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Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 7th April 2026
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Page 154

The Westin Singapore launches Hidden Singapore adventure package

By TTG Asia
0

The Westin Singapore has introduced a limited-time package offering guests the chance to explore the city through a self-guided immersive game experience.

A Westin Adventure: Unravelling the Hidden Singapore is available for stays from May 31 to August 31, 2025. The package is priced from US$305 per night for two people.

Experience a fun-filled stay at The Westin Singapore while discovering lesser-known facts about Singapore

In partnership with Hidden, a creative studio that transforms cities into interactive playgrounds, the package includes access to Marvels of Marina Bay Sands – an immersive multiplayer experience delivered via WhatsApp. Guided by the Void Deck Cat, a fictional mascot, participants will explore the Marina Bay Sands area through puzzles and storytelling designed to highlight lesser-known historical and cultural details.

The package includes daily breakfast for two, two game tickets, a complimentary guaranteed room upgrade, and an exclusive Void Deck Cat mascot. Guests also receive access to the hotel’s wellness facilities on level 35, including the Heavenly Spa by Westin, yoga sessions, Reformer Pilates, and guided runs with the in-house Run Concierge.

To play, guests scan a QR code provided by the hotel after check-in. A team leader then receives a link via WhatsApp to share with others. A mobile device is required to participate. After completing the game, guests can redeem a complimentary drink. Additional games in areas such as Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown can be purchased by tapping the mascot in-room.

Bookings are open now through August 30, 2025.

For more information, visit The Westin Singapore.

Explora Journeys sets course for 2027 with new summer programme

By TTG Asia
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Explora Journeys, the ocean travel brand from MSC Group, has announced its Summer 2027 programme, which includes new destinations, the introduction of a new ship, and the brand’s first itineraries in Alaska.

Operating from March to November 2027, the season will include sailings aboard Explora I, II, III, and the newly introduced Explora IV.

Guests will experience journeys in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, New England and Alaska from March to November 2027

Explora IV will be the fourth ship in the fleet and the second powered by liquefied natural gas. The vessel will feature redesigned public areas, expanded outdoor decks, and additional residences, contributing to a high space-to-guest ratio.

During the 2027 season, Explora I and II will continue to operate in the Mediterranean, offering more than 60 itineraries. These journeys will include a mix of returning and maiden ports such as Trogir in Croatia, Toper in Slovenia, Olbia in Sardinia, Algiers in Algeria, Istanbul in Turkey, and Amalfi in Italy, providing access to a range of coastal cities, historical landmarks, and archaeological sites throughout Southern Europe and North Africa.

For the first time, Explora Journeys will include Alaska in its destination portfolio. Explora III will sail from Vancouver, Canada, offering access to Alaska’s coastal regions, wildlife, and towns with indigenous heritage. These itineraries include glacier viewing, hiking, kayaking, and cultural experiences such as totem pole carving and local seafood.

Two example sailings in Alaska for summer 2027 include an 11-night roundtrip from Vancouver from May 10 to 21, with maiden visits to Sitka, Prince Rupert, and Endicott Arm, starting at approximately US$8,000, and a 14-night roundtrip from July 2 to 16, calling at Hubbard Glacier, Kodiak, and Alert Bay, with fares from approximately US$10,000.

For more information, visit Explora Journeys.

Torsten Richter leads as GM of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

By TTG Asia
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Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel has appointed Torsten Richter as its new general manager. With more than 30 years of international experience in hospitality, he brings a background in operations and leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Richter joins from his most recent position as Minor Hotels’ area general manager for Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as general manager of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. His career has included management roles at several hotel brands, with a focus on guest experience, operational performance, and brand development.

He has held several general manager positions at a number of hotels, including The Sarasvati in Bali, The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin, The JAFFA in Tel Aviv, and SO/Bangkok.

Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah welcomes new GM

By TTG Asia
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Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah has named Shanmugam Thangavelu as its new general manager. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shan has held senior roles at renowned hotel brands, including Four Seasons, Raffles, Westin, and most recently, Fairfield by Marriott, where he was general manager of the Bintulu Paragon property.

Shan’s background includes leading successful pre-openings, achieving strong business results, and bringing expertise in operations and leadership to support the property’s growth. His passion for hospitality, along with his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, positions him to effectively lead the hotel into its next phase of development.

The Standard, Singapore names new GM

By TTG Asia
0

The Standard, Singapore has appointed Amy Lu as general manager. She brings 19 years of regional hospitality experience and previously served as director of operations at Andaz Singapore for five years.

Originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan, Lu’s experience spans a range of properties, from resorts in Saipan to hotels in Shanghai. She now brings that international background to her new role in Singapore, where she will focus on team collaboration, guest experience, and operational improvement, drawing on a leadership style shaped by curiosity, resilience and a strong commitment to the industry.

Asia-Pacific leads trending summer destinations: Mastercard Economics Institute

By TTG Asia
0

Asia-Pacific accounts for eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations, according to Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven Journeys, the annual Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report on consumer spending in the travel sector.

While exchange rates and geopolitical dynamics influence behaviour, the report notes that personal interests and purpose-driven travel remain key factors shaping travel decisions. Drawing on aggregated and anonymised transaction data and third-party sources, the report outlines current influences on travel choices.

Nha Trang makes its debut as a top summer hot spot

Destination shifts and travel drivers
Japan leads the list, with Vietnam’s Nha Trang rising rapidly. Tokyo and Osaka are the top two trending destinations for summer travel (June-September 2025), reflecting the largest increases in tourism demand compared to previous years. In 2024, Tokyo moved from second to first place globally. Nha Trang entered the list for the first time, growing in popularity.

China and India continue to dominate Asia’s outbound travel. The Chinese mainland remained the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024. Travellers from China are prioritising destinations offering value and relaxed visa policies, including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also rising.

India recorded its highest number of outbound travellers to date in 2024. The most visited destinations included Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali. Growth is supported by expanded direct flight routes and a growing middle class. These two markets continue to influence global travel flows significantly.

Across Asia-Pacific, travellers are focusing on dining, nature, and wellness rather than traditional sightseeing. Locations such as Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, and Queenstown, New Zealand, have seen increased attention. MEI’s Wellness Trend Index (WTI) indicates that Thailand remains a leading destination for wellness-focused travel, with activities such as eco lodges and meditation retreats. New Zealand’s rising WTI score indicates increasing interest in this segment.

Sports tourism is also expanding. Events such as the Australian Open and the Baseball World Series in Los Angeles generated significant international spending. During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors increased by 91%, highlighting the influence of sporting events on travel.

Currency sensitivity and travel patterns
Travellers from Asia-Pacific are particularly sensitive to exchange rate changes. A weaker yen throughout 2024 contributed to increased inbound tourism to Japan. A 1% depreciation of the Japanese yen against the Chinese yuan corresponded with a 1.5% increase in Chinese visitors. By contrast, similar currency movements led to only a 0.2% increase in visitors from New Zealand and the US.

The number of Singaporean visitors to Japan reached record levels in 2024, driven by a 40% rise in the Singapore dollar against the yen, despite higher prices for airfares and accommodation.

In relation to the US, MEI found that tourists from India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are highly responsive to exchange rate movements. A 1% depreciation of the US dollar against these currencies was linked to a 0.6-0.8% rise in tourist numbers. These patterns mirror those observed in Japan, suggesting currency value plays a strong role in travel decisions.

Business travel and security concerns
Business travel patterns are also changing. Companies are reducing global travel in favour of regional trips. Although fewer trips are being taken, they tend to last longer. For example, the average duration of US-based travellers’ trips to Asia-Pacific increased from 8.8 to 10.2 days.

Fraud remains a concern, especially during peak travel seasons. MEI reports that fraudulent activity in popular destinations can rise by up to 28% during these times. Common scams include overcharging in restaurants and taxis, fake tour operators, and fraudulent property listings.

David Mann, chief economist, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said: “This report is designed to offer a clearer view of how consumer behaviours are evolving – and what that means for tourism growth.

“The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travellers around the world. Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot, driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences.”

View the full report here.

Indonesia expands DMI 2025 to boost tourism and trade in Europe

By Tiara Maharani
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Indonesia is stepping up efforts to access the European market through the Discovering the Magnificence of Indonesia (DMI) exhibition in Amsterdam, to be held from October 30 to November 2, 2025. The event brings together tourism and creative economy stakeholders under a single platform.

Following its 2024 launch, which focused primarily on the creative economy, this second edition sees organiser Nuswantara Adhidaya Perkasa (KUPU) partnering with the Indonesia Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) and the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA) to expand the event’s scope into tourism and business events.

From left: KUPU’s Dicky Yunanto and IECA’s Hosea Andreas Rungkat

DMI 2025 will occupy 3,725m² of exhibition space and is expected to host between 120 and 150 exhibitors, attracting approximately 15,000 visitors. Of the total area, 1,000m² will be allocated to tourism, with the remainder dedicated to Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises involved in culinary, fashion, crafts, digital content, and design.

DMI 2024 attracted over 2,000 visitors and generated an estimated US$1.8 million in potential business. For 2025, organisers are targeting 500 structured business-to-business meetings, with projected transactions expected to exceed US$11 million.

“We want to establish Indonesia’s presence in Europe by creating lasting connections and real opportunities for growth in both the tourism and business sectors. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership,” said Dicky Yunanto, co-founder of KUPU.

To extend the impact beyond the main event, a series of post-show roadshows is being planned in collaboration with Indonesian embassies across Europe. These roadshows aim to provide exhibitors with direct access to potential partners and buyers in key markets.

“While the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair brings buyers to Indonesia, DMI takes Indonesia to the buyers,” remarked Haryadi Sukamdani, chairman of GIPI. “This proactive approach is vital now that industry development can’t rely on government-led initiatives alone.”

GIPI will oversee seller curation and buyer invitations for the event.

A formal partnership agreement has also been signed between DMI and IECA. This includes the creation of a dedicated IECA showcase within the tourism section, designed to promote Indonesia’s growing exhibition calendar to an international audience and build interest in the country’s business events sector.

“Indonesia’s exhibitions already have strong regional standing. It’s time we step up and be recognised globally,” said IECA chairman Hosea Andreas Rungkat.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts expands Australian portfolio with new signing

By TTG Asia
0

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched its first Ramada Encore by Wyndham property in Adelaide, South Australia, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s regional expansion and underscores confidence in the state’s thriving tourism and business sectors.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide, South Terrace is scheduled to open in 1Q2028.

Rendering of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide

The development of the new property is strategically positioned in the state’s cultural and commercial heart, offering easy access to the CBD, the Adelaide Convention Centre, and key attractions.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide, South Terrace will offer 94 guestrooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure guests. The property is poised to meet current market demands, ensuring competitive advantage and strong returns for investors.

Marina Bay Sands completes hotel room renovations

By TTG Asia
0

Marina Bay Sands has completed its hotel room renovations as part of a US$1.75 billion transformation, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s development. The update includes approximately 1,850 rooms, with 775 suites, across two distinct collections: the Sands Collection and the Paiza Collection.

The Sands Collection, which includes 1,480 rooms and suites, has been fully refurbished. Designed as an urban sanctuary, it caters to a variety of guest needs, offering a range of room types from the Sands Premier Room to the Sands Family Suite. A dedicated Premium Services team is available to assist select guests throughout their stay.

Marina Bay Sands unveils 1,850 updated rooms and suites following extensive renovation; Presidential Suite living room, pictured

The Paiza Collection, consisting mainly of suites, offers around 370 high-end accommodation, including the three- to four-bedroom Chairman Suite, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite with a golf simulator, and the one-bedroom Horizon Suite featuring a spa area with a Himalayan salt wall and private gym. Guests in the Paiza Collection are served by a 160-member Butler Services team.

As a result of the renovations, the number of suites at Marina Bay Sands has increased to 775, up from 180 prior to the revamp.

Looking ahead, the resort’s reinvestment programme will include the opening of Jin Ting Wan, an authentic Cantonese restaurant, in July. Further refurbishments, including upgrades to LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, lobby enhancements, and a new spa, are also planned. Additional details will be announced in due course.

Singapore Oceanarium to open Research and Learning Centre in May

By TTG Asia
0

Resorts World Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium will open its Research and Learning Centre in May 2025. The facility aims to support marine biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection and restoration, and contribute to education, research, and community engagement.

Serving as a hub for marine research, education, and global conservation dialogue, the new facility builds on more than a decade of foundational work under S.E.A. Aquarium, where education, research, and conservation have been core to its mission. Previous efforts have included breeding programmes, behavioural studies, and collaborations with both regional and international organisations. The establishment of a dedicated centre will allow Singapore Oceanarium to expand these activities, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and serve as the focal point of its education and conservation initiatives.

The new centre will drive and further boost marine research, education and conservation efforts; photo by Resorts World Sentosa

Certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, the building is designed for energy efficiency. Its concrete façade and aluminium shading reduce heat and cooling demands, while natural lighting helps limit the use of artificial lighting. The facility’s energy needs are met entirely through solar power.

The centre includes laboratories, seminar rooms, collaborative spaces, and a rooftop event area. Among the key facilities are flexible classrooms that can be configured to suit various learning needs, a stepped seating area to support informal discussion, a multi-use space equipped for digital learning and events, and a rooftop venue suitable for public or private functions. The Marine Lab comprises three sections: a teaching lab for marine science education, a research lab for visiting scientists, and a wet lab designed for practical, hands-on experiments.

Research activities will focus on areas such as ex-situ coral reproduction, breeding and culturing methods for threatened marine species, and the study of genetic diversity in animals under care. The centre will also support public engagement through citizen science programmes and training workshops.

In addition, the centre will host regional and international events through partnerships with global associations, including a workshop on May 28 for the upcoming CITES Global Youth Summit (May 27-31), which will bring together youth from more than 50 countries to promote collaboration and raise awareness of marine wildlife trade issues.

“As the ocean faces mounting challenges, Singapore Oceanarium’s Research and Learning Centre aims to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders by demonstrating the power of knowledge, collaboration and shared purpose in driving meaningful change. The Research and Learning Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to create a collaborative ecosystem that brings together like-minded partners to turn science into action and advance our efforts in marine conservation, research and education,” said Lam Xue Ying, vice president of Singapore Oceanarium.

“We hope for this to be a space that combines forces across the ocean community – and beyond – to restore vital marine habitats towards a thriving future for our oceans.”

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | BBTF 2026 to focus on gastronomy and destination readiness
TTG Asia | Frasers Hospitality expands Asia footprint
TTG Asia | Thailand pivots to regional tourism hub