastal destinations and showcases successful case studies that balance economic growth, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural sustainability.

In Sanya, Wuzhizhou Island established Hainan’s first national-level marine ranch demonstration zone, restoring coral reefs and fishery resources while operating a comprehensive waste management system. The island was designated a “5A” tourist destination and recognised as a “Zero-Waste Tourism Attraction”.

Thailand’s initiatives focus on water resource management, including databases to monitor commercial and residential demand, water conservation campaigns, and fiscal measures to manage peak-season usage, while ecosystem restoration mitigates urban flooding.

Indonesia’s Desa Potato Head Resort in Bali achieved a 97.5 per cent recycling rate in 2023, is implementing solar energy, and has introduced technology to repurpose styrofoam into amenities.

The report is the 18th PATA publication released in 2025, complementing other research including the Annual Tourism Monitor, Halal Travel Trends, and Human Capital Development reports.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “Coastal areas, particularly in tropical regions, are among the most critically threatened by climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, sea-surface temperatures in the South-West Pacific reached unprecedented levels in 2024, while ocean heat content was close to record highs. Other man-made threats – from careless actions to high volumes of visitors during peak seasons –are also putting severe pressure on the ecosystem.

“In the face of such challenges, PATA believes that collective progress must be driven by knowledge-sharing and coordinated action. These were the principles that underpin the creation of this report. We are honoured to share our findings and collected insights at the 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event to emphasise both the urgency of the issue and the power of collaboration.”

The report can be viewed here.

Grand Hyatt Singapore hosts wellness experiences for Hyrox 2025

By TTG Asia

November 21, 2025

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This November, Grand Hyatt Singapore is offering wellness experiences around AIA Hyrox Singapore 2025, highlighting movement, performance, and recovery across its social and fitness spaces in the Grand Living Room on Orchard Road.

As the first Hyrox Training Club in a hotel in South-east Asia, Grand Hyatt Singapore is the Official Hotel Partner of Hyrox across Asia-Pacific.

Guests can enjoy an aperitivo-style dinner of sustainable, locally sourced dishes during the Living Room Session on movement and well-being at 10|Scotts; photo by Grand Hyatt

On November 30, 2025, from 11.00 to 15.30, the hotel will host Oasis Escapes: The Wellness Edition at its alfresco pool and event lawn. The poolside event features post-race dining, including Snapper Tartar, Glazed Pork Belly Bao, salads, chilled proteins, barbecue skewers, desserts, and a wellness beverage bar with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, kombucha, and infused water.

Access to restorative activities, guided stretch and yoga sessions, and Damai House is included. Tickets are priced at S$80 (US$61) per person, with an optional free-flow beverage package at S$50.

On November 27, 2025, from 18.00 to 21.00, the Living Room Session at 10|Scotts will explore the role of movement in modern well-being, with a panel of fitness and wellness experts. Guests can enjoy the Grand Evening Indulgence, an aperitivo-style dinner featuring cheeses, salads, fruits, smoked salmon, and warm plates including Spanish-style prawns, croquetas de jamón, and parmesan Frites Atelier, served tableside.

Grand Hyatt Singapore also offers a curated Hyrox Stay Experience from November 26 to December 3, 2025. The package supports pre- and post-race preparation with breakfast options, welcome energy snacks, spa discounts, in-room recovery amenities, dining discounts at StraitsKitchen, Pete’s Place, and Oasis, and complimentary race kit cleaning. World of Hyatt members receive an additional 10 per cent off selected room rates using the code HYROX when booking on the Hyatt website or app.

For more information, visit Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Aman Group to open Janu resort on Al Marjan Island

By TTG Asia

November 21, 2025

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Aman Group is expanding its Janu brand with a new property in Ras Al Khaimah: Janu Al Marjan Island. The hotel and exclusive Janu Residences will join the forthcoming Janu Dubai, furthering the brand’s global footprint.

The opening follows the debut of Janu Tokyo in 2024 and underscores the brand’s expansion in Dubai, Turks and Caicos and Saudi Arabia, highlighting Janu’s focus on purposeful connections in exceptional locations.

Rendering of Janu Al Marjan Island, which will feature a 132-key hotel, exclusive residences, wellness facilities and beachfront amenities

Set on a collection of islands in the Arabian Gulf, the resort reflects Janu’s focus on collective joy, design-led spaces and meaningful connection.

The 132-key hotel will offer expansive sea views and amenities including a wellness centre with yoga studio, gym, banya and hammam, two restaurants, a Mixology Bar, a nightlife venue, a kids’ club, a private beach, a Beach Club and pool. Adjacent residential towers will house one- to five-bedroom Janu Residences and a limited number of standalone villas, with full access to the resort’s facilities. The property is near Wynn Al Marjan Island and the Marina, with mooring nearby.

Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said: “Janu Ras Al Marjan Island will offer a vibrant setting where like-minded individuals can connect through shared experiences, immerse themselves in the region’s striking natural beauty, and embrace the brand’s spirited approach to contemporary, connected living.”

Toei Kyoto Studio Park to rebrand as Uzumasa Kyoto Village in March 2026

By TTG Asia

November 21, 2025

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Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Kyoto’s Uzumasa district will reopen as Uzumasa Kyoto Village on March 28, 2026, marking the first phase of a full-scale renovation to coincide with the park’s 50th anniversary.

The relaunch will transform the park into an immersive Edo period town for adult visitors, with a focus on experiencing the daily life, culture, and cuisine of historical Kyoto. Night-time operations will also be introduced, extending visiting hours and enhancing Kyoto’s evening tourism.

The park will offer an immersive Edo-period town experience, new dining and retail options, and evening operations for visitors

The renewed park will feature an authentic Edo streetscape created by the Toei Kyoto Studio Art Team, known for classics such as The Legend & Butterfly and Ōoku: The Inner Chambers. Visitors can enjoy dynamic performances, hands-on cultural programmes including tea ceremony and Noh theatre, ninja-themed attractions, and kimono rentals for a fully immersive experience.

Food offerings will include 10 new dining venues serving Kyoto specialties, ranging from sushi and yakitori to craft beer and traditional confectionery. Three new retail stores will offer exclusive Japanese-themed items.

Uzumasa Kyoto Village remains easily accessible, located a five-minute walk from JR Uzumasa Station and within short travel times from major cities such as Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. Admission prices are set at 2,800 yen (US$19) for adults, 1,800 yen for junior and senior high school students, and 1,600 yen for children aged three and above, with prices subject to change post-renewal.

The redevelopment will roll out in three phases, with Phase 2 scheduled for spring 2027, including additional dining and retail establishments and the Yūkaku Zone historical entertainment district. Phase 3, in spring 2028, will see the opening of the traditional-style Nakamuraza theatre and a planned bathing facility.

Uzumasa Kyoto Village, originally opened in 1975, is Japan’s only theme park where visitors can observe the filming of jidaigeki period dramas, offering a combination of studio sets, cultural experiences, and seasonal events.

Hilton introduces Diamond Reserve, revamps Hilton Honors for 2026

By TTG Asia

November 21, 2025

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Hilton is expanding its Hilton Honors loyalty programme with the introduction of a new top-tier status, Diamond Reserve, debuting in January 2026. The tier offers enhanced benefits including Confirmable Upgrade Rewards at the time of booking, guaranteed late checkout, and exclusive 24/7 customer service.

Gold and Diamond statuses will also become more accessible. Gold can now be earned with 25 nights per year, down from 40, while Diamond requires 50 nights instead of 60. Members retain benefits such as early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits or continental breakfast, executive lounge access for Diamond, and increased Points earnings.

Hilton’s revamped loyalty programme gives members faster elite status, premium upgrades, and exclusive benefits across its properties worldwide; Waldorf Astoria New York, pictured

Diamond Reserve is designed for Hilton’s most loyal travellers, achievable with 80 nights and US$18,000 annual eligible spend. The Confirmable Upgrade Reward allows members to secure premium room upgrades, including one-bedroom suites, for stays of up to seven nights at eligible properties, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR, and Signia by Hilton. Other perks include priority access to executive lounges and Premium Clubs, 120 per cent Points bonus on stays, and personalised support through dedicated service teams.

Hilton Honors continues to offer flexible redemption options, no blackout dates, no resort fees on reward stays, and the Fifth Night Free benefit. Members can also combine Points and money for reward bookings across Hilton’s portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels, including over 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties and more than 450 boutique hotels through the partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Chris Nassetta, Hilton president and CEO, said: “Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their travel journey. Hilton Honors (delivers) what matters most to our members: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world.”

Aviation roundup: Emirates, Air Canada and more

By TTG Asia

November 21, 2025

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Emirates, Air Canada extend partnership to 2032
Emirates and Air Canada have signed an MoU to extend their codeshare and loyalty partnership until December 31, 2032. The agreement builds on their 2022 collaboration, which has carried more than 550,000 passengers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai and other destinations.

The extended partnership will expand reciprocal codeshare services and create potential for additional Canadian gateways within the network. Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates routes to the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and South-east Asia, while Emirates customers can connect to 37 destinations in Canada and the US via Air Canada services. The interline agreement provides access to more than 225 destinations globally.

Since 2022, Air Canada has co-located its Dubai flights at Terminal 3, giving eligible passengers access to Emirates facilities. Both carriers offer reciprocal earn-and-redeem privileges across their frequent flyer programmes and plan to extend this to Premium Economy cabins.

Air Canada operates daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Toronto and Dubai. Emirates operates daily A380 flights to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal.

AirAsia X has commenced services between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul

AirAsia X begins Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul service
AirAsia X (AAX) has launched its first direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, marking its entry into Türkiye. The inaugural flight D7-604 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 on November 14, 2025, and arrived at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

The airline will operate the route four times weekly, providing over 150,000 seats per year. Through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru connection, travellers can now book a seamless journey via AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK), which runs 11 daily flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, onward to AAX’s longhaul service to Istanbul and other destinations.

Philippine Airlines expands North American services
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will boost its Manila-Los Angeles non-stop service from 14 to 18 weekly flights from June 1, 2026. The additional services will operate three times daily on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 777 aircraft.

The expanded schedule will provide improved connectivity to PAL’s domestic and regional network, as well as onward travel throughout the US via partner airlines. The increase complements the planned boost of Manila-Seattle flights from three to five times weekly from November 25, 2025, and supports existing services to San Francisco, Honolulu, New York and Guam.

PAL will also launch thrice-weekly nonstop flights between Cebu and Guam from December 16, 2025, establishing the only direct link between the two destinations.

These changes reflect PAL’s broader North American expansion and aim to offer greater travel options across the Philippines, Asia and the US.

Firefly launches Kuala Lumpur-Krabi route
Firefly has introduced a daily direct jet service between Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 and Krabi. The inaugural flight on November 17, 2025 marked the start of the airline’s latest international expansion.

The service operates daily return flights and adds regional connectivity for travellers moving between Malaysia and Thailand. Firefly passengers receive 10kg checked baggage, in-flight snacks and flexible flight changes, and travellers connecting via Malaysia Airlines have through-checked baggage and an included meal.

Events now drive travel decisions as younger travellers reshape itineraries: Arival

By TTG Asia

November 20, 2025

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The latest report from Arival highlights a significant shift in how younger travellers plan and spend. Events, from music festivals and cultural performances to live sports, are increasingly the primary reason for trips rather than an add-on.

Arival’s Event-Driven Traveler report, based on an online survey of 2,400 US and European travellers in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, was conducted in fall 2024. Respondents qualified as “event travellers” if they had taken a leisure trip of at least 100 miles from home in the past year, stayed overnight, and attended a performing arts or sporting event. The study examined their behaviours, preferences and attitudes around event attendance, trip planning and spending.

The Arival report shows concerts, sports and cultural events are becoming the main reason for trips, boosting spending and planning intensity

A live event was a key factor in choosing the destination for nearly half of US travellers aged 18-34, and for two in five travellers in Europe. This trend is reshaping itineraries, driving travel spend, and creating new opportunities for experience providers.

In 2024, 73% of US travellers and 60% of Europeans attended an event. Younger travellers attended an average of 3.7 events per year in the US and 3.0 in Europe. US travellers aged 35-54 spent nearly US$400 per event, the highest of any group, while European travellers aged 18-34 spent 221 euros (US$241) per event, topping all other age groups.

Sports dominate attendance, although performing arts remain strong among older travellers. Most travellers book tickets before their trip, with 53% securing them in advance in both regions.

The report shows that events influence the entire travel journey. In the US, football, basketball and baseball lead sporting event attendance, while in Europe, soccer and tennis are most popular. Concerts and cultural performances also rank highly, illustrating the variety of experiences travellers seek. Planning is intentional, with most securing tickets weeks ahead to guarantee access, though many continue researching close to the event date, emphasising the need for visibility among last-minute planners.

These insights will form a central theme at Arival 360 Valencia, taking place from April 27-29, 2026. Under the theme The Tomorrow Operator, the event will explore how tours, activities and attractions can adapt to this new reality, examining generational travel shifts, demand management around high-profile events, and the use of AI to personalise and optimise event-driven experiences.

Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival, said that events are becoming a key driver of travel planning, particularly for younger generations. “For many travellers, the concert or match isn’t just part of the itinerary – it’s the reason they’re going. The event-driven traveller is highly intentional. They’re researching across social platforms, booking early to avoid sell-outs, and spending significantly.

“The opportunity for experience companies to build around these behaviours is enormous. Operators who can connect the dots between events, local experiences and seamless booking will be best positioned to capture this growing market.”

Astex debut puts North Sumatra’s tourism offer under the spotlight

By Tiara Maharani

November 20, 2025

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North Sumatra held its first Astindo Sumut Travel Exchange (Astex) in Medan earlier this month to present Lake Toba and nearby destinations to the international travel trade. The debut brought together 72 local sellers and 117 domestic and overseas buyers.

Held at Selecta Convention Hall and supported by the provincial North Sumatra government, Medan City government and Samosir Regency Government, Astex is the first B2B travel mart organised by the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (Astindo) North Sumatra chapter, which represents about 70 travel and tour operators across the province.

Astex’s debut highlights North Sumatra’s push to promote Lake Toba and nearby destinations to the global trade; photo by Tiara Maharani

“Lake Toba has strong name recognition, but many buyers admitted they didn’t know what the area actually offers, what’s developing, and where the opportunities lie,” said Tengku Feria Aznita, chairman of Astindo North Sumatra.

Yuda Pratiwi Setiawan, head of the North Sumatra Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Office, said Astex comes at a time when international arrivals continue to climb, stating that “this kind of collaboration is important as we work to position North Sumatra as Western Indonesia’s tourism hub”.

The Central Bureau of Statistics recorded 250,413 foreign visitors to North Sumatra in 2024, up 26.3 per cent from the previous year, with 193,758 recorded by August 2025, led by Malaysia, Singapore, China, the Netherlands and Germany.

Yuda said upgrades to road networks, progress on the Kuala Tanjung–Parapat toll link and new international flights at Kuala Namu Airport, including services from Abu Dhabi, are helping strengthen the province’s appeal.

“Connectivity is also improving and the product base is growing. What we need now is consistent promotion to the trade, and ASTEX supports that,” he noted.

The event showcased lake-based activities, destination management companies, hotels, transport operators and phinisi cruise providers.

For Jakarta-based buyer Sukeni, CEO of Hagia Tours, the showcase made North Sumatra easier to read. “It helped us see what the province can actually offer and how the pieces fit,” she said.

From the seller side, Nawan Syahputra of Sultan Tebing Travel said buyers’ questions focused on practicalities, adding that “their questions were quite detailed, especially around access, movement, and the packaging potential of each experience”.

A post-tour introduced buyers to several sites, including Lumbini Natural Park, the Sibea-bea hillside Jesus statue and Huta Siallagan, a preserved Batak village.

Buyers TTG Asia spoke with said the post-tour offered impressive scenery but felt “more of a scenic drive than a product preview”.

Several shared that without clear explanations at each stop, it was difficult to understand how the sites fit into a wider itinerary.

“We moved from place to place without really understanding why the sites mattered. The storytelling was missing, and with clearer context, the same route could become a much stronger product,” said Aroun Lim, marketing manager at Mekong Tour and Travel Australia.

Buyer feedback has given Astindo North Sumatra direction for future editions, with plans to make Astex an annual event. Feria said the priority will be clearer destination presentation and stronger alignment between products, access and market expectations.

Emirates begins next phase of fleet retrofit with a380 and 777 upgrades

Google plans AI-powered hotel and flight booking in AI Mode

PATA highlights sustainable tourism strategies for tropical coastal cities

Grand Hyatt Singapore hosts wellness experiences for Hyrox 2025

Aman Group to open Janu resort on Al Marjan Island

Toei Kyoto Studio Park to rebrand as Uzumasa Kyoto Village in March 2026

Hilton introduces Diamond Reserve, revamps Hilton Honors for 2026

Aviation roundup: Emirates, Air Canada and more

Events now drive travel decisions as younger travellers reshape itineraries: Arival

Astex debut puts North Sumatra’s tourism offer under the spotlight

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