TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Thursday, 25th December 2025
Page 164

New hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, The Park Lane Hong Kong and more

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The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, Thailand

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, Thailand
The Ritz-Carlton marks its brand debut in Thailand with an opening in Bangkok, located in the 216m-high tower at One Bangkok, the capital’s largest integrated district and business and lifestyle destination.

Designed by Chicago-based SOM and Thailand’s A49, the hotel has ascending open-air terraces that provide sweeping views of Lumpini Park and the city’s skyline. Room interiors are a blend of classic Thai artistry and contemporary design, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the surroundings. Deluxe rooms begin from 50m2, Gardenia Suites at 102m2, Marigold and Amaranth Suites at 127m2, and the penthouse at 389m2.

The hotel also offers a club lounge, three dining options including one led by a Michelin-starred chef, spa, and kid’s club.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, the largest of its kind in the city, can accommodate up to 1,200 people, while nine function spaces are on a dedicated events floor.

The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection

The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection, Hong Kong
Autograph Collection Hotels has debuted its first Autograph Collection brand in Hong Kong with the opening of The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in the heart of Causeway Bay. Its strategic location puts it in close proximity to landmarks such as Victoria Park, World Trade Center and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as shopping malls, night spots and Michelin-starred restaurants.

The 820-room hotel offers views of Victoria Park and Victoria Harbour, while the interior design of guestrooms and suites are inspired by its surroundings.

The hotel features three distinctive dining venues: a lounge, main restaurant with theatre kitchen concept, and a rooftop bar and brasserie. Over 1,700m2 of meetings and events space is also available.

Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights

Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights, Nepal
Mercure has arrived in Nepal with the opening of the 104-key Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights in the capital. Guestrooms feature contemporary design with traditional Nepali accents.

The property offers five dining options including an all-day dining restaurant with international cuisine and an Indian restaurant, as well as a rooftop lounge and infinity pool, fitness centre and sauna. There are also meeting spaces, including a ballroom, for weddings and corporate events.

Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery

Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery, India
Nestled in one of Chennai’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, the 106-room hotel is designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers. Located at the crossroads of the bustling Velachery district and the OMR Business Corridor, the hotel offers easy access to Chennai’s IT hubs, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks.

Elegantly designed rooms feature artwork that reflect Chennai’s modernity and connection to local culture.

The hotel’s all-day dining venue offers international cuisine, while the bar offers a curated selection of spirits and local craft beers.

Resorts World Sentosa to welcome high-profile Chinese entertainment awards gala, rolls out packages for fans

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Singapore will welcome the return of the annual Yuewen Global IP Awards on February 28, a gala event that will boast a star-studded guest list comprising influential artists and creative talents from China. This year, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will step in as Official Venue Partner for the 2024 Yuewen Global IP Awards, which will be held at the Resorts World Ballroom.

To cater to fans of Chinese digital entertainment content keen on attending the event, RWS has curated Yuewen Global IP Awards Packages that include two award show tickets that are not for sale elsewhere, two-night stay at the integrated resort’s premier hotel properties, complimentary daily breakfast, and two tickets to Adventure Cove Waterpark. These packages are priced from S$860++ (US$634.50).

Fans can purchase a Yuewen Global IP Awards Package, which comes with exclusive event tickets, hotel stay and complimentary perks; Equarius Hotel’s deluxe room pictured

An RWS spokesperson told TTG Asia that the integrated resort works closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and industry partners to position Singapore as a must-visit tourism capital for leisure and business travellers from the region, including Greater China.

“Our diverse venues have enabled brands and partners to stage their marquee business and entertainment events in various venues across the resort,” said the spokesperson.

RWS’s varied facilities enable event attendees, including those participating in the 2024 Yuewen Global IP Awards, to have a complete destination experience under one roof.

The spokesperson added: “Visitors can look forward to a wave of exciting new offerings this year, such as Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore; a transformed retail and dining biophilic enclave at the Forum; a reimagined boutique and all-suites luxury hotel; the much-anticipated Singapore Oceanarium, and much more. These exciting new-to-market thematic concepts set us apart as a premier resort destination that boldly pushes the tourism boundaries of possibilities.”

Confidence in China outbound performance improves: Dragon Trail International

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China’s travel trade is upbeat about outbound travel business, and more than half of travel agents polled by Dragon Trail International (DTI) at the end of 2024 think the market will fully recover by the end of 2025.

The third and largest DTI survey to date, with 465 respondents, show that industry players are optimistic about the economy and consumers’ buying power, while noting that consumers are also looking for the best price.

DTI latest survey finds that Chinese travellers seek gourmet experiences, beach environments, and island hopping trips while on island holidays

Sienna Parulis-Cook, DTI, director of marketing and communications, said other key survey takeaways show young travellers as a growing demographic; the silver market has high potential; tradeshows in China stand out over international events; the luxury travel market is diverse; new sales channels Douyin and Xiaohongshu offer the best conversion; and Chinese-language services are still in demand, especially in hotels.

Breakdown of travel sales by world region show 92 per cent of respondents sell Asia, with 78 per cent saying the region sold the best in 2024.

Of the 78 per cent selling Europe, 43 per cent said the region sold the best last year; and of the 55 per cent selling Americas, 16 per cent said the region sold the best in 2024.

Forty-four per cent said East Asia had the most potential this year, followed by 36 per cent for South-east Asia, citing reasons such as short distances, similar culture, visa-free or favourable visa policies, cost effectiveness and favourable exchange rate.

Western Europe received a 25 per cent share of having the most potential and Northern Europe 22 per cent – the former for being economically developed, offering good scenery and environments; the latter for unique, extraordinary natural landscapes, being quieter, less crowded and providing social media hotspots.

The recovering economic environment is leading to increased disposable income for travel, respondents noted.

Future visa-free or visa-simplified policies will stimulate demand for specific outbound travel destinations, while niche destinations and unique experiences are on the rise, and silver travel represents a blue ocean market, they added.

Focused findings among 194 respondents show that Chinese island travellers are seeking gourmet experiences, beach environments and island hopping trips; while focused findings among 100 respondents on cruise travel show it has market potential with a young customer base as well as increasing demand for experiences and appetites for diverse itineraries and destinations.

Finland highlights diverse offerings to lure more Asian visitors

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Finland is intensifying existing tourism promotions in South-east Asia, with a focus on pushing the country’s diverse, year-round experiences that extend beyond its renowned winter attractions.

Speaking to TTG Asia, Juha Markkanen, Finland’s ambassador to Singapore, said that for 2025, campaigns in South-east Asia will focus on sustainable visitor experiences, Finnish cuisine, cultural highlights such as the Moomins’ 80th anniversary, and year-round travel experiences.

Finland is seeing growing interest in autumn visits, driven by opportunities to view autumn foliage and the aurora borealis at more affordable prices

Finland’s cities, particularly Helsinki and Tampere, are leveraging their sustainability credentials to appeal to the eco-conscious business and leisure traveller.

Helsinki, recently named the world’s most sustainable travel destination in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, plays a central role in Finland’s green tourism appeal. With 90 per cent of its hotel rooms environmentally certified and a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030, Helsinki offers visitors eco-conscious experiences paired with simple pleasures like clean air, saunas, and design-driven city life.

While winter remains a key draw, the strategy covers non-winter seasons as well.

Markkanen shared: “Finland is traditionally seen as a winter destination for the South-east Asian market because people from these markets prefer a cold destination for their holidays and some change to daily weather.”

However, there is growing interest in autumn visits, driven by the stunning Ruska (autumn foliage) and opportunities to witness the aurora borealis at more affordable prices.

Summer, on the other hand, remains a tougher sell, as perceptions are dominated by iconic winter experiences like snow-covered landscapes and the northern lights.

“It’s easier to promote Finland as part of a multi-destination Nordic holiday during summer than as a standalone destination,” Markkanen noted.

To encourage more year-round arrivals from South-east Asia, Finnish travel organisations and cities are promoting their summer season through both B2B and B2C marketing efforts.

There are also partnerships between local travel agencies and the national carrier, Finnair, which operates daily flights from Singapore.

Visit Finland also organises fam trips for South-east Asian travel professionals, and leads Finnish partners to key trade events such as ITB Asia in Singapore.

He noted that Singapore is one of the fastest-recovering Asian markets for Finland, with a 40 per cent growth in Singaporean tourist overnights during the first 10 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Sentosa and partners roar into the Year of the Snake

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Sentosa Development Corporation welcomed its travel and tourism partners to an evening filled with joy and grandeur – all in a bid to head boldly into the new Year of the Snake.

The Lunar New Year celebrations were hosted on January 21 at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.

Indian hospitality industry eyes strong growth in 2025

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The Indian hospitality sector is poised for growth this year and beyond, with a promising trajectory projected for revenues, occupancy rates and average room rates (ARRs), say industry stakeholders and recent research.

According to India’s credit rating agency ICRA, the sector’s revenues are projected to grow by seven to nine per cent year-on-year in FY2025 and six to eight per cent year-on-year in FY2026, building on the strong base of FY2024. Further, ICRA estimates pan-India premium hotel occupancy to improve to 72 to 74 per cent in FY2026 from 70 to 72 per cent in FY2025.

Hotels in Mumbai and the National Capital Region (NCR) are forecasted to lead with occupancy rates; Gateway Of India Mumbai pictured

“Gateway cities like Mumbai and the National Capital Region (NCR) are forecasted to lead with occupancy rates exceeding 75 per cent, driven by transient passengers, business travellers, and business events,” said Vinutaa S, vice president and sector head – corporate ratings, ICRA.

Shikhar Kumar, managing director of Stonewood Hotels believes that segments such as leisure, weddings and business events will play a pivotal role in driving demand for his hospitality company.

“Spiritual tourism is also expected to witness further growth in 2025, contributing to improved average occupancies and ARRs in destinations like Rishikesh and Prayagraj. We project revenue growth in the range of seven to 10 per cent over the next nine to 12 months. While inbound tourism for key destinations like Goa is likely to show improvement in the coming months, the domestic market will continue to dominate the demand landscape for the Indian hospitality sector in 2025,” added Kumar.

As per ICRA’s research, non-metro Indian cities will generate a meaningful share of demand for Indian hotels in 2025.

Gaurav Shetty, managing director of MRG Group (Hospitality & Infrastructure) said: “As global travel continues to rebound, India will benefit from both domestic and international travel. The government’s focus on promoting the country as a tourist destination with campaigns like Dekho Apna Desh will only bolster the industry growth. With a strategic focus on tier-two cities, we aim to complement the country’s rich cultural heritage while expanding our footprint. Overall, we expect to see a significant growth in RevPAR and occupancy in 2025.”

Agoda pledges up to US$1.5 million for conservation projects in Asia

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Agoda has launched its fourth Eco Deals programme in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where it targets to donate US$1 towards WWF’s conservation efforts for every programme booking made at a participating hotel.

The initiative supports the protection of wildlife and the conservation of critical habitats across 10 markets in Asia.

Agoda confirms its fourth Eco Deals programme in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature in a signing ceremony on the sidelines of ATF 2025

It will fund a wide array of conservation activities, including restoring wetlands in Japan, protecting spoonbills in South Korea, and ongoing projects such as advancing tiger conservation in Malaysia, protecting whale sharks in the Philippines, conserving elephants in Thailand, safeguarding saolas in Vietnam, restoring ecosystems in Indonesia, developing urban wetlands in Laos, and supporting rangers in Cambodia.

The Eco Deals programme will be open to consumers for bookings from January 20 to December 19, 2025.

Agoda is also introducing the Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund in collaboration with WWF-Singapore and UnTours Foundation. The fund provides low-interest loans from US$10,000 to US$25,000 to support businesses addressing sustainability challenges in the tourism sector.

Agoda is designating US$100,000 to the fund, with the potential to increase to US$150,000 upon reaching the $1.5 million donation target.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, said: “In partnership with WWF, our goal is to ensure that future generations can explore the world affordably while preserving its natural beauty. The Eco Deals programme has been an important initiative for our hotel partners since its inception in 2022, offering them an accessible way to support wildlife protection and habitat conservation projects. Additionally, the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund will provide crucial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), empowering them to adopt sustainable practices and contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry’s future.”

Through the Eco Deals programme, hotel partners can offer customers discounted rates of up to 15 per cent. In exchange, participating partners receive the Eco Deals badge and are featured prominently across various Agoda platforms, including social media, banner promotions, customer emails, and in-app notifications, enhancing their visibility. Customers can easily find Eco Deals through Agoda’s dedicated landing pages.

A night of tourism excellence

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The ASEANTA Excellence Awards was dished out on Monday, honouring 12 outstanding organisations for their contribution to South-east Asia’s travel and tourism industry.

Winners all around; photo by Caleb Richard Lai

Winners included Parkroyal Collection Pickering hotel in Singapore, which took home the Best ASEAN Sustainability Program award; Resorts World Genting in Malaysia, which was awarded Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction; Sunlight Air domestic boutique airline in the Philippines, which won Best ASEAN Airline Program; Suka Travel & Tours, which was named Best ASEAN Cruise Program, and more.

The celebratory event, held at Amari Johor Bahru, was graced by Chhay Sivlin, chairman of the ASEANTA Excellence Awards and Eddy Krismeidi, president of ASEANTA.

Resorts World Cruises to homeport in Mumbai

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Resorts World Cruises will soon debut in India with the deployment of the Resorts World One cruise ship in Mumbai from March 5 until June 1, 2025.

The 1,800-passenger ship will offer three weekly round-trip itineraries including the Two Night Weekend High Seas Cruise departing on Fridays; the Three Night Lakshadweep Cruise to Agatti Island departing on Sundays; and the Two Night Goa Cruise departing on Wednesdays. All cruises depart from Mumbai International Cruise Terminal.

Resorts World One cruise ship will sail from Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to top Indian coastal destinations, such as Agatti Island, pictured

Destinations include some of India’s top coastal destinations such as the popular beachside city of Goa and the pristine coral atoll of Agatti Island, as well as join a variety of activities including glass bottom boat tours, snorkelling, scuba diving and other water sports.

“In support of the recently announced Cruise Bharat Mission by the Indian government and the new world-class Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, we are excited to further boost India’s cruise tourism sector and bring the Resorts World One cruise ship to homeport in Mumbai,” said Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises.

“Mumbai is the main gateway to cruising in India and Indians will have the convenience of departing from their ‘doorsteps’, without the need to fly to another country”, he added.

Resorts World One will offer certified Indian vegetarian, Jain and halal cuisine.

Philippines set to welcome the next ASEAN tourism leadership meetings

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The next ASEAN Tourism Forum will be hosted in the Philippine province of Cebu in January 2026, while preparatory meetings will be bound for Manila and Boracay.

Secretary of tourism Christina Garcia Frasco said: “As the Philippines takes on the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2026, I invite you to join us in the Philippines for the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu on January 2026. It will be an opportunity not just to discuss policies, but to witness firsthand the immense potential for sustainable tourism growth in the region.”

Malaysian minister of tourism, arts and culture Tiong King Sing hands over the symbolic gavel to Philippine tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for the chairmanship and hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2026

She highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people, along with the rich culture and stunning natural beauty that Cebu has to offer.

Frasco emphasised that “Cebu is a hallmark of unity – evincing what can happen when communities, businesses, and governments come together to create a tourism model that is both profitable and responsible”.

“The Philippines, with its spirit of hospitality and deep sense of community, stands ready to open its pristine shores to all of you, where we will write a new chapter of the ASEAN story: a legacy of unity, sustainability, and prosperity for all,” she added.

Aside from the ASEAN meetings, a TRAVEX tradeshow, and various conferences will also be hosted by the Philippines as part of the complete programme.