Kyoto will raise accommodation taxes to fund city infrastructure development and address overtourism ills
Japan’s Kyoto is working towards higher accommodation tax – up to 10,000 yen (US$64.20) per night for rooms priced from 100,000 yen and more – to fund city infrastructure developments and address overtourism issues. This is expected to be implemented from March 2026.
Kyoto will raise accommodation taxes to fund city infrastructure development and address overtourism ills
Kyoto’s current accommodation tax on overnight tourists, in place since 2018, has an upper limit of 1,000 yen per person per night.
With the revision, stays costing 6,000 yen a night will incur a 200 yen tax; room rates from 6,000 yen to 19,999 yen a night would be subjected to 400 yen in taxes; from 20,000 yen to 49,999 yen would have 1,000 yen in taxes; from 50,000 yen to 99,999 yen would have 4,000 yen in taxes; and rates exceeding 100,000 yen would have 10,000 yen in taxes.
Trips for educational purposes would be exempt from the taxation.
According to local news reports, the collected money would be used to improve city infrastructure, including public transportation services and conservation of traditional buildings.
Riding on a proven rise in bleisure travel and the pivotal role food plays in travel experiences, Oakwood is taking a strategic position to cater to the evolving needs of travellers seeking the perfect blend of business and pleasure.
In a press statement, Ascott’s Oakwood noted that bleisure travel is currently a global market valued at nearly US$600 billion, based on Forbes research, while American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report had highlight the influential power of food experiences in travel, with 46 per cent of respondents saying they would sign up for cooking classes to engage with the culture of the destination, while 34 per cent would shop for groceries while travelling.
Oakwood brand’s All You Knead is Comfort brand campaign this year will connect guests with comfort food from various regions through food-inspired activations and a digital cookbook
In line with these findings, all new Oakwood properties will feature on-site dining options. Following last year’s brand refresh, more than half of Oakwood properties today offer the convenience of dining on-property, featuring a variety of culinary options that focus on comfort food.
Furthermore, the Oakwood brand’s All You Knead is Comfort brand campaign 2025 will tap into the universal power of comfort food to soothe the soul and satisfy the palate. The campaign invites guests to experience the comforts of home through food-inspired activations, including cooking classes, celebrity chef collaborations and limited-time offerings at on-property restaurants, available through March 31 this year.
As part of this campaign, Oakwood is also showcasing its culinary capabilities with the launch of its first digital cookbook, Comfort, Curated. Featuring recipes by Oakwood chefs from all 12 countries that the brand currently operates in, the cookbook presents a collection of dishes from various regions, and is available for free download on the brand campaign webpage. Through this initiative, Oakwood invites guests to recreate a taste of home no matter where they are, and when they return home, a taste of the destinations they have visited.
Alongside the digital cookbook, Oakwood properties have teamed up with local culinary experts to offer exclusive, limited-time menus and masterclasses for guests.
Tan Bee Leng, chief commercial officer, Ascott, said: “As bleisure travel continues to grow, our guests are increasingly seeking distinctive culinary experiences. This reflects a broader shift towards experiential travel, where food acts as a gateway to understanding and appreciating the culture and heritage of each destination. Oakwood is well-positioned to ride this trend and distinguish itself with its multi-faceted approach to culinary tourism.
“With Home on a Plate as one of our brand signatures, Oakwood apartments are equipped with kitchens, allowing guests to prepare local dishes using ingredients sourced from the region. This hands-on approach not only fosters a deeper cultural connection but also offers flexibility in dining choices.
“Additionally, our F&B programme, All You Knead is Comfort, goes beyond the physical dining spaces by offering guests interactive culinary events like cooking classes, food tastings and seasonal offerings. These activities enable guests to engage directly with local chefs and food traditions, enriching their stay and creating lasting memories.”
Headlines of extreme weather conditions have been quite common throughout 2024, with the year ending with news of the heaviest snowfall in Seoul in a century as well as warmer than expected autumn in Japan that delayed the peak of seasonal foliage. Unusual weather also led into 2025, with Singapore getting a particularly wet January.
However, Chuan Sheng Soong, CEO of Klook Protect, the travel insurance arm of OTA Klook, said travel interest – including for outdoor adventures and activities – remains strong in the face of increasingly unpredictable and disruptive weather patterns.
Soong noted that travellers participating in outdoor adventures and activities will be most at risk of disrupted travel plans when bad weather strikes. To help customers better cope with disrupted travel due to weather issues, Klook is working to “close gaps” in travel insurance coverage and is providing its own set of support solutions, including a No-Show Refund that covers failure in participation for any reason.
In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions video news, Soong also discusses changes in travel insurance take-ups as cases of unpredictable weather spike, and what travellers should consider when selecting the right travel insurance plan.
Bangkok’s historic Chinatown is set for a transformative new chapter with Asset World Corp (AWC) breaking ground on Woeng Nakornkasem Yaowaraj, a 16 billion baht (US$$474 million) mixed-use development near MRT Samyot station.
Spanning 2.24 hectares, the project is designed to integrate luxury hospitality, retail, and cultural experiences, solidifying Chinatown’s position as a premier tourism hub.
The development is set at the juncture of Yaowarat Road and Ong Ang canal, with one side of the development bordering Chinatown, one bordering the waterway, and another Chakkrawat Road; photo by AWC
“Travellers are looking for uniqueness, authenticity, and value – this will be a world-class destination on some of the most valuable land in Thailand,” said Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and president of AWC.
The development is the group’s largest to date.
The 135,000m2 development aims to achieve international green building standards and will feature two luxury hotels – an InterContinental with approximately 300 keys and Chinatown’s largest ballroom for events, and a Kimpton hotel with around 200 keys.
Complementing these will be an eight-story contemporary Chinese pavilion serving as a scenic viewpoint, along with approximately 50,000m2 of high-end retail space. A significant portion of this will feature one of Thailand’s largest underground retail complexes, spanning two and a half levels below ground.
The project will also integrate Chinatown’s most extensive parking facility, with the project extending a total of five storeys underground and 10 storeys above ground.
“Aside from building a world-class landmark, we are committed to conserving the heritage shophouses surrounding the property, ensuring they remain an integral part of the community,” Wallapa noted.
“We will draw out the history and connect it with tourism, offering a unique, immersive experience,” she elaborated.
Part of AWC’s larger River Journey initiative, the project aligns with broader efforts to celebrate Chinatown’s maritime heritage.
The development will be well-connected to Bangkok’s expanding transport network, including an eco-friendly, Chinese-themed tram linking the development with other key Chinatown destinations, such as Songwat road.
Additionally, a boat service themed with Chinese lanterns will bring visitors from the Chao Phraya River via the Ong Ang canal, and connect Woeng Nakornkasem Yaowaraj with AWC’s planned wellness destination across the river at Lhong 1919 pier – the original docking point in Bangkok for Chinese junk boats – for which a Ritz-Carlton property is planned.
“We believe there is a demand (for luxury hospitality in Yaowarat) but there has not yet been quality supply (made available). After opening many luxury properties, we’ve seen that the demand is very strong from this sector. With 500 new luxury keys, we are confident in the strong, quality demand for high-end hospitality in the area that can reinforce both economic and tourism growth,” she stated.
Beyond hospitality and retail, the space is designed as a vibrant cultural hub, set to become a focal point for Chinese New Year and other festival activities.
“We envision Woeng Nakornkasem as a family-friendly lifestyle destination, offering unique entertainment such as Chinese martial arts, family-owned street food institutions native to the area, and heritage experiences,” Wallapa added.
Opening in phases, Woeng Nakornkasem Yaowaraj is expected to be fully operational by 2029.
Marriott Hotels' Wonderful Hospitality For Your Heartfelt Smile campaign aims to deliver its service ethos
Guests who stay at Marriott Hotels may soon get to see some of their favourite comedians at select properties across Xiamen, Shenzhen, and Beijing from January 20 through the end of March 2025.
The hotel group has launched the Wonderful Hospitality For Your Heartfelt Smile brand campaign in Greater China. As part of the campaign, Marriott Hotels will collaborate with popular Chinese comedians Yan Peilun, Zhang Youwei, Liu Yang, and Zhu Meiji, to host a series of live comedy shows at the mentioned properties.
Marriott Hotels’ Wonderful Hospitality For Your Heartfelt Smile campaign aims to deliver its service ethos
The comedians also star in five campaign videos that capture everyday moments at Marriott Hotels, from the front office associates who anticipate guest needs to exceptional, in-house dining experiences crafted with passion and care.
“As the flagship brand of Marriott International, Marriott Hotels offers discerning travellers an inviting environment tailored for comfortable stays made special with heartfelt service,” said Betty Tian, managing vice president, customer, Greater China. “Today’s travellers are seeking greater personal connections with the destinations they visit. With creative cross-industry collaborations, we will offer more enriching guest experiences that enhance our promise of Wonderful Hospitality. Always.”
The launch of the campaign marks the official kick-off of Marriott Hotels‘ Wonderful Hospitality brand programme in 71 properties across Greater China.
Regal Hotels' Green Meetings initiative helps event organisers deliver more eco-conscious meetings
Deks Air has been appointed as the general sales agent for Regal Hotels International in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Regal Hotels’ Green Meetings initiative helps event organisers deliver more eco-conscious meetings
The partnership with Deks Air enables the hotel group to support clients looking to host eco-friendly and successful events in Hong Kong.
Regal Hotels is known for its Green Meetings initiative, designed to help event organisers achieve their sustainability goals merging environmental responsibility with commercial success. The programme includes services such as low-carbon menus and detailed carbon emissions monitoring and reporting.
From left: Pear Anderson’s Hannah Pearson (moderator); Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association’s Sri Ganesh Michiel; AirAsia MOVE’s Nadia Omer; and Booking.com’s Yang Li
OTAs have revolutionised the travel industry, but while they offer hotels benefits like increased visibility and access to a global audience, they also present challenges that can strain relationships.
During the Friend or Foe? Navigating the Role of OTAs in the Tourism Industry session at the recently-concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 in Johor Bahru, Ganesh Michiel, national president, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association, addressed high commission fees charged by OTAs.
From left: Pear Anderson’s Hannah Pearson (moderator); Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association’s Sri Ganesh Michiel; AirAsia Move’s Nadia Omer; and Booking.com’s Yang Li
“High commission rates impact the profit of smaller players. There is also a lack of control between the hotels, guests, and OTAs. For example, if a guest needs something and approaches the OTA, the OTA has to contact the hotel, and this lack of communication will result in the hotel getting a bad name,” he elaborated.
Yang Li, head of public affairs APAC, Booking.com, acknowledged the varying importance of OTAs for hotels, emphasising the value of OTAs for smaller hotels reaching a global audience, as compared to the larger chains with numerous well-known brands.
Li shared: “Later this year, we will launch a fund to assist small and medium-sized accommodation providers with improving their hospitality practices. We recognise that many of these businesses may lack the resources for comprehensive staff training, particularly in areas like international customer service and English language proficiency, and this fund aims to bridge that gap and enhance their ability to attract travellers.”
Another speaker, AirAsia Move’s CEO Nadia Omer, shared that AirAsia Move – formerly known as AirAsia Superapp – is positioned as a budget travel OTA focused on meeting the needs of middle- and lower-income travellers.
“Value travel is all about creating a shared value for all players within the ecosystem. Do not eliminate choice for the traveller. Win by still being the best choice, even with all of these options,” she stated.
With larger OTAs moving towards offering multi-modal bookings – where one booking could also include flights, accommodation, attractions, and rental of cars – AirAsia Move was created to “protect the aviation industry”. Omer stressed that it is important to have a balanced and sustainable travel ecosystem to stem the potential undercutting of airfares and a focus on hotel-driven revenue models.
Michiel concluded by stating that success hinges on collaboration with all stakeholders. “We all have to work together, and have mutual understanding (such as optimising commission structures). We also have to work with government agencies to enforce regulations for online platforms to safeguard product owners, while protecting the users, and ensure the (long-term viability) of online platforms.”
Guests on a journey with Regent Seven Seas Cruises this year can expect brand new entertainment onboard that features high-energy performances, immersive storytelling, and innovative concepts.
The new shows have been curated across its fleet following guest feedback and exemplify Regent’s commitment to delivering luxury experiences which are “Unrivalled at Sea”.
New entertainment has been curated for all Regent ships sailing in 2025, and will be performed in the grand theatre and on lounge stages
The upcoming productions promise fresh creativity and a modern approach, blending iconic music, dance, and interactivity. The shows range from homages to legendary female rock artists and British pop acts, to celebrations of Motown and 1940’s big band, as well as a brand-new music trivia game show concept and more.
“Along with beautifully designed ships, exquisite cuisine, immersive exploration, and heartfelt hospitality, world-class entertainment is a key element of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises experience,” said Jason Montague, incoming chief luxury officer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“With our new lineup of shows, we continue to push the boundaries of luxury cruising by offering our guests fresh, innovative, and exhilarating performances that cater to their refined tastes and elevate the overall vacation experience.”
Under the artistic direction of Kai Alan Carrier, director creative, shows and experiences, Regent’s entertainment strategy combines expert choreography, captivating storytelling, and state-of-the-art production values. With over 25 years of experience, Carrier has crafted an exciting mix of new performances that resonate with Regent’s sophisticated guests.
These shows are complimentary to guests as part of Regent’s all-inclusive cruise fare.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is looking to add three more restaurants in the Philippines following the success of his namesake bar and grill that opened in Newport World Resorts five months ago.
The new ventures might include the fine dining Hell’s kitchen restaurant, Ramsay said in his first visit to the country where he engaged with chefs, culinary students and fans in the Newport Performing Arts Theater on January 20.
Gordon Ramsay (left) intends to add more restaurants in the Philippines
He said that as a testament to the support for Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill, the restaurant got over 10,000 bookings in the first 30 days of its opening.
“It’s very hard to open a restaurant that is fully booked from day one”, he said, expressing gratitude to the staff for having done “an amazing job”.
Ramsay said Filipino cuisine is the ‘Sleeping Beauty of Asia’ and has no reason why it cannot become one of the frontrunners in the region.
The 14th edition of the Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) 2025 underscored Thailand’s growing prominence as Asia’s luxury hub and highlighted the interconnectedness of emerging trends in luxury travel and wellness.
“Luxury is very resilient,” commented Jesper Palmqvist, regional vice president, Asia Pacific, STR, pointing to the enduring nature of the luxury travel market.
TTF 2025 sessions discuss the value of wellness tourism in the luxury tourism space; photo by Thailand Tourism Forum
“It stands on its own around the world. Through crisis and through uptake, it proves that a market can take it and that people with money who are willing to pay will do it,” he added.
Palmqvist also pointed out that luxury businesses have adapted to challenges forced by the pandemic, by reducing staffing levels, which lowered operational costs. He highlighted how even with staffing levels reduced to 70 to 75 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers, the luxury sector has successfully navigated financial pressures.
A key theme at the forum was the evolving mindset of luxury travellers, which David Johnson, CEO of Delivering Asia, said is marked by a shift from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out).
Johnson explained this shift as a growing desire for more meaningful, restorative experiences: “It’s good to miss out. It’s good to be different. The joy of missing out is disconnect. It’s kind of a form of self-care, if you like – it’s about wellness,” he remarked.
This evolution is reflected in Thailand’s burgeoning wellness sector, valued at 1.2 trillion baht (US$34.6 billion), which ranks 24th globally.
Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, noted that wellness tourism – a trend particularly evident in luxury hotels – is one of the key drivers of this growth, contributing 22 per cent to the wellness economy, just behind nutritional wellness and weight management (26 per cent).
Siradej Donavanik, vice president of development at Dusit Hotels & Resorts, discussed how regenerative wellness is reshaping the luxury hospitality landscape.
“We have all the data points that say that customers who travel seeking wellness tend to spend higher than the average traveller, and this is one of the things which we have integrated quite strongly (into) our hotels,” Siradej shared.
Wanviput Sanphasitvong, a physician at VitaLife Scientific Wellness Center and Bumrungrad International Hospital, has observed a demographic shift in wellness travellers.
“While one might expect people in their 50s or 60s to be the primary audience, the largest group using longevity services, both at Vitalife and globally, is actually between 44 and 59 years old,” she stated, adding that these travellers are increasingly seeking proven results and “want to get younger by staying in these (wellness) hotels”.
