TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Monday, 23rd February 2026
Page 195

Laguna Phuket reveals new artistic and sustainable installation

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Laguna Phuket has unveiled its Wishing Tree installation, a fusion of local craftsmanship and innovative design that invites visitors into a world of wonder from now to April 30, 2025.

Constructed from sustainable materials, the visually striking Wishing Tree blends aesthetics, functionality, and environmental consciousness, offering an ideal backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments and lasting memories, while encouraging exploration and promoting awareness of eco-friendly practices.

The immersive bamboo installation invites visitors to explore their creativity while promoting responsible actions

Crafted from over 700 bamboo shoots, the installation marks the completion of a three-month CSR initiative by the resort’s central landscape division.

Standing at heights of six, five, and four metres, the tree-like structure offers both visual appeal and shade, providing visitors with a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Laguna Phuket director of central landscape Kraithera Lolurlert shared: “We are confident that this remarkable installation will inspire visitors to reflect on their environmental action and take measures to minimise their carbon emissions, contributing to our shared mission of sustainability.”

New hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu, TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast and more

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Hilton will add three new Hilton Garden Inn properties in Hoi An, Sabah and Bali; Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu pictured
Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu

Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu, China
Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu features 199 rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, 24-hour retail store, fitness centre, and a self-service laundry room.

Nearby attractions like Beihai Silver Beach, Qiaogang Customs Area, and Beihai Old Street, the hotel is just two kilometres from Beihai High-Speed Railway Station, six kilometres from Beihai Fucheng Airport, and a 20-minute drive from the Beihai International Passenger Port.

TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast

TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast, Australia
TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast, located in the heart of Southport, features 225 apartments that come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations.

On-site facilities include a gym, sauna, steam room, rooftop infinity pool, day spa, and an in-house Italian restaurant. The hotel also has versatile meeting and event spaces available.

Guests can easily explore local attractions, with hotel staff helping to uncover the best spots in the city.

Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang

Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang, Vietnam
Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang offers 151 guestrooms and suites, ranging from 36m² to 177m², with a selection of Family Suites, Executive Suites, and a Presidential Suite.

The hotel also features dining venues, a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and a 515m² Grand Ballroom which can be divided into two sections for smaller gatherings.

The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit

The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, Thailand
The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit is located in Bangkok’s historic district, immersing guests in the vibrant local art scene with a rotating gallery and murals by local artists Gongkan and MRKREME.

The hotel features 62 rooms, rooftop pool and bar, all-day Thai restaurant, and a curated local goods and essentials retail shop. The hotel also champions sustainability, partnering with local coffee growers in Nan Province.

Scott Bear helms as GM of Novotel Geelong

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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.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel welcomes new GM

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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 brings National Congress 2025 to Mumbai

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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.

SKAL India’s Sanjeev Mehra highlighted the event’s role in showcasing a commitment to sustainable tourism, innovation, and the development of future tourism leaders

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 joins Virtuoso as regional partner

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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.

Micro-Cruising will collaborate with travel advisors in Australia and New Zealand to offer them access to its small ship cruise options for their clients

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.”

KTX expands connections to Busan, Gangwon

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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 has extended its service 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 unveils new look and local delights

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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 has refreshed its interiors to showcase floor-to-ceiling windows boasting views of the city

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 makes two key appointments

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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).

From left: Damian Borg and Jason Montague

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.

Fly high in a hot air balloon with Vietjet

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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.

Book Vietjet flights between Vietnam and India to get a free hot air balloon ride at the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival

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.