Novotel Geelong has named Scott Bear as its new general manager.
He brings a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across a diverse range of departments and hotels, from midscale to luxury.
In his new role, Bear will focus on enhancing service to create exceptional experiences for visitors to Geelong. He is also passionate about building local connections, supporting charities, and promoting volunteer initiatives that benefit the community.
Javier Gimeno, a hospitality veteran with 30 years of experience across Asia and Europe, has been appointed general manager of the new Meliá Pattaya Hotel, set to open in 1Q2025.
He joins Meliá Pattaya after a decade in senior roles at Marriott International, most recently as cluster general manager at Marriott & Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Centre in China.
SKAL International India is set to host the SKAL India National Congress 2025 in Mumbai from September 12-14 this year.
The event will bring together travel and tourism professionals to foster collaboration, share insights, and address industry challenges under the theme Future Forward: Tourism in an Evolving World.
The Congress will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions, and cultural performances, focusing on sustainability, technology, and resilience. Delegates can explore Mumbai’s iconic landmarks, experience its rich culture, and engage in workshops designed for young professionals.
Mukesh Batra, president of SKAL International, Mumbai South, said: “It is an honour for our city to host the prestigious SKAL India National Congress 2025. This event is a testament to Mumbai’s unique ability to blend tradition with modernity, offering an inspiring platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the country and the globe to experience the warmth, energy, and hospitality that define our great city.”
Early bird registrations begin in February 2025, with exclusive packages for delegates.
More details will be released soon.
Micro-Cruising, a small ship wholesaler, has been accepted as a regional partner in Virtuoso, serving Australia and New Zealand travel advisors.
According to managing director Nicola Caygill, the partnership is a gateway to new marketing opportunities within Virtuoso’s network of over 1,800 advisors, known for catering to luxury travellers.
Virtuoso agencies collectively generate US$35 billion in annual sales, making it a key player in the high-end travel market.
With its curated portfolio of small ships accommodating 100 passengers or fewer, Micro-Cruising offers intimate and unique experiences.
As a Virtuoso partner, it will engage with top travel advisors in the region through events and communication channels, meeting the needs of clients seeking exclusive travel options.
Caygill said: “Virtuoso’s dedication to curating one-of-a-kind travel aligns perfectly with our passion for truly small ship cruising, where every voyage is a boutique, personalised adventure.
“Luxury is about choice, and with Micro-Cruising, Virtuoso members can select from the largest selection of the world’s most unique small ship cruises and charters.”
South Korea’s high-speed rail system, KTX, has expanded its connections across the country, offering greater convenience for travellers exploring its destinations.
KTX-Eum, operating from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station, has extended its service to Busan, with a stopover at Sangbong Station in Seoul before continuing to Busan.
KTX-Eum offers three departures daily from Cheongnyangni Station, with three departures from Busan Bujeon Station on the reverse route.
Travel between Seoul and Busan on the KTX-Eum takes approximately three hours and 55 minutes in both directions.
Additionally, the Donghae Line, connecting Busan to Gangwon Province, has started operations. Four ITX-Maeum trains operate daily between Bujeon Station in Busan and Gangneung Station in Gangwon, with travel times ranging from four hours and 40 minutes to five hours and 20 minutes.
Starting in 2026, KTX-Eum will be added to the Donghae Line, reducing travel time to just two hours and 35 minutes.
Sky22 at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena reopens on January 27, just in time for Lunar New Year celebrations. Since its soft opening on December 18, 2024, the all-day dining restaurant has introduced a revitalised design featuring biophilic elements and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of the city.
The refreshed space provides flexible seating for intimate meals or larger gatherings, with an open kitchen and upgraded buffet stations that encourage interaction.
Sky22’s new menus focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. The revamped Semi-Buffet Lunch, priced at S$29.50 (US$22) per person, features an expanded salad bar and a rotating menu of main courses such as Laksa Lemak, Miso Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek, and Beer-Battered Black Grouper.
For Lunar New Year, Sky22 invites guests to celebrate with a festive reunion feast, including a DIY Lo Hei Bar, seafood platters, and signature dishes like Singapore Chilli Crab and Kam Heong Tiger Prawn. The Lunar New Year Reunion Buffet Dinner, available from January 17 to February 8, is priced at S$59 (adult) and S$28 (child).
Reservations made by January 12 will receive a 20 per cent discount, excluding January 28-30.
For more information, visit Sky22.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is strengthening its operations and expanding its presence in key markets with two recent appointments.
Damian Borg has been promoted to senior director of sales strategy & operations for Asia Pacific, where he will support Ben Angell, vice president and managing director of NCL APAC, in focusing on the fly-cruise market to key destinations such as Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. He will also provide strategic leadership to the region’s four country managers: Manoj Singh (India), Takahiko Yajima (Japan), Crystal Wong (Greater China and South Korea) and William Tay (South-east Asia).
Jason Montague has been appointed chief luxury officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), where he will oversee both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Montague brings extensive industry experience, having previously led these brands as president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and president and COO of both Oceania and Regent.
Vietjet is celebrating the New Year by offering free hot air balloon rides at the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, India’s largest event of its kind, to passengers who book Vietjet flights between Vietnam and India (including connecting flights) by January 19 on the airline’s official website or mobile app.
The 10th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival will be held across three cities in Tamil Nadu: Chennai (January 10-12), Pollachi (January 14-16), and Madurai (January 18-19). The event will feature hot air balloons from over eight countries, showcasing an array of shapes and colours.
Passengers can claim a free hot air balloon ride by presenting their flight ticket or boarding pass at the Vietjet booth at the festival. This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, travellers can enjoy Vietjet’s special Friday promotion, with tickets starting at just US$0. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, visit Vietjet.
Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, officially launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign on January 6 at the Malaysia Airports Engineering Complex in Sepang, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable tourism in driving economic growth and benefiting local communities.
Anwar emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation, advocating for sustainable practices to improve the nation’s quality of life. He noted that the impact of VM2026 would extend well beyond tourism, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries.
During the launch, he unveiled the campaign’s logo, mascot, theme song, and the aircraft livery featured on the planes of Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air Malaysia.
This marks the first time these airlines will proudly display the logo as part of their aircraft designs, symbolising a united effort to promote tourism and generate excitement for the transformative year ahead.
The event also premiered the official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences, which captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.
In addition, the Malayan Sun Bear, an endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been adopted as the official icon for the campaign.
Designed in a lovable, animated style, the Malayan Sun Bear aims to appeal to all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy, and further enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for tourists.
In his speech, the minister of tourism, arts and culture Malaysia, Tiong King Sing, shared that the campaign is founded on two key pillars: high-yield and sustainable tourism, which demonstrates “our dedication to delivering meaningful experiences while safeguarding Malaysia’s unique treasures”.
To achieve this, the plan focuses on key strategies: increasing tourist arrivals by encouraging longer stays, extending visit durations through enriched cultural and eco-tourism offerings, and driving higher spending by promoting niche tourism experiences.
The event was attended by key representatives from various ministries and leaders from the travel trade industry, reflecting the national significance of the VM2026 campaign.
The campaign has set an ambitious target to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate 147.1 billion ringgit (US$31.2 billion) in tourism receipts.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a photo exhibition and cultural showcase at the Nihao! China: China Ice and Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2025 on January 5 as a highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, held from January 5 to 8, celebrating the longstanding friendship between Thailand and China.
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China’s largest snow festival, attracts over 40,000 attendees daily. TAT’s involvement strengthens Thai-China cultural ties while encouraging high-spending Chinese travellers to visit Thailand.
At the heart of TAT’s presence is the Thai Charm Photo Exhibition, a visual journey showcasing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and vibrant tourism experiences. Through the lens of the 5 Must Do in Thailand concept (Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See), the exhibition captures the essence of Thai hospitality and offers a glimpse into the nation’s diverse travel offerings.
The exhibition connects Thai culture with Chinese audiences, where visitors can explore everything from Thai cuisine and activities to local crafts, hidden gems, and live performances, which included a celebration of Thai traditions through greetings (wai), cuisine, and cultural practices; a southern Thai dance; and a lively central Thai performance traditionally seen in festive processions.
The showcase also featured a north-eastern (Isan) performance blending bamboo percussion with umbrella dances, and a grand display of cultural treasures from all regions of Thailand.
In addition to these events, TAT has planned a grand Chinese New Year celebration in Bangkok’s Chinatown. This celebration aims to deepen ties between the two nations and attract travellers to explore Thailand throughout the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool commented: “This marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai-China relations. The photo exhibition and cultural performances illustrate Thailand’s charm and serve as a bridge to inspire Chinese travellers, who are integral to our goal of welcoming 39 million international tourists in 2025.”
