Extravagant fireworks and drone shows held over Haikou, the capital city of China’s Hainan Province on February 12 marked the conclusion of the 15-day-long Chinese New Year festival.
Three thousand drones danced over Haikou Bay, painting floating coconut trees, bougainvillea flowers, and many more Hainan-themed images in the night sky. That then gave way to a finale fireworks display that was visible across three surrounding city districts.
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has signed a strategic partnership with Garuda Indonesia and Changi Airport Group (CAG), aimed at growing the number of arrivals between Singapore and Indonesia through enhanced connectivity and tourism promotion.
Naufal Aflah, corporate and channel group head at Garuda Indonesia, said: “In line with (our) efforts to provide service excellence to our customers, particularly between Indonesia and Singapore, Garuda has formed a cooperation agreement in the areas of targeted campaigns, joint marketing efforts, and new travel offerings, such as fly-cruise packages for Singapore.”
Ade R Susardi, commercial director of the airline, added that all partners have a “shared commitment to revitalising regional travel and fostering stronger tourism and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations”.
Ade expects the collaboration to also entice international tourists to explore Indonesia’s many destinations by connecting through Singapore Changi Airport and using Garuda Indonesia’s extensive networks from Singapore to various domestic Indonesian routes.
Garuda Indonesia operates 55 weekly flights between Singapore and Indonesia. It flies 41 weekly flights on the Jakarta-Singapore route alone, including two daily flights that were added in December 2024.
The airline also flies daily to Bali and Surabaya.
Terrence Voon, executive director, Southeast Asia with STB, said: “This collaboration comes at the best time possible, as both Singapore and Indonesia continue to be very important source markets for each other in tourism.”
Indonesia was Singapore’s second largest tourism market, contributing 2.49 million arrivals in 2024. Singapore was the third largest tourism market for Indonesia with 1.4 million arrivals last year.
Voon added: “Indonesia is poised to continue growing in 2025. This inaugural tripartite partnership reflects the importance of tourism and air connectivity between our two countries, and our commitment to work together for mutual benefit. By combining our strengths, we hope more Indonesian travellers can enjoy Singapore’s diverse offerings and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones.”
Peh Ke-Wei, vice president of market development, CAG, noted that Indonesia is one of the company’s top passenger markets, with more than 7.3 million passenger movements between Singapore and Indonesia registered in 2024.
Klook has gained US$100 million in funding led by the global growth investment firm Vitruvian Partners, which will go towards accelerating its efforts to capture the fast-growing market of next-generation travellers and deepen its reach across Asia-Pacific.
The latest investment underscores continued confidence in Klook’s vision, market leadership, and operational excellence. Klook marked its 10th anniversary in 2024, and has been instrumental in redefining how travellers discover and book in-destination experiences.
“Over the past decade, Klook has established itself as the go-to platform for travel experiences in Asia-Pacific, reimagining how travellers discover and connect with destinations. With the region set to remain the heartbeat of global tourism, Klook’s strong brand, extensive supply network, and deep local expertise position us to deliver even greater value to the next generation of experience-driven travellers across the world. We are excited to welcome Vitruvian on this journey,” said Ethan Lin, CEO and co-founder of Klook.
According to recent forecasts, international visitor arrivals in the region are expected to grow from 619 million in 2024 to 762 million by 2026, surpassing previous highs in 2019. This resurgence, coupled with evolving traveller behaviours – including a growing preference for experiences over material goods – positions Klook to capture significant market share as a trusted platform for experiences and services across the region.
The investment from Vitruvian Partners, known for backing high-growth, category-defining companies, brings a wealth of expertise and global perspective to Klook’s next phase of growth. With a strong track record of supporting travel innovators and scaling global businesses, Vitruvian’s partnership reinforces Klook’s ambition to expand its reach, and solidify its position as a category leader.
“We are thrilled to partner with Klook at this pivotal moment in its journey. Klook’s track record of innovation, commitment to customer experience, and deep market expertise make it uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of travel experiences in Asia-Pacific. We believe Vitruvian’s investment and its deep thematic expertise in the global travel experience market will help further drive Klook’s growth by strengthening its operational capabilities and expanding its reach,” said Sophie Bower-Straziota, partner at Vitruvian Partners.
Through its expanded AI partnership with Google Cloud, Klook plans to enhance customer experience, merchant operations, and internal productivity. Klook is also future-proofing the tourism sector through digital transformation and fostering community impact in collaboration with tourism boards across Asia-Pacific. A recent agreement with the Philippine Department of Tourism exemplifies this approach, accelerating the digital transformation of the country’s tourism sector and improving access to authentic local experiences.
Dusit International is bringing the first Asai Hotel to the Philippines with the Asai Cebu Oslob, which is also the brand’s first beach resort.
Dusit International and Grand Land, a subsidiary of the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies and established name in Philippine real estate, held the hotel’s groundbreaking ceremony on February 3.
Expected to open in late 2026, Asai Cebu Oslob will introduce Asai Hotels’ signature blend of modern design, local experiences, and vibrant communal spaces to one of the Philippines’ most scenic coastal destinations.
“Building on the success of our city-based Asai Hotels in Thailand and Japan, Asai Cebu Oslob is all about creating an immersive, social, and seamless resort experience in one of the Philippines’ most beautiful coastal destinations,” said Siradej Donavanik, vice president – development global and head of culture at Asai Hotels, Dusit International.
“With its breathtaking biodiversity, natural wonders, and deep cultural heritage, Oslob is the perfect setting for our first Asai beach resort. This distinctive property will be a vibrant hub where like-minded travellers can connect, relax, and explore everything Oslob has to offer – all while enjoying a contemporary, sustainability-focused, design-forward environment.”
Located in Barangay Lagunde, in the Oslob province of Cebu, the 98-room resort will cater to “modern, millennial-minded travellers who seek meaningful local connections and adventure”.
Most rooms will feature private balconies with stunning ocean or pool views, while a communal space will be designed for dining, socialising, and remote working. In the works are a beach bar, pool, dining focusing on Cebuano cuisine, tours to local attractions, and personalised itineraries for guests.
The launch of Asai Cebu Oslob will mark Dusit’s sixth hotel in the Philippines.
A series of major product refreshments will soon come into play for JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon, following Marriott International’s management takeover of the dual-tower hotel complex in Ho Chi Minh City’s prime District 1 zone last September.
According to hotel manager Yannick Freymann, the luxury property is a significant project, as it is the first JW Marriott hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (joining two others in Hanoi and Phu Quoc) and the first luxury hotel in the Marriott International portfolio to open in the Vietnamese city.
“It was also significant that the takeover was overnight although the management team had a couple of weeks to prepare. The operational transition was very smooth and we did not have to close the property down at all. We transitioned with a full house, including groups on property, while maintaining service on a luxury level,” recalled Freymann.
“We’re very excited to show Mapletree what we can do with this property, which would lead to a future with more management opportunities,” stated Freymann.
The JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon team wants to bring “a spark of innovation” to the property and raise it to the luxury level befitting its stellar location among consulates and offices of global companies.
“Planning started the moment we came in,” he said. At press time, plans indicate that all guest rooms and suites will be upgraded while restaurants will be renovated and new dining concepts will be introduced.
The number of keys and room-type configuration will remain – 305 guest rooms and suites in one tower and 260 full-service apartments in the other – but guests can look forward to new furnishings and layout, as well as the inclusion of functional technology that improves the guest experience.
Renovations will be done in phases, starting in April this year, to avoid inconveniencing guests.
Ahead of these major works, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon has already refreshed its lobby to reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability and its JW Garden serene sanctuary concept. The lobby spots a lush garden and water feature in the centre, a floor-to-ceiling planter wall, and more potted plants – instead of less sustainable cut flowers – throughout the space.
Alongside hardware changes, heart-ware investments will see hotel associates undergo training to understand the JW Marriott brand and product concepts.
Freymann expressed business confidence on both the leisure and corporate fronts. The hotel’s location in Ho Chi Minh City’s commercial and culture hub presents it with opportunities to tap the business event, business travel, and luxury holiday markets, while the JW Marriott brand is well-positioned to respond to the rise in luxury travel interest in the destination.
Keraton at the Plaza, Jakarta, Indonesia
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt debuts in South-east Asia with the opening of Keraton at the Plaza in the Indonesian capital. The luxury hotel reimagines Indonesia’s royal palaces and offers access to an exclusive private club for dining and socialising.
Offering 138 spacious rooms and suites starting from 64m² and 3.86m-high ceilings complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel incorporates renditions of Indonesian batik patterns into its design.
Situated within the Plaza Indonesia complex, the hotel offers direct access to the Plaza Indonesia shopping mall. Guests also have access to Grand Hyatt Jakarta’s recreational facilities and dining outlets in the same building.
The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, Malaysia
The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, marks the first Autograph Collection hotel in Penang. Located along the historic Millionaire’s Row in George Town, the designer hotel reimagines the grandeur of a bygone era, breathing new life into the iconic 1800s setting of Northam Road.
Its 146 rooms offer sweeping views of the Andaman sea, each outfitted with high quality linen, marble-clad interiors, dual vanity tops, and luxurious bathtubs framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
There are also meeting and event facilities including a grand ballroom and boardrooms, as well as an infinity pool, fitness centre and spa.
ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang, Malaysia
A vibrant new addition to Malaysia’s capital, the ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is right in the heart of the entertainment and retail hub. Steps away from popular landmarks such as Pavilion KL, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square, and the hotel is easily accessible from the Bukit Bintang MRT station.
The design-forward hotel features 168 colourful, creatively designed rooms, with cosy interiors and essential amenities for both leisure and business travellers.
The NATAS Travel Fair, organised by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, returns for its 61st edition from February 28 to March 2, 2025 at the Singapore Expo Halls 4 and 5.
More than 70 exhibitors including travel agents, NTOs, airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resorts, and tourist attractions, will be showcasing their products and services, along with travel deals and promotions.
New NTOs exhibiting this year include Cambodia Tourism, Georgia Tourism, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
“In line with this fair’s theme, Travel, Explore, Live it, travellers are encouraged to continue exploring the world and live in the moment as there are endless things to discover. The NATAS travel fair is the go-to place as it connects travellers with travel agents and travel related partners all in one space,” said Steven Ler, president of NATAS.
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is the official airline partner for the fair, while Etiqa Insurance is once again the official travel insurer.
Minor Hotels has made two key appointments following its Sri Lankan expansion, which sees the debut of the NH Collection and NH Hotels brands in the country.
Yann Decaix will lead the NH Collection Colombo Hotel, while Wim Fagel will head the NH Bentota Ceysands Resort.
A hospitality leader with more than 15 years of experience, Decaix has worked for Minor Hotels, Accor and The Dorchester Collection. In his new role, he is responsible for converting the 219-key property in the heart of Colombo into the NH Collection hotel, as well as ensuring a smooth brand launch in the country.
Prior to Sri Lanka, Decaix, who has a background in revenue, was based in Dubai, first as general manager at Accor and later at Avani Ibn Battuta, also a Minor Hotels property.
Meanwhile, Wim Fagel, the general manager of the 166-key NH Bentota, has been with the resort since July 2022. With nearly four decades of international expertise in opening, restructuring, expanding and renovating luxury properties in Asia and Europe, Fagel is well placed to launch Sri Lanka’s first NH hotel.
Earlier, his work for Centara Hotels & Resorts saw him at the helm of teams in Asia, including Myanmar, where he was area general manager, as well as in Thailand and Indonesia.
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore has appointed Jason Leung as general manager.
Leung brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, and he has held key leadership positions at Marriott International properties such as The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa, and Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.
During the pandemic, Leung relocated to Brisbane, where he served as general manager, sales & hospitality at Brisbane Racing Club, leading the hospitality division through a period of operational transformation.
The National Basketball Association (NBA), Sport Singapore (SportSG), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have entered into a multi-year collaboration to bring NBA events to the city-state.
The first outcome of this collaboration is a multi-day immersive basketball and entertainment festival in Singapore this June, which will culminate in the first annual NBA Rising Stars Invitational, the league’s first regional high-school basketball tournament featuring boys’ and girls’ teams from 10 countries and territories across Asia-Pacific. Teams will compete at the Kallang Alive Precinct from June 25 to June 29, 2025.
Operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational will be a five-day tournament. Selected markets will host local qualifying events to determine the representatives for the invitational. Additionally, top individual performers from the event will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases and programmes.
“SportSG is excited to partner with the NBA to create an immersive festival of basketball for all during the June holidays,” said SportSG CEO Alan Goh.
“Held at the Kallang Alive Precinct and at various locations in our community, this two-week festival will rally the basketball fraternity and create opportunities for all to enjoy the sport that they love. Fans can look forward to a vibrant calendar featuring activities like exclusive clinics by NBA legends and coaches for our ActiveSG Basketball Academy participants, meet and greet sessions with renowned basketball players, and fan experiences at various locations around the island for all to enjoy.”
“The NBA’s presence in Singapore enriches our city’s dynamic offerings and solidifies our standing as a premier sporting destination,” said Melissa Ow, chief executive, STB.
The basketball and entertainment festival will be headlined by a line-up of current and former NBA and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players, who will be announced ahead of the event. The festival will also feature a range of activities for fans of all ages, including community outreach initiatives, open courts, photo opportunities with authentic NBA memorabilia – such as The Larry O’Brien Trophy – player appearances and meet-and-greet sessions, exclusive clinics, as well as entertainment and interactive experiences.
“The NBA Rising Stars Invitational will help accelerate and elevate the basketball ecosystem in Asia-Pacific while serving as a viable pathway for players to receive additional basketball training. We look forward to working with SportSG and STB to bring NBA Rising Stars Invitational and other exciting events to Singapore,” said NBA Asia managing director Wayne Chang.
