TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Sunday, 28th December 2025
Page 121

Singapore HeritageFest 2025 highlights living traditions this May

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The Singapore HeritageFest 2025 will run from May 1 to May 25, featuring over 100 programmes across the island. Organised by HeritageSG, it focuses on celebrating Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This year’s SG60 edition highlights a wide range of cultural practices, with events such as workshops, tours, and exhibitions that explore community traditions, performing arts, crafts, food heritage, and nature-based knowledge.

Over 100 programmes showcase crafts, food, and rituals passed through generations; The Intan Kebaya Tea Experience, pictured

Over 90 partners, including cultural practitioners and heritage businesses, will collaborate on various activities, including Out of the Red Box – a showcase blending Chinese opera and getai (songs on stage), and the Creative Hub @ Peranakan Museum, which offers hands-on heritage workshops where participants can learn heritage practices such as jamu-making, flower garland tying, and more.

Festival-goers can also engage in traditional craft sessions – for instance Rattan Knot Weaving x anothersole and Making Traditional Lanterns, explore food heritage through events like the Nasi Ulam crafting workshop and learning about the history of bak kut teh, and immerse in local performing arts.

A key feature of SHF 2025 is the return of signature programmes such as Homeground and Ride & Discover, which bring heritage to public spaces.

Registration for the events is open now.

For more information, visit Singapore HeritageFest 2025.

Macau’s annual mega tourism exhibition opens with strong government and industry support

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photo by Caleb Richard Lai

The 13th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo opened this morning at the Venetian Macao convention and exhibition centre, with a 50 per cent spike in attendance – its strongest turn-out ever.

The event has drawn 755 tourism-related enterprises and governmental entities from 70 countries and regions, resulting in a total of 1,502 booths.

MITE 2025 has its largest attendance ever; photo by Caleb Richard Lai

There are 316 booths in the Mainland China zone, 411 in the Macau zone, 14 in the Hong Kong zone, 343 in the international zone, and 418 in other specialty zones, such as the Belt and Road Products Pavilion, Foodie Market, Coffee Station, and The Cellar.

MITE 2025 also welcomes about 500 hosted buyers from different markets around the world.

In her welcome speech, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of Macao Government Tourism office, said MITE 2025 continues the progress achieved through Greater China’s 14th Five-Year Plan as well as Macao Special Administrative Region’s second Five-Year Plan.

“Upon this backdrop, MITE 2025 embraces the vision to attain innovative and quality enhancement. Unleashing Macau’s unique strengths and functions as a platform, MITE builds an effective professional platform for exchange and cooperation among tourism and related industry operators from Macau and around the world, as all of us come together to explore business opportunities and appeal to different visitor markets,” she said.

She added that the expo supports Macau in reaching “a new breakthrough” in tourism progress, facilitating “adequate economic diversification, and enriches our city’s development as a world centre of tourism and leisure”.

She also referenced Chinese president Xi Jinping’s “four expectations” for the Macau leadership at the end of 2024, where he made diversification of Macau’s economy a top priority alongside the establishment of Macau as a platform for high-level connections with the world.

“As a professional travel trade fair, MITE keeps enhancing its role as a bridge that connects Macau, Mainland China, and the international travel trade,” remarked de Senna Fernandes.

Besides a lively show floor, MITE 2025 also packs in more than 70 destination presentation sessions, forums and other activities to provide attendees with updates on industry trends and tourism resources.

Richard Nuttall leads as president of Philippine Airlines

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed Richard Nuttall, a British national with extensive experience in the airline industry, as its new president, effective May 29, 2025.

Nuttall will report to Lucio C Tan, chairman and CEO, and Lucio C Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings, the parent company of PAL.

Nuttall brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines, where he successfully led the airline’s turnaround, returning it to operational profitability and contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

He also served as an executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he played a key role in reforming its governance structure to enhance decision-making and collaboration.

Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who will take on the role of executive vice president and COO, also effective May 29, 2025.

Banyan Group highlights sustainability milestones in 2024 Report

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Banyan Group has released its 2024 Sustainability Report – One Banyan, One Sustainable Future. The 19th edition highlights the group’s progress in driving impact across environmental, social, and economic areas, reaffirming sustainability as a core business value.

Guided by its mission of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People, the report outlines several key achievements. The group continued its commitment to decarbonisation and energy transition by investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and on-site renewable energy. These upgrades, including lighting system improvements, air conditioning and room control units, as well as the installation of solar panels and timer controls across properties, led to a 5.7 per cent reduction in emissions intensity per occupied room over 2023.

The 2024 report details Banyan Group’s progress in sustainability, from energy efficiency to community support

In waste management, the group increased efforts to reduce, recycle, and repurpose, diverting 28 per cent of its total waste from landfill, a five-point increase from the previous year. Through proactive measures such as infrastructure repairs, leak detection, and water reuse, the group also improved water efficiency per occupied room by 5.1 per cent compared to 2023.

Banyan Group also expanded its marine conservation initiatives, notably with the growth of Our Marine Lab in the Maldives and the launch of the Coral Reef Restoration Project in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation.

The group’s support for local communities remained strong, with the Seedlings programme nurturing 93 young people through training and mentorship, while 2,515 internship opportunities were provided. In addition, the group expanded its artisan network, commissioning products from 306 artisan communities, including 66 newly engaged groups, helping to support local economies and preserve heritage traditions.

Finally, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Banyan Global Foundation funded 30 associate-initiated projects as part of the Greater Good Grants. These projects, selected based on their long-term social, environmental, welfare, and financial benefits, address key material topics and aim to deliver lasting positive change in the communities where the group’s hotels and resorts operate.

“Sustainability is a cornerstone of Banyan Group’s purpose, and our journey will continue to evolve as we look to scale increasingly impactful practices in the upcoming years – with more ambitious climate action, deeper community engagement, and greater support for our associates to take action,” said Ho Ren Yung, deputy CEO, Banyan Group.

“To achieve this, we have introduced key performance metrics aligned with our identified material issues for all senior level associates in front-line and corporate roles, empowering them to champion our ambitions. As we track our progress in 2025, we will further refine our associates’ roles to more meaningfully support the integration of responsible practices across our operations.”

Read the full report here.

Malaysia Airlines resumes Brisbane flights, expands Australian routes

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Malaysia Airlines has announced its return to Brisbane, reinstating direct flights to Queensland from November 29 with five weekly services, following a two-year hiatus. The airline suspended flights to Brisbane in March 2023 as part of cost-cutting measures and efforts to adjust its operations.

In addition to resuming Brisbane flights, Malaysia Airlines will increase its frequencies to Melbourne and Sydney.

Saw: Malaysia Airlines’ flight increases to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will help boost arrivals from Malaysia

Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne will increase from 16 to 18 weekly services from September 29. Services to Sydney will rise from 17 to 18 weekly flights from October 4, with a further increase to 21 weekly flights from October 31.

Malaysia Aviation Group managing director, Izham Ismail, said this is part of Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to the Australian market and the group’s broader efforts to expand its Asia-Pacific network and position Kuala Lumpur as a key transit hub.

The increased capacity is expected to provide improved connectivity and more travel options for passengers across the region.

Karen Saw, country manager, Malaysia, Tourism Australia, shared that in the previous year, Malaysian visitors to Australia totalled 202,600 arrivals, a 15 per cent year-on-year increase over 2023.

She noted that over 80 per cent of outbound travel from Malaysia to Australia last year were repeat visits.

Saw added: “In our research, we have found that Malaysians are drawn to our cities, wildlife, landscapes and aquatic destinations – which we have leveraged our Aussie Specialist Travel Agents to promote in market.

“We also continue to work closely with airline partners such as Malaysia Airlines, whose increase in flights to Australian destinations like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be a valuable move to boost arrival numbers from Malaysia.”

Star Voyager sets sail from Bangkok and Hong Kong

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StarCruises’s Star Voyager will homeport in both Bangkok and Hong Kong in 2025, expanding cruise options for travellers across Asia. The ship’s deployment from Laem Chabang Port near Bangkok and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong marks a strategic step in strengthening regional cruise tourism.

In Thailand, Star Voyager will operate two round-trip cruises from Laem Chabang on April 22 and May 7, 2025. Each sailing includes port calls at Ko Samui and Singapore. This development supports the growth of cruise tourism in Thailand by boosting inbound passenger traffic and increasing accessibility for local and regional travellers. A welcome event was held at Laem Chabang, attended by representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, government officials, and StarCruises leadership. The ship enters service following a US$50 million refurbishment.

Star Voyager homeports in Bangkok and Hong Kong, expanding StarCruises’s footprint across Asia

Star Voyager will homeport in Hong Kong from June 27 to August 31, 2025. The summer programme includes multiple two-, three-, and five-night sailings to destinations in Taiwan and Japan.

Cruises to Taiwan feature a three-night itinerary to Kaohsiung and Penghu on June 29, July 13, and August 10, and a two-night itinerary to Kaohsiung on July 2, July 16, and August 13.

Cruises to Japan include a five-night itinerary to Ishigaki and Naha on July 6 and August 3, and a five-night sailing to Naha and Ishigaki on July 20 and August 17. A combined itinerary to both Taiwan and Japan includes a five-night cruise to Ishigaki, Keelung, and Penghu on July 27 and August 24. In addition, the ship will operate two-night weekend cruises departing every Friday from June 27 to August 29, offering a short getaway at sea.

“We’re excited to homeport the Star Voyager in Bangkok as we introduce the revitalized StarCruises brand in Thailand,” said Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises. “We are (also) proud to return to Hong Kong, a city that holds a special place in StarCruises’s history and heritage.”

Klook teams up with Marie Kondo for transformative travel journeys

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Marie Kondo, renowned for her tidying method that helped millions declutter their lives, is now embracing a new journey: one of travel and self-discovery. In partnership with Klook, Kondo is featured in the brand’s latest global campaign, The Best You. This collaboration marks a shift from her structured approach to life towards a more spontaneous exploration of joy and personal growth.

The campaign invites travellers to view travel not just as a break, but as a means of personal transformation. Kondo, who became famous for her tidying system, explained that her priorities shifted to focus on her family.

Travellers can follow in Marie Kondo’s footsteps with a curated itinerary in Japan

“My system for tidying took the world by storm, but things had to change as I needed to focus on my family. I’m coming back to where it all started, to discover what can spark joy in this new phase of my life. I want to always be open to new experiences, to never stop searching for things that touch my heart,” she said.

Klook’s Travel Pulse study reveals that personal transformation is a key motivator for millennial and Gen Z travellers. Half of these generations are seeking meaningful experiences rather than just picturesque getaways. Nature retreats and short weekend escapes are increasingly seen as pathways to deeper, more transformative experiences.

The campaign highlights the power of travel, with 48 per cent of travellers reporting feeling fully recharged after their trips. The Best You encourages individuals to find joy and personal growth through both local and international travel experiences.

To support this, Klook has launched an interactive online quiz that helps users discover their travel personalities. This quiz, blending personality insights and storytelling, leads participants to one of eight travel personas, each offering tailored experiences that aim to help them achieve their best selves.

For those interested in following in Kondo’s footsteps, a specially curated itinerary in Japan offers experiences such as participating in a kintsugi workshop, learning samurai techniques for balance and focus, and enjoying a robot dance session.

Marcus Yong, vice president of global marketing at Klook, emphasised: “We’ve always believed experiences offer more than just activities—they’re a way to see yourself differently. When the world feels unpredictable, people look for moments that bring them back to who they are.”

New hotels: Udaipur Marriott Hotel, Hotel Indigo Auckland and more

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Udaipur Marriott Hotel

Udaipur Marriott Hotel, India
Marriott International has opened Udaipur Marriott Hotel, its first property in the city, overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli Hills. The 226-room hotel features Mewar-inspired architecture, modern amenities, and views of the lake or hills.

Dining options include Okra, Udaipur Baking Co., and Opal Lounge. Facilities include a spa, rooftop yoga, fitness centre, kids’ club, and a pool. The hotel offers over 6,039m² of event space and is close to major attractions like City Palace and Lake Pichola.

Hotel Indigo Auckland

Hotel Indigo Auckland, New Zealand
Hotel Indigo has opened its first New Zealand hotel in Midtown Auckland. Located on Albert Street, the 225-room property spans 27 floors and features rooms which offers locally sourced mini-bar items.

The hotel has three dining venues: Bistro Saine, Café Etiquette, and The Henry lounge. Public areas feature artworks by local artists, including a 25-floor photographic series and installations by Raukura Turei.

Nearby attractions include Sky Tower, SkyCity Casino, Britomart, Wynyard Quarter, and the Viaduct, with the New Zealand International Convention Centre set to open in 2026.

Radisson Resort Mui Ne

Radisson Resort Mui Ne, Vietnam
Radisson Resort Mui Ne has opened along Suoi Nuoc Beach in Binh Thuan, Vietnam, offering 126 rooms, including villas with private pools. Located three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the resort features direct beach access, family amenities, spa facilities, and water sports like kite surfing.

Dining highlights local, organic ingredients and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The resort also implements eco-friendly practices such as solar power and on-site water bottling. Nearby attractions include Mui Ne’s sand dunes, Ta Cu Mountain, and Bau Trang lakes.

Fairfield by Marriott Bekasi

Fairfield by Marriott Bekasi, Indonesia
Located in the Pakuwon Mall Bekasi Superblock, the 166-key Fairfield by Marriott Bekasi offers direct mall access and is near the Bekasi Barat LRT Station and major toll roads.

Rooms include Queen, King, Twin, and family options, with themed Family Adventure Rooms and Fairfield Suites. Facilities include a gym, event spaces, and an all-day dining restaurant serving Asian and Western dishes.

The hotel is part of a dual-brand concept with Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, and is close to Hutan Kota Bekasi city park and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah museum.

Catch the 2026 solar eclipse with Oceania Cruises

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Oceania Cruises has added four more 2026 solar eclipse sailings, offering guests five itineraries to view the event. These unique voyages will position guests to witness the eclipse on August 12, 2026, off the coasts of Ireland, Iceland, Portugal, and the UK.

Each itinerary will navigate key locations within the eclipse’s path to maximise viewing conditions at sea. Oceania Marina will be positioned in the path of 100 per cent totality, while Oceania Insignia, Oceania Sirena, and two voyages aboard Oceania Vista will be in the path of more than 90 per cent totality, ensuring a memorable experience for travellers and astronomy enthusiasts.

Guests will gather on deck for eclipse viewing, complete with themed celebrations and solar-inspired treats

The cruise line’s enrichment programmes will enhance the solar eclipse with insights from a roster of guest speakers, including astronomers and NASA ambassadors. Guests can explore the scientific and cultural significance of solar eclipses, enhancing their voyage.

During the eclipse, guests will be invited to deck parties, offering viewing of the event, along with celestial festivities and solar-themed culinary offerings.

Oceania Marina’s 14-day sailing departs July 30, 2026, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Reykjavik, Iceland, with stops in Invergordon, Scrabster, and Akureyri. Eclipse viewing will take place in Grundarfjordur, Iceland. Astronomer Dennis Mammana will guide guests.

Oceania Insignia’s 12-day sailing departs August 3, 2026, from Reykjavik, Iceland, visiting Killybegs, Dingle, and Cork before reaching Glengarriff, Ireland for the eclipse. Jerry Krassner, a former NASA space shuttle mission specialist, will be on board.

Oceania Vista’s 25-day Grand Voyage departs August 2, 2026, from Southampton in the UK, with stops in Falmouth, Holyhead, and Kristiansand. The eclipse will be viewed off the coast of Belfast, Northern Ireland. NASA Ambassador Ted Blank will share his expertise.

The second segment of Oceania Vista’s Grand Voyage, a 15-day sailing, departs August 12, 2026, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to London, with stops in Scrabster, Copenhagen, and Berlin.

Oceania Sirena’s 12-day sailing departs August 5, 2026, from Southampton in the UK, visiting Ferrol, Oporto, and Almeria. The eclipse will be visible as the ship departs Lisbon, Portugal.

For more information, visit Oceania Cruises.

Deadly terror attack in Kashmir claims lives of tourists, foreign nationals

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In one of the deadliest terror attacks in the picturesque Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, at least 28 tourists lost their lives when gunmen opened fire near the Baisaran meadow, popularly known as ‘Mini-Switzerland’, on April 22. The meadow was crowded with visitors at the time of the attack.

Among the deceased were two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, according to a report by The Times of India.

Militants opened fire on visitors in Kashmir’s tourist hotspot

A militant outfit identifying as Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility for the assault through a message posted on social media.

Despite facing insurgency over the years, Kashmir has emerged as a popular domestic tourism destination in recent times, buoyed by improved security and infrastructure. The region has witnessed a steady influx of tourists especially during the summer season.

However, this latest terror attack has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism prospects for the current season.

Ved Khanna, president of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, strongly condemned the attack while speaking to TTG Asia.

“Kashmir’s tourism sector was flourishing and this cowardly act appears aimed at derailing that progress. Flights to the region were operating at full capacity and the recent launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has further enhanced regional connectivity.

“In fact, owing to the tourism boom, the state government is planning to develop nine new tourist destinations. I am confident that, with the continued support of the local population, Kashmir’s tourism industry will recover and emerge even stronger.”

In response to the incident, Indian carriers including IndiGo and Air India have announced waivers on cancellation and rescheduling fees for flights to Srinagar until April 30.

In a follow-up advisory today, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation said there has been “an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes”.

Thus, it has advised airlines to “take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and also to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating evacuation of stranded tourists”.