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Asia/Singapore Monday, 2nd March 2026
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Qantas Group sheds Jetstar Asia in strategic restructure

By TTG Asia
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Intra-Asia airline, Jetstar Asia, will cease operations on July 31, as parent Qantas Group embarks on a strategic restructure to support its historic fleet renewal programme and strengthen its core businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

In a press statement issued early this morning, Qantas Group said the closure of Jetstar Asia would enable the group to recycle up to A$500 million (US$326.4 million) in capital, supporting its historic fleet renewal programme.

Jetstar Asia operations out of Singapore will cease by July 31

The move will allow 13 Jetstar Asia Airbus A320 aircraft to be progressively redeployed to Australia and New Zealand, bringing about more low fares and more local jobs.

Sixteen intra-Asia routes operating out of Singapore will be impacted by the closure of Jetstar Asia, while services operated by Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan into Asia will not be affected. All of Jetstar Airways international services in and out of Australia also remain unchanged.

Qantas Group noted that Jetstar Asia has faced growing challenges in recent years. Despite delivering exceptional customer service and operational reliability, Jetstar Asia has been impacted by rising supplier costs, high airport fees, and intensified competition in the region. This has fundamentally challenged the low-cost airline’s ability to deliver returns comparable to the stronger performing core markets in the group.

The airline is expected to post a A$35 million underlying EBIT loss this financial year, prior to the closure decision.

In the lead up to the July 31 closure, the airline will operate on a progressively reduced schedule. Customers with existing bookings on cancelled flights will be offered full refunds and the group will look to accommodate customers onto other airlines where possible.

All affected Jetstar Asia employees will be provided redundancy benefits as well as employment support services. Qantas is also actively working to find job opportunities across the group and with other airlines in the region.

Amadeus, UN Tourism release travel market analysis for Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia
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Amadeus and UN Tourism have released a joint report providing comprehensive insights into travel trends across the Asia-Pacific region. The Market Insights Report – Asia & Subregions examines passenger traffic, hospitality indicators, top destinations, and new air routes.

Covering the period from March 2023 to February 2025, with forecasts extending to August 2025, the report identifies a 9.3 per cent increase in air passenger volume and scheduled seat capacity across the region, based on data from Amadeus Navigator360.

Pololikashvili: this report and its insights will contribute to a better understanding of the market dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region

The report also includes hotel market data, analysing occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available room across sub-regions. It highlights significant year-on-year growth in bookings and searches for destinations such as China, Macau and Mongolia.

In addition, the report outlines the launch of new air routes, pointing to further opportunities for market development across Asia-Pacific.

Paul Wilson, vice president of hospitality, Asia Pacific, Amadeus said: “By using detailed market insights, destination management organisations and hotels can enhance growth opportunities, improve customer experiences, and optimise their operations in the Asia-Pacific region.”

“I trust this report and its insights will contribute to a better understanding of the market dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region and inform more effective decision-making by both the tourism public and private sectors,” added Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general, UN Tourism.

View the full report here.

flyadeal targets Asian expansion as part of international growth strategy

By Rohit Kaul
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flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of the Saudia Group, is planning to expand into Asian markets as part of its strategy to strengthen its international footprint.

Currently, 80 per cent of flyadeal’s operations are domestic, with the remaining 20 per cent international. The airline aims to achieve an equal split of 50 per cent domestic and 50 per cent international operations within the next two to three years.

Greenway: this growing fleet will enable us to expand into South-east Asian markets including Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand; photo by Rohit Kaul

“We currently operate a fleet of 38 aircraft which is expected to grow to 98 over the next four years. This expansion includes a mix of A320s and A321s with deliveries beginning next year. Additionally, we have recently placed an order for 10 widebody A330neos, scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. This growing fleet will enable us to expand into South-east Asian markets including Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand,” said Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, while speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of his recent visit to New Delhi.

The airline is also planning to begin operations in India and expand its network in Pakistan as part of its South Asia plans. In India, flyadeal is interested in operating at new airports under development in Mumbai and Delhi NCR. Presently, the carrier operates flights to Karachi, Pakistan, and intends to add four to five more destinations in the next year, including Lahore.

“We are particularly interested in new airports coming up just outside of Mumbai and Delhi. While we had initially planned to launch operations in India this year, limited aircraft availability forced us to postpone. However, with new aircraft deliveries starting next year, including the arrival of the A321, we will finally have the flexibility to enter the Indian market,” added Greenway.

The carrier is also in talks with an Indian airline for a codeshare and interline agreement to expand its reach in the region.

flyadeal expects to begin operations to Syria in the next few months. To support its international growth, the airline is also exploring integration with the Amadeus Global Distribution System in the near future.

Macau showcases tourism potential as host of European agents summit

By TTG Asia
0

The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) 2025 Macao Summit took place from June 2 to 5, bringing together travel agency leaders from across Europe to explore Macau’s position as an international tourism hub and connector to Mainland China.

The event concluded with a gala dinner on June 4, attended by the secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR Government, Anton Tai Kin Ip. He noted Macau’s aim to deepen ties with Europe and emphasised tourism as a key sector for cooperation, particularly in multi-destination travel.

ECTAA 2025 Macao Summit delegates visit Macau’s historical neighbourhoods; photo by MGTO

ECTAA president Frank Oostdam called for stronger Europe-Asia collaboration based on mutual understanding and practical engagement. He described Macau as an example of efforts to move beyond intention toward real partnership.

The Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), a key player in bringing the summit to Macau, also participated – its president, Pedro Costa Ferreira, expressed confidence that European delegates would develop a lasting interest in the destination and pledged continued cooperation with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

Over four days, the summit included board meetings, panel sessions on Europe-Asia tourism, a business networking event, and site visits in Macau and Hengqin. Around 40 delegates connected with 65 local representatives from travel and hospitality sectors.

Participants visited landmarks such as the Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square and Taipa Village on June 4, followed by a tour of Hengqin’s tourism and conference facilities on June 5.

The summit is one of two major European tourism events hosted by MGTO in 2025, alongside the 50th APAVT Congress, scheduled for December 2 to 4, which is expected to draw around 700 delegates.

These initiatives are part of MGTO’s efforts to rebuild ties with the European travel trade and attract more visitors from the region.

Philippines pavilion shines at Expo 2025 Osaka

By TTG Asia
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The Philippines took centre stage at Expo 2025 Osaka on June 7 with a National Day celebration at the Ray Garden, highlighting the country’s heritage, creativity, and enduring spirit.

The pavilion, themed Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future, showcases the rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and innovative spirit of the Philippines. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits celebrating Filipino artistry, traditions, and sustainability initiatives, emphasising the country’s commitment to environmental protection and inclusive communities.

The Philippines Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka showcases the nation’s culture, nature and community; photo by Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines

Since opening, the pavilion has welcomed over 300,000 visitors and has quickly become a crowd favourite. Key features include the digital Dancing with Nature display, which transforms visitors into elements of the natural world, an AI Photobooth, a Hilot Wellness Space, the Habi Gift Shop showcasing Filipino products, and the popular Hain Take-out serving Filipino snacks and dishes.

The National Day programme featured a grand parade with traditional dances and colourful costumes, followed by a cultural performance called HinabingHiraya (Woven Imagination), curated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The performance highlighted the artistry of Filipino weaving, symbolising the unity and resilience of the nation.

The pavilion is a collaborative effort involving the Philippines Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, other government agencies, local communities, and design partners, all united in presenting a shared vision for a sustainable future.

Expo 2025 Osaka runs until October 13, 2025, with upcoming events including Philippine Week, ASEAN Day, and tourism and business missions.

Agoda marks 20 years with record campaign and industry recognition in Thailand

By TTG Asia
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Agoda recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a sales campaign involving over 2,300 travel partners in Thailand. Offering discounts of up to 70 per cent, the campaign recorded Agoda’s highest level of partner participation to date, with close to 35,000 providers from accommodation, airline and activity sectors worldwide joining the initiative.

The anniversary campaign received backing from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), reflecting the ongoing collaboration between Agoda and the national tourism body to support Thailand’s tourism economy and promote sustainable tourism development. The partnership is aimed at strengthening Thailand’s standing as a key global destination through innovation and strategic cooperation.

Smith: we believe in growing together – building trusted, long-term partnerships that drive success on all sides

As part of its anniversary activities, Agoda also hosted the 16th Annual Gold Circle Awards, recognising high-performing hotel partners. Thailand recorded the highest number of awardees, with 521 recipients. Notably, 26 per cent of these winners were from secondary cities such as Chiang Rai and Chanthaburi, reflecting increased competitiveness and service quality outside traditional hubs like Bangkok and Phuket.

The celebration event, held at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, brought together over 200 industry leaders to reflect on two decades of sector growth and cooperation. It included briefings from Agoda’s leadership and an industry outlook presentation.

“Agoda’s story is deeply rooted in Thailand, and it’s where some of our longest-standing hotel partnerships began,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda. “As we look ahead, we’re committed to helping our partners succeed by combining world-class technology with deep local market understanding.

“Agoda’s growth story built around earning the trust of our partners over the past 20 years. We believe in growing together – building trusted, long-term partnerships that drive success on all sides.”

Radisson Hotel Group scales up recycling scheme for hotel amenities in key markets

By TTG Asia
0

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has expanded its closed-loop recycling system for bulk liquid amenities in markets including India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The initiative forms part of the RHG’s strategy to reduce single-use plastic waste and support a circular economy.

RHG rolls out bulk dispenser initiative to reduce single-use plastics in hotels

The system involves collecting used bulk amenity bottles, extracting and recycling remaining liquids, and recycling and repurposing packaging. In India, the process is supported by a network of 11 recycling partners, which manage the collection of amenity waste from hotels. Materials are sorted, cleaned and recycled into raw inputs. The process is documented and audited to ensure traceability.

RHG is also implementing bulk amenity dispensers in bathrooms as part of its participation in the Hotel Sustainability Basics programme. Currently, 91 per cent of RHG hotels use soap dispensers in public washrooms. RHG aims to introduce bulk dispensers across its portfolio by the end of 2025. This move is expected to eliminate 57 million miniature amenity bottles annually and reduce plastic use by approximately 500 tonnes.

The group has also removed single-use plastic from dry bathroom amenities. These are now packaged using materials with reduced plastic content. Stone paper – produced from calcium carbonate and bonded with high-density polyethylene resin – has replaced traditional paper and is printed with soybean oil ink. FSC-certified cardboard sourced from recycled and responsibly managed forests is used for packaging. The dry amenities use PSM (plastarch material), made from plant starches such as corn and potatoes, combined with plastic fillers including polypropylene.

These steps form part of RHG’s broader sustainability policy. According to a recent survey, 75 per cent of global travellers seek more sustainable travel options, and 43 per cent believe service providers are key to reducing the environmental impact of travel.

RHG is aligning its operations with these expectations through initiatives such as Hotel Sustainability Basics and third-party eco-labelling.

Westin invites guests to reset and recharge for Global Wellness Day

By TTG Asia
0

To celebrate Global Wellness Day on June 14, Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s hotel group, invites guests to take a meaningful break.

This month, Westin hotels in the region will offer sensory activities to refresh the mind, body, and spirit. These include sensory escapes, wellness markets, and calming soundscapes. Each activity suits guests at all stages of their wellness journey.

Westin hotels across Asia-Pacific offer immersive wellness experiences to help guests refresh body and mind this Global Wellness Day

Following its Pillars of Well-being – Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well – hotels in Asia-Pacific, except China, will offer spaces to help guests relax, refresh, and reconnect.

Global Wellness Day is a reminder to slow down and focus on wellness. Westin makes it easy for travellers to enjoy simple daily habits that help them feel better. From morning exercise to calming night routines, Westin creates moments to pause and find balance.

At Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh, the lounge becomes a peaceful spot with the sound of a bamboo fountain and the scent of Westin’s White Tea. Guests can try yoga with tuning forks, sound healing meditation, and Tibetan singing bowls.

Westin Manila’s outdoor bar Aire 32 offers calming sounds for guests to relax. A wellness workshop also teaches mindful eating, healthy habits, and gratitude.

Westin Desaru Coast Resort links wellness with nature through a market featuring local artisans. Guests can learn about farming, join nature tours, or make coffee scrubs for self-care.

Westin Mumbai Garden City offers a wellness food masterclass, sound healing in water, live flute music, and Ayurveda spa treatments, while Westin Surabaya creates a wellness space with a sensory walk, digital detox game, and a gratitude reflection area.

For more information, visit Westin Hotels & Resorts.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok names new GM

By TTG Asia
0

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok has appointed Björn-Henning Buth as the hotel’s new general manager, who will spearhead the hotel’s continued drive for excellence in the heart of Bangkok and introducing fresh perspectives that enhance guest satisfaction and business growth.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience across Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and China, including 15 years as a general manager within Radisson Hotel Group.

Local experiences, wider reach

By Audrey Ng
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Please share more details on KTO’s strategic direction for inbound tourism for 2025.
KTO’s strategic direction for the year aims to expand and diversify tourism offerings through themed travel such as K-culture, wellness, and sports tourism, and to promote experiential and lifestyle-based travel through immersive programmes that allow travellers to experience Korean daily life and culture.

We are also focusing on strengthening regional tourism beyond Seoul and Busan by promoting the unique attractions in our southern regions of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do.

Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance digital marketing and collaborate with travel agencies and influencers, and hold large-scale public events and B2B platforms to boost industry engagement and promote South Korea as a travel destination.

For MICE, we present South Korea as a tech-savvy and content-rich hub, with smart infrastructure and digital tools. We offer unique venues and K-culture programming for added appeal. Another strategy is to expand MICE hosting cities beyond Seoul to include Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan.

KTO also provides strong institutional support through the Korea MICE Bureau and Korea MICE Alliance, while offering incentive programmes and logistical assistance for organisers.

What target markets in Asia are you looking at and why?
Key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia due to strong K-content consumption, increasing outbound travel demand, as well as cultural affinity, air connectivity, and digital engagement levels.

Some of these are also driven by market-specific interests. For example, there is growing demand for medical and wellness tourism from Indonesian travellers, and high interest in e-sports and youth-driven content from travellers from Vietnam.

What are some tourism trends you’ve been noticing about inbound tourism to South Korea?
We have noticed a preference for immersive and local-style travel experiences, which has led to an increase in DIY travel planning, often inspired by social media and influencers.

Niche interests are also rising, with travellers opting for drama location tours, wellness retreats, food trails, hiking, and marathon tourism.

There is also growth in multigenerational travel and purpose-driven tourism, such as cultural education or wellness.

What type of experiences are travellers seeking? Which experiences are popular among travellers from a particular market or age group?
Yes, demand for personalised and unique experiences is rising, especially among Gen Z and millennials.

Popular experiences include K-beauty and styling sessions such as personal colour analysis and makeup lessons; personalised shopping tours with local stylists or guides; visits to drama filming locations and K-pop landmarks; local food experiences such as traditional markets, bakery tours, regional specialties, and cooking classes; medical wellness tourism, including one-day skincare, dental, and vision treatments; and attending live sports events, such as baseball or e-sports tournaments.

What are some initiatives that KTO is doing to attract more travellers to Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do?
Jeollanam-do has UNESCO-listed tidal flats, slow travel, and regional food culture, while Gyeongsangnam-do features nature trails, Korean traditional medicine, and historic sites. Another highlight is the city of Gyeongju, which will host the 2025 APEC Summit and is known for its 1,000-year history as South Korea’s ancient capital.

So far, we have worked with travel agencies to develop travel packages, organised media familiarisation trips, and enhanced digital promotions and influencer partnerships.

What are some challenges in attracting people to these regions and what is being done about them?
Awareness of these destinations remains limited, as do transport infrastructure and language support.

Travellers can connect to regional airports before taking the train or bus. They can also use the apps promoted by KTO through the Must-Have Apps in Korea campaign.

This campaign introduces essential mobile applications that allow travellers to conveniently access transportation services and tourism information throughout South Korea.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | UAE covers accommodation for travellers hit by flight shutdown
TTG Asia | Centara to launch budget hotel brand
TTG Asia | HBX Group deepens Traveloka ties with expanded Asia-Pacific hotel supply