TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 30th December 2025
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Page 137

Red Sea International Airport, Plaza Premium Group to pioneer new lounge services in Saudi Arabia

By TTG Asia
0

daa International has partnered with Plaza Premium Group (PPG) to manage premium hospitality services at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), a collaboration that will see PPG implement its Plaza Premium First standards in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

PPG will manage a range of premium services, including four premium lounges for passengers, five F&B outlets, and seven dining rooms catering to airport staff. In a first for Saudi Arabia, the premium departure lounges will also offer a fully à la carte dining experience for all passengers.

The collaboration will see Plaza Premium Group implement its Plaza Premium First standards in Saudi Arabia

The new RSI airport is designed to reduce travel stresses and provide passengers with a seamless experience from the moment they arrive. The terminal’s architecture creates a private aircraft terminal feel, offering a personalised experience through smaller, intimate spaces. The lounges and F&B outlets aim to provide a relaxing environment, aligning with the sustainable ethos of The Red Sea destination.

RSI CEO Andrew Tyler-Smith shared: “By combining our expertise in airport management with Plaza Premium Group’s global excellence in hospitality, we are setting a new standard for comfort, service, and innovation. We look forward to welcoming travellers to our premium lounges and dining spaces, where every detail is designed to enhance their journey.”

Okan Kufeci, senior vice president, EMEA of Plaza Premium Group, added: “By introducing Plaza Premium First standards to Saudi Arabia, we are not only enhancing the travel experience but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality solutions globally. This collaboration is a testament to our ongoing efforts to innovate and elevate airport services, setting new benchmarks for comfort and luxury”.

Escape for family fun at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa

By TTG Asia
0

Amara Sanctuary Sentosa has launched the Family Adventure Escapade, designed for families with children aged 11 and below, offering the chance to create memories with a 450-metre ride across South-east Asia’s steepest zip line at Mega Adventure Park.

The package includes complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children, 20 per cent savings when dining at Sanctuary Tearoom, two tandem tickets at MegaZip Adventure, as well as a complimentary Vanilla Milkshake at Sanctuary Tearoom daily for children aged 11 and below.

Families can enjoy a zip line tandem ride at Mega Adventure Park

The Family Adventure Escapade package is available for all room types except Amara Sanctuary’s Courtyard Suite and Couple Suite.

For more information, visit Amara Sanctuary Sentosa.

Marriott International and Ecopia Group ink MoU

By TTG Asia
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Marriott International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ecopia Group, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at elevating corporate events and luxury travel experiences.

Both parties will leverage their respective strengths to develop an innovative market expansion programme, fostering deeper collaboration in the events and hospitality industry. In Malaysia and Indonesia alone, Marriott International operates over 130 hotels, with continuous growth each year.

From left: Ecopia Group’s Lim Hean Beng and Tan Snow Wie; Marriott’s Ramesh Jackson and George Varughese at the MoU signing at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

This initiative aims to introduce greater entrepreneurship opportunities and support startups and enterprises in expanding into the Malaysian and Indonesian markets, further driving economic growth and reinforcing the region as a premier travel destination.

Tan Snow Wie, group managing director of Ecopia Group, said: “This is an important day for us because it really speaks volumes to the speed and growth of the work that we have now as we continue to drive excellence in the event industry…”

This news comes several months after Ecopia Group expanded its regional presence with the opening of a new office in Singapore.

Urban Resort Concepts reinforces leadership team

By TTG Asia
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Urban Resort Concepts has appointed three senior executives to lead its corporate team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering handcrafted experiences through culturally immersive guest journeys while driving innovation and growth across its expanding portfolio in Asia.

Nicholas Liang, with over 22 years of luxury hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, is the new vice president of operations. He was recently general manager at Four Seasons.

From left: Nicholas Liang, Michael Faulkner and Andreas Zimmermann

Michael Faulkner takes on the vice president of brand and commercial role. He brings with him an extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having held senior commercial leadership roles with brands such as Swire Hotels, Park Hyatt, and Crown Resorts.

Named vice president of development, Andreas Zimmermann hails from a strong background in luxury hospitality project management. Formerly corporate director of development for Rosewood Hotel Group, he has led the development of luxury hospitality projects across Asia-Pacific, overseeing feasibility studies, financial management, and contract negotiations.

New Zealand comes to life in Minecraft

By TTG Asia
0

New Zealand has teamed up with Warner Bros Pictures and Mojang Studios to launch a world-first destination DLC (downloadable content) for Minecraft, enabling players worldwide to explore New Zealand in-game.

The DLC will launch alongside the release of Warner Bros Pictures’ A Minecraft Movie, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, filmed in New Zealand and set to premiere worldwide.

Minecraft players can now visit New Zealand and experience a variety of real-world activities in the Minecraft Aotearoa New Zealand DLC

Prospective manuhiri (visitors) can experience a range of real-world activities in the Minecraft Aotearoa New Zealand DLC, such as paddling a waka in Abel Tasman, exploring glow-worm caves in Waitomo, or stargazing in Tekapo. They can then craft their own real-life adventure by booking New Zealand’s official 100% Pure Minecraft Itinerary, transforming this virtual journey into a dream trip to New Zealand.

Players will get a glimpse of travelling around New Zealand, taking part in activities that showcase Aotearoa’s culture, landscapes, and people. The game features six New Zealand locations, including Waitomo Caves (Waikato), Rotorua (Bay of Plenty), Kapiti Island (Wellington), Abel Tasman (Nelson/Tasman), Tekapo (Mackenzie), and Doubtful Sound (Fiordland).

Alongside adventure activities and quests, players can explore Māori culture, customs, and treasures, experience the sounds of taonga pūoro (musical instruments), and encounter native wildlife.

With widespread appeal and over 300 million copies sold, Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time. The partnership enables Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) to connect with 70 per cent of its primary target audience in key markets who actively engage with Minecraft, making it a powerful tool for global engagement.

Minecraft players worldwide can now download and play the Aotearoa New Zealand DLC for free from the Minecraft Marketplace.

TNZ chief executive René de Monchy hopes the initiative will encourage people to turn pixels into plane tickets and experience New Zealand in person.

“This is our chance to invite the world to play Aotearoa New Zealand and show just how much fun people can have here. We want to give people an immersive taste of what New Zealand has to offer,” he said.

“Shooting A Minecraft Movie in New Zealand was an amazing experience. There is so much to experience here that you can’t do anywhere else in this world. We’re excited to give Minecraft players a glimpse of it in the upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand DLC,” shared Torfi Frans Ólafsson, senior creative director of original content and entertainment at Minecraft, and producer of A Minecraft Movie.

To promote the launch of the DLC and the movie, TNZ has also partnered with Klook and Trip.com, using the collaboration to drive off-peak arrivals. Klook will integrate Minecraft products into its Klook NZ Pass, while Trip.com will promote Minecraft-inspired itineraries. The campaign, starting in early April, aims to bring New Zealand’s immersive experiences to a broader audience.

Continued travel vigilance as Flores volcano settles

By Dhini Oktavianti
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Volcanic activity at Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara has reduced over the weekend, but the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) is urging continued vigilance while local tourism stakeholders are maintaining caution.

Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption on March 20 had resulted in seven flight cancellations from Australia to Bali, and five delayed services from Australia, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur on the same day. A Singapore-Lombok flight was cancelled on March 21. Domestic flights between Bali and Labuan Bajo were also impacted, although no airport was shut down during the period.

Volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Flores has decreased, but authorities urge continued vigilance

Flights to Bali have since resumed.

Paul Talo, chairman of the Indonesia Inbound Tour Operators Association, said the disruption had a “noticeable” impact on tourism activities, specifically hotels, restaurants, and tour packages, in addition to flights. Precise impact figures are pending at press time.

Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, noted that impact on travel and tourism could have been worse if the eruption had occurred during the high season.

He added that with Indonesia lying in the ring of fire and nature being unpredictable, tourists should be aware of potential travel disruptions.

Meanwhile, Bali and Angkasa Pura, the country’s airport manager, are working on alternative flight routes that bypass areas with volcanic ash. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, head of the Bali tourism office, said it is hoped that efforts would minimise losses from the destination’s number one source market, Australia.

Bayu Sutanto, secretary general of the Indonesian National Air Carrier Association, shared that airlines are closely monitoring the situation through the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin, Australia as well as airport operation centres.

Lady Gaga’s Asia tour sparks a tourism boom in Singapore

By TTG Asia
0

Trip.com has reported a significant increase in hotel bookings as fans from Asia and around the world secure accommodation for Lady Gaga’s Asia tour dates in Singapore, scheduled from May 18 to 24 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Singapore, the only Asian stop on Lady Gaga’s tour, is seeing a surge in travel interest, highlighting its growing reputation as a key event tourism destination that attracts visitors from across the region.

Trip.com has seen a rise in hotel bookings as fans book accommodation for Lady Gaga’s Singapore tour from May 18 to 24 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, pictured; photo by t.natchai

According to Trip.com, hotel bookings for the week of May 18 to 24 have already tripled compared to the same period last year. The surge also reflects a 76 per cent rise compared to the following week, May 25 to 31. Trip.com expects bookings to increase further as more fans secure concert tickets closer to May.

Other trends observed by Trip.com include top international bookings coming from China, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. Additionally, budget-conscious travellers are driving 38 per cent of accommodation searches toward three-star and below hotels, compared to just 18 per cent for the following week.

“Event tourism is a huge catalyst for travel around the world, and we believe the entire travel ecosystem in Singapore – comprising both the public and private sectors – is not just harnessing but also generating such demand in a very meaningful manner. This includes the hosting of the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025 later this year,” said Edmund Ong, general manager, Trip.com Singapore.

South African Tourism ramps up tourism recovery efforts in India and China

By Rohit Kaul
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South African Tourism is intensifying its efforts to restore tourism from its two key Asian outbound markets, India and China, to pre-Covid growth levels. In addition to trade initiatives such as roadshows and fam trips, the NTO is prioritising faster visa processing to regain pre-pandemic visitor numbers from these markets.

“India and China are our two key growth markets in Asia. We are organising a roadshow in China in September 2025 and another in South Africa in January next year, specifically targeting the Chinese market. Additionally, fam trips are planned for China. As part of our efforts, we will be hosting 30 to 35 travel agents from India at our annual trade show, Indaba 2025,” said Gcobani Mancotywa, regional general manager for Asia, Australia and Middle East, South African Tourism on the sidelines of a roadshow in New Delhi.

South Africa is ramping up efforts to restore tourism from India and China to pre-pandemic visitor levels; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, pictured

South African Tourism’s 21st annual India roadshow series commenced in New Delhi on March 18, followed by stops in Chennai and Mumbai on March 19 and 20, respectively.

A major factor impeding tourism growth from India and China to South Africa has been visa constraints. To address this, the South African government introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) last year for both India and China, simplifying visa procedures. The scheme allows approved tour operators from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to submit group visa applications on behalf of their clients, reducing the number of required supporting documents. Phase 1 of the scheme saw fourteen tour operators from India and twenty-nine from China accredited, and plans are now in place to expand TTOS and accredit more tour operators in Phase II of the scheme this year.

“TTOS provides an opportunity for ease of visa processing. The commitment that we have given to the market through our home affairs is a maximum of three days turnaround in visa issuance which for example in the case of India was previously taking more than 12 days,” said Mancotywa.

In 2024, South Africa welcomed approximately 75,000 tourists from India, representing around 80 per cent of pre-Covid arrival numbers. Meanwhile, about 50,000 Chinese tourists visited the country during the same period, nearly half of the 95,000 recorded before the pandemic. South African Tourism is expecting a full recovery of tourist arrivals from India by the end of this year and from China by the end of next year.

Auckland, Delhi airports partner to boost trade and tourism

By TTG Asia
0

Auckland Airport has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to further strengthen existing close ties between New Zealand and India through the sharing of best practices in airport operations, management, and customer experience.

Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui highlighted significant opportunities to enhance connectivity, tourism, and freight between New Zealand and India. She stated that both Auckland and Delhi Airports would collaborate to support the goal of establishing non-stop flights between Delhi and Auckland.

The MoU aims to strengthen ties between New Zealand and India while sharing best practices in airport operations and customer experience

Travel between India and New Zealand has grown 78 per cent since 2015, with 351,000 people travelling in 2024. Of these, 110,000 travelled between Delhi and Auckland. In 2024, 102,000 New Zealanders visited India, while 83,000 Indians visited New Zealand.

Hurihanganui noted that the Indian market offers significant growth opportunities, with Tourism New Zealand data revealing that around 18 million people are actively considering a visit to New Zealand, and 57 per cent of them identify it as their top destination choice.

Delhi Airport is directly connected to 71 international cities, including London, Dubai, Singapore, New York, Toronto, and Sydney.

Hurihanganui added: “While there are no non-stop flights at this time, we know there is strong and growing demand for people wanting to travel between India and New Zealand, and this partnership will work to grow that demand even more.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport, said: “This partnership promises to drive long-term growth and strengthen the ties between our two great nations. We look forward to working closely with Auckland Airport to help make non-stop flights a reality and to share best practices in airport operations and customer experience.”

Emerald Holding to acquire This is Beyond

By TTG Asia
0

Emerald Holding will soon take over London-based This is Beyond, a leading producer of seven premier B2B events in the experiential and luxury travel industry. This acquisition, expected to close in 2Q2025, supports Emerald’s strategic plan to diversify and optimise its portfolio by targeting high-growth markets with leading brands, reinforcing the company’s leadership in dynamic sectors and drives forward its strategic growth initiatives.

Following the acquisition, all employees of This is Beyond, including CEO and founder Serge Dive, will join Emerald. This is Beyond team’s creativity and innovative approach to designing and executing events that meet the specific needs of luxury travel businesses, alongside Emerald’s broad resources, is set to improve service delivery and customer engagement, strengthening the impact of This is Beyond’s events within the luxury travel sector.

The acquisition strengthens Emerald’s strategic growth with expanded portfolio of seven luxury travel events, including Further East in Bali

Since its founding in 2009, This is Beyond has established a strong reputation in the US$1.3 trillion luxury travel market, known for its ability to create unique, exclusive experiences that cater to the growing demand for high-end travel. Renowned for its focus on sustainability, design, and premium brands, This is Beyond curates specialised events that connect elite travel designers, global tour operators, and in-house travel managers.

The portfolio of This is Beyond events now under Emerald’s ownership includes PURE Life Experiences in Marrakech (experiential travel sector), LE Miami in Miami (contemporary travel sector catering to a creative audience), We Are Africa in Cape Town (African travel sector marketplace), We Are Africa North America in Sundance (travel from North America to Africa), Further East in Bali (travel show for the Asia-Pacific travel region), Do Not Disturb in Borgo Egnazia (private and exclusive travel experiences), and Specialists in Entertainment Travel in New Orleans (luxury entertainment travel sector).

Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald, said: “Expanding into the luxury and experiential travel sectors aligns with our strategy of portfolio optimisation and improving Emerald’s top-line growth. By combining This is Beyond’s expertise with Emerald’s strengths in innovation, market leadership, and in-person experiences, we will elevate our offerings, reinforce our presence in high-value markets, and deliver exceptional ROI to our customers.”

“As we look to the next iteration of our growth, joining Emerald provides us with all the support we need to scale our vision and deliver even more exceptional experiences for our communities. I’m confident that together, we’ll reach new heights and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. While we embark on this next chapter, I remain fully committed to This is Beyond and ensuring that our mission, values, and spirit continue to thrive,” added Serge Dive, CEO and founder of This is Beyond.

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