Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will complete refurbishments on Norwegian Epic and Pride of America ahead of the 2025 summer travel season, adding new features and upgraded facilities.
Norwegian Epic will complete a three-week dry dock on May 8, 2025, with updates including a new hot tub on deck 18, a redesigned Kids’ Aqua Park, and an expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club featuring extra seating, a second hot tub, and private cabanas. Eight new staterooms – balcony and ocean view – will also be added.
Norwegian Epic’s expanded Vibe Beach Club adds more seating, a second hot tub, and private cabanas
The ship will also offer nine- to 11-day cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, visiting ports in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, including Santorini, Mykonos, Valletta, Naples, Catania, and Florence/Pisa. Later in the year, she returns to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for seven-day Southern Caribbean cruises to ports including Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and St Thomas.
Pride of America will undergo upgrades from May 3 to 31, 2025, including a new Starbucks on deck five and the addition of pickleball to the sports court. She will also gain 12 club balcony suites and three inside staterooms on deck 12. Youth spaces will move to deck six, along with a new Library and Card Room.
Following dry dock, Pride of America will resume her seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruises from Honolulu on May 31, 2025, operating year-round with port calls across four islands and overnights in Maui and Kauai.
“Delivering the best vacation experience for our guests, where they have the freedom and flexibility to do more of what they love is and will always continue to be our goal,” said David J Herrera, president of NCL.
“By listening to guests’ feedback, we are excited to provide them with more to do on board starting this summer as Norwegian Epic sets sail for Europe and Pride of America continues to offer the world’s only seven-day inter-island Hawaii voyages departing from Honolulu 52 weeks out of the year.”
Southern Discoveries is adding new travel experiences, including a wine tour, marking its return to the Queenstown market.
The company’s new tours focus on slower, more personal travel, encouraging guests to explore the landscapes and stories of Queenstown, Central Otago and Fiordland. The aim is to create meaningful experiences that reflect the value of kaitiaki (guardianship).
Sip on local wine at top Central Otago vineyards with Southern Discoveries’ new Queenstown tour
The Queenstown Wine Tour takes small groups to four Central Otago wineries, including Chard Farm, Brennan Wines, and Mora Wines in Arrowtown. A private charter option is now available, offering exclusive use of a Mercedes Sprinter van.
The company has also introduced its longest Milford Sound cruise, the Discover More Milford Sound Cruise, lasting up to two hours and fifteen minutes. A nature guide is on board, and also travels with guests by coach if included.
A new VIP upgrade is available on the Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The Cascade Room offers a private cabin, top-deck access, and food and drink service for up to 20 guests.
In Te Anau, Southern Discoveries will launch a new farm and cruise experience in October. Guests will visit a working farm with shearing and dog demonstrations, followed by morning tea and a Milford Sound cruise.
Macau’s compact layout and vibrant cultural scene make it ideal for walking tours that unravel the destination’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Macau’s historic centre holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the entire city is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. These elements enrich the experience, allowing visitors to savour local cuisine while exploring historical landmarks and other attractions, according to the Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
Neighbourhoods such as the lively Taipa and Cotai areas, combined with the tranquil charm of Coloane Village, further enhance the walking experience. They offer a blend of unique cultural and modern attractions, providing visitors with plenty to explore on foot.
Visitors can discover the charm of Macau’s hidden corners through guided tours and cultural activities. Picture by Macao Government Tourism Office
So far, the MGTO has introduced four major walking routes on its website and mobile app, namely World Heritage Tour in Central District; Art & Cultural Tour in St Lazarus Parish; Portuguese Ambiance Tour at Taipa Island; and Tranquility Tour in Coloane Village.
Additionally, MGTO offers an online Smart Trip Planner on its website and mobile app, allowing visitors to customise their time in Macau based on personal preferences in the areas of Sightseeing, Experiences, Shopping, Dining, and Recommendations.
Indeed, visitors are spoiled for choice, as The Walking Routes Map offers 38 thematic routes to explore. Created by the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the routes span from popular spots like Taipa Village and Guia Hill to the memorable buildings of Coloane and the scenic rockscapes along the Southern Coastline of Coloane. Visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through streets and alleys, rediscovering the charm of old Macau and uncovering the forgotten history and tales of these areas.
The recent recognition by Skyscanner as one of the Top 9 Walkable Cities in Asia and South Asia has significantly reinforced Macau’s appeal as a travel destination. Skyscanner highlights the city’s pedestrian-friendly layout, safety, and rich cultural and historical attractions, all within walking distance.
An MGTO spokesman said the accolade highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and strengthens Macau’s development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
In fact, MGTO is actively driving tourism into different neighbourhoods. To support this, it has introduced financial support programmes for local associations, enabling them to utilise resources to develop diverse community activities that will attract tourists and bring about economic revitalisation.
Join a chef-guided cooking tour. Picture by Macau Cultural Explorer
Activities are centred around three main themes: Travel around Macau Community Tourism, Taste of Macau Food Promotion, and Waterfront Fun Maritime Tourism.
A total of 43 community activities have been approved this year. Among them is the 2025 Chinese Temple Journey, which offers guided tours of three temples, where guests will explore the historical and cultural significance of these sites and their surrounding communities. There will also be a traditional handicraft experience.
Another activity is the Macau Full of Fun – Community Tourism Guided Tour, which offers insights into local merchants of various districts, along with participation in handicraft workshops.
Seven community activities or tours will be available from May to June, including the Mong Ha Creatives Market, Family Adventure Macao Consumer Carnival 2, 2025 Chinese Temple Journey, Macao Full of Fun – Community Tourism Guided Tour, Past Memory Roaming Project, Songkran 2025, and Funny Island: Lotus Creativity Marketplace.
Private sector tour operators are already on the walking tour bandwagon. Agency Macau Explorer Cultural Travel started offering in-depth cultural walking tours, such as the Protestant Cemetery and Pilgrimage tour, six years ago. Recently, it collaborated with the historic Hotel Central on a 2.5-hour tour and partnered with young entrepreneurs on a gastronomy community tour. These tours are subsidised by the MGTO.
Managing director Manuel Wu told TTG Asia that the latter tour has been fully booked since its launch.
Fleshing out the gastronomy community tour, Wu said guests would follow a local to pick up ingredients before cooking in a studio kitchen. They would get to encounter local culture along the way. As such, the tour is ideal not only for international tourists and students from China but also locals who are keen to familiarise themselves with their community.
“It’s environmentally friendly too, as no transportation is used,” said Wu.
He added that Macau has around 300 pátios (courtyards in Portuguese) and becos (alleys), and these are where cultural experiences can be found.
As Macau celebrates the 20th anniversary of the historic centre’s UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription, there is a stronger push for visitors to explore beyond popular spots like the Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado Square, which are mainly frequented by backpackers.
Wu hopes to see the addition of new elements, such as blending local religions and pop culture to create unique intellectual property (IP) products.
He suggested integrating the IP of Chinese blockbuster animation Ne Zha 2 to create a Ne Zha mini show as part of walking tours in Macau.
Wu also addressed the lack of night walking tours in the destination, and suggested that an after-dark photography tour bundled with resident shows at leading integrated resorts, such as House of Dancing Water (performed at City of Dreams) and Macau 2049 (performed at MGM Theater) could work.
Ingram addresses travel and tourism industry professionals attending TRENZ 2025, a trade event managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa
The association for New Zealand’s travel and tourism businesses, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), is working with government agencies and academics to identify future skillsets needed in the industry and develop relevant courses in response, and has introduced a data insights resource to help members access “good information for good decisions”.
These initiatives, join many others that TIA is operating to “make development and upskilling business capability more accessible and available for our members”, shared TIA chief executive, Rebecca Ingram.
Ingram addresses travel and tourism industry professionals attending TRENZ 2025, a trade event managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Elaborating on the skillset forecast, Ingram told TTG Asia that the workforce scenario of the future will consider issues such as skills needed, where such specialists will need to be deployed in the country, what training is needed, and the availability of relevant courses now to meet future need.
She said: “It’s a really long term, strategic way of looking at tourism and making sure that we are planning for the future.”
She noted that essential skills in travel and tourism are evolving, and there is now a need for people to be able to take initiative on tasks, be flexible, show leadership, and identify different trusted information sources and use data for decisions.
“These are all really important skills for life, and we want to make sure that our young people are building up those skills that are going to be transferable, no matter what tourism career they’re choosing to embark on,” she stated.
For this initiative, TIA is leveraging its relationship with the Tourism Teachers Aotearoa of New Zealand to take tourism education into secondary schools, thus paving a “strong pathway into tertiary education”.
“I really want our young people to see the breadth and depth of what a career in tourism could look like. There is definitely a job to do to help our young people, and also their parents, understand the possibilities available with a career in tourism (and being involved in) global businesses where they can transfer around the world,” Ingram added.
When asked about other recent and significant capability-building projects, Ingram pointed to the Women in Tourism Career Accelerator programme, conducted in partnership with Powrsuit. The programme enjoys “overwhelming interest” and has awarded three scholarships at press time.
Ingram shared that the programme supports a diverse profile – the first batch of beneficiaries includes one who works for a holiday park, one for economic development agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited, and one for Hammer Springs resort town.
To qualify for scholarship consideration, candidates need to be nominated by others. Submissions are then reviewed by TIA.
Ingram said there is no limit to the number of scholarships the programme will offer.
Another successful programme at TIA is the online learning management course for members, which comprises 12 modules covering “case studies, readings, activities to cement their learning”.
Available free for all, the course has more than 450 learners to date, with a high completion rate.
Ingram emphasised that TIA approaches capability building investments with a view from the individual level as well as the macro level “to make sure that we can continue to deliver for years to come”.
With traveller preferences evolving across the Asia-Pacific region, tourism authorities in the Middle East are adjusting their strategies to meet changing expectations and booking behaviours.
Insights from Euromonitor International’s Passport Travel 2025 edition, shared during the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, show a significant shift in how Asia-Pacific consumers plan trips. Online bookings in the region are projected to grow from 53 per cent in 2019 to 75 per cent by 2029.
Tourism boards discussed the influence of Asia-Pacific travel trends during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai; photo by Rohit Kaul
“One of the key trends we are noticing is that travel bookings in the Asia-Pacific market are increasingly led by online channels. Social media is playing a huge role in turning interest into demand. Previously, we saw mostly family travellers from China in their 40s and 50s. Now, younger Chinese travellers are proactively exploring Dubai,” said Shahab Shayan, regional director, Asia Pacific at Dubai’s department of economy and tourism.
This digital shift is prompting tourism boards across the Middle East to increase their focus on targeted social media strategies. Rather than relying on celebrity endorsements, destinations are working with niche influencers who have strong influence over specific interest groups.
“We recently hosted a group of Indian culinary specialists and food enthusiasts. Their credibility and loyal followers make them ideal ambassadors for showcasing the rich diversity of Saudi regional cuisines,” said Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of Asia Pacific Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Another trend emerging from Asia-Pacific markets is the growing demand for experiential travel. According to Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyle Survey (January-February 2025), 59 per cent of Asia-Pacific respondents consider it important to spend money on experiences.
“Earlier, Chinese travel demand was more itinerary and accommodation driven, often handled through tour operators. Now we are seeing strong demand from the FIT segment and less group travel. There is more demand for experiences among Chinese travellers as now they want to know about aspects like food and culture,” said Shayan.
Beyond China and India, Middle East tourism boards are also focusing on other key Asian markets. Saudi Arabia is planning to introduce direct flights to Japan and South Korea.
“We have a huge participation at Osaka Expo 2025 to create awareness in the region for Saudi Arabia. We get millions of travellers from markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan for Hajj and Umrah. Our strategy is to make them stay longer and experience offerings beyond Makkah and Medina,” added Aldabbagh.
Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their strategic partnership to improve the air-sea travel experience and support Dubai’s plans to grow as a cruise hub.
Announced at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the agreement builds on more than 10 years of cooperation. It was signed by Emirates’s executive vice president for passenger sales and country management, Nabil Sultan, and MSC Cruises’s head of Fly & Cruise, Eudes-Philippe Le Guelinel.
The partnership seeks to strengthen Dubai’s cruise proposition along with other key destinations
The partnership includes Fly&Cruise packages, offering cruise passengers airport transfers and baggage services. Travellers can check in luggage at the cruise terminal and collect it at their destination.
The collaboration covers MSC Cruises’ global fleet, including its luxury line Explora Journeys. Both companies will coordinate flight and cruise schedules, share operational data, and run joint marketing campaigns to attract more cruise travellers to Dubai and beyond.
At Port Rashid, 16 dedicated Emirates counters allow cruise passengers to check in for flights and skip airport queues, helping to streamline their journey.
Nabil said: “The cruise traveller segment is experiencing robust growth, and we will work closely with MSC Cruises on co-marketing initiatives to communicate the diversity of destinations in our network combined with an attractive air-sea proposition.”
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, added: “We are pleased to be extending this successful partnership and continuing to offer Emirates’ world-renowned flight service alongside the memorable experience waiting for guests on board our ship through our Fly & Cruise packages.”
Tourism Australia’s largest annual trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), will return to Adelaide/Tarntanya in 2026 for the first time since 2018.
ATE26 will be delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission. The event will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from May 10 to 14, 2026.
South Australia prepares to showcase its tourism offerings as Adelaide is set to host ATE26; River Torrens in Adelaide, pictured
Thousands of delegates from across Australia and overseas are expected to attend.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Brisbane had successfully hosted ATE25 and that planning was already underway to see how Adelaide and South Australia would present the state to international buyers and global media in 2026.
She remarked: “ATE helps to drive international travellers to regions right around the country but it is a particularly good opportunity for the host state and we will be working closely with our partners, the South Australian Tourism Commission, to put on a memorable event next year.”
South Australia’s minister for tourism, Zoe Bettison, said: “The Australian Tourism Exchange offers a powerful platform to showcase South Australia’s unique offerings to the most influential national and international tourism stakeholders, inspiring them to promote our wonderful destination in their markets.
“From our world-class food and wine, natural wonders and beautiful regions, our stand-out events and festivals, and new luxury accommodation, we’re looking forward to giving the world a taste of what South Australia and our passionate tourism operators have to offer.”
Marriott International and CG Hospitality have signed an agreement to convert The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines into an Autograph Collection resort. Set to open by the end of 3Q2025, it will be the first Autograph Collection property in the country.
Located in Lipa City, Batangas, about 90 minutes from Metro Manila, the 52-hectare retreat will become The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection. It will offer 70 keys, including one-bedroom villas and two- and four-bedroom private pool villas. Planned facilities include a swimming pool with bar, fitness centre, spa, and a medical wellness centre. Guests can also expect five dining venues, a lobby lounge, and two additional bars.
The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection marks the brand’s debut in the Philippines following a strategic conversion deal
With a focus on nutrition, movement, integrated medicine, and mindful living to support long-term wellbeing, the resort also features 321m² of flexible event spaces.
Nearby attractions include historic religious landmarks, Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, and Casa de Segunda, a preserved 19th-century heritage home.
“With wellness emerging as a key driver of travel decisions, this is a timely and strategic entry for us,” commented Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.
“Our strategic partnership with Marriott International to bring The Farm at San Benito into the Autograph Collection family reflects our commitment to creating experiences that are both timeless and transformative. By joining hands, we are taking this vision global, introducing the Philippines’ first Autograph Collection property, and setting a new benchmark for wellness hospitality in the region,” added Binod Chaudhary, chairman of CG Corp Global.
Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, Malaysia
Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown has opened in the restored Oriental Bank building on Jalan Hang Lekiu, marking the brand’s debut in the city.
The 21-storey hotel offers 320 guestrooms, a social area for check-in and networking, a breakfast spot, and Bar Moxy, a rooftop space for cocktails with city views. The hotel’s playful design blends 1970s architecture with bold Chinatown-inspired interiors, located steps away from the city’s bustling food streets and nightlife.
Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi
Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi, Vietnam
Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi is situated along West Lake, about 20 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport. The hotel has 207 rooms and suites with views of the lake or city.
Dining options include Thai dishes at Soi Restaurant, Italian food at Vinci Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, and Vietnamese noodle soup at Phở Lụa. For light bites, Dusit Gourmet serves pastries and coffee. The hotel also features four private dining rooms designed for exclusive gatherings and VIP occasions
Facilities include a gym, wellness spaces, three ballrooms, and a rooftop event space with lake views.
AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh
AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh, Malaysia
The 291-key AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh is located on Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil in
It features 291 rooms, restaurants, lounge, and event venues, such as The Tin Mine Club, which offers panoramic city views.
The hotel is also home to Ipoh’s largest pillarless ballroom, hosting up to 1,600 pax, as well as a gym, pool, co-working spaces, and four indoor pickleball courts.
Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi
Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi, Thailand
Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi boasts 69 guestrooms and suites, and features Terra Bar & Café, serving Thai and Western cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and flexible meeting and event spaces suited for business and social gatherings.
Located in the heart of Ratchaburi, the hotel is close to key attractions such as Ratchaburi National Museum, Wat Mahathat Worawihan, and Ruesi Khao Ngu Cave.
Trafalgar will expand into river cruising in spring 2026, launching two itineraries along the Rhine and Danube. This marks the company’s entry into the river cruise market, with both journeys available for booking from today through travel partners, ahead of public sales.
The first two itineraries include an eight-day Danube cruise aboard the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie, and a 10-day Rhine itinerary aboard the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity. Both routes will feature guided excursions, guest-hosted dining experiences, and onboard programmes focused on culture, sustainability, and wellness.
Trafalgar will debut two European river cruises in April 2026; Trafalgar Reverie balcony room, pictured
The Best of the Danube itinerary runs from Budapest to Passau, and includes guided visits in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, as well as a hosted meal at Weingut Nikolaihof, one of Austria’s oldest wineries. The itinerary also includes a visit in Bratislava focused on post-war history. Optional extensions in Prague and Budapest are available. Prices start at US$2,799 per person, based on double occupancy.
The Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam itinerary travels from Basel to Amsterdam, with scheduled stops including Cologne, the Rhine Gorge and Strasbourg. Guests will join the Bohrer family for a hosted meal on their farm and visit Weinessiggut Doktorenhof for a vinegar production experience. An optional extension in Lucerne is also offered.
Rates start at US$3,399 per person, based on double occupancy.
Both vessels will offer seven cabin categories, onboard activities and facilities, and are scheduled to begin sailing from April 11, 2026.
