The St. Regis Macao has appointed Stuart-Wayne Douglas as general manager.
Douglas began his hotel career in 1996 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1999, he became director of rooms at the Hilton Longboat Key Resort in Florida. He later moved to The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Jamaica, where he served as executive assistant manager starting in 2007. In 2017, he became resident manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah.
Before moving to The St. Regis Macao, Douglas held the position of hotel manager at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan in China.
South Korea’s Air Busan will no longer allow passengers to keep power banks in luggage stored in overhead cabins – a cautious move following a fire that devastated one of its airplanes last week.
Only bags cleared of power banks and tagged at the boarding gates will be allowed to be stored in overhead cabins
Starting this February 7, all passenger carry-on bags will be inspected at the boarding gates. Those not containing power banks will be tagged and allowed for storage in overhead cabins. This measure will begin on trial routes before being expanded to all flights.
The airline will require power banks to be kept with passengers so overheating, smoke or fire incidents can quickly be dealt with immediately.
Furthermore, crew will undergo additional fire training and aircraft will carry additional fire containment equipment.
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) has recorded a sharp rise in tourist numbers across various provinces and cities during the country’s nine-day Tet Lunar New Year holidays starting January 25 and ending February 2. Both domestic and international tourist numbers were up for that period over the 2024 holidays.
There were 12.5 million domestic visitors, up 19 per cent over 2024, while international visitor arrivals rose by some 30 per cent. The latter was attributed to friendlier visa policies and targeted tourism promotions led by the tourism authorities and private sector players.
Tet celebrations lift Vietnam’s tourism business, with eight provinces and cities surpassing one trillion Vietnamese dong (US$39.6 million) in tourism earnings this year
Access to Vietnam was also boosted ahead of Tet, with Vietnam Airlines adding three wet-lease A320 aircraft to operations from January 13 to February 12. These aircraft flew domestic routes and contributed approximately 75,000 seats, equivalent to over 400 flights, during the Tet holiday period.
The country’s other dominant airline player, Vietjet strengthened its fleet through four additional wet-leased aircraft that were deployed on both domestic and international routes. Priority was given to high-traffic journeys from South to North Vietnam, as well as routes catering to passengers travelling for Tet celebrations.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, domestic flights during Tet reached a booking rate of 90 per cent to 100 per cent.
VNAT data showed that Quang Ninh, Danang, Quang Nam, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kien Giang were most popular among international travellers.
A report by Vietnam Briefing noted that Tet 2025 was particularly successful for Vietnam’s tourism industry, as eight provinces and cities were able to surpass one trillion Vietnamese dong (US$39.6 million) in earnings – something only Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang were able to achieve in 2024.
Official data shows that Ho Chi Minh City recorded an estimated tourism revenue of 7.7 trillion Vietnamese dong, up 17 per cent over Tet 2024. Hanoi has 3.5 trillion Vietnamese dong, up eight per cent.
Coastal province Quang Ninh, which is loved for scenic Halong Bay and many natural spots, enjoyed an earnings surge, with 2.7 trillion Vietnamese dong on record, up 71 per cent over the same period in 2024.
The Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Snake, one of Macau’s most important Chinese New Year festive programmes, took off on January 31, on the third day of the 15-day-long celebrations.
The parade featured 17 floats as well as some 1,300 performers at Sai Van Lake Square.
The was followed by a round of fireworks displays.
Visitors to Macau can continue to bask in festive cheer in the coming days. The float parade will return on February 8 at 20.00, setting off from Estrada Marginal da Ilha Verde to bring delight to the northern district. They will also be on display at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf from now until February 7, and at Tap Seac Square from February 9 to 16.
A cultural and artistic show will start at Iao Hon Market Garden at 20.15, featuring Hong Kong and Macau celebrities.
Chinese New Year Fireworks Displays can also be caught on February 12 over the seas fronting the Macau Tower.
Thailand has launched the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, a year-long initiative to celebrate the country’s cultural heritage, diverse tourism experiences, and world-class sporting events and bring about stronger tourism performance.
Tourism festivals, high-profile sporting tournaments, and exclusive travel privileges can be expected as part of the campaign as Thailand aims for 39 million international visitors and three trillion Baht (US$88.4 billion) in tourism revenue by the end of 2025.
Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 promises a full year of tourism festivals, sports tournament, and special deals for visitors
Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said: “Tourism is a key driver of Thailand’s economy, and as we embrace the digital era, we must continue to grow by enhancing infrastructure, expanding world-class events, and creating innovative experiences that attract and inspire visitors. Beyond our natural beauty and cultural heritage, Thailand is evolving into a hub for man-made tourism, with dynamic festivals, international events, and cutting-edge entertainment. This year is a powerful testament to nationwide collaboration, and I invite everyone to be part of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 – a year of opportunity, excitement, and unforgettable experiences.”
Minister of tourism and sports Sorawong Thienthong highlighted the government’s Ignite Thailand’s Tourism vision, which aims to establish Thailand as a leading regional tourism and sports hub.
“We are integrating efforts across public and private sectors to enhance travel convenience and elevate visitor experiences. Key measures include increasing airline slots and flight frequencies, implementing an online TM6 immigration system, and upgrading transportation networks to improve accessibility to both major and lesser-known destinations. We are also developing tourism personnel and encouraging hotels to adopt sustainable standards, ensuring a world-class travel experience,” he said.
The ministry is enhancing safety measures while expanding collaboration with private sector partners to offer special discounts and privileges for tourists visiting both major destinations and emerging hidden gems. It is prioritising four key safety initiatives: crime prevention, accident prevention, enhanced tourist assistance services, and financial compensation for affected travellers.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared that the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 will play up the country’s tourism potential through the 5 Grand concept – Grand Festivity, which will comprise festivals throughout the year; Grand Moment, a collection of exclusive travel experiences designed to create once-in-a-lifetime moments; Grand Invitation, opportunities to host global icons, sports legends, and influential figures at high-profile events in the country; Grand Celebration, key milestones in the tourism industry, including the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations; and Grand Privilege, a series of premium travel benefits to incentivise key traveller market segments.
The campaign will also highlight yet-to-be-discovered cities, Thailand’s soft power and must-dos.
“These elements will ensure that every visitor enjoys an unforgettable journey through Thailand’s rich cultural and sporting landscapes,” said Thapanee.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is instrumental in positioning sports as a key driver for tourism growth. One of the biggest highlights of 2025 will be Thailand’s role as host of the 33rd SEA Games from December 9 to 20, with action across Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla.
Come 2026, Thailand will welcome the 13th ASEAN Para Games from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima,
SAT deputy governor Prodpran Samanmitr said: “By hosting top-tier international competitions, we aim to drive economic growth, establish Thailand as a premier global sports hub, and reinforce the nation’s reputation as a world-class sporting destination.”
SAT will also advance Thai sports by nurturing emerging national athletes and propelling them to success on the global stage, allowing the destination brand to spread worldwide through such soft power.
The Indian government has announced a slew of measures aimed at boosting the country’s tourism and hospitality sector in the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week.
The central government will collaborate with state governments to develop top 50 tourist destinations in the country through a “challenge mode”. Land for building key infrastructure will be provided by states. Hotels in these destinations will be included in the infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML), which will offer investors a host of benefits such as access to more External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) funds and eligibility to borrow from India Infrastructure Financing Company.
State governments will play a part in tourism development, and incentives will be given to those that are effective in their destination management efforts; Parliament House, New Delhi pictured
Furthermore, performance-linked incentives will be offered to state governments for effective destination management, such as having made investments in tourist amenities, cleanliness and marketing efforts.
Pradeep Shetty, vice president, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said: “Inclusion in HML will facilitate access to cheaper and long-term financing, enabling hotels in these newly developed destinations to upgrade their facilities and offer world-class services, further boosting the sector.”
The government of India plans to modify its regional airport development programme to enhance connectivity to 120 new destinations and support helipads and smaller airports in hilly and north-eastern parts of the country.
“The Union Budget 2025 marks a significant step in supporting the sustained growth of India’s aviation sector. We commend the government’s commitment to infrastructure which will make air travel more accessible, thereby boosting tourism and the economy on the whole,” said Vinay Dube, founder and CEO of Akasa Air.
The Indian finance minister also announced that the central government is considering visa-fee waivers for certain tourist groups. Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts, feels that the announcement of visa waivers will undoubtedly make India a more accessible and attractive destination for global travellers.
replacing 24 traditional internal combustion engine fleet vehicles with electric powered vehicles
Brisbane Airport has become Australia’s first airport to achieve net zero emissions (scope 1 and 2), allowing passengers using the facility to rely on 100 per cent renewable-backed electricity generation.
Scope 1 are direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organisation, while Scope 2 are indirect emissions released into the atmosphere from the use of purchased energy.
Brisbane Airport has replaced 24 traditional internal combustion engine fleet vehicles with electric powered vehicles in its journey towards net zero emissions
“We are proud to have achieved this milestone. As a sustainability leader, we take our role in reducing our impact on the environment very seriously,” said Brisbane Airport chief executive officer, Gert-Jan de Graaff.
“But there is far more work to be done. We know the most significant source of emissions comes from aviation fuel used by our airline partners. It’s why we continue to represent all airports on the Australian Jet Zero Council, and support research undertaken at Brisbane Airport by Stralis which is developing a hydrogen-electric aircraft, with a test-flight planned for this year.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation has reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 97 per cent through the purchase of 100 per cent renewable electricity generation from Stanwell, a Queensland-based wind farm and solar energy provider; expanding onsite solar to 10MW; and replacing 24 traditional internal combustion engine fleet vehicles with electric powered vehicles.
The remaining 3 per cent of emissions have been offset through native bush regeneration projects in southwest Queensland via Tasman Environmental Markets.
Renewable power on facility is used to “operate everything”, from check-in systems, baggage conveyors, air conditioning, departure screens, escalators, electric ground services equipment, right through to the runway lights that guide aircraft safely into the sky, detailed de Graaff.
Commenting on the achievement, Queensland treasurer and energy minister David Janetzki, said: “This strategic partnership demonstrates demand for Queensland’s high quality renewable energy as we shift to a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system.”
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke recalled that Brisbane Airport was the company’s first customer for its renewable energy pipeline when a deal was inked in 2022.
Asia-Pacific destinations’ cultural and historical richness, authentic hospitality as well as quality travel products sold at attractive prices have been lauded as solid draws for luxury travellers, according to hoteliers and DMCs participating at the recent Further East 2024 luxury travel tradeshow in Bali.
Travel and tourism players in this region have become ever more innovative with their products and services to charm well-travelled guests, especially as luxury travellers – particularly those from the west – turn away from flashy experiences to favour engaging and immersive options.
Street food culture is brought into The Nanee hotel in Bhaktapur, Nepal though the Bara Shop
Le Hong Lan, co-founder of Luxperia, Vietnam, said tours today are focused on delivering enhanced personalised experiences across the whole journey.
An example lies in a Luxperia programme where guests are invited to dinner with a Michelin-starred chef – Lan said the experience extends beyond the food.
“Having dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant is nothing special for high-end travellers. However, having dinner with a Michelin-starred chef while learning to prepare Vietnamese dishes and then taking home the prized recipe is,” said Lan.
He added that the experience is special, as the interaction with the chef results in practical tips, such as substitute ingredients that guests can use back home to create a fusion Vietnamese dish of their own.
Over at Destination Asia Indonesia, 15 Impact Tour programmes have been created. These feature local personalities heading unique causes – such as interaction with someone specialising in fireflies conservation, where guests will visit rice fields in the evening to watch the lightning bugs dance in the dark; and participation in a women empowerment project.
Elaborating on the women empowerment project, David Nuetzel, director of leisure at Destination Asia Indonesia, said the initiative was founded by Sari Pollen, known affectionately as Ibu Sari, who had risen up from a difficult life following her divorce and a 12-year separation from her daughter. She created a safe space for vulnerable women and children in Bali after realising that many other women had gone through similar adversity. The women’s centre provides a secure environment for divorced women, who are often highly stigmatised and ostracised by their community, according to Nuetzel.
At the centre, women learn to cook, make clothes and accessories, and selling techniques. Visitors are invited to learn about Ibu Sari and the role of women in the Balinese society, as well as to participate in activities such as herbal tea workshop, batik painting, soap making, paper recycling, or cooking. A Balinese lunch, prepared by the women at the centre, is also served to visitors.
Product innovation with regenerative tourism in mind is also happening.
The Nanee, an 18-room hotel in Bhaktapur, Nepal, is a good example. It was built and opened in 2023 as “an experiential property to contribute to the sustainability and regeneration of the heritage of Bhaktapur”, said managing director Ajay Pradhanang.
Bhaktapur was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and is recognised for its outstanding cultural and historical significance.
Bhaktapur’s heritage and culture are given attention through The Nanee’s Storytelling Room where local artisans, storytellers and cultural experts often come to share their stories about the destination with guests. The hotel also conducts various tours and activities for guests to experience and appreciate Bhaktapur, such as street food tours, pottery workshops, and interaction with local artisans in their home, workshop or gallery.
Pradhanang explained that when visitors immerse themselves in the way of life in Bhaktaphur, they inject income into the local community, allowing the locals to sustain their traditions.
Ibu Sari lifts Balinese women and children through her support centre, where visitors are invited to join them in activities
Attractively priced
The abundance of meaningful experiences unique to Asia-Pacific also comes at a good price point.
Comparing Asia with the Caribbean, which is also popular among US travellers, Nuetzel said that while airfares to this region are not cheap, due to the vast distance, luxury travellers could score a top-notch hotel stay for US$1,000 to US$1,500 per night; in the Caribbean, the same would cost between US$3,000 and US$4,000 per night, or as high as US$8,000 per night.
Luxperia’s Lan added that the hotel landscape in Asia-Pacific has become a lot more exciting after the pandemic, with many investors erecting new hotel projects and appointing international brands to manage their properties.
In Vietnam, hotel capacity has boomed, especially as developers convert apartments and residences into hotels. The supply surge has dampened prices, making fresh accommodation options available at attractive prices.
Lan added: “Similarly, airlines are expanding their network. Vietnam Airlines, for example, not only flies to and from Vietnam, but also across the region, serving routes between Laos and Cambodia. This creates borderless travel and gives travellers more destinations to choose from. With more choice, travellers’ demand has become more sophisticated,” he remarked.
Powerful welcome
Serge Dive, CEO of This is Beyond, which owns the Further East event, said Asia-Pacific is also very powerful in the competition for travellers because of its hospitality spirit.
“The region often holds very different values to those in the West. For one, many Asia-Pacific countries traditionally elevate the collective over the individual; from Confucius to Buddhism, people here have a root awareness of the small improvements to body and mind that link every human being. We can see that in how Asia-Pacific brands treat their guests by emphasising subtle touches that slowly align into a satisfying whole, even if you don’t notice that as much as splashier, typically luxurious elements to service and design.
“It’s the difference between waiting for a huge meal under magnificent chandeliers and eating by the ocean, under a night sky, with the guy who caught the crab putting it on the grill a few feet away.
“Travel in this region is more naturally attuned to what we have in common, instead of what keeps us apart,” Dive explained.
He added that the “sheer optimism of tens of millions of hospitality workers in Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, etc, is very special”, and has the power to deliver a spectacular welcome to guests from all over the world.
Fili Hotel at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu has appointed Onelle Pacheco-Verzosa as its director of sales for the wholesale market.
Pacheco-Verzosa was previously the director of sales at Millennium Heritage Hotel Manila. She has held sales and marketing positions at other properties including Boracay Tropics and Hotel Celeste, Holiday Inn and Suites Manila Galleria and Camp John Hay Manor.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has appointed Prapaijit Thongma as general manager of Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, set to open in 1Q2025.
Having joined Centara Hotels & Resorts in 2001, Prapaijit’s journey began as front office manager at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, where she quickly rose to director of rooms. She further honed her skills in various leadership positions, including executive assistant manager at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi and resident manager at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection.
Her expertise proved invaluable during the successful openings of both Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, where she was appointed hotel manager in 2013 and promoted to general manager in 2014.
From there, she advanced to area general manager, overseeing both Maldives properties – Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
The was followed by a round of fireworks displays.
