The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali has appointed Marco Di Pasquale as its new hotel manager.
With over 25 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, Di Pasquale career took off under the mentorship of Michelin-star chefs such as Giorgio Locatelli, Alain Ducasse, and Gordon Ramsay, where he played a pivotal role in launching and managing some of the world’s most distinguished hotel dining experiences, including Hassler Hotel Rome, St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Conrad Seoul, and Conrad Manila.
Most recently, Pasquale was the director of operations at Conrad Manila.
Budget cuts by the Indonesian government leading to widespread cancellation of official meetings and travel have left hotels across the country – particularly those outside of Java Island – grappling with significant revenue loss.
Data from the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) showed that budget cuts could result in losses of nearly 25 trillion rupiah (US$1.5 billion) for the national accommodation and hotel industry. This includes 16.5 trillion rupiah from room occupancy and 8.2 trillion rupiah from meetings and events.
Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association’s Hariyadi highlights major losses in hotels as the government scales back on official meetings and travel
Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of IHRA, stated that hotels outside Java have been significantly impacted, as many rely on government contracts for up to 70 per cent of their revenue.
Anggiat Sinaga, chairman of the IHRA South Sulawesi chapter, shared that since January 2025, average occupancy had dropped to between 15 and 20 per cent – the lowest seen since the Covic travel disruption.
Anggiat noted that hotels in Makassar were hit hard by reduced spending power since 3Q2024.
“We were still holding on with about 60 per cent occupancy, thanks to government business. But once the new policy took effect in January, occupancy immediately dropped to 30 per cent and is continuing to fall, reaching just 15 per cent now,” he said.
IHRA chapters in Lampung and West Sumatra are suffering similar effects, with bookings slipping away since November 2024. Some hotels have lost up to 60 per cent of their occupancy by January 2025.
Hoteliers in Yogyakarta are reporting a 40 per cent decline in projected income for 2025.
Deddy Pranowo Eryono, chairman of IHRA Yogyakarta, said: “The (leisure) business has yet to recover from Covid-19, and (hotels are) only full during the peak season from May to June. The rest of the year, we’re relying on government business. Without that, the average occupancy is a maximum of 50 per cent.”
While acknowledging that national finances are not in the best shape, Dodi Ahmad Sofiandi, chairman of IHRA West Java, urged the government to revise its efficiency policy as soon as possible.
“If cuts are unavoidable, please don’t take everything at once. We need some breathing room – focus the cuts on certain events and, if possible, apply them only until the end of the year,” he beseeched.
“Right now, we don’t have the budget to promote inbound tourism, and with government (events) being cut off, we’re left without any support,” Dodi added.
He warned that if occupancy continued to fall below 50 per cent, hoteliers in West Java would only be able to survive until April 2025.
“There will definitely be adjustments to operational costs, including reducing daily workers and cutting working hours for permanent staff,” Dodi noted.
The situation in South Sulawesi, a destination that depends heavily on government activities, is dire.
“We’ve been bleeding for over three months now, with nearly 20 per cent of staff across South Sulawesi already let go. Those still working will inevitably face salary cuts. Right now, we’re just fighting to keep the hotels open and avoid a second ‘pandemic’ for the industry,” shared Anggiat.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is showcasing Hong Kong’s natural scenery through its hiking trails and trail running, and working with partners to support events.
It recently supported three world-class trail running events – the TransLantau and Oxfam Trailwalker in November last year, followed by Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon in January – attracting more than 3,700 participants from China and overseas visitor source markets.
Hong Kong Tourism Board will support sports-based outdoor events that highlight the destination’s natural scenery
HKTB also partnered Klook, airlines and other industry stakeholders in hosting the Hong Kong Outdoor Festival targeting the South Korean market again. The Festival attracted more than 140 South Korean visitors to experience its coastal trails and mountain paths through running activities. Among the participants were popular key opinion leaders including celebrities, athletes and influencers, who shared their experiences in Hong Kong on social media.
The event offered three running routes for participants, including a morning jog on Victoria Peak, night run along Central Harbourfront, and run along the Dragon’s Back mountain ridge trail.
To raise Hong Kong’s profile among sports-loving South Korean travellers, HKTB recently welcomed a group of celebrities, athletes and influencers from the market to the Hong Kong Outdoor Festival.
HKTB will continue to promote the city’s appeal as an outdoor destination, noted its South Korea director Kim Yoon-ho, citing the appeal of green tourism and outdoor sports-focused holidays for South Korean travellers, especially among health conscious millennials and gen Z.
The Principality of Monaco has been named the best European Destination 2025 by European Best Destinations, a leading tourism promotion body and partner of the European Commission. This is an improvement on 2024’s placing when Monaco took second place.
The title recognises Monaco as a must-see destination on the international stage. It is also a significant win, as Monaco is the first French-speaking destination to acquire this award after Bordeaux in 2015.
Monaco climbed from second place in 2024 to clinch the European Destination 2025 award by European Best Destinations
European Best Destinations conducts the selection through votes. The latest edition attracted over one million voters.
The destination sees the prestigious ranking as a unique opportunity to strengthen its image and reputation internationally.
The Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority has worked closely with European Best Destinations for several years to lift the Principality’s visibility. This partnership includes an enhanced presence on the European Best Destinations website, which attracts six million visitors annually; media coverage on influential platforms; and the use of the Best European Destination label by Monaco and its tourism partners.
Guy Antognelli, director, Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority, said: “This award demonstrates that the day-to-day efforts of tourism and hospitality professionals, guides, shopkeepers, public services and attractive centres is paying off: it is a testament to the effectiveness of the innovative initiatives implemented across the country, as well as the recent renovations at many partner establishments, aimed at maintaining an exceptional level of quality and service”.
Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection, Thailand
Phuket has welcomed its first Autograph Collection Hotel with the Veranda Resort Phuket. Located on the secluded Cape Panwa peninsula and a short distance from Phuket’s Old Town, the hotel, with 159 rooms and suites, offers a panoramic view of the sparkling Andaman Sea.
Veranda Resort Phuket is designed to reflect the vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture found in Phuket’s Old Town, with pastel colours and minimalist finishes. Rooms comprise a mix of beachfront suites, multi-bedroom villas, as well as those with private terraces and direct access to the pool.
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the Maldives
JW Marriott has opened its second resort in the Maldives with the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort featuring 80 private pool villas, including 47 over the water.
Each villa boasts expansive terraces, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, and access to pristine lagoons. Vvilla designs blends local touches with sleek, modern elements such as floor-to-ceiling glass doors, open air showers and private pools.
A unique part of the resort that guests can interact with is a 30m-long underwater coastal structure research project that combats beach erosion and provides a habitat for fish and coral.
The resort offers seven dining venues and bars serving a variety of international cuisine, an overwater Spa by JW, fitness and sea activities, lap pool, and JW Kids’ Club.
Meliá Pattaya Hotel
Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand
Located a short drive from Bangkok, Meliá Hotels’ Pattaya property is a 234-room hotel that offers expansive views of the Gulf of Thailand and is located near restaurants and attractions on the bustling Second Road.
Ranging from a convenient 27m² to a generous 125m², the hotel’s 218 rooms and 16 suites fall into seven categories for leisure and business travellers alike. Eighteen rooms and 16 suites belong to The Level, an upgraded collection offering enhanced personalised service and benefits, including exclusive access to The Level Lounge.
A rooftop restaurant and sky bar, executive lounge, swimming pool with an adjacent bar and function lawn, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa, kids club Kidsdom, a gym, a co-working space, as well as two ballrooms and versatile meeting spaces round up the facilities at the hotel.
Best Western Hotel Rawalpindi Central
Best Western Hotel Rawalpindi Central, Pakistan
BWH Hotels has opened its third property in Pakistan with the Best Western Hotel Rawalpindi Central. It is also one of the first international hotels in Rawalpindi, a major city in the country’s Punjab province.
Its 100 rooms are equipped with modern amenities, while the onsite restaurant serves local and international cuisine. The hotel is also designed for events including business and weddings with versatile function spaces that can hold up to 200 people.
Virtuoso is expanding its global network of luxury and experiential travel specialists, with more than 30 travel agency members accepted since January 2024.
Virtuoso’s Asia regions led the way by welcoming 10 new agency members, including seven in Greater China alone. This growth reflects the region’s substantial influence in luxury travel. Last year, Virtuoso installed a dedicated team for North and South-east Asia, in addition to its established team within Greater China, allowing the network to better serve the varying needs of agencies, partners and travellers.
Virtuoso’s global network of luxury and experiential travel specialists is now bigger and better
The Middle East and Africa region also welcomed six agencies over the past year, which was its first year operating as a stand-alone market with the support of a dedicated Virtuoso team.
Further additions were seen to Continental Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
The expansion of the Virtuoso network underscores the organisation’s global connectivity and ability to cater to elite advisors and travellers in all corners of the world.
Virtuoso’s senior vice president, global member & partner sales, Cory Hagopian, said in a statement: “Each new member agency brings valuable local market insights and an outstanding industry reputation that extends far beyond their region.”
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has added 11 new destinations for 2025 to meet growing travel demand, fuelled by a 16 per cent increase in international guest numbers in 2024.
Saudia now flies to Bali, Indonesia as it continues to expand its global network
The additions to Saudia’s network include Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman), joining Saudia’s existing network of over 100 destinations across four continents.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we’ve implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has curated a series of itineraries that speak to the adventurous and trendy spirit of millennial and Gen Z travellers, who are in search of “daily-cation” experiences – authentic and unique experiences that give them a glimpse of what it is like to live like a local.
KTO said trends reflect a desire to go beyond regular tourist attractions and explore South Korea’s evolving cultural and lifestyle offerings.
South Korea is highlighting locations and activities that the locals love; from left:Sumsei Terrarium and Music Complex Seoul
To cater to travellers interested in K-pop, KTO recommends Hongdae Beatroad and HiKR Ground, which offer fans the chance to delve into the world of their favourite idols. These locations provide an opportunity to purchase exclusive merchandise, participate in interactive activities, and connect with other fans.
Fascination with life as a Korean university student is another trend, and KTO recommends Seosulla-gil, a walking trail blending traditional Hanok houses with trendy café, as well as T1 Basecamp, an esports-themed PC café. These locations offer insights into the day-to-day lives of Korean youths.
As the country’s beauty and fashion industry continues to impress international visitors, KTO recommends makeup and hairstyling workshops at Jungsaemmool Art & Academy, personalised fragrance creation at Melting P Perfume, and colour and skeletal structure analysis at Monque Colorlab.
For those drawn to South Korean architectural heritage, hanok tours provide an unforgettable journey. In Ojuk Hanok Village, visitors can participate in tea ceremonies and yoga sessions, while Silla Millennium Bookstore offers a glimpse into the rich history and contemporary reimagining of hanok culture.
No doubt, South Korea offers an escape for couples in love. Dates are all the more fun at Sumsei Terrarium, which boasts an interactive exhibition inspired by nature, while the Musical Pub Curtain Call is where live performances blend with intimate dining experiences. Couples can also go on a date at Groundseesaw, an exhibition showcasing creative cultural and artistic works.
Meanwhile, food enthusiasts will find interesting flavours at Andong House which serves traditional handmade noodle soup and Golden Piece for reimagined yakgwa desserts.
A KTO Singapore spokesperson told TTG Asia that these itineraries would appeal to Singapore travellers, who have shown a “strong interest in shopping, natural scenery, beauty, food, and fashion”, according to a 2023 study.
“Their love for K-pop, K-dramas, and K-culture drives a high rate of repeat visits, making Singapore a key market for experiencing South Korean culture firsthand,” said the spokesperson.
To stir even greater interest in the destination, the KTO Singapore office will organise a travel fair in 2Q2025, where immersive experiences in K-beauty, fashion, family draws, sports tourism, and healing tourism will be highlighted.
“Notably, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Singapore. To celebrate this milestone, the event will feature activities that emphasise the shared harmony between the two nations. The travel fair will include on-site travel agency promotions, complemented by online campaigns offering airline discounts to encourage travel to South Korea,” detailed the spokesperson.
Beyond these activations, the office will focus on conveying “daily-cation” experiences as well as regional tourism initiatives to encourage Singapore travellers to explore local cuisine, wellness, and slow travel in destinations like Jeolla-do, Gyeongsang-do, and Gangwon-do.
KTO Singapore data shows that approximately 370,000 Singaporeans visited South Korea by the end of 2024 – up 150 per cent from 2019.
“Singapore is a highly mature outbound travel market with strong purchasing power, where individuals travel an average of four times a year, staying over seven days per trip. Despite its small population, Singapore’s rapid adoption of trends and high growth potential make it a key market for South Korea,” said the spokesperson.
From left: Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell, RotoruaNZ’s Kyle Kydd, RotoruaNZ’s Andrew Wilson, Air China’s Zhengjun Hu, and Air China’s Jiaying Yan
RotoruaNZ and Air China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) earlier this week to strengthen ties and increase tourism between Rotorua and China.
From left: Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell, RotoruaNZ’s Kyle Kydd, RotoruaNZ’s Andrew Wilson, Air China’s Zhengjun Hu, and Air China’s Jiaying Yan
Key dignitaries who attended the ceremony included mayor of Rotorua Tania Tapsell, RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson, and Air China general manager Zhengjun Hu.
Wilson said: “This agreement is a strategic move to expand Rotorua’s footprint in the Chinese tourism market at a time when international travel patterns are shifting. With over 451,000 Chinese tourists visiting New Zealand annually before the pandemic and their average spend per trip exceeding NZ$6,500 (US$3,750), this partnership is about ensuring Rotorua is a key part of their itinerary. By collaborating with Air China and leveraging their extensive network, we can introduce more Chinese travellers to our region’s geothermal landscapes, cultural richness, and adventure offerings.”
Hu noted the strong recovery of China’s outbound market, adding that “New Zealand’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage have drawn many Chinese tourists”.
Under the MOU, both RotoruaNZ and Air China will collaborate on tailored consumer campaigns, international trade engagement initiatives, and business events aimed at increasing Chinese visitors to Rotorua.
The agreement aligns with a broader tourism strategy that includes a New Zealand-China tourism roadshow, which will see 18 representatives from Rotorua and Auckland travel to five key Chinese cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. This initiative will bring together over 50 travel agents at each event, providing targeted training sessions and networking opportunities.
RotoruaNZ and Air China will develop themed familiarisation itineraries, engage with key booking agents, and create tailored marketing campaigns designed to highlight Rotorua’s premium experiences. The partnership will involve cooperation with major industry players, including Auckland International Airport and Tourism New Zealand.
Wilson said: “With Air China’s support, this initiative is expected to boost tourism arrivals to Rotorua, particularly during the off-peak seasons of autumn and winter, leading into China’s Golden Week holiday period.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is looking at source markets beyond Jakarta to further grow Indonesian arrivals and to strengthen the city-state’s position as a convenient and vibrant destination for travellers.
Indonesia was Singapore’s second-largest source market globally and the largest in South-east Asia for 2024, contributing 2.49 million visitors, an eight per cent increase from 2.3 million in 2023.
STB data also showed from January to September 2024, Indonesian travellers generated S$2.13 billion (US$1.59 billion) in tourism receipts, excluding Sightseeing, Entertainment and Gaming. Among the spending categories, shopping emerged as the largest contributor followed by accommodation and F&B, both of which grew in 2024.
Singapore Tourism Board’s Mohamed Hafez Marican details Singapore’s plans to engage with more Indonesian travel partners and travellers in 2025
Speaking at the Singapore Tourism Board 2024 Year in Review press conference in Jakarta recently, Mohamed Hafez Marican, area director, Indonesia of STB, said: “The good performance reflected Singapore’s strong line-up of leisure events in 2024, diverse lifestyle offerings, as well as new and refreshed attractions. These have continued to appeal to Indonesian travellers, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a preferred destination for both leisure and business.”
To make further inroads in the Indonesian tourism market, STB will continue to form beneficial partnerships with local players, just as it did recently with Gojek and a tripartite with Garuda Indonesia and Changi Airport Group. It will also tap into new markets like Padang in West Sumatera and West Java, leveraging the improved connectivity with Singapore.
Marican said: “When I speak with Indonesians from Jakarta, I know many of them are familiar with Singapore, some even travel three to four times a year. What we hope to do is to raise awareness of Singapore in other cities like Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Padang and Medan, where accessibility is available to Singapore.”
In Padang, for example, Scoot has launched direct flights from Singapore in January. Together with STB, the airline hosted a sales mission to Padang last November to introduce both the service and the destination.
“Bandung does not have a direct flight to Singapore, but it is quite convenient for people in Bandung to access Singapore via Jakarta,” added Marican.
A B2B table-top event was also held in Bandung last year.
Commenting on market development, Marican said STB recognises the importance of the growing Muslim market. In 2024, the NTO collaborated with modest fashion brands and communities to promote Singapore as a halal-friendly destination. Additionally, engagements with influential figures such as culinary icon Bu Rudy from Surabaya helped strengthen awareness of Singapore’s leisure offerings in cities beyond Jakarta. STB will also be engaging new segments such as sports communities.
Apart from the initiatives and programmes in Indonesia, the opening of new attractions in Singapore this year along with a line-up of leisure and business events throughout 2025 are expected to boost arrivals to Singapore.
