The Chinatown Business Association will present the Chinatown Dragon Boat Festival 2025 from May 31 to June 1, taking place daily from 13.00 to 19.00 along Smith Street in Singapore.
The festival aims to bring residents, visitors, and businesses together in a shared celebration of tradition, food, and local culture in the heart of Chinatown.
Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Chinatown with live performances, hands-on workshops, festive treats, and even a land-based Dragon Boat Rowing Race
Celebrating one of the oldest traditions in Chinese culture, the event will bring together a variety of activities centred around heritage, food, and community. Visitors can explore cultural workshops including a bookmark painting session and the Dragon Boat Canvas Voyage, where participants create dragon boat-themed artworks guided by facilitators.
At the Nyonya Chang Workshop, attendees will learn the traditional method of preparing and wrapping rice dumplings, and take home two uncooked pieces.
A land-based Dragon Boat Rowing Race will offer a chance for friendly competition, with individuals and teams aiming for the highest stroke count in timed rounds using dragon-inspired rowing machines. Traditional Lantern Riddles will also engage visitors in a test of wit and cultural knowledge.
Throughout both days, live performances will animate Smith Street, featuring lion and dragon dances, drum performances, traditional Chinese dance, face changing, harmonica music, and Teochew opera – showcasing various forms of Chinese performing arts.
Furthermore, there will be a quiet Art Corner offering books on seasonal traditions, symbolic items such as mugwort bundles and festive bookmarks, and a journal where visitors can pen messages or thoughts.
In addition, businesses along Smith Street will join the celebration with exclusive promotions, such as discounts on Nyonya Kebaya rentals, promotional prices on festive rice dumpling bundles, dragon boat-shaped banana split desserts, as well as chicken rice with dumpling-shaped rice to mark the occasion.
Ongoing tariff negotiations between global trade markets and the US as well as economic volatility will likely be a blip in the long-term forecast for the aviation industry, which maintains a positive outlook for 2025, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
This view is conveyed through the newly published Aviation Outlook 2025 report by Alton Aviation Consultancy, a global firm with offices in New York, Dublin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore and Tokyo.
Asia-Pacific is projected to remain the largest market for air travel, driven primarily by increasing long-term demand from China and India
The report echoes IATA’s projection of more than five billion air passengers in 2025 and total industry revenues breaking the US$1 trillion mark for the first time in history.
The consultancy states that the aviation industry is expected to continue its long-term growth trend of four per cent per annum from 2024 to 2034, supported by a 2.7 per cent annual growth in global GDP. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to remain the largest market for air travel, with an anticipated growth rate of 5.1 per cent per annum, driven primarily by increasing long-term demand from China and India.
While Alton’s researchers agree that expectations are high for the aviation industry this year, they highlighted four conditions that could impact eventual performance.
First, supply chain issues continue to put pressure on aircraft production and delivery. Despite being able to ramp up production in early 2025, Boeing continues to see delivery delays, disrupting airlines’ fleet plans and limiting airlines’ network growth. Additionally, airworthiness directives grounding over 600 Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) aircraft, combined with lower-than-expected durability of GTF and CFM International LEAP engines, are likely to remain an issue, as labour and material shortages continue to limit airline growth.
Second, airline yields are normalising, as increasing capacity and adjustments in leisure demand put pressure on top-line revenues.
Third, despite moderating revenues, cost inflation – particularly in labour and maintenance – will remain a key concern for airlines and the broader aviation ecosystem, as supply chain issues persist. Geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East are also adding further strain to airline profitability.
Fourth, the growing risk of a global trade war is likely to reduce air cargo demand, putting additional pressure on the aviation industry and its profitability.
While there is a need to bear these conditions in mind, Alton Aviation Consultancy’s managing director Singapore, Mabel Kwan, told TTG Asia that air travel demand throughout past crises over recent decades was able to rebound after a period of adjustments.
“Unless there’s a fundamental shift that permanently dampens the desire to travel, I believe that you will see a slow adjustment back to the longer term demand curve,” she stated.
Kwan pointed out that airlines are also maintaining business confidence, evident in continued announcements of new aircraft orders despite economic woes.
Indeed, Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, announced on May 27 its order of 20 more Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft to support its ambition to expand long-haul routes across Asia-Pacific and Europe in the next 10 years.
In the same week, Qatar Airways also put in an order with Boeing for 210 widebody aircraft.
Earlier in May, International Airlines Group, owner of British Airways, announced plans to buy 71 longhaul aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
Kwan said airlines view the tariff negotiations as a “short term disruption” that would be sorted out before orders are delivered.
“There is a huge backlog in fleet orders and delivery of both narrow body and widebody aircraft. It may take close to 10 years to clear the backlog of narrow body aircraft, while for widebody aircraft, it could take five to six years,” she explained.
She added that “competitive tension” is also motivating airlines to order ahead, even in uncertain times, to facilitate growth in the next decade.
The long planning and development lead time adopted by airports also means that such facilities necessary for tourism development are insulated from cost fluctuations and global tensions.
“Master planning for airports takes 20 years,” stated Kwan, adding that this length of time allows authorities to lay down basic infrastructure – from electricity and sewage to roads and highways – far ahead to support the future air hub.
As the aviation industry navigates opportunities and challenges today, Kwan said there is a need for players to pay attention to technology, sustainability and resilience requirements.
Technology investments today will help address intensifying manpower constraints, which will determine efficiency and productivity.
“More importantly, in order for the aviation ecosystem to work as an integrated whole, there has to be an integration of technology platforms which will also move our industry up the productivity curve,” she said.
A sustainability mindset is essential, as the aviation industry aims for net zero by 2050 but remains far from meeting its targets.
Finally, a strategic approach to improved resilience is necessary, as the aviation industry has “undergone quite a few shocks” and more volatility can be expected.
Timor-Leste is set to join ASEAN as its newest member, a development expected to bring new opportunities for the region’s tourism sector.
The New Straits Times recently reported that Malaysia’s minister of foreign affairs, Mohamad Hasan, said ASEAN will begin domestic legal procedures to finalise Timor-Leste’s accession by the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October 2025.
Timor-Leste gears up for ASEAN membership, opening new paths for regional tourism; Timor-Leste’s capital city, Dili, pictured
He made the announcement on the sidelines of the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Adam Kamal, director of Suka Travel & Tours in Malaysia, remarked that ASEAN membership could be a turning point for Timor-Leste’s tourism sector.
He said: “With strategic planning, support from ASEAN mechanisms and infrastructure development, the country can position itself as the last undiscovered jewel of South-east Asia.
“Blessed with pristine dive sites, unspoilt natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Timor-Leste holds strong appeal for adventure seekers and well-travelled Malaysians in search of new destinations to holiday.”
Suka Travel & Tours is currently exploring Timor-Leste’s tourism potential and planning to develop travel packages for the Malaysian market.
Adam said air connectivity is not a barrier, with Batik Air and AirAsia operating direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili.
Apple Vacations Malaysia co-founder and group managing director, Koh Yock Heng, shared: “Our outbound customers are always looking for new and unique destinations to visit. We are currently researching Timor-Leste to understand its tourism offerings and assess what kind of travel packages we can develop.”
He added that Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership may open opportunities for cross-border collaboration in the regional tourism sector.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has released its first Luxury Travel Report, a consumer trends study conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll. The findings show that demand for travel remains steady, with luxury travellers planning an average of eight leisure trips in 2025, including three international journeys. More than half of respondents expect to spend more on travel than in 2024.
The report indicates that affluent travellers are placing importance not only on cost but also on meaning. These travellers are seeking curated experiences that feel personal and enduring, and are actively avoiding standardised options in favour of those rooted in authenticity and emotional engagement.
Luxury travel shifts focus from standardised comfort to personalised, meaningful journeys; Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, pictured
The study reveals a shift away from uniformity in hotel design, service, and experience, with nearly 70% of respondents stating that luxury hotels have become too standardised. This trend has contributed to what the report calls “destination disillusionment,” where many destinations and hotel stays feel interchangeable. Almost 75% of respondents said they would not pay for luxury accommodation that feels generic.
Travel for affluent consumers is increasingly focused on rare and meaningful experiences rather than material accumulation. Over four in five respondents said that access to insider knowledge leads to the most memorable travel moments – 64% prefer guidance from local residents over recommendations from AI or digital sources.
Curation has become a key measure of quality in travel. Over 90% of respondents said the best trips feel seamless but are carefully arranged, and 89% expressed a desire to see local character reflected in hotels. Trusted travel advisors were valued more than online research by 84% of respondents.
There is also growing interest in history-based travel. Over 90% of those surveyed said they seek experiences that immerse them in cultural and historical contexts, with many preferring heritage-rich accommodation. The demand for larger spaces is also increasing, as 71% are planning multi-generational trips in 2025.
Loyalty programmes are gaining new relevance as travellers look for consistency and tailored service. For 82% of respondents, loyalty programmes are important in ensuring hotel quality, and nearly two-thirds said a good previous stay was the main reason for repeat bookings. Loyalty today is based less on transactions and more on customisation, human interaction, and reliable service.
Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said the report enhances understanding of traveller expectations and reinforces the group’s commitment to offering curated stays across its global portfolio. She added that Preferred Hotels & Resorts remains focused on enabling meaningful travel through its Believe in Travel approach.
The report was conducted by The Harris Poll from February to March 2025 among over 500 affluent US travellers. Respondents met criteria including an annual household income of more than US$250,000, at least US$1 million in total assets, and a minimum annual leisure travel spend of US$10,000.
Vietjet has ordered 20 Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft to support its growth over the next ten years.
The deal was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Airbus International president Wouter van Wersch, and witnessed by Vietnamese president Luong Cuong and French president Emmanuel Macron during Macron’s visit to Vietnam.
Vietjet boosts fleet with new widebody jets to grow routes across Asia-Pacific and Europe
The new planes will help Vietjet expand its international flights, adding more services across the Asia-Pacific region and starting longhaul routes to Europe.
This order doubles Vietjet’s firm A330neo aircraft to 40. The airline also has 96 A320neo single-aisle planes on order. Vietjet currently operates a fleet of 115 Airbus aircraft, including 108 A320 Family planes and seven A330-300s.
The A330-900 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and can fly 7,200 nautical miles (13,300km) without stopping. It features the Airspace cabin, which offers more space, bigger overhead bins, improved lighting, and the latest entertainment and connectivity.
By April 2025, the A330 Family had over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. The A330neo can use up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel, with plans to reach 100 per cent by 2030.
Phuong Thao commented: “These modern Airbus aircraft, with the latest levels of efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have accompanied Vietjet’s growth and will continue to support Vietjet’s global flight network expansion.”
“We are proud that Vietjet has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach,” added van Wersch.
Virtuoso will be holding its 2026 symposium in Seoul, South Korea, on April 15-19 next year. The event is expected to bring together around 400 senior travel industry figures from over 35 countries for five days of networking, business development, and on-the-ground exploration.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Virtuoso Symposium, which took place on May 13-17 aboard Crystal Serenity. The chartered voyage sailed from Barcelona to Marseille, with stops in Portofino, Monaco, and other ports. Executive vice president David Kolner shared recent performance data, including a 14 per cent year-on-year rise in first-quarter sales and a 26 per cent increase in cruise bookings.
Virtuoso’s 2026 Symposium heads to Seoul, bringing global travel leaders to South Korea for five days of industry exchange and cultural insight
Held in a different country each year, Virtuoso’s symposium is positioned as a driver of tourism growth. Previous host destinations, such as Slovenia, have reported significant impacts. Following Virtuoso’s 2024 Chairman’s Event, Slovenia saw a 473 per cent increase in bookings for summer 2025.
South Korea is emerging as a key player in luxury travel. In Seoul, historic palaces sit beside modern skyscrapers, and Michelin-starred restaurants operate alongside street food stalls. Visitors can take part in private temple stays, wellness experiences, and traditional craft workshops. Supported by strong infrastructure and high service standards, South Korea offers a blend of exclusivity and cultural depth.
Virtuoso’s senior vice president, global events, Jennifer Campbell, said: “From the deeply rooted traditions of Seoul’s palaces to the innovation in its design, wellness and technology sectors, South Korea represents the future of luxury travel – one that blends meaning, beauty and human connection. The country’s unique appeal, cultural richness and diverse range of experiences make it essential for our members and partners to explore and understand all that South Korea has to offer.”
“By showcasing South Korea’s unique blend of timeless tradition and modern sophistication to the world’s most influential travel leaders, we aim to deepen global appreciation for the country’s exceptional offerings in culture, wellness, cuisine and innovation,” added Hee-jin Cho, executive director of the Korea Tourism Organisation’s Americas Centre.
Radisson Hotel Group will open Radisson Blu Hotel, Shanghai Stadium, a new addition to its upper-upscale brand in the city. Located in Xujiahui Sports Park, a key hub for sports and cultural activities, the hotel is positioned to serve event attendees, sports fans, business travellers, and tourists alike.
The hotel occupies floors six to 12 of Shanghai Stadium and offers 208 rooms and suites ranging from 38m² to 200m². Guests can choose between stadium-facing rooms with direct views of live events or park-facing rooms overlooking the greenery of Xujiahui Sports Park.
Radisson Blu opens at Shanghai Stadium, offering views of live events and direct access to Xujiahui Sports Park
The property includes nearly 1,000m² of meeting and event space, including a 445m² ballroom and six flexible meeting rooms.
Dining options include 94 Kitchen, which offers international cuisine and local Shanghai flavours; Jiu·Li, which combines Huaiyang and Cantonese styles; and Jiu·Bar, a casual space with cocktails, wine, snacks, and a large LED screen. A Lobby Lounge and an Executive Lounge with a private meeting room are also available for guests.
Facilities include a fitness centre, multifunctional training areas, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and a 25-metre transparent temperature-controlled swimming pool.
James Wang, vice president of Jin Jiang Radisson Hotels, said: “In cooperation with JUSS Sports, we are blending Radisson Blu’s signature hospitality with the city’s dynamic sports culture to curate an exceptional experience for global business travellers, event participants, and wellness-focused guests.”
Davide Pesenato, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Shanghai Stadium, added: “From thoughtfully designed spaces and premier facilities to outstanding services, the hotel is committed to bringing a personalised and local experience for guests to create unforgettable memories at events, business meetings or cultural activities.”
Ulsan’s Namgu, known for its eco-cultural sites and whale heritage, will host the Jangsaengpo Hydrangea Festival from June 7-29 at Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village in South Korea.
Themed Jangsaengpo, Drenched in Hydrangeas, the festival takes place over 102,705m² and focuses on the Osaek Hydrangea Garden, where more than 30,000 hydrangeas in 40 types cover the hillside.
Discover thousands of blooming hydrangeas and local heritage at South Korea’s Whale Culture District this June
The venue will have wish-granting lanterns and string lights for visitors to enjoy day and night. There will also be photo zones, a tasting event for hydrangea-flavoured wine, and a flea market.
The first 300,000 ticket holders will also receive a local voucher that can be used like cash at local businesses and festival stalls until July 13.
The opening ceremony is on June 7, with the first night of after-dark admission. On June 8, there will be jazz, classical, and live band performances. Every Saturday, street concerts and magic shows will take place at Whale Culture Square, ending with fireworks.
At night, a media façade show on oil tanks near Jangsaengpo Culture Warehouse highlights local art, history, and energy.
Free shuttle buses will run on weekends between Taehwagang Station and Jangsaengpo to help visitors using public transport.
Jangsaengpo is South Korea’s only Whale Culture District. Once a whaling port, it now has attractions like the Whale Museum, Jangsaengpo Culture Warehouse, Whale Watching Cruise, and Jangsaengpo Monorail.
Indonesia and China have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector. The agreement was formalised in Jakarta on May 24, 2025, during Chinese premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Indonesia from May 24-26, part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral ties across economic, health and tourism areas.
The MoU outlines six key areas of collaboration. These include the exchange of business contacts and information between tourism ministries and industry players, with the aim of facilitating easier market access and increasing tourism flows between the two countries. The agreement also includes joint efforts to promote Indonesia and China to regional and international tourists through expanded promotional channels.
The MoU aims to boost two-way travel, open promotion offices, and expand regional tourism efforts between both countries
Plans are in place for each country to establish official non-profit tourism promotion offices in the other’s territory. China has expressed its intention to open such an office in Indonesia, while Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is expected to establish a counterpart office in China. These plans will be coordinated through the respective foreign affairs ministries.
Both governments have agreed to conduct promotional activities in line with their national laws and regulations, and to support government and private sector tourism stakeholders. The MoU also includes a commitment to the regular exchange of tourism statistics to better understand market trends and demands.
China continues to play a key role in Indonesia’s tourism human resource development, including through Mandarin language training at the Ministry of Tourism’s polytechnics.
In 2024, Indonesia received 13.9 million international visitors, including 1.19 million from China – a 52 per cent increase from 2023. The upward trend continued in early 2025, with Chinese arrivals reaching 279,040 in the first quarter, up 1.15 per cent from the same period the previous year.
Indonesia’s minister of tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, said the agreement is expected to open further opportunities for cooperation and contribute to increased tourism and business engagement between the two nations.
“This tourism cooperation will have a positive impact on both countries. We welcome the MoU as it opens new opportunities for Indonesia to promote its destinations to the Chinese market, and vice versa,” she said, adding that the MoU aims to further strengthen bilateral ties and increase tourism’s contribution to both economies.
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) have partnered to promote a more inclusive tourism industry that supports the participation and well-being of senior citizens.
The agreement, signed on May 21, 2025, aims to encourage senior-friendly initiatives and highlight the role of older Filipinos in the tourism sector.
The collaboration hopes to make Philippine tourism more inclusive for senior citizens
It outlines several areas for collaboration, including the development of age-friendly infrastructure, accessible tourism initiatives, and digital literacy programmes. Other planned activities include artisan workshops, wellness programmes, home stays, culinary tourism, and the development of retirement tourism offerings.
This initiative supports government mandates to address the needs of senior citizens, in line with national laws promoting inclusive development. A joint committee and technical group will oversee implementation, with both agencies covering their own costs, subject to available resources.
The DOT already runs senior-focused activities such as the annual EngAge programme for retiring staff, the Barrier-Free Tourism campaign, and various regional tourism offerings tailored for senior travellers. Tourist rest areas across the country also include features designed for older visitors and persons with disabilities.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared that the partnership reflects the DoT’s commitment to making tourism accessible and inclusive. She noted that senior citizens have long contributed to national development and that there is significant potential for them to continue playing an active role in tourism. Drawing on her own experience working with seniors during her time as mayor, she emphasised the importance of creating opportunities not only for enjoyment, but also for participation in tourism-related livelihoods.
She said: “We are deeply grateful to the NCSC for (its) steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the cause of our senior citizens… may this collaboration serve as a reminder that the true strength of Philippine tourism lies not only in the beauty of our destinations but in the inclusivity of our vision and the unity of our purpose.”
