Sri Lanka appoints Tourism Advisory Committee

March 20, 2025

Some of Sri Lanka’s biggest names in the leisure industry have been appointed to a new Tourism Advisory Committee by the government to drive the tourism agenda in the country.

The 14-member committee is chaired by Dileep Mudadeniya, a former managing director of Sri Lanka Tourism and currently senior vice president of John Keells Holdings. Other members include SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall; Nuwaraeliya Hotels Company deputy chairman/managing director Gerard George Ondaatjie; Connaissance de Ceylon and Thema Collection chairman/managing director Chandra Wickramasinghe; Galle Face Hotels group vice president Nihal Muhandiram; and three heads of state agencies involved in tourism.

Sri Lanka establishes Tourism Advisory Committee to foster sustainable growth and leverage the country’s growing tourism recognition

The mandate of the committee is to advise the government on strategic and sustainable tourism development, so as to enhance the growth of the tourism industry in line with the National Tourism Policy.

The committee has been appointed under the current Tourism Act and is expected to continue during the term of the incumbent government.

When asked about the committee’s immediate action plans, Mudadeniya said members had just held a preliminary meeting.

“At our second meeting (in April), we would look at our agenda and (decide) how we should further proceed,” he said, adding that the committee will gather once a month.

The formation of the Tourism Advisory Committee comes at a time when Sri Lanka is gaining glowing reviews for its tourism draws. Among the many recognitions are Sri Lanka’s inclusion on BBC Travel’s 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025, Sigiriya being declared the World’s Most Welcoming City for 2025 by Booking.com, and the Pekoe Trail being featured in Time’s World’s Greatest Places in 2025.

PATA, Travel Unity to promote diversity and inclusion in Asia-Pacific tourism

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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PATA and Travel Unity have formalised a two-year partnership through an MoU signed in January 2025, aiming to promote an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable tourism industry across the Asia-Pacific region.

Under this collaboration, PATA and Travel Unity will work jointly on various initiatives, including the cross-promotion of events and activities, reciprocal speaking opportunities, and exclusive benefits for their respective members. These benefits include discounts, early bird deals, and enhanced support in connecting with qualified buyers.

PATA and Travel Unity will collaborate on event promotion, member benefits, and youth-focused workshops on sustainability and DEI

PATA and Travel Unity will also partner on human capital development by offering workshops and cohort programmes for PATA’s youth community, focusing on sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to empower future industry leaders.

Through these efforts, both organisations focus on fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and skilled workforce, ultimately leading to long-term capacity-building efforts and stronger career pathways for young professionals in the travel and tourism sector.

Travel Unity is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering diversity in travel and tourism through individual and community empowerment. Its executive director Roni Weiss commented: “Travel Unity was founded on the belief that travel has the power to unite people of all backgrounds and identities. This partnership with PATA allows us to amplify the global impact of inclusive practices, bringing our mission more deeply into the Asia-Pacific region. We are excited to collaborate with our friends at PATA to create opportunities that empower individuals and communities while driving meaningful progress in the travel industry.”

Added PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid: “Together, we aim to drive meaningful change, ensuring that travel continues to serve as a powerful force for connection, empowerment, and progress.”

Silversea rolls out a fresh brand direction

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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Silversea has introduced its new brand positioning, To Finding More, setting new luxury standards by focusing on emotion and authenticity. It empowers guests to create their own stories, inspiring exploration and capturing unforgettable moments through vivid imagery and a distinctive tone.

This reimagined brand expression is now live across the company’s channels and platforms.

Silversea’s new brand positioning celebrates the joy of travel and appeals to the shared curiosity of Silversea’s guests with emotion and authenticity

Silversea’s new brand positioning reflects its guests’ curiosity, uniting travellers with a shared mindset. Known as Eternal Wanderers, these explorers seek cultural discovery, new adventures, and self-enrichment. To Finding More embodies Silversea’s commitment to meeting these desires through immersive experiences like the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary programme. Its two pioneering Nova-Class ships, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, alongside the development of the world’s southernmost hotel, showcase Silversea’s dedication to exclusive travel, luxury expeditions, and polar exploration.

Annette Diaz, interim chief marketing officer, Silversea, said: “Designed to inspire a sense of discovery, To Finding More will be seamlessly integrated across our channels, redefining luxury advertising. This new positioning marks a shift in what luxury travel can be — grounded in discovery, deeply connecting our brand and guests to the stories, cultures, experiences, and moments that only Silversea can offer.”

“Beyond reflecting our new brand positioning, To Finding More embodies the joy of travel as a tribute to our guests, whose curiosity leads them to the farthest corners of the Earth,” added Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “It is a celebration of the places that give us a new perspective and the people we meet who inspire that perspective. It embraces the spirit of immersive discovery, engaging travellers as they uncover hidden wonders with us – all in uncompromised comfort.”

Seda Manila Bay

By Rosa Ocampo

March 20, 2025

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Seda_Manila_Bay_swimming_pool_640 — Swimming pool

Location
Tucked away conveniently in the fast developing mixed-use Aseana City, Seda Manila Bay is merely 20 minutes away from Manila’s international airport and easily accessible from Makati, BGC, Manila Bay Area, and other parts of the metro.

The hotel is directly connected to Ayala Malls via a walkway on the fourth floor, with shopping malls and restaurants just a short walk away.

Accommodation
With 350 keys, the hotel fits families and business travellers alike. It has 30m² Deluxe rooms for solo travellers and short-stay guests; 40m² Premier room for couples; 54m² Family rooms with a separate kids’ room furnished with a double-decker; and 54m² Seda Suites with a separate living, dining area and a kitchenette.

Club rooms and Club suites occupy an entire floor with access to the elegant Club Lounge which has its own dedicated staff for a personalised service, express check-in and check-out, buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments and cocktails, a private meeting room, and an iMac Station.

My 45m² Premier room is a delightful cocoon of calm and comfort, with minimalist furniture and a soothing grey and cream colour scheme. The king bed is complemented by quality lighting, and the room is equipped with multiple sockets for devices at the bedside and on the multi-purpose table. The spacious bathroom features a large bathtub, separate shower, dual vanity sinks, and an expansive vanity mirror.

F&B
The all-day dining Misto restaurant is on the ground floor and the Straight Up Roof Bar is next to the pool area. At Misto, I had a grand time catching up with a couple of friends, which caused our late lunch to extend into dinner, and we overstayed until late into the night. The wait staff allowed us to stay in our corner while still being attentive to our needs.

We savoured with gusto lip-smacking dishes, including beef salpicao and several varieties of pasta. The Quattro Formaggi pizza is superb, so much so we ordered it again for dinner. As for dessert, the cheesecake was certainly addictive.

I was lucky to preview the upcoming cookie corner near the lobby. The cookies were so delectable that I devoured all four in one go. The banana cake, filled with chocolate, milk chips, and various nuts, tastes even better after a few days.

For the books is sipping cocktails at Straight Up Roof Bar while watching the sunset over Manila Bay. Many hotels are deprived of this view and the once halcyon seas due to the extensive reclamation ongoing in Manila Bay.

Seda Manila Bay

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Facilities
What makes Seda Manila Bay great for a staycation are its diverse recreation facilities and activities. These include a mini-golf course in the courtyard, Seda Spa for relaxation, a fully-equipped gym, an infinity pool, a water playground with a kiddie pool, and an indoor play area for kids. The hotel also offers wheelchair access and parking.

For business travellers, the hotel offers the 390-seat Sampaguita Ballroom with a spacious pre-function area, as well as small and medium-sized meeting rooms for 10 to 48 people.

Service
Checking in and out is a breeze. The lobby staff assisted me to the lift and taxi area, while the servers at Misto were attentive.

Verdict
True to its name, Seda, which means silk, pampered us with smooth service and a relaxing overnight stay.

Contact details
Website: https://www.sedahotels.com/hotel/view/2/seda-manila-bay-paranaque

Discover ultimate sleep rejuvenation at Oasia

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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In celebration of World Sleep Day, Oasia by Far East Hospitality and Woosa Sleep have partnered to launch a year-long sleep-focused experience in 12 suites and apartments across Oasia properties in Singapore and Malaysia, offering wellness-conscious travellers a tailored rest-to-rise experience that blends Woosa’s sleep innovations with Oasia’s holistic wellness approach.

As part of the campaign, selected suites and apartments at Oasia Hotel Downtown, Oasia Hotel Novena, Oasia Resort Sentosa, Oasia Residence Singapore, and Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur are fitted with Woosa’s premium products, including the Original PLUSH King mattress with Sonocore Latex and European-made Memory Foams, an adjustable bed base with customised settings, a curated pillow menu with Talalay Latex and Dunlop Latex foam pillows, and a custom silk duvet made from 100 per cent grade 6A silk.

Experience restful luxury with the Oasia x Woosa Exclusive package

Curated by Oasia and Woosa, a complimentary Essential Sleep Kit, featuring a silk eye mask, earplugs, and Woosa Midnight Rain essential oil roller, enhances the rest experience. Exclusively in the Oasia x Woosa suites and apartments, guests will find a 100% natural bamboo bathrobe. To complete their nightly wind-down, guests can enjoy a warm, non-alcoholic nightcap of hot cocoa or caffeine-free tea. Additionally, guests can enjoy stay privileges such as complimentary breakfast, Club access, wellness activities, and more, for a fully restorative experience. Pet-friendly stays are available at Oasia Residence Singapore.

The Oasia x Woosa Exclusive package is available from now to June 30. A minimum stay of two and eight nights is applicable to Oasia hotels and Oasia serviced residence respectively for the Oasia x Woosa Exclusive Package.

For more information, visit Oasia x Woosa Exclusive.

Fusion Hotel Group appoints new regional director for South-east Asia

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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Fusion Hotel Group has named Markus Gloor as the new regional director for South-East Asia. In this role, Gloor will be responsible for the opening and management of new properties outside Thailand and Vietnam.

With three decades of experience in the hospitality sector in Switzerland and Thailand, Gloor previously served as the director of operations in Thailand, where he played a key role in expanding the brand.

Ta’aktana names new GM

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo in Indonesia has appointed Peter-Paul Kleiss as the new general manager.

With a distinguished career across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, he joined Ta’aktana in 2023 as director of operations. His dedication to operational excellence and improving guest experiences led to his promotion to general manager.

Switzerland woos Muslim travellers with thoughtful services, influencer collaborations

By Audrey Ng

March 19, 2025

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Imagine snow-capped mountains but printed on a headscarf that you can wear. Switzerland Tourism’s latest campaign saw it partner Buttonscarves, an Indonesian premium scarf and headscarf brand, as part of efforts to reach out to Muslim travellers.

The campaign featured influencers from Indonesia showcasing Switzerland’s landscapes and wearing headscarves from the brand’s specially created Switzerland series adorning prints of the country’s natural scenery.

Switzerland Tourism enhances Muslim-friendly offerings, including halal dining and prayer spaces, to attract more Muslim travellers from South-east Asia; Geneva Lake in Switzerland, pictured

It resonated well with Indonesian Muslim audiences, according to Batiste Pilet, director, Southeast Asia, Switzerland Tourism.

This is part of Switzerland Tourism’s efforts to reach out to the Muslim market in South-east Asia, with key markets for halal tourism coming from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

“Switzerland Tourism in South-east Asia recognises the growing importance of halal tourism and is committed to making Switzerland a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers,” said Pilet.

In particular, there is “strong potential for growth” in the upscale and luxury travel segment. When it comes to halal tourism growth, Pilet added that Indonesia stood out as the key market with the largest potential, while for Malaysia, the independent Muslim traveller segment has the greatest growth potential.

“Additionally, Switzerland’s reputation for safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transport makes it an attractive destination for families and solo travellers alike. The availability of halal dining options, prayer spaces, and Muslim-friendly accommodation further enhances the travel experience for Muslim visitors,” said Pilet.

The organisation is ramping up efforts to promote Muslim-friendly travel services such as halal restaurants, prayer facilities, and accommodation that cater to Muslim needs.

It recently collaborated with media company Have Halal, Will Travel to launch a travel guidebook for Muslim travellers, and has contributed articles and self-guided itineraries.

Switzerland Tourism has also organised fam trips for some Muslim travel agencies.

Depending on the market, Switzerland Tourism will tailor the messaging to suit local consumer behaviour, shared Pilet. It will continue to strengthen its engagement in South-east Asia by implementing targeted marketing campaigns, partnerships with local travel agencies, media and influencer collaborations.

It is also promoting more travel in the off-season as part of its Travel Better strategy that encourages visitors to explore lesser-known destinations and experience Switzerland’s diverse landscapes year-round. This includes taking public transport, staying for longer, and going to lesser-known destinations.

Added Pilet: “Switzerland Tourism remains committed to enhancing the experience of Muslim travellers by continuously improving accessibility to Muslim travel services. We look forward to welcoming more Muslim travellers to Switzerland and showcasing the country’s diverse offerings in an inclusive and memorable way.”

World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unites with environmental partners for net-positive hospitality solutions

By TTG Asia

March 19, 2025

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The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) has teamed up with OceanShot and Deborah Brosnan & Associates to highlight their shared commitment to integrating nature-based solutions into the hospitality industry.

The collaboration aims to achieve Net Positive Hospitality through practical, science-driven solutions that benefit both the environment and the sector. Over three years, it will focus on developing a comprehensive framework, implementing pilot programs, and evaluating progress.

Deborah Brosnan and Glenn Mandziuk signing the MoU during the Hospitality and Tourism Panel at the Sustainable Markets Initiative CEO Summit in London

The three parties will collaborate on initiatives such as creating guidelines and metrics for integrating nature-based solutions into hospitality projects, aligning with WSHA’s Universal Sustainability KPIs. They will also launch high-impact pilot projects under WSHA’s Impact Fund to turn strategy into action and benefit communities and the environment.

The collaboration will also focus on knowledge sharing to promote industry-wide adoption of best practices and advocate for nature-based solutions through thought leadership and engagement.

Leveraging its powerful network, WSHA will push for the adoption of these initiatives across the hospitality industry, ensuring alignment with industry standards. The alliance represents 66,000 hotels and eight million rooms worldwide and is committed to accelerating sustainability within the sector.

Deborah Brosnan, an ocean and resilience scientist, has worked with leaders and institutions to leverage ecosystem services for the planet. OceanShot, launched with John Paul DeJoria, is a reef restoration project off Antigua and Barbuda, using reef modules to restore ecosystems, protect coastal communities, and support local economies. Its latest expansion includes an Innovation Learning Lab in Antigua and Barbuda, opening in 2025.

For the hospitality industry, biodiversity, economic returns, and resilience are key metrics that showcase the benefits of nature-based solutions. This collaboration leverages Brosnan’s expertise to bring science-based solutions, develop best practices for integrating ecosystem services, create scalable regenerative models, and implement pilot programmes that demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in hospitality.

WSHA CEO Glenn Mandziuk stated: “The hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to lead in environmental stewardship while also creating long-term value. By collaborating with OceanShot and Deborah Brosnan & Associates, we are taking a bold step toward embedding regenerative solutions into hospitality design and operations.

“This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change. By harmonising sustainability metrics and fostering innovation, we are paving the way for a more resilient and responsible hospitality sector.”

WWF Earth Hour Festival 2025 at Sentosa to promote climate and nature-positive habits

By TTG Asia

March 19, 2025

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WWF-Singapore’s Earth Hour Festival 2025, taking place on March 22 at Sentosa Sensoryscape, will celebrate Singapore’s natural heritage for SG60 and inspire individuals to contribute to a healthier, more resilient planet.

Under the theme The Biggest Hour for Earth, the festival will highlight the power of collective action, encouraging individuals to take steps that foster a deeper connection to nature and their community.

Festivities at Sentosa Sensoryscape will immerse visitors in nature with vibrant gardens, light and sound displays, and community-driven initiatives, games, and performances

WWF’s 2024 Living Planet Report reveals a 60 per cent decline in wildlife populations in Asia-Pacific over the past 50 years, while global temperatures continue to rise, with January 2025 recorded as the hottest on record. The Earth Hour Festival 2025 will demonstrate how individual actions, from consumer choices to community-driven solutions, can drive meaningful change for a greener future.

At Sentosa Sensoryscape, visitors can explore a 30,000m² oasis that blends nature, design, and technology for an immersive, multi-sensory journey featuring over 250 plant species. As the festival’s backdrop, it offers spaces for discovery, conversation, and hands-on experiences that connect people to the natural world.

This year, WWF-Singapore is reintroducing the Hour Bank, an online tool that encourages sustainable activities, from citizen science projects to eco-friendly food choices and personal environmental initiatives. The 2025 edition will feature sustainability-focused activities for all ages, including exploring food’s environmental impact, nature’s role in climate resilience, and WWF-Singapore’s ecosystem protection efforts. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities like assembling solar lights, attending a planet-friendly meal workshop, and making a World Water Day-inspired craft.

For the first time, visitors can explore the Sustainable Sentosa booth, highlighting the island’s sustainability initiatives. The booth features an interactive 3D installation where participants can pledge their commitment to sustainability on repurposed banners, along with an environmental showcase of Sentosa’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

The evening will feature the Switch Off performance at 19.30, with local performances, leading up to the symbolic Switch Off at 20.30, when Singapore’s landmarks, businesses, and communities power down in solidarity. Over 26 businesses on Sentosa will join by turning off non-essential lights in support of this global movement.

Vivek Kumar, CEO, WWF-Singapore, said: “Safeguarding our planet for future generations requires action rooted in data, evidence and real-world impact. As a science-practice organisation, WWF works on the ground to protect nature and support the communities that depend on it.

“This SG60, we hope to work together with fellow Singaporeans to take meaningful steps toward a future where both people and nature thrive.”

Sri Lanka appoints Tourism Advisory Committee

PATA, Travel Unity to promote diversity and inclusion in Asia-Pacific tourism

Silversea rolls out a fresh brand direction

Seda Manila Bay

Discover ultimate sleep rejuvenation at Oasia

Fusion Hotel Group appoints new regional director for South-east Asia

Ta’aktana names new GM

Switzerland woos Muslim travellers with thoughtful services, influencer collaborations

World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unites with environmental partners for net-positive hospitality solutions

WWF Earth Hour Festival 2025 at Sentosa to promote climate and nature-positive habits

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