Marjorie Aquino has stepped into the role of group director of sales at DTH Travel Group, focusing on driving strategic growth and fostering strong partnerships across 14 countries.
She was with DTH Travel’s Blue Horizons Travel and Tours in the Philippines for 15 years, rising from the ranks to become its head of sales and marketing.
Filling Aquino’s position at Blue Horizons Travel and Tours is Jonalyn Lee, previously senior sales and marketing manager.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which has commissioned internationally recognised Halal-travel certification authority CrescentRating (CR) to assess and benchmark local hotels, attractions and meeting venues, is making “good achievement” in a short span of time.
CR has been providing research and training services since May last year.
Speaking to TTG Asia on this initiative, Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO, of CR, shared that the city has chalked up a number of firsts.
As of January 2025, 50 hotels have successfully applied for and obtained certification from CR compared to just a handful of accredited Muslim-friendly properties previously.
It is encouraging to see the Hong Kong hotel industry coming onboard, Fazal told TTG Asia, adding that Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Marriott Hong Kong Ocean Park, among others, achieved a five rating – the maximum is seven; and those with a three rating offer at least a Halal breakfast option.
For the first time, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre achieved a CR gold rating for setting up a prayer room and for offering Halal catering.
Fazal commented: “Now, attractions and shopping malls also want to be rated.”
He added that HKTB, in collaboration with another leading certification authority – the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (Board of Trustees) – for the first time awarded fine-dining Chinese restaurant Chinesology Halal certification.
Becky Ip, HKTB deputy executive director, said: “The population of countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council and South-east Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, consist of a significant portion of Muslims.
“In recent years, Hong Kong has been dedicated to developing visitor sources in the Middle Eastern and (South-east Asian) markets to capitalise on the vast potential and spending ability of the Muslim consumer segments.
“As such, HKTB deploys a diverse strategy to make our city a Muslim-friendly tourism destination. At the same time, we have also stepped up promotions in Muslim source markets.”
Fazal shared that the focus for 2025 will be to build capacity of CR-rated establishments and to promote Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination.
The recent announcement by the Malaysian transport minister, Anthony Loke, that airline operators from South-east Asia can make stopovers within ASEAN member state airports before heading to another point in the region and which will come into effect this year, is poised to enhance air connectivity and drive greater travel and tourism within the region.
The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) president, Tan Kok Liang, said: “Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights between Points within the Territory (Protocol 5 for short) encourages seamless intra-ASEAN travel, making it easier for travellers to explore multiple destinations within a single trip.
“Through Protocol 5, the potential for further developing travel and tourism within the region is huge.
“Airlines in the region stand to benefit from improved load factors by offering more flexible routing options while also reducing the environmental footprint of travel. This is achieved by minimising the need for backtracking and optimising flight routes.
“Additionally, it will enhance air connectivity to secondary cities within the region, enabling tour operators to develop and promote packages to lesser-known destinations.
“We fully support this initiative by ASEAN transport ministers, as it aligns with our mission to promote sustainable growth and seamless connectivity within the region.”
Tan is confident of increased footfall across South-east Asia, which will in turn stimulate local economies and generate demand for accommodation, tours, and other travel services.
Although detailed implementation plans for Protocol 5 have yet to be announced by ASEAN governments, Tan stressed the importance of FATA members engaging proactively with their national carriers.
“It is vital for our members to understand how airlines in the region plan to leverage Protocol 5 to expand their networks,” he told TTG Asia.
He stressed: “Early collaboration with airlines as well as national and state tourism boards will not only help our members prepare for the changes but also allow them to design innovative travel products that maximise the Protocol’s potential.
“Proactive engagement will position us to seize the opportunities Protocol 5 creates.”
The prolonged weekend monsoon rain cleared up just in time for the Malaysian state of Johor to play host to ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, which kicked off this morning at Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
Apart from meetings among the region’s tourism ministries, the event also provides a B2B business matching platform through the ASEAN Travel Exchange, more commonly known as TRAVEX. This year, almost 100 seller organisations from the region will meet with over 300 potential buyers.
ASEAN Tourism Conference will present three days of insightful discussions and presentations alongside TRAVEX.
Agoda has released its top 10 ranking of the most pet-friendly travel destinations in Asia, and Vietnam’s Danang, the Philippines’ Cebu, and Vietnam’s Hanoi have taken up the top three positions in descending order.
The ranking is calculated based on the average number of accommodation that allows pets.
The rest of the list in descending order comprises: Nha Trang, Vietnam; Tainan, Taiwan; Pattaya, Thailand; Taichung, Taiwan; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; New Delhi, India; and Manila, the Philippines.
Pet travel is on the rise in Asia with millennials and gen Zs leading the way, according to a study by Allied Market Research. Agoda saw a 64 per cent growth in pet-friendly properties last year.
Lam Vu, country director Vietnam at Agoda said: “Our latest ranking of pet-friendly cities is a testament to our commitment to making travel inclusive for everyone, including our four-legged friends. Vietnam, with its welcoming culture and diverse landscapes, stands out as a pet paradise.”
Singapore-based The Traveller DMC has been awarded the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification, signifying the company’s dedication to promoting responsible tourism practices within Singapore.
The GSTC certification, granted by Control Union Certifications, verifies that The Traveller DMC adheres to the stringent GSTC Tour Operator criteria. These standards ensure businesses operate with a focus on environmental well-being, cultural preservation, and fair economic practices.
The company has launched several initiatives to further solidify its commitment to sustainability. These include sustainable walking tours, prioritising hybrid vehicles, and implementing a CO2 tracking system to measure and analyse operational emissions
Moreover, the GSTC certification aligns with The Traveller DMC’s recently established three-year sustainability plan (2025-2028), which focuses on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and supporting local communities. Key initiatives include transitioning to LED lighting; promoting recycling and digital tools; collaborating with social enterprises; and contributing to impactful projects like the Garden City Fund and Sultan Mosque in Kampong Gelam.
Ryan Low, co-founder of The Traveller DMC, shared: “Achieving GSTC certification is a proud moment for us. It validates the hard work we’ve put into integrating sustainability into our operations. But more importantly, it’s a starting point. We’re committed to championing sustainable tourism practices that not only reduce our environmental impact, but also create meaningful experiences for travellers and support local communities.”
InterContinental Singapore has unveiled A Suite Experience, a package designed for guests to elevate their getaway with opulence, personalised service, and a shopping spree.
Guests who book A Suite Experience will enjoy a one-night stay in a suite, complete with premium welcome amenities, dining credits, and a S$300 (US$219) Takashimaya shopping voucher. The package is available for bookings in the King Junior Suite Club Lounge Access, One Bedroom Suite, Royal Suite, Ambassador Suite, or the Presidential Suite.
Adding to the allure, guests can enjoy privileged access to Club InterContinental, where gourmet breakfasts, afternoon teas, and evening cocktails are served in an intimate and refined setting.
Other inclusions in the package, excluding Junior Suite bookings, comprise complimentary front porch parking, and butler service upon request.
A Suite Experience is available for bookings from now to February 15, for stays through March 31. Rates start from S$600++ per package.
For more information, visit InterContinental Singapore.
A private sector driven B2B travel fair focusing on the South-east Asian region will make its debut this June in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATE) 2025 is an initiative led by ASEAN’s travel champions, namely the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), Malaysia Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), and AirAsia Group.
The three-day event from June 19 will offer both conference and travel exchange components, and is supported by Sabah’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment.
Sabah’s rich culture, heritage and tourism products will be highlighted at ATE 2025, which will also serve as a platform to showcase Sabah as a preferred destination for business events and leisure travel.
FATA president Tan Kok Liang emphasised the strategic importance of ATE 2025, aligning with the ASEAN governments’ preparations for the implementation of ASEAN Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights.
Expected to come into effect this year, Protocol 5 will grant South-east Asian airlines the ability to make stopovers at ASEAN member airports en-route to other destinations within the region. This landmark development is anticipated to significantly bolster intra-regional travel and connectivity.
Tan noted: “Protocol 5 will be a game-changer for air connectivity in ASEAN, benefiting both main and secondary cities across the region. We urge the travel trade across the region to seize the opportunity that ATE 2025 presents, leveraging the expanded air access to promote tour packages, destination experiences, and unique product offerings.”
He added that the increased accessibility provided by Protocol 5 is likely to trigger a surge in both leisure and business travel – segments that are aligned with ASEAN’s broader goals of fostering regional integration and driving economic growth through tourism.
Tan encouraged travel trade players to collaborate across borders to create innovative and competitive offerings that meet the needs of the expected influx of travellers.
He added: “Hosting ATE 2025 is especially fitting for Malaysia as we take on the ASEAN chairmanship this year. We will also invite Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim to officiate the event.”
ATE 2025 will target 230 hosted buyers from South-east Asia as well as China and India, underscoring the travel trade’s commitment to engaging with key markets outside region. Some 100 sellers from ASEAN member nations, including hoteliers, tour operators, product owners, and travel technology providers, will also participate.
Tan revealed plans for ATE to become an annual event, rotating among ASEAN member countries, to ensure consistent engagement and long-term growth of the region’s tourism sector.
He added that the initiative complements government-led efforts, such as the ASEAN Tourism Forum, which advances regional tourism cooperation.
Through its annual format and rotating host cities, the event aims to ensure consistent engagement and highlight ASEAN solidarity and commitment to advancing tourism and economic cooperation in South-east Asia.
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.
“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.”
Sands China and Marriott International are all set to open the 2,405-key Londoner Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Macao. The new hotel will be located within The Londoner Macao.
“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.”
