TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 31st December 2025
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Page 145

Trip.com Group expands global support for women in tourism and entrepreneurship

By TTG Asia
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With women representing over 54 per cent of the global tourism workforce, as reported by the UNWTO, Trip.com Group is reinforcing its commitment to empowering women in tourism through a series of impactful initiatives.

The group continues to spearhead efforts aimed at expanding opportunities for female professionals through The Mulan Project, which was initially launched in China in 2023. The programme has played a key role in fostering career development, skills training, and entrepreneurship for women in the tourism sector. Since 2023, this project has helped create over 20,000 female job opportunities, with further expansion planned in 2025 to enhance career pathways for women in tourism.

Trip.com Group is empowering women globally with opportunities and skills in tourism and beyond

Trip.com Group also trains and recruits bilingual tour guides to meet the growing demand from international travellers. One example is The Shanghai Express, a free half-day tour led by bilingual guide Huang Xuan, who offers immersive cultural experiences in Mandarin, English, and Shanghainese. Since its launch, the tour has become highly popular, with sessions booking out within 30 minutes. To meet this demand, the company is expanding training programmes and recruiting more multilingual guides for inbound tourism and corporate events.

Additionally, Trip.com Group promotes rural women’s employment through its Country Retreats programme, which drives rural revitalisation and creates jobs for local women. A notable example is Xi Xi, a Gen Z innkeeper who has worked at various rural lodges, growing a successful business known for its local culture, eco-tourism, and whale-watching experiences.

Since 2024, Trip.com Group has extended its commitment to women’s empowerment by supporting Women in Travel CIC’s initiatives in Europe. The partnership backs the Enterprising Programme, focusing on the Tour Guiding Academy, which trains underserved women to create and lead immersive tours in the UK and internationally. This initiative promotes female micro-entrepreneurship, elevating underrepresented voices and enabling women to generate income while celebrating diversity and heritage. In 2025, Trip.com Group plans to collaborate with Women in Travel CIC in international markets to further advance women-led tourism globally.

Beyond tourism, Trip.com Group supports female employees with progressive workplace policies, such as hybrid work options, a global childcare subsidy fund, and paid parental leave. These initiatives have helped nearly 100 per cent of female employees return to work after maternity leave, underscoring the company’s commitment to workplace equality and career growth for women.

Trip.com Group’s CEO Jane Sun said: “The tourism industry employs more women than any other sector, yet many still face barriers to career advancement. Through initiatives like The Mulan Project, we are committed to creating more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, upskilling women, and fostering gender equality.”

Sojern launches fully managed e-mail marketing service for hoteliers

By Karen Yue
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Marketing platform Sojern has rolled out a fully managed e-mail marketing service that is said to be the hospitality industry’s first solution to streamline marketing, making it easier for hoteliers to drive direct bookings, build guest loyalty, and reduce OTA dependence.

The service is part of Sojern’s multichannel commission-based offering, which means that hotel marketers will only pay for performance.

Sojern’s managed email service helps hoteliers boost direct bookings and reduce OTA reliance

Sojern noted that time, expertise, and costs are common obstacles to effective hotel e-mail campaigns. Through the fully managed e-mail marketing service, hoteliers can partner with Sojern to effortlessly execute high-performing e-mail campaigns without the need for in-house resources.

Powered by Sojern’s AI-driven marketing platform, the service combines Sojern’s Guest Marketing Suite with the expertise of e-mail designers and copywriters to ensure seamless campaign creation, deployment, performance, and measurement. Sojern’s e-mail solution seamlessly connects with the hotel’s property management system (PMS) to unlock powerful guest insights, enabling targeted e-mail campaigns that drive engagement and direct bookings.

Automated reconciliation further streamlines operations, allowing hoteliers to focus on the guest experience rather than manual tasks.

Noreen Henry, chief revenue officer at Sojern, said: “Today’s travellers increasingly seek personalised experiences, from their destination choices to their on-property stays. In fact, 90 per cent of consumers expect brands to understand and anticipate their needs. As guests invest more in memorable and tailored experiences, they expect the same level of personalisation from hotels before they’ve even arrived.

“With Sojern’s fully-managed e-mail solution, hotel marketers can deliver timely, branded content that drives engagement, direct bookings, and loyalty – overcoming traditional bandwidth and budget hurdles without additional work.”

For now, the service will only be available to hoteliers in the US and Canada, and will be introduced to more countries throughout the year.

Lina Ang, managing director, international property sales, Sojern, told TTG Asia that there is strong anticipation for the new service here in Asia-Pacific.

She said: “We’re seeing high demand, which is incredibly exciting for us. Watch this space for more updates on our plans to introduce the e-mail pay-for-performance model in Asia-Pacific.

“As hoteliers in the region focus on driving more direct bookings and reducing OTA reliance, Sojern’s solution will provide an easy, cost-effective way to engage guests through targeted e-mail campaigns – without additional workload or upfront costs.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts names Bryan Chan as VP – development

By TTG Asia
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IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Bryan Chan as its new vice president, development for South-east Asia and South Korea.

In this role, Chan will lead the strategic expansion of IHG’s brands in the region, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and manage a team of developers.

With over 10 years at IHG, Bryan has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities. He brings 15 years of deal-making experience across various industries, including hospitality real estate, energy, infrastructure, transport, and industrials.

Branded residences boost growth and investment in Philippine hospitality

By Rosa Ocampo
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The integration of branded residences into the hospitality landscape is making waves in the Philippines, bridging the gap for high-end living spaces and providing funding for hotel groups to expand.

C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett stated that branded residences are now “critical to the growth of global hospitality brands”, highlighting that 65 per cent of Four Seasons’ global project pipeline is mixed-use. He also noted that major chains like Marriott and Accor now have dedicated teams for branded residences.

The C9 Sessions event was held at The Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

In the Philippines, Sheraton Mactan Cebu launched Sheraton Residences before the hotel, which helped the developer, Apple One, build the hotel and provided early returns, Barnett told TTG Asia.

Apple One is adopting the same approach for the new JW Marriott Panglao Bohol, where branded residences play a crucial role in internationally branded hotels and support developers in investing in new greenfield projects, he emphasised.

Melissa Lim, general manager of IM Hotel and Oakwood Makati Avenue, said in a previous interview that mixed developments are a “natural progression in our journey forward… in capturing the long-stay and corporate markets, where Ascott and its Oakwood brand have a strong presence”.

Lim added that IM Hotel Group, which plans to expand into franchising in three to five years, converted the upper floors of IM Hotel into 150-suite Oakwood Makati Avenue last year, allowing long-stay guests to enjoy the hotel’s spa, event spaces, and other facilities.

Barnett stated that Manila, where mixed developments dominate the hospitality landscape, has the potential to evolve into a global playground city like Bangkok and other cosmopolitan hubs, which have successfully integrated luxury real estate with vibrant entertainment, sports, resorts, and lifestyle offerings.

As tourism continues to drive growth in the country, Barnett said the fusion of branded residences and hospitality paves the way for the Philippines to become an even more attractive choice for both travellers and investors.

More Filipinos head to Europe for pilgrimage and much more

By Rosa Ocampo
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Predominantly Catholics, throngs of Filipinos are going on a spiritual pilgrimage to Europe this Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church, which takes place every 25 years in remembrance of the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

The ailing Pope Francis has themed this Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope as the faithful are encouraged to make pilgrimage in Rome and Jubilee churches around the world and obtain plenary indulgences for the forgiveness of sins.

With Holy Land pilgrimages closed and Japan visa delays, more Filipinos are turning to Europe for their travels; St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, pictured

Travel Specialist Ventures managing director, Rowena Coloma, noted that as a result of “very strong demand for Europe… most hotels in Rome are full this year”.

Coloma noted a number of tour offerings focused on mono Italy, mono Spain and mono France, and the continuing popularity of pilgrimages to Marian apparition and miraculous sites, with extension to Paris for shopping and leisure.

Miki Travel CEO Asia Division, Olivier Moeschler, observed that Philippine outbound to Europe has started getting stronger since 2023, not just for religious pilgrimages but also for family travel and emerging activities like river cruising and to emerging destinations like the Balkans and Nordic countries.

Europe’s allure, Moeschler said, is such that the Philippines is Miki Travel’s fastest growing market to Europe, with Singapore ranking second.

Pilgrimage is not the only reason why Filipinos flock to Europe. Amkor Travel and Tours owner and operations manager, Marianne Malinao Tismo, said travellers are shifting to Europe as Holy Land pilgrimage destinations are not yet open and due to the longer processing period for Japan visa application.

This year, Tismo said the volume of pilgrimage groups to Europe will start departing by April and that they are now preparing for departure October onwards.

Thailand’s soft powers whet luxury travellers’ appetite

By Anne Somanas
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Thailand’s strategic use of soft power, particularly in luxury tourism, has ignited a surge in demand for immersive experiences, such as experiential dining and hyperlocal activities, according to industry leaders.

Daniel Fraser, CEO of Smiling Albino, highlighted the rising demand for curated food experiences: “From the best street food to top-tier matcha spots, travellers are arriving with savvy, media-driven requests for specific culinary highlights.”

More travellers are seeking unique and specific culinary experiences

Georgie Walsh, general manager of Elevate DMC, said social media trends are a key driver, pointing out that restaurants featuring celebrity chefs and Instagrammable spots are also gaining traction among the firm’s key source markets. These include the UK, France, and the Commonwealth of Independent States nations.

High-end properties are also making such immersive – yet exclusive – culinary experiences available to their guests, such as Centara Reserve Samui’s distinctive market-to-table experience, where guests accompany a chef to handpick ingredients for a personalised meal.

“It’s a wonderful, well-received experience,” shared Tom Thrussell, vice president – brand, marketing and digital at Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Additionally, today’s luxury travellers seek more than just indulgence – they crave luxury that is integrated with hyper-authentic, meaningful connections to local craftsmanship and culture.

Walsh noted “a clear rise in luxury experiences incorporating local culture”, adding that travellers want to combine high-end stays with authentic elements like street food, Muay Thai, and glimpses into local life.

Meanwhile, Fraser shared that these “high-craft” experiences span the gamut, from traditional textile workshops and fine woodworking to designer jewellery making, immersive Muay Thai experiences, VIP offerings from clubs or lounges, or one-of-a-kind contemporary performances.

“Travellers from North America, Europe, and Australasia are requesting these things from us more and more,” he added.

Michael Henssler, chief operating officer at Centara Hotels & Resorts, noted a broader trend – today’s luxury guests are no longer seeking a “home away from home”; instead, they want unforgettable moments, which can also be about embracing spontaneity and finding joy in the unplanned.

“Gone are the days of predictable opulence; today’s discerning guest demands something more. The experiences we treasure are the ones that live on in our memories – and that we can showcase to our friends online.

“These could even be impromptu yet exclusive moments that come together on the fly,” he pointed out.

Paul Jackson joins Capella Singapore as GM

By TTG Asia
0

Capella Singapore has appointed Paul Jackson as its new general manager.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Jackson is set to elevate the hotel’s legacy by creating immersive experiences that celebrate both global sophistication and Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.

His career includes a nine-year tenure at Claridge’s in London, along with experience at renowned properties worldwide, such as Mandarin Oriental, The Ritz, and Grand InterContinental.

SEA Aquarium celebrates 12 years with new exhibits

By Audrey Ng
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Ahead of its transition to the Singapore Oceanarium, the SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa marks 12 years of operation with a special anniversary campaign.

Named 12 Years of Creating Wonder, the campaign features three new interactive exhibits, and runs from now till April 30.

Guests can use viewfinders at the Ocean Oracle zone to explore marine animal relationships and lenses to get a close-up view of shark teeth, photo by Audrey Ng

“We have come a long way since we opened SEA Aquarium, and our 12th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the milestones that have shaped our journey. The anniversary programme features immersive experiences, interactive exhibits, and community-driven collaborations – reflecting how we have connected with our guests over the years – all designed to bring together the friends of SEA Aquarium and our communities through a shared love for the ocean,” said Lam Xue Ying, vice president at SEA Aquarium.

Nestled along the regular route of the aquarium, each of the exhibits mark the aquarium’s efforts toward marine education, conservation, and research.

Visitors will first come across the Treasures of Curios, an interactive station that highlights the aquarium’s ongoing efforts in research and conservation. Among them are the successful breeding programme of the critically endangered Bowmouth Guitarfish and beach clean-up initiatives. A motion sensor Lightbox also shows the animals that live in the internal zone.

Next up, the Marine Mirage introduces a sensory element to the experience. Visitors can put their hands in an enclosed space to touch replicas that mimic the textures of zebra sharks, sea jellies, sea urchins and cownose rays.

Lastly, at the Ocean Oracle zone, guests use viewfinders to discover facts about marine animal relationships and lenses to see close ups of shark teeth.

Apart from these exhibits, SEA Aquarium is also partnering with Arts & Disability Singapore (ART:DIS) to create a special three-part artwork series titled Evolving Oceans: A Symphony of Life. The triptych will symbolise transformation, marine biodiversity, and community engagement, bridging the past, present, and future.

ART:DIS also conducts marine-themed art workshops during the campaign, designed for kids, where guests can sign up inside the aquarium.

There will also be daily mascot meet-and-greet sessions by the aquarium’s manta ray trio, Mika, Manja and Mako, and Sam, the hammerhead shark.

Indulge in a culinary journey on Eastern & Oriental Express’ Wild Malaysia experience

By TTG Asia
0

The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train will launch its three-night Wild Malaysia journeys on April 28, featuring the best of the region’s cuisine. Three Michelin-starred chefs from Asia will join Culinary Curator Chef André Chiang to showcase exceptional dishes on these special journeys.

Entitled Tastes of Tomorrow: A Culinary Gathering with Chef André Chiang, Chiang is joined by Chef Vicky Cheng of restaurant Wing and VEA in Hong Kong (April 28), Chef Jason Liu of restaurant LING LONG in Beijing and Shanghai (July 28); and Chef Jungsik Yim of restaurant Jungsik in Seoul and New York (September 8) – each chef will share their kitchen secrets and offer guests a unique culinary experience.

From left: André Chiang, Vicky Cheng, Jungsik Yim and Jason Liu

Onboard, the chefs will craft menus using regional ingredients and spices that tell the story of the land. Alongside Chef Chiang’s menu, the guest chefs will each prepare a signature dish reflecting the region’s heritage. On the final evening, they will join forces for a special four-hands dinner, celebrating the blend of friendship, flavour, and Malaysia’s local cuisine.

Furthermore, bartender and mixologist Shelley Tai will craft a unique cocktail menu for each gala dinner onboard, complementing the chefs’ diverse flavours with her own creations inspired by Singapore’s vibrant culture and history. Guests can also join the chefs in the Observation Car for an intimate conversation about their creative process, accompanied by live Malaysian jazz.

In addition, guests are invited to join each chef on curated offboard excursions. These include a guided tour of Taman Negara National Park, offering exclusive insights into their inspirations, philosophies, and the artistry behind their creations.

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers three-night itineraries year-round, with the Wild Malaysia itinerary running from March to October. Accommodation starts from US$5,800 per person in a Pullman cabin including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, on board entertainment, on and offboard activities.

For more information, visit Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train.

India’s wellness tourism is in the pink of health

By Marissa Carruthers
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India is seeing a rise in health conscious travellers seeking wellness holidays and medical treatment

As the world becomes increasingly health conscious amid mounting air pollution and congested urban hubs, India is noting an uptick in wellness tourists seeking to rebalance their body, soul and mind.

Baby Mathew, chairman and managing director of Somatheeram Ayurveda Group, noted an increase in interest from Asia, especially Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, and notably among the young.

India is seeing a rise in health conscious travellers seeking wellness holidays and medical treatment

“India is famous for Ayurveda, yoga and natural remedies, and we’re seeing more people looking for spirituality and healing, while wanting to escape the pollution and cities,” said Mathew.

Aman Amola, inbound manager at Explore Bharat, also noted an uptick in increasingly younger people investing in medical tourism.

“Young people are now seeking healthier lifestyles, they are health conscious, and this health trend is increasingly bringing them to India,” he told TTG Asia.

He said that in addition to wellness tourism, Delhi – India’s capital territory – is luring both domestic medical travellers as well as a rising number of young people from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and other countries in South Asia seeking fertility treatment.

“Delhi has some of the best hospitals in the region for this, and this is becoming a big sector,” Amola noted, adding that India’s affordable healthcare is also luring international visitors needing other forms of treatment.

In 2024, the nation’s medical tourism market was valued at US$7.69 billion, with an estimated 7.3 million foreigners visiting for treatment. This is expected to hit US$8.71 billion this year.

Mathew said the government’s announcement of visa relaxations will help drive business to India’s medical tourism industry, making it easier and cheaper for many nationals to enter the country.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Macau shows off stronger festive winter vibes
TTG Asia | Strong baht weighs on Thai tourism
TTG Asia | Productivity in tourism economy takes centre stage at 11th GTEF