The Philippines will showcase what the country has to offer at this year's ATF; Coron, Palawan, pictured
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) will showcase the country’s tourism offerings at this year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which kicks off on January 15 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Philippines will showcase what the country has to offer at this year’s ATF; Coron, Palawan, pictured
“We are excited to present the Philippines as a leading travel destination within ASEAN and the broader international market at ATF 2025,” said TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “This forum is an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with ASEAN neighbours and highlight the unique, world-class offerings of the Philippines in a global tourism landscape.”
The 2,405-key Londoner Grand is the first Luxury Collection hotel in Macau; the hotel’s Grand Terrace Suite, pictured
“We are excited to collaborate with Luxury Group by Marriott International to bring the first Luxury Collection Hotel to market. This hotel will serve as a gateway to Macao’s fascinating cultural heritage, offering guests an immersive journey into a city steeped in history, gastronomy and unforgettable experiences,” said Grant Chum, chief executive officer and president of Sands China.
Designed by award-winning firm Peter Silling & Associates, the hotel is a reflection of Georgian-inspired architecture. Meticulously crafted rooms and suites radiate an elegant London townhouse ambience and feature spacious open-plan living and dining areas. Select suites offer private terraces, dedicated children’s rooms, media rooms, and exclusive private plunge pools.
The hotel introduces five new dining concepts. Hampton Court will feature an international and Chinese buffet, while Chelsea Garden is an all-day dining outlet with local and regional Chinese cuisines featuring show kitchens. The Conservatory houses three unique areas: a dim sum restaurant and tearoom, a confectionery store, and a British pub bar. There will also be two signature Chinese restaurants, one serving authentic Cantonese fare and the other, Sichuan cuisine.
Londoner Grand will further enhance the positioning of The Londoner Macao as a resort choice for business and pleasure.
“We are thrilled to work with Sands China to bring the first Luxury Collection Hotel to Macao, a destination that continues to attract travellers across the globe,” said Gavin Yu, chief development officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “The highly anticipated hotel will blend Macao’s East-meets-West culture with The Luxury Collection’s distinctive perspective on luxury, providing our guests unparalleled access to a city rich with heritage, cuisine, and captivating experiences.”
Industry partners and guests came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection, on January 9 at a grand finale party.
The event marked the hotel’s new opening as part of Marriot Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection.
From left: The Park Lane Hong Kong’s Luc Bollen, singer Stephanie Che, Victoria Park Hotels’ Charles Chan, singer Daniel Chan, Mrs Charles Chan
In attendance were Charles Chan, CEO of Victoria Park Hotels, Ned Wills, CEO of Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, Mao Yibing, president, Greater China of Marriot International; and renowned Canto pop singers Daniel Chan and Stephanie Che, who gave a performance.
Luc Bollen, the hotel’s general manager, said: “Reaching this impressive milestone is a testament to our dedication to exceptional service. We aim to create unforgettable experiences for our guests and leave life-long impressions in everything we do.”
Tour around Kuching's heritage and cultural sites in a sustainable way
Tourism Malaysia has launched the Borneo Green Bike Tour, an eco-friendly initiative by Smart Leisure & Travels that offers a zero-emission experience, allowing travellers to explore Kuching’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage while minimising their environmental impact.
Tour around Kuching’s heritage and cultural sites in a sustainable way
Visitors can explore iconic landmarks in Kuching on electric motorbikes, enjoying a scenic and sustainable journey that promotes responsible travel practices, preserves the environment, and offers a deeper connection to the culture and landscapes of Sarawak.
The Borneo Green Bike Tour is a 3.5 to four-hour journey suitable for all fitness levels, with English and Mandarin-speaking guides leading guests through Kuching’s iconic landmarks.
The tour covers a wide array of sights, including the historic Brooke Monument, Kai Joo Lane, the Chinese History Museum, and the Kuching South City Council, and much more.
The tour offers two options: the Self-Riding option, priced from 150 ringgit (US$33) per person, allows travellers to ride the bikes themselves, while the With Rider option, starting at 290 ringgit per person, includes a driver. Both options come with a knowledgeable guide and feature eco-friendly electric motor bikes that provide a comfortable and sustainable way to enjoy sightseeing while reducing carbon emissions.
Grand Hyatt Jakarta and Keraton at The Plaza have appointed Rajat Bhatia as the new director of sales & marketing.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry across Asia and the Middle East, he brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success in driving revenue growth and strategic planning.
Bhatia previously served as cluster director of sales & distribution at Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2019 to 2022, where he spearheaded initiatives of market leadership and launched cost-effective solutions to navigate dynamic market conditions.
Most recently, Rajat was director of sales & marketing at The Westin Jakarta from 2023 to 2024, where he initiated several campaigns with integrated marketing strategies and high-end brand collaborations.
AITC aims to inspire visitors to stay longer and explore more of the country
The Indonesian Association of Travel Agents (Astindo), in collaboration with Sarinah, Indonesia’s iconic shopping centre, has launched the Astindo Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) in Jakarta. This initiative aims to position the capital as a dynamic destination and gateway to Indonesia.
AITC aims to inspire visitors to stay longer and explore more of the country
ATIC offers various services such as destination recommendations, practical information, curated tour packages. and eco-friendly travel options. It connects visitors with local travel companies that craft personalised itineraries while serving as a central hub for activities and daily city tours operated by Jakastember, a consortium of travel companies.
Jakastember also offers a range of curated travel packages.
Heben Ezer, head of the inbound and domestic division of Astindo and leader of Jakastember, highlighted that the ATIC is part of a broader effort to extend the duration of international visitors’ stays in Jakarta.
“Many tourists come to Jakarta for just a brief stopover, spending only a day or so in the city. Through Jakastember’s tailored tours and the local insights provided by ATIC, we aim to inspire visitors to stay two to three days, allowing them to fully explore Jakarta’s culture, history, and attractions,” he said.
For Pauline Suharno, President of Astindo, ATIC serves as a “gate to Indonesia”.
“This centre will not only guide tourists through Jakarta but also serve as a gateway to countless destinations across the archipelago,” Pauline explained.
She added that visitors stopping by the ATIC would find it easier to arrange seamless travel to other iconic regions of Indonesia, from Bali’s beaches to a nature escape in the Komodo Island, ensuring a more connected and enriched travel experience.
ATIC serves as a networking hub for over 1,000 certified travel companies, offering a platform to promote their travel itineraries.
Heben noted that Astindo was mapping out key tourist destinations in the country to open more ATICs.
Growing popularity of the spa sector is one area that the Philippines is focusing on
As part of diversifying its tourism offerings, the Philippines has started taking its Filipino brand of wellness campaign to the global stage with encouraging results.
To differentiate itself from other Asian countries, the wellness efforts focus on the Filipino traits of malasakit (compassionate care) and aruga (care and nurture), said Paulo Tugbang, Department of Tourism’s (DoT) director for health and wellness tourism and for product and market development.
Growing popularity of the spa sector is one area that the Philippines is focusing on; photo by The Farm at San Benito, an eco-luxury, holistic medical wellness resort in Batangas
The Philippines is also looking beyond Asia-Pacific to luxury buyers in the US, Europe and the Middle East.
After successfully hosting the 2nd International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress in Manila last October with positive feedback from buyers and delegates, the DOT is pondering the offer to host the congress again this year.
Another organisation involved in promoting the country as a wellness destination is Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP), a local organisation.
Seeing the popularity of the spa sector and how the Filipino brand of care is known globally, WeTAP co-founder and public relations officer, Jennifer Sanvictores, said the association is focusing on promoting ancient hilot massage therapy.
About 200,000 guests visited the Philippines last year for health and wellness tourism for various purposes such as medical trips, dental works, medical aesthetics, personal care, and spiritual pilgrimages.
Tour East Singapore has obtained a certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable tourism and positioning it as a leader in promoting responsible travel practices.
It is said to be the first tour operator in Singapore to have this achievement.
The certification process, which took place from December 9-11, 2024, was led by Grace Indac, head of HR and sustainability at Tour East Singapore. She spearheaded the comprehensive audit to ensure alignment with the GSTC’s rigorous sustainability standards.
From left: Tour East Singapore (1996)’s Kei Satoh and Grace Indac; Control Union Singapore’s Kim Yeap; and The Lumiere Consultancy’s Ailynn Seah
The effort is backed by Kei Satoh, managing director and general manager of Tour East Singapore, and the leadership of the Sustainability Committee.
In a press statement, the company said the certification reflects the dedicated efforts of all departments at Tour East Singapore, where commitment to sustainable practices is deeply embedded across all operations.
The company’s approach to sustainability focuses on key areas, including advanced sustainability initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and conserve energy; community support through tourism activities that respect and preserve the heritage and traditions of local regions; and collaboration with local businesses towards responsible tourism, and more.
Satoh said: “We are honoured to be the first tour operator in Singapore to receive the prestigious GSTC certification. By implementing innovative and sustainable initiatives, Tour East Singapore aims to enhance Singapore’s global appeal while fostering local growth and cultural preservation.”
Indac added: “This GSTC certification is a big achievement for everyone at Tour East Singapore. It shows how our whole team is working together to protect the environment, make a positive impact on our community, and create better experiences for travellers. It reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, from reducing our environmental footprint to supporting local initiatives and promoting responsible tourism. This recognition motivates us to continue driving positive change for Singapore and the global travel industry.”
Heavy rain and whipping winds across Singapore from January 10 and through today, brought on by a monsoon surge, had disrupted flights and caused floods in many areas.
National papers, The Straits Times, reported that 18 flights were diverted from Changi Airport and Seletar Airport to neighbouring airfields during this period while more than 50 Singapore Airlines flights on January 10 and 11 were delayed or retimed.
Guests turned up for Our Singapore Story Walk down the Singapore River tour despite the heavy downpour; photo by Indie Singapore Tours
Social media was heavy with posts showing floods in various areas, including the Bukit Timah fringes of Singapore Botanic Gardens, while cancellations plagued outdoor events over the weekend. Bookings for sports activities and lessons, such as skateboarding and stand-up paddling, were dropped at East Coast Park.
The ongoing Chinatown Street Bazaar, which leads up to the Lunar New Year on January 29, saw scant crowds. A news report on CNA said merchants saw sales plunged by 80 per cent over the wet weekend.
National water agency Public Utilities Board noted that the total rainfall on January 10 and 11 was 255.2mm – exceeding the average monthly rainfall in January.
However, the monsoon did not succeed in raining on all parades. Despite the wet weather, Indie Singapore Tours was able to deliver on several tours and a night cycling event it was involved in with statutory board, the People’s Association. The Glow Pedal Night Cycling Expedition took place on January 11, from 17.30 to 21.00, flagging off from Passion Wave at Marina Bay and back. More than 100 participants turned up for it, riding past various landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, and Marina Barrage.
According to Thiam Wei Toh, founder and chief storyteller of Indie Singapore Tours, his team conducted 10 free tours, public events, corporate bookings and private tours across the weekend.
Toh told TTG Asia: “Life goes on rain or shine. We have wet weather plans, alternative routes, and our ways to maximise what we can show on each tour.”
While wet weather is common in tropical Singapore, Toh said “every rainy day is different for us” and his team takes safety precautions seriously.
He added that tour guides with a positive attitude are especially crucial during rainy day tours, as they have to keep spirits high and safeguard guests.
“I am super lucky to have a team of guides who are like rays of sunshine,” he remarked.
“Guests are also a big component of the tour. We had gung-ho guests who willingly plowed with us through the deluge on Friday (when the monsoon rain started), but there were also some who preferred to stay under shelter,” he added.
However, cancellations and refunds in wet weather remain a concern among tour operators, especially in cases where the activity can still be conducted safely but guests are not comfortable getting wet.
“Resources have been set aside for the tours, which can continue even on rainy days. While our standard policy does not include refunds for last-minute cancellations, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can happen. Therefore, we do process refunds on a case by case basis,” Toh explained.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai will soon be able to offer ryokan-style accommodation to travellers, thanks to an agreement between Japanese hotel operator Hotel Okura Co. and Thai real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC).
Both organisations will develop Okura Resort Chiang Mai and The Okura Prestige Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel and Spa. These are slated to open in 2028, expanding Hotel Okura’s offerings in Thailand to seven hotels and adding over 400 rooms to parent group Okura Nikko Hotels’ portfolio in the country.
Hotel Okura Co. and Asset World Corporation deepen their partnership with the development of ryokan-style hotels in Thailand
Okura Resort Chiang Mai will be the first Okura-branded hotel in Northern Thailand. It will feature over 200 rooms with ryokan-style elements such as tatami mats and open-air baths with influences from the Lanna culture of ancient Chiang Mai. The hotel will include a cafe, rooftop bar, and other F&B facilities, offering Japanese cuisine and all-day dining. These amenities will provide guests with a blend of Japanese and Northern Thai culinary experiences.
The Okura Prestige Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel and Spa will offer Japanese-style wellness services and long-term stays in the Thonglor district of Bangkok. It will feature over 200 rooms, including suites with the atmosphere of a traditional ryokan alongside western conveniences.
The two hotels will operate as part of a larger framework agreement with AWC signed in May 2024, aimed at expanding Hotel Okura’s business in Thailand.
Toshihiro Ogita, president, Hotel Okura, said: “We are delighted to reach another milestone with AWC through the development of new projects in Thailand, building on the success of The Okura Prestige Bangkok.”
He added: “Our commitment to offering world-class hospitality, blending the elegance of Japanese culture with local charm, is unwavering. Our global network of high-quality international hotels seamlessly blends the delicate beauty and subtleties of Japanese culture with convenience and functionality. These additional collaborations with AWC will surely offer exceptional experiences and excellent service to both Thai guests and tourists from around the world.”
Bhatia previously served as cluster director of sales & distribution at Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2019 to 2022, where he spearheaded initiatives of market leadership and launched cost-effective solutions to navigate dynamic market conditions.
