Five universities from Taiwan have formalised a partnership with four Sabah-based tourism associations to promote agro- and community-based tourism in the Malaysian state.
The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kota Kinabalu. It aims to promote sustainable tourism development through knowledge exchange, community engagement, and academic-industry cooperation. The MoU is also expected to support capacity-building among local stakeholders and contribute to long-term, values-driven tourism initiatives.
The partnership aims to promote rural and sustainable tourism through education and community collaboration
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Sabah government and representatives of the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association, who accompanied the Taiwanese delegation.
The participating Taiwanese institutions are Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association. Their Sabah counterparts include the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Sabah Tenom Coffee Entrepreneurs Association, and the Tambatuon Village Women’s Community Association in Kota Belud.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its broader efforts to develop inclusive and sustainable tourism models.
STB chairman and assistant minister of tourism, culture and environment, Joniston Bangkuai, said the initiative aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint, which highlights agriculture and tourism as key economic drivers.
He noted that “agro-tourism plays a vital role in enhancing visitor experiences while directly empowering rural communities”, adding that STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products across Sabah and is piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to guide rural tourism strategies.
The Walt Disney Company and Miral have joined forces to develop a Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. The resort will be located on Yas Island, a leisure and entertainment hub in the capital.
The project will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort globally and the first in the Middle East. It will feature Disney attractions and characters, integrated with elements reflecting the local culture and environment.
From left: Miral’s Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, The Walt Disney Company ‘s Robert A Iger, and Disney Experiences’s Josh D’Amaro
Miral will oversee the full development and construction of the resort. Disney will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight through its Imagineering team. Miral, which has previously partnered with international brands on Yas Island, will operate the site.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group CEO of Miral, said that bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marked a significant step in the company’s efforts to enhance the island’s status as a global destination for entertainment and leisure.
The UAE’s geographical location, within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, positions it as a key travel hub. Its aviation infrastructure, including major airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, handles over 120 million passengers annually.
Once completed, the resort will include Disney-themed entertainment, accommodation, dining, and retail. The project is expected to contribute to the tourism sector and support long-term economic development in Abu Dhabi.
Miral chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination – an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever.”
Robert A Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, added: “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Experiences, remarked: “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.”
Further details will be announced as the project progresses.
UOL Group has partnered with Hilton to introduce the first NoMad Hotel in Asia-Pacific, set to open on Singapore’s Orchard Road in early 2027.
The 173-room luxury hotel will be built on the site of the former Faber House, which is being redeveloped into a 19-storey hotel with retail and commercial spaces.
Rendering of NoMad Hotel, which will bring luxury lifestyle experience to Singapore’s Orchard Road in 2027
NoMad, which recently joined Hilton’s luxury portfolio, is known for its unique blend of luxury and lifestyle. The hotel brand, acquired following Hilton’s purchase of a majority stake in Sydell Group, is expanding its footprint from its flagship in London to high-end markets worldwide. This marks Hilton’s first entry into Singapore’s luxury lifestyle hotel market.
The Singapore hotel will feature distinctive local design elements, including curated artworks by Singaporean artists with special needs. The property is expected to offer guests access to the city’s shopping, entertainment, and cultural hubs, with key districts like the financial centre, Bras Basah-Bugis, Arab Street, and Chinatown just a short distance away.
Designed by the architecture firm WOHA, the hotel will feature a biophilic design, incorporating a 15-storey cascading waterfall and vertical greenery on its façade. The third level will host a public space for art and design programming, and the hotel will connect with surrounding developments.
The guest experience will begin at the fifth level, with a lobby, sky terrace, and infinity pool overlooking Orchard Road. Guestrooms will be located above, with a rooftop bar and restaurant completing the offering.
Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said: “With demand for high-end, experience-driven stays surging across the region, the luxury gateway of Singapore offers the perfect backdrop to debut NoMad’s uniquely local luxury hospitality – and will be the first of many cities in Asia to welcome the brand.”
UOL chief operating officer Neo Soon Hup added: “NoMad Singapore will bring together modern elegance and the city’s dynamic cultural energy, offering a distinct experience that reflects the brand’s character. We look forward to making NoMad a standout presence in the market, delivering exceptional stays that go beyond traditional luxury and resonate with discerning travellers.”
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will complete refurbishments on Norwegian Epic and Pride of America ahead of the 2025 summer travel season, adding new features and upgraded facilities.
Norwegian Epic will complete a three-week dry dock on May 8, 2025, with updates including a new hot tub on deck 18, a redesigned Kids’ Aqua Park, and an expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club featuring extra seating, a second hot tub, and private cabanas. Eight new staterooms – balcony and ocean view – will also be added.
Norwegian Epic’s expanded Vibe Beach Club adds more seating, a second hot tub, and private cabanas
The ship will also offer nine- to 11-day cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, visiting ports in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, including Santorini, Mykonos, Valletta, Naples, Catania, and Florence/Pisa. Later in the year, she returns to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for seven-day Southern Caribbean cruises to ports including Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and St Thomas.
Pride of America will undergo upgrades from May 3 to 31, 2025, including a new Starbucks on deck five and the addition of pickleball to the sports court. She will also gain 12 club balcony suites and three inside staterooms on deck 12. Youth spaces will move to deck six, along with a new Library and Card Room.
Following dry dock, Pride of America will resume her seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruises from Honolulu on May 31, 2025, operating year-round with port calls across four islands and overnights in Maui and Kauai.
“Delivering the best vacation experience for our guests, where they have the freedom and flexibility to do more of what they love is and will always continue to be our goal,” said David J Herrera, president of NCL.
“By listening to guests’ feedback, we are excited to provide them with more to do on board starting this summer as Norwegian Epic sets sail for Europe and Pride of America continues to offer the world’s only seven-day inter-island Hawaii voyages departing from Honolulu 52 weeks out of the year.”
Southern Discoveries is adding new travel experiences, including a wine tour, marking its return to the Queenstown market.
The company’s new tours focus on slower, more personal travel, encouraging guests to explore the landscapes and stories of Queenstown, Central Otago and Fiordland. The aim is to create meaningful experiences that reflect the value of kaitiaki (guardianship).
Sip on local wine at top Central Otago vineyards with Southern Discoveries’ new Queenstown tour
The Queenstown Wine Tour takes small groups to four Central Otago wineries, including Chard Farm, Brennan Wines, and Mora Wines in Arrowtown. A private charter option is now available, offering exclusive use of a Mercedes Sprinter van.
The company has also introduced its longest Milford Sound cruise, the Discover More Milford Sound Cruise, lasting up to two hours and fifteen minutes. A nature guide is on board, and also travels with guests by coach if included.
A new VIP upgrade is available on the Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The Cascade Room offers a private cabin, top-deck access, and food and drink service for up to 20 guests.
In Te Anau, Southern Discoveries will launch a new farm and cruise experience in October. Guests will visit a working farm with shearing and dog demonstrations, followed by morning tea and a Milford Sound cruise.
Macau’s compact layout and vibrant cultural scene make it ideal for walking tours that unravel the destination’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Macau’s historic centre holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the entire city is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. These elements enrich the experience, allowing visitors to savour local cuisine while exploring historical landmarks and other attractions, according to the Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
Neighbourhoods such as the lively Taipa and Cotai areas, combined with the tranquil charm of Coloane Village, further enhance the walking experience. They offer a blend of unique cultural and modern attractions, providing visitors with plenty to explore on foot.
Visitors can discover the charm of Macau’s hidden corners through guided tours and cultural activities. Picture by Macao Government Tourism Office
So far, the MGTO has introduced four major walking routes on its website and mobile app, namely World Heritage Tour in Central District; Art & Cultural Tour in St Lazarus Parish; Portuguese Ambiance Tour at Taipa Island; and Tranquility Tour in Coloane Village.
Additionally, MGTO offers an online Smart Trip Planner on its website and mobile app, allowing visitors to customise their time in Macau based on personal preferences in the areas of Sightseeing, Experiences, Shopping, Dining, and Recommendations.
Indeed, visitors are spoiled for choice, as The Walking Routes Map offers 38 thematic routes to explore. Created by the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the routes span from popular spots like Taipa Village and Guia Hill to the memorable buildings of Coloane and the scenic rockscapes along the Southern Coastline of Coloane. Visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through streets and alleys, rediscovering the charm of old Macau and uncovering the forgotten history and tales of these areas.
The recent recognition by Skyscanner as one of the Top 9 Walkable Cities in Asia and South Asia has significantly reinforced Macau’s appeal as a travel destination. Skyscanner highlights the city’s pedestrian-friendly layout, safety, and rich cultural and historical attractions, all within walking distance.
An MGTO spokesman said the accolade highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and strengthens Macau’s development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
In fact, MGTO is actively driving tourism into different neighbourhoods. To support this, it has introduced financial support programmes for local associations, enabling them to utilise resources to develop diverse community activities that will attract tourists and bring about economic revitalisation.
Join a chef-guided cooking tour. Picture by Macau Cultural Explorer
Activities are centred around three main themes: Travel around Macau Community Tourism, Taste of Macau Food Promotion, and Waterfront Fun Maritime Tourism.
A total of 43 community activities have been approved this year. Among them is the 2025 Chinese Temple Journey, which offers guided tours of three temples, where guests will explore the historical and cultural significance of these sites and their surrounding communities. There will also be a traditional handicraft experience.
Another activity is the Macau Full of Fun – Community Tourism Guided Tour, which offers insights into local merchants of various districts, along with participation in handicraft workshops.
Seven community activities or tours will be available from May to June, including the Mong Ha Creatives Market, Family Adventure Macao Consumer Carnival 2, 2025 Chinese Temple Journey, Macao Full of Fun – Community Tourism Guided Tour, Past Memory Roaming Project, Songkran 2025, and Funny Island: Lotus Creativity Marketplace.
Private sector tour operators are already on the walking tour bandwagon. Agency Macau Explorer Cultural Travel started offering in-depth cultural walking tours, such as the Protestant Cemetery and Pilgrimage tour, six years ago. Recently, it collaborated with the historic Hotel Central on a 2.5-hour tour and partnered with young entrepreneurs on a gastronomy community tour. These tours are subsidised by the MGTO.
Managing director Manuel Wu told TTG Asia that the latter tour has been fully booked since its launch.
Fleshing out the gastronomy community tour, Wu said guests would follow a local to pick up ingredients before cooking in a studio kitchen. They would get to encounter local culture along the way. As such, the tour is ideal not only for international tourists and students from China but also locals who are keen to familiarise themselves with their community.
“It’s environmentally friendly too, as no transportation is used,” said Wu.
He added that Macau has around 300 pátios (courtyards in Portuguese) and becos (alleys), and these are where cultural experiences can be found.
As Macau celebrates the 20th anniversary of the historic centre’s UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription, there is a stronger push for visitors to explore beyond popular spots like the Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado Square, which are mainly frequented by backpackers.
Wu hopes to see the addition of new elements, such as blending local religions and pop culture to create unique intellectual property (IP) products.
He suggested integrating the IP of Chinese blockbuster animation Ne Zha 2 to create a Ne Zha mini show as part of walking tours in Macau.
Wu also addressed the lack of night walking tours in the destination, and suggested that an after-dark photography tour bundled with resident shows at leading integrated resorts, such as House of Dancing Water (performed at City of Dreams) and Macau 2049 (performed at MGM Theater) could work.
Ingram addresses travel and tourism industry professionals attending TRENZ 2025, a trade event managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa
The association for New Zealand’s travel and tourism businesses, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), is working with government agencies and academics to identify future skillsets needed in the industry and develop relevant courses in response, and has introduced a data insights resource to help members access “good information for good decisions”.
These initiatives, join many others that TIA is operating to “make development and upskilling business capability more accessible and available for our members”, shared TIA chief executive, Rebecca Ingram.
Ingram addresses travel and tourism industry professionals attending TRENZ 2025, a trade event managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Elaborating on the skillset forecast, Ingram told TTG Asia that the workforce scenario of the future will consider issues such as skills needed, where such specialists will need to be deployed in the country, what training is needed, and the availability of relevant courses now to meet future need.
She said: “It’s a really long term, strategic way of looking at tourism and making sure that we are planning for the future.”
She noted that essential skills in travel and tourism are evolving, and there is now a need for people to be able to take initiative on tasks, be flexible, show leadership, and identify different trusted information sources and use data for decisions.
“These are all really important skills for life, and we want to make sure that our young people are building up those skills that are going to be transferable, no matter what tourism career they’re choosing to embark on,” she stated.
For this initiative, TIA is leveraging its relationship with the Tourism Teachers Aotearoa of New Zealand to take tourism education into secondary schools, thus paving a “strong pathway into tertiary education”.
“I really want our young people to see the breadth and depth of what a career in tourism could look like. There is definitely a job to do to help our young people, and also their parents, understand the possibilities available with a career in tourism (and being involved in) global businesses where they can transfer around the world,” Ingram added.
When asked about other recent and significant capability-building projects, Ingram pointed to the Women in Tourism Career Accelerator programme, conducted in partnership with Powrsuit. The programme enjoys “overwhelming interest” and has awarded three scholarships at press time.
Ingram shared that the programme supports a diverse profile – the first batch of beneficiaries includes one who works for a holiday park, one for economic development agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited, and one for Hammer Springs resort town.
To qualify for scholarship consideration, candidates need to be nominated by others. Submissions are then reviewed by TIA.
Ingram said there is no limit to the number of scholarships the programme will offer.
Another successful programme at TIA is the online learning management course for members, which comprises 12 modules covering “case studies, readings, activities to cement their learning”.
Available free for all, the course has more than 450 learners to date, with a high completion rate.
Ingram emphasised that TIA approaches capability building investments with a view from the individual level as well as the macro level “to make sure that we can continue to deliver for years to come”.
With traveller preferences evolving across the Asia-Pacific region, tourism authorities in the Middle East are adjusting their strategies to meet changing expectations and booking behaviours.
Insights from Euromonitor International’s Passport Travel 2025 edition, shared during the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, show a significant shift in how Asia-Pacific consumers plan trips. Online bookings in the region are projected to grow from 53 per cent in 2019 to 75 per cent by 2029.
Tourism boards discussed the influence of Asia-Pacific travel trends during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai; photo by Rohit Kaul
“One of the key trends we are noticing is that travel bookings in the Asia-Pacific market are increasingly led by online channels. Social media is playing a huge role in turning interest into demand. Previously, we saw mostly family travellers from China in their 40s and 50s. Now, younger Chinese travellers are proactively exploring Dubai,” said Shahab Shayan, regional director, Asia Pacific at Dubai’s department of economy and tourism.
This digital shift is prompting tourism boards across the Middle East to increase their focus on targeted social media strategies. Rather than relying on celebrity endorsements, destinations are working with niche influencers who have strong influence over specific interest groups.
“We recently hosted a group of Indian culinary specialists and food enthusiasts. Their credibility and loyal followers make them ideal ambassadors for showcasing the rich diversity of Saudi regional cuisines,” said Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of Asia Pacific Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Another trend emerging from Asia-Pacific markets is the growing demand for experiential travel. According to Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyle Survey (January-February 2025), 59 per cent of Asia-Pacific respondents consider it important to spend money on experiences.
“Earlier, Chinese travel demand was more itinerary and accommodation driven, often handled through tour operators. Now we are seeing strong demand from the FIT segment and less group travel. There is more demand for experiences among Chinese travellers as now they want to know about aspects like food and culture,” said Shayan.
Beyond China and India, Middle East tourism boards are also focusing on other key Asian markets. Saudi Arabia is planning to introduce direct flights to Japan and South Korea.
“We have a huge participation at Osaka Expo 2025 to create awareness in the region for Saudi Arabia. We get millions of travellers from markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan for Hajj and Umrah. Our strategy is to make them stay longer and experience offerings beyond Makkah and Medina,” added Aldabbagh.
Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their strategic partnership to improve the air-sea travel experience and support Dubai’s plans to grow as a cruise hub.
Announced at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the agreement builds on more than 10 years of cooperation. It was signed by Emirates’s executive vice president for passenger sales and country management, Nabil Sultan, and MSC Cruises’s head of Fly & Cruise, Eudes-Philippe Le Guelinel.
The partnership seeks to strengthen Dubai’s cruise proposition along with other key destinations
The partnership includes Fly&Cruise packages, offering cruise passengers airport transfers and baggage services. Travellers can check in luggage at the cruise terminal and collect it at their destination.
The collaboration covers MSC Cruises’ global fleet, including its luxury line Explora Journeys. Both companies will coordinate flight and cruise schedules, share operational data, and run joint marketing campaigns to attract more cruise travellers to Dubai and beyond.
At Port Rashid, 16 dedicated Emirates counters allow cruise passengers to check in for flights and skip airport queues, helping to streamline their journey.
Nabil said: “The cruise traveller segment is experiencing robust growth, and we will work closely with MSC Cruises on co-marketing initiatives to communicate the diversity of destinations in our network combined with an attractive air-sea proposition.”
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, added: “We are pleased to be extending this successful partnership and continuing to offer Emirates’ world-renowned flight service alongside the memorable experience waiting for guests on board our ship through our Fly & Cruise packages.”
Tourism Australia’s largest annual trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), will return to Adelaide/Tarntanya in 2026 for the first time since 2018.
ATE26 will be delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission. The event will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from May 10 to 14, 2026.
South Australia prepares to showcase its tourism offerings as Adelaide is set to host ATE26; River Torrens in Adelaide, pictured
Thousands of delegates from across Australia and overseas are expected to attend.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Brisbane had successfully hosted ATE25 and that planning was already underway to see how Adelaide and South Australia would present the state to international buyers and global media in 2026.
She remarked: “ATE helps to drive international travellers to regions right around the country but it is a particularly good opportunity for the host state and we will be working closely with our partners, the South Australian Tourism Commission, to put on a memorable event next year.”
South Australia’s minister for tourism, Zoe Bettison, said: “The Australian Tourism Exchange offers a powerful platform to showcase South Australia’s unique offerings to the most influential national and international tourism stakeholders, inspiring them to promote our wonderful destination in their markets.
“From our world-class food and wine, natural wonders and beautiful regions, our stand-out events and festivals, and new luxury accommodation, we’re looking forward to giving the world a taste of what South Australia and our passionate tourism operators have to offer.”
