Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched its first Ramada Encore by Wyndham property in Adelaide, South Australia, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s regional expansion and underscores confidence in the state’s thriving tourism and business sectors.
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide, South Terrace is scheduled to open in 1Q2028.
Rendering of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide
The development of the new property is strategically positioned in the state’s cultural and commercial heart, offering easy access to the CBD, the Adelaide Convention Centre, and key attractions.
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide, South Terrace will offer 94 guestrooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure guests. The property is poised to meet current market demands, ensuring competitive advantage and strong returns for investors.
Marina Bay Sands has completed its hotel room renovations as part of a US$1.75 billion transformation, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s development. The update includes approximately 1,850 rooms, with 775 suites, across two distinct collections: the Sands Collection and the Paiza Collection.
The Sands Collection, which includes 1,480 rooms and suites, has been fully refurbished. Designed as an urban sanctuary, it caters to a variety of guest needs, offering a range of room types from the Sands Premier Room to the Sands Family Suite. A dedicated Premium Services team is available to assist select guests throughout their stay.
Marina Bay Sands unveils 1,850 updated rooms and suites following extensive renovation; Presidential Suite living room, pictured
The Paiza Collection, consisting mainly of suites, offers around 370 high-end accommodation, including the three- to four-bedroom Chairman Suite, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite with a golf simulator, and the one-bedroom Horizon Suite featuring a spa area with a Himalayan salt wall and private gym. Guests in the Paiza Collection are served by a 160-member Butler Services team.
As a result of the renovations, the number of suites at Marina Bay Sands has increased to 775, up from 180 prior to the revamp.
Looking ahead, the resort’s reinvestment programme will include the opening of Jin Ting Wan, an authentic Cantonese restaurant, in July. Further refurbishments, including upgrades to LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, lobby enhancements, and a new spa, are also planned. Additional details will be announced in due course.
Resorts World Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium will open its Research and Learning Centre in May 2025. The facility aims to support marine biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection and restoration, and contribute to education, research, and community engagement.
Serving as a hub for marine research, education, and global conservation dialogue, the new facility builds on more than a decade of foundational work under S.E.A. Aquarium, where education, research, and conservation have been core to its mission. Previous efforts have included breeding programmes, behavioural studies, and collaborations with both regional and international organisations. The establishment of a dedicated centre will allow Singapore Oceanarium to expand these activities, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and serve as the focal point of its education and conservation initiatives.
The new centre will drive and further boost marine research, education and conservation efforts; photo by Resorts World Sentosa
Certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, the building is designed for energy efficiency. Its concrete façade and aluminium shading reduce heat and cooling demands, while natural lighting helps limit the use of artificial lighting. The facility’s energy needs are met entirely through solar power.
The centre includes laboratories, seminar rooms, collaborative spaces, and a rooftop event area. Among the key facilities are flexible classrooms that can be configured to suit various learning needs, a stepped seating area to support informal discussion, a multi-use space equipped for digital learning and events, and a rooftop venue suitable for public or private functions. The Marine Lab comprises three sections: a teaching lab for marine science education, a research lab for visiting scientists, and a wet lab designed for practical, hands-on experiments.
Research activities will focus on areas such as ex-situ coral reproduction, breeding and culturing methods for threatened marine species, and the study of genetic diversity in animals under care. The centre will also support public engagement through citizen science programmes and training workshops.
In addition, the centre will host regional and international events through partnerships with global associations, including a workshop on May 28 for the upcoming CITES Global Youth Summit (May 27-31), which will bring together youth from more than 50 countries to promote collaboration and raise awareness of marine wildlife trade issues.
“As the ocean faces mounting challenges, Singapore Oceanarium’s Research and Learning Centre aims to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders by demonstrating the power of knowledge, collaboration and shared purpose in driving meaningful change. The Research and Learning Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to create a collaborative ecosystem that brings together like-minded partners to turn science into action and advance our efforts in marine conservation, research and education,” said Lam Xue Ying, vice president of Singapore Oceanarium.
“We hope for this to be a space that combines forces across the ocean community – and beyond – to restore vital marine habitats towards a thriving future for our oceans.”
Airbnb has expanded its platform to include professional services, curated local experiences, and a redesigned app that brings together homes, services, and activities in one place.
The move marks a shift for the company, which has been known primarily for short-term accommodation since its founding in 2007. With this update, Airbnb is positioning itself as a broader travel platform offering more than just a place to stay.
Airbnb’s new platform allows travellers to book experiences, such as crafting noodles and broth with a ramen legend in Setagaya City, Japan, pictured; photo by Saeka Shimada
Airbnb Services, now available in 260 cities, allows users to book offerings such as in-home chefs, massages, spa treatments, fitness sessions, and beauty services. These are open to anyone – regardless of whether they are staying at an Airbnb – and provided by verified professionals with relevant licences and an average of ten years’ experience. Prices start under US$$50, and bookings are made directly through the app.
Airbnb has also relaunched its Experiences product, now focused on locally-led activities in over 650 cities worldwide. These include food tours, cultural outings, outdoor experiences, and creative sessions. All offerings are reviewed for quality, and a new category, Airbnb Originals, features events hosted by public figures and recognised professionals. Social features such as guest messaging and group visibility will be added later this year.
The app has been rebuilt to support these updates, with a redesigned Explore tab to browse listings and a Trips tab showing booking details and itineraries. The new Messages feature includes photo and video sharing, as well as integrated payments for customising services. Airbnb profiles have also been updated, allowing users to share where they’ve travelled, connect with others they have met through the platform, and see verification details for over 200 million guests and hosts.
The app has also been redesigned for hosts, with tools to manage homes, services, and experiences more efficiently. A simplified Airbnb Setup process helps hosts create listings with ease. The Today tab gives an overview of upcoming reservations, while the updated Calendar includes a daily view with hour-by-hour scheduling and Google Calendar integration. The Listings tab has been improved to allow hosts to manage all aspects of their offering, from location to pricing.
“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb.”
He added: “People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space. Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds – amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
All new features are available globally from today, and applications are open for professionals interested in hosting homes, services, or experiences.
Taste Port Douglas by Sheraton returns from August 7 to 10 for its ninth edition, marking its first full four-day format. Co-founders Reina and Spencer Patrick will bring a line-up of culinary talent to Far North Queensland for a programme of dining experiences, masterclasses and events.
Set against the backdrop of the region’s rainforests and reefs, this year’s festival will feature returning signature events and new additions, including the Takeover Series presented by Singapore Airlines, long seaside lunches, and the Night of Fire: Flames of the Forest, a fire-cooked feast in the Daintree Rainforest.
Experience a fire-cooked feast in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, as flames light up the night at Taste Port Douglas’ Night of Fire event
Three international chefs will join the local and national talent. Roger Pizey, executive head chef at Fortnum & Mason, will revisit his well-known tarte tatin, first created during his time with Marco Pierre White. Michael Wilson of Singapore’s Michelin-starred Marguerite returns with his creative approach, while Ryan Clift, formerly of The Tippling Club, brings his experimental dining style following the recent closure of his award-winning venue.
With a packed programme of F&B and entertainment across the region, the festival opens with a beachfront launch party at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, followed by a series of standout events including the Brit Pack 2.0 dinner at Harrisons restaurant, the Lexus Long Lunch hosted by Manu Feildel, and the Night of Fire in the Daintree rainforest, headlined by Matt Preston. August 9 also sees the Fat Mango Music Festival with DJ sets and VIP access, and the Festival Village running over the weekend with cooking demos, masterclasses and local food stalls. The event concludes with a closing party at Harrisons Restaurant. This year’s chef line-up includes Matt Stone, Ryan Clift, Manu Feildel, Nelly Robinson, Colin Fassnidge, Raymond Capaldi, Roger Pizey and more.
Pre-sale tickets are available now, while tickets to the general public will go on sale on May 22.
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will homeport in Singapore for the first time from October 2026 to February 2027, offering a range of three- to 12-night sailings across South-east and East Asia.
Itineraries include visits to destinations such as Penang, Langkawi, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
Navigator of the Seas’ Caribbean poolscape includes more pool space for all, a Splash Pad for children, The Lime and Coconut bar, and Johnny Rockets Express
Shorter cruises of three to five nights will focus on regional ports, while longer sailings of up to 12 nights will include extended visits and overnight stays.
Navigator of the Seas will feature a variety of onboard activities and dining options. These include waterslides, a surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, laser tag, and an escape room. Dining venues will range from seafood and Mexican eateries to American diner-style options. Entertainment includes theatre productions and ice skating shows.
The ship also offers a Caribbean-style pool deck, a blow dry bar, and themed bars such as The Bamboo Room.
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach has appointed Jean Philippe Lovotti as its new general manager.
Lovotti brings over 25 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, having held leadership roles across Europe, South-east Asia, and the Pacific.
Singapore Tourism Board recently partnered with BigHit Music to produce the official music video for Don’t Say You Love Me, the lead track from K-pop BTS Jin’s second solo album, Echo.
Filmed across Singapore, the video highlights the city’s landscapes and locations, introducing international audiences to its range of sights through music and visual storytelling.
The music video was filmed at Singapore’s iconic landmarks, including Gardens by the Bay, pictured
The music video and its behind-the-scenes footage features locations across Singapore, including National Gallery Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay, and Anderson Bridge. It also includes Goldhill Plaza in Novena and Keng Eng Kee Seafood, a Michelin-listed family-run restaurant known for zi char dishes. Emerald Hill, with its Peranakan shophouses, is also featured. The selection of sites reflects Singapore’s mix of historical and contemporary spaces.
Serene Tan, executive director, North Asia, STB said: “This collaboration was a unique opportunity to showcase Singapore’s culture, nature, and architecture through a charming blend with Jin’s music. We hope that people around the world will come to see and experience Singapore from a new perspective through the music video.”
A BigHit Music official shared: “The collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board beautifully brought together the charm of the local scenery and the message Jin hopes to share through his music. We hope that many will enjoy Jin’s new album and the music video for the main track.”
Jin’s official music video Don’t Say You Love Me was launched globally on Hybe Labels’s YouTube channel, with cross-posting on STB’s social media platforms on May 16.
Panorama Group, Indonesia’s integrated tourism company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Airlines to form a strategic collaboration aimed at boosting outbound tourism from Indonesia and increasing international inbound traffic.
The partnership is set to drive tourism growth, enhance regional connectivity, and create meaningful opportunities for both leisure and business travellers.
The new collaboration aims to expand tourism flows, offering exclusive deals and enhanced travel experiences for both leisure and business travellers
The MoU was signed in Kuala Lumpur during the recent MATTA Fair, underscoring a strong commitment to regional tourism cooperation between two prominent players in the travel industry.
As part of the collaboration, Panorama Group and Malaysia Airlines will launch a series of initiatives to improve market access and customer value. These include special flight promotions with preferential fares for Indonesian tourists travelling abroad and for visitors from regional markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand travelling to Indonesia.
The partnership also includes corporate travel management, with Panorama offering exclusive pricing to its corporate clients, backed by joint marketing efforts to expand this segment.
Additionally, Malaysia Airlines will gain preferential access to hotel and hospitality services managed by Panorama, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Both parties will work together on marketing and promotional activities targeting domestic Indonesian audiences via digital platforms and tourism exhibitions, as well as international tourists through participation in global tourism events and trade shows.
Budi Tirtawisata, group CEO of Panorama Group, said: “We are very excited to kick off this partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This reflects our commitment to providing integrated travel solutions that provide real value for Indonesian tourists traveling abroad and international visitors coming to Indonesia. Together, we aim to improve the quality, reach and impact of travel offerings in the region.”
Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer, airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group, added: “Together with Panorama Group, we are committed to improving connectivity and delivering a seamless premium travel experience across key markets, particularly in the fast-growing Indonesian market and beyond.”
Groundbreaking for Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 (T5) took place on May 14, marking the start of construction on the airport’s largest expansion to date. The ceremony was officiated by Singapore’s prime minister and minister for finance, Lawrence Wong.
T5 will be equipped with automated systems to improve operational efficiency and meet future travel demand. Once completed, it will be connected to the existing terminals at Changi Airport, enabling integrated operations. The first phase of T5 is scheduled to open in the mid-2030s and will be able to handle around 50 million passengers annually.
Changi Airport marks the start of construction on Terminal 5, set to expand capacity and enhance connectivity; rendering of the baggage claim area, pictured
The terminal is being developed in response to expected growth in air travel, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. It will also support the consolidation of the Singapore Airlines Group’s operations under one terminal, with space for other carriers to expand.
T5 will include a ground transport centre, which will integrate train, bus, taxi, and other transport services. Plans are underway to extend the Thomson-East Coast Line and Cross Island Line to the new terminal, improving access to and from the city and other parts of Singapore.
The terminal will also facilitate air-sea connectivity through improved links to ferry services for regional travel.
Automation will be used across both passenger-facing and operational areas. Technologies currently under trial will be scaled up by the time T5 begins operations, supporting efficiency and reducing reliance on manpower.
T5 will be built to energy-efficient standards, classified as a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy building. It will use renewable energy, including a large rooftop solar system, as well as a central building management system to monitor and control energy use.
The terminal design includes a series of curved roof structures of varying height to break up the building’s scale. The layout allows for natural light and includes indoor landscaping. Travellators and an automated people mover (APM) system will reduce walking distances. The APM will also connect T5 with Terminal 2 to facilitate transfers between terminals. Passenger flow will be supported by intuitive layout and wayfinding features.
The design work was paused in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resumed in 2022. The terminal’s layout will allow it to be sectioned off to manage different passenger risk profiles if necessary, and will include features such as contactless touch points to support public health.
T5 is part of the larger 1,080-hectare Changi East development, which includes the Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and Changi East Urban District (CEUD). The CEIZ will support aircraft maintenance, logistics, and cargo operations, while the CEUD will provide commercial and business facilities near the terminal.
Yam Kum Weng, CEO, Changi Airport Group, said: “Our vision is for T5 to be mega yet cosy, a terminal that embraces the Changi DNA – delivering a personalised, stress free and positively surprising airport experience. As a new gateway to Singapore, T5 offers new possibilities and will bring new surprises.”
Lovotti brings over 25 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, having held leadership roles across Europe, South-east Asia, and the Pacific.
