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Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 9th June 2026
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Trip.com Group, Tourism Tasmania deepen tourism collaboration

By TTG Asia
0

Trip.com Group and Tourism Tasmania have signed a one-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their tourism partnership and promote Tasmania to international travellers.

Signed during the Envision Conference in Shanghai, the agreement establishes the first global MoU between the two organisations and sets out a framework for tourism marketing and destination promotion across multiple markets.

The one-year agreement will focus on marketing, training and tourism promotion across key international markets

Under the partnership, Trip.com Group and Tourism Tasmania will work to improve the visibility of Tasmania’s tourism products on the Trip.com platform, including accommodation, attractions, tours and visitor experiences. The agreement also includes training and familiarisation programmes for Trip.com staff.

The partners will use platform data and traveller insights to support marketing activities targeting mainland China, Hong Kong, South-east Asia and Australia.

The MoU builds on several years of collaboration between the organisations. Following the pandemic, the two parties worked together on tourism recovery campaigns in mainland China during 2022 and 2023 before extending joint activities to Hong Kong and Singapore between 2024 and 2025.

According to the organisations, the agreement aims to increase awareness of Tasmania’s nature-based tourism experiences among international travellers and support growth in the state’s visitor economy.

Edison Chen, vice president of Trip.com Group, said: “This MoU represents a milestone in our efforts to provide global travellers with access to high-quality, authentic experiences.”

Sarah Kingston Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania, added: “We are delighted to continue to strengthen our partnership with Trip.com and Tasmania’s presence across their platforms, which plays an important role in connecting Chinese consumers with Tasmania’s world class tourism experiences.”

Beyond Green spotlights coral conservation projects ahead of World Oceans Day

By TTG Asia
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Beyond Green is highlighting coral reef conservation initiatives across its member properties ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8.

The sustainable hospitality network said member properties in destinations including Tanzania, Costa Rica, Dominica, Malaysia, Colombia and French Polynesia are supporting projects aimed at protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems.

Member properties across Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America are supporting coral reef restoration and marine conservation programmes

Coral reefs support around 25 per cent of marine life despite covering less than one per cent of the ocean. However, they face increasing pressure from climate change, coral bleaching, pollution, overfishing and coastal development.

According to Beyond Green, the initiatives form part of a broader effort across its portfolio to support marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices through research, restoration and community engagement.

Among the projects highlighted is the Reef Stars programme at andBeyond Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar. Developed by Oceans Without Borders, the initiative uses locally produced reef star structures to stabilise damaged reefs and support coral regeneration following a mass coral bleaching event in 2024.

In Costa Rica, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge by SCP works with conservation organisations Innoceana and Restor Laboratories through its Adopt a Coral programme, which allows guests to participate in coral monitoring and restoration activities.

Coulibri Ridge in Dominica supports coral restoration through the Daniel Langlois Coral Rescue Center, which maintains coral nursery tanks in a controlled environment to support future reef restoration efforts.

At Gayana Marine Resort in Sabah, Malaysia, the Marine Ecology Research Centre focuses on giant clam propagation and coral reef regeneration, while Hotel Las Islas in Colombia has planted 90,000 corals in partnership with the local Barú community.

In French Polynesia, The Brando supports marine conservation through the Tetiaroa Society and its Tetiaroa Atoll Restoration Program, which focuses on ecosystem restoration and the reintroduction of native species linked to reef health.

Amadeus launches AI-driven travel advertising platform with Accenture

By TTG Asia
0

Amadeus has introduced a new AI-powered advertising platform developed with Accenture, aimed at helping travel brands identify demand trends earlier and improve campaign performance across digital channels.

The Amadeus Travel Advertising Platform was unveiled during the company’s inaugural Advertising Summit in Antibes, France, replacing its previous Amadeus Media Solutions business.

The new platform is designed to help travel brands identify travel demand earlier and optimise campaigns across digital channels

The platform combines Amadeus travel demand data with Accenture’s campaign management technology to help travel companies manage advertising activity across channels including search, social media and online travel platforms.

Its first live feature, the Omnichannel Budget Allocator, uses AI to monitor campaign performance and automatically shift advertising spend based on targets such as bookings and return on ad spend.

Amadeus said the platform is designed to address rising customer acquisition costs and changing traveller behaviour as trip planning increasingly takes place across AI tools, social media and digital content platforms.

Dan Ciocoiu, head of advertising solutions at Amadeus, said many travel brands still relied on historical performance data that often arrived too late to capture emerging demand trends.

The platform is currently being used for managed hotel advertising services, with airline and destination marketing capabilities expected to follow.

Ahead of the launch, Amadeus also recruited advertising executives from Accenture Song and WPP to support the expansion of its advertising business.

Aviation roundup: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and more

By TTG Asia
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Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines adds Amsterdam flights, boosts New Zealand capacity
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is increasing capacity across its Europe and New Zealand networks, adding three weekly flights to Amsterdam and expanding services to New Zealand through its alliance with Air New Zealand for the Northern Winter 2026 season.

SIA will increase services between Singapore and Amsterdam from daily to 10 weekly flights between August 1 and October 22, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The additional Amsterdam frequencies build on recent European network growth, including increased services to Manchester, Milan and Munich, a double-daily operation to London Gatwick, and a new five-times-weekly Madrid service via Barcelona.

Separately, SIA and Air New Zealand will increase capacity across their joint Singapore-New Zealand network by 17 per cent, adding around 72,000 seats.

Air New Zealand will launch a new three-times-weekly Singapore-Christchurch service and add four weekly Auckland-Singapore flights. Combined with SIA’s existing Christchurch operations, the airlines will offer up to 15 weekly Christchurch services during the peak period from November 2026 to February 2027.

SIA will also deploy the Airbus A380 on one of its two daily Auckland services, replacing the Boeing 777-300ER on that frequency.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific to launch Almaty flights
Cathay Pacific will commence direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty in the first quarter of 2027, marking the airline’s first destination in Central Asia.

The carrier intends to operate three weekly flights using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The route will be the only direct air service between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

The new service will expand Cathay Pacific’s network in Central Asia and strengthen connectivity between Hong Kong and a key Belt and Road market.

Mabuhay Miles and Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now redeem points across both airline networks

Philippine Airlines, Qantas strengthen frequent flyer partnership
Philippine Airlines and Qantas Airways have expanded their frequent flyer partnership, allowing members of the Mabuhay Miles and Qantas Frequent Flyer programmes to redeem points across both airlines’ networks.

Mabuhay Miles members can now redeem miles on Qantas international and domestic flights, while Qantas Frequent Flyer members gain access to Philippine Airlines’ network across the Philippines and South-east Asia.

The agreement broadens redemption options across both carriers and marks the fourth airline partnership under the Mabuhay Miles programme.

Vietjet

Vietjet adds Prague and Nha Trang routes in network expansion
Vietjet will launch services between Hanoi and Prague from October 10, 2026, and between Nha Trang and Singapore from December 11, 2026.

The additions expand the airline’s European and South-east Asian network, strengthen connectivity between Vietnam and key international markets, and increase access to destinations across Vietjet’s network.

The new Hanoi-Prague route will operate twice weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft, with a stop in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The service marks Vietjet’s expansion into the Czech market and further strengthens links between Vietnam and Europe.

Vietjet has also introduced a new direct service between Nha Trang and Singapore. The route will operate four times weekly and will become the airline’s fifth direct connection between Singapore and Vietnam.

Homm Laguna Bintan rolls out school holiday family offer

By TTG Asia
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Homm Laguna Bintan is offering a school holiday package for families, combining accommodation with resort activities and dining benefits.

Guests who book directly by June 30, 2026, will receive a complimentary resort credit of S$30 (US$23) per night, which can be used for dining, activities and selected experiences at the property.

Homm Laguna Bintan’s school holiday programme includes hands-on activities designed for families and younger guests

The resort’s family-focused programme includes activities such as the Junior Chefs Experience, cupcake decorating classes and exploration sessions designed for younger guests.

Families can also make use of the resort’s facilities and choose from a range of optional activities, including beach experiences, water sports and nature-based excursions around Bintan.

For more information, visit Homm Laguna Bintan.

Expo 2025 leaves lasting tourism legacy for Osaka and Kansai

By Kathryn Wortley
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Expo 2025, which attracted 29 million visitors to Osaka over 184 days, generated an estimated economic impact of 3.6 trillion yen (US$22.56 billion), according to the Japanese government.

The event delivered an immediate boost to international tourism. Edouard Tripkovic Katayama, a consultant at JTB Tourism Research & Consulting, said the Expo drove longhaul travel linked to a once-in-a-generation event, encouraged longer stays combining Osaka with destinations such as Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Tokyo, and increased international visibility through high-level diplomatic visits.

Infrastructure upgrades linked to Expo 2025 are expected to strengthen Osaka and the Kansai region’s appeal to international visitors

Industry observers now expect the Expo to leave a lasting legacy for Osaka and the wider Kansai region as inbound tourism destinations.

Four years before the event, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism launched plans to improve infrastructure and tourism attractions around Yumeshima, the artificial island in Osaka Bay that hosted the Expo, as well as across the city.

“Hosting the Expo led to improved transportation access, which in turn advanced infrastructure development,” said Expo 2025 secretary general Hiroyuki Ishige, citing the extension of the Osaka Metro’s Chuo Line to a new station on Yumeshima, which provides direct access from central Osaka to the bay area in 30 minutes.

Services on the Chuo Line have also been increased, reducing intervals between trains to 2.5 minutes, while platform doors have been installed across all subway stations. Road infrastructure was upgraded as well, with the expansion of the Yumemai and Konohana bridges and surrounding roads to ease congestion.

Kansai International Airport completed a major renovation of Terminal 1 ahead of the Expo, increasing annual capacity to 40 million passengers. The project expanded the international departures area by 60 per cent, introduced smart security lanes and created Japan’s largest walk-through duty-free area.

At Osaka Port, the Tempozan Wharf passenger terminal was redeveloped to accommodate Expo-related traffic. The three-storey facility offers upgraded customs, immigration and quarantine processing, while port enhancements enable faster turnaround for large cruise ships.

The city has also strengthened its position as a waterfront destination through new cruise experiences on the Yodo River and Osaka Bay, as well as sightseeing services connecting Osaka with nearby destinations such as Kobe and Awaji Island.

Ishige described the developments as a catalyst for medium- to long-term growth, supporting regional revitalisation across Japan.

Yumeshima’s transformation is continuing beyond the Expo. The northern section of the island is being developed into a 492,000m² integrated resort project valued at around US$10 billion.

The development will include a casino, three hotels – MGM Osaka, MGM Villas and Musubi Hotel – with a combined 2,500 rooms, as well as 30,000m² of exhibition space, 37,000m² of conference facilities and a 3,500-seat theatre. Dining, retail, wellness facilities and a tourism concierge promoting travel across Kansai’s seven prefectures will also form part of the project.

Scheduled to open in autumn 2030, the resort is expected to attract 20 million visitors annually, including six million international travellers.

Air Astana steps up capacity as Kazakhstan emerges as a key Europe-Asia connector

By Rachel AJ Lee
0

Air Astana Group is benefiting from changing aviation flows between Europe and Asia, increasing capacity as geopolitical uncertainty makes some traditional transit routes through the Middle East less predictable.

“We have seen a significant increase in transit traffic through Kazakhstan in recent months. During 1Q2026, Air Astana Group’s international transit traffic increased by 65 per cent year on year, including a 158 per cent increase in March alone,” Yerbolat Baissalykov, senior vice president, revenue management and commercial planning, Air Astana Group, told TTG Asia.

Air Astana is expanding capacity across Asia and Europe as transit traffic through Kazakhstan grows

In response to disruptions in the Middle East, the group redeployed around 18 per cent of its network capacity within a month, shifting resources to higher-demand markets including China, South-east Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Caucasus and selected European routes.

Europe continues to perform strongly. “In March 2026, ASK growth to Europe increased by 10 per cent year on year, while RASK growth reached 53 per cent, reflecting both stronger demand and improved yields,” Baissalykov said.

He believes the increase in traffic is part of a broader change in regional aviation patterns rather than a short-term reaction to geopolitical events.

“We are seeing stronger demand not only for transit connections between Europe and Asia, but also for travel into Kazakhstan itself as the country gains visibility as both a tourism and business destination,” he said.

Air Astana Group sources around 70 per cent of its fuel requirements domestically, providing stable access to supply. However, Baissalykov said the group’s position is also supported by operational and financial discipline and a young, fuel-efficient fleet.

Air Astana expects to receive two Boeing 787 aircraft in 2026, supporting fleet growth from 67 aircraft this year to 86 by 2030.

The group currently serves 104 routes and plans to launch 11 new routes this year, including services from Astana to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Larnaca and Dalaman, alongside additional seasonal routes.

While Air Astana continues to evaluate opportunities across Europe, Central Asia and South-east Asia, Baissalykov said Asia remains the immediate growth priority.

“Asia is currently the primary growth focus, particularly China and India, where demand growth remains very strong. Capacity allocation to China has tripled compared to pre-crisis levels, and the group continues to expand frequencies and destinations across the region,” he said.

China has become one of the group’s most important growth markets. Following the launch of Shanghai services in March, Air Astana plans to more than double flights to China this summer, while low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan is preparing to announce additional destinations in the market.

Looking ahead, the group will continue to assess opportunities based on demand trends, fleet availability and long-term network sustainability.

“Our focus is not opportunistic short-term growth, but building a sustainable Eurasian network that strengthens Kazakhstan’s role as a key connector between Europe and Asia,” Baissalykov concluded.

South Korea’s Chungbuk and Chungnam target wellness travellers

By Audrey Ng
0

Frequent visitors to South Korea looking beyond the country’s major cities may want to consider the regions of Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk) and Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam).

Located around two to three hours from Seoul, the central regions offer a range of wellness-focused experiences for travellers seeking a slower-paced getaway.

The 2026 Taean International Horticulture & Healing Expo will showcase nature-based therapy and wellness experiences in Chungnam; photo by Audrey Ng

Chungbuk is developing stay-based tourism products that combine natural landscapes, traditional culture, local cuisine and wellness experiences. The provincial government has launched a three-year programme to strengthen the region’s wellness tourism resources, products, brand identity and talent pipeline.

The rural county of Boeun, surrounded by hills and valleys, offers a tranquil setting for visitors. Beopjusa Temple, located on Songnisan Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses important cultural relics and offers temple stay programmes.

In Yeongdong, the Rainbow Healing Center provides a nature-inspired environment designed to help visitors reconnect with nature. The building is designed to maximise natural light and airflow, while offering dedicated spaces for rest and relaxation.

Chungnam is also positioning itself as a centre for healing tourism.

Among its newest attractions is the 2026 Taean International Horticulture & Healing Expo, which organisers describe as the world’s first international horticultural exposition dedicated to nature-based therapy.

The Taean Marine Healing Center, which opened in November 2025, offers marine-based wellness and beauty programmes using local resources such as saline groundwater and peat.

Both regions are well connected to Seoul and international markets. Cheongju International Airport serves 19 international routes linking the region with destinations in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Mongolia and Singapore.

Chungnam has also introduced initiatives to improve accessibility. A C-Tour Bus connects Cheongju Airport with the Baekje region, while the Tourism DRT (Demand Responsive Transit) system provides on-demand transport services to Gongju and Buyeo.

Princess Cruises strengthens Singapore presence with three-year deal

By TTG Asia
0

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Princess Cruises have signed a three-year partnership that will expand the cruise line’s operations in Singapore from 2027 to 2030.

Under the agreement, Princess Cruises will deploy three ships – Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess – in Singapore, with the number of sailings expected to double by 2030. The programme is projected to bring more than 150,000 passengers to the city-state and support tourism and maritime-related economic activity.

Princess Cruises will base three ships in Singapore between 2027 and 2030 as part of a partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board

Supported through STB’s Cruise Development Fund, the deployment will feature itineraries ranging from 10 to 28 days, covering destinations across South-east Asia, Japan and South Korea.

The 2027-28 South-east Asia programme will include calls at 29 destinations across nine countries, with longer voyages designed to connect multiple regions. The expanded deployment follows the 2026-27 season, when Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will be homeported simultaneously in Singapore between November 2026 and February 2027.

The partnership is expected to support growth in the fly-cruise segment, particularly among travellers from Australia, the UK and the US. STB said Singapore’s air connectivity, cruise facilities and tourism offerings position it as a key homeport for international cruise passengers.

Jean Ng, assistant chief executive of the experience development group at the STB, said: “Princess Cruises’s expanded deployment broadens our premium cruise experiences and supports our Tourism 2040 vision to drive quality tourism growth through a strong pipeline of differentiated products.”

Matthew Rutherford, vice president Asia Pacific at Princess Cruises, added: “Singapore is a cornerstone of our Asia-Pacific strategy and an exceptional homeport from which to expand regional footprint.

“We’re seeing growing demand for longer, more immersive journeys, and this programme allows us to deliver richer itineraries across South-east Asia and beyond while attracting more international guests to the region.”

ALLWAYS expands concierge services to HKIA Terminal 2

By TTG Asia
0

Plaza Premium Group has extended its ALLWAYS concierge and passenger services to Terminal 2 (T2) at Hong Kong International Airport, extending its operations across both passenger terminals.

The new ALLWAYS service counter is located at Landside, Level 7, Check-in Hall Aisle V and offers meet-and-assist services, limousine transfers, porter services, luggage wrapping, wheelchair assistance and document services.

Plaza Premium Group has extended its ALLWAYS airport concierge services to Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport

The company said the expansion builds on its seven service counters in Terminal 1, which have operated since 2022.

Premium services are aimed at travellers requiring personalised airport assistance, including celebrities, VIPs and event guests, while additional services are available for general passengers.

Plaza Premium Group general manager of Hong Kong operations Michael Yang said the T2 opening would help provide a more consistent airport experience while supporting growing passenger demand at the airport’s expanded facilities.

The ALLWAYS T2 counter operates daily from 05.00 to midnight, with premium services including meet-and-assist, porter and limousine transfers available by advance booking.

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TTG Asia | India offers fuel price relief for airlines amid cost pressures
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