TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 30th December 2025
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Page 120

New PATA report highlights tourism workforce gaps in Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia
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At the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul, Türkiye, PATA unveiled a new report, The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC, focusing on workforce-related challenges and opportunities within the region’s tourism industry.

Developed by PATA member Pear Anderson, the report brings together insights from government bodies, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and youth representatives. It outlines current trends in human capital and provides strategic recommendations and case studies to support sustainable workforce development across Asia-Pacific.

The study highlights urgent workforce challenges and opportunities across the region

The study was initiated in January 2024 and represents over a year of extensive interviews, surveys, and analysis, making it one of the most in-depth examinations of the Asia-Pacific tourism workforce to date.

The report identifies several challenges affecting the tourism workforce in the Asia-Pacific region. These include difficulty in attracting new talent to the sector, high staff turnover and retention issues, and ongoing skills gaps, particularly in digital literacy and sustainability. Another concern is the misalignment between workforce development efforts and broader sustainability goals.

The report also emphasises a need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between academia and industry, particularly in preparing youth to enter the workforce with realistic expectations and future-ready skills.

Among the findings is a misalignment of expectations and policy approaches across government, industry, education, and youth sectors. It notes the need for structured public-private dialogue to avoid unintended outcomes in human capital policies. The report also identifies a gap between how prepared young people feel to join the industry and how employers assess their readiness – pointing to a disconnect between education and employment. It also stresses the need to support the motivation and purpose that drive many tourism workers, while protecting them from unfair working conditions.

Pear Anderson director, Hannah Pearson, commented: “This report reflects what many in the industry have felt intuitively for some time – we are at a crossroads. Our research reveals both sobering realities and bright opportunities. The future of tourism in Asia-Pacific depends on how we develop, empower and value our people today.”

“This timely report comes at a pivotal moment when tourism must re-establish its footing, as a new and younger generation enters the workforce,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “The insights gathered from diverse stakeholder groups across the region highlight the complexity of our workforce issues, while also providing a roadmap for recovery, resilience, and long-term growth.”

He added: “We hope this report will inspire our members and the broader industry to rethink training and development, initiate new collaborations across sectors, and customise strategies to build a stronger, more adaptable workforce.”

The report can be viewed here.

Macau Hotel Association celebrates milestone year in tourism development

By Prudence Lui
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Commemorating its 40th anniversary, the Macau Hotel Association (MHA) has played a key role in shaping Macau’s hospitality landscape, advocating for workforce development and driving industry-wide improvements.

MHA vice president Rutger Verschuren, an experienced hotelier, underscored the association’s role in ensuring a unified voice for four- and five-star hotels when engaging with the government and other institutions.

Verschuren: while competition among hotels will always exist, there is also a shared responsibility to see Macau succeed as a destination

“While competition among hotels will always exist, there is also a shared responsibility to see Macau succeed as a destination. MHA helps to drive that collaboration,” explained Verschuren.

Macau’s tourism industry is shifting in line with the government’s 1+4 economic diversification plan, and Verschuren said MHA is fully backing this initiative.

“We have been helping hotels explore new business models beyond traditional hospitality, with a particular focus on sustainability, wellness and medical tourism,” said Verschuren.

“Many hotels are introducing advanced wellness retreats and longevity-focused experiences, tapping into a growing demand for health-conscious travel.”

He added that “MHA will continue to support the expansion of non-gaming attractions, including cultural tourism, adventure experiences, and deeper integration with Hengqin (in the Greater Bay Area) to attract new visitor demographics”.

He sees potential for Macau and Hengqin to become one destination, aided by hassle-free travel.

MHA is also committed to continuing to showcase Macau’s hospitality industry on the global stage. The association has been active in travel trade events like ITB Berlin, ILTM, and MITE, and collaborates with the Macao Government Tourism Office to elevate service standards through training and industry dialogues.

In fact, its collaboration with the Macau government will be a key part of tourism promotions this year. A major element in this effort is MHA’s participation in MITE 2025 last week, where it showcased the latest developments in Macau’s hospitality sector to international markets.

It is also working closely with Macao’s Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, commonly known as IPIM, on the MICE² Macao x Hengqin initiative to further position Macau as a leading destination for business events.

Reflecting on MHA’s growth since its establishment in 1985, when there were only a handful of hotels, Verschuren said there are now 55 star-rated hotels and affiliates.

Last year, MHA welcomed Andaz Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau as new members. Membership will continue to grow in the coming years, thanks to Macau’s ongoing development and closer integration with Hengqin.

CrescentRating leads Muslim travel seminar at Macau’s annual travel show

By Karen Yue
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An introduction to Muslim traveller needs as well as the business potential of halal tourism took centre stage at MITE 2025’s CrescentRating Certified: Muslim-Friendly Hotel Grading Seminar, held on April 25.

Daniswara Nugroho, head of business development and partnerships at CrescentRating, a Singapore-based research organisation specialising in halal travel, informed the audience that destination Macau is easily accessible to a sizeable segment of the world’s Muslim population. More than 30 per cent of the global Muslim population live within a six-hour flight time to Macau, while 60 per cent live within a 10-hour radius.

CrescentRating’s Daniswara Nugroho says Macau travel and tourism players can start their journey to halal travel readiness by providing basic faith-based services

Furthermore, 70 per cent of global Muslims are under 40 years old, an age when they are at their most productive.

“They are in the workforce, they are very active, and possess disposable income,” added Daniswara.

“We project this (population of under 40) will only change slightly for the next 10 years, meaning that the opportunity (to attract a large number of ready Muslim travellers) will remain for a long time,” he emphasised.

Daniswara explained that the needs of Muslim travellers fall into three categories: Need to have, Good to have, and Nice to have. The Need to have category includes essentials such as halal food service, prayer facilities, and water-friendly washrooms. The Good to have category covers services like fasting support during Ramadan, local Muslim experiences, and social impact activities. The final category, Nice to have, comprises the absence of non-halal activities and recreational spaces offering privacy – often preferred by more conservative Muslims.

Daniswara assured Macau travel and tourism players keen on starting their halal tourism journey that the “level of implementation for every destination is different”, and for an “emerging” halal destination like Macau, it was only necessary to satisfy basic faith-based services.

CrescentRating’s research notes that Muslim travellers prioritise access to faith-based services at accommodation and transport terminals. Hence, Daniswara urged Macau companies in these areas to contribute strongly to Macau’s halal tourism readiness.

Jocelyn Wong, chairman of Macao Hotel Association, who also presented at the seminar, shared that the Macao Government Tourism Office has been actively building the industry up for Muslim tourism readiness, through “thoughtful initiatives such as Islamic culture workshops and training seminars”.

Wong added that these efforts “align with Macau’s broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable tourism development”.

The launch of CrescentRating halal tourism certification in Macau will “provide clear, actionable standards for hotels to follow, standards that respond directly to the needs of Muslim travellers, from halal dining options and designated prayer spaces to cultural awareness training for staff”.

“This initiative sends a powerful message to the world that Macau respects, embraces, and celebrates cultural diversity,” said Wong.

Hilton to open Canopy by Hilton in Tokyo Akasaka in 2028

By TTG Asia
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Hilton, Mitsubishi Estate Co. and TBS Holdings have signed Canopy by Hilton Tokyo Akasaka, a new hotel that will be part of a mixed-use development directly connected to Tokyo Metro’s Akasaka Station. The wider project will include office space, commercial facilities, theatres, halls, and hotels.

Scheduled to open in 2028, Canopy by Hilton Tokyo Akasaka will be the brand’s first hotel in Tokyo and the Kanto region, and the third Canopy by Hilton in Japan. The global Canopy by Hilton portfolio currently includes more than 40 properties across 13 countries and territories.

The third Canopy by Hilton hotel in Japan will debut in the Tokyo Akasaka district in 2028

The hotel will occupy the seventh to 18th floors of an 18-storey building within the west block of the Akasaka 2-Chome and 6-Chome District Development Plan, led by TBS and Mitsubishi Estate. It will feature 174 guestrooms, including 24 suites. Facilities will include a restaurant and bar, a terrace café with views of the Akasaka area, meeting lounge, and fitness room.

The building will be directly connected to Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. The lower floors will house theatres and halls, positioning the building as an entertainment hub in the Akasaka area. Its location offers easy access to business districts and various tourist attractions across Tokyo. Additionally, limousine bus services to and from airports are planned.

“In recent years, demand for lifestyle brands has been increasing in the hotel market. By introducing the Canopy by Hilton brand in Tokyo, one of the world’s top destinations, we will be able to cater to the diverse needs of our guests. We look forward to welcoming visitors from Japan and abroad and offering an experience that allows them to fully enjoy the charm of the Akasaka area,” said Joseph Khairallah, area vice president, head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton.

ECKO Hotels & Resorts launches three new properties in Uttarakhand

By TTG Asia
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ECKO Hotels & Resorts, a collection of hotels and resorts across India, has launched with 100 keys in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, comprising three properties – ECKO Antarman Ganges, Haridwar, ECKO Rishikesh, and ECKO Tapovan by the Ganges.

The name ECKO is derived from the Greek word echo, symbolising the brand’s aim to reflect guest satisfaction through consistent and thoughtful hospitality in a calm setting.

ECKO Hotels & Resorts strengthens its presence in Uttarakhand with the opening of three properties that focus on spirituality, adventure, and wellness

ECKO Hotels & Resorts creates spaces where guests and staff can be themselves, connecting travellers with local culture and fostering a sense of community through shared spaces and events. The brand prioritises sustainability and integrates technology to enhance the guest experience.

Each property offers essential amenities and caters to leisure, spiritual, MICE, wedding, and corporate travel needs. The brand’s tagline, Living in the moment, reflects its emphasis on encouraging guests to fully engage with their surroundings – whether for business, reflection, or rest.

ECKO Antarman Ganges, Haridwar is located on the banks of the Ganges, overlooking the Shivalik hills. It features one of the largest private ghats in the area, exclusively for resident guests.

ECKO Tapovan by the Ganges is a contemporary property in Tapovan, near the river. It offers a variety of dining options, including a 24/7 bakery and pizzeria, an all-day restaurant, and facilities such as a rooftop pool, lounge, and spa.

ECKO Rishikesh is located in the city centre and features banquet halls and flexible meeting spaces, suited for corporate offsites, conventions, private events, and modern weddings.

The company has a growing pipeline of properties in metropolitan cities, emerging suburbs, and spiritual destinations, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Tirupati, Ranikhet, Vrindavan, Amritsar, and Shirdi. It is also exploring management opportunities in international markets, particularly in South-east Asia.

Founder and CEO Perkin Rocha stated: ”We are excited to launch ECKO Hotels & Resorts in Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand first. It is a significant milestone for our brand, as Uttarakhand is one of the only states to offer spiritual, adventure and wellness tourism along with several national wildlife parks and scenic mountains. I am certain that our unique hotels in Haridwar, Tapovan and Rishikesh will delight guests with engaging unique dining, stay and bespoke experiences.”

Royal Brunei Airlines joins AirAsia MOVE

By TTG Asia
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Royal Brunei Airlines, the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam, has joined AirAsia MOVE as a direct airline partner. The addition expands the platform’s network coverage across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the UK.

The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony held at AirAsia MOVE’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Yeoh Sai Ho, head of flights OTA at AirAsia MOVE, and Noor Hidayah Abdullah, sales manager (West Malaysia) at Royal Brunei Airlines.

From left: AirAsia MOVE’s Yeoh Sai Ho and Royal Brunei Airlines’s Noor Hidayah Abdullah during the signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur

To mark the partnership, the two companies are offering up to 35 per cent off return fares to selected destinations, including Brunei, Manila, Beijing, and Taipei, for bookings made by April 30, 2025. The travel period is valid from April 18 to November 30, 2025.

Royal Brunei Airlines joins more than 70 other direct airline partners currently available on the AirAsia MOVE platform. In addition to flights, the platform offers access to over 900,000 hotels, airport transfers, and ancillary services such as duty-free shopping and travel insurance. These services are integrated with the AirAsia Rewards loyalty programme, allowing users to earn and redeem points across transactions made within the app.

AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer highlighted the benefit of the partnership: “We’re excited to welcome Royal Brunei Airlines into our expanding network of direct airline partners. This collaboration adds more flight choices for travellers and strengthens our commitment to offering a seamless, all-in-one travel booking experience.”

Royal Brunei Airlines’s Noor added: “This partnership with AirAsia MOVE enhances the accessibility of our flights and improves the overall booking experience. The intuitive interface of the AirAsia MOVE app simplifies the process, making travel planning effortless for our passengers.”

Banyan Tree Samui launches speedboat tours to White Lotus filming locations

By TTG Asia
0

Travellers visiting Koh Samui can now explore the island’s surrounding waters by speedboat, with new tours launched by Banyan Tree Samui.

This new offering comes amid increased visitor interest in Koh Samui as a filming location, following the global popularity of The White Lotus.

Koh Samui resort offers day trips to islands and locations featured in the hit HBO series on its luxury speedboat 

The hotel has introduced Sense of the Sea, a 12-metre, custom-built speedboat offering private charters and day trips to nearby islands, including filming locations from the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus.

Key among the destinations is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a 42-island archipelago where the show’s opening and final scenes were filmed. The full-day tour, which runs for eight hours, accommodates up to 15 guests and includes time for swimming, snorkelling, and island visits.

Other options include a four- to six-hour trip to Koh Phangan, made famous for its Full Moon Party scenes, and a shorter cruise to Koh Taen and Koh Matsum. The latter, often referred to as Thailand’s “Bay of Pigs”, is known for its population of beach-dwelling pigs.

All excursions are led by experienced crew and can be customised for private groups. Banyan Tree Samui’s location in a private bay on the island’s southeast coast provides direct access to the Gulf of Thailand and its surrounding marine ecosystems.

For more information, visit Banyan Tree Samui.

Artyzen Singapore welcomes new GM

By TTG Asia
0

Artyzen Singapore has appointed Marcel NA Holman as general manager.

Holman brings over 35 years of global hospitality experience, having most recently served as managing director at infinitude Hospitality, where he provided strategic counsel to luxury hotels and resorts. He has also held senior leadership roles with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hospitality Group, and The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts.

In his new role, Holman will lead the strategic direction of Artyzen Singapore, focusing on growth, operational excellence, and guest experience.

Portuguese travel leaders forge closer ties with Macau

By Karen Yue
0

The Portugal National Tourist Board and Portuguese Travel Agents Association (APAVT) have maintained their support for and presence at the annual Macau International Tourism (Industry) Expo (MITE) to promote destination Portugal to Macau and China as well as to raise Greater China’s profile among Portuguese-speaking travellers.

According to a spokesperson for the Portugal National Tourist Board, both organisations have participated in MITE for the past three years, with the support of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Macau Travel Agents Association.

Portugal and Macau deepen tourism collaboration at MITE, fostering new business opportunities

“With great support and extraordinary hospitality from Macau, we have hosted more than 30 Portuguese travel agents at each of the past editions. We follow closely MGTO’s strategy and some of their promotional actions; we can always learn a lot (from our Macau peers),” said the spokesperson.

The Portugal National Tourist Board expressed appreciation of its partnership with MGTO: “Macau represents five centuries of friendship, business, and mutual understanding, and (diplomatic ties are) extremely important between the two countries. Travel and tourism are no exception. The importance of tourism for both economies is critical, and we can benefit from each other’s good practices, innovation, and development.”

MGTO’s director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, told TTG Asia that there are several areas of cooperation between Macau and Portugal, as well as various Portuguese-speaking markets. One of these areas is training, where student interns visit Macau for a two-week introduction to different aspects of tourism management.

“We intend to continue with this training programme while looking into other ways of working with these markets,” she added.

APAVT’s spokesperson told TTG Asia that Macau’s “historical proximity to Portugal” makes it a “fantastic gateway” to China, which is “currently one of the most important markets in the world”.

The Portugal National Tourist Board believes there is still more to be done, particularly in improving the understanding of Portugal in China. Efforts are underway to “boost the full potential of Chinese outbound travel to our country,” including marketing campaigns with OTAs and tour operators, enhancing the digital footprint on Chinese social media platforms through key travel influencers, organising roadshows in China to showcase Portuguese companies, and arranging fam trips for travel trade partners and media representatives.

Portugal’s presence at MITE is therefore a key step towards this goal.

The close Portugal-Macau relations will be underscored this year with Macau hosting the 50th National Congress of the APAVT in December, with between 800 and 1,000 delegates expected.

“It will be an extraordinary moment for the Portuguese and Chinese tourism communities,” said the APAVT spokesperson, adding that attendees will witness travel and tourism development undertaken by both Portugal and Macau, and grow demand for Greater China in the Portuguese market.

Altogether, congress activities will present new business opportunities for travel and tourism companies in both lands.

de Senna Fernandes expressed hopes that the congress would foster greater collaboration between Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries to advance travel and tourism.

Macau’s live events flow benefits on to local businesses

By Prudence Lui
0

Since reopening to international tourism, Macau has hosted a range of concerts that contribute to the city’s live events scene. The concert economy is one of the key pillars supporting the diversification of Macau’s tourism offerings.

Integrated resorts (IR) compete on star power and bring a variety of concerts to town. Melco Style’s Residency Concert Series will feature Joey Yung (April to May) and Leon Lai (June) at Studio City; Macao Londoner Arena will host Rain in the 2025 Rain Concert: Still Raining (April); The Venetian Arena will present You & Mi Sammi Cheng Live (May).

Lang Lang performed with the Macao Orchestra at the Galaxy Music Gala in January 2025

As a venue operator and organiser, Galaxy Macau hosts concerts at Galaxy Arena, the largest indoor arena in Macau, with 16,000 seats. In 2024, it hosted Andy Lau’s concert tour and the Galaxy Opera Gala with Plácido Domingo and guests. Recent events include the Galaxy Music Gala with Lang Lang and the Macao Orchestra (January), as well as Andrea Bocelli Live in Concert and Jisoo Asia Fan Tour 2025 (March). Coming up next are Wakin Chau World Tour Live in Macao (May) and Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour (June).

A Galaxy Macau spokesperson said concerts are an important revenue generator for the destination. In 2023, Macau’s 240 concerts brought in around 1.1 billion patacas (US$137 million) in ticket sales.

She said such celebrity shows serve to enhance Macau’s global and regional visibility and reputation.

She added: “We have scheduled a number of shows and entertainment events for the coming year, including concerts, talk shows, opera, and sporting events. We believe these will be very popular. Post-pandemic, the age of visitors has gone down, and many young travellers are drawn to concerts.”

Sands China senior vice president of hotel operations, Kris Kaminsky, agrees on the branding effect live events have on Macau as a destination and on properties like those managed by his company.

“(Live events) enhance the city’s image as a vibrant cultural hub and complement our diverse offerings, leading to increased foot traffic in both our venues and the surrounding community,” said Kaminsky.

“Hosting concerts benefits our IR venues by boosting occupancy and restaurant sales. Additionally, local businesses, including nearby attractions and restaurants, experience increased patronage, stimulating the economy and promoting a thriving tourism ecosystem.

“In short, concerts create city-wide economic spill over. Local SMEs, including Taipa Village restaurants and Coloane attractions, reported a surge in footfall during event weekends,” he added.

A Melco spokesperson said mega star concerts demonstrate Macau’s capacity to host large-scale entertainment and strengthen its reputation as a centre for live events.

She said: “As Macau’s live events scene becomes increasingly competitive, venues and event organisers face the challenge of standing out in a crowded market. To address this, we focus on creating unique and exclusive experiences that set us apart.

“For instance, Melco’s Concert Series features A-list artists, while immersive events like WaveFest deliver captivating and one-of-a-kind experiences. These offerings ensure that our events remain distinctive and highly appealing to visitors.”

Another challenge lies in meeting the high expectations of international and regional audiences. Melco addresses this by curating a diverse line-up of acclaimed artists and performers, paired with entertainment, dining, and leisure experiences.

Pamela Chan, managing director of Taipa Village Destination, told TTG Asia that the concert economy is contributing to a thriving Macau.

Chan observed that concerts are bringing a “strong influx of visitors” to Macau and ringing the tills for retailers, restaurateurs, and small businesses in the community.

She recalled that when Hong Kong-based crooner, Jacky Cheung held a concert series with 12 shows between June and July 2023, he drew 100,000 fans to Macau.

She shared that some local businesses in Taipa Village are creative with maximising star power. Some would organise fans gatherings, using shop entrances and props to entice photo opportunities and drive up merchandise sales.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Productivity in tourism economy takes centre stage at 11th GTEF
TTG Asia | Strong baht weighs on Thai tourism
TTG Asia | Hilton appoints Marco Neukom to lead dual Bali hotels