Onyx sets growth targets as it marks 60th anniversary

May 13, 2026

Onyx Hospitality Group has outlined its growth strategy as it marks its 60th anniversary, with plans to expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence across Asia-Pacific.

The group is targeting total revenue of 10.33 billion baht (US$280 million) in 2026, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. It also plans to grow its portfolio from 49 properties to more than 75 by 2030, supported by an investment of 5.5 billion baht over the next three years, largely focused on upgrading existing assets.

Yuthachai Charanachitta shared that the company views its 60th anniversary not only as a reflection of past achievements, but as the beginning of its next phase of growth

Onyx currently operates across multiple segments, including hotels, serviced apartments and residences, under brands such as Amari, Ozo, Shama and Oriental Residence. The group’s expansion strategy centres on strengthening its position in key regional markets through a mix of new developments and asset enhancement.

Several projects are scheduled to open in 2026, including Shama Sukhumvit 101 Bangkok, Shama Medini and Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen, Inspired by Ozo. The development pipeline also includes projects such as Shama Rayong, EQ Phuket and Amari Resort & Villas, Samui.

The group is also focusing on asset management to support long-term value growth. Its core assets, including Amari Bangkok and Ozo properties in Samui and Phuket, are expected to contribute to a portfolio valuation exceeding four billion baht.

Alongside expansion, Onyx has refined the positioning of its four core brands. Amari is focused on the upper-upscale segment, while Ozo targets the upper-midscale lifestyle category. Shama continues to focus on serviced apartment living, and Oriental Residence is positioned within the luxury segment.

Onyx Hospitality Group CEO Yuthachai Charanachitta said the company has grown from managing a single hotel in Thailand into a regional operator across Asia-Pacific, supported by a strong Thai foundation, global outlook and focus on key regional markets.

He added: “Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our regional footprint, strengthening our brands, and creating long-term value for our partners, investors and customers, while continuing to develop the organisation in a balanced and sustainable manner. At the same time, we are dedicated to playing an active role in elevating service standards and supporting the long-term advancement of Thailand’s hospitality industry.”

Tui adds Phnom Penh to Suneo expansion in South-east Asia

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2026

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Tui Hotels & Resorts has signed a hotel management agreement for Tui Suneo Olympia Phnom Penh, expanding its presence in South-east Asia. The property is scheduled to open in September 2026 and will be the fourth hotel under the Tui Suneo brand in Asia-Pacific.

Located in central Phnom Penh, the hotel is positioned to serve both leisure and business travellers. It will offer 168 guestrooms, each with a private balcony and city views.

Tui Suneo Olympia Phnom Penh will include event spaces such as a sky garden, pictured

Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, bar, gym and spa, as well as meeting and conference spaces catering to corporate and social events. The property is intended to support demand for centrally located accommodation in the Cambodian capital.

Nearby attractions include the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum of Cambodia and Wat Phnom, alongside the riverside areas along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap.

The addition forms part of Tui’s broader expansion of its Suneo brand in city leisure locations across the region. Existing properties include Tui Suneo Bangtao in Thailand, Tui Suneo Shenzhen Manwan in China and Tui Suneo Da Nang in Vietnam.

“Phnom Penh is an increasingly attractive city destination, combining cultural heritage, riverside charm, and a fast-developing urban lifestyle,” said Artur Gerber, CEO of Tui Hotels & Resorts. “The signing of Tui Suneo Olympia Phnom Penh reflects our strategy to expand the Tui Suneo brand in vibrant city leisure locations across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Malaysia Airlines reports steady performance and demand growth

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2026

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Malaysia Airlines continues to focus on operational consistency and customer flexibility amid a changing travel environment.

The airline maintained on-time performance above 90 per cent throughout April, marking the second consecutive month above this level and consistently exceeding its 85 per cent target since January 2026. The results reflect ongoing operational improvements, including enhancements to boarding processes and ground support.

Malaysia Airlines records improved on-time performance and sustained passenger growth in recent months

Passenger demand has remained stable. In March, year-on-year passenger traffic increased by 30 per cent, with growth continuing in April at eight per cent. The trend indicates sustained demand across key markets.

Malaysia Airlines has also introduced initiatives to support more flexible travel. Its Now Boarding campaign includes offerings such as flexible fares with unlimited flight changes, as well as family-focused features including child fares and onboard activity packs. Additional benefits are available for customers booking through the airline’s direct channels.

The airline’s brand performance has also strengthened. In the Airlines 50 2026 report by Brand Finance, Malaysia Airlines recorded a 27 per cent increase in brand value to US$771 million, rising four places to 41st globally.

“The operational consistency we have seen in recent months, together with continued customer demand across key markets, is an encouraging reflection of the steady progress being made across the airline. Above all, our priority is to ensure customers feel supported and confident throughout their journey with us,” said Bryan Foong, CEO of airline business, Malaysia Aviation Group.

Capella Singapore launches family-focused island explorer package

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2026

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Capella Singapore has introduced a new family package for the June holiday period, designed around independent exploration for younger travellers, in response to growing demand for family experiences that combine leisure with cultural and nature-based elements.

The Island Explorer room package, available from June 1, 2026, invites children aged five to 10 to take part in a self-guided experience across the resort’s Sentosa grounds. Each child receives an Explorer Kit, including a journal and instant-print camera, to document their stay through photos and notes.

Young guests explore Sentosa with a guided journal and instant-print camera as part of Capella Singapore’s Island Explorer experience

The programme encourages families to explore the resort’s natural and heritage features at their own pace. Upon completion, children receive a commemorative badge and certificate, with the camera and journal retained as keepsakes.

The package is available across all room categories and includes daily breakfast for two adults and two children, as well as late check-out until 14.00.

Guests also have access to the resort’s Little Stars programme, which offers a range of complimentary activities such as craft sessions, scavenger hunts and guided heritage tours.

For more information, visit Capella Singapore.

PATA confirms new chair and executive board

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2026

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PATA has elected Henry Oh of Global Tours as chair of the association, following ratification at the annual general meeting on May 12.

Ben Montgomery of Centara Hotels & Resorts has been appointed vice chair.

Top row from left: Henry Oh and Ben Montgomery; bottom row from left: Jackson Pek, Maria Paz Alberto, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Shuichi Kameyama and Sharzede Salleh Askor

Four new members have also been ratified to the executive board: Jackson Pek of Amadeus; Maria Paz Alberto of Ark Travel Express; Siripakorn Cheawsamoot of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration; and Shuichi Kameyama of JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.. They join Sharzede Salleh Askor of Sarawak Tourism Board, who remains on the board.

PATA reaffirms relevance as it marks 75 years of existence

By Karen Yue

May 12, 2026

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In a rapidly changing world where multiple factors continue to affect travel and tourism – alongside ongoing debate over tourism’s value – PATA’s leadership believes the association can remain relevant to members by staying agile and adaptive.

Raising what he described as an “uncomfortable question” on the second day of the PATA Annual Summit (PAS) in Gyeongju, South Korea, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “Is PATA still relevant? It is an uncomfortable question, but an essential one. Before we discuss the future of tourism, strengths, technology, sustainability or the visitors economy, we must first honestly ask ourselves whether this association still matters in this rapidly changing world.”

From left: Henry Oh and Noor Ahmad Hamid discussed PATA’s future relevance during PAS 2026 in Gyeongju, South Korea

Noor reflected on PATA’s formation in 1951 by a group of industry leaders who believed that “tourism could connect North America, the Pacific, Asia and the wider world through peace, understanding, respect and shared opportunity”.

He noted that over the past 75 years, PATA “grew alongside one of the most dynamic tourism regions in the world, helping bring governments, businesses, educators and communities together around a shared purpose”.

While acknowledging the celebratory tone surrounding PATA’s 75th anniversary, Noor said there was also a need to reflect on the many macro-environmental factors – from geopolitical tensions to the proliferation of AI – that have brought both challenges and opportunities to the travel and tourism sector.

Referring to PATA’s past achievements, Noor said “legacy and history alone will never secure the future”, affirming the association’s readiness to evolve in support of its members and the wider tourism industry.

He said: “Relevance is defined by an ability to bring together different perspectives from across the tourism ecosystem, governments, businesses, destinations, academia and the young professional, and turn dialog into ideas and partnership into action.

“(Relevance) matters even more today because the future of tourism will depend not only on growth, but also how effectively we respond to shared challenges, adapt to change, and create long-term value for destinations and communities.”
The themes of relevance, adaptability and resilience are expected to feature prominently throughout PAS 2026.

Henry Oh, the newly elected chairman of PATA, said “the forces reshaping tourism, from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to evolving traveller expectations, workforce development and destination resilience, are not distant challenges”.

“They are immediate realities requiring collaboration, innovation and a shared sense of responsibility. (PATA’s) goal is not only to respond to change, but to shape it, ensuring that tourism continues to deliver meaningful benefits for communities, economies and the environment,” added Oh.

Oh was elected to the position following ratification at the PATA Annual General Meeting on earlier today.

Under his leadership, Oh promised to facilitate tourism exchange between South Korea and the world, deepen engagement with chapter members across the region, and raise PATA’s prestige as a leading travel and tourism industry representative.

Globus family of brands moves APAC MD into advisory role

By TTG Asia

May 12, 2026

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Globus family of brands will transition Chris Hall from managing director, Asia Pacific to chairman and strategic advisor, a newly-created role effective July 15, 2026.

He has led the Asia-Pacific region since March 2025, most recently driving a refreshed strategy across product, pricing and marketing, including new flight-inclusive offerings and value-led initiatives.

EVT appoints chief development officer for Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

May 12, 2026

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EVT has named Brett Forer as chief development officer, hotels & resorts – Asia Pacific, a newly created role focused on driving regional expansion.

He joins from Accor, where he led network growth across the Pacific, specialising in asset-light management and franchise agreements.

ATE26 draws global tourism leaders

By Adelaine Ng

May 12, 2026

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Australia’s flagship tourism tradeshow opened in Adelaide this week, with more than 2,700 delegates gathering for the 46th Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE26).

Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre for the first time since 2018, the event, which began on Monday, brings together international buyers and Australian tourism operators for four days of business appointments, networking and destination experiences aimed at driving future inbound growth.

Tourism Australia chair Penny Fowler addresses delegates at ATE26 in Adelaide, which drew more than 2,700 attendees; photo by Adelaine Ng

Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack said ATE26 reflected confidence in Australia’s inbound tourism outlook despite global volatility affecting the travel sector.

“At times of uncertainty, being together is even more important than ever before with what’s happening around the world,” he said. “But I know as an industry we’re resilient and we’ll get through everything and anything together.”

More than 700 buyers and travel agents from 32 countries are attending the event, meeting with 1,400 Australian tourism representatives across more than 55,000 scheduled appointments. Tourism Australia said 131 buyer organisations are attending ATE for the first time, alongside 74 new tourism products being showcased.

Mack said Tourism Australia’s role was now “more important than ever” in shaping international demand and supporting visitor dispersal into regional Australia.

Australia’s trade and tourism minister Don Farrell, addressing delegates via video message, said ATE continues to play a critical role in strengthening the country’s visitor economy and international tourism partnerships.

“The exchanges that happen at ATE will help to ensure that Australian tourism businesses continue to grow and thrive into the future,” Farrell said, pointing to tourism’s importance to communities and jobs across the country.

South Australian tourism minister Emily Bourke used the opening to position the state as a growing force in Australian tourism, noting that local industry confidence has strengthened since Adelaide last hosted the event eight years ago.

“We’ve grown because we’ve had investment from a government willing to make that change,” Bourke said. “Tourism is our way of life in South Australia. You can come here and feel connected to something much bigger than just going to a destination.”

Bourke encouraged delegates to explore the state beyond the convention centre, highlighting South Australia’s food, wine and regional experiences. She pointed to Adelaide Central Market’s recent ranking as the world’s third-best market, while the Flinders Ranges was the only Australian destination named in Lonely Planet’s top places to visit in 2026.

Tourism Australia chair Penny Fowler said the event comes at an important moment for the sector as it navigates shifting global conditions.

“As we started this year, Australia was well placed on a path towards sustainable growth, welcoming more than nine million international visitors,” she told delegates.

“While global circumstances may have shifted, we have a long term plan through our Tourism 2035 strategy that sets the course for a sustainable future for our inbound tourism sector.”

Fowler also underscored the importance of business relationships and commercial outcomes generated through ATE26.

ATE26 is being delivered in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission and is expected to inject A$13.6 million (US$9 million) into the local economy.

Scoot doubles down on Indonesia

By Mimi Hudoyo

May 12, 2026

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Scoot is set to strengthen its position as a leading foreign carrier serving Indonesia with the launch of a new thrice-weekly Singapore-Pontianak service in June.

The capital of West Kalimantan will become the airline’s 17th destination in the country, marking a milestone in its regional expansion.

Chan said Scoot will be the largest foreign airline serving the most international distinct destinations in Indonesia

Speaking at a media roundtable session in Jakarta last week, Calvin Chan, Scoot chief commercial officer, said the new route will be operated by the airline’s recently inducted Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. With a capacity of 112 seats, the regional jet has been selected to serve the Pontianak market, which Scoot identifies as having potential across business, leisure and religious travel segments.

Alongside the Pontianak launch, Scoot will also ramp up frequencies across its Indonesian network.

Starting in June, flights to Jakarta and Bali will increase to five times daily. Services to Manado will rise from six times weekly to daily, while Lombok will increase from four to 10 weekly flights.

By June 29, Scoot will operate 150 weekly flights across Indonesia, representing a 22 per cent increase in capacity.

In the 2025-26 financial year ending March, passenger traffic to and from Indonesia grew by 25 per cent year-on-year, supported by a 24 per cent increase in capacity.

“We will be the largest foreign airline serving the most international distinct destinations in Indonesia,” Chan said, adding that many of these routes, including Pontianak, were previously unserved from Singapore.

Indonesia is currently the largest contributor to Scoot’s network capacity in both seat count and frequency.

Chan highlighted the role of the Embraer E190-E2 regional jets in supporting expansion. With a 112-seat capacity, the aircraft enable the airline to serve secondary cities where demand is thinner, such as Pontianak.

“This allows us to unlock new points in our network while better matching demand with capacity,” Chan He noted, adding that the airline would continue to develop the route and market, promote the service, and work with trade and travel partners, with the aim of increasing frequency or deploying larger aircraft over time.

He shared that the approach has already been applied in destinations such as Labuan Bajo, which launched with two weekly flights in December 2025 and will increase to three by June.

The airline aims to provide seamless transit through Singapore to the wider SIA network, supporting trade, tourism and economic activity.

Scoot’s global network spans 85 destinations across 18 countries, with more than half of its routes within South-east Asia. “We serve a mix of short, medium, and longhaul routes,” Chan said.

The media roundtable was held in conjunction with Chan’s visit to Jakarta to launch a campaign in Indonesia titled Sambal si Petualang (The Adventurous Sambal). Recognising that many Indonesians consider a meal incomplete without sambal, the campaign allows travellers to bring a “taste of home” on international trips.

Scoot partnered with Jakarta-based visual artist Martcellia Liunic (Liunic) to design three limited-edition travel accessories, including zipper pouches designed to carry packaged sambal.

Onyx sets growth targets as it marks 60th anniversary

Tui adds Phnom Penh to Suneo expansion in South-east Asia

Malaysia Airlines reports steady performance and demand growth

Capella Singapore launches family-focused island explorer package

PATA confirms new chair and executive board

PATA reaffirms relevance as it marks 75 years of existence

Globus family of brands moves APAC MD into advisory role

EVT appoints chief development officer for Asia-Pacific

ATE26 draws global tourism leaders

Scoot doubles down on Indonesia

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