TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 2nd January 2026
Page 175

Millennium’s global reach, local touch

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The lobby of M Social Hotel New York Times Square

Headquartered in Singapore, Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ (MHR) strategic expansion into global markets, marked by its commitment to providing tailored experiences, has solidified its presence across 145 properties worldwide.

Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer, MHR, said: “We saw immense potential in cities like London, New York, and Dubai, where the synergy between business and leisure tourism aligned with our offerings.”

The lobby of M Social Hotel New York Times Square

This international expansion has helped MHR tap into new source markets, which has “significantly strengthened” the company’s business in Asia.

He related: “Dubai is a key source market for our properties in London, attracting high-end travellers from the Middle East to our UK hotels, such as The Biltmore Mayfair and The Bailey’s Hotel London.”

Meanwhile, US and UK travellers represent “crucial source markets” for MHR’s hotels in Singapore, such as Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and M Social Singapore.

“Our learnings from the competitive markets of Europe and the US have allowed us to fine-tune our offerings in Asia, ensuring we stay ahead of trends and continue delivering top-tier experiences,” he pointed out.

This global recognition has also helped to bring about increased referrals to MHR’s Asian properties, particularly among frequent travellers, as well as the brand’s loyalty programme members.

“The familiarity of these travellers with MHR from their stays abroad makes them more likely to choose our properties when they visit Asia, boosting our performance in the region,” he explained.

The MyMillennium loyalty programme, with its global benefits and incentives, plays a pivotal role in fostering this cross-border engagement.

“We recognise the importance of a robust loyalty programme, which is why we are taking steps to revamp MyMillennium to introduce more benefits and rewards to our loyal members,” shared Prakash.

However, expansion is more than just opening more hotels, it is also about creating sustainable travel experiences that benefit guests.

He said: “Our approach is  never to be ‘cookie-cutter’. Each of our hotel is fresh, surprising, and tailored to the local environment, ensuring that guests experience something unique with every stay.”

MHR also prides itself on its ability to “seamlessly blend the warmth of Asian hospitality with the comfort and expectations of Western standards”.

“This balance allows us to maintain our brand identity while also adapting to the cultural nuances and preferences of each market,” he added.

Traveloka’s latest study reveals shifting travel trends in Asia-Pacific

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Traveloka, in partnership with YouGov, has released its latest study Travel Redefined: Understanding and Catering to the Diverse Needs of APAC Travellers, which draws insights from nearly 12,000 respondents across nine countries.

From shifting travel motivations to the rise of digital platforms, these insights reveal the trends transforming Asia-Pacific’s diverse travel market and provide actionable guidance for businesses to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Asia-Pacific travellers seek a range of experiences, from rest and adventure to culture, nature, and cuisine, reflecting the region’s diverse vacation preferences

Across the region, Asia-Pacific travellers pack their bags and hit the road for a variety of reasons, but five categories consistently top the list: travel to rest and recharge, travel to visit tourist attractions, travel to be immersed in nature, travel to experience other local cultures, and travel to try different types of cuisine.

When travelling for leisure, Asia-Pacific respondents display distinct preferences for their vacation destinations, reflecting the diversity of the region. Three examples that highlight these varying preferences include 75% of Indonesians seek outdoor adventure, listing attractions like mountains and nature reserves as their top destinations; 62% of Japanese lean towards historical or cultural experiences, such as museums and castles; and 59% of Vietnamese favour coastal escapes, preferring beaches and resorts for their getaways.

Beyond motivation and destination preferences, factors such as technology adoption, sustainability concerns, and payment preferences exert a strong influence on how travellers plan and experience their journeys, shaping the broader trends in the region.

“Asia-Pacific is bursting with opportunities, but its diversity demands creativity and nuance. Understanding the unique needs of this diverse market is critical for travel providers seeking to thrive in this dynamic travel landscape. Success lies in weaving these insights into innovative strategies, bringing travellers closer to the experiences they seek,” said Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka.

The full study is available for download here.

Accor expands its footprint in Goa with new luxury hotel projects

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Accor has partnered with Dangayach Group to develop two new luxury hotels in Goa, India: Raffles Goa Shiroda, featuring 120 luxury villas, and the 400-room Fairmont Goa Shiroda. Scheduled to open by 2030, both hotels will share a beachfront club and offer unique experiences reflecting the brands’ distinct identities.

Both hotels will feature a variety of dining options, wellness and fitness facilities, pools, and retail offerings. For events, weddings, and conferences, the properties will provide multi-purpose ballrooms, meeting rooms, and bridal suites.

From left: Dangayach Group’s Atul Dangayach and Raffles and Fairmont’s Omer Acar

Raffles Goa Shiroda will showcase the brand’s signature features such as the Long Bar and Raffles’ Butler Service, while Fairmont Goa Shiroda will focus on connecting guests to the destination through personalised experiences and special moments.

Both properties will be developed according to Accor’s ESG guidelines, adhering to energy performance reporting tools, sustainability standards, and third-party eco-certifications.

Accor remains committed to expanding its presence in India, having recently opened several new hotels, including Raffles Jaipur, Grand Mercure Goa Candolim, Mercure Chandigarh, ibis Styles Mysuru, and Novotel Goa.

Raffles and Fairmont’s CEO Omer Acar commented: “This dual-branded project presents a wonderful opportunity to grow our luxury hospitality offerings in the region, and to work with Dangayach Group. Together, we are confident that these new luxury resorts will add excitement and new frontiers for travellers as well as locals.”

“We believe Goa presents a remarkable growth opportunity, and these two new properties are set to redefine luxury and establish Goa as a premier global destination for weddings, events and leisure travel. Goa’s rich culture and natural beauty provide the perfect setting for this new chapter in hospitality. The new Raffles and Fairmont resorts will bring cultural authenticity, world-class service, and their extraordinary guest experiences that will not only put an international spotlight on Goa but will infuse the community with a sense of prestige, purpose and excitement,” said Atul Dangayach, managing director, Dangayach Group.

Aviation roundup: West Air, Hong Kong Airlines and more

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West Air

West Air launches new Lhasa-Chongqing-Singapore route
Starting December 25, West Air will launch a new international route connecting Lhasa, Chongqing, and Singapore, aimed at boosting cultural exchanges between western China and Singapore. This marks the first international route since the renaming of Lhasa Gongga International Airport.

Operated by an Airbus A319, the route will run three times a week, with outbound flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and return flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines kicks off direct flights to Sendai, Japan
Hong Kong Airlines celebrated its inaugural flight to Sendai, Japan, on December 18, providing travellers with convenient access to the Tohoku region.

Sendai is now the airline’s ninth scheduled destination in Japan, with three direct flights per week.

The service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with flexible morning departure times.

A ceremony was held at the boarding gate to mark the occasion before the inaugural flight took off.

Philippine Airlines

PAL reopens Cebu-Osaka service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) relaunched its direct Cebu-Osaka flights on December 22, operated with a 199-seater Airbus A321ceo.

The Cebu-Osaka service will operate three times a week (Monday, Thursday, and Sunday) from December 22, 2024, to February 24, 2025. Starting February 26, 2025, the service will increase to four weekly flights, with an additional Wednesday departure.

This relaunched service complements PAL’s twice-daily flights between Manila and Osaka, as well as other international connections from Cebu, including daily flights to Seoul (Incheon) and thrice-weekly flights to Bangkok.

Plaza Premium Group becomes first IATA accessibility partner

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In its mission to ensure safe, reliable, and dignified travel for all passengers, especially those with disabilities, Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has been recognised as the world’s first IATA Strategic Partner in Accessibility.

This recognition highlights PPG’s commitment to delivering inclusive, thoughtful services that meet the needs of every traveller.

PPG’s ALLWAYS offers a comprehensive suite of services in a cohesive, accessible package that prioritises convenience and personalised support for all travellers

PPG pioneered inclusive airport hospitality with its ALLWAYS brand, launched in 2012. ALLWAYS offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the travel experience, including meet and assist, porter service, wheelchair assistance, and concierge services, catering to a wide variety of traveller needs. Committed to accessibility for all, ALLWAYS ensures its services are available to every traveller, not just those flying in premium classes.

To further optimise its operations and enhance the travel experience, ALLWAYS uses oneTECO (One Travel Experience Ecosystem), an omnichannel booking engine developed by PPG – a key initiative under the group’s US$10 million technology investment.

This platform centralises all airport passenger services, enabling travellers to easily book services online prior to arriving at the airport. By streamlining the booking process for both consumers and business operators, it ensures a more seamless and user-friendly experience.

“This pioneering recognition extends beyond the validation of our commitment, it represents a transformative step in our mission to ensure exceptional travel experiences are universally accessible to all passengers, with full inclusion. Through this strategic partnership, we’re proudly setting new standards for inclusive travel and airport hospitality,” stated Bora Isbulan, deputy CEO of PPG.

Philippines welcomes measures to boost inbound tourism

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During the recent Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) meeting, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) welcomed measures aimed at enhancing the country’s tourism industry, including efforts to liberalise visa policies and make the Philippines more accessible to international visitors.

The DoT supports the establishment of an electronic visa system to ease entry and the extension of stay for visa holders from American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, and Schengen countries, as well Singapore and the UK, from seven days to 30 days. This is expected to increase tourism spending and benefit local businesses.

The Philippines aims to boost inbound tourism by simplifying visa policies and introducing biometric technologies for easier entry; Manila, pictured

Earlier this year, the DoT launched the Cruise Visa Waiver Program, aimed at boosting international cruise tourism. Additionally, the DoT supports the introduction of biometric technologies at the Bureau of Immigration to streamline arrivals and departures.

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reiterated the DoT’s commitment to advancing the tourism sector, strengthening the Philippines’ global competitiveness, and working with government and private sector partners to promote the country as a top destination.

She said: “Together with our partners in government and the private sector, we will continue to champion the Philippines as a leading destination, offering rich experiences that benefit both visitors and the Filipino people.”

New hotels: Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, Amari Colombo and more

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Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa

Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, Thailand
Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is located on Thailand’s south-west coast, steps from Bang-Lut Beach and the Andaman Sea, surrounded by natural beauty and close to top diving spots like the Similan Islands.

The resort features 283 rooms and villas, many with direct access to lagoon pools. Facilities include four restaurants, swimming pools, a kids’ club, spa, and fitness centre.

With Phuket Airport just 90 minutes away, the resort also offers a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, and beachside venues for weddings and special occasions.

Amari Colombo

Amari Colombo, Sri Lanka
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial and economic centre, Amari Colombo boasts 167 guestrooms and provides easy access to the city’s attractions.

There are several dining options available, as well as a bar, executive lounge, and even a tea and coffee bar.

The Motley Hotel Richmond

The Motley Hotel Richmond, Australia
The Motley Hotel Richmond is now part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s debut in Australia.

The hotel offers 80 bespoke rooms and amenities like off-site gym access, exclusive local packages, as well as F&B options.

Dusit Princess Melaka

Dusit Princess Melaka, Malaysia
Dusit Princess Melaka, located in the heart of UNESCO-listed Melaka, features 296 rooms, including Deluxe rooms and a Presidential Suite, as well as facilities like a gym, swimming pool, and F&B venues.

The hotel also offers meeting spaces, including a grand ballroom for up to 1,000 guests.

Conveniently located near key attractions like Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill, and Jonker Street, the hotel is just 17 minutes from Malacca International Airport and 105 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Resorts World Cruises introduces Star Scorpio to South-east Asia in 2025

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The 1,800-passenger Star Scorpio will join Resorts World Cruises (RWC) and offer a series of sailings with Singapore as her homeport between March 26 and July 21 next year.

The third vessel in the RWC fleet, Star Scorpio, will embark on her maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) on March 26, 2025. She will then offer a series of sailings until July 21, 2025, visiting a variety of destinations such as Jakarta and Medan in Indonesia, Melaka and Pulau Redang in Malaysia, Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Star Scorpio will homeport in Singapore in 2025

Itineraries include the six-day-five-night Melaka-Jakarta Cruises (March 26 to April 15 and June 11 to July 1) and the six-day-five-night Bangkok-Ko Samui Cruises (April 20 to May 10) Passengers can also enjoy the five-day-four-night Ko Samui-Pulau Redang Cruises (May 15-23), the four-day-three-night Melaka-Medan Cruises (May 27 to June 8) or the six-day-five-night Melaka-Ho Chi Minh Cruises (July 6-21).

In addition to the Singapore homeport deployment, passengers can also embark for round-trip cruises at the dual homeports in Jakarta, Bangkok (via Laem Chabang), Melaka and Ho Chi Minh City (via Phu My Port).

Passengers can board Star Scorpio from Jakarta (via Tanjong Priok Port) from March 29 to April 13, as well as from June 14 to 29 next year. During these two periods, Star Scorpio will offer a total of eight sailings from Jakarta with the six-day-five-night Singapore-Melaka Cruises.

From April 22 to May 12, 2025, passengers can embark Star Scorpio from Bangkok (via Laem Chabang Port) to experience the six-day-five-night Ko Samui-Singapore Cruise with five departures.

Subsequently between May 28 and June 9, 2025, passengers have the option to embark and depart from Melaka (via the ICQS cruise terminal) to enjoy the four-day-three-night Medan (via Kuala Tanjung)-Singapore Cruise with five sailings.

Wrapping up Star Scorpio’s deployment in South-east Asia, RWC will be the first cruise line to homeport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where cruise-goers can embark from Ho Chi Minh City (via Phu My Port) for the six-day-five-night Singapore-Melaka Cruises aboard Star Scorpio from July 9-24, 2025.

Prior to commencing operations in 2025, Star Scorpio will undergo a US$50 million renovation and upgrade in Singapore and will feature many restaurants, bars, showroom and other recreational facilities.

Bookings for Star Scorpio’s cruise itineraries will be available from January 10, 2025 onwards.

RWC president Michael Goh said: “Star Scorpio’s dual homeport in Singapore with different countries in Asia will offer Indonesians, Thais, Malaysians and Vietnamese round-trip cruises from their ports during their peak holiday periods without the need to fly to another country.”

Artyzen Singapore joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection

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Artyzen Singapore has been added to the prestigious Legend Collection by Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Launched in 2015, the Legend Collection features properties known for their sophisticated design, exceptional service, and unforgettable guest experiences.

This exclusive group includes only the finest hotels, offering exceptional accommodation, dining, and amenities like spa services.

Enjoy Quenino’s contemporary Asian cuisine at Artyzen Singapore, now a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection

Artyzen Singapore blends modern luxury with Singapore’s cultural heritage. Located near Orchard Road, the hotel offers 142 rooms, as well as a rooftop pool, private balconies, and sky terraces.

Guests at Artyzen Singapore can also enrol in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s loyalty programme, earning points that can be redeemed for cash-value Reward Certificates, Titanium status, and other benefits at over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

Jeff Crowe, general manager of Artyzen Singapore, commented: “Since opening our doors just a year ago, our focus has been on creating a warm and authentic experience for every guest who steps through our doors.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering meaningful and memorable stays. We are honoured to become a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection.”

How Minor became a major global player

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Minor International’s picturesque Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is a popular filming location

Minor International, a name rooted in Thailand, has evolved into a global powerhouse in the travel and hospitality industry.

The company was founded by Bill Heinecke in 1978, an American whose family moved to Thailand when he was a teenager.

“I love Thailand – I chose Thailand to be my home from the age of 17; that’s why it’s called Minor,” shared Heinecke, now a Thai citizen.

Minor International’s picturesque Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is a popular filming location

Minor began with a single property, the Royal Garden Resort Pattaya, now the Avani Pattaya Resort. Today, 46 years later, it has eight in-house hotel brands, and a presence in 63 markets across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.

Since the early 2000s, Minor has steadily expanded its global footprint. The journey began with the establishment of flagship luxury brand, Anantara, followed by the launch of lifestyle-focused Avani, both designed to cater to global travellers while offering unique, culturally immersive experiences.

“Our aim was not only to expand geographically but to also introduce distinctive hospitality experiences that resonate with guests from all over the world,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and group CEO of Minor International.

Minor’s early successes in Thailand’s Hua Hin, Chiang Rai and Koh Samui showcased the global appeal of its luxury resort offerings. Leveraging this, the company expanded into Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Key international acquisitions soon followed, including a 50 per cent stake in Africa’s Elewana Collection and a majority stake in Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, which granted Minor a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s 2011 opening of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas marked a significant milestone: The brand’s first wholly-owned international Anantara property.

“The success in the Maldives helped position Minor Hotels on the world stage as a luxury operator,” said Rajakarier. Minor now operates more than 560 hotels and resorts across six continents, with major acquisitions like the NH Hotel Group in October 2018 giving it a substantial presence in Europe and furthering its global ambitions.

The NH acquisition expanded Minor’s portfolio, allowing it to introduce NH brands to new markets in Asia and the Middle East, while also bringing Anantara to urban European destinations.

“We took a well-established European brand in NH and have since brought it to Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and China,” noted Rajakarier. This cross-regional brand integration has not only diversified Minor’s revenue streams but also bolstered its core business in Asia.

China remains a key market in Minor’s expansion strategy, with several new developments underway. “This year, we will be launching two Avani properties in Guangdong and an Anantara in Shaoxing next year,” Rajakarier revealed. The company plans to add over 200 new openings globally by end-2026, with half of them expected in Asia.

As Minor continues to grow, it remains committed to sustainable growth. “We are confident that our disciplined approach to expansion will allow us to meet and even exceed this target,” said Rajakarier, underscoring the brand’s focus on innovation and meeting the evolving demands of global travellers.