TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 24th December 2025
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Seven Seas Prestige completes float‑out at Fincantieri shipyard

By TTG Asia
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) marked a key milestone in the construction of Seven Seas Prestige as the ship floated from dry dock on November 27, 2025 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The vessel is the first new class for RSSC in a decade and represents the next chapter in the company’s ultra‑luxury cruise offering.

The Skyview Regent Suite aboard Seven Seas Prestige offers sweeping panoramas across the ocean from its private terrace; photo by Regent Seven Seas Cruises

With this stage complete, Seven Seas Prestige has moved to the outfitting pier for final construction. Work will now focus on interiors, including suites such as the Skyview Regent Suite, lounges, and restaurants. The ship is scheduled to debut in December 2026 as RSSC’s seventh vessel and the first of three Prestige‑class ships. A second ship is planned for 2030 and a third for 2033.

At 76,550 tons, Seven Seas Prestige will accommodate 822 guests served by 630 crew members, offering one of the highest crew‑to‑guest ratios in the industry. The ship is 40 per cent larger than previous RSSC vessels but carries only 10 per cent more guests, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on space.

The inaugural season will feature 13 voyages across Europe and the Caribbean, including two transatlantic crossings. Itineraries will range from 10 to 15 nights, with highlights such as Harvest Caye in Belize, two Panama Canal transits, and overnight stays in London, Lisbon, and Bordeaux.

“Seven Seas Prestige touching water for the first time marks an extraordinary moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, representing the culmination of years of planning and collaboration with our long-standing partners at Fincantieri,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for RSSC.

“The overwhelming response to this vessel affirms that discerning travellers recognise something truly exceptional is on the horizon; emphasised by the ship’s launch day which became our biggest single booking day for a new ship in our history. From the unprecedented Skyview Regent Suite to every thoughtfully designed detail, Seven Seas Prestige embodies our dedication to redefining ultra-luxury travel.”

Star Navigator to sail to Okinawa from Kaohsiung in January 2026

By TTG Asia
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StarCruises will mark the New Year with three exclusive five‑night sailings from Kaohsiung to Okinawa, Japan aboard Star Navigator. The itineraries feature calls at Naha, Ishigaki and Miyakojima, offering travellers access to Okinawa’s beaches, culture and attractions.

The Kaohsiung homeport deployment, which began in November 2025, continues through January 2026. The schedule includes two five‑night Miyakojima-Ishigaki-Naha cruises departing January 4 and 11, and a five‑night Miyakojima-Naha cruise departing January 18. The season concludes with a five‑night Coron-Puerto Princesa sailing on January 25 and a two‑night Laoag cruise on January 30.

Guests will explore Naha’s cultural landmarks, including Shuri Castle and traditional markets, on Star Navigator’s Okinawa cruises

Okinawa’s early‑January climate provides cool conditions for outdoor activities and coincides with the peak of the winter whale‑watching season. Guests can also explore Ishigaki’s coral reefs, Miyakojima’s lagoons and Naha’s cultural landmarks, including Shuri Castle.

Onboard, Star Navigator offers dining, entertainment and family‑friendly facilities to complement the regional itineraries.

For more information, visit StarDream Cruises.

Sri Lanka to expand visa-free access to 40 markets from January 2026

By Feizal Samath
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Sri Lanka will allow visa-free entry to nationals of 40 countries from next month, a move intended to stimulate travel demand to the destination.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau chairman Buddika Hewawasam told TTG Asia that parliamentary approval was expected “any moment now” and that the plan would take effect from January onwards.

The lighthouse at Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed site on Sri Lanka’s southern coast and a longstanding highlight of the country’s cultural tourism offering

The countries included are the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nepal, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, France, the US, Canada, the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Belarus, Iran, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, South Korea, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, New Zealand, Kuwait, Norway, Türkiye and Pakistan.

Nationals from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are already eligible for visa-free entry under an existing arrangement.

The free-visa scheme was first announced in July 2025, with cabinet approval granted at the time. It followed an earlier announcement in August 2024 to allow visa-free travel for nationals of 35 countries, which was not implemented.

The industry has welcomed the move, particularly following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on November 27-28. “This will boost tourism,” a hotel manager in the southern port city of Galle said.

Hewawasam said tourism activity was returning to normal after the cyclone temporarily affected access to hill destinations including Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. “These roads are now open,” he said, adding that other popular resorts were not affected. He said arrivals were expected to pick up after December 16-17, as this is when travellers from the UK, France and other parts of Europe typically take their holidays.

Authorities are targeting between 2.1 and 2.2 million visitor arrivals this year, slightly below the initial target of 2.3 million. The shortfall has been attributed to cancellations and postponed travel plans following flooding and the cyclone.

Asia-Pacific drives tourism growth in Euromonitor’s top 100 cities

By TTG Asia
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Euromonitor International has released its Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025, produced in partnership with Lighthouse, benchmarking the world’s most competitive urban tourism hubs.

The report highlights Asia-Pacific as the second-largest region for international arrivals, recording the fastest growth globally with inbound trips rising 10% to surpass 350 million. The Middle East and Africa followed with 7%. Bangkok led the ranking with 30.3 million visitors, followed by Hong Kong, London and Macau.

Euromonitor International’s 2025 Index shows Asia-Pacific leading global tourism growth, with Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul, pictured, among the top destinations

Tokyo secured third place while Singapore retained ninth. Seoul entered the top 10 for the first time, climbing two spots from last year, driven by the global popularity of K-culture. Asia also performed strongly in the top 20, with Osaka (11), Taipei (15), Hong Kong (17), Kyoto (19) and Bangkok (20).

Momentum across the region was supported by visa relaxations, infrastructure upgrades and high-profile cultural and sporting events, strengthening connectivity and enhancing visitor experiences. The top five cities remained unchanged, with Paris leading for the fifth year, followed by Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Milan. Paris received over 18 million international visitors in 2025, supported by tourism infrastructure, culture and sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability continues to shape urban competitiveness, with Spanish cities such as Madrid and Seville leading eco-friendly strategies, alongside Nordic destinations Helsinki and Oslo. AI is reshaping tourism management and visitor experiences, from New York’s smart city platforms to Bangkok’s digital arrival cards. Infrastructure investment also underpins growth, with Rome, Tokyo and Paris advancing hotel developments and airport expansions, while São Paulo stands out for metro and logistics upgrades.

Nadejda Popova, global head of loyalty at Euromonitor International, said: “Even amid economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, global travel proved exceptionally resilient in 2025. International arrivals to the top 100 cities climbed 8% to 702 million, highlighting the ability of cities to adapt, innovate and deliver experiences that travellers continue to find irresistible.

“As cities compete for visitors, the focus is shifting towards sustainability, resilience and delivering meaningful, personalised experiences. The 2025 Index highlights those destinations that are not only thriving today but also setting the standard for the future of urban tourism.”

View the full report here.

Sun Siyam launches major solar energy project in Maldives resorts

By TTG Asia
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Sun Siyam is rolling out one of the largest solar energy projects in the Maldives hospitality sector. The initiative was presented at Sun Siyam Olhuveli on December 6, 2025, in the presence of government officials, local press, trade partners, and members of the company’s sustainability and management teams.

The project is structured around three pillars: sustainability, energy independence, and technological innovation. It supports national renewable energy targets and Sun Siyam’s long-term environmental framework, Sun Siyam Care.

Solar installations at Siyam World and Olhuveli will generate over six million kWh of clean energy annually

At Siyam World Maldives and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, the installations will provide a combined solar capacity of 4,110 kWp, generating an estimated 6,024,881.99 kWh annually. This is expected to save around US$1.29 million in diesel costs each year and reduce carbon emissions by more than 4,458 tons. Energy offset is projected at 17 per cent at Siyam World and 12 per cent at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. These figures contribute to the Maldives’ target of 33 percent renewable energy penetration by 2028 and its Net Zero 2030 goal.

The resorts will operate hybrid solar systems with battery storage, designed and implemented by Hayleys Fentons of Sri Lanka. Siyam World will have 1,720 kWh of battery storage, while Sun Siyam Olhuveli will have 537.5 kWh. Both systems include real-time monitoring dashboards and training programmes for engineering teams.

The installations are scheduled for completion in December 2025. Sun Siyam has set targets of reaching 50 per cent renewable energy usage by 2030, applying a scalable solar model across all properties, improving energy resilience during peak demand, and reducing its carbon footprint annually.

The programme also reinforces elements of the Sun Siyam Care framework, including environmental stewardship through reduced reliance on diesel, clean energy generation, workforce training, and industry leadership in renewable energy adoption.

CEO Deepak Booneady remarked: “At Sun Siyam, sustainability is not an initiative. It is a responsibility we proudly embrace. Through Sun Siyam Care, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our islands, uplifting our communities, and operating with integrity for the generations to come. This solar transformation is a major step toward a cleaner, more resilient future for our resorts and the destination.”

Taiwan sets new course for tourism sector

By TTG Asia
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Taiwan has outlined a new direction for its tourism industry as global travel recovers. The Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has introduced a three‑part roadmap – Local Immersion, Digital Transition and International Promotion – to guide sector development and strengthen community involvement.

One initiative under this plan is the Island Pilgrimage: A Slow Travel Trek Through Matsu, launched by the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. The programme encourages visitors to explore the islands on foot, combining environmental awareness, cultural activities and community‑led walks. The Matsu archipelago – Nangan, Beigan, Juguang and Dongyin – lies northwest of Taiwan’s main island near China’s Fujian coast and is known for its historical sites and coastal landscapes.

Tung‑Chu Dongyangshan Trail in Matsu, part of Taiwan’s Island Pilgrimage walking initiative

Since its launch in August, guided walks have been organised across Nangan, Beigan and Juguang. Public figures including television hosts Xie Zheqing and Duan Huilin, as well as South Korean cheerleader Lee Ho‑Jong, have joined the routes, sharing their impressions of Matsu’s culture and scenery. In September, a travel agency affiliated with La New Group introduced a five‑day walking itinerary, encouraging low‑carbon travel choices and extending the reach of the initiative.

The Administration plans to expand the project with cross‑island routes and stamp‑collecting activities, positioning Matsu as a destination for walking holidays within Taiwan. The approach reflects wider efforts to align tourism with sustainability and community engagement, while diversifying the country’s visitor offering.

Hong Zhiguang, director of the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, said: “Matsu offers a rare blend of natural and historical assets, making it an ideal place to promote responsible tourism and preserve its cultural heritage. Slow, walking‑based travel drives local tourism transformation and provides visitors the chance to connect more deeply with the islands.”

Lufthansa Group unveils new brand identity

By TTG Asia
0

Lufthansa Group has introduced a new design on December 11, 2025 aimed at making the strength of the group more visible. Service offerings will be bundled under the group brand, creating clearer recognition for customers.

The new identity is centred on the crane logo, which will now be used without the surrounding circle. A new font and an expanded colour palette of six tones have also been introduced, representing different heights from the ground to the sky and reflecting the diversity of the group.

Lufthansa Group’s refreshed identity underscores its evolution into an integrated airline group, creating a unified brand experience

While the airlines within Lufthansa Group will retain their individual brands, they will operate under the umbrella of the strengthened group identity. The endorsement “Member of Lufthansa Group” will appear on all aircraft belonging to the group’s airlines, signalling unity across carriers that operate under names other than Lufthansa.

This endorsement has already been introduced on digital boarding passes, websites, and 160 aircraft across the group. In 2026, the branding will extend to lounge entrances worldwide, as already seen in Rome, Milan, and Brussels, and will also be visible on airport materials such as baggage tags and on board aircraft.

The initiative is intended to provide a consistent brand experience and reinforce customer trust. It marks a step in the group’s evolution from a collection of airlines to an integrated airline organisation, with a unified identity across its services and products.

Dieter Vranckx, chief commercial officer Lufthansa Group, said: “The new brand identity is more than just a redesign; it is a strategic milestone. In a challenging environment, this step creates a visual anchor of trust for our customers.

“A visual identity in aviation must do much more than just create an eye-catching appearance. It will reflect our strategic brand values and a promise we want to make to our passengers across all our brands. The new brand identity enables a holistic brand experience, provides orientation, and strengthens identification with the Lufthansa Group.”

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort presents Hidden Wonders experience

By TTG Asia
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InterContinental Halong Bay Resort has launched the Hidden Wonders of Ha Long Bay Experience, inviting travellers to explore Vietnam’s twice‑recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The two‑night package includes accommodation in a Halong Bay Suite with Club InterContinental access for two guests. Highlights feature a private yacht excursion, artisanal encounters and curated culinary and wellness rituals.

The package includes a two‑night stay in a Halong Bay Suite with Club InterContinental access

The Ha Long Bay Myths Tour covers Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and a floating pearl farm, with a seafood lunch at a floating restaurant. At the resort, guests can enjoy the Pearl Empowering Ritual spa treatment, daily breakfast at Marina Kitchen and a tasting menu dinner paired with premium wines.

Set along a secluded coastline overlooking limestone peaks, the resort offers 275 rooms, suites and villas inspired by Vietnamese craft and the colours of Ha Long Bay. Facilities include six dining venues, three swimming pools, a signature spa, family activities at Planet Trekkers and leisure options such as beach volleyball, archery and water sports.

Bookings are open until December 29, 2025 for stays between December 1 and 31, 2025.

For more information, visit InterContinental Halong Bay Resort.

Explora Journeys to sail 128‑day world voyage in 2029

By TTG Asia
0

Explora Journeys has introduced Endless Worlds, its first World Journey aboard Explora I. Running from January 6 to May 14, 2029, the 128‑day east‑to‑west voyage will span four continents, 29 countries and territories, and 63 destinations.

The journey begins in Dubai and concludes in Barcelona, tracing routes across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Highlights include ports in India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, South-east Asia, Bali and Komodo, followed by Australia and New Zealand – marking the brand’s debut in both countries.

Explora I’s Endless Worlds itinerary includes Komodo, home to iconic dragons and island landscapes

In Oceania, calls include Sydney, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Melbourne, Tasmania and New Zealand’s fjords. The Pacific segment features Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island. Crossing into the Americas, Explora I will transit the Panama Canal before visiting Chile and Peru. The Atlantic leg includes Bermuda and the Azores before arrival in the Mediterranean.

On board, guests will have access to ocean‑front suites, wellness programmes, enrichment activities and globally influenced dining, with destination experiences led by local experts.

For more information, visit Explora Journeys.

Salter Brothers Hospitality names Chris Curran as COO

By TTG Asia
0

Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) has appointed Chris Curran as chief operating officer. In this role, Curran will oversee operational strategy and performance across the company’s hotel, restaurant and bar portfolio, working closely with senior leadership and operational teams.

Curran joins SBH from NRMA Parks and Resorts, where he held senior responsibilities in hospitality operations. His career spans more than two decades in the sector, including leadership positions with IHG and Pro‑Invest Group.

At SBH, Curran will focus on strengthening operational systems and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Hilton teams up with Explora Journeys to expand loyalty programme to luxury ocean voyages
TTG Asia | Cross Hotels to develop Bali Uluwatu Resort
TTG Asia | PATA Singapore Chapter debuts industry dialogue on hot issues