SITA has named Nathalie Altwegg as senior vice president of SITA’s Airports business unit.
She will spearhead SITA’s further growth in the airports market, building on the company’s presence in more than 1,000 airports globally, as well as its drive to reinvent and digitalise operations and journeys across the world through technology and innovation.
With over two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg previously served as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people, and portfolio.
Growing environmentalism among inbound travellers is driving Japan’s hotels to be more sustainable, although greater guest education is needed for real progress.
Panellists at the Hospitality Japan Conference, held in October, said demand for green practices was prompting them to rethink and improve, or face loss of business.
Panellists discuss about sustainability in hotels during the Hospitality Japan Conference; photo by Kathryn Wortley
“Inbound tourists are against plastic and don’t want to see PET bottles of water on tables during events. In Japan, our recycling rate of PET bottles is so high that we have not been thinking in the same way,” said Hitoshi Fujisaki, general manager at The Tokyo Station Hotel.
“Before making a booking, overseas travel companies ask us if we have a sustainability strategy,” said Yoshinori Nishihara, senior advisor at Tokyu Resorts & Stays Co., adding that European and North American travellers are particularly interested in making responsible choices.
Seven in 10 European travellers told Accor in a 2024 study that sustainability is important to their decision-making when travelling.
“Sustainability is an expectation among inbound travellers,” agreed Katrina Uy, general manager at The Shinmonzen.
At Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, where 80 per cent of guests are from overseas, the management recognises the need for to do more.
“We note on our menu that some vegetables are from Hokkaido, but international guests want to know where in Hokkaido, and even who grew them (to understand our level of sustainability),” said Hiroyuki Shioji, the hotel’s area director of food and beverage.
At the same time, though, more education is required for guests to understand the limitations and inconveniences that can be caused by more sustainable practices, he explained.
“Most guests expect a buffet so it is hard to balance this expectation with sustainability,” noted Shioji, adding that buffets can result in high food loss and food waste.
“Until recently, it wouldn’t be acceptable for us to be sold out of anything on the menu, but when you pursue sustainability, it can happen. We are trying to change the mindset on sold out – that it shows responsible ordering to reduce food waste.”
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Expedia Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost tourism growth and foster digital innovation.
Aimed at reinforcing STB’s projection of 15 to 16.5 million tourist arrivals and S$27.5 to S$29 billion (US$20.8 to US$21.9 billion) in tourist spending, this multi-year partnership will focus on enhancing Singapore’s tourism landscape through three key strategic initiatives.
STB’s Juliana Kua and Expedia Group’s Greg Schulze at the MoU signing in Singapore
The first is a joint marketing campaign where both parties will embark on an Expedia Group Media Solutions global marketing campaign aimed at increasing visitor arrivals and expenditure while promoting Singapore’s unique tourism experiences across key international markets.
Next, by leveraging Expedia Group’s transformative technology, STB will partner Expedia Group to spearhead innovative approaches to engage travellers and enrich their Singapore experience.
Lastly, both parties will explore ways to enhance the distribution and marketing of Singapore as a destination through collaboration with tourism partners and initiatives to share knowledge and resources.
PATA and Sarawak Tourism Board will launch a new training programme for tourism businesses in Sarawak, Malaysia next week, focusing on technology and AI.
The AI-Driven Transformation: Empowering Sarawak’s Tourism SMEs training is a continuation of the capacity-building programme initiated in May in Kuching, where over 50 local tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) received training on financial management, sustainability, digital marketing, digital payments and cybersecurity.
PATA and Sarawak Tourism Board will launch a four-day training programme for tourism businesses in Sarawak focusing on technology and AI
Scheduled from October 29 to November 1, the four-day training will take place in Kuching, where participants will engage in hands-on workshops designed to help them integrate AI into their daily operations, with a focus on practical applications for marketing, operations, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. These workshops will also include case studies and real-world examples of AI’s successful integration into tourism businesses worldwide, providing actionable insights that participants can implement immediately.
AI’s potential for automating processes, enhancing customer experiences, and driving operational efficiency is becoming increasingly indispensable to the long-term success of tourism businesses. These SMEs must be empowered with accessible and practical AI solutions that streamline processes, create personalised customer experiences, and support sustainable practices.
However, many of these businesses encounter challenges in adopting and applying new technologies, particularly AI, which remains largely untapped without sufficient guidance and training, leaving many tourism SMEs vulnerable in an ever-competitive global market.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “PATA recognises that, while AI has immense potential, SMEs require targeted, practical training to bridge the gap between understanding AI concepts and applying them in real-world contexts.
“This AI training initiative will help guide businesses in becoming digitally ready, at a time when the marketplace is rapidly evolving. We look forward to supporting other tourism organisations and destination marketing organisations in developing similar skill sets for their stakeholders, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.”
Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Dennis Ngau added: “This collaboration with PATA marks a pivotal step in our efforts to drive technological adoption, particularly in AI, which holds transformative potential for enhancing the efficiency and resilience of Sarawak’s tourism SMEs. By providing accessible training that aligns with global trends, we aim to not only uplift the industry but also ensure that our tourism offerings remain relevant and attractive to an increasingly tech-savvy market.”
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has relaunched its global travel loyalty programme, MyMillennium, to offer its members enhanced benefits and experiences along with the introduction of three distinct membership tiers: Classic, Silver, and Prestige.
With this revamped programme, members can now enjoy enhanced benefits as they advance through each tier by booking stays or dining at any participating hotel or restaurant to earn MyPoints, along with promotions tailored to their specific preferences.
The revamped MyMillennium loyalty programme delivers enhanced benefits and experiences for members
Some highlights of the enhanced benefits and rewards based on the new tiers comprise exclusive member rates and offers on MHR properties and restaurants, priority check-in and check-out, welcome amenities, complimentary meals for children, exclusive invitations to MyMillennium events, and more.
At the core of this relaunch is MHR’s approach to understanding the evolving preferences of its guests, which is reflected in the company’s five key brand pillars – food and beverage innovation, sustainability, digital innovation, curated personalised guest experiences, and wellness offerings – all which serves as a launchpad to redefine the hospitality landscape through experiences shaped by sustainability, world-class dining, and tailored guest offerings.
“We designed MyMillennium to deliver meaningful moments in a personable manner where members can accumulate and redeem their MyPoints in ways that best serve their travel needs. Our goal is to help our members celebrate life’s milestones, whether they’re ticking off a bucket list destination or enjoying a quick business trip with seamless, fuss-free stays,” shared Carolyn Wishnowski, director of global branding, marketing, and loyalty at MHR.
SmartRyde has unveiled its new B2B website, streamlining airport transfer bookings for travel agencies, corporate clients, and event planners, with seamless access to premium airport transfer options worldwide.
The new portal features a user-friendly interface, allowing businesses to quickly browse and book private transfer services. Key features of the new B2B website include a clean, intuitive layout for easy navigation, real-time pricing, customisable options, 24/7 multilingual customer support, and secure payment processing.
SmartRyde’s new portal enables businesses to quickly browse and book private transfer services
The launch of the B2B website marks a significant milestone for SmartRyde as it continues to expand its footprint in the private airport transportation market. Travel agencies, hotels, DMCs, travel professionals and corporate clients can get special B2B rates to help them earn more and increase revenue. They can now experience the convenience of booking premium to different options of private airport transfers with a fleet of luxury to standard class vehicles to choose from.
“This portal would be used by not only OTAs but also TTAs (traditional travel agents), hotels and corporate customers. We will extend our technology and services not only to the big travel players but also to the small-mid size agent partners” said Sota Kimura, CEO of SmartRyde.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will host the 13th edition of its Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE 2025) from April 25 to 27 next year, with the first two days welcoming trade visitors.
Travel buyers can expect a wide range of exhibitors at the show – government entities, such as national and regional NTOs; tourism resources, such as theme parks and hotels; tourism organisations, such as travel agencies and destination services; and others across various niches like sports travel, gourmet and wellness.
Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo will be held from April 25 to 27 next year
Travel players exhibiting at MITE 2025 will benefit from extensive exposure, as more than 40,000 spectators are expected. Concurrent conferences and events will be live broadcasted to the world via the Expo official website and other social media platforms, with over seven million total viewership expected.
According to MGTO, last year’s MITE saw the participation of more than 37,000 attendees, 688 exhibitors, more than 500 trade buyers, and 534 trade visitors. More than 14,000 business matches materialised both online and in-person.
The event will be hosted at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo Hall ABC.
Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong The 373-room Dorsett Kai Tak offers upscale living with views of Victoria Harbour, and is adjacent to the 50,000-seat stadium, just four MTR stops from Tsim Sha Tsui and four stops from the Exhibition Centre.
The hotel features over 30 per cent greenery in its design, a central seawater cooling system for air conditioning and energy efficiency, and electric vehicle chargers in 40 per cent of parking spaces.
Onsite are an infinity pool, gym, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, and a grand ballroom.
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, the Philippines
The seven-hectare Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort in Mactan, Cebu celebrates its 35th year of operation with the launch of a six-storey building that adds 65 keys to its existing 190 keys.
Called Sidlakan – the Cebuano word for east, the building’s 60 guestrooms and five junior suites are inspired by Filipino homes with all the modern amenities.
JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon
JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, Vietnam
The dual-tower JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon is located at the junction of Hai Ba Trung Street and Le Duan Boulevard in Ho Chi Minh City, with a direct connection to mPlaza Saigon.
The hotel comprises two separate towers – the 21-storey hotel tower features 305 rooms and suites, while the 31-storey residential tower houses 260 one- to three-bedroom residential suites, all of which offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline and Saigon River.
Facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, five dining venues, and 1,200m² of event spaces.
Penang Marriott Hotel
Penang Marriott Hotel, Malaysia Penang Marriott Hotel is one of three properties in the Penang Marriott Complex, along with Marriott Residences Penang and Marriott Executive Apartments, Penang.
Penang Marriott Hotel boasts 223 rooms and a variety of dining experiences, a fitness centre, steam room and an outdoor infinity swimming pool, while Marriott Executive Apartments Penang offers hotel services for long stays with its 90 suites, where each unit comes with separate sleeping and living areas, and gourmet kitchens.
Facilities include fitness and business centres, and 24-hour security.
Israel has urged its citizens holidaying in coastal areas in Sri Lanka to leave immediately owing to a possible terrorist attack linked to the Middle East crisis.
Its National Security Council made the call on Israelis on Wednesday saying the warning was based on “current information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches”.
Tourists are advised to avoid Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka due to intelligence reports of a potential terror attack linked to the Middle East crisis
Sri Lankan newspapers said security has been tightened in parts of the eastern coast and also the southern coast, frequented by Israeli tourists.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US, the UK and Canadian missions in Sri Lanka urged their nationals to avoid the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay on the country’s eastern coast following intelligence reports of a possible terror attack connected to the Middle East crisis.
Police confirmed the reports saying security has been strengthened in the area, adding that they had received reports of a possible attack a few weeks ago.
No details were given but police sources said this was connected to tensions between Arugam Bay area residents, mostly minority Muslims, and Israeli nationals who have set up a few businesses in the area to cater to Israeli surfers.
Sri Lanka is supporting the Palestine cause and backing international pleas for Israeli to suspend attacks on the Gaza strip which has suffered for more than a year under an onslaught by Israeli forces. Muslims in Sri Lanka form the second largest minority group after the Tamil minority community.
However the country also has cordial and diplomatic ties with Israel.
Israel ranks as Sri Lanka’s 18th source market for tourist arrivals, while Sri Lanka has long been working to attract support from affluent nationals in the Middle East.
While the UK is a key source market, Sri Lanka aims to achieve 2.3 million tourist arrivals this year, matching the record high set in 2018.
The Malta Tourism Authority is eager to share the country’s culture and heritage with travellers from Asia-Pacific, from settlements built by the Phoenicians to mediaeval fortifications installed by knights.
“Although Malta is a well-known holiday destination in Europe, it is still an emerging destination in Asia-Pacific. The tourism market in Asia-Pacific holds great potential for us, with many travellers having already visited Europe in the past, but still eager to explore deeper cultural gems and unique local customs,” said Monica Wu, regional marketing manager, Malta Tourism Authority, at the organisation’s first networking event in Singapore on October 22.
The Malta Tourism Authority is hoping to attract more travellers from Asia-Pacific to the destination; Malta’s capital city Valletta, pictured
She noted that there was growing interest in Malta among travel consultants as they sought new destinations to present to their clients.
“Asian tourists are very experienced in many places. They want something different, and we can give it to them,” she added.
Malta, a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, is often referred to as the ‘heart of the Mediterranean’. With a rich history that dates back centuries, Malta is part of the European Union and a Schengen country, which, Wu noted, Singaporean and Malaysian travellers do not need visas to enter.
Malta received 2.97 million tourists in 2023, a 30.1 per cent increase from 2022’s 2.28 million. The largest share of tourists from Asia-Pacific came from Australia at 53,000, followed by China at 11,000, while tourists from South-east Asia made up 10,000.
To enhance the destination’s visibility, the Malta Tourism Authority is focusing on building brand awareness through digital marketing and media partnerships and positioning the destination in the mid- to-high-end market.
“We have found that travellers from the Asia-Pacific region tend to have extensive overseas travel experience and often place greater emphasis on ‘experiential’ destination products. The quality of accommodation and dining are important for them. At the same time, they are also particularly concerned about the safety of the destination,” shared Wu.
The Malta Tourism Authority’s strategy focuses on several unique characteristics of the country. These include Malta’s storied cultural heritage, Mediterranean cuisine and traditional cooking methods, and outdoor activities from diving to cycling.
Religious tourism – the country is predominantly Catholic – and screen tourism are also two popular themes that visitors enjoy, added Wu. The destination has been featured in Jurassic World, Game of Thrones and computer game Assassin’s Creed.
Getting “quality tourists” is an important part of its tourism strategy, stated Wu. As its efforts in wooing the longhaul market are still in the early stages, the key is to establish the Malta brand rather than attracting mass tourists.
Several reports have noted that Malta faces overtourism. Currently in place is a Malta Tourism Strategy by the government that outlines its plans up till 2030 for long-term sustainable and responsible development of its tourism sector.
More hotels are currently being developed in Malta. At present, Malta has 17 five-star hotels and 47 four-star hotels, providing a total of approximately 11,700 beds, as well as many three-star hotels and guesthouses.
“In our future marketing efforts and collaborations with the trade, we will focus on building a positive reputation and sustainable destination image in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Wu.
With over two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg previously served as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people, and portfolio.
