Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened a new airline lounge for Saudia Airlines at London Heathrow, Terminal 4, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.
The lounge, which serves First and Business Class passengers, offers a range of amenities, including runway views, a VIP zone, a buffet area, and dedicated workspaces. A new tea bar, in partnership with The London Tea Exchange, offers a selection of curated teas.
The Saudia Lounge at London Heathrow is the latest addition to the airline’s growing network of premium lounges
The Saudia Lounge is Plaza Premium Group’s seventh lounge in London and reflects the company’s expansion and commitment to enhancing passenger services at major airports. The lounge aims to improve the pre-flight experience for Saudia Airlines guests with tailored offerings and luxury service.
Song Hoi See, founder and chief executive, PPG said: “London remains one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, and our continued expansion here underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience for every guest. The launch of the Saudia Airlines Lounge allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage and culture through thoughtfully curated in-lounge experiences, further reflecting our commitment to delivering world-class, locally inspired hospitality at every touchpoint.”
Rossen Dimitrov, chief guest experience officer, Saudia added: “The launch of our new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a testament to Saudia’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience that embodies the essence of Saudi hospitality. We are proud to offer our guests a premium space that combines comfort, luxury, and cultural richness, setting a new benchmark for international travel.”
Centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon offers a blend of style and sophistication in the bustling city
From new air routes to various hotel signings and launches, Vietnam’s dynamic Ho Chi Minh City continues to become more accessible and offer more room options for tourists.
The constantly evolving city has set a tourism target to welcome 8.5 million international visitors this year.
One hotel that is perfectly positioned to offer travellers an inviting stay is JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, the first from the JW Marriott brand in the city.
Located at the intersection of Hai Ba Trung Street and Le Duan Boulevard in District 1, the hotel, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon is an ideal base for guests to discover Saigon’s cultural attractions and sites.
Staying at the 305-key hotel places guests within walking distance to Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, many of which are located in District 1. From French-colonial historical landmarks to modern attractions and buzzing street markets, the city retains a unique charm.
Whether admiring the neo-Romanesque architecture of the Saigon Cathedral, Saigon Post Office and Independence Palace, or soaking up local life at Ben Thanh Market, travellers can conveniently experience many of the city’s local sights within the district.
Culinary delights
Enjoy a spread of international dishes from the hotel’s main restaurant, Market 39
Enjoy a variety of dining concepts at the hotel’s restaurants, from innovative Italian cuisine at Basilico to sumptuous international buffets at Market 39.
The latter serves as the property’s main dining restaurant, offering a generous breakfast buffet featuring global selections and local specialties. A must-try is the pho station at breakfast, where the soup is meticulously prepared following traditional Vietnamese methods, with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own garden, ensuring a fresh and authentic flavour.
Another is The Library, where guests can unwind at this refined lounge and try its signature dishes that include a different take on Hanoi dish bun cha elevated with Iberico pork, a unique take on pho, enhanced with lobster from Nha Trang, and banh mi prepared with a special sauce from the chef’s family recipe.
Designed for wellness
Take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s inviting pool
For some indulgence, a must is the Spa by JW. The JW Marriott philosophy, The Whole You, encapsulates a holistic approach to wellness and balance that involves the mind, body and spirit.
At the Spa by JW, treatments rooted in authentic Asian traditions offer a calming retreat from the city’s lively pace. A unique feature at this spa is the option to book an outdoor treatment package that includes a luxurious foot massage as the sun sets, overlooking the city skyline.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s outdoor pool and fitness centre provide additional opportunities for workouts that get you that endorphin rush.
A new addition to the facilities will be a pool bar that will provide a new chic venue to enjoy sunset cocktails.
JW Marriott Hotel & Suites is currently offering a Stay, Savour and Unwind package that includes breakfast for two, 500,000 dong (approx US$19) worth of F&B credit, and late check out till 4pm.
Virtuoso has enhanced its leadership team with the appointment of Cheryl Cheney Bunker as senior vice president of global memberships and Cory Hagopian as senior vice president of global partnerships, continuing its focus on global expansion and luxury travel growth.
Cheryl Cheney Bunker has been appointed senior vice president, global memberships. She has been with Virtuoso since 2007 and most recently served as vice president of global member relations, overseeing more than 1,200 travel agencies and over 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries. In her new role, she will lead global membership strategy and oversee engagement across all regions.
From left: Cheryl Cheney Bunker and Cory Hagopian
Cory Hagopian has taken on the role of senior vice president, global partnerships. He joined Virtuoso in 2022 and has overseen both member and partner relations. He will now focus on global partner sales and relationships across product areas including accommodation, cruises, tourism boards, transport, and insurance. His role includes expanding partnerships in new markets and managing the organisation’s ultra-high-net-worth segment.
Scenic Hotel Group has appointed Bernard Yong as international sales manager, a new role within the group. He will work with Steve Shearer, director of international sales and brand development.
Yong has experience in the hospitality industry, including eight years at Mitchell Corporation, where he was involved in business development and client relations. He has also worked in real estate and duty-free management.
Tourism industry stakeholders are cautiously assessing the long-term impact of the new tariffs announced by US president Trump on regional travel flows, corporate spending and outbound demand in the Middle East for the US.
“It is too early to say, but any uncertainty causes businesses to become a little bit more conservative in what they are doing. Anything which leads to a barrier to business can have an impact on business travel spend or where business spend is going,” said Catherine Logan, regional senior vice president for EMEA and APAC at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
Industry leaders assess how the US tariffs could affect travel demand, business spending, and regional trade ties
Trump issued an executive order in April 2025, imposing a 10 per cent customs duty on goods imported into the US from all countries, with higher duties on imports from specific countries. Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia will face a 10 per cent tariff, while others like Jordan and Iraq will face higher rates of 20 per cent, according to a report by PwC Middle East.
“We don’t see a direct impact of the tariffs announced by president Trump in the Middle East, but indirect. If the global economy is not doing well, nobody can escape. So, we hope the US can really understand what they are doing,” said Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group.
Trump’s tariffs caused initial disruption in global financial markets before a 90-day suspension was implemented. Amid investor concerns, stock markets in the Middle East recorded their worst decline in five years when the new tariffs were announced, according to regional media.
Ciaran Kelly, managing director of Middle East & Africa at FCM Travel, said the current situation could lead to diversification in global trade and travel patterns, which may benefit the Middle East.
“There are phenomenal opportunities in the region like Jebel Ali in Dubai is a world-class logistics hub, Qatar is the largest LNG producer, Egypt has booming manufacturing. This could result in a shift of business via the Middle East into Africa or Asian markets,” he added.
Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE next month – a tour observers say could shape future diplomatic and economic discussions around the tariffs.
Australia’s largest tourism trade event concluded on May 1 in Brisbane, after four days of business meetings, marking a key moment in the city’s path toward becoming a major international destination.
The 2025 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE25) was the largest yet, with 1,600 Australian tourism sellers and 726 global buyers, leading to about 60,000 appointments at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Andrew Powell and Phillipa Harrison spoke about Brisbane’s transformation and its growing influence in elevating Australia’s tourism industry globally during ATE25
“ATE is a chance for our tourism industry to meet face-to-face with key tourism decision makers from around the world and tell them about the incredible products and experiences Australia has to offer for international holidaymakers,” said Phillipa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia. “The 1,600 Australian sellers here in Brisbane will have access to buyers from 31 countries, and the connections they make will drive international travellers to their businesses in the months and years ahead.”
The return of ATE to Brisbane comes at a transformative time for the city. “Brisbane has changed significantly since the ATE was last here (17 years ago), and we’re so excited to showcase just how much our city and state have evolved over time,” said Andrew Powell, Queensland minister for the environment and tourism.
Notably, Queensland tourism operators occupy 191 booths, claiming over a quarter of the floor space.
“With the green and gold runway set for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are determined to enhance our global appeal, and there is simply no better opportunity to showcase Queensland’s countless connections to sea, land, and culture than at ATE25,” Powell added.
“I love my sport, but (securing) the Olympics wasn’t about hosting the sport – (it was) about growing our infrastructure and our tourism legacy.”
The local economy is projected to grow by 68 per cent over the next 20 years. In the past year, Brisbane achieved an unprecedented tourism trifecta, with a record A$11.3 billion (US$7.27 billion) in visitor expenditure. “We had the most visitor nights ever in the region, and record domestic and international visitors,” said Fiona Cunningham, Brisbane’s deputy mayor.
Australia has seen 8.3 million arrivals, a nine per cent increase from last year and an 82 per cent rise from two years ago. Demand for Indigenous tourism experiences has grown by 16 per cent year-on-year.
ATE25 is delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Tourism Events Queensland, with support from the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) has launched a campaign to secure the United Nations Lifetime Achievement Award for the Great Barrier Reef, aiming to capture global attention.
If successful, it will be the first non-human recipient of the award, highlighting the reef’s significance and providing historic international recognition for Australia’s tourism industry.
Linton: when people experience the reef first-hand, they fall in love with it – and they want to protect it; photo by Adelaine Ng
The campaign, backed by federal funding and partners including Qantas, aims to give the reef the same recognition that has previously been awarded to conservation icons such as David Attenborough.
“The Great Barrier Reef has done so much not only for tourism, but for our state, our country, and the world,” said Georgia Linton, PR lead for Tourism and Events Queensland.
“It actually meets all the criteria for the award. Why not recognise such a remarkable entity with the UN Lifetime Achievement Award?”
The campaign, which is only days old, has already gained momentum. Over 2,600 signatures have been collected on a global petition, with plans to reach an estimated 50,000 supporters before the nomination deadline in November.
Key strategies include leveraging TNQ’s international networks, engaging celebrities and high-profile “Friends of Queensland”, and tapping into Qantas’ 30,000-strong staff as campaign advocates. Outreach will begin this week, and the campaign will span the US, the UK, Europe, and South-east Asia.
Speaking to TTG Asia at the Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 in Brisbane, Linton explained that the campaign to win the UN Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award also aims to dispel myths about the reef’s health and promote positive engagement.
“There’s a lot of misconception that the reef is dead or dying, and that you’re hurting the reef if you visit, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. When people experience the reef first-hand, they fall in love with it – and they want to protect it,” said Linton.
The campaign is being led by Lani Cooper, general manager of Marketing at Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
If successful, industry leaders anticipate significant returns in global recognition for Australia’s tourism, indigenous custodians, and environmental advocates.
“To have that scale of global recognition would be a pretty special moment,” Linton shared. “The Great Barrier Reef has been a healer, a teacher, a provider – and it continues to give birth through coral spawning. It has all the qualities that deserve this honour,” she added, noting that reef awareness and education are as important as the final result.
Nominations close in November, with the award presentation scheduled for March next year. Reef supporters can learn more or submit a nomination here.
Ascott is accelerating the global growth of its flagship brand under a new multi-typology strategy. In 2024, the company signed eight new properties – more than double the previous year’s total – and added three more in the first four months of 2025: Ascott Ortigas Manila in the Philippines, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore, and the brand’s first property in Wenzhou, China.
The Ascott brand now includes over 80 properties with more than 17,400 units, either operational or in the pipeline, across 43 cities. Across all 14 brands, Ascott’s global portfolio exceeds 990 properties and 170,000 units in 230 cities.
Ascott Shenton Way Singapore, the brand’s second CBD property, reinforces its presence in key gateway cities
Ascott Shenton Way Singapore will be the brand’s second property in Singapore’s CBD, offering 137 units, along with a lounge, meeting spaces, restaurant, café, gym, spa, swimming pool and garden terraces.
Other 2024 signings include properties in China’s Nanjing, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan, Wuxi, as well as Batam in Indonesia, and Nairobi in Africa. The brand concluded the year with the signing of Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi Penang, its first branded residence, which is located along the coast between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi in Penang, Malaysia. The development will feature 99 residential apartments and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Ascott is also moving beyond serviced residences, with new typologies such as branded residences and hotels with MICE facilities.
Ascott CEO Kevin Goh said: “In the face of increasing economic uncertainty, Ascott’s flex-hybrid operating model is now reinforced with a multi-typology brand strategy. When strengthened by a multi-typology brand ecosystem, Ascott’s business model gains a unique competitive edge. This enables Ascott to respond dynamically to demand shifts not just by length of stay, but also by owner and guest profiles, and location offerings.
“For property owners, we offer flexible brand and typology combinations that optimise returns, supported by the strength and recognition of our portfolio for faster market traction. For guests, we deliver diverse accommodation options under the brands they know and trust, creating seamless and rewarding experiences.”
Under this strategy, Ascott is expanding its portfolio of branded residences and full-service hotels. New developments maintain the brand’s features such as interior design, curated lobby art and service by the Ascott Artisan. Programmes like Themed Suites and Ascott Soirée continue to be offered.
Ascott Villas Riyadh, opening in July 2025, will be Ascott’s first all-villa hotel in Saudi Arabia. Located near King Abdullah Financial Street, it will offer two- to four-bedroom villas, some with private pools, along with meeting rooms, a restaurant, gym, pool and tennis court.
Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi is set to open in 2026 with 618 rooms and apartments. It will include a convention centre with 14 event spaces, including a 2,000-person ballroom, plus a spa, gym, pool, yoga rooms and multiple dining options.
In March 2025, Ascott signed Ascott Ortigas Manila in the Philippines. Located in Metro Manila’s Ortigas business district, the renovated property will offer 232 units, 1,700m² of event space, a spa, gym, pool, lounge and dining outlets.
“Rather than creating separate brands for each market segment, we extend our well-established brands – including Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection – across diverse accommodation types, ranging from limited select-service to luxury full-service operations… (offering) tailored global living solutions to address the diverse travel needs of our guests. By swiftly tailoring the brand presence and reallocating the service mix based on our multi-typology brand strategy, Ascott is honing our agility to meet the dynamic patterns in travel and guest behaviour,” shared Tan Bee Leng, chief commercial officer, Ascott.
Additionally, Ascott is launching a new edition of its annual Ascott Soirée programme, which brings art, culture and local collaborations into its properties. The initiative features live performances, visual art, fashion and food experiences, offering guests a cultural experience during their stay.
In Singapore, Ascott Orchard Singapore guests can attend a Mother’s Day concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Botanic Gardens. In Tokyo, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo is hosting an exhibition of Edo-period prints in collaboration with Tokyo Takahashi Kobo and the Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen’s Association. In Shenzhen, guests at Ascott Fengyishan can participate in tea-making workshops highlighting traditional techniques and culture.
Added Tan: “With the growing demand for experiential travel, today’s guests are looking for more than just a place to stay – they seek meaningful cultural connections. Through creative collaborations around the world, Ascott Soirée brings heartfelt, arts-inspired experiences that enrich every stay with authenticity and soul.”
Meliá Hotels International has strengthened its position in Vietnam with new agreements with BB Group Hospitality and Sapa Mountain Resort. These agreements add two properties to Meliá’s portfolio, increasing its presence to 22 hotels in operation and four in the pipeline in Vietnam.
BB Group Hospitality operates hotels in key tourist destinations, and this partnership brings Meliá to the scenic town of Sapa, known for its cultural heritage, terraced rice fields, and mountainous terrain popular with hikers.
Meliá Hotels takes over Sapa Mountain Resort, rebranding it as Meliá Sapa Mountain Resort
The BB Hotel Sapa and BB Sapa Resort & Spa will become Meliá’s northernmost properties in the country, now operating under the Affiliated by Meliá brand.
Under Meliá’s agreement with Sapa Mountain Resort, BB Sapa Resort & Spa will be rebranded as Meliá Sapa Mountain Resort after 12 months as an Affiliated by Meliá property. The resort has 77 rooms and suites, an expansive garden, wellness facilities, gym, indoor heated pool, and spa.
As part of the partnership with BB Group, BB Hotel Sapa will become Hotel Sapa Square, Affiliated by Meliá. Located near Central Square, the 57-room property boasts views from its rooftop sky lounge, terrace café, restaurant, and spa.
Meliá and BB Group also signed a hotel management agreement for Kobi Onsen Hue, a hot springs resort in Vietnam’s former imperial capital, now operating as an Affiliated by Meliá property.
“Through BB Group and Sapa Mountain Resort, we continue to grow our presence in the country with partners who share our commitment to building sustainable tourism in Vietnam,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and chairman of Meliá Hotels International. “These agreements mark our first step in one of the most picturesque destinations in Vietnam.”
AirAsia MOVE has launched Easy Cancel, a new feature allowing travellers to cancel flights up to 48 hours before departure and receive a refund within ten days.
Exclusively available on the AirAsia MOVE app, Easy Cancel gives passengers the flexibility to cancel for any reason, offering 80 to 100 per cent refund coverage, including for add-ons such as baggage and meals. The feature must be purchased during booking and cannot be added later via the Manage Booking section.
The new Easy Cancel feature gives travellers the flexibility to cancel flights up to 48 hours before departure with a quick refund process
To add Easy Cancel, after selecting flights and entering passenger details, guests simply need to click ‘Continue to Add-Ons’ and select Easy Cancel from the options.
The feature is available on all AirAsia routes except South Korea and Indonesia domestic flights. For AirAsia X flights, Easy Cancel will be available by the end of May.
Yong has experience in the hospitality industry, including eight years at Mitchell Corporation, where he was involved in business development and client relations. He has also worked in real estate and duty-free management.
