Hyatt to introduce Alila brand to Japan with Hakone resort

July 9, 2026

Hyatt Hotels Corporation will debut its Alila brand to Japan with the opening of Alila Sengokuhara Hakone in 2028, developed in partnership with Fujita Corporation.

Located in Sengokuhara within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the property will offer 60 guestrooms, including 11 suites, each with a private natural hot spring bath.

Hyatt’s Alila brand will debut in Japan with Alila Sengokuhara Hakone, a Kengo Kuma–designed resort opening in 2028

Designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates, the resort will incorporate the site’s natural terrain and surrounding landscape. Hyatt said the project will emphasise architecture, wellness and local experiences inspired by Hakone’s onsen culture and natural environment.

Facilities will include a restaurant and bar showcasing seasonal local produce, a spa, a yoga deck and a range of destination-based activities designed to connect guests with Hakone’s landscapes, culture and traditions.

Situated near attractions including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, Sengokuhara is known for its hot springs, museums, grasslands and views of Mount Kintoki. The area is also recognised for its seasonal pampas grass fields.

The project forms part of Hyatt’s wider expansion strategy in Japan. Hyatt currently operates 22 hotels across nine brands in the country, with Alila becoming its 10th brand in the market.

David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt, said: “The debut of the Alila brand in Japan will expand travel choices for both domestic and international guests, offering experiences that reflect the brand’s deep connection to culture and the environment.”

Yoji Okumura, president of Fujita Corporation, added: “We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to welcome Hyatt’s luxury brand, Alila, to Sengokuhara in Hakone, marking the Alila brand’s debut in Japan.”

New hotels: WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, Cordis, Xi’an and more

By TTG Asia

July 9, 2026

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WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, Japan
WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection has opened on the shores of Lake Tōya in Hokkaido, becoming the first Dusit Collection property in Japan.

The resort comprises 55 guestrooms and three two-storey villas. Each guestroom features a private open-air bath overlooking the lake, while the property also offers a communal bath with panoramic views.

Dining venues include Ezo Cuisine, The Noodle Bar, Taru Bar and Toya Bar, showcasing Hokkaido produce alongside Thai-inspired dishes and beverages.

Located within the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, the hotel is around 100 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Guests have access to the area’s hot springs, hiking and outdoor activities, as well as Lake Tōya’s seasonal scenery.

Cordis, Xi’an, China
Located in Airport New City, adjacent to the new Terminal 5 at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Cordis, Xi’an is a 252-room hotel with interiors inspired by the Tang Dynasty.

Facilities include Ming Court restaurant serving Cantonese and Shaanxi cuisine, wellness amenities, and a pillarless ballroom for meetings and events.

The hotel provides convenient access to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport as well as the city’s commercial districts. It is also well placed for visits to major attractions including the Terracotta Warriors, the Ancient City Wall and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, Malaysia
The 251-key Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort is set between the rainforest and the Andaman Sea on Langkawi. Accommodation ranges from Terrace and Deluxe Rooms to Executive Suites, with all rooms featuring a private terrace or balcony overlooking the rainforest, mountains or sea.

Facilities include four restaurants, three swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, kids’ club, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, as well as more than 500m² of indoor and outdoor event space. Guests can also join guided rainforest walks through the resort’s nature centre.

The resort is located on Burau Bay, close to Mount Mat Cincang and the Langkawi Cable Car, providing access to the island’s beaches, rainforest and outdoor attractions.

Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Ajmer, India
Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Ajmer is a 31-room hotel located opposite the city’s main bus terminal, with 24 rooms opening initially and the remaining seven to be introduced in a second phase. Accommodation includes Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms and Executive Suites.

Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop café, bar and a conference room for meetings and events.

The hotel is approximately two kilometres from Ajmer Railway Station and 24km from Kishangarh Airport. Nearby attractions include Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer Museum and the Brahma Temple in nearby Pushkar.

Strong luxury travel appetite spurs record LHW showcase at tradeshow

By Karen Yue

July 9, 2026

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The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) led its largest-ever property showcase at the recent ILTM Asia Pacific in Singapore, with 40 member hotels and 55 hoteliers from around the world – all drawn to the hearty travel appetite of affluent markets in the region.

Fiza Han, managing director, APAC sales at The Leading Hotels of the World, said source markets across Asia-Pacific – specifically Singapore, Japan, Australia and India – are showing strong growth potential, and many affluent travellers in the region are keen to explore destinations both near and far.

The Leading Hotels of the World leads 40 member hotels and 55 hoteliers from around the world to ILTM Asia Pacific 2026 – its largest ever presence at the tradeshow

And with luxury travel advisors contributing a large share of bookings for LHW member hotels, ILTM Asia Pacific is regarded as “a cost-effective platform for our member hotels to meet all the important luxury travel buyers from across Asia-Pacific,” stated Han.

Representation at the tradeshow this year is diverse, with properties spanning China to South Africa.

Han noted that buyers demonstrated interest in connecting with hoteliers from around the world.

“There was a time when travel buyers would come to us and be keen on meeting hoteliers from the big cities of New York and Paris. Now, they want to connect with hoteliers from niche destinations so that they can get information on authentic activities and experiences that cannot be easily found online,” she said.

There is also a greater interest in independent hotels, as travellers regard such accommodation options as being more unique and representative of the destination, according to Han.

With more than 450 hotels in the LHW network globally, the company is working on an enhanced system that will make it easier for travel advisors to access information on all member hotels and to identify the best options for their clients.

Improved access to hotel information will also enable travel advisors to research and book several properties at once for a single itinerary. According to Han, multi-destination trips are becoming more common among luxury travellers, who are now taking longer holidays that allow them to dive deeper into destinations.

Han shared with TTG Asia that AI capabilities will be built into the next-phase Travel Advisor Experience online portal.

“We want our travel advisor partners to research with confidence and to empower them with the tools and information they need. By the end of this year, the enhanced portal will also have booking functionality.”

Han added that LHW is also working on another new initiative that would provide even greater support to travel advisor partners.

Oman expands Singapore tourism push with direct Muscat flights

By TTG Asia

July 8, 2026

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The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has strengthened Oman’s tourism presence in Singapore following the launch of Oman Air’s new direct service between Muscat and Singapore.

The non-stop route, which began operating on July 2, 2026, is expected to improve tourism, business and cultural links between the two countries while providing travellers from Singapore with direct access to Oman.

The launch of Oman Air’s new direct Muscat-Singapore service supports closer tourism and business links between the two countries; photo by Oman Air

The ministry said the new service supports its strategy to diversify tourism source markets, increase international arrivals and advance sustainable tourism growth under Oman Vision 2040.

Singapore has been identified as a key source market for Oman, with the new air link expected to create additional opportunities for both leisure and business travel across South-east Asia.

Oman and Singapore have maintained bilateral relations for more than four decades, with cooperation spanning trade, maritime affairs and economic development. The introduction of direct flights marks the latest step in strengthening those ties.

The ministry has appointed Pacific World Travel as its market representative across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia to support destination marketing and trade engagement in the region.

Yousuf Al Mujaizi, assistant director of business development, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: “This new connection enhances Oman’s accessibility for travellers from South-east Asia. Singapore is a valuable source market, and the direct flight will create new opportunities for tourism and business while enabling more visitors to experience Oman’s rich heritage and renowned hospitality.”

Ameer Al Balushi, sales manager, Oman Air, added: “This route offers greater convenience and enhanced connectivity between two vibrant destinations, while giving travellers a true taste of Oman from the moment they step on board. We are proud to support, alongside the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the promotion and growth of inbound tourism to Oman.”

Marriott taps Traveloka for direct connectivity across Asia

By TTG Asia

July 8, 2026

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Marriott International has appointed Traveloka as its Certified Online Travel Partner, providing travellers across Indonesia and South-east Asia with direct access to the group’s hotel inventory through the platform.

The agreement establishes direct connectivity between Marriott’s reservation system and Traveloka, providing users with real-time pricing and availability across Marriott’s portfolio of more than 10,000 properties in 146 countries and territories.

Representatives from Traveloka and Marriott International mark the signing of a partnership to expand access to Marriott’s portfolio across South-east Asia

Travellers will be able to book Marriott brands ranging from luxury properties such as JW Marriott and W Hotels to premium brands including Westin and Sheraton, as well as select-service brands such as Moxy and Aloft.

The partnership comes as South-east Asia continues to record strong tourism growth. According to the companies, demand for Marriott properties on Traveloka has increased in recent months, with Indonesia among the strongest-performing markets. Popular bookings include Four Points hotels in Makassar, Surabaya, Medan and Bandung, alongside Sheraton and Marriott Hotels properties.

Marriott currently operates nearly 90 properties in Indonesia and continues to expand its presence through a development pipeline that also includes Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

John Toomey, chief commercial officer, Asia-Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said: “Our collaboration with Traveloka strengthens our ability to engage travellers at every stage of their journey, making discovery and booking more seamless than ever.”

Yady Guitana, chief financial officer of Traveloka, added: “When a hospitality company of Marriott’s standing chooses to expand access to its portfolio through our all-in-one travel platform, it reflects the trust the world’s leading travel brands place in Traveloka’s reach and traveller insight across South-east Asia.”

SLH doubles Australian portfolio with Salter Brothers partnership

By Karen Yue

July 8, 2026

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Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has gained five distinctive luxury properties, including two newly-restored heritage hotels, in its Australian property portfolio following a new strategic partnership with Salter Brothers Hospitality.

The additional properties include the newly rebranded Ardour Milton Park Bowral and Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains – both recently transformed through multi-million-dollar restorations – as well as Spicers Potts Point, Spicers Balfour Brisbane, and Spicers Peak Lodge.

Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains is one of five Salter Brothers Hospitality properties to join the Small Luxury Hotels of the World network in Australia

The rebranded Ardour Milton Park Bowral, which occupies a 1910 grand country estate, opened in February this year with refined accommodation, a new dining concept, curated wellness experiences, and a destination day spa.

Sister property Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, which traces back to 1889, is now a 89-room retreat that is inspired by grand English garden estates.

In Sydney, Spicers Potts Point offers a 20-room retreat within three meticulously restored Victorian terraces in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Spicers Balfour Brisbane blends heritage charm with contemporary luxury, occupying a beautifully restored Queenslander overlooking the Story Bridge.

Completing the additions is Spicers Peak Lodge, an all-inclusive mountain retreat in the Scenic Rim, where just 12 suites offer an immersive luxury escape surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness.

Mark Wong, senior vice president Asia Pacific, SLH, told TTG Asia that Australia is both a valuable source market and destination for the company.

Prior to the Salter Brothers partnership, SLH has just five hotel members in Australia.

He said: “Australia has been a top five source market for independent luxury travel as well as a key destination for SLH for many years. Intra-Asia travel remains very strong, and a lot of Indian and South-east Asian travellers are drawn to Australia. We are also starting to see an increase in Chinese travellers to Australia. At the same time, Australian domestic travel is rebuilding post-Covid. So, we know we must establish ourselves in the destination.”

Having a greater product presence in Australia will also familiarise more affluent Australian travellers with the SLH network, encouraging them to seek out an SLH member hotel when they travel overseas.

“This is an advertising advantage,” remarked Wong.

Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality, stated in a press release that joining SLH “feels like a very natural step for us”.

“We’ve always believed in creating hotels defined by people, place and experience, and SLH reflects that same philosophy by bringing together a community of hotels with real character. We’re honoured to have been welcomed into such a considered collection,” said Tobias.

Banyan Tree enters Europe with Montenegro island resort

By TTG Asia

July 8, 2026

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Banyan Tree has opened its first resort in Europe with the debut of Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro.

Located on a small island at the entrance to the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, the 32-room resort occupies a restored 19th-century fortress overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The property marks its first full season under the Banyan Tree brand following its addition to the group’s portfolio.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree occupies a restored 19th-century fortress at the entrance to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor

Originally built in the 1850s as a coastal fortification, the fortress underwent a seven-year restoration led by developer Samih Sawiris with architects and conservation specialists from Montenegro and Portugal.

The resort offers 32 guestrooms and suites, all with sea views. Heritage Suites preserve original stonework within the fortress, while newly built accommodation features private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Facilities include three restaurants, a bar, spa, three outdoor poolsand a beach area. The spa offers treatments inspired by local ingredients alongside Thai, Javanese Indonesian and Chinese therapies, while dining concepts focus on seafood and seasonal produce from Montenegro’s coastline.

Guests can also explore the surrounding region through activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling and excursions to destinations such as Kotor Old Town, the Blue Cave, Skadar Lake and the Tara River.

The resort has also introduced an artists-in-residence programme featuring workshops, exhibitions, live performances and cultural events showcasing local and regional creatives.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is also available for exclusive hire for weddings, retreats and private events, with venues spread across the restored fortress, gardens, terraces, spa and beach.

Family adventures await at The Hari Hotels

By TTG Asia

July 8, 2026

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The Hari Hotels has launched family experiences at its properties in Hong Kong and London, with each programme inspired by the local culture and attractions surrounding the hotels.

At The Hari Hong Kong, the Better Together Family Package includes connecting rooms, daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12, and in-room activities such as a puzzle featuring Hong Kong landmarks and a DIY madeleine decorating set.

Located in Wan Chai, The Hari Hong Kong is within easy reach of Victoria Harbour, the historic tram network, the Jardine Noonday Gun, traditional markets and heritage streetscapes

Located in Wan Chai, the hotel also provides easy access to attractions including Victoria Harbour, the historic tram network and traditional neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile, The Hari London’s Family First package features Tonieboxes in selected suites, offering children screen-free stories, music and educational content inspired by characters such as Paddington Bear and National Geographic.

The London property also provides age-appropriate welcome amenities, family-friendly suites and a children’s menu at its Italian restaurant, il Pampero.

Both experiences are designed to encourage families to explore each destination while spending time together during their stay.

For more information, visit The Hari Hotels.

Michelin Guide makes Oceania debut with New Zealand selection

By TTG Asia

July 8, 2026

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The Michelin Guide has expanded into Oceania for the first time, recognising 110 restaurants across New Zealand in its inaugural selection covering Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The 2026 guide includes one restaurant awarded two Michelin Stars, 14 receiving one Michelin Star, 35 Bib Gourmand establishments and 60 restaurants included in the Michelin Guide Selected category.

Essence in Queenstown is the only restaurant awarded two Michelin Stars in the Michelin Guide New Zealand 2026

Essence in Queenstown, led by executive chef Paul Froggatt, is the country’s only two Michelin Star restaurant. The guide also awarded one Michelin Star to 14 restaurants across the four regions, including Ahi., Mudbrick, Paris Butter, Tala and The Estate in Auckland; Jano Bistro, Logan Brown and Ortega in Wellington; Inati and Tussock Hill in Christchurch; and Amisfield, Kika, Rātā and Sherwood in Queenstown.

Thirty-five restaurants received Bib Gourmand recognition for offering good-quality food at moderate prices, while a further 60 were included in the Michelin Guide Selected category.

The guide also presented three special awards. Robert Fairs of Christchurch restaurant Londo received the Young Chef Award, Stina Persen of Wellington restaurant Graze received the Service Award, and Matthew Aitchison of Auckland’s The French Café received the Sommelier Award.

The guide highlighted New Zealand’s seasonal produce, regional ingredients and hospitality, noting the country’s emphasis on locally sourced food and the close links between cuisine, culture and the natural environment.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said: “It is rare to award such a quantity of stars in a country’s inaugural launch – New Zealand’s performance has been genuinely impressive.

“The destination presents more than a selection of outstanding restaurants: to our Inspectors, it revealed a contemporary culinary map shaped by unique terroir and a food culture in quiet harmony with nature.”

René de Monchy, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, said: “This recognition is an acknowledgement of the people, the land, and the culture that make dining in New Zealand a truly unique experience.”

Global luxury travel brands bet bigger on Asia-Pacific

By Stephanie Zheng

July 7, 2026

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Luxury travel suppliers from Europe and Latin America are stepping up investments in Asia-Pacific as the region cements its position as one of the industry’s most important longhaul source markets.

From expanding sales representation to tailoring guest experiences, destinations and operators outside the region told TTG Asia they are making long-term commitments to capture growing demand from Asia-Pacific travellers.

Luxury nature-based experiences are drawing growing interest from Asia-Pacific travellers, including river excursions at La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat, pictured

For luxury hotel The Store in Oxford, South-east Asia has become an increasingly important market as more families combine leisure travel with visits to students studying in the UK. The 101-room luxury lifestyle hotel, which opened on May 5, 2024 in a restored 1738 department store, said Asia-Pacific now accounts for around six per cent of its year-to-date room nights, with Australia contributing more than 30 per cent of that figure. Key source markets also include China, India, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“The marketplace for us, and the reason why we’re spending a lot more time now in Asia, is because since Covid there has been an explosion in South-east Asian parents sending their children to Oxford,” said general manager Simon Blake. The hotel owners have also acquired a second Oxford property that will be converted into a hotel three times the size of The Store.

Likewise, luxury expedition operator Delfin Amazon Cruises is deepening its focus on the region. Commercial director Ines Orihuela said Australia has become the company’s second-largest international source market after the US, while South-east Asia is now its next growth frontier.

To support this expansion, the company has invested in culturally adapted guest experiences, dedicated in-market sales representation, trade missions and familiarisation trips. “Building a market is a long-term commitment,” Orihuela noted.

Similarly, Ecuador specialist Golden Experiences & Travel said more than 10 per cent of its guests now come from Asia-Pacific, driven by growing demand for luxury, nature-based experiences in destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. The company has strengthened its regional presence through dedicated sales representation, targeted marketing campaigns, localised promotional materials and participation in major travel trade events.

Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland is also seeing growing interest from South-east Asia. David Boyce said the tourism board’s inaugural participation at ILTM Asia Pacific had generated encouraging early feedback.

“Our market has been predominantly US, but it’s our first time at ILTM Singapore. We got a lot of quiet interest from the sellers… and we’re seeing good uplift from the Southeast Asian market and believe the demand will increase,” he said.

Hyatt to introduce Alila brand to Japan with Hakone resort

New hotels: WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, Cordis, Xi’an and more

Strong luxury travel appetite spurs record LHW showcase at tradeshow

Oman expands Singapore tourism push with direct Muscat flights

Marriott taps Traveloka for direct connectivity across Asia

SLH doubles Australian portfolio with Salter Brothers partnership

Banyan Tree enters Europe with Montenegro island resort

Family adventures await at The Hari Hotels

Michelin Guide makes Oceania debut with New Zealand selection

Global luxury travel brands bet bigger on Asia-Pacific

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