Hilton will add three new Hilton Garden Inn properties in Hoi An, Sabah and Bali; Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu pictured
Hilton has signed three new Hilton Garden Inn properties in South-east Asia – Hilton Garden Inn Hoi’An Tra Que Village, marking its foray into Hoi An; Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran, and Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua.
These add more than 560 keys as they join a pipeline of 28 mid-market openings scheduled for the coming years.
Hilton will add three new Hilton Garden Inn properties in Hoi An, Sabah and Bali; Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu pictured
The brand plans to more than triple its focused service footprint in the region in the coming years, increasing the number of Hilton Garden Inn properties, as well as other mid-market branded hotels, from 12 to 40. Its biggest expansion will be in Vietnam, bringing the two focused service properties currently in operation to almost 20.
“Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam are experiencing record tourism arrivals as some of the most-visited destinations in South-east Asia. We are growing our focused service presence to cater to rising intra-regional travel and an upwardly mobile middle class arriving from all over the region, looking to deliver everything our customers want where they want it,” said Alexandra Murray, area vice president and regional head of South East Asia, Hilton.
Hilton currently offers 102 properties in South-east Asia and is on track to expand its portfolio by more than 50 per cent in the coming years.
“Our development approach is to bring the right brand to the right place at the right time. In South-east Asia, we see focused service hotels as a prime investment opportunity for developers driven by a growing base of middle class, value-driven travellers finding improved ease and accessibility of travel in the region. This is an ideal moment to expand our portfolio, beginning with key gateway cities, followed by expansion into secondary markets,” said Maria Ariizumi, vice president, development, South East Asia, Hilton.
“The three new Hilton Garden Inn properties are being developed with both new and existing owners, which is also testament to the confidence of our owners in the Hilton Garden Inn brand and Hilton’s robust commercial engine.”
The Hilton Garden Inn Hoi’An Tra Que Village is expected to have 250 rooms starting from 28m², while Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran will have 160 rooms, starting from 35m².
Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua, the brand’s fifth property in Bali, will have 159 rooms and suites, as well as an event space and meeting rooms.
Experience
traditional Japanese storytelling performance, Rakugo, a popular form of entertainment in Asakusa in the past
Hoshino Resorts is launching a Local Rhythm Night event at its fast-growing urban tourism brand, OMO.
Experience traditional Japanese storytelling performance, Rakugo, a popular form of entertainment in Asakusa in the past
Built on the concept of ‘Get down with the local rhythm’, OMO guests can discover lesser-known attractions and restaurants through curated recommendations on the Go-KINJO MAP and guided tours of the surrounding neighbourhood.
With 17 properties across Japan, OMO continues to spotlight regional stories. The Local Rhythm Night event, currently running at nine OMO hotels, is unique to each city and is free for guests.
Held at OMO Base, each hotel’s public space, guests can catch traditional performances, experiences and try local drinks and snacks.
Events are currently running at OMO5 Otaru, OMO5 Hakodate, OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi, OMO3 Asakusa, OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda, OMO7 Osaka, OMO7 Kochi, OMO5 Kumamoto and OMO5 Okinawa Naha.
The launch of the new Live (KTSP) on March 1, 2025 will signal a pivotal moment for Hong Kong’s live event economy, as the destination will now boast a powerful venue for large-scale live events and entertainment.
The 50,000-seat state-of-the-art venue boasts a retractable roof and a dedicated stage pocket, making it ideal for hosting a wide range of world-class events, from sporting spectacles to spectacular performances. The South Deck Terrace offers an event platform that immerses spectators in the action.
Live events specialists discuss the power of live entertainment on the host destination’s economy
Vigorous testing phases for the venue had started last October, ranging from 1,800-pax football games to a final stress test for 65,000-pax fun day on February 16.
KTSP executive director Darren Burden explained that the test events allowed the government to perfect the flow of people coming in and out of the venue.
Pop concerts let by international and regional celebrities will follow: Coldplay from April 8 to 12, Nicholas Tse from April 24 to 26, and Jay Chou from June 27 to 29.
“Different sports events are lined up for later this year, such as the 15th National Games/The National Games for Person with Disabilities,” Burden added.
According to Invest Hong Kong’s associate director-general of investment promotion, Arnold Lau, Hong Kong’s live music industry is growing. The destination hosted approximately 350 major pop concerts in 2023/2024, attracting 4.2 million attendees including 1.5 million from overseas.
“Apart from economic benefits, the live concert economy fuels growth across industries, creates new travel experiences, and energises city’s life. The sports industry continues to have profound impact on our city. In 2022, contribution of sports activities accounted for 2.2 per cent of GDP,” Lau detailed.
Hong Kong big push for live events has resulted in what Hong Kong Tourism Board terms “Hong Kong Super March” – a full month packed with high profile events across cultural, art and sports themes. These events include the World Grand Prix (March 4 to 9), which heads to Hong Kong for the first time; LIV Golf Hongkong Station (March 7 to 9); Picasso for Asia: A Conversation at M+ (March 15 to July 13); ComplexCon (March 21 to 23), Art Central (March 26 to 30); and 2025 Art Basel (March 28 to 30).
Content is the king when it comes to live events, say event organisers and owners.
Great Entertainment Group (GEG), which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the hugely popular AIA Carnival last year (it ran from December 20, 2024 to February 16, 2025) and also manages the Hong Kong Observation Wheel nearby, recognises the importance of rolling out fresh content every year to attract new and repeat visitors.
The latest edition of the AIA Carnival debuted the Blue Girl Dai Pai Dong experience, which “denoted old Hong Kong”, said CEO Randy Bloom.
“It was a place for young people to gather and have a beer. It was very different from anything we had created before – and very popular,” Bloom reflected.
“We have also worked with partners like Trip.com Group to boost traffic from the Greater Bay Area, and for the first time partnered with Chimelong Resort this year (to bring our shared audience in),” he said.
Bloom noted that January 2025 was a “rocket month” for the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, as it welcomed a “surge of Greater Bay Area audience compared to previous years”. The attraction had 220,000 visitors that month – or an average of 8,000 visitors per day.
“Over 80 per cent were international visitors, and mostly came from across the borders,” he said.
Hong Kong China Rugby’s CEO, James Farndon, is excited about hosting the biggest edition of the Hong Kong Sevens next month, and is certain that the entertainment value of the sports event makes it a success.
“There are lots at the new venue (KTSP) to make it the best event – the whole fan experience with visuals, big screens, and incredible entertainment. Hong Kong Sevens is not just rugby but about entertainment. We work closely with sponsors Cathay Pacific and HSBC to ensure the fan experience is completely optimised,” Farndon said.
At press time, tickets for the South Stand have been sold out.
With boom time on the horizon for Hong Kong’s live event economy, Toorly, a fan-driven global touring platform is enticed and has established Hong Kong as the base for its Asian expansion. Toorly specialises in data analytics that help artists and their teams identify places with fan demand and better plan their global tours.
StarCruises and Dream Cruises will return and begin sailings from Singapore and Taiwan
Resorts World Cruises has announced a transition to StarCruises and Dream Cruises, its former brands before Resorts World Cruises’ launch in 2022.
The brand transition period will take about three months and aims to reinforce StarCruises and Dream Cruises as pioneers of the Asian and global cruising industry.
As part of the rebrand, the Resorts World One cruise ship will be renamed Star Navigator, joining Star Voyager under the StarCruises banner, while Genting Dream will continue under the Dream Cruises brand.
StarCruises and Dream Cruises will return and begin sailings from Singapore and Taiwan
StarCruises is a rebrand of the original Star Cruises brand that has a history of over 30 years. The refreshed brand aims to deliver affordable yet premium lifestyle cruising. It offers smaller voyages on mid-sized ships that hold about 2,000 passengers and will offer short port intensive itineraries for domestic and Fly-Cruise passengers.
The Star Navigator will begin four 4-night sailings from Singapore on March 7, 2025 to Krabi and Penang, before being deployed to Keelung, Taiwan to be homeported for an exclusive 8-month operational period starting March 28.
From Keelung, it will offer weekly roundtrip sailings to Japan and South Korea, with 13 unique itineraries that include three-, four-, and six-day cruises to Japan’s Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu regions, including Okinawa, as well as South Korea’s Jeju Island and Busan.
Star Voyager will set sail on March 26, 2025, from multiple seasonal homeports in Singapore, Jakarta, Melaka, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh, with more cities to be added.
On the other hand, Dream Cruises offers a more luxurious tier of cruising, sailing on larger ships with over 3,000 passenger capacity, and luxury Fly-Cruise itineraries.
Genting Dream, the flagship of Dream Cruises, will be homeported in Singapore all year round, offering itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand, perfect for travellers who seek a seamless combination of a Singapore city stay and an opulent cruise escape to the region.
The southern Indian state of Kerala, often referred to as God’s Own Country, is actively pursuing various initiatives to regain momentum in international tourist arrivals which are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
Besides key source markets like Europe and North American markets, the state is now looking to engage the South-east Asian market through roadshows.
Kerala Tourism’s Sikha Surendran says the tourism board is supporting private sector development of new tourism products
“We have done a roadshow in Malaysia and plan to organise more in other markets including Thailand and Vietnam. Last year, we organised our roadshow in Australia too, and are seeing an increase in tourist arrival numbers from there,” said Sikha Surendran, director, Kerala Tourism.
Renowned for its serene backwaters, pristine beaches, lush hill stations, Ayurveda and houseboat experiences, Kerala is now also promoting new tourism segments such as helicopter tourism, adventure tourism, and caravan tourism to attract more international visitors.
“Under the public-private partnership model, we are facilitating private operators in establishing heliports in key destinations to promote helicopter tourism. We are also setting up caravan parks in destinations like Palakkad and Munnar with private players. A host of events are lined up to promote Kerala as a destination for adventure tourism,” Surendran detailed.
Among the adventure sporting events scheduled for 2025 are MTB Kerala, Chaliyar River Paddle, and Tour of Thekkady. These are expected to further positioning Kerala as an adventure tourism hub.
Kerala welcomed approximately 1.2 million international tourists in 2019, but the number slipped to 650,000 in 2023.
However, the tide is turning. Tourism stakeholders report positive trends in international arrivals.
Anoop Peter, general manager, The Fern Kochi, told TTG Asia that there has been “strong demand” from Middle Eastern markets including Saudi Arabia and Dubai, as well as from Russia and European countries like the UK and Germany.
In fact, demand is so strong that we have international bookings extending until 2027,” he added.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Paris office, in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, has launched the Louis Vuitton City Guide Bangkok 2025.
Part of the international Louis Vuitton City Guide collection, the Bangkok 2025 edition highlights the city’s iconic landmarks and historical sites, Michelin-starred restaurants alongside hidden culinary gems, contemporary art galleries and cultural spaces, high-end fashion districts with bespoke shopping experiences, and luxury hotels that seamlessly blend modernity with Thai heritage.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool (right) hosts a launch event for the Louis Vuitton City Guide Bangkok 2025 in Paris
It also invites travellers to discover Bangkok through five curated experiences: must-see iconic landmarks, must-seek hidden gems and cultural sites, must-try unique experiences, must-taste Thai gastronomy, and must-buy artisanal souvenirs and handicrafts.
To celebrate the launch, TAT Paris and Louis Vuitton hosted a private gathering with leading travel executives, airline representatives, and tourism influencers. The event was held on February 18 at Louis Vuitton’s historic family home, the Maison de Famille de Louis Vuitton in Asnières-sur-Seine, France.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor, said: “This partnership is a key initiative for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025. By aligning with Louis Vuitton, Thailand continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for discerning travellers seeking exclusive, immersive, and culturally rich experiences.”
Traveloka marks its 13th anniversary this year, and is hosting a Birthday Sale to reward travellers with exclusive discounts, special coupons, and flash sales across Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The event runs from February 24 to March 4, 2025, and is said to be the travel platform’s way of “giving back to customers and reaffirming our commitment to delivering seamless and rewarding travel worldwide”, said Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka.
Traveloka is gifting its customers travel discounts and perks as it celebrates its 13th birthday
Indra reflected on the company’s journey: “For over a decade, Traveloka has redefined travel – not just in South-east Asia, but across key global markets, combining deep market expertise, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to advancing tourism.
“With over 40 million active users and operations in eight countries, we have grown into a global travel platform, evolving with our travellers to offer innovative, tailored experiences.”
Beyond its mission to help customers explore new destinations, Traveloka is also dedicated to supporting the growth of tourism businesses and local communities. In partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Traveloka has provided sustainability training to over 150 hotels across Singapore and South-east Asia. Last year, it became GSTC’s first ever platinum sponsor, further demonstrating the firm’s unique position to promote best practices in sustainable tourism and standards in the travel industry.
Additionally, through the Traveloka Goodwill – Digital Literacy programme, more than 96,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), business owners as well as students in the hospitality and tourism industry in South-east Asia have gained essential digital skills and knowledge enabling them to adapt to an increasingly digitalised market.
Traveloka has expressed continued commitment to empowering its partners and strengthening the travel ecosystem. It joined up with YouGov to produce a study that identifies key trends shaping the Asia-Pacific travel landscape, all in a bid to help partners refine their business strategies.
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, India
Anantara Hotels & Resorts has arrived in India with the opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, a luxurious retreat that charms guests with palatial architecture, verdant grounds, and cultural experiences.
Guestrooms and suites overlook either the inner courtyard or the city, and feature hand-crafted details and rich textiles. The collection of 150 keys are divided into Premier rooms, Deluxe rooms, Deluxe Family rooms, Jewel Bagh one-bedroom suite, Anantara one-bedroom terrace suite, and Presidential two-bedroom suite.
On the F&B front, the hotel offers signature restaurant Sheesh Mahal; all-day dining Amrit Mahal, Rajputana Chowk that serves specialty coffees, handpicked teas and refreshing lemonades; and the Designer Dining by Anantara experience.
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur offers a collection of signature experiences, both on and off the property, for guests to truly appreciate Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
Other facilities on property includes the Anantara Spa, where Thai wellness traditions meet local expertise; and a collection of function rooms and landscaped gardens that are ideal for social and corporate events.
The Eve Hotel Sydney
The Eve Hotel Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s newest boutique luxury hotel, The Eve Hotel Sydney is an art-filled property that speaks to lovers of art, culture, and sophisticated design. There are 102 guestrooms that showcase an Australian inspired palette of either eucalyptus or red clay tones, communal spaces, and a rooftop garden with a 20m pool.
The hotel has an ongoing opening offer. The Reveal Package includes overnight accommodation in a room or suite of choice, a signature cocktail for two at Bar Julius, and a bespoke gift as a keepsake of the landmark opening. Prices start from A$519 (US$328) per room for two guests. Bookings must be made by June 1 for stays by June 30, 2025.
KINN Habitat
Kinn Habitat, Singapore
KINN Habitat on 5 Hongkong Street in Singapore combines the best of restorative retreats, cosiness of boutique hotels, and the communal spirit of hostels to present an affordable urban sanctuary for travellers who value wellness, connection, and comfort.
Expect modern interiors, impeccably maintained shared spaces, safety and comfort within an architecturally striking space in the heart of the city.
Guests can choose to stay in well-designed capsules that are equipped with five-star hotel-grade mattresses, accessible power points, charging ports, foldable desks, and mirrors, or retreat into well-appointed private rooms.
A highlight here is The Space on Level 5, an expansive hub that serves as a co-working space, events venue, and relaxation zone. It will also host curated events celebrating local artistic talent, product launches, exclusive exhibitions, collaborative workshops, and networking opportunities.
Kyoto’s plan to raise its accommodation tax in a bid to increase tax revenue from 5.2 billion yen (US$34.7 million) in 2023 to 12.6 billion yen annually is likely to support tourism in the city while not deterring tourists, opine travel trade.
Under the proposal, which would be effective from March 1, 2026 if approved, any stay costing more than 6,000 yen per night would incur more tax, starting at a tax of 400 yen for accommodation costing 6,000 yen to 19,999 yen per night, increasing to 10,000 yen for rooms priced at 100,000 yen and over per night. Accommodation priced under 6,000 yen per night would remain at the current tax rate of 200 yen.
Kyoto’s travel and tourism players do not expect higher room taxes to dent inbound demand
The fees would be used to support conservation of traditional buildings, better infrastructure including public transport and tourism marketing – all making Kyoto more sustainable as a travel destination, according to city officials.
Travellers are likely to see the tax as a necessity rather than a deterrent to visiting Kyoto, according to travel trade players, and demand for the city is expected to remain high.
“Our portfolio of brands continues to see strong interest from travellers keen to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage and unique attractions,” said Ching Yee, Wong, vice president, communications of Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China.
“For travellers who dreamt of staying in Kyoto, the accommodation tax is minimal, even for luxury accommodation like ours. And by helping improve local amenities and attractions, visitors in the future can have more enjoyable stays,” said Shizuka Takahashi, okami (innkeeper) at high-end ryokan Momoyuya in Kyoto’s popular Higashiyama district.
A spokesperson of mid-range property Hotel Light agrees, saying that the new tax scheme is unlikely to “bring us any dip in demand as Kyoto will remain a priority destination for both international and domestic visitors”.
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp, expected to open in August, will feature 20 tented suites
Marriott International has announced plans to open two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya, following signings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp with Lazizi Mara and Lazizi Solio , respectively, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies.
“Building off of the incredible success we have seen thus far in our luxury safari portfolio in Africa and the growing appetite for outdoor lodging and nontraditional hospitality experiences, the signing of these agreements with Lazizi Group of Companies marks another milestone in Marriott International’s growth,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer opportunities for wildlife encounters, elegant designs, and exemplary service that promise to create lasting memories.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp, expected to open in August, will feature 20 tented suites
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp is expected to open in August this year in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. This treetop retreat will offer picturesque views of the riverbanks and forest, giving guests a front-row seat to experience the Great Migration of wild animals.
The property is expected to feature 20 elegantly appointed tented suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite, each with a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. Plans include refined dining experiences across multiple venues, a stargazing sky deck, and an authentic boma (traditional African enclosure). Leisure facilities will include a spa and wellness centre, outdoor gym, swimming pool, discovery hub, map room and a photography studio. Guests can anticipate exclusively curated game drives as well as other bespoke cultural experiences.
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is expected to open in early 2026 in the Solio Game Reserve. It is expected to have 20 luxurious tented units, including two two-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool. Plans include multiple wellness spaces, four culinary experiences, the brand’s signature Spa by JW, swimming pool, fitness centre, conservation house, horse barn, retail boutique and animal viewing hide. Guests will have the chance to join various experiences including guided horse-riding safaris, night game drives, guided nature walks, quad biking across the Solio plains, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.
Both properties will be constructed using sustainable materials and prioritise energy-efficient infrastructure, and support local communities through job creation, education programmes and wildlife conservation initiatives.
