TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Saturday, 13th December 2025
Page 107

Virtuoso’s 2025 symposium unites luxury travel leaders

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Virtuoso recently hosted its annual symposium from May 13-17, 2025, aboard the Crystal Serenity, with 375 leading professionals from 38 countries in attendance. The event brought together influential decision-makers in the luxury travel industry, including Virtuoso’s top leadership, travel agency members, and preferred partners, with support from Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, AmaWaterways, Barcelona Turisme, The Bicester Collection, Visit Monaco, and Princess Cruises.

The symposium featured industry discussions, thought leadership sessions, deep dives into travel trends, and networking opportunities. Attendees were equipped with actionable business insights while building relationships through immersive experiences.

Virtuoso’s annual symposium included a Barcelona stop with a Castell show at El Palace Hotel, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner for the Virtuoso community; photo by Virtuoso

The event began in Barcelona, with shore excursions in Portofino and Monte Carlo before concluding in Marseille. During a day at sea, Virtuoso executives, including chairman and CEO Matthew D Upchurch, executive vice president David Kolner, and senior vice president Jennifer Campbell, addressed the evolving landscape of Virtuoso events. Campbell highlighted transformations in luxury travel, focusing on personalisation, sustainability, exclusivity, and technology. Paul Kearney, senior vice president of technology, also shared updates on Virtuoso’s latest technological advancements, particularly around data privacy and customisable solutions.

A panel of senior leaders from Virtuoso discussed the company’s ongoing strategic focus on membership, partnerships, and network engagement. They also presented the newly launched Social Media Content Centre, designed to provide members and partners with targeted content solutions.

Upchurch discussed key factors influencing luxury travel in 2025, based on a Virtuoso survey, including geopolitical instability, political uncertainty, and labour challenges. Half of the respondents saw AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, with Upchurch emphasising the increasing importance of travel advisors amid technological changes.

Kolner shared insights on Virtuoso’s recent sales, revealing that 1Q2025 sales exceeded the same period in 2024 by 14 per cent. Hotel sales saw a nearly 30 per cent increase, and bookings for 2026 and 2027 were up 17 per cent. He also presented findings from the Owner/Manager Outlook Surveys, indicating optimism among agency owners for 2025, with many planning to hire staff to meet demand.

The symposium also highlighted ongoing luxury travel trends, such as the rise of coolcations in Scandinavia, increased US travel, and the impact of the White Lotus Effect on Thailand bookings. Sustainability remained a priority, with over 40 per cent of travellers willing to pay more for companies with environmentally-friendly practices. Additionally, safety and security were top concerns for luxury travellers, with many citing the added value of working with a travel advisor.

Guest speakers included Jessica O Matthews, founder of Unchartered, Anant Sharma, founder of Matter of Form, Gilad Berenstein, and Jill Schiefelbein, who discussed topics ranging from innovation and luxury consumer trends to the intersection of technology and travel.

The event’s immersive excursions included activities in Portofino and Monaco, such as kayaking, cooking classes, and historical tours, all designed to foster relationship-building through shared experiences.

Pan Pacific boosts Australian hotels with Perth makeover and nationwide upgrades

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Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is refurbishing Pan Pacific Perth, continuing the asset-enhancement programme that began in 2021 with Pan Pacific London.

Pan Pacific Perth’s 488 rooms, lobby and Pacific Club Lounge feature Western Australia-inspired finishes, incorporating repurposed denim, hand-pressed herbs and recycled plastics for sustainability. The hotel’s 2,500m² convention floor, the largest in Perth, now has new LED screens and updated audiovisual equipment.

PPHG enhances its Australian properties to capitalise on tourism and MICE sector growth

Across its Australian portfolio, PPHG is upgrading properties to match changing consumer expectations and brand standards.

Parkroyal Melbourne Airport has refurbished its 276 guestrooms, conference facilities and public areas. It remains the only hotel with direct access to both Melbourne international and domestic terminals via covered sky bridges.

Parkroyal Parramatta, Sydney has refreshed its 286 guestrooms and meeting spaces and continues to reflect the local community.

The upgrades coincide with growth in Australia’s tourism and MICE sectors. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission projects a 41 per cent rise in international tourist arrivals between 2024 and 2028.

Australia’s MICE industry is forecast to expand by 11.5 per cent from 2024 to 2032, reaching US$42.8 billion. Melbourne and Sydney remain key hubs for MICE activities, presenting opportunities for PPHG to serve leisure and business travellers.

Choe Peng Sum, CEO of PPHG, said: “Australia is one of PPHG’s most strategically important markets, with six owned and managed properties across three states. Our investment in Pan Pacific Perth is a commitment to the city’s evolving position as a West Coast events and business hub. The hotel is strategically positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for premium travel and event experiences.

“Across our hotels in Australia, we are enhancing meeting spaces to be more flexible, investing in technology for hybrid delivery, and enhancing F&B offerings to support diverse events. The ability to deliver consistent high-level MICE experiences across markets from Singapore to Australia and the UK is a strength of our integrated owner-operator model.”

Raffles Sentosa Singapore unveils first-ever all-villa resort

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Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the country’s first all-villa resort, has officially opened on May 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Royal Group, business partners, and diplomats. The resort has hosted various guests and events since its opening on March 1 this year.

Located on a hilltop on Sentosa Island, just 15 minutes from Singapore’s CBD, Raffles Sentosa offers 62 villas, each with a private pool and outdoor terrace.

From left: Royal Group’s Bobby Hiranandani, Raffles Hotels & Resorts’s Omer Acar, and Royal Group’s Asok Kumar Hiranandani; photo by Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the resort incorporates natural materials and textures, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, with views of the surrounding landscape. The resort is home to several plant species and resident peacocks. Guests can also enjoy Raffles Butler service, ensuring their needs are met.

Discover the Uluru to Kata Tjuta Walking Tour with Tasmanian Walking Company

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Tasmanian Walking Company has introduced a 54km small-group guided walking tour linking Uluru with Kata Tjuta, with prices starting from A$5,395 (US$3,450) per person twin share.

This five-day, four-night journey takes guests through the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, where they will stay in remote wilderness areas. Accommodation includes two off-grid campsites and an architect-designed lodge.

Embark on a five-day journey through the Red Centre, exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta with expert guides and immersive cultural experiences; photo by Tasmanian Walking Company

The tour offers a range of experiences, including daily three-course meals, two expert guides, and cultural workshops with local Anangu people. Participants will dine under the stars with views of Kata Tjuta at sunset and enjoy meals prepared by a chef.

Transfers between Yulara and the trail are included, and guests will receive a A$500 contribution to support park conservation and the Anangu community. A National Park pass and a complimentary day pack and duffle bag are also provided.

Tasmanian Walking Company has spent ten years working with Anangu owners to develop the walk, ensuring it provides long-lasting cultural and economic benefits to the local community.
For more information, visit Tasmanian Walking Company.

Trafalgar expands river cruise offering with two new European itineraries

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Trafalgar, part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) group, has taken the plunge into river cruising, announcing two new itineraries for Europe.

Launching in April 2026 are two journeys – an eight-day cruise along the Danube on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day cruise along the Rhine on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity – now available for booking.

Trafalgar launches Danube and Rhine cruises for 2026, offering guests a new way to explore Europe with familiar experiences; Trafalgar Verity sails down the Rhine from Basel Amsterdam, pictured

“We’ve always been about making it easy for travellers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience – valued by our travel advisor partners, to Europe’s iconic rivers,” said Nick Lim, CEO, Asia, TTC.

“I think the cards were at the right time and right place for us,” shared Mae Cheah, managing director, Asia, TTC on the company’s move to introduce river cruising. “It gives guests a new way to travel with a brand that they love.”

River cruising is not new to the TTC group, which has luxury river cruise brand Uniworld as part of its portfolio.

The Trafalgar river cruise includes experiences found on its land tours, such as Be My Guest, where guests meet local hosts, for example, having lunch at a farm, and Make Travel Matter activities that support sustainability.

Trafalgar also offers flexibility. Guests can choose to explore further through optional tours, added Cheah, or spend time having a coffee or shopping.

Trafalgar’s river cruise has 64 cabins and a passenger capacity of about 128 per ship. This means less time queuing and more time to yourself, according to Lim.

“Ships will roll up right to the town and you disembark and off you go into town for coffee, sightseeing and in-depth exploration of the destination,” he added.

He also noted an expected crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3. The crew will be from the TTC group, allowing the group to maintain its service standards.

The ships themselves are designed to reflect the destination with distinct interiors such as rich blue and white fabrics, marble-accented bathrooms, and even the first authorised fireplace on a European river ship on Trafalgar Verity, shared Lim.

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Singapore is the first market where Trafalgar has launched its river cruise, with upcoming launches in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Trafalgar will also introduce Christmas itineraries for 2026 and has plans to expand the fleet in 2027.

Agoda renews partnership with Indonesia to boost travel growth

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Agoda has renewed its agreement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to support travel development and increase both international and domestic visitor numbers, while aligning with the Ministry’s Tourism 4.0 strategy to advance digital and data-driven approaches in the sector.

The three-year collaboration will include joint marketing campaigns, promotion of sustainable tourism practices, and training programmes to build digital skills among young tourism professionals in Indonesia.

Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop in Bandung; photo by Agoda

As part of this partnership, Agoda held its first Agoda Academy workshop for students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. The session introduced participants to Agoda’s operations and included practical case studies to support learning in digital tourism.

Agoda’s senior country director Gede Gunawan and other Agoda representatives shared industry insights and highlighted trends and career opportunities in the digital tourism sector.

Under the previous agreement, Agoda launched several co-branded campaigns with the ministry’s Wonderful Indonesia initiative, including efforts to promote sustainable tourism. These included partnerships with public figures, destination promotion activities, and support for national tourism targets.

Through its digital travel platform, which includes accommodation, transport, and activities, Agoda continues to work with the ministry to support tourism development across Indonesia in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Gunawan said: “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies.”

Bayu Aji, chief secretary of the ministry, added: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia’s standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination, but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop.”

Aviation roundup: Scoot, Qantas and more

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Scoot

Scoot increases flight frequencies and capacity
Scoot has announced a series of flight frequency increases and capacity upgrades across its network to meet growing travel demand in the coming months.

From June 6, Scoot will double its flights to Iloilo City from two to four times weekly. Flights to Cebu will increase from seven to ten times weekly starting June 24, while services to Davao will rise from nine to 12 times weekly from August 30.

In Australia, Scoot will expand its Perth services from 12 to 14 weekly flights beginning August 4. Sydney services will also increase from 10 to 14 weekly flights starting October 5.

The airline will boost services to Koh Samui from 21 to 25 weekly flights from June 24. Flights to Taipei and Seoul (via Taipei) will become daily from August 2, up from five times weekly.

Scoot has already implemented several changes since March this year. Flights to Jakarta increased from 19 to 25 times weekly on March 30. Capacity to Bali has grown, with all 21 weekly flights now operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Yogyakarta flights now use Airbus A321 aircraft on all seven weekly services.

Scoot has also increased capacity on its Taipei and Tokyo (via Taipei) route, with all 12 weekly services now operated by Boeing 787s since March 30. Additionally, the airline raised frequencies to Phu Quoc from five to six flights per week.

Qantas

Qantas adds two new international routes, upgrades Dreamliner
Qantas has announced the launch of two new international routes from Perth, with direct flights to Auckland and Johannesburg set to commence in December 2025. These services will operate three times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft, offering 27 lie-flat Business Class seats and 224 in Economy.

The Perth-Auckland service will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, while the Perth-Johannesburg route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

This expansion is part of Qantas’ broader strategy to grow its western hub, adding over 155,000 annual seats in and out of Perth.

Further bolstering its longhaul operations, Qantas will also introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its Brisbane-Los Angeles route from October 2025, operating daily.

During the peak travel season of December 2025 and January 2026, Qantas and American Airlines will jointly maintain daily Dreamliner services between Brisbane and Los Angeles, with Qantas operating four weekly flights and American Airlines three. Qantas will also increase Melbourne-Dallas flights to daily during this period, continuing daily Brisbane-Los Angeles services from February 2026.

In a network adjustment under its dual-brand strategy, Jetstar will end its Sydney-Honolulu route after October 24, 2025. Qantas will take over with five to six weekly flights, complementing its newly launched Melbourne-Honolulu service.

Lastly, Qantas will reintroduce its final Airbus A380 to daily Sydney-Dallas Fort Worth services from January 2026, offering expanded premium seating across First, Business, and Premium Economy cabins.

The inaugural Vietnam Airlines flight from Bengaluru to Hanoi was marked by a celebration at Kempegowda Airport

Vietnam Airlines starts direct flights from Bengaluru to Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines has commenced direct flights between Bengaluru and Hanoi. The airline will operate four flights a week using Airbus A321 aircraft. The service includes Indian meal options and basic onboard facilities.

This new route makes Bengaluru the third Indian city in Vietnam Airlines’ network, after Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is aiming to expand its connections with South India.

Philippine Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Philippine Airlines, Alaska Airlines partner on frequent flyer programme
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has teamed up with Alaska Airlines to expand travel options for members of their frequent flyer programmes. Soon, PAL’s Mabuhay Miles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan members will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines.

The partnership will also improve connections for PAL passengers travelling through the US West Coast, including Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu, granting better access to Alaska Airlines’ domestic network in the United States.

Both airlines are also considering reciprocal codeshare flights, which would add more destinations and make travel between the Philippines and the US more convenient.

The partnership builds on PAL’s existing relationship with Hawaiian Airlines. PAL passengers can continue booking Hawaiian codeshare flights to cities in Hawaii, and soon, Hawaiian Airlines passengers will also be able to earn and redeem miles on PAL flights.

2025 cherry blossom season set to break tourism spending records in Japan

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Spending related to Japan’s hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season is expected to reach a record high this year, with the blooms providing an additional draw for the increasing number of inbound tourists.

In January and February 2025, Japan welcomed 5.48 million international visitors, a 28.5 per cent increase year-on-year, despite being the off-peak season, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

With a surge in international visitors, the 2025 cherry blossom season is poised to generate a record economic impact

Katsuhiro Miyamoto of Kansai University predicts the 2025 hanami season will generate a record 1.39 trillion yen (US$9.43 billion) of economic impact nationwide, with more than 25 per cent of visitors hailing from overseas, which would be the highest ratio ever recorded.

Indeed, in March inbound visitors totalled 45 per cent of all cruise passengers on cherry blossom cruises along Tokyo’s Meguro River, a spot renowned for the pink blooms, up from 41 per cent in 2024, according to operator Spice Serve Co.

New services catering to the high-end market have also been launched. The Sakura Ride Plan, for example, offers a private chauffeur-driven car around Tokyo’s blossom sites “free from rain, pollen and crowds” with champagne for 56,000 yen .

And, as this year’s cherry blossom season drew to a close in Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, some international visitors travelled north to “follow” the blooms, including to Tohoku, which experienced peak blossoms in mid-April, and Hokkaido, which celebrated the hanami season between late April and early May, thereby extending their economic impact across the country.

Cross Hotels & Resorts to open dual-branded property in Batam

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Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to manage two hotels in Batam, Indonesia: Cross Batam The Mix and Cross Vibe Batam The Mix.

Located in The Mix, a five-in-one integrated development in Pasir Putih, Batam Centre, the dual-branded project will form part of a broader urban complex combining residential, retail, and leisure elements.

Cross Hotels & Resorts expands footprint in Indonesia with two properties in The Mix development

The development is led by MIG Putra Indonesia, a joint venture between PURI Group Indonesia and Rima Properties Group Malaysia. This marks Cross Hotels & Resorts’ second project on the island.

Targeting a varied guest profile including travellers from Singapore, domestic visitors, wellness-focused travellers, and business event organisers, the hotels will be located near Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal and Hang Nadim International Airport.

Facilities will include spa and wellness areas, rooftop event spaces, family-friendly zones, and meeting venues. Cross Batam The Mix will offer suites starting at 115m2, with kitchen facilities and separate living areas. Cross Vibe Batam The Mix, situated in the 23-storey Iconic View Tower, will focus on communal spaces and short-stay accommodation.

The hotels are scheduled to open in phases beginning in 2027, with full operations expected by 2028.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, commented: “This deal reflects our belief in the immense potential of Batam and our continued mission to deliver owner value through meaningful partnerships.”

Wagiman, president director of MIG Putra Indonesia, added: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone, not just for our businesses, but for the guests, travellers, and communities we both serve. We look forward to a successful journey ahead, one that brings growth, opportunity, and lasting impact.”

Gyeongju and Pohang to host PATA Annual Summit 2026

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PATA has confirmed that the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) will be jointly hosted by the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea, in partnership with the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO).

The event is scheduled to take place from May 11-13, 2026. The official handover was made on April 23, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye, marking the continuation of the association’s primary event.

The two cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do will welcome tourism leaders from across the region in May 2026

South Korea has previously hosted the PATA Annual Summit five times: in Seoul in 1965, 1979 and 1994; in Jeju in 2004; and in Gangneung in 2018. In 2026, the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do will jointly host the Summit.

During PAS 2025, Jeong Seonghoon, manager at the GCTO, gave a presentation on the destinations, outlining the preparations and capacity of the two cities to host the summit.

In line with PATA’s approach to sustainable tourism, PAS 2026 is planned as a carbon neutral event. Participants are invited to contribute by paying an optional carbon offset fee of US$10.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “Gyeongju and Pohang each hold unique significance within the Republic of Korea’s tourism industry – Gyeongju as a cradle of ancient Korean civilisation, rich in cultural treasures, and Pohang as a vibrant coastal city where natural beauty coexists seamlessly with contemporary landmarks. They are the meeting point of tradition and modernity, and reflect the kind of depth and diversity that today’s travellers increasingly seek.”

Kim Namil, GCTO president and the head of the Gyeongsangbuk-do delegation of 13 individuals who attended PAS 2025, added: “Our goal is to make PAS 2026 more than just a tourism event – it will be a platform for sustainability, innovation, and human connections. With the support and expertise of PATA, we believe this vision can become a powerful reality. We look forward to welcoming you all to Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, in 2026.”

Further details about PAS 2026 and registration will be shared in due course.