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Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 30th December 2025
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Page 134

StarCruises, Dream Cruises relaunch with maiden voyage of Star Voyager

By Audrey Ng
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Star Voyager, the latest ship to homeport in Singapore, embarked on its maiden voyage on March 26, heralding the revival of the StarCruises and Dream Cruises brands, and a new chapter for the former Star Cruises, a brand with over 30 years of history in the region.

The vessel, with a capacity of 1,940 passengers, will offer a new cruising experience tailored for the Asian market, travelling to Malacca and Jakarta before returning to Singapore.

Star Voyager’s maiden voyage on March 26 marks the return of StarCruises and Dream Cruises to Singapore

Positioned as an affordable, lifestyle-driven cruise experience, StarCruises will operate mid-sized ships, including the Star Voyager and Star Navigator, catering to travellers seeking comfort, entertainment, and adventure at sea.

Dream Cruises offers a more luxurious experience with exclusive privileges and premium amenities on larger ships, including its flagship, Genting Dream, which accommodates over 3,000 guests.

“By clearly differentiating between StarCruises and Dream Cruises, we are able to cater to distinct segments while reinforcing our leadership in the Asian cruise industry and beyond,” said Michael Goh, president, StarCruises and Dream Cruises. “This is an exciting milestone for StarCruises and we are honoured to play a key role in supporting and contributing towards the growth of Singapore’s inbound and outbound cruise travel.”

The Star Voyager will offer three-, four- and five-night cruises connecting Singapore to dual homeport cities of Jakarta, Malacca, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City – further increasing inbound tourists to these destinations – as well as to other destinations such as Medan, Koh Samui, and Redang island.

A total of US$50 million was invested in refurbishing areas such as the lobby, restaurants, and Palace class suites. The entertainment programme and activities were also carefully planned to cater to multigenerational travellers, including a teens club with activities designed by the ship’s youngest crew to appeal to teenagers.

“We are strong believers in providing good experiences,” said Goh, adding that happy customers make for the strongest ambassadors of the brand.

Colin Kerr, senior vice-president of Cruise Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, noting that some guests are so invested in the product that their feedback has been taken into consideration.

The MICE segment, which contributes to 30 per cent of the business, is also another segment the company plans to continue growing.

StarCruises has plans to offer fly-cruise options to Australia and is exploring the Indian market as well.

Star Voyager will homeport at the Singapore Cruise Centre until July 21.

Hyatt Centric expands global footprint with new openings

By TTG Asia
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The Hyatt Centric brand saw growth in 2024 with openings in destinations such as Cairo, Shanghai, San José, and Santo Domingo. Building on this success, the brand plans to add over 35 new hotels by 2028, expanding its portfolio by 50 per cent and reaching over 100 hotels globally by 2029. This expansion is expected to include significant growth in Asia-Pacific, with a 75 per cent increase in the region’s footprint, alongside new openings across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East.

Hyatt Centric hotels are tailored to their destinations, incorporating elements that reflect the local vibe through interpretations of culture, art, and attractions. Planned openings following the 2024 debut in new markets will drive further growth, including Hyatt Centric San José Escazú (the first in Costa Rica), Hyatt Centric Malta (the first in Malta), Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo (the first in the Caribbean), and Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai (the first in Shanghai).

Hyatt Centric is set to introduce new hotels in key regions, offering culturally rich experiences for guests; Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong, pictured

In 2026, the brand will expand further in Asia-Pacific with openings including Hyatt Centric East Taipei (the first in Taiwan), Hyatt Centric Shanghai Jinqiao and Hyatt Centric Todtown Shanghai, Hyatt Centric Tianxin Changsha in Hunan province, Hyatt Centric Vrindavan in northern India, and Hyatt Centric Sapporo (the first in Hokkaido, Japan). This year will also see the brand’s first hotel in southwest China, Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu.

Hyatt Centric hotels offer curated programming, such as locally inspired art, pop-up events, social spaces, and dining options. Each hotel reflects its location, with Egyptian statues at Hyatt Centric Cairo West and textiles at Hyatt Centric Guatemala City. Social spaces like the recording studio at Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid and the House of Music at Hyatt Centric Ocean Front Xiamen encourage guest interaction. Dining options range from modern Asian cuisine at Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong to rooftop views at Spaceman in Atlanta.

Emily Wright, vice president, global brand leader for Hyatt’s Classics & Essentials Portfolios, said: “The brand’s recent growth, including openings and planned developments, meets the rising demand from guests and members, especially millennial and Gen Z travellers, for more contemporary accommodation with playful details, sophisticated furnishings and socially connected spaces.”

TTG Asia breaks for Hari Raya

By TTG Asia
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TTG Asia is taking a break on Monday, March 31, for the Hari Raya Puasa public holiday.

The online news bulletin will resume on Tuesday, April 1.

From all of us at TTG Asia Media, here’s wishing all our Muslim readers a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

Magical moments await: An unforgettable voyage on the Disney Adventure

By TTG Asia
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Watch the captivating Jack Sparrow as he fights monsters on his quest for treasure

Brought to you by Disney Cruise Line

With new sailing dates until September 2026 now available for booking, get ready for a magical experience on the Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s first ship to homeport in Asia.

As it gears up towards its maiden voyage that will set sail from Singapore on March 10, 2026, Disney Cruise Line has revealed some new experiences, including several firsts for the fleet, designed to give passengers, both adults and children alike, a more immersive experience on board. 

Here are four ways for guests to have a truly memorable Disney experience: 

From hair to outfit, get a full makeover into your favourite Disney character

Step into the shoes of your chosen Marvel Super Hero or Disney Princess
For the first time on a Disney Cruise Line ship, guests can suit up as their favourite Marvel Super Hero at the Marvel Style Studio. Offering a range of hair, makeup, and clothing options through different styling packages, the studio caters to both children and adults who want to transform into iconic characters such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America, Captain Marvel, or Thor, making for fun photo opportunities. At select times, the venue will also transform into an adults-only lounge offering bookable exclusive beverage tasting experiences.

Younger guests aged three to 12 can enjoy an enchanted salon experience at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices will provide themed makeovers. From elegant royalty to adventurous sea captains, children can don a selection of costumes such as long sleeve Princess dresses to look like their favourite Disney princesses, or dress up as knights or sea captains, complete with hairstyling, makeup, and accessories. A private photo experience will also be available for booking to capture these special moments.

Enjoy a royal tea party with Disney princesses at the Royal Society for Friendship and Tea’s party

Partake in afternoon tea
A delightful afternoon tea experience awaits younger guests at the Royal Society for Friendship and Tea. Designed for children aged three to 12, this charming tea party will take place at the Hollywood Spotlight Club where the young ones can enjoy a magical gathering with beloved Disney princesses.

Enjoy delicious treats, enchanting stories, and whimsical songs while learning about the society’s values of kindness, bravery, and determination. At the end of the tea party, new society members’ get to take home official society membership keepsakes as tokens of their induction into the society.

Watch the captivating Captain Jack Sparrow as he faces off the towering Siren Queen on his quest for treasure

Meet with your favourite characters  

In Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen, this action-packed stage show will take guests on an exciting adventure. Held at the Disney Imagination Garden’s open-air Garden Stage, this show invites passengers to dress in their finest pirate attire and join Captain Jack and his crew as they search for rare treasure and face off against the towering Siren Queen, who will be brought to life on LED screens.

Start your quest at the Duffy and Friends Shop

In another first for Disney Cruise Line, Duffy and Friends will appear onboard the Disney Adventure, through a series of character encounters, a retail store, and an original stage show, Duffy and The Friend Ship, which will play at the Disney Imagination Garden. Guests will be able to meet and take photos with Duffy and his friends, and take home memories of their favourite friends at the Duffy and Friends Shop.

Guests can embark on a playful, interactive scavenger hunt with the Duffy and Friends Discovery Quest. Starting at the Duffy and Friends Shop, participants can purchase a discovery guide and follow clues to find missing items from Duffy and his friends that will take them to different locations across the ship. Once you find all the items, return to the shop to claim a commemorative gift and take home the prize. 

Apart from these new experiences, there are heaps of ways for guests to make the most out of their three- or four-day Disney Cruise Line experience on-board. From taking the thrilling rollercoaster and whizzing down the water slides to engaging in friendly competition with the family at arcade games, and exclusively for the kids, having fun in the action-packed kids’ clubs, while the adults can unwind at the spa and spaces, including bars and lounges, designed for them.

Disney Cruise Line logo

The Disney Adventure will offer three-night and four-night cruises, with sailing dates available for booking for its maiden voyage starting from December 15, 2025 till September 2026. Visit Disney Cruise Line for the dates or contact a travel agent to find out more. 

Aviation roundup: Etihad Airways, Vietjet and more

By TTG Asia
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Etihad Airways

Etihad now flies to Medan, Indonesia
Etihad Airways will begin flights to Medan, the gateway to Northern Sumatra, starting October 2 this year.

The airline will operate flights between Kualanamu International Airport in Medan and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi three times a week, using one of its new A321LR aircraft.

Korean Air will upgrade and expand its lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2

Korean Air to upgrade airport lounges, introduces premium economy
Korean Air is upgrading its airport lounges and introducing Premium Economy cabins as part of its service enhancements. The airline will expand and renovate its lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 to accommodate increased passenger traffic following the airport’s Phase 4 expansion and the relocation of Asiana Airlines.

Four lounges will open in phases from August 2025, including an expanded Prestige Class Lounge in the east wing and Miler Club Lounge. Renovations to the First Class and Prestige Class Lounges in the west wing will be completed by April 2026.

Once all upgrades are finished, Korean Air will operate six lounges, increasing space and seating capacity. The First Class Lounge will be redesigned with features inspired by luxury hotel lounges.

Food and beverage services will include live kitchens, on-site bartenders and baristas, dedicated bakeries, and a signature noodle bar offering freshly prepared dishes.

Korean Air will also renovate its lounges at Los Angeles and New York JFK airports and update its mobile app to provide real-time information on lounge details.

Additionally, 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be retrofitted to include Premium Economy seating, replacing First Class cabins. The first retrofitted aircraft will enter service in late 2025, with further upgrades continuing through 2026.

Vietjet launches flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Bengaluru

Vietjet strengthens global reach from Ho Chi Minh City hub
Vietjet has launched four new international routes – two connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hyderabad and Bengaluru in India, and two linking Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan.

The Hyderabad and Bengaluru services are already in operation, while the Nagoya and Fukuoka routes will start on April 24 and April 25, respectively.

These additions expand Vietjet’s international network to 10 new services in two months, strengthening ties between Vietnam, India, and Japan.

Emirates

Emirates adds seven more destinations to A350 route network
Emirates has unveiled seven new cities to be added to its A350 network, as the airline’s latest aircraft begin scheduled service.

This expansion will extend the A350’s reach to short and medium-haul destinations in the Middle East/GCC and Europe, while also marking the aircraft’s debut in Africa and South-east Asia.

Emirates will operate the A350 to Tunis six times weekly from June 1, Amman daily from June 1, and Istanbul daily from July 1. The A350 will debut in Saudi Arabia on Dammam services from July 1, in South-east Asia to Ho Chi Minh City from August 1, and to Baghdad three times weekly from August 3. The A350 will debut in Oslo from September 1, with more A350 destinations, including longhaul routes, to be announced in the coming months as new aircraft join Emirates’ fleet.

Emirates will expand A350 services to Bahrain and Kuwait, with Bahrain receiving a third daily A350 flight from June 1 and Kuwait adding a second A350 flight from October 1. Bologna will also get its first A350 on June 1, ahead of schedule.

The A350 offers three cabin classes: 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats.

IHG Hotels & Resorts launches new hotel in South Australia

By TTG Asia
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IHG Hotels & Resorts and Strategic Alliance have introduced the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand to one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions with the signing of InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the 150-room property will be set amid the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Barossa, where each guestroom will boast views of the vineyards and landscape.

InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa will be located in the Barossa, with guestrooms overlooking the vineyards

When complete, the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa will feature a 130-seat signature restaurant, lounge bar, outdoor garden terrace and the signature Club InterContinental. Other amenities will include a pool, day spa, fitness centre, as well as conference and meeting spaces. The resort will also offer scenic walking trails and easy access to a variety of outdoor activities in the region.

The Barossa, with its rich history and renowned natural beauty, is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. The InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa’s prime location in the heart of the Barossa will make it the perfect luxury retreat for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the region’s wineries and vineyards.

Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts managing director, Australasia & Pacific, said: “For the first time, the Barossa will boast a globally branded luxury hotel that will serve as an indelible beacon for guests seeking an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication… InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa will be the perfect destination for wine lovers, gastronomes, and luxury escapists.”

David Cook, director of Strategic Alliance, added: “We look forward to our continued positive engagement with IHG and the Barossa, as our team works closely with them in unlocking this opportunity and bringing this project to fruition.”

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts introduces five new hotels across Asia

By TTG Asia
0

As part of its expansion, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a brand under Accor, has unveiled five new properties, each reflecting a strong connection to local culture.

The new hotels are set to open in India, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.

A rendering of Fairmont Tokyo, which will open on July 1 this year

India will see two openings, including Fairmont Mumbai, opening in April 2025, with 446 rooms and suites located near the international airport. The hotel will feature a Grand Ballroom for over 2,000 guests, five restaurants, a wellness suite, and an outdoor pool.

Fairmont Udaipur Palace, opening in July 2025, will be set in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. Spanning 7.28 hectares, the property will feature 327 rooms, over 12,077m2 of event space, and multiple dining options offering Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, and global cuisines.

Fairmont Tokyo, opening on July 1, 2025, will be located in the south tower of the Blue Front Shibaura Project, featuring 217 rooms and suites with views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline. The hotel is 13 minutes from Haneda Airport and near major train stations. It will offer a spa, fitness centre, indoor infinity pool, five restaurants, two bars, outdoor terraces, and event spaces, including the Fairmont Grand Ballroom, which can host up to 1,200 guests.

Fairmont Hanoi, opening in November 2025, will be the first Fairmont in Vietnam. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, the hotel will feature 241 rooms, six dining and bar venues, a rooftop restaurant, spa, fitness centre, bathhouse, and two swimming pools.

Finally, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, opening in Thailand in November 2025, will offer 419 rooms and a range of facilities, including speciality restaurants, a rooftop bar, wellness and spa centres, and meeting rooms. The property will be located near Bangkok’s Central Business District and major transport hubs.

Survey shows mass layoff plans as Indonesian hospitality operators cope with government activity cuts

By Dhini Oktavianti
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A survey conducted by the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) and Horwath HTL, involving 726 respondents from 717 hotels in 30 provinces, show as many as 88 per cent contemplating mass layoffs to stay afloat. This highlights the devastating impact of the government’s budget cuts, particularly on cities reliant on business events.

The survey revealed that 58 per cent of hotel businesses anticipate potential loan defaults while 48 per cent project unavoidable permanent hotel closures should the situation remains unchecked. Fifty-six per cent of respondents say a 10 to 30 per cent loss in total revenue year-on-year is likely.

Representatives of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association and Indonesia National Air Carrier Association lay out the severe business dents arising from the Indonesian government’s activity cuts; photo by Dhini Oktavianti

The financial strain caused by rising operational costs amid reduced government travel and events will force businesses to consider drastic measures.

Additionally, 78 per cent of surveyed businesses project missed tax revenue targets for the government while 71 per cent anticipate supply chain disruptions that would in turn impact SMEs that rely on the tourism industry. Eighty-three per cent of respondents are also concerned that a slowdown in the tourism sector would severely damage local economies.

The survey stated: “As we move into 2025, there are no signs of the government taking action to address fundamental issues.”

Over 50 per cent of respondents expect a challenging year as a result.

Haryadi Sukamdari, chairman, Indonesia Tourism Industry Board, urged the government to revoke the policy.

“(The initial) government plan was to cut 50 per cent of budget, but we are now facing a total cut. (We deem) it crucial for the government to stick to the original budget cut quickly,” he said during a media conference.

Hariyadi expressed concern that the government’s delayed response could erode public trust and severely impact hotel, aviation, and potentially all related businesses.

The government’s activity cuts are already being felt by daily workers in hotels as a result of job losses, he said.

Hotel industry players urge the government to implement concrete solutions, including tax relief, tourism promotion, staff training, financial assistance, and simplified regulations, particularly visa-free policies to attract foreign tourists, to arrest industry losses.

Bayu Sutanto, secretary general of the Indonesia National Air Carrier Association, said the impact has extended to the aviation industry. Indonesian airlines have lost between 12 and 15 per cent of business due to restrictions on official travel.

Bayu said both full-service and budget airlines are being impacted by loss of traffic due to decreasing buying power, but warned that airlines with a larger government clientele, like Garuda Indonesia, could see more severe effects.

Florian Blois joins Dida as strategic partnerships director

By TTG Asia
0

Dida, a tech-driven global travel distribution company, has appointed Florian Blois as its director of strategic partnerships.

In this role, Blois will lead global partnerships, focusing on DMOs, international hotel chains, airlines, as well as tour and activity providers to drive business growth through strategic collaborations and innovative marketing initiatives.

Reporting directly to Dida’s CMO, Gareth Matthews, Blois will work to develop and execute personalised marketing and sales strategies that further elevate Dida’s partners across its global platforms and distribution channels.

Before joining Dida, he was the senior regional manager – destination development & marketing at HBX Group (formerly Hotelbeds) where he managed global partnerships and led strategic marketing campaigns for DMOs across EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

New hotels: W Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou and more

By TTG Asia
0
W Maldives

W Maldives, the Maldives
W Maldives has completed its transformation, with newly redesigned rooms, suites, restaurants and cocktail concepts, and the brand’s signature WET Deck.

Reimagining its 77 overwater and beach villas, new additions like the Supreme and Oasis Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas, featuring spacious living areas and private pools, are ideal for larger groups. The two new Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas feature water slides connecting the second floor to private pools.

Guests at W Maldives can enjoy the resort’s dining venues, spa, and water activities like snorkelling and diving. The resort is also home to one of the largest biogas plants in the Maldives, alongside a fruit and vegetable garden.

The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou

The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, China
Located in the heart of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou offers travellers seamless access to the rich history and dynamic charm of Suzhou, with nearby attractions such as the Lingering Garden, Xiyuan Temple, and Shantang Street.

The hotel has 190 guestrooms and suites, inspired by Suzhou architecture. The Ritz-Carlton Suite spans 306m² with views of Gusu and Suzhou’s gardens. Club Level guests enjoy access to the Ritz-Carlton Club, offering cultural experiences like embroidery sessions, tea masterclasses, and fan workshops.

The hotel offers four restaurants and bars, the Ritz Kids programme, fitness centre, swimming pool, and four event spaces including a 508m² grand ballroom.

Kinn Habitat

Kinn Habitat, Singapore
Kinn Habitat, Kinn’s flagship hotel, offers a blend of capsule accommodation and private rooms, with 120 capsules across 15 dormitories, including mixed, female-only, and male-only options, as well as Cosy Rooms.

The hotel provides convenient amenities like personal lockers, black-out blinds, power outlets, and a folding desk with a mirror.

Shared spaces, curated activities, and partnerships encourage guests to connect with the local scene. The Marketplace on Level 5 features local artists and artisans, along with workshops on creativity and sustainability. Guests can also enjoy specially crafted coffee at brwd / Kinn on Level 1.

Best Western DHA Hanna Mall Quetta

Best Western DHA Hanna Mall Quetta, Pakistan 
Best Western DHA Hanna Mall Quetta forms part of a major new mixed-use development in Quetta, the capital and largest city in the province of Balochistan.

With a choice of 25 rooms and suites, this contemporary hotel also features facilities for business and leisure, including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, fitness centre, yoga studio, and business centre.

Guests also enjoy the convenience of direct access to the Hanna Mall retail complex.

The hotel is situated on the outskirts of the city, and easily accessible via National Highway 25. It is 10km from Quetta International Airport, which offers direct connections to and from major cities including Dubai, Jeddah, Karachi and Lahore.

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