TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Sunday, 28th December 2025
Page 105

Novotel marks one-year WWF partnership with new sustainability initiatives

0

Novotel is celebrating the first anniversary of its partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) by launching two new food initiatives ahead of World Ocean Day on June 8.

The hotel brand has introduced Sustainable Seafood Principles developed with WWF France and a global Plant-Forward ambition across its 600 hotels.

Protecting marine turtles is one of Novotel and WWF’s many initiatives to protect the oceans and promote sustainable tourism; photo by Antonio Busiello, WWF

Novotel’s global brand president, Jean-Yves Minet, highlighted the partnership as a key driver in promoting responsible sourcing, reducing ocean impact, and encouraging sustainable choices that benefit the planet and future generations.

The Sustainable Seafood Principles include banning 350 endangered seafood species, promoting MSC-certified wild-caught fish, and requiring ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood such as salmon and shrimp. These guidelines will be supported by a global training programme for chefs and procurement teams to improve traceability and responsible sourcing. Meanwhile, Novotel aims to have at least 25 per cent of its menu offerings plant-based by 2026, with 39 per cent of hotels already meeting this target.

Recognising its role as a family-friendly hotel brand, Novotel is also launching two educational games developed with WWF France to engage children in ocean conservation. These interactive games aim to inspire young guests to learn about marine life and the threats facing oceans through fun and engaging activities.

Since launching its ocean impact strategy in 2024, Novotel has taken concrete steps to reduce its environmental footprint by phasing out single-use plastics, installing refillable dispensers, piloting microplastic filters in hotel laundry, and minimising food waste. The brand has also launched a global Fishery Improvement Project in partnership with WWF, supported seafood traceability efforts in the Middle East, and formed a seafood procurement taskforce in Europe to collaborate with suppliers on sustainability.

To further raise awareness, Novotel will introduce Ocean Awareness Training for its teams and Sustainable Seafood Training for chefs and procurement staff, developed in partnership with WWF and AXA Climate. The hotel also supports several WWF France conservation projects, including protecting Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean, removing abandoned fishing gear (ghost gear), supporting the Blue Panda educational boat campaign, and tracking and protecting threatened marine turtles across Asia-Pacific and the Western Atlantic.

Looking forward, Novotel plans to expand its sustainable seafood efforts, grow its Plant-Forward menu offerings, introduce new guest engagement programmes focused on ocean preservation, and actively participate in the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice.

Minet said: “Our well-being is deeply tied to the health of the ocean. Protecting the ocean isn’t just about the environment, it’s about supporting human health and longevity too.”

“Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future. Faced with the growing threats of overfishing, pollution and loss of biodiversity, economic players have a key role to play. We welcome Novotel’s commitment to integrating the preservation of marine ecosystems into its strategy,” added WWF France’s ocean programme manager, Ludovic Frère Escoffier.

The Anam Mui Ne joins Virtuoso network

0

The Anam Mui Ne has joined Virtuoso’s network of hotels and resorts. The resort joins 11 other Virtuoso properties in Vietnam, including the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. It is the only Virtuoso-listed hotel located between the Park Hyatt Saigon and Amanoi in Ninh Thuan province.

Virtuoso is a global network of travel agencies focused on luxury and experiential travel. It includes more than 20,000 travel advisors and partners with over 2,000 travel companies, including hotels, cruise lines and tour operators.

The Anam Mui Ne joins Virtuoso’s global network as its newest vetted member in Vietnam

Virtuoso, based in Fort Worth, Texas, with offices worldwide, connects clients to exclusive travel experiences through its network of advisors. Membership is selective, with hotels admitted only after a vetting process and advisor recommendations.

The Anam Mui Ne is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and remains the only SLH-listed property in Vietnam.

Located on 1.2 hectares of oceanfront land in Mui Ne, the resort is a short distance from Ho Chi Minh City. It features 127 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a bar, spa, two swimming pools (freshwater and saltwater), ballroom, conference rooms, water sports centre, fitness centre, yoga room, children’s club and shop.

The resort has phased out single-use plastics and introduced environmental measures including solar power, use of local produce and water recycling for gardens. Straws, bags and toiletries are biodegradable, and key cards are made from wood sourced from managed forests.

The Anam Mui Ne founder and owner Pham Van Hien said the resort’s inclusion reflects a shared focus on sustainability.

“It is a privilege for our resort to join Virtuoso. In paying homage to Mui Ne’s Champa culture heritage, by supporting livelihoods in our local community and with a raft of sustainability measures, our resort exemplifies Virtuoso’s three pillars of sustainability – celebrate the culture, support the economy and protect the planet.”

StarCruises extends Hong Kong summer sailings through autumn

0

StarCruises will homeport the Star Voyager in Hong Kong starting June 27, 2025, with sailings extended through to November 14, 2025. Departing from Ocean Terminal, a central location with strong transport links, Star Voyager offers two-, three- and five-night cruises to Japan and Taiwan, including Okinawa (Naha and Ishigaki), Keelung, Kaohsiung and Penghu.

The deployment includes roundtrip Taiwan cruises from June 29 to August 13, with three-night Kaohsiung-Penghu sailings on Sundays and two-night Kaohsiung sailings on Wednesdays. Three five-night Okinawa cruises depart July 20, August 3 and 17, calling at Naha and Ishigaki. Two exclusive five-night sailings to Ishigaki, Keelung and Penghu depart on July 27 and August 24, offering access to both Japan and Taiwan on a single itinerary.

Explore Japan and Taiwan with Star Voyager sailings extended from Hong Kong

A two-night High Seas Cruise departs every Friday for a short weekend escape. Onboard, passengers have access to a range of amenities, including suites with private facilities and butler service, plus leisure options such as a water park, rock climbing, live shows and dining choices.

For more information, visit StarCruises.

IHG expands luxury portfolio in Australia with Salter Brothers partnership

0

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, reinforcing its position in the Luxury & Lifestyle hospitality sector in Australia.

As part of the agreement, several IHG hotels will be rebranded within the group’s luxury portfolio. Regent Hotels & Resorts is set to return to Australia after 28 years, with the InterContinental Melbourne planned to convert into Regent Melbourne by 2030.

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is set to open in late 2025, following the transformation of Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach

Three hotels will be rebranded under the InterContinental name. Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne, and the Crowne Plaza Canberra site will be redeveloped into InterContinental Canberra. A second hotel on the Canberra site will be developed under the Hotel Indigo brand.

voco Gold Coast, the first voco hotel launched globally and a joint project between IHG and Salter Brothers, will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure areas.

Under the agreement, InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto will be converted to Regent Melbourne. The site will be redeveloped to include conference and event spaces, restaurants and bars, a spa, and the Regent Club.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is currently closed and will reopen in late 2025 as InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. Planned features include a pool deck with views of Coogee Beach, a wellness facility, Club InterContinental, and a restaurant operated by an international group.

The Canberra site will include InterContinental Canberra with a rooftop lounge, suites with views to Parliament House, meeting and event spaces, a restaurant, and a spa. Hotel Indigo Canberra will also be developed, offering a design focused on local themes.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne will transition to InterContinental Melbourne, including rooftop facilities such as Club InterContinental, a restaurant and bar, and a spa with a bathhouse.

voco Gold Coast will be refurbished and expanded with a new pool deck, bar, and a kids’ club.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 76 hotels in Australasia across nine brands: Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. There are 26 additional properties in the development pipeline.

Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts managing director, Australasia Pacific, said: “This partnership accelerates IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space.

“With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new hotel, Hotel Indigo Canberra,  in our sights, we’re delighted to have cemented our leading Luxury & Lifestyle position in the country.”

Paul Salter, managing director, Salter Brothers, added: “We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets. We look forward to working with IHG throughout the journey of these exceptional hotels, and welcoming domestic and international guests to experience these incredible properties under their new brands in the coming years.”

Marriott introduces Series by Marriott to target midscale growth globally

0

Marriott International has launched a new brand, Series by Marriott, targeting the midscale and upscale lodging segments. The move is part of the company’s strategy to broaden its global footprint by incorporating established regional hotel brands that adhere to consistent service standards into its Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

Series by Marriott aims to offer standardised accommodation across a wider range of locations while giving regional hotel owners access to Marriott’s global platforms, including the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme. The brand is structured to allow participating hotels to retain their independent identity.

Series by Marriott aims to integrate regional hotel brands into Marriott’s global system, expanding access to its loyalty programme and digital platforms

The brand’s initial rollout begins through a strategic agreement with Concept Hospitality in India, one of Marriott’s priority growth markets. Founded in 1996 by Param Kannampilly, Concept Hospitality manages more than 100 hotels across six brands in 90 locations. Under the agreement, Concept’s core brands – The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat – will exclusively join Series by Marriott in India. Marriott has also taken a minority equity stake in Concept Hospitality.

The Fern’s current portfolio includes 84 operational properties and 31 pipeline deals, totalling approximately 8,000 rooms. These hotels are expected to join Marriott’s portfolio over time, subject to agreements with third-party owners and the signing of long-term franchise contracts. Concept Hospitality’s majority shareholder is CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global.

Series by Marriott properties will focus on essential services and standard amenities, including functional rooms, free Wi-Fi, daily coffee or tea, and breakfast. Select locations will also offer fitness centres and event spaces. The hotels will reflect local character while conforming to Marriott’s global standards for safety and cleanliness. Guests will be able to earn and redeem points through the Marriott Bonvoy programme.

The brand is positioned to integrate regionally relevant hotel brands into Marriott’s system, offering cost-efficient affiliation and access to its global distribution, digital platforms, and a loyalty base of nearly 237 million members.

Beyond India, Marriott is in active discussions with hotel owners in the US, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa regarding future Series by Marriott partnerships.

Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International, commented: “Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott’s reach among value-conscious travellers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners.

“This deal will help meaningfully expand Marriott’s leading position in India, a key market for the company.  We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world.”

“This strategic collaboration underscores our commitment to expanding access to quality hospitality, fostering local economies, and meeting the rising demand for sustainable, comfortable, and accessible stays in emerging markets,” added Param Kannampilly, chairman, Concept Hospitality.

The St Regis Singapore undergoes major refurbishment ahead of 2026

0

The St Regis Singapore will be going through a multi-phased refurbishment – its first since opening in April 2008. The new interiors are inspired by the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and incorporate botanical motifs, natural textures and muted tones, in line with the hotel’s established aesthetic and service standards.

By 4Q2025, all 299 guestrooms and suites will be updated with design elements inspired by the surrounding landscape. Furnishings will include crystal-cut glass lamps, while environmental features such as motion-activated LED lighting and potable water on tap will be introduced.

The St Regis Singapore’s new Tea Room will offer a tranquil setting, with interiors inspired by the beauty of a summer garden

Launching in June 2025, the Tea Room will feature interiors in shades of ivory, teal and blush pink. It will serve the new St Regis Afternoon Tea. The adjacent Patisserie will offer salads, sandwiches, and a selection of pastries and desserts.

The John Jacob Ballroom is also being renovated. Its design references 19th-century European orangeries and includes skylights and mirrored elements intended to shift in effect from day to night. Two LED video walls, advanced lighting, and audio systems will be installed. Five further meeting rooms on Level 1 are scheduled for refurbishment in 3Q2025. The St Regis Bar Singapore is expected to open in August 2025.

“2025 marks a visionary re-articulation of The St Regis’ spirit of innovation; one that not only honours the legacy of the brand, but one that has evolved along with the needs of our luminaries,” said Allen Howden, general manager of The St Regis Singapore. “With this transformation, we will reaffirm The St Regis Singapore as the Best Address in the city for exquisite stays, dining experiences and distinctive meetings and events, complemented by timeless St Regis rituals.”

Hilton, DiDi ChuXing to launch cross-loyalty benefits in China

0

Hilton has formed a strategic partnership with DiDi ChuXing, a major transportation platform in China, to introduce joint membership benefits across their respective loyalty schemes. The collaboration links Hilton Honors with DiDi Mileage, offering reciprocal privileges aimed at simplifying travel and accommodation for members.

Hilton Honors members will gain access to tier-based benefits on the DiDi platform, such as discounted rides and priority services. DiDi Mileage members, in turn, will receive Hilton Honors status, which includes benefits such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and late check-out.

Hilton and DiDi ChuXing link loyalty programmes to streamline travel and accommodation for members

According to a Hilton survey, members in China place high value on recognition (73 per cent), the overall stay experience (70 per cent), and ease of earning points (67 per cent). The partnership with DiDi ChuXing is intended to address these preferences by providing status-matching and expanding opportunities for members to earn and use rewards.

Hilton has recently entered similar partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, AutoCamp, and Starbucks China. These arrangements are designed to broaden the ways in which Hilton Honors members can use their points, including for VIP access to events such as sports matches, concerts and cultural festivals.

As of 1Q2025, Hilton operates more than 840 hotels across over 260 destinations in China. DiDi ChuXing provides mobility services to 411 million users in more than 300 cities.

“Through the partnership, Hilton Honors and DiDi Mileage members enjoy elevated everyday experiences and a compelling range of cross-programme benefits. By integrating hospitality and mobility, we are creating a seamless journey from departure to hotel, further elevating the overall stay experience for our members and guests,” said Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

Sun Shu, CEO of DiDi’s China ride-hailing business, added: “With this partnership, users can request a ride with one click when booking and staying at Hilton hotels, while also enjoying shared membership benefits. From faster ride responses to enhanced check-in experiences, we are delivering real added value across the journey – offering a more convenient and comfortable travel experience, from the first mile to check-in.”

Aviation roundup: Qantas, Cathay Pacific and more

0
Qantas opens new Domestic Business Lounge in Adelaide

Qantas adds Adelaide-Auckland service, opens new lounge
Qantas will begin direct flights between Adelaide and Auckland from October 31, 2025, marking the return of non-stop international flights from South Australia.

The new route will operate four times a week until May 3, 2026, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. It will provide connections to North America through Qantas’ Auckland-New York service.

The airline has also opened a new Domestic Business Lounge in Adelaide. The space can accommodate up to 190 passengers and completes the redevelopment of the Adelaide Lounge precinct.

The lounge features a Market Kitchen inspired by the Adelaide Central Market, with food by Qantas creative director Neil Perry and snacks by Maggie Beer. Design elements draw on local landmarks including the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park. Most seats have access to charging points, including USB and wireless charging.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific resumes direct flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide
Cathay Pacific will recommence non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide from November 11, 2025. The seasonal winter service will operate three times per week until March 27, 2026.

Adelaide becomes the airline’s eighth destination in the region, alongside existing year-round routes to Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and seasonal services to Cairns and Christchurch.

The route will be operated using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering fully flat beds in Business, Premium Economy seating and Economy class. Flights will depart Hong Kong on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and return from Adelaide on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The announcement follows several new routes added to Cathay Pacific’s global network in 2025, including Hyderabad, Dallas and Urumqi, with Rome, Munich, Brussels and Adelaide still to come.

Emirates and Air Mauritius

Emirates, Air Mauritius renew codeshare and cooperation agreement
Emirates and Air Mauritius have renewed their partnership, which includes a reciprocal codeshare agreement, and coordination on frequent flyer programmes.

The renewed agreement, signed in Mauritius, formalises a collaboration that began in 2003 following Emirates’ launch of services to the island. The partnership was previously expanded in 2013 with an enhanced codeshare agreement.

Under the agreement, Air Mauritius will place its code on Emirates-operated flights to Cairo, Colombo, Karachi, Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Emirates, in turn, will place its code on Air Mauritius services between Mauritius and Antananarivo. Additionally, Air Mauritius can access Emirates’ broader network through interline arrangements.

Emirates currently operates 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mauritius using Airbus A380 aircraft, and remains the only airline offering A380 services and First Class seats to the island.

Vietjet

Vietjet to link Chengdu and Xi’an with Hanoi from early July
Vietjet will launch two new direct routes connecting Hanoi with Chengdu and Xi’an in China. Flights to Chengdu will begin on July 1, 2025, and services to Xi’an will start on July 6, 2025. Each route will operate four round trips per week.

These additions increase Vietjet’s Vietnam-China direct routes to seven in 1H2025, following recent launches to Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.

Vietjet continues to expand its international network, including routes from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing and Guangzhou. The airline has also added flights to Indian cities Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Japanese cities Nagoya and Fukuoka, and a new service between Phu Quoc island and Singapore.

Furama RiverFront unveils family-themed rooms this June

0

This June school holidays, Furama RiverFront introduces two new themed room experiences for families, including Singapore’s first sensory-friendly hotel stay, the Playful Learning Room. Designed to support learning, rest, and connection, the room aims to create a child-first, thoughtful environment for both children and parents.

Developed in collaboration with Ms Nat Learning Exploration and supported by family-friendly brands Cloversoft and Nino Nana, the Playful Learning Room blends purposeful play with gentle care. The room features an in-room projector with a curated playlist of Ms Nat’s bilingual Learn With Me! series, aligning with recommended screen time guidelines for toddlers. Families will also receive a complimentary Ms Nat Learning Activity Book, filled with engaging exercises to spark imagination.

Furama RiverFront launches two new family rooms this June

For some quiet time, little ones can retreat into a cocoon-style swivel armchair, relax under galaxy light projections, or unwind in a bilingual book nook. The room also features thoughtful in-room essentials from Cloversoft and Nino Nana, including plant-based baby wipes, eco-conscious body wash, and chlorine-free diapers.

In addition to the Playful Learning Room, Furama RiverFront launches the Starlight Cinematic Themed Room, offering a movie night experience with an in-room projector, ambient lighting, and DIY popcorn from Apollo. This immersive space allows families to enjoy private screenings together after a day of adventures.

Both themed stays are part of the upgraded Furama kids package for June, offering a complimentary buffet breakfast, dining credits, and admission to Waka Waka Indoor Playground, alongside other surprises to create lasting family memories.

Room packages start from S$350 (US$271) per night. Pre-bookings are now open for stays from June 1 onwards.

For more information, visit Furama RiverFront.

Big celebrations of love

0

The Indian destination weddings market is witnessing an unprecedented boom, intensifying competition between domestic and outbound destinations. According to the 4th Annual Wedding Report 2024 by WedMeGood, wedding planners are playing a crucial role in driving the popularity of destination weddings in India.

Wedding planners are rising in popularity, with 16.7 per cent of couples hiring them, marking a 15 per cent year-on-year increase. Destination weddings now account for one-fourth of all weddings planned.

Kerala offers a wide range of wedding venues like serene backwaters, pristine beaches, and charming village properties

Nearly nine per cent of Indian weddings have a budget exceeding 10 million rupees (US$116,690), and more than 60 per cent of these are destination weddings, the report states. The survey included over 3,500 engaged couples from tier-I and tier-II cities, with weddings planned until March 31, 2025.

Earlier, India’s Ministry of Tourism launched a promotional campaign India says I do, which showcases the country as a premier destination for weddings on the global stage. The campaign leverages digital marketing, website, social media campaigns, influencers, offline and online activations. Its thematic focus encompassed themes such as beach weddings, nature weddings, royal weddings, Himalayan weddings, and more.

Speaking on the focus of the Indian government to promote India as a weddings destination, Chetan Vohra, chair, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Wedding Tourism Taskforce and co-founder, Wedding Line, said: “After a decade of development in infrastructure like hotels, roads and airports, the Indian government now views a significant opportunity in the weddings sector, targeting the US$50 billion market.”

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and FICCI, also organised the inaugural Wed in India Expo alongside the Great India Travel Bazaar in Jaipur, Rajasthan last year. The event was attended by wedding planners from both India and overseas.

Celebrations at home
Indian states are actively promoting their destinations for both domestic and inbound weddings. According to the WedMeGood report, while Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala continue to lead the way for destination weddings within the country, newer destinations such as Daman, Khajuraho, and Mussoorie are also gaining attention.

“Kerala offers a wide range of wedding venues. We are highlighting such locations in different international travel tradeshows besides promoting them domestically through roadshows and consumer campaigns,” said Sikha Surendran, director of Kerala Tourism.

Bidisha Mukherjee, additional managing director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board shared that destination weddings have become a strong segment for the state, with locations like Orchha, Mandu, and Maheshwar gaining popularity.

She said: “Pre-wedding shoots have also seen a surge, with picturesque locations like Raneh Falls (Khajuraho) and Bee Falls (Pachmarhi) providing stunning backdrops.”

A boon for hospitality players
The destination wedding segment has become critical for Indian hospitality players too. Manuj Ralhan, general manager, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, both managed by Accor, stated: “The weddings industry has grown tremendously in the last few years. A typical hotel in Jaipur hosts between 25 to 30 weddings annually on average. Earlier, it would take hotels 10 to 12 years of market presence to reach this number.”

Somesh Agarwal, chairman and managing director of Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur highlighted that in 2024, the weddings segment outperformed all other segments, recording 
24 per cent growth over the previous year for the property.

“The outlook for weddings in 2025 is also very optimistic,” he added.

Indian couples are also looking at unique and immersive experiences while organising a destination wedding.

“Couples now seek unique experiences and are open to exploring unconventional venues, even those that are not traditionally established to offer their guests something different. A great example is the Rann of Kutch, where we have hosted nearly six weddings in the past two years. During these celebrations, hosts often organise a high tea at sunset amid the breathtaking white desert, creating unforgettable moments,” shared Bhavik Sheth, chief operating officer of Evoke Experiences.

According to Sheth, the length of stay for wedding guests is extending.

“Post-Covid, wedding stays were typically one or two days. Now, most weddings extend to nearly three days,” he added.

The demand for hosting destination weddings overseas has also grown rapidly over the years.

Rachit Jain, director of event management company Rashi Entertainment, said the majority of outbound Indian destination weddings are taking place in countries like Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, Indonesia, and Mauritius.

“At present, approximately 1,000 Indian weddings are going international annually,” he said.

NTOs are also keen to tap the potential vested in the Indian destination weddings market. Tourism Malaysia is an example.

Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, director, New Delhi at Tourism Malaysia, said his team is engaging with Indian wedding planners and participating in wedding-centric events to promote Malaysia.

“We will also host fam trips for wedding planners to attract more Indian weddings into Malaysia,” he said.