Industry specialists see vast opportunities for tech, AI adoption in destination marketing activities

March 6, 2025

DMO-panel_640 — From left: Speakers Wolfram Höpken, Kershing Goh, and Barry Rogers; photo by Karen Yue

Despite AI’s limitations in terms of certainty of information and lack of semantics, the technology continues to demonstrate good use in the space of travel and tourism, opines Wolfram Höpken, professor and director at the Institute for Digital Transformation at University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten.

In his opening for the March 5 conference session, The Future of Destination Marketing: Is AI taking over?, at ITB Berlin 2025, Höpken identified various AI applications in travel and tourism – specifically offer generation, marketings, information and search, reservation and booking, consumption, and feedback.

He noted that these functions “are not new and have been done for centuries”, and the work process is being improved with statistical approaches and machine learning, “which are the core of AI”.

From left: Speakers Wolfram Höpken, Kershing Goh, and Barry Rogers; photo by Karen Yue

He expects greater use of big data analytics in travel and tourism as technology continues to evolve. Citing examples of what big data analytics can already do, Höpken said a project with the Lake Constance region (which overlaps parts of Germany, Switzerland and Austria) tracks how travellers are moving through the destination and patterns of tours by collecting and analysing 1.5 million photos posted on Instagram.

Another trend to come is the rise of AI agents that use large language models or chat services in the background to speed up the design of travel and tourism products and services.

According to Sojern’s newly published State of Destination Marketing 2025 report, AI is reshaping destination marketing, with 63 per cent of DMOs using it for content creation. Only 28 per cent use AI for data analysis, highlighting a massive opportunity to use AI for deeper insights and more effective decision-making.

Addressing resource limitations and training gaps will be critical to unlocking AI’s full potential, according to Sojern.

Following up on Höpken’s presentation, representatives from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Dublin City Tourism Unit shared real example of how technology is being woven into destination marketing efforts.

Kershing Goh, regional director Europe at STB, spoke of the NTO’s partnership with Google to bring AR experience directly to Google Maps in 2024.

This partnership builds upon the success of Merli’s Immersive Adventure – an innovative AR tour to six points of interest around Singapore through STB’s Visit Singapore Travel Guide app launched in January 2024. Powered by Google’s ARCore and Geospatial Creator, the tour follows Singapore’s tourism mascot, Merli, as he guides visitors to iconic spots such as the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, Fullerton Hotel and Maxwell Food Centre.

In the expanded partnership, new AR experiences are available on the Google Maps mobile app, not just on the Visit Singapore Travel Guide app. Furthermore, participating tourism stakeholders in Singapore have developed location-based AR experiences for travellers.

Goh explained that the technology approach to enhancing the Singapore destination experience was necessitated by the city-state’s limited land space that restricted tourism product development, manpower crunch, and the constant need to refresh the tourism narrative and tourism experiences for visitors.

STB also worked on fitting live weather data into experience recommendations, “as Singapore is in the tropics and it rains a lot”, which can impact travellers’ decision on what to do in the destination.

“Another interesting thing that we were looking into was how to (connect) points of interest with emotions. A traveller arriving from New York on a long flight may be jet-lagged, so what can we serve as a destination that’s going to feed his current state of mind?” explained Goh.

Barry Rogers, head of Dublin City Tourism Unit, shared the city’s high-tech approach to destination management, which earned it the title, European Capital of Smart Tourism, in 2024. Dublin City Tourism Unit launched three large corporate collaborations: one with Google on Google Maps, one with MasterCard on analytics and innovation, and one with openAI on modeling for tourism.

He spoke about the A Day in Dublin platform that is able to build “individual, hyper-personalised itineraries for Dublin City” just by asking the traveller/user a series of questions to understand their travel preferences and profile.

“This means that the prompt engineering of the platform is really important,” said Rogers.

In a trial by TTG Show Daily, the A Day in Dublin platform posed seven questions about the region of interest, desired pace of travel, who would be travelling with the user, when the trip would be made, desired activities, and willingness to explore beyond the region of interest. Within minutes, a five-point itinerary for a single day was generated.

Singapore backs ASEAN tourism development efforts

By Caroline Boey

March 6, 2025

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Planet-Earth-Southeast-Asia-zone_640 — Promoting promote South-east Asia as a single destination will benefit countries across the region

ASEAN collaboration is enabling member countries to combine their strengths to collectively promote South-east Asia as a single destination and share tourism benefits across the region.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said it ”remains committed to continue deepening tourism cooperation with ASEAN and our dialogue partners, including enhancing regional connectivity and supporting sustainability efforts”.

Juliana Kua, STB assistant chief executive, International Group, told TTG Asia that ongoing collaborations include development of the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the Post-2025 ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan, and ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy.

Kua said: “Singapore is working closely with other ASEAN Member States to develop the respective strategic and sectoral plans to attain ASEAN’s regional integration goals and objectives and ensure the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.”

On the development and promotion of ASEAN Cruise Tourism, Singapore as the Lead ASEAN Country Coordinator has been partnering ASEAN member states to continue efforts in promoting South-east Asia as an attractive cruising destination through key global trade events such as Seatrade Cruise Global and catalysing cruise developments within the region, including new cruise sailing itineraries.

Steven Ler, National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) president and UOB Travel Planners executive director, said: “Singapore continues to be a key cruise hub for Asia and attracts US and European travellers. It is an ideal stopover.

“The entry of more cruises lines like Disney Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Singapore setting sail in 2025 will also attract a lot of travellers from South-east and North Asia.”

Promoting promote South-east Asia as a single destination will benefit countries across the region

Singapore, also the chair of the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Partnership Working Group, worked closely with the ASEAN Marketing Agency and other ASEAN member states to launch the immersive ImaginASEAN’s Great Metaverse Hunt game on the Roblox platform on World Tourism Day last year, marking ASEAN’s first foray into the metaverse.

STB’s Kua said players have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks and cultural aspects of the 10 South-east Asia countries within the Roblox platform, experiencing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions, embark on a thrilling postcard hunt unlocking exclusive in-game rewards and virtual items, and stand the chance to win a trip for two to any two South-east Asian countries.

She continued: “This Roblox game seamlessly integrates tourism promotion with digital gaming in line with ASEAN’s overarching strategy to leverage digital innovation for enhancing tourism activities, while positioning South-east Asia as an attractive single tourism destination.”

Jesper Palmqvist, senior director Asia Pacific, STR, commenting on South-east Asia’s tourism outlook in 2025, said “it’s more about capacity and source markets”, where airfares are not expected to drop, “rather the opposite is likely”.

While business and leisure arrivals are expected to increase in 2025, a large percentage growth number is unlikely with uncertainty about consumer spending and the overall economic situation as Singapore gets more expensive to foreign currency holders, alongside the US dollar.

Emirates and Expedia Group expand partnership

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2025

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Expedia_x_Emirates-urb6861_640 — The partnership lets Expedia customers access Emirates' portfolio of fare products and services

Emirates Airline and Expedia Group have expanded their long-standing partnership through the former’s full integration of its NDC API with the latter’s brands, establishing a direct connection that delivers the airline’s complete portfolio of fare products and services to Expedia Group’s global customer base.

This latest enhancement will empower millions of travellers to unlock a wider range of options and benefit from streamlined booking capabilities on Expedia Group’s brands when planning their journeys to any point on the airline’s global network.

The partnership lets Expedia customers access Emirates’ portfolio of fare products and services

In addition to customer personalisation, both parties will explore deeper collaboration on loyalty programmes and leverage data to drive business growth and inform joint marketing initiatives.

The partnership will also focus on creating end-to-end booking experiences for full package solutions.

Aloft Singapore Novena earns GSTC certification

By TTG

March 6, 2025

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Aloft_Singapore_Novena_GSTC_Certificate_Presentation_640 — Presentation of the GSTC certificate by the Bureau Veritas Quality Assurance team to Aloft Singapore Novena; Aloft's Tan Kim Seng (third from left)

Aloft Singapore Novena has become the first Aloft hotel in Asia to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable hospitality.

Presentation of the GSTC certificate by the Bureau Veritas Quality Assurance team to Aloft Singapore Novena; Aloft’s Tan Kim Seng (centre)

“Achieving the GSTC certification is a proud milestone for Aloft and a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team to implement meaningful practices that not only protect the environment but also celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our vibrant Balestier neighbourhood, creating lasting, positive impacts for both residents and visitors alike. This certification inspires us to continue leading by example in shaping a more sustainable future for hospitality,” said Tan Kim Seng, general manager at Aloft Singapore Novena.

The hotel has implemented a variety of sustainable practices to minimise its environmental impact in its operations. These include food waste segregation that achieved a 94 per cent decrease in waste in the last quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, with plans to reduce waste by an additional 5 per cent annually.

It has moved away from single-use plastic toiletries, opting for refillable shampoo and soap dispensers in guest rooms. To reduce waste further, recycling bins have been placed in guest rooms and public areas.

The introduction of linen-saving display cards and water-saving aerators has helped reduce water consumption by up to 53 per cent.

Aloft Singapore Novena has also cultivated an urban farm to grow fresh produce such as eggplants, cucumbers, basil, peppermint, chili, caixin and lady’s finger. These are used in the hotel’s drinks menu, reducing reliance on transported goods and lowering carbon emissions.

In line with GSTC’s criteria for engaging and enhancing local community and cultural heritage, Aloft has taken an active role in the Balestier community.

Before the temporary closure of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, the hotel partnered with the heritage venue for the Dragon Boat Festival, hosting a pop-up booth featuring curated snacks.

Beyond this, Aloft has pledged to contribute a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service per year, reinforcing its engagement with the local community.

The hotel promotes neighbourhood vendors through its concierge map and encourages guests to explore the Balestier Heritage Trail, which traces the area’s architectural and historical evolution.

Aloft will continue to implement additional initiatives as part of its sustainability action plan that include eliminating single-use plastics, improving energy efficiency, and sustainable procurement.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts celebrates 30 years in hospitality

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2025

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Global hospitality organisation, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), celebrates three decades of hospitality service this year.

To mark its pearl anniversary, MHR has launched The Millennium Way campaign to redefine guest experiences and inspire travels through its diverse offerings.

From now until end March 2026, guests can enjoy up to 20 per cent off room rates, and get a range of personalised perks, tailored to enhance their experience at MHR hotels worldwide.

These include complimentary breakfast, dining credits, welcome drinks, late-check out and more, with benefits varying at each property.

Room rates go up to 20 per cent off and guests who stay at MHR hotels get a variety of perks until end March 2026

“Celebrating 30 years is not just about our properties, it’s also about the people who have shaped our company to what it is today. Our guests, partners, and teams are the heartbeat of our brand, the very DNA that fuels our journey. Their loyalty, trust, and passion have defined our legacy, and we are honoured to celebrate this milestone with them. The Millennium Way is more than a campaign – it’s our promise to continue innovating, elevating experiences, and creating unforgettable moments for our guests,” said Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer, MHR.

Members of MyMillennium, MHR’s global guest loyalty programme can earn 3,000 bonus MyPoints for booking a consecutive three-night stay at an exclusive rate. Longer stays are rewarded with more points. Guests who stay up till nine nights can earn 30,000 bonus MyPoints.

MyMillennium members can also earn 3,000 MyPoints (worth US$15) with a minimum spend of US$90 at participating F&B outlets in MHR properties, under its new dining campaign, A Culinary Odyssey. The campaign will launch in Singapore first, before extending progressively to other regions.

New hotels: Raffles Sentosa Singapore, Regent Bali Canggu and more

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2025

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Holiday_Inn_Resort_Bintan_Lagoi_Beach_-_Family_Suite_Pool_View_-_04_640 — Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach, Family Suite

Raffles Sentosa Singapore, Singapore
Singapore welcomed its second Raffles hotel in March with the opening of the Raffles Sentosa Singapore on March 1. The 62-villa property, Singapore’s first all-villa property, is nestled within 100,000m² of tropical greenery on Sentosa island.

Villa sizes range from 210m² for a one-bedroom pool villa to 650m² for the four-bedroom Royal Villa. Each comes with a private pool and outdoor terrace.

Guests can choose from five dining venues and lounges, including the signature Empire Grill for modern Italian cuisine, a cantonese restaurant, Japanese omakase. The elegant Raffles Room hosts the brand’s signature afternoon tea while the Chairman’s Room offers a selection of whiskies, cognac and fine wines.

The resort also aims to be a destination for weddings, with two state-of-the-art ballrooms, the largest able to accommodate up to 400 guests.

Regent Bali Canggu, Indonesia
Nestled on Bali’s coveted southwestern coast, the Regent Bali Canggu marks the first Regent Hotels & Resorts opening in Indonesia.

The 150 all-suites and villas resort features Studio Suites that start from 76m² to the 618m² Two Bedroom Penthouse Oceanfront with Private Pool. Guests who stay in select one-bedroom suites, villas and two-bedroom penthouses have access to Regent Club, an exclusive full-service lounge with private infinity pool and complimentary champagne in the evenings.

The hotel has five dining venues including its signature restaurant, Taru, which showcases authentic Indonesian dishes, a Spanish restaurant, and another which offers a modern European menu opening later in the year.

The brand’s first-ever Regent-branded spa, the Regent Spa & Wellness, will open in late 2025, with seven restorative treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, a sauna, and a plunge pool. Guests can also enjoy a range of services for hands, feet and face at the Beauty Hub or have a swim in one of the property’s nine pools.

Also opening later in the year will be Regent Kids, a kid’s club with an interactive indoor and outdoor playground.

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai, India
Located in Chennai’s bustling Anna Salai district, the Pullman Chennai Anna Salai is connected to major government offices, consulates, corporate hubs, and business districts.

The 232-key hotel houses over 1,700m² of versatile meeting and banquet spaces, making it an ideal choice for corporate events, conferences, and grand social gatherings.

Three dining venues offer a variety of international and local fare, including the rooftop restaurant, which showcases authentic North Indian cuisine.

A rejuvenating spa, and state-of-the-art fitness centre, to an inviting outdoor pool offer guests places to recharge.

The hotel is also awarded Gold-level sustainability certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programme.

Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach, Indonesia
Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach on Indonesia’s Bintan island draws inspiration from its natural mangrove surroundings.

Each of its 258 guest rooms features a private outdoor balcony, premium amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a 55-inch smart TV. There are also Pool Access rooms, Kids’ Suites and spacious one- and two-bedroom Family Suites that cater to multigenerational travellers with separate living areas and extra sleeping space.

The Mangrove House Kids Club at the resort offers a variety of educational activities for children. Those seeking relaxation can head for the Sunjivva Spa, which has treatments for adults and children.

The resort’s outdoor activity centre Wavy Waft offers a mix of complimentary and paid activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Four dining venues offer international and local fare, including a swim-up bar by the pool and kid-friendly snack bar near the children’s pool.

The resort also offers spaces for corporate events with a 450m² ballroom and three meeting rooms.

Japanese chefs head to rural hotels to research and craft new dishes

By Kathryn Wortley

March 5, 2025

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japanese in ryokan — Rural accommodations that the chefs will head to include ryokan inns

Japan’s largest travel agent, JTB Corporation, has unveiled plans to dispatch chefs to small- and medium sized accommodations in regional areas in a bid to tap international visitors’ growing interest in Japanese cuisine.

The chefs, who will be matched with accommodations and regions by JTB, will stay in the region for a specified period to research local ingredients and work alongside local colleagues to create new dishes and menus.

Rural accommodations that the chefs will head to include ryokan inns

As food and drink is “one of the major purposes of travel,” JTB hopes the project will support lodgings facing “a qualitative and quantitative chef shortage,” the company said in a statement.

“The challenge of human resource shortages in the tourism industry has become even more apparent in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, amidst the rapid influx of inbound travellers to regional areas …

“In addition to helping remedy the shortage of chefs, the project will also create various kinds of value, such as discovering hidden local ingredients from an outsider’s perspective for menu development and improving the skills of local chefs through new encounters,” it continued.

The initiative is also designed to increase consumption of local products and provide a boost to local food culture while improving the attractiveness of regions to visitors, particularly those from overseas. It is part of a series of projects by JTB to create food-related businesses and services that enhance the value of tourist attractions and help realise sustainable development in Japan’s region’s through co-creation with local companies.

JTB will collaborate initially with Tokyo-based Real Quality to create a dinner plan at Horaikan, a ryokan inn in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture.

Available in March, the meal will be created by an up-and-coming award-winning chef who has trained extensively in Europe and the chef of Horaikan who has in-depth knowledge of using local ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking methods.

Meliá signs new agreement for resort in Phu Quoc

By TTG Asia

March 5, 2025

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Melia Phu Quoc — Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay will open in two phases, first in 2028 and 2030 with 773 rooms

Meliá Hotels International has signed an agreement with Vietnam’s CityLand Group to open a new five-star resort, Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay, in 2028.

This marks Meliá’s third property on Vietnam’s largest island, joining Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, in the northwest, and SOL by Meliá Phu Quoc in the south.

Located along a pristine 700-metre beachfront, the resort will span 21 hectares within the Bai Thom master plan, a key development area on the island. The project will be developed in two phases: the first phase, set to open in 2028, will introduce 128 luxury villas and 130 rooms, while the second phase, expected to be completed by 2030, will add 108 more villas, bringing the total capacity to 773 rooms.

Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay will open in two phases, first in 2028 and 2030 with 773 rooms

“Phu Quoc’s stunning natural beauty from its white sand beaches to the verdant national park, make this island a gem of a destination that’s steadily gaining more popularity with travellers seeking new destinations in Vietnam,” said Ignacio Martin, management director for Meliá Hotels International in the APAC region.

The resort will feature contemporary villas ranging from two to five bedrooms, each with private pools. Multiple restaurants and bars will be situated within the resort’s grounds, along with an oceanfront swimming pool, a wellness centre with a gym and luxury spa, a kids’ club, and an event space for weddings, conferences and large events.

Meliá Hotels International has expanded rapidly in Vietnam in the last three years. At the start of 2022, the Spanish hotel group had six hotels and resorts throughout the country. The company now has 20 hotels in operation and six in the pipeline in Vietnam.

Sentosa’s new offerings to keep European interest high

By Karen Yue

March 5, 2025

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SENTOSA21JUN-8539_640 — Sentosa's Michael Ma shares the island's latest attractions that include the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium

Several new experiences offered at Singapore’s Sentosa are expected to keep European visitors keen on the destination, as they are “a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences that resonate with the discerning European traveller segment”.

Speaking to TTG Asia, Michael Ma, assistant chief executive (business & digital technology group) at Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), said Sentosa’s “latest and upcoming offerings cater to diverse interests while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and wellness”.

New draws on the popular holiday island include the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore, which opened on March 1 to strong interest and bookings from both leisure guests and event planners. An experience not to be missed at the hotel is the Sentosa Sling, its iteration of the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail.

Sentosa’s Michael Ma shares the island’s latest attractions that include the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium

Ma also pointed to the soon-to-open Singapore Oceanarium as a hot draw for European visitors. The attraction will provide an immersive marine experience. The revamped Tanjong Beach Club also beckons, promising “the perfect beach club setting for relaxation and socialising”.

“At the heart of our new development this year would be the enhanced Sentosa Sensoryscape, which will be celebrating its first anniversary in March. During the celebration, we will be unveiling our new and enhanced mythical AR superbeing that invites visitors to awaken their senses and embark on a deeper journey of discovery,” shared Ma.

He added: “The European market continues to be an important and growing segment for Sentosa, contributing to our diverse international visitor mix.

“There was a robust 30 per cent increase in European visitation in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, we have also recovered past pre-Covid numbers for the European market. This reflects the increasing appeal of Sentosa’s unique blend of leisure experiences to discerning European travellers.”

The European market is valuable to SDC and Sentosa, as this segment typically stays on longer and spends more.

“This brings significant value to Sentosa’s tourism ecosystem and we’re committed to further develop this market through targeted marketing initiatives and tailored experiences that resonate with European preferences for sustainable, cultural, and innovative tourism products.”
Ma anticipates continued growth in European arrivals to the island, and is working to “sustain and further enhance this growth” through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing initiatives with key industry players such as Singapore Tourism Board to develop Europe’s tier two markets, and Expedia to drive accommodation stays on Sentosa.

Meanwhile, SDC’s commitment to sustainable development has not only contributed positively to Singapore’s overall green plans, it has also enhanced Sentosa’s appeal among environmentally-conscious European travellers.

Last November, Sentosa hosted the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) first conference in South-east Asia.

“Sentosa as the first destination in Asia to be certified to GSTC’s destination standards and being able to play host to the GSTC 2024 Conference further cements our position as a leader in sustainable tourism in the region,” remarked Ma.

This year, SDC aims to have all hotel rooms on Sentosa achieve internationally recognised sustainability certifications by year’s end.

“We believe that upon achieving this target, it will further enhance Sentosa’s appeal to our European partners, particularly those in the business and leisure travel sectors.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree to welcome guests from April 2

By Audrey Ng

March 5, 2025

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Mandai_Rainforest_Resort_by_Banyan_Tree_640 — Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree welcomes visitors from April 2, 2025

Situated in Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will open its doors to the public next month.

Guests have direct access to the nearby zoological parks of the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild.

Tree house rooms were designed to resemble the seed pods of the Purple Millettia tree

Occupying 4.6ha, the resort has 338 rooms, including 24 tree houses, 11 one-bedroom suites and 72 family rooms. Guests who stay at the tree houses also have access to a private pool, while the rest of the resort guests can enjoy the rooftop pool, which overlooks the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

True to the Banyan Group’s design philosophy where each of its properties reflects the surrounding environment, the resort at Mandai incorporates biophillic design in every element from its architecture to interior design and amenities.

“We wanted to be part of the rainforest and eventually in the next couple of years when the new landscaping grows up we hope that there’s blurred lines between what is man-made and what is natural,” shared Glen Cook, general manager, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, at a media briefing today.

The resort is the Banyan Group’s first in Singapore and its 100th property.

“As Banyan Group’s homecoming property, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled guest experiences synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand. From exclusive wildlife encounters in the parks right next door to rejuvenating spa treatments, every moment will be thoughtfully crafted to captivate the senses,” said Cook.

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Sustainability is at the heart of the resort as well. All rooms are naturally ventilated with windows that fully open and and ambient room temperatures are regulated. Each room is equipped with an interactive display that shows power consumption levels and gives reminders when usage exceeds recommended levels. The flushing system in rooms is also powered by collected rainwater. All these touches have led to the resort achieving Singapore Green Mark Platinum status for being a Super Low Energy Resort.

The resort houses two restaurants – Forage and Planter’s Shed.

Planter’s Shed is an all-day dining restaurant featuring local and international cuisine, while specialty restaurant Forage offers a Trust the Chef menu and dishes made from daily sourced ingredients, including produce from the resort’s rooftop edible garden.

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Another signature of the Banyan Group’s offering is its spa. Banyan Tree Spa at the Mandai Rainforest Resort creates an intimate sanctuary with spa pavilions and suites that seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings. Three treatment pods and three treatment rooms are available.A range of skincare including hand creams, essential oils and toiletries will also be on sale at Banyan Tree Gallery, the resort’s retail store.

The resort’s 446m² ballroom seats 300, with its eye-catching ceiling designed after the rare Bridal Veil Stinkhorn. Nearby is a spacious bridal room for wedding delegations. Two function rooms that seat up to 40 people combined are also available.

For children, the Ranger’s Club offers a fun and educational play area, and the Wild ZooDay Camp takes those aged six to 10 on an immersive guided tour of Singapore Zoo.

Industry specialists see vast opportunities for tech, AI adoption in destination marketing activities

Singapore backs ASEAN tourism development efforts

Emirates and Expedia Group expand partnership

Aloft Singapore Novena earns GSTC certification

Millennium Hotels and Resorts celebrates 30 years in hospitality

New hotels: Raffles Sentosa Singapore, Regent Bali Canggu and more

Japanese chefs head to rural hotels to research and craft new dishes

Meliá signs new agreement for resort in Phu Quoc

Sentosa’s new offerings to keep European interest high

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree to welcome guests from April 2

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