TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 30th December 2025
Page 121

PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul highlights sustainable tourism and global collaboration

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PATA hosted the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) from April 21 to 23 at the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye. The event was organised in partnership with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and Turkish Airlines.

Themed Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future, the event attracted over 260 delegates from 35 destinations. These included senior government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and youth representatives from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, including participants from Guam, Palau, Japan, South Korea, China, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the US, and Europe.

PATA chair Peter Semone addressing the audience during the PATA Annual Summit 2025

The summit was not only a platform for dialogue but also marked a defining moment for PATA’s internal development. It began with a series of meetings, including the ratification of a new Vision and Mission for the Association, the approval of the PATA Executive Board and Board members, and strategic discussions to advance the PATA 2030 Strategy.

Opening the main conference on April 22, PATA chair Peter Semone emphasised the need for a more purposeful and impact-focused approach to tourism. He urged the industry to prioritise peace, nature, and community: “In an era of climate instability and rising polarisation, the tourism sector must go beyond growth metrics and become a vehicle for empathy, humility, and peace.”

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid also highlighted the deeper value of tourism: “Tourism is an emotional economy. What we truly take away from travel are the moments, memories, and human connections. PAS 2025 is our opportunity to commit to tourism that uplifts, heals, and endures.”

The summit featured over 40 speakers from organisations such as UN Tourism, BBC, Mastercard, Skyscanner, Amadeus, Airbnb, GSTC, and Tripadvisor. Sessions covered a range of topics, including sustainability, climate change, global travel trends, and the future of aviation. A new feature, Ask the PATA Experts, allowed delegates to book one-on-one consultations with specialists on topics such as climate adaptation and workforce development.

In keeping with the theme, delegates also experienced Türkiye’s culture, with activities like simit (Turkish bagel) baking, Turkish coffee brewing, and Ebru marbling. After the conference, attendees took part in post-event tours of Istanbul’s landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, and explored other regions like Antalya, İzmir, and Cappadocia.

The event also supported the PATA Kind Hearts Initiative, with delegates donating children’s books to the Rami Library in Istanbul, promoting literacy and community impact.

PAS 2025 was organised with sustainability in mind, with the event’s carbon footprint fully offset through contributions to the Kınık Wind Power Plant in Türkiye’s İzmir Province, supporting clean energy and reinforcing PATA’s environmental commitment.

EHL Hospitality Business School, Singapore Tourism Board unveil new programme to empower tourism leaders

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EHL Hospitality Business School has introduced the Tourism Leadership Excellence & Advancement Program (T-LEAP) in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). This executive programme supports senior executives and business leaders in the tourism sector by strengthening leadership, sustainability and technology capabilities relevant to the sector’s future.

The five-day programme, held at EHL Campus in Singapore, equips professionals with the knowledge to manage change and contribute to innovation in Singapore’s tourism landscape. Developed jointly with STB, the curriculum responds to the changing needs of tourism professionals.

T-LEAP, a new programme designed to strengthen leadership, sustainability and technology capabilities in Singapore’s tourism sector, will be conducted at the EHL Singapore Campus; photo by EHL

T-LEAP comprises three core modules. The first, Leadership Excellence & Strategic Growth, focuses on Singapore’s tourism priorities, strategic planning and business partnerships. The second, Sustainability & Innovation, addresses sustainability practices within tourism, circular approaches and sustainability reporting. The third, Technology & Digital Transformation, explores digital developments, AI-enabled operational efficiency and the role of technology in the sector.

Participants develop leadership capabilities, explore sustainability approaches, apply technological solutions and build professional networks through engagement with sector experts. They also join the Singapore Leaders Network, a platform supporting collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The launch of T-LEAP marks a step in EHL’s growth in Asia-Pacific and its aim to serve as a centre for hospitality and tourism education. It is also EHL’s first SkillsFuture-funded programme, reflecting its alignment with Singapore’s workforce development needs.

Following the successful delivery of a pilot programme in February this year, STB has endorsed the initiative for further runs, signalling confidence in its impact on the sector. The first two runs are scheduled for May and from October to November 2025, with the potential for additional iterations based on demand and participant feedback.

“Tourism leadership development is critical in navigating our rapidly evolving industry. Through T-LEAP, we aim to build a future-ready tourism sector and nurture a new generation of tourism leaders capable of driving innovation and forging strategic collaboration,” said Melissa Ow, chief executive, STB.

Aviation roundup: Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines and more

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Jetstar

Jetstar debuts Christchurch to Cairns route
Jetstar’s first direct flight from Christchurch to Cairns took off on April 2, marking a milestone in the airline’s expansion. The route will operate three times a week year-round, providing more affordable travel options between New Zealand’s South Island and North Queensland.

This launch is part of Jetstar’s broader expansion, with more routes from Hamilton to Sydney and the Gold Coast, and Dunedin to the Gold Coast, coming soon. Additionally, Jetstar will receive seven new aircraft in 2025, including an Airbus A320 based in Christchurch.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines resumes Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane connection
Malaysia Airlines will resume direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane from November 29, restoring a key connection between Malaysia and Queensland.

This marks Brisbane’s 33rd direct international route, bringing its network back to pre-pandemic levels.

The airline will operate five weekly services using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, providing 75,000 inbound seats annually. The route is supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, a joint initiative between the Queensland Government and the state’s international airports.

Vietjet

Vietjet launches direct flights to Con Dao from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Vietjet has introduced two new direct routes linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Con Dao. The new services expand the airline’s domestic network and improve access to the southern island.

The Hanoi-Con Dao route operates two return flights daily, with each flight taking approximately two hours and 10 minutes. From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietjet also offers two daily return flights to Con Dao, with a flight time of around 40 minutes.

Philippine Airlines and Qatar Airways

Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways sign codeshare deal for Manila-Doha service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Qatar Airways have joined forces to enhance connectivity between the Philippines and Qatar. Starting June 16, PAL will operate daily non-stop flights from Manila to Doha, with Qatar Airways codesharing on the service.

The service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with both Business and Economy Class cabins.

This new partnership aims to improve access for travellers between the Philippines and more than 170 destinations in the Qatar Airways network, with onward connectivity via Hamad International Airport. Further collaboration between the two airlines is expected in areas such as frequent flyer programmes and additional route development.

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.”