Aviation roundup: Air France, Hong Kong Airlines and more

December 12, 2025

Air France launches Phuket-Paris non‑stop service
Air France has begun operating three weekly non‑stop flights between Phuket and Paris. Services depart Phuket every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, with return flights from Paris on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

The route is operated by a Boeing 777‑200 aircraft configured with 328 seats, including 28 in Business, 32 in Premium Economy and 268 in Economy.

Hong Kong Airlines resumes codeshare with WestJet
Hong Kong Airlines has relaunched its codeshare partnership with WestJet, expanding connectivity between Hong Kong and Canada.

Under the agreement, Hong Kong Airlines’s HX code is placed on multiple WestJet‑operated domestic flights within Canada. Passengers can connect via Vancouver to Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Kelowna, Prince George and Victoria.

The codeshare enables single‑ticket itineraries, with baggage transferred seamlessly via Vancouver to Canadian cities.

Philippine Airlines adds Palau and Saipan to its Pacific network
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will launch new twice‑weekly flights from Manila to Palau (Koror) and resume direct services to Saipan on March 29, 2026, further strengthening its Pacific network alongside existing routes to Guam and Honolulu.

The Manila-Palau service will be operated by a 199‑seat Airbus A321ceo in dual‑class configuration, providing connections from major Asian and Philippine cities via the airline’s Manila hub.

On the same date, PAL will restart twice‑weekly flights between Manila and Saipan. Saipan will become the carrier’s seventh US destination, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Guam and Honolulu.

The expanded Pacific network reinforces Manila’s role as a gateway to the region, offering travellers from Asia and North America convenient access to Palau and the Northern Marianas.

Jetstar expands connectivity between Australia and the Philippines
Jetstar has introduced direct flights between Perth and Manila, operating three times weekly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The inaugural service carried 169 passengers aboard a 232‑seat aircraft.

The airline commenced Cebu’s first direct connection to Brisbane on December 3, 2025. The seasonal service runs until May 16, 2026, with three weekly flights.

Cambodia tourism assures safety as border conflict persists

By Marissa Carruthers

December 11, 2025

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Despite escalating tensions along the Cambodia-Thai border, Cambodian tourism players say its main tourist hubs remain safe; however, fears have been raised about the future impact on the nation’s tourism sector if the conflict continues.

Steve Lidgey, general manager of Travel Asia a la Carte, said: “The longer things continue, future bookers might decide to go elsewhere for their trip. The same can be said for people planning a trip to Thailand.”

A view from Preah Vihear, which is within one of the disputed border areas; photo by Marissa Carruthers

Cambodia’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that flights between the two countries are currently operational. However, land borders have been closed since June, when tensions simmered ahead of July’s five-day war.

“Backpackers, adventure tours, slow travellers etc have long liked the overland routes from Saigon to Bangkok, which are not currently possible,” Lidgey noted.

Various countries, including the US, France and the UK, have issued warnings against travel within 50km of the border. This does not impact Cambodia’s tourist hubs of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, south coast and the islands. The exception is the Koh Kong area, which borders Thailand.

“Therefore, we are emphasising it’s safe to travel to the majority of Cambodia, and there’s no need to go near the Thai border,” Lidgey said, adding, however, that the tourist Thai islands of Koh Chang, Koh Muk and Koh Kood sit within this radius.

Sinan Thourn, chairman of PATA Cambodia and IMCT Co., said he has not observed any cancellations linked to the situation, or any major impact on tourism operations.

“Travellers can continue to move freely and safely throughout the country, and tourism services are operating as normal. Based on the current situation, Cambodia remains a safe destination to visit, and there are no restrictions affecting travellers in any tourism zones,” he confirmed.

Hotel Okura to open first Okura Resort in Hakone in 2029

By TTG Asia

December 11, 2025

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Hotel Okura is set to welcome The Okura Resort Hakone Gora, the first Okura Resort property in Japan, in 2029. Developed in collaboration with Nishimatsu Construction, the new hotel will be located in Hakone, one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring destinations.

An operational management agreement was signed on July 11, 2025, under which Nishimatsu Construction will develop and own the property, while Hotel Okura will manage it under The Okura Resort brand.

The Okura Resort Hakone Gora will showcase Japanese hospitality with hot spring baths, refined design and mountain views

Hakone attracts almost 20 million visitors annually from Japan and overseas, many of whom stay overnight to enjoy its hot springs, museums and natural surroundings. The new hotel will be situated in Gora, an area known for abundant hot springs, and will offer views of the Hakone mountains including Myojogatake. Guests will be able to experience local attractions such as the summer festival while enjoying the natural setting throughout the seasons.

Conceived as a “Forest Hideaway”, the property will blend into the surrounding environment with interiors in warm green and beige tones. Expansive windows will frame the mountain views, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The hotel will comprise a West and East Wing with 58 guestrooms, each featuring a private open-air bath drawing on Owakudani Hot Spring waters. Rooms will average 63m² including balconies. Facilities will include a large bathing area with indoor hot spring baths, dry and mist saunas, and two treatment rooms. Dining options will feature a fine dining restaurant with a teppanyaki counter and a bar lounge in the lobby.

The total floor area will be around 9,650m². The West Wing will have three floors above ground and three basement levels, while the East Wing will have four floors above ground. The property will be located approximately five minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and three minutes on foot from Naka-Gora cable car station.

Hotel Okura president Toshihiro Ogita said: “Known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural charm, Hakone has long been a favourite of both Japanese tourists and visitors from overseas. We look forward to offering a unique experience rooted in our philosophy of omotenashi (hospitality) in this special location.”

Riyadh Air, IBM to create aviation’s first AI‑driven airline

By TTG Asia

December 11, 2025

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At IBM Think Riyadh 2025, IBM and Riyadh Air unveiled Riyadh Air as the world’s first airline built as an AI‑native enterprise. Designed without legacy systems, the airline’s operations are structured to transform guest and employee experiences and set a new benchmark for aviation innovation.

Riyadh Air is working with IBM Consulting, which coordinated 59 workstreams and more than 60 partners including Adobe, Apple, FLYR and Microsoft. Using IBM watsonx Orchestrate and IBM Consulting Advantage, the airline has implemented an end‑to‑end technology strategy from day one. With initial flights underway and commercial service expected in early 2026, the three‑year collaboration has reached a pivotal stage.

Riyadh Air and IBM are set to redefine aviation by embedding AI into every operation

The airline is embedding AI across employee and customer touchpoints, introducing a digital workplace powered by AI agents to simplify HR and self‑service workflows, mobile applications to support tailored service and proactive guest engagement, and AI‑enabled voice bots and agent assist tools to deliver contextual, personalised support. Operationally, IBM Consulting has implemented an enterprise performance management suite to unify financial, operational and commercial data. This foundation automates planning, forecasting and analysis, enabling real‑time insights, route optimisation and stronger business performance.

Together, Riyadh Air and IBM have built an AI‑native enterprise with the digital strategy, architecture and operating models to support the airline’s ambition of serving more than 100 destinations and millions of travellers by 2030.

Mohamad Ali, senior vice president, IBM Consulting, said: “By embedding AI into the very foundation of its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up.”

“We had a clear choice – be the last airline built on legacy technology or the first built on the platforms that will define the next decade of aviation,” stated Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer, Riyadh Air.

“With IBM, we’ve stripped out fifty years of legacy in a single stroke. Riyadh Air isn’t just built for today; it’s built for the future and creating a pathway for many airlines to follow in the years to come.”

New hotels: Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences, voco Gosford and more

By TTG Asia

December 11, 2025

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Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences, Australia
Minor Hotels is expanding its Avani footprint in Australia with the launch of Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane. Positioned within the landmark Queen’s Wharf precinct, the property offers a premium short and long stay option for both corporate and leisure travellers.

The 225 one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom suites feature fully equipped kitchens and laundries. Communal spaces encourage connection, and amenities include a lap pool, sauna and steam room. Signature Avani touches including intuitive music, weekly wellness activations and The Pantry at Avani will be introduced in 2026.

The property is located moments from Brisbane’s riverfront, dining and entertainment hub.

voco Gosford, Australia
voco Gosford has officially opened at the heart of The Archibald precinct on the NSW Central Coast. The 130‑room upscale lifestyle hotel introduces a fresh, contemporary experience to the region, featuring a rooftop pool with swim‑up bar, six dining and bar venues, and expansive meeting and event facilities including the Altitude Grand Ballroom and Astra Rooftop Bar on Level 28.

Located just an hour north of Sydney, the property is part of The Archibald mixed‑use precinct and sits alongside boutique accommodation, restaurants, bars and retail outlets, creating a new destination for the Central Coast.

Kobe Marriott Hotel, Japan
Kobe Marriott Hotel has debuted in the city’s waterfront district, adding new accommodation to one of Japan’s key port destinations.

The property sits between the Rokko mountain range and the Seto Inland Sea, close to Kobe Harborland, Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Mount Maya is nearby, known for its night views of Kobe and Osaka Bay. Kobe Airport is eight kilometres away, accessible by taxi or the Port Liner.

The hotel’s 186 rooms feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows with views of the mountains or waterfront, premium bedding, workstations and walk‑in showers.

Dining options include an all‑day restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a lobby lounge. Club Floor guests have access to the M Club on Level 17.

Marcus Square event spaces cover 1,470m², with capacity for up to 700 guests. Facilities include a fitness centre with cardio and strength equipment.

The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection, Australia
The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection launches along the shoreline of Botany Bay in Brighton Le Sands, offering 307 rooms and suites with private balconies and water views.

Facilities include outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness centre, and wellness amenities such as sauna and steam rooms. Guests can also experience the brand’s signature “M Moment,” connecting with local heritage and culture through curated experiences.

Dining options include Ammos Brighton, a Mediterranean restaurant led by chef Peter Conistis, alongside casual venues Coco’s on the Beach and Sands Bar.

The hotel provides 11 event spaces and two ballrooms, including the Brighton Ballroom with capacity for up to 600 guests and sweeping ocean views. Located minutes from Sydney Airport and steps from the sea, the property is positioned for both leisure and business, from beachfront weddings to corporate retreats.

Direct Guangzhou-Darwin flights bring Chinese trade group to Kakadu

By TTG Asia

December 10, 2025

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China Southern Airlines has launched Darwin’s first direct service to China in years, with a three‑times‑weekly Guangzhou connection expected to deliver 52,000 seats annually.

To mark the inaugural flight, Tourism and Events Northern Territory (Tourism NT) and Kakadu Tourism hosted a large familiarisation (fam) group of Chinese trade, media and airline delegates in Kakadu National Park, showcasing the Northern Territory’s landscapes, culture and wildlife.

Chinese delegates explored Kakadu’s wildlife and heritage, from crocodile encounters to ancient rock art

Representatives from GZL International, Zuzuche Guangdong, China Youth Travel Service, Guangzhou Newstar International Travel Service, Trip.com, Aconcept, Guangzhou Kings Tour, Guangzhou Swallow Holiday and Shenzhen CEPT joined the fam trip, escorted by Tourism NT with ground transport provided by Down Under Safaris.

The group began their visit at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, dining at the Manjmukmuk Restaurant and exploring the Ochre Art Gallery showcasing works by local Bininj/Mungguy artists. They then took a scenic flight with Kakadu Air over waterfalls before landing at Cooinda, staying overnight at Cooinda Lodge.

Delegates toured the Warradjan Cultural Centre, learning directly from Traditional Owners about 65,000 years of Aboriginal habitation and culture in Kakadu. A Yellow Water Cruise offered close encounters with the park’s wildlife, including birdlife and crocodiles up to five metres. Dinner at Mimi’s Restaurant featured Northern Territory produce, including crocodile dishes.

The fam trip concluded with a visit to Nourlangie (Burrungkuy), one of Kakadu’s best-known sites, recognised for its ancient rock art and panoramic escarpment views.

Kakadu Tourism’s director of sales & marketing, Sam Waldron, said that while it was a “flying visit” to Kakadu, the group had been able to experience the dramatic landscape and rich culture of one of Australia’s most significant destinations.

“China Southern Airlines is the sixth new direct service introduced to Darwin in the past year and we believe that with Kakadu’s easy proximity from Darwin and unique attractions that we can really build our inbound market substantially over the next few years,” she said.

“Next year is the 40th anniversary of Crocodile Dundee, which originally put Kakadu on the international tourism stage back in the 1980s. Today, Kakadu is even more attractive to visit, with greater accessibility to key tourism locations, enhanced accommodation at Cooinda and the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and a wider range of touring options.”

Intrepid strengthens Australian offering with Wild Bush Luxury acquisition

By TTG Asia

December 10, 2025

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Intrepid Travel has acquired Experience Co’s Wild Bush Luxury business, adding iconic guided walks and premium accommodation products including two Great Walks of Australia and two Luxury Lodges of Australia.

The expansion includes Arkaba Walk and Homestead in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania, and Bamurra Plains in the Northern Territory. The acquisition marks a major step in Intrepid’s strategy to grow premium, nature-based experiences in Australia.

Bamurra Plains, now part of Intrepid Travel’s Wild Bush Luxury acquisition, showcases premium outback wildlife experiences; photo by Hels Orr

The Wild Bush Luxury portfolio will officially join Intrepid in February 2026, making the company one of Australia’s largest walking operators. The additions expand its premium and low-impact offering while supporting Intrepid’s Climate Action Plan and decarbonisation goals.

Intrepid’s ANZ managing director Brett Mitchell stated the acquisition was an important step in the company’s ambition to lead low‑impact, nature‑based travel and invest in the future of Australian tourism.

He said: “Travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful ways to connect with the land, wildlife and culture, and by expanding our portfolio with iconic guided walks and premium lodges, we’re offering experiences that immerse them in some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.”

Experience Co CEO John O’Sullivan shared that Wild Bush Luxury had been a much‑loved part of the company’s portfolio and that they were proud of their contribution to the legacy established by previous owners Charlie Carlow and Ian Johnstone.

“(Intrepid Travel’s) global reputation for sustainable tourism and immersive nature-based experiences makes them the right partner to continue Wild Bush Luxury’s story. We’re confident that our trade partners will benefit from their expertise and commitment, and we look forward to working closely together to ensure a seamless transition for the WBL team, guests and the industry,” added O’Sullivan.

Club Med turns family holidays into journeys of discovery

By TTG Asia

December 10, 2025

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Club Med is opening bookings for 2026 school holidays, giving families the chance to plan ahead with all‑inclusive escapes across Asia and beyond.

Each resort combines discovery, activities and family time, so children return home with new skills and stories while parents enjoy peace of mind. From seaside retreats to mountain adventures, Club Med holidays balance play with purpose, offering trusted childcare, engaging programmes and opportunities for growth at every age.

Children learn teamwork and independence through guided ski classes

A short ferry ride from Singapore, Club Med Bintan combines seaside relaxation with adventure. Teens can try sailing, archery and trapeze, while parents join yoga or spa sessions based on Indonesian practices.

In the Maldives, Club Med Kani offers ocean activities where families can snorkel reefs, join eco‑walks or take part in coral restoration. In Malaysia, Club Med Cherating invites children and teens to jungle treks, tree‑top challenges and eco‑walks that build teamwork and awareness of nature.

In Japan, Club Med Sahoro provides hiking, archery and horse‑riding, with families also enjoying onsen baths. Nearby, Club Med Kiroro Grand focuses on alpine activities, while Kiroro Peak offers calm for older guests, with skiing, snowboarding, mountain treks and tea ceremonies.

For more information, visit Club Med.

Design Hotels boosts growth in Asia-Pacific with 14 signings

By TTG Asia

December 9, 2025

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Design Hotels has expanded its Asia-Pacific footprint with 14 new signings in 2025. The region now accounts for a record 28 per cent of the brand’s global portfolio growth, marking the first time Asia-Pacific has led expansion for the company.

The new signings span six countries – Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and a return to India – representing a diverse collection of experiences from urban hubs and cultural retreats to hotels rooted in nature. Each property reflects the ethos of Design Hotels: original design, visionary ownership and a strong sense of place.

Yoruya in Kurashiki is one of 14 new Asia‑Pacific signings, reflecting Design Hotels’ recent regional expansion

Among the highlights are The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake in Sichuan, designed to celebrate the ancient Mosuo culture; Public House in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, a contemporary twist on a British gentleman’s club; Yoruya in Kurashiki, echoing Edo‑period townhouse style; ELSE in Kuala Lumpur, a restored 1930s heritage building; Magia de Uma in Bali, promising authentic transformation above Canggu’s rice paddies; and Hotel Irada in Pune, Design Hotels’ first member in India, set within a 26.7-hectare working winery.

Globally, the portfolio has grown 15 per cent over the past year, with new members across EMEA including Esperanza Lake Resort in Lithuania, Stieg’nhaus in Austria and Voaara in Madagascar. Growth has also been strong in the US, Caribbean and Latin America, with 11 hotels joining the community, adding 828 keys in destinations such as Miami, Atlanta, Asheville, Capistrano Beach, Valle de Guadalupe, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Colombia.

As the portfolio expands, more member properties are engaging with the brand’s full suite of services, from PR and sales to digital marketing, web design and content creation, alongside access to the Marriott Bonvoy network. The momentum follows the company’s move to a new Berlin headquarters designed by RHO, featuring floor‑to‑ceiling windows, unique design pieces and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.

“This growth underscores Asia-Pacific’s importance to the Design Hotels’ global strategy and reflects the remarkable vision of independent hoteliers across the region,” said Stijn Oyen, managing director at Design Hotels.

“By welcoming these diverse properties into our portfolio, we are deepening our ability to connect travellers with transformative experiences rooted in creativity and community.”

IHG introduces Vignette Collection to Malaysia with Mangala Estate Kuantan

By TTG Asia

December 9, 2025

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IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed Mangala Estate Kuantan, a 67-villa retreat, marking the entry of its Vignette Collection brand into Malaysia.

The signing, in partnership with Franky Group of Companies, will see the property join IHG’s system in mid-2026, before being refurbished and rebranded as Mangala Estate Kuantan, Vignette Collection by IHG in 2027.

From left: Franky Group of Companies’s Franky Chua, and IHG’s Bryan Chan

Vignette Collection is IHG’s first collection brand, offering independent hotels the chance to retain their unique character while benefiting from IHG’s global platform. The brand aligns with Mangala Estate Kuantan’s nature-led design, which includes villas named to reflect their character, lush greenery, palm plantations, and a habitat for over 100 bird species.

The resort will feature 67 villas, including single villas with private pools, lake-view villas, and two-bedroom pool villas. It will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar with farm-to-table menus, personalised dining, spa and wellness facilities, as well as two lakes for kayaking and water activities. Meeting spaces will accommodate up to 400 guests for corporate or private events.

Bryan Chan, vice president, development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “With its one-of-a-kind stay within a destination renowned for its scenic beaches and stunning waterfalls, we know that it will continue to be one of the leading hotels in the area following refurbishment and provide travellers with truly memorable stays.”

Franky Chua, managing director and founder of Franky Group, added: “We are excited to partner with IHG and introduce Mangala Estate Resort Kuantan to the Vignette Collection portfolio. IHG’s global reputation for excellence, together with Vignette Collection’s focus on individuality and purpose, makes this brand a perfect fit to share our story with a broader audience.”

Aviation roundup: Air France, Hong Kong Airlines and more

Cambodia tourism assures safety as border conflict persists

Hotel Okura to open first Okura Resort in Hakone in 2029

Riyadh Air, IBM to create aviation’s first AI‑driven airline

New hotels: Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences, voco Gosford and more

Direct Guangzhou-Darwin flights bring Chinese trade group to Kakadu

Intrepid strengthens Australian offering with Wild Bush Luxury acquisition

Club Med turns family holidays into journeys of discovery

Design Hotels boosts growth in Asia-Pacific with 14 signings

IHG introduces Vignette Collection to Malaysia with Mangala Estate Kuantan

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