InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has introduced a series of new activities focused on the natural environment of the Son Tra Peninsula in central Vietnam. The area is home to a population of red-shanked douc langurs, alongside a wide range of plant and animal species.
The programme includes four guided experiences developed with the resort’s resident naturalist. These add to the existing Nature Expedition, which focuses on conservation and wildlife observation.
Guests explore rainforest trails and coastal habitats at InterContinental Danang as part of new nature-led activities
A one-kilometre Ecowalk introduces guests to local flora and fauna within the resort grounds. The guided walk runs five days a week and is included for in-house guests.
A separate jungle hike leads to an 800-year-old banyan tree located within the peninsula. The four-hour guided experience covers forest ecosystems and wildlife along the route. This activity is operated by a local partner and is available for a fee.
The Son Tra Wildlife Expedition is a half-day tour to the summit of the peninsula, with a focus on biodiversity and habitat education. The experience includes opportunities to observe wildlife and views across Danang.
For younger guests, the Planet Trekkers programme offers beach and garden activities. These include planting herbs, learning about pollinators and observing marine life along the shoreline. The sessions also include basic conservation activities and are available for children aged four to 12.
The resort has also introduced a tree-planting programme in partnership with local authorities, alongside its existing sustainability initiatives.
Ascott’s recent shift in development strategy, which sees it diversifying its presence from only gateway cities to secondary cities as well as residential, industrial and resort locations, has allowed the hospitality company to boast a landmark year of signings across South-east Asia last year.
Ascott added more than 7,300 units across the region, and recorded a 55 per cent increase over the 4,700 units signed in 2024. The growth momentum not only marked Ascott’s strongest signing performance in South-east Asia to date, it also led Horwath HTL to place Ascott among the top three hospitality companies in South-east Asia in 2025.
From left: Ascott’s Tan Bee Leng, Serena Lim, Kevin Goh and Wong Kar Ling discuss their organisation’s expansion across South-east Asia
More than 25 new properties across property types and brands are expected to open within the next 12 months, joining Ascott’s portfolio of more than 200 operational properties in South-east Asia.
Regional expansion will also bring Ascott into 20 new cities, such as Nha Trang in Vietnam; Phuket in Thailand; Labuan Bajo in Indonesia; Davao in the Philippines; and Langkawi in Malaysia.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the Ascott Global Conference, held last week at the brand new Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi’s International Convention Center, Kevin Goh, CEO of Ascott and lodging, Capitaland Investment, said the company has brought “different typologies” into the region over the last three to five years as a result of the change in development approach.
“We used to be only in city locations, but have since brought our brands to resorts, residential areas, industrial parks, and different primary and secondary cities,” said Goh.
Ascott’s leadership said the strong South-east Asia expansion is made possible by the region’s structurally resilient tourism fundamentals, strong post-pandemic intra-region travel demand, rising visitor spending and improving regional connectivity.
South-east Asia’s highly fragmented hospitality market also fuels development opportunity, as hotel supply is dominated by independent and unbranded properties. Ascott noted that about 30 per cent of pipeline in the region is delivered through conversions and brownfield projects.
In response to TTG Asia’s question about conversions opportunities across South-east Asia, Serena Lim, chief growth officer, Ascott, said the number of conversion signings at Ascott has risen year-on-year, encouraged by the ideal location of existing hotels, speed and ease in bringing a property to market, the need to mitigate rising cost of construction, and urgency among real estate owners wanting to reposition their assets in emerging markets.
Lim added that Ascott has an advantage due to its forty-year expertise in its Asian “home base”, “different conversion capabilities”, and brands that are familiar to Asian owners.
Goh said 60 per cent of the hotel inventory stock in South-east Asia are unrepresented by one of the major brands, which meant ample room for conversion here.
Wong Kar Ling, chief strategy officer and managing director, Southeast Asia, Ascott, underscored South-east Asia’s role as both a core growth engine and a showcase for Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy.
Wong expressed excitement over Ascott’s resort openings in South-east Asia, “which will meaningfully expand our leisure offerings and open up new destinations for Ascott Star Rewards members to explore and enjoy their rewards”.
Indeed, resort properties represent one of the most significant areas of growth for Ascott. New properties are expected across Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. Resort openings this year include Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection on Vietnam’s northern coast, Harris Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam, and 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang by The Unlimited Collection in Malaysia.
Vietnam has also emerged as a development darling for Ascott, with five new properties set to launch between this year and 2028.
Lim described Vietnam as a market that does well across Ascott’s brand portfolio while the country’s extended coastline creates attractive opportunities for resort development. Goh, meanwhile, observed that the China Plus One strategy, which focuses on diversifying supply chains from China to enhance trade resilience, has lifted corporate arrivals to the country.
Escalating international corporate traffic on the back of heightened global investments has prompted Ascott to work with owners to develop properties across that are equipped for meetings and events.
The new Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi takes the limelight in this approach – it boasts the International Convention Center, which packs in 13 meeting venues including what is said to be Hanoi’s largest pillarless ballroom for more than 2,000 guests. The hotel, part of a nine-tower mixed-use development, will open progressively now through 2027.
Calls to restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status have gained momentum following a proposal by the Sultan of Kedah, prompting the federal government to consider reinstating the island’s tax-free privileges to boost its tourism sector.
Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that proposals to review and potentially restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status are being studied.
Malaysia considers reinstating Langkawi’s full duty-free status to revive tourism and attract high-spending visitors
“I have asked finance minister II, Amir Hamzah Azizan, to look into it,” he said, as reported by The Star, adding that the government is also exploring broader efforts to restore the island’s competitiveness.
The move follows calls by the Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, to reinstate full duty-free privileges, which had been partially scaled back in recent years.
Kedah’s chief minister, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, stated the proposal to restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status was aimed at revitalising the island’s economy. He said the shortage of duty-free products, which were previously a major draw for tourists, was among the reasons for the current decline in Langkawi’s appeal.
He has proposed expanding the list of duty-free goods, including luxury vehicles, to attract high-spending visitors. “When wealthy visitors come, they should be able to buy expensive cars at lower prices and spend in Langkawi,” he said, noting the potential spillover benefits for the local economy.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the federal government’s willingness to reassess the policy.
Raseli Yahya, chairman of the Langkawi Tourism Industry Players Association, described the review as timely, citing increasing operational costs and a drop in domestic tourist interest.
“We appreciate prime minister Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern in recognising the current challenges faced by Langkawi’s tourism industry, including rising operating costs and declining appeal among domestic tourists,” he said.
Langkawi was declared a duty-free island on January 1, 1987. However, on January 1, 2021, duties were imposed on tobacco products, including cigarettes, marking a shift away from its fully duty-free status and slightly diminishing its appeal as a shopping haven.
Tourism Western Australia has updated its global Walking On A Dream campaign, refining its brand positioning for international markets.
First introduced in 2022, the campaign contributed to the recovery of international tourism, with Western Australia reporting 1.1 million international visitors and A$3.4 billion (US$2.2 billion) in spending in the year to December 2025.
The refreshed campaign features new film, ambassadors and international rollout; photo by Tourism Western Australia
The updated campaign includes a new brand film and the introduction of an ambassador group known as “The Dreamers”. The campaign will be rolled out across 13 markets, including Singapore, New Zealand, the UK and China.
The film features a reworked version of the track Walking On A Dream, performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra with Aboriginal artist Billy-Jo Shoveller. Filming locations include Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Ningaloo Reef and the Kimberley.
The Dreamers programme brings together local ambassadors representing areas such as nature, food, culture and outdoor activities, with the aim of providing destination-led content and perspectives.
The campaign is supported by events and partnerships in key markets, for example, activities in Singapore include a collaboration with Drinks & Co, featuring Western Australian food and beverage products and a related consumer promotion.
Anneke Brown, managing director, Tourism Western Australia, said: “The brand refresh celebrates WA’s deep connection to nature, culture and country, progressing towards our target of achieving a A$25 billion-dollar tourism economy by 2033.”
Contiki is expanding its Asia programme with two new small-group itineraries in Vietnam and Cambodia, introducing a travel format built around local transport and guided experiences.
The trips are being introduced alongside a digital campaign featuring content creators who joined early departures, with material released across Contiki’s platforms to support the launch.
Contiki’s new Vietnam and Cambodia trips focus on immersive travel using local transport
The new trips, Ride Vietnam and Ride Cambodia, move away from coach-based touring and instead use Vespas, motorbikes and tuk-tuks to take travellers through urban and rural areas with local drivers.
The itineraries are designed for groups of up to 14 to 16 travellers and will begin operating from November 2026. Ride Cambodia runs over eight days, covering locations including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with activities such as visits to Angkor Wat and community stays near Tonle Sap lake. Ride Vietnam is a six-day itinerary through central Vietnam, including Hoi An, Danang and the Hai Van Pass.
Prices start from US$1,600 for Cambodia and US$1,200 for Vietnam.
The launch reflects a shift towards more locally focused travel formats, with itineraries structured around direct interaction with destinations and communities.
“Young travellers are moving beyond the Instagram ‘greatest hits’ and looking for trips that connect and immerse them in destinations,” said Tom O’Hara, head of brand at Contiki. “These new trips deliver exactly that – exploring Vietnam by Vespa and motorbike or Cambodia by tuk-tuk – a small group of like-minded travellers can be sharing meals with locals, staying in family-run accommodation and discovering off-the-beaten-track towns and villages, all while being led by an experienced and knowledgeable Contiki crew.
“It’s about getting closer to the culture, the communities, and the moments that make travel unforgettable.”
Club Med has outlined progress from its Happy to Care sustainability programme across Asia-Pacific, coinciding with Earth Day 2026.
The programme focuses on environmental management, community engagement and guest experiences. Across the region, initiatives include certified building standards, waste reduction measures and conservation activities.
Sustainability initiatives across Club Med’s Asia-Pacific resorts focus on construction, waste reduction and conservation activities
At Club Med Phuket, the Family Oasis development, which opened in April 2025, has achieved LEED certification. The project includes green spaces, construction standards above regional benchmarks and systems aimed at improving energy and water use.
In Bali, the group has implemented food waste reduction measures, supported by an independent audit conducted with the Indonesian government. Food waste levels were reported to be 57 per cent lower than local comparators. An on-site composting system processed more than two tonnes of food waste in February 2026, with annual volumes projected to reach 18 tonnes. The programme also contributes to reduced landfill use and the production of fertiliser for resort gardens.
In the Maldives, Club Med Kani partnered with Parley for the Oceans and Finolhu to recycle more than 240kg of PET plastic waste in 2025. The initiative forms part of wider efforts focused on marine conservation across multiple locations.
The group also offers environmental activities for guests, including coral and turtle conservation programmes in destinations such as the Maldives, Malaysia and the Coral Triangle region. More than 15,000 staff across its resorts receive annual training in sustainability practices.
In Singapore, Club Med is working with EHL Hospitality Business School to organise a business case competition for students aged 15 to 19, focused on sustainability challenges in tourism.
Club Med’s sustainability initiatives date back several decades, including the establishment of its foundation in 1978 and the development of its current programme in 2019. All of its resorts currently hold Green Globe certification.
Olivier Monceau, general manager for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia at Club Med, said the group is focusing on delivering measurable outcomes across its operations, including construction standards, waste management and environmental programmes, while maintaining its approach to guest experiences.
Royal Caribbean has introduced a new programme of Asia sailings for the 2027-28 season on Spectrum of the Seas. The deployment covers 22 destinations, with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights and departures from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
The programme includes new longer itineraries of eight to 10 nights, with options for one-way sailings between cities such as Shanghai and Tokyo. Routes cover destinations across East Asia, including Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, with ports such as Busan, Jeju (Seogwipo), Danang (Chan May) and Sapporo (Muroran).
Spectrum of the Seas will operate a range of Asia itineraries from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo for the 2027-28 season; photo by Royal Caribbean International
Seasonal itineraries are a focus. Spring sailings in May 2027 highlight bloom periods across China, Japan and South Korea, while autumn departures in October 2027 include stops in Seoul (Incheon) and Sapporo (Muroran) for foliage viewing. Selected itineraries include overnight stays in cities such as Beijing, Osaka and Tokyo.
Shorter sailings of three to four nights from Shanghai and Hong Kong target regional travellers, with stops in Jeju and Busan. Longer five- to eight-night summer cruises include destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul.
From Hong Kong, holiday sailings are scheduled around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. These include itineraries of five to 11 nights, with destinations across Japan and South Korea, alongside seasonal onboard programming.
Vikas Chawla, the newly appointed president – India & Southwest Asia for Hyatt, says the hospitality company is looking to more than double its current footprint in India, up from 55 today.
“While the pace of openings can vary year to year based on construction and market timelines, we have a robust pipeline of nearly 100 hotels in development across India, totalling more than 15,000 keys. It reflects a significant acceleration of our growth in this critical market,” Chawla told TTG Asia.
Chawla: it is clear that Indian travellers have a strong appetite for unique, differentiated lifestyle experiences
Expanding into tier-II and tier-III cities is a significant priority for Hyatt in India, markets which it believes have strong demand fundamentals and a significant undersupply of high-quality branded hotels.
“Our recent signings, including Hyatt Place in Ahmedabad (Nikol), Bhuj and Kolhapur-Sangli, as well as Grand Hyatt Indore, reflect our commitment to bringing our distinct brand experiences to these high-growth areas,” added Chawla.
Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency brands serve as the cornerstone of its portfolio in India by catering to both business and leisure travellers in key locations. Simultaneously, the hospitality company sees significant scope and demand for its lifestyle and luxury brands. The upcoming debut of Hari Bagh Jaipur in 2026 represents the first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia-Pacific, offering unique stay experiences to the Indian market.
“With the success of our existing Alila and JdV by Hyatt hotels and the growth of Hyatt Centric, it is clear that Indian travellers have a strong appetite for unique, differentiated lifestyle experiences. We will continue to explore where we can intentionally introduce brands from across our portfolio where they match the right market and audience,” said Chawla.
According to Chawla, the investment climate in India is very positive, with the market being fundamentally driven by strong domestic consumption, which provides a stable foundation for long-term investment.
“While business travel is robust, the most significant demand driver is domestic leisure travel, which accounts for more than 75 per cent of total tourism consumption in the country. We are seeing a structural shift where Indian travellers are exploring their own country more than ever before, with a strong preference for high-end, experiential stays,” concluded Chawla.
Launched in Singapore in 2024, the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA) is expanding this year to include Johor and Jakarta.
This was announced by Muhammad Imran, president of the Singapore Halal Culinary Federation, and CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, Fazal Bahardeen, at the recent HTGA 2026 Singapore Hari Raya Open House.
From left: Muhammad Imran showcasing halal cuisine at the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2026 Singapore Hari Raya Open House with Fazal Bahardeen
HTGA’s growth “signals the region’s halal food scene is ready for a definitive standard of recognition”, according to the organisers.
International Muslim arrivals are projected to reach 245 million by 2030, increasing demand for trusted, credible halal dining options, they added.
Beyond Green is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the launch of a year-long programme focused on sustainable travel, alongside a donation initiative linked to its loyalty scheme.
The programme, titled Impact in Five, will run through 2026 and is intended to highlight the brand’s development since its launch in 2021 and outline its next phase of activity. The initiative coincides with Earth Day 2026.
Beyond Green launches year-long programme to advance sustainable travel and community initiatives
As part of the launch, the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme has reintroduced its Points for Good scheme, allowing members to donate loyalty points to support conservation and community projects. Donations will go to non-profit organisation Wild Impact, with I Prefer matching contributions up to one million points. The campaign runs from April 22 to May 31, 2026.
Funds raised will support projects in the Okavango Delta, including community and conservation ranger programmes focused on environmental education, climate resilience, and support for communities affected by human-wildlife conflict.
Since its formation by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green has expanded from 24 founding members to a broader portfolio of hotels, resorts and lodges that meet sustainability criteria across environmental, cultural and community areas. The brand has also developed partnerships with organisations including andBeyond, The Travel Foundation, 1% for the Planet, and Travalyst.
The platform has also expanded its activities to include advisory services through Beyond Green Consulting, alongside its hotel network.
“As we celebrate five years of Beyond Green, we’re honouring a growing global community united by a shared belief: that travel can and should be a catalyst for positive impact,” said Philipp Weghmann, president of Beyond Green.
“This milestone reflects the collective commitment of our members and marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter focused on deeper collaboration, expanded services, and measurable results.”
