Norwegian Spirit arrives in Singapore

January 6, 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrates the arrival of Norwegian Spirit in Singapore, the first of three ships offering travellers even more opportunities to explore the cultural, culinary, and historical gems across the region until March 2026.

Norwegian Spirit will offer itineraries ranging from eight to 15 days, featuring fewer sea days and extended time in port, allowing travellers to make the most of their time in iconic destinations such as Osaka, Tokyo, Incheon, Singapore, and Bangkok.

Singapore welcomes the arrival of Norwegian Spirit

As part of NCL’s largest-ever Asia Pacific presence, Norwegian Spirit will be joined by Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky this year, offering travellers more choices across eight departure ports.

From November 2025 to March 2026, Norwegian Sun will offer 11- to 15-day itineraries in South-east Asia, visiting Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and more. Norwegian Sky will debut in Singapore with 11- to 14-day cruises from Singapore and Tokyo, including the Philippines, Japan, and India. Travellers can also combine cruises with NCL’s Cruisetours in Incheon, Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei.

Beyond Asia, the ships will visit Northern Europe, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, the South Pacific, and Alaska. Norwegian Sky will offer a nine-day European cruise from Lisbon and a Baltic voyage from Copenhagen, while Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun will explore rugged coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and glaciers.

Indonesia’s tourism pioneer Meity Robot passes on

By Mimi Hudoyo

January 6, 2025

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Indonesia has lost a prominent figure in its tourism industry with the passing of Augustine Constantine Robot-Lewerissa, known as Meity Robot, at the age of 87 on January 4.

Meity, the owner of Iwata Nusantara Tours & Travel, made significant contributions to the development of Indonesian tourism. She founded Indonesia Women in Travel (WIPI) in 1990 and co-founded ASTINDO in 1999.

She served as president of the Central Board of ASITA from 1999 to 2003, as well as president of the ASITA Jakarta Chapter from 1990 to 1999. She also chaired the PATA Indonesia Chapter from 1995 to 1997 and led the Tourism Council of the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce from 1995 to 2009, receiving numerous awards and accolades for her services.

Meity’s influence extended beyond Indonesia, having served as a board member of ASEANTA and FATA (1999-2003), PATA (1995-1997), and the PATA Industry Council (1997-1999).

She is mourned by her husband Robby Robot, their four children, and nine grandchildren. Meity’s funeral was held in Jakarta on January 5.

Capella Hotel Group appoints new executives for key hotels

By TTG Asia

January 3, 2025

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Capella Hotel Group has made key executive appointments to strengthen its leadership across its properties in Asia and the Maldives.

Anthony Gill, with over 20 years of experience, takes on the role of general manager at Patina Maldives, where he will lead the resort into a new era of transformative luxury.

From left: Anthony Gill, Dennis Laubenstein, Antonio Saponara and Hildegard Anzenberger

Dennis Laubenstein, a veteran of Capella, moves to Capella Taipei, set to open in 1Q2025, after successfully leading Capella Hanoi, including securing its first Michelin-starred restaurant.

Antonio Saponara will now oversee Capella Bangkok, following his term at Patina Maldives, while Hildegard Anzenberger joins Capella Hanoi from The Langham Hefei, bringing extensive international experience and a strong focus on staff development and sustainability.

ASEAN Tourism Conference 2025 to tackle multiple issues shaping travel and tourism businesses

By Karen Yue

January 3, 2025

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The annual ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC), to be held later this month in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum and ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) in Johor, Malaysia, has lined up several influential travel and tourism industry leaders who will lead discussions on issues core to the business today and tomorrow. Sessions will focus on sustainability, the role of online travel agencies, video platforms, cross-regional tourism exchanges, AI, and more.

ATC 2025 will open on January 15 with the session, Charting Tourism for ASEAN: Trends Defining the Next Decade. It will be presented by Randy Durban, CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

From left: Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Randy Durban, Asian Development Bank’s Jong Woo Kang, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association’s Sri Ganesh Michiel, and Batu Batu’s Cher Chua-Lassalvy

This will be followed by Sustainability Pioneers: Malaysian SMEs Driving Change, with speakers Justine Vaz, executive director, The Habitat Foundation; Cher Chua-Lassalvy, co-founder and managing director, Batu Batu; and Wong Siew Te, CEO and founder, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Other prolific speakers and moderators include Jong Woo Kang, director for regional cooperation and integration, economic research and development impact department, Asian Development Bank; Sri Ganesh Michiel, national president, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association; Amelia Peng I-Mei, head of brand partnerships Malaysia, TikTok; and Kingston Khoo, president, Eco-STEPS.

Commenting on ATC’s line-up, Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, president of the ASEAN Tourism Association, more commonly known as ASEANTA, said: “After much thought, we’ve focused on topics that we believe are the most relevant to the ASEAN tourism industry – not only right now, in 2025, but also for the next decade. Technology and sustainability are going to be the two forces dominating the shape of the industry.”

He also told TTG Asia: “We’ve doubled down on those two topics in particular for ATC 2025, ensuring that there is not only a high-level discussion on them with inspirational content, but also practical workshops, with a session focusing on AI, as well as actionable steps to embark on sustainability – all the while, with a view to how SMEs, who are the backbone of our industry, can apply these.

“We hope that when the audience goes home, they are inspired to start taking steps on their sustainability journey, as well as feel more confident in trying out new techniques that they can use to harness the power of technologies.”

ATC 2025 will stretch across January 15 and 16, and will be held at Persada Johor International Convention Centre.

Programming for this year’s ATC is coordinated by Hannah Pearson, director of Pear Anderson, a research and sales representation tourism consultancy.

Sri Lanka aims for three million tourists in 2025

By Feizal Samath

January 3, 2025

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Sri Lanka is aiming to substantially increase tourist arrivals to three million in 2025, up from a target of 2.1 million in 2024, as the country emerges from a foreign debt crisis that began in 2022, an official has said.

Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of the state-owned national tourism organisation Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, also announced the formation of a new National Tourism Commission. This commission will serve as the primary governing body for tourism and will bring together four state agencies currently responsible for tourism, including a hotel school.

Sri Lanka is targeting three million tourist arrivals in 2025 as the country emerges from its financial challenges; the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka, pictured

In addition to these changes, a Tourism Policy Formulation Council will be established, consisting of experts from both within and outside the industry. This council will focus on policy development and provide ongoing support for the sector.

Hewawasam, a newly appointed official following the government change after last month’s parliamentary elections, was speaking at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards ceremony, which was revived after a five-year absence, in Colombo on December 27. Several awards were presented, including those for the best resort and best tourism services provider.

The government is targeting US$5 billion in tourism revenue, which will provide much-needed foreign exchange, by 2025. In 2023, revenue surged to US$2.1 billion, up from US$1.1 billion the previous year. From January to November 2024, revenue reached US$2.8 billion, compared to US$1.8 billion during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals from January to November 2024 totalled 1.8 million, up from 1.3 million during the same months in 2023. Sri Lanka is now targeting over 2 million arrivals for the year. The country’s key source markets are India, Russia, the UK, Germany, and China.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad, chief guest at the awards ceremony, said Sri Lanka’s identity as a tourism destination is ingrained in its compelling legends and enduring legacy, adding that the country is home to epic tales, historical kingdoms, and colourful Buddhist festivals.

Sri Lanka’s economy was crippled by the double blows of the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis, which severely impacted tourism, among other sectors. Forcing the country to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, the authorities have rescheduled foreign loans and international bond payments and Sri Lanka is now on the road to recovery.

Indonesia VAT hike targets luxury goods, basic goods exempt from increase

By Dhini Oktavianti

January 3, 2025

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Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that the increased value-added tax (VAT) from 11 per cent to 12 per cent, effective from January 1, applies only to luxury goods and services.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on New Year’s Eve, Prabowo explained that the VAT increment would only be be imposed on luxury goods (classified under the Sales Tax on Luxury Goods or StoLG category) and services, such as private jets, cruise ships, yachts, and luxurious houses.

Prabowo Subianto clarifies impact of VAT increment; photo by the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat

He further clarified that VAT on non-StoLG goods and services would remain unchanged. Items that have been subject to 11 per cent VAT since 2022 will not be affected, while basic goods and services, which have been exempt from VAT, will continue to benefit from these tax exemptions.

Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia’s minister of finance, also explained: “Goods and services that have so far received VAT exemptions, such as staple foods, public transportation services, train tickets, ferry services, travel agency services, government and private medical health services, financial services, pension funds, and credit cards, will still receive zero per cent VAT.”

The government’s plan to raise the VAT from 11 per cent, which has been in place since 2022, to 12 per cent had previously raised concerns across various sectors, including the hospitality industry.

For example, the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) had requested a review of the plan, arguing that a higher VAT would result in weaker earnings, particularly among hotels catering to lower- and middle-class consumer segments.

IHRA secretary general Maulana Yusran said: “Purchases of necessities are subject to VAT, and the VAT hike will increase operational costs. The impact could still be significant.”

Travelport, Cathay Pacific extend multi-source content agreement

By TTG Asia

January 3, 2025

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Travelport and Cathay Pacific have renewed their multi-source content distribution agreement and are collaborating on the integration of Cathay Pacific’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) content into Travelport+, with the launch expected in the coming months.

The multi-year agreement extends the partnership between the two companies, ensuring that travel agencies using Travelport+ have streamlined access to a wide range of content from Cathay Pacific. As the airline’s NDC content and servicing capabilities are gradually integrated into Travelport+, agents will be able to easily compare and book both NDC and non-NDC offers in one unified view.

Travelport and Cathay Pacific have renewed their multi-source content agreement to enhance distribution of airline content

Damian Hickey, global head of air partners at Travelport, said: “This extended multi-source content agreement reflects our commitment to providing travel agencies and their customers with a modern, effortless retailing experience when booking Cathay Pacific with Travelport+.”

“We look forward to taking this productive relationship to the next level enabling our business partners access to an even more comprehensive range of Cathay products in Travelport+ with unique NDC-sourced offers which they can use to curate products that best answer to their customers’ individual needs,” added Kinto Chan, general manager sales and distribution at Cathay Pacific.

Traveloka, Onyx Hospitality Group to drive hospitality growth in South-east Asia

By TTG Asia

January 3, 2025

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Traveloka has teamed up with Onyx Hospitality Group to strengthen collaboration, drive growth, enhance visibility for Onyx properties, and contribute to the continued success of the travel industry across the region.

This partnership also aligns with Onyx Hospitality Group’s growth objectives, targeting the management of over 50 hotels and residences by 2025 and 70 by 2028.

Traveloka has partnered with Onyx Hospitality Group to drive growth and expand its property portfolio in the region

Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka, commented that the collaboration “will enable us to enhance the travel journey for millions of users on our platform and create meaningful value for the region’s travel ecosystem”.

Bharath Satyavolu, vice president of commercial at Onyx Hospitality Group, said: “Traveloka’s extensive reach, innovative platform, and market leadership make it an ideal collaborator for Onyx Hospitality Group. This partnership allows us to connect with the growing online consumer base, delivering exceptional stays and seamless travel experiences. By combining Onyx’s tailored approach with Traveloka’s expertise, we are confident that this collaboration will drive significant results and serve as a powerful catalyst for growth, benefiting both parties and supporting the region’s tourism recovery.”

Toum Tiou II

By Marissa Carruthers

January 3, 2025

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Location
The six-day-five-night discovery tour on the 38-metre Toum Tiou II, operated by CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope, starts in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh and traverses the mighty River Mekong to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, docking at riverine villages along the way.

Accommodation
Each of the boats feature 14 cabins – with a maximum capacity of 28 pax – are fitted out with two single beds and a separate bathroom with a hot shower. The cabins are decked with Cambodian teak, hard wood and palm, giving it an Olde World vibe.

My cabin was on the lower deck, with a large window allowing me to relax on my bed and watch life on the banks of the Mekong pass by. Cleverly thought-out storage space, such as a drawer under the beds large enough to stash a suitcase, meant that the cosiness of the cabin was not a problem.

Amenities
On the top deck sits a sun deck complete with sun beds, perfect for soaking up the scenery. An adjacent bar lounge serves a range of cocktails, wine, beers and soft drinks, so we were able to enjoy the striking sunsets with a cocktail in hand. Complimentary snacks, tea and coffee are available. The spacious upper deck also houses a covered lounge area, complete with comfortable tables and chairs. This space was cleared one evening when a karaoke night was hosted. An air-conditioned restaurant sits on the second deck.

Toum Tiou II

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F&B
The meals predominantly comprised Cambodian food, with lavish buffet dinners offering a range of meat and seafood dishes, rice and noodles, soup and Khmer desserts. Set menus were also served on some evenings. Breakfast came in the form of a buffet with a mixture of European and Asian options. Lunch was either served on board as we continued on our journey, or at a village we visited as part of the daily excursions.

Excursions
The beauty of this cruise lies in its journey through the Mekong Delta, home to diverse communities, nature, and sacred sites. Along the way, we visited Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai Be, and My Tho, cycling through rural roads, taking cookery classes, kayaking along tributaries, rowing through wildlife-rich mangroves, and visiting weaving workshops to experience local life. On day four, we docked near the city centre, spending 1.5 days exploring the vibrant Vietnamese city to round off the adventure.

Verdict
This is an excellent way to get an insight into life on the Mekong Delta, delivered by a small team of talented staff, who were firm friends by the time we disembarked.

Contact details
E-mail: office@cfmekong.com

New hotels: Namia River Retreat, Rosewood Miyakojima and more

By TTG Asia

January 3, 2025

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Namia River Retreat, Vietnam
Namia River Retreat features 60 pool villas, each with views of either the Nipa Palm Forest or the Thu Bon River. The resort is just a short bike ride from Hoi An’s UNESCO Heritage Town.

The resort focuses on wellness with a 90-minute daily wellness journey per person, per night, which includes a herbal remedy, a 30-minute herbal hammam (a herbal steam room), and a 60-minute treatment. Signature wellness offerings include Dien Chan reflexology, Vietnamese massage, cupping, and acupressure. Guests can choose from two wellness pathways: Deep Rest for stress relief and Body Balance for improved circulation and tension relief.

Mindfulness experiences such as Vietnamese Duong Sinh breathing exercises and Silent Walking Meditation are also available to help guests reconnect with nature and achieve inner peace.

Facilities include F&B options, a sauna, and outdoor swimming pools.

Rosewood Miyakojima, Japan
Rosewood Miyakojima, located on a remote island paradise in Okinawa, will be Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Japan. Nestled amid sugarcane fields in the north of the island and overlooking Oura Bay with direct beach access, the 55-key resort offers four restaurants and bars, an infinity pool by the beach, spa, yoga studio and fitness centre.

A private pavilion overlooking the ocean will house weddings and special occasions, while families will find enriching experiences at the Rosewood Explorers Club.

Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam, South Korea
Located in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, the dual-wing Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam, formerly the Imperial Palace Seoul, features 224 rooms in the Hotel Wing, including the Royal Suite, and 90 serviced apartments in the Residence Wing.

The hotel offers four dining venues, the Club Imperial Lounge, a fitness centre with pools and sauna, and a business centre.

Twinpalms Bangtao Phuket Tented Resort, Thailand
Twinpalms Bangtao Phuket Tented Resort offers a unique luxury glamping experience on Phuket’s West Coast. Located just 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the resort features 28 adults-only luxury tents, where guests can choose from Beach Tents with sea views and Lagoon Tents set amid tropical gardens, with private plunge pools in some.

Amenities include a communal Tented Lounge, a Spa Tent offering Thai therapies, a fitness centre at Twinpalms Surin Phuket Resort, and access to nearby dining destinations like Catch Beach Club and The Lazy Coconut.

Guests can enjoy daily wellness activities, including meditation and yoga, as well as yachting excursions to nearby islands.

Norwegian Spirit arrives in Singapore

Indonesia’s tourism pioneer Meity Robot passes on

Capella Hotel Group appoints new executives for key hotels

ASEAN Tourism Conference 2025 to tackle multiple issues shaping travel and tourism businesses

Sri Lanka aims for three million tourists in 2025

Indonesia VAT hike targets luxury goods, basic goods exempt from increase

Travelport, Cathay Pacific extend multi-source content agreement

Traveloka, Onyx Hospitality Group to drive hospitality growth in South-east Asia

Toum Tiou II

New hotels: Namia River Retreat, Rosewood Miyakojima and more

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

What to Buy Now

Star Navigator to sail to Okinawa from Kaohsiung in January 2026