Mandarin Oriental to expand in Malaysia with beachfront resort at Desaru Coast

June 6, 2025

Mandarin Oriental is set to expand its presence in Malaysia with the rebranding of a luxury resort and private residences in Desaru Coast, Johor. Surrounded by rainforest and fronting the South China Sea, the resort is expected to join the Mandarin Oriental portfolio in June 2025, ahead of a full rebranding as Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast in January 2026.

Located along 17km of unspoiled beachfront, the property benefits from its proximity to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Mandarin Oriental is set to rebrand a Desaru Coast resort this month, ahead of its full launch as Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast in January 2026

The resort blends tropical modernism with the natural landscape, featuring 44 suites and villas, many with plunge pools and sea or rainforest views. Five dining venues offer global cuisine with local flavours, while a beach club and lounge bar add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Wellness is a central focus, with The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offering Oriental-inspired treatments, a yoga pavilion, gym, salon, and tennis and padel courts. A Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor facilities enhances the family-friendly appeal.

The resort also offers event spaces and panoramic views for weddings and private gatherings, and is located near the Els Club Desaru Coast, which features championship courses by Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.

Looking ahead, 40 branded residences are planned to provide year-round luxury living with Mandarin Oriental’s signature service.

“Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast represents a significant step in our strategic vision to bring the group’s legendary service and crafted experiences, that resonate deeply with today’s luxury traveller, to new and exceptional locations,” said Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental.

Karina Ridzuan, interim group CEO of Destination Resorts and Hotels, added: “We are confident this partnership will set a new global benchmark and firmly place Desaru Coast as a destination for luxury travel.”

Aviation roundup: Air Astana, Air New Zealand and more

By TTG Asia

June 6, 2025

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Air Astana expands network with new flights from Atyrau and Almaty
Air Astana has expanded its international network with several new routes and enhanced partnerships.

On May 27, 2025, the airline inaugurated direct flights from Atyrau to Tbilisi, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This route strengthens connectivity between western Kazakhstan and Georgia and is expected to attract both leisure and business travellers.

On May 31, 2025, Air Astana launched a new service from Atyrau to Baku, Azerbaijan, also operating three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, on June 1, 2025, Air Astana commenced direct flights from Almaty to Frankfurt using Airbus A321LR aircraft, scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

This new route complements existing services from Astana and Uralsk to Frankfurt. Air Astana currently operates several international flights from western Kazakhstan, including Uralsk to Frankfurt, and Atyrau to Istanbul, Dubai, and Amsterdam.

The airline has also signed an updated codeshare agreement with Lufthansa for the Almaty-Frankfurt route, enhancing passenger connectivity through both airlines’ networks.

Air New Zealand restores jet service to Hamilton from Christchurch
Christchurch is set to strengthen its position as a national hub for business and leisure travel, with Air New Zealand introducing a new year-round domestic jet service between Christchurch and Hamilton from September 18, 2025.

Domestic jet flights will return to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years, with selected services operated by a 171-seat Airbus A320 running five times weekly.

The introduction of the A320 will increase capacity on the route by 14 per cent, adding 25,000 extra seats annually. The jet flights will complement existing ATR 72 turboprop services, providing passengers with more options, greater seat availability and faster travel between two of New Zealand’s key cities.

China Eastern Airlines; photo by Markus Mainka

China Eastern Airlines launches Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur flight
China Eastern Airlines has launched a new direct route connecting Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province in northwest China, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. This inaugural service marks the first direct air link between Lanzhou and Malaysia and aims to enhance tourism and economic ties between the two countries.

The Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur route will operate three times weekly using an Airbus A320 aircraft with 156 seats. It complements the existing daily Kunming-Kuala Lumpur flights and provides additional connections via Kunming, expanding access for travellers from key Chinese cities to Malaysia.

The inaugural flight was welcomed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, deputy director general of Tourism Malaysia, along with representatives from China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings, Tourism Malaysia, and AeroDarat, the airline’s ground handling partner.

T’way Air connects Jeju and Kaohsiung with new direct route
South Korea’s low-cost carrier T’way Air has launched a new Jeju-Kaohsiung service, creating a direct link between Taiwan region’s south and South Korea’s island destination.

Since its inaugural flight on April 22, the service operates four times weekly using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This route marks T’way Air’s third direct connection between southern Taiwan region and South Korea, joining its Gimpo-Kaohsiung and Incheon-Kaohsiung services.

The airline’s broader Taiwan region-South Korea network also includes Gimpo-Songshan, Jeju-Taipei, Daegu-Taipei, and Incheon-Taichung routes.

Long weekends drive Asia-Pacific travel demand, observes Agoda

By TTG Asia

June 6, 2025

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Asia’s regular stream of public holidays is supporting steady growth in the Asia-Pacific travel industry, as travellers across the region look to maximise their leisure time. According to Agoda, long weekends are driving a rise in short-stay travel within the region, offering hoteliers a chance to capture increasing demand.

Agoda recorded an 80% month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore ahead of the Hari Raya long weekend. Top destinations included Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea and Taiwan.

Hoteliers are advised to take advantage of additional public holidays to maximise occupancy and revenue

A similar pattern was observed during Thailand’s Songkran long weekend, with Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Seoul among the most searched cities. During Vietnam’s recent Liberation Day and Labour Day long weekend, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul ranked highest in search volume.

Several long weekends remain across Asia-Pacific in 2025, offering ongoing travel opportunities in countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Notable holidays include Deepavali in Malaysia on October 20, the Philippines’ National Heroes Day on August 25, Singapore’s Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6, and multiple significant dates in Thailand such as Queen Suthida’s Birthday in early June and King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday in late July. These holidays present prime occasions for travellers to take short breaks and for hotels to capture increased demand.

Hotels can tap into rising demand for long weekend and short-stay travel by creating targeted packages that appeal to regional travellers. By aligning offers with public holiday periods and consumer preferences, properties can increase bookings and drive revenue.

Effective strategies include content marketing that highlights local attractions for weekend visitors, launching extended stay deals in partnership with travel platforms, and offering extras like late check-out or attraction tickets. With wellness travel on the rise, hotels can also attract premium guests through curated experiences such as spa retreats and local culinary packages designed for quick getaways.

“The opportunity for hotels and airlines to secure bookings and incentivise travellers to extend their trips and add ancillary items to boost revenue over long weekends has never been greater,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply, Agoda.

“Hotels should ensure they are using the right data to target the hottest consumers from across the Asia-Pacific region and ensure that their service offerings are tailored to their regional tastes.”

Jati Koh Russey

By Marissa Carruthers

June 6, 2025

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Location
Located just a 10-minute speedboat ride from a private peer in Sihanoukville, Jati is the latest private island resort to enter Cambodia. Nestled on a pristine patch of Koh Russey – or Bamboo Island – this tropical haven comprising 82 one- and two-bedroom villas one- boasts postcard-perfect vistas of untouched jungle and azure waters lapping golden sand.

Accommodation
I was treated to a stay in the double beachfront pool villa, a dreamy 104m² space that features a separate living area and twin bedroom, and the largest walk-in closet with plenty of space to hang your clothes, and do cartwheels, as well as a large shower and separate toilet.

The villas embody understated luxury, with the rustic decor brought to life with bold splashes of colour and high-quality, locally-made products completing the look. Think ceramic cups made in Cambodia, woven mats, and stylish hand-made baskets that pay homage to the island’s fishing roots. Outside is a large deck overlooking the ocean, with a private plunge pool.

F&B
The resort boasts five F&B outlets. Breakfast is served at Arun beach café, which overlooks the sea. At the weekend, when the resort was almost fully-booked, a buffet breakfast taking in Asian and Western delights was served. While on a quieter week day, an a la carte menu was on the table.

The Beach Club is a stylishly casual affair, serving a separate lunch and dinner menu. Seeing as the resort is located on an island, it comes as no surprise that seafood features heavily on the menu. There’s also Banyan Bar, where you can chill poolside under a banyan tree with a cocktail in hand.

A few Phnom Penh favourites have also set up shop, with KoKo steakhouse serving a range of prime cuts, as well as mouth-watering seafood – the slipper lobsters are to die for – and Le Manolis Wine Cellar offering perfect wine pairings.

Jati Koh Russey

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Facilities
The vast 46-hectare resort hasn’t sacrificed space for profit. Meandering paths wind in between villas, with plenty of foliage maintaining privacy and peace. Bicycles and electric buggies are available for those who don’t fancy a stroll.

The Bamboo Spa is a bright, breezy, and lofty space, home to several treatment rooms and a gym. The 90-minute signature massage is a must. There’s also a racquet and sports club for tennis and pickle ball, as well as paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling, and a large infinity pool that seemingly flows into the sea.

Other facilities to be added this year include the Seahorse Kids Club and a 300m² events and conference centre.

Service
The service was impeccable, from each member of staff remembering my name, to them cycling down the trails after noticing I was having trouble adjusting my bike seat, or asking if I wanted my morning espresso after noting my daily habit.

Verdict
While the term barefoot luxury has become a bit of a cliché, Jati perfectly embodies it. The villas are so divine, you really don’t want to leave, unless it is to savour food, dip your toes in the sea or unwind at the spa.

Contact details
Website: www.jati-resort.com

oneworld alliance adds three senior leaders to executive team

By TTG Asia

June 5, 2025

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oneworld alliance has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team as part of its strategy to strengthen global operations and collaboration.

Stephan Nagel has been appointed vice president – global partnerships. He brings over 25 years of experience in aviation, having held roles at Qatar Airways, Air Berlin, Star Alliance and Lufthansa. In his new role, he will lead strategic partnerships across the alliance, including with member airlines, technology platforms and loyalty partners.

From left: Stephan Nagel, Chris Kelly Singley and Guido van Til

Chris Kelly Singley joins as vice president – communications and marketing. She has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation and aerospace sectors, with previous roles at JetZero, Boeing, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. She will oversee global communications and marketing strategy, including media relations, employee engagement and stakeholder outreach.

Guido van Til has been named vice president – digital. He brings experience in digital transformation across the aviation and retail sectors, having worked with brands such as Rituals, Dyson and Air France-KLM. At oneworld, he will lead the alliance’s digital strategy and delivery, with a focus on customer experience and integrated platforms.

ECKO Hotels and Resorts welcomes Shekhar Chandra as GM

By TTG Asia

June 5, 2025

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Ecko Hotels & Resorts has appointed Shekhar Chandra as general manager – operations and pre-opening.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, he has held senior roles with companies including Royal Orchid Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide, Radisson, Hilton Hotels and Ministry of Sound.

In his new role, Chandra will be responsible for managing pre-opening and operational activities, ensuring efficiency and supporting the brand’s focus on sustainability, community engagement and technology integration.

New hotels: Monarto Safari Park, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu and more

By TTG Asia

June 5, 2025

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Monarto Safari Park, Australia
Monarto Safari Resort, located within Monarto Safari Park in South Australia, is positioned inside the largest open-air safari outside Africa, offering views of free-roaming giraffes, rhinos and lions.

The resort includes 78 guestrooms and suites, two swimming pools, a day spa, and dining facilities. It also features event spaces including a 150-person conference room, a 10-person boardroom, and a poolside lawn accommodating up to 120 guests.

Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, China
Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu has opened within Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park, 30 minutes from the city centre and airport, and 20 minutes from Xinjin high-speed rail station.

The hotel offers 250 guestrooms and villas set around landscaped gardens. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant with private dining rooms, a specialty restaurant, lobby lounge, indoor pool, gym, children’s club, mahjong rooms, and a conference hall with three meeting rooms.

Located within a 2.7km² park dedicated to agricultural innovation and tourism, the property also offers cultural experiences such as visits to the Sichuan Opera and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, India
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened Crowne Plaza Lucknow, its 50th operational hotel in India. It features 110 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, bar, club lounge, gym, outdoor pool, as well as 3,700m² of meeting and event space.

Located along Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, the hotel offers access to Shahid Path, the city’s IT hub and the cricket stadium.

voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG, Vietnam
voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG is now open in Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh province in Vietnam. The resort serves as a gateway to Quang Binh’s attractions such as Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Nhat Le and Da Nhay beaches, and local cultural sites.

The all-suite-and-villa resort features 68 suites and beachfront villas sized between 43m² and 300m². Upon arrival, guests receive a signature local welcome treat, Cu Đơ, a traditional peanut and caramel candy.

Wellness facilities include a spa, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and salon. The hotel also offers indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, pool bar, and a restaurant offering local and international dishes.

Japan Airlines completes first passenger flight on domestic SAF

By Kathryn Wortley

June 5, 2025

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Japan Airlines has operated its first passenger flight using commercialised domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking the launch of a SAF supply chain in Japan for passenger flights.

The flight departed Kansai International Airport in Osaka bound for Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China, a flight of approximately two hours and 45 minutes’ duration or 1,300km.

Japan Airlines flies first passenger route with locally made SAF

It was supplied by SAF mass-produced by Saffaire Sky Energy following the company’s acquisition of the ISCC CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) Certification, a sustainability credential for the aviation industry. Saffaire Sky Energy aims for an annual SAF production in Japan of around 30,000 kilolitres.

The development has been welcomed by Japan’s aviation industry, which is working towards net-zero emissions from international flights by 2050, the goal set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The country’s first large-scale SAF production facility was completed in December 2024 and stable domestic production and supply of SAF began in April.

Efforts to develop SAF in Japan are part of the Fry to Fly Project, an initiative supported by 300 companies, local governments and organisations to boost the collection of waste cooking oil from households and businesses so it can be transformed into SAF.

According to Japan Airlines, the flight “marks a significant milestone” as “the implementation of a supply chain that enables the continuous production and supply of SAF in Japan plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions”.

Vietjet outlines strategic plans for the next decade

By TTG Asia

June 5, 2025

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At its 2025 Annual General Meeting, Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company presented its long-term development strategy focused on expanding international routes, investing in fleet growth, enhancing digital operations, and strengthening infrastructure.

Vietjet plans to further extend its global network, following the launch of its first direct flight to the US. The airline is preparing to open new routes to Europe and expand services across key markets including Australia, India, China, South Korea, and Japan.

Vietjet targets broader global presence with expanded network and wide-body fleet plans

To support expansion, Vietjet will acquire 20 more A330neo aircraft, bringing its wide-body order to 40, and invest in maintenance infrastructure including hangars and technical facilities.

Vietjet will continue to develop airport ground services and technical operations, building on its current presence at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports. It also aims to further integrate digital tools across its operations, having introduced biometric check-in via the VNeID system.

Service development will include wider availability of Business Class on longhaul flights and expanded ancillary services such as in-flight retail, insurance, and currency exchange. The airline will maintain its focus on safety, reliability, and workforce development as it scales operations.

As of 2025, Vietjet operates 145 routes, including 101 international services. Its future strategy aims to strengthen its position as a regional airline with an expanding global footprint.

RateHawk partners Lato to streamline travel booking for agents

By TTG Asia

June 5, 2025

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RateHawk has integrated its API with Lato, a travel app designed for industry professionals. The integration gives Lato users direct access to RateHawk’s global accommodation inventory.

Travel agents using Lato can view real-time updates on availability and pricing, helping them make faster, more informed booking decisions. The system is designed for reliability and quick response times, even during peak demand – aligning with the fast pace of regional travel markets.

RateHawk’s API integration with Lato gives travel agents real-time access to global accommodation options

More than 100 tech platforms are now connected to RateHawk via API, providing seamless access to a broad range of travel products and services for professionals worldwide. The integration supports RateHawk’s strategy to expand its services and equip agents with tools to improve operational efficiency and client service.

Lato’s co-founder Wout Klingele said the app is built to help travel agents efficiently create, manage and sell trips. Features such as AI tools, an integrated RateHawk platform, and built-in CRM and analytics functions allow agents to build proposals, book accommodation and manage workflows more effectively.

RateHawk currently offers 2.7 million hotels and other accommodation types. Since early 2024, it has added more than 90 global wholesalers, bringing the total to 320, and signed direct contracts with over 44,000 properties. The platform now includes 130,000 contracted accommodation.

Mandarin Oriental to expand in Malaysia with beachfront resort at Desaru Coast

Aviation roundup: Air Astana, Air New Zealand and more

Long weekends drive Asia-Pacific travel demand, observes Agoda

Jati Koh Russey

oneworld alliance adds three senior leaders to executive team

ECKO Hotels and Resorts welcomes Shekhar Chandra as GM

New hotels: Monarto Safari Park, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu and more

Japan Airlines completes first passenger flight on domestic SAF

Vietjet outlines strategic plans for the next decade

RateHawk partners Lato to streamline travel booking for agents

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