TTG Asia’s online news bulletin will take a break on May 1, 2026 in observance of Labour Day.
The online news bulletin will resume on May 4, 2026.
Artotel opens design-led hotel in Magelang, Central Java
Artotel Group continues expanding its portfolio with the opening of Artotel Leguna Magelang, Central Java, last weekend.
With a modern minimalist design combined with artistic elements, this 111-room boutique hotel features an architectural design by Indonesian architect Andra Matin. The project reflects an effort to combine art, design and contemporary lifestyle in Magelang.
Located about two hours’ drive from Yogyakarta, Magelang is a cultural and geographical centre, with Borobudur Temple as a key site. The city is also home to the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil).
Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, COO of Artotel Group, stated: “We see Magelang as a destination with a great potential. The presence of this hotel is expected to enrich the tourism landscape while supporting the growth of the local creative economy. (With this hotel), we aim to set a new standard in art-based, design-driven lifestyle stays, as this hotel is designed to be a dynamic living space where design, art, and hospitality converge to create an authentic and memorable experience.”
Inspired by the terraced structure of Borobudur Temple, Andra, known for a clean and modern architectural approach, designed the hotel with a tiered concept in the lobby and gallery areas, creating a gradual spatial sequence. A key feature is an oval atrium that tapers upward from the mezzanine to the rooftop, allowing natural light and ventilation.
Speaking about target markets, Rico Setiawan, general manager of Artotel Leguna Magelang, said the hotel would focus on local communities and stakeholders, including the government sector and creative industries.
Major events – including the Vesak festival, Borobudur International Festival, Borobudur Marathon and Tour de Borobudur – along with regular programming at Akmil, such as graduations, alumni reunions and retreats, generate consistent demand for accommodation.
Geographically positioned between Yogyakarta and Semarang, the capital of Central Java, and amid the trend of “slow living” and experiential tourism that travellers seek, Rico said the hotel could support growth in Central Java’s tourism and lifestyle sectors.
In terms of investment, Henry Gunawan, president director of the owning company Karanganom Sinar Abadi, said the project was the result of a long-standing collaboration between various parties, including support from the local government.
“We want to present a living space, combining local art, character, and design to provide a memorable experience,” he said, adding that he was optimistic the hotel would have a wider impact on the tourism sector and regional economy.
Meanwhile, Chrisatrya Yonas Nusantrawan Bolla, assistant for economy and development at the Magelang City Secretariat, said the hotel has a broader role than accommodation.
“This is not just a hotel. This is part of the pulse of the city, a strategic partner in strengthening the face of Magelang as a humanistic, comfortable, and sustainable service city,” he said, adding that city development does not rely only on physical infrastructure but also on cross-sector collaboration. In that context, Artotel Leguna is expected to contribute to collaboration across services, art and experiences that shape the city’s identity.
Artotel Leguna Magelang offers 111 rooms across 10 categories, ranging from the Studio 25 (25m²) to the Studio 115 (115m²). Facilities include Artspace, a dedicated gallery area, Meetspace with one ballroom for up to 200 guests and three meeting rooms for up to 100 people, as well as an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, spa and gym.
Minor Hotels signs two resort projects in southern Thailand
Minor Hotels will introduce two resort properties in southern Thailand with Rasa Group, expanding its presence across Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
The agreements include the introduction of the Colbert Collection brand in Asia and a new Avani resort.
On Koh Samui, a 32-room beachfront property on Chaweng Beach will join the Colbert Collection portfolio. Currently operating as Buri Rasa Village Samui, it will transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026, with rebranding scheduled for 1Q2027 following renovation works. The resort will include dining venues, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, and is located about 15 minutes from Samui International Airport.
On Koh Phangan, a 63-room beachfront resort on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach will be rebranded as Avani Koh Phangan. The property, currently Buri Rasa Village Phangan, will also transition to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026, with rebranding planned for 1Q2027. Facilities will include dining outlets, a swimming pool, AvaniKids club and fitness centre.
Both properties are owned by Rasa Group, which has an existing partnership with Minor Hotels through Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas.
The Samui property will become the first Colbert Collection hotel in Asia, following the brand’s planned debut in London in late 2026. The brand focuses on independent properties with an emphasis on local context and design.
“These signings represent a step in expanding our presence in Southern Thailand across both premium lifestyle and soft brand segments. Introducing Colbert Collection to Asia in Koh Samui and strengthening our resort portfolio in Koh Phangan with Avani allows us to diversify our offering in destinations that continue to see strong international demand,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels.
“Koh Samui and Koh Phangan remain important markets for tourism development, and this collaboration supports our approach to building hospitality assets that align with evolving travel demand,” added Rapi Pinijchob, CEO of Rasa Group.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises rolls out 2028-29 extended global voyages
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched its 2028-29 Legendary Journeys Collection, featuring three extended voyages ranging from 61 to 101 nights. The itineraries span Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, with sailings aboard Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor.
The programme includes 14 overnight stays and ports across multiple regions, from Amsterdam and Lisbon to Bali and Sydney. Each voyage includes shore excursions at every port, alongside onboard dining and services under an all-inclusive model.
The 101-night Grand Pathways of Europe departs Barcelona on May 30, 2028, sailing to Amsterdam via destinations including Bordeaux, the British Isles, Iceland and Scandinavia. The 101-night Grand Hemispheres Journey departs Athens on October 21, 2028, travelling to Auckland via East Africa, the Arabian Sea, South-east Asia and Australia.
The 61-night Grand Silk Seas Passage departs Tokyo on November 4, 2028, sailing to Hong Kong with stops across Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. The itinerary includes overnight stays in Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Bali.
Each voyage includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, selected shoreside events and luggage service. Onboard inclusions cover dining, beverages, laundry and shore excursions.
Reservations open on April 30, 2026.
For more information, visit Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Thailand travel trade warns exit tax could impact aviation sector
Thailand’s travel trade is voicing opposition to a proposed 1,000 baht (US$31) exit tax for Thai nationals, warning that additional levies could strain the aviation sector.
Proposed by tourism and sports minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul under a 1983 act, the government could enact the fee to fund domestic tourism campaigns.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), representing trade entrepreneurs who recently met the minister, questioned the timing and rationale.
“With the recent Passenger Service Charge hike to over 1,200 baht, alongside a planned 300 baht tourism fee, this exit tax would push additional traveller costs to around 2,500 baht. This will inflict a severe psychological impact on our market base, particularly budget-conscious, shorthaul leisure travellers,” Adith warned.
Beyond individual costs, the trade said outbound travel is important for workforce development. They added that reducing outbound demand could affect the wider aviation sector.
“If we artificially shrink outbound demand, airlines – which are already burdened by operational costs – will be forced to further cut international routes. Consequently, this reduction in flight capacity will directly and negatively impact Thailand’s inbound tourism market as well,” Adith cautioned.
On implementation, rather than airline-integrated collection, the focus on Thai nationals may require a different approach.
“As the minister indicated this fee will exclusively target Thai tourists rather than foreigners, we anticipate a localised collection mechanism. This could resemble the legacy system where travellers purchased an airport tax coupon to submit at immigration,” Adith noted.
Middle East travel sector outpaces global growth in 2025, WTTC reports
The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector grew by 5.3 per cent in 2025, exceeding the global average of 4.1 per cent, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows gains across international visitor spending, domestic travel and business travel. International visitor spending in the region increased by 5.2 per cent, compared with 3.2 per cent globally.
The sector contributed US$385.8 billion to regional GDP in 2025 and supported 7.1 million jobs.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest market in the region, accounting for US$178 billion, or 46 per cent of total travel and tourism GDP. The country recorded growth of 7.4 per cent in 2025, compared with the regional average of 5.3 per cent and the global rate of 4.1 per cent. International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia rose by 8.2 per cent.
Business travel was a key driver of growth, with spending in Saudi Arabia increasing by more than 55 per cent. Across the Middle East, business travel spending rose by 23 per cent in 2025.
Other markets also recorded growth. The UAE reached US$68.5 billion in travel and tourism GDP, with international visitor spending of US$56.9 billion. Jordan and Oman each recorded growth of 5.5 per cent, with international visitor spending reaching US$8.5 billion and US$4.0 billion respectively.
WTTC noted that continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity and destination development will be important to sustain growth, alongside efforts to support business travel and higher-value tourism.
“The Middle East continued to deliver strong travel and tourism growth in 2025, with Saudi Arabia playing a central role in driving this success and emerging as a leader in the region, with growth nearly double the global average,” said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC.
“The Middle East’s performance in 2025 highlighted the strength and long-term potential of travel and tourism, with the sector continuing to act as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and international connectivity across the region.”
Bohol-Panglao airport begins phased reconfiguration works
Bohol-Panglao International Airport has begun initial reconfiguration works led by Aboitiz InfraCapital, marking the start of phased upgrades aimed at improving passenger movement, accessibility and overall operations at the facility.
The initial works focus on key passenger areas and form part of a broader plan to support current demand and future growth while maintaining day-to-day operations.
Bohol-Panglao is the Philippines’ 10th-busiest airport.
The programme follows approval from the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in March 2026. Approved plans include layout changes, security measures and additional equipment.
Bohol’s status as the country’s only UNESCO Global Geopark has contributed to the push for improvements, alongside continued growth in tourism and investment. Discussions between local government and airport management have also covered space allocation for local products within the terminal.
The upgrades will be introduced in phases, with further details to be released as work progresses. The project forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain service standards and support the airport’s role in regional connectivity.
“Enhancing Bohol-Panglao International Airport is part of a coordinated effort to strengthen the country’s aviation gateways. Through close collaboration with airport operators, these improvements in efficiency and facility design help ensure safer, smoother, and more responsive operations for passengers,” said Raul Del Rosario, director-general, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
PATA Travel Mart 2027 set for return to Macao
PATA Travel Mart 2027 will take place in Macao from September 20 to 22, 2027, marking the event’s return to the destination after a decade. The event will be hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
The three-day programme will bring together buyers and exhibitors from across Asia-Pacific, with a focus on business meetings, networking and contracting opportunities. The event aims to support travel organisations in building partnerships and expanding access to regional markets.
Alongside the trade exhibition, the programme will include a forum on tourism trends, the PATA Gold Awards 2027 and a series of social events.
Macao last hosted the travel mart in 2017, having previously held the event in 2010. The destination also hosted the PATA Annual Summit in 2024.
The city offers a mix of cultural heritage and modern tourism infrastructure. Its historic centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, while in 2017 it was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The destination also has a range of recognised intangible cultural heritage practices and events.
As of February 2026, Macao had around 47,000 hotel rooms, supporting its position as a regional events and tourism destination.
Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA, said: “We had the opportunity to experience the destination’s world-class hospitality in 2010 and 2017 during the first and second PATA Travel Marts held in Macao, and most recently in 2024 during the PATA Annual Summit. With this strong partnership and Macao’s exceptional capabilities as a host destination, we are confident that this Travel Mart will further showcase the city’s excellence and hospitality on the global stage.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming PATA Travel Mart delegates once again next year for a first-hand update on the dynamic developments of Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure, with an emphasis on diversification. By hosting this PATA flagship event, we are also pleased to offer delegates the opportunity to fully leverage our city’s unique advantages in connecting the Chinese mainland with the world,” added Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of MGTO.
Minor Hotels to debut in Miami
Minor Hotels is planning the Anantara Miami Resort & Residences, marking the entry of its luxury brand into the US. The 50-storey development is set to rise above Biscayne Bay and is scheduled to open in 2030.
The project is being developed with One Thousand Group and will be located between Miami’s Edgewater, Design District and Wynwood neighbourhoods. The tower is expected to offer views across Biscayne Bay and forms part of the group’s wider expansion strategy.
The development will include 100 private branded residences, 120 resort residences and 50 hotel suites. Owners will have the option to place their units into a rental pool for hotel guests. Facilities will focus on wellness, including a centre dedicated to movement, nutrition and recovery, alongside programmes influenced by Thai healing practices.
The project brings together an international design team, and follows previous developments by One Thousand Group, including One Thousand Museum and Villa Miami.
The building will also include features such as a rooftop helipad and access to nearby cultural institutions, including the Pérez Art Museum, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
“Miami is the perfect location for the debut of our luxury Anantara brand into the US, and we are excited to partner with One Thousand Group to bring this vision to reality,” said William E Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International.
“Our approach has always been to anticipate where the market is going and develop buildings that don’t yet exist in Miami. With Anantara, we saw an opportunity to bring a globally respected brand into a market that is ready for something more meaningful and experience-driven,” added Michael Konig, Co-Founder of One Thousand Group.
Malaysia Airlines takes Mumbai Indians colours to the skies
Malaysia Airlines has unveiled a new aircraft livery in collaboration with cricket franchise Mumbai Indians, applied to one of its A330-300 aircraft.
The design combines elements associated with both brands, incorporating blue and gold tones and motifs linked to the Mumbai Indians identity. The aircraft will operate on selected routes across India and Asia later in 2026.
The livery is accompanied by a digital film highlighting Mumbai’s culture and the team’s fan base. The collaboration forms part of Malaysia Airlines’ efforts to strengthen its presence in the Indian market and expand brand visibility.
The collaboration with Mumbai Indians builds on an existing relationship, with the airline serving as the team’s Official Global Airline Partner.
