TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Thursday, 12th February 2026
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TFE Hotels introduces Adina brand to Hobart

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TFE Hotels is expanding its presence in Tasmania with the addition of its Adina apartment-style hotel brand in Hobart. The opening marks the first Adina property in the state and joins the group’s existing Vibe Hobart within the same mixed-use development.

Adina Hobart is a 48-key property offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, with options to interconnect into larger configurations. Designed to support longer stays, the apartments feature fully equipped kitchens and self-contained living spaces aimed at both leisure and business travellers.

Adina Hobart is expected to welcome guests in the 2H2026

The hotel is located alongside the 142-key Vibe Hobart, with Adina guests having access to shared onsite facilities including a restaurant and bar, conference spaces, swimming pool and gym.

TFE Hotels said the opening responds to growing demand for apartment-style accommodation at the premium end of the market, particularly for extended stays and travellers seeking flexible accommodation formats.

The addition of Adina Hobart brings a second TFE Hotels brand to the site and forms part of the group’s wider strategy to grow its apartment hotel portfolio across Australia. The company said the development also supports Hobart’s ongoing CBD regeneration, reinforcing the area’s role as a mixed-use hospitality and accommodation hub.

Chris Sedgwick, group COO, TFE Hotels, said: “As we expand our global footprint, we’re seeing increasing demand for apartment style hotels that offer the space, flexibility, and contemporary design that Adina does so well. With every new opening, whether here at home or in key international cities, Adina anchors our premium offering and showcases the best of Australian hospitality on the world stage.”

Jamie Capp, general manager, Adina Hobart, added: “Apartment-style stays are increasingly important to the visitor economy because they encourage extended travel and support local operators. With both Adina and Vibe now in Hobart, we’re offering travellers more choice – whether they’re here for business, culture, or nature.”

S Hotels and Resorts rebrands UK hotels under The Unlimited Collection

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S Hotels and Resorts (SHR) has completed the rebranding of two UK hotels, Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh and The Grand Hotel Leicester, under The Unlimited Collection brand by Ascott.

The repositioning forms part of SHR’s wider asset enhancement strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in key European markets.

The Grand Hotel Leicester now operates under The Unlimited Collection by Ascott

The Unlimited Collection focuses on highlighting the individual heritage and local character of each property. Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh completed its rebranding in 4Q2024, while The Grand Hotel Leicester has undergone a full refurbishment and reopened on February 2, 2026.

The initiative reflects SHR’s strategy to reposition selected UK properties as lifestyle hotels for both domestic and international travellers. As part of its partnership with Ascott, the hotels are now integrated into the Ascott Star Rewards loyalty programme. SHR said the approach is already delivering results, with occupancy at its Edinburgh property reaching close to 98 per cent in 3Q2025.

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection is located on Princes Street and occupies a site that dates back to the early 1800s, when it operated as the Royal Hotel. The property now offers 169 guestrooms, many with views across Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town. Interior updates draw on the surrounding landscape through natural tones and Scottish design references, alongside a bar and restaurant positioned as a social space for guests and local residents. The hotel sits opposite the Scott Monument and the National Gallery.

The Grand Hotel Leicester is located on Granby Street in the city centre and is the only hotel in Leicester constructed in the early 1900s. The property has hosted notable historical figures and features preserved architectural elements, including a grand staircase, high ceilings and the restored King’s Room ballroom. The hotel offers 104 renovated guestrooms and a range of meeting and event spaces, with the redevelopment forming part of broader regeneration activity in the city centre.

SHR said further UK hotels are scheduled for rebranding as part of the next phase of its long-term growth strategy.

Michael Marshall, CEO, S Hotels and Resorts, said: “In Europe, enhancements to The Unlimited Collection portfolio allow us to create hotels that are deeply connected to their destinations, strengthening guest engagement while unlocking long-term value. This complements our recent success with repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts across Asia-Pacific.”

Thai Airways deepens retailing partnership with Amadeus

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Thai Airways International (THAI) has expanded its strategic relationship with Amadeus, selecting three retailing solutions to support more consistent and personalised offers across its sales channels.

The airline will implement Altéa NDC, Air Dynamic Pricing and Anytime Merchandising as part of its wider retailing and distribution strategy. The move is intended to improve offer relevance, pricing accuracy and ancillary merchandising across both direct and indirect channels.

Thai Airways has selected additional Amadeus retailing solutions to support its distribution and pricing strategy

Through the adoption of these solutions, THAI aims to deliver a more consistent experience for passengers regardless of how they book. Real-time pricing aligned with demand and inventory is expected to support more competitive fares, while enhanced merchandising capabilities will allow the airline to present ancillary products through timely and context-aware recommendations.

Altéa NDC will serve as THAI’s NDC-enabled distribution platform, allowing the airline to create and distribute richer offers while preparing for future Offer and Order-based retailing. Air Dynamic Pricing applies AI-driven models to adjust fares in real time based on booking context and availability, with the airline expecting an average revenue uplift of more than three per cent. Anytime Merchandising will enable THAI to present personalised ancillary offers consistently across channels, supporting both revenue optimisation and customer experience objectives.

Together, the three solutions are designed to support THAI’s transition towards modern airline retailing, with integrated systems enabling improved control over pricing, offers and distribution.

Amadeus said the agreement builds on its long-standing relationship with Thai Airways and reflects a shared focus on next-generation retailing. The technology rollout will be supported by Amadeus’ local presence in Thailand, allowing closer collaboration during implementation and ongoing development.

The expanded partnership forms part of THAI’s broader transformation programme, as the airline continues to invest in digital capabilities to support its commercial strategy and passenger experience across web and mobile platforms.

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri said: “This technology investment represents a significant step in Thai Airways’ transformation. It strengthens our retailing capabilities, enabling us to offer passengers more relevant choices and a consistent experience across our digital channels.”

Javier Laforgue, executive vice president, travel unit and managing director, Asia Pacific, Amadeus, added: “This agreement is a milestone in our long-standing cooperation, and we look forward to working hand in hand with Thai Airways on its transformation journey.”

Walk Japan’s ancient roads on a ninja journey

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Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is launching a new one-night, two-day experiential tourism programme that invites travellers to step into Japan’s warrior past. Set along the historic Shingen-bo-michi mountain trail, the Two-Day Ninja Training Experience Tour blends nature, history, traditional lifestyle and regional cuisine into a deeply immersive cultural journey.

Led by the Yatsugatake Historical Road Tourism Promotion Committee in collaboration with local governments, travel agencies and regional businesses, the programme highlights Hokuto City’s unique setting, surrounded by Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps and the Yatsugatake Mountains. With strong cultural ties between Hokuto City and Taiwan, the tour is positioned as a premium inbound experience for international travellers seeking authenticity beyond major cities.

Walk ancient mountain paths and discover Japan’s warrior heritage through an immersive two-day journey

Shingen-bo-michi is believed to have been developed by Sengoku-era warlord Takeda Shingen as a military route. Sections of original stonework and natural terrain remain intact, allowing participants to walk the same paths used more than 400 years ago through forest landscapes at the foot of Yatsugatake.

Participants wear traditional ninja attire and, guided by professional instructors, learn ninja walking techniques, etiquette, breathing practices and mindset. The experience is educational rather than theatrical, offering insight into the philosophy and daily discipline of historical warriors.

On Day One, the programme begins near JR Kobuchizawa Station with costume fitting and foundational instruction, followed by training in movement, awareness and mental focus. The evening is spent at the traditional inn Oyado Izumien, where guests enjoy locally sourced cuisine and a quiet woodland setting designed to deepen immersion.

Day Two features a full walk along Shingen-bo-michi, passing grasslands, forests and stone Buddhist statues, with a stop at Sanbuichi Yusui, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters. The journey concludes with a certificate of completion, creating a lasting memento of the experience.

For more information, e-mail Yatsugatake Historical Road Tourism Promotion Committee.

Singapore courts early career travellers with global campaign

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Aiming to tap into the surging spending power of the Early Career segment – a demographic that accounted for more than 40 per cent of international arrivals in 2025 – the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is continuing the rollout of its multi-phased global campaign.

Titled We don’t wait for fun, the campaign targets travellers aged 25 to 39 across nine key markets, including China, Indonesia and India, with the goal of converting their high propensity for travel into confirmed bookings.

Neighbourhoods such as Katong reflect the authentic, culture-led experiences STB is promoting to early career travellers

“With global income growth and Gen Z’s purchasing power expected to increase, 2026 is an opportune moment to capture this segment,” Lim Shoo Ling, STB’s director of segment marketing and visitor experience, told TTG Asia.

Early career travellers also align with Singapore’s largest visitor demographic, spanning the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups, across its top five source markets: China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Australia.

“Visitors aged 25-44 from these markets represented nearly 25 per cent of total arrivals in 2025, demonstrating their significant contribution to tourism growth,” she added.

Rolled out progressively, the campaign debuted in May 2025 in partnership with Universal Music Singapore during Lady Gaga’s exclusive Asian tour stop. Social media influencers from across the region were invited to experience Singapore alongside the concert.

Similar initiatives followed during the Grand Prix Season Singapore in October 2025 and Singapore Art Week in January 2026.

During last year’s Grand Prix Season Singapore, for example, visitors were introduced to lifestyle concepts at New Bahru, events such as Jam Off and GrooveDriver Festival, and immersive dining experiences including AndSoForth, Lim shared.

January 2026 also marked the expanded roll-out of digital and social content, out-of-home activations, key opinion leader collaborations and industry partnerships across China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

When asked what this segment is seeking, Lim said: “This segment seeks authentic experiences, like experiencing local life and culture, or trying a new activity. They value the process of engagement and self-discovery, which leaves meaningful impressions that last far longer than the Instagrammable shot.”

Examples include snowboarding lessons at Trifecta in the heart of Orchard Road, exploring heritage precincts such as Joo Chiat with a local guide, or participating in animal encounters within the Mandai cluster of attractions.

As for other traveller segments, including active silvers and families, Lim said STB will continue to “market a good spread of products and experiences that are relevant and appealing to those segments”.

“This corresponds with our Tourism 2040 focus area to create an attractive destination through distinctive experiences and products, driving visitorship and spend,” she concluded.

Mandarin Oriental targets resort growth in portfolio expansion

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More resorts in South-east Asia will materialise through Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s latest expansion thrust – a move that is driven by what its clients demand.

Speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of the February 5 launch of Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast in Malaysia’s Johor state, Anthony Tyler, area vice president, operations at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “In 2024 we announced a 10-year strategy to double our footprint. It is an ambitious strategy, as we want to be very selective with the properties we manage. We want to add high quality properties in the destinations that our clients wish to see us.”

Tyler: there are reasons to be bullish, as the Asian economy grows and as pockets of wealth increase in this part of the world

Tyler added that the group is “identifying the right partners” as well as “the right piece of land” in all its expansion considerations.

He said the new Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast was a “perfect example of this strategy playing out”.

He complimented the location of the 44-suite resort – one that is surrounded by nature, amid a rainforest and close to the sea, and yet within easy reach of both Senai International Airport in Johor and Singapore Changi Airport.

Access between Singapore and the southern Malaysian state will improve when the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link comes into service by January 1, 2027.

“Anything that allows people to travel in an easier and freer manner is good for us,” stated Tyler, who expects the new commute option to boost leisure and corporate travel traffic to Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast.

Tyler reflected on Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s successful resorts around the world, and acknowledged that there could be more in South-east Asia.

He cited “obvious synergies” between Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s gateway city hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Singapore that would support resort developments in recreational locations close by.

The group has so far announced upcoming openings in South Korea’s Seoul, Indonesia’s Bali, and the Philippines’ Manila.

He hinted at more announcements to come for South-east Asia over the next few years, particularly in beach destinations “where our clients would like to see a Mandarin Oriental”.

When asked how the well-established Mandarin Oriental brand is being conveyed through different age groups, especially among the younger generation of new travellers, Tyler pointed out that the group’s demographic of guests has evolved.

He explained that with every new hotel launched, the Mandarin Oriental brand gains access to a new demographic of guests.

“If you go to some of our newer properties in the Middle East and Europe, you will see a very young and different demographic. In Asia, where we have our legacy properties and have been established for longer time, we naturally have a following that started earlier with the brand and is therefore a little older in age.

“However, we have a very good blend. We do not have a hotel that is catered to only one narrow demographic. And we see (this blend especially) in our resorts, where we have a lot of multi-generational travel,” he said.

As for his business outlook for 2026, Tyler said he remains a “natural optimist”.

“There are reasons to be bullish, as the Asian economy grows and as pockets of wealth increase in this part of the world,” he remarked, adding that there is “a natural feeder for what we offer, for what Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group does”.

South-east Asia reframes Green Season as value-led travel

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Tourism authorities across South-east Asia are intensifying efforts to reposition the May-October Green Season as a commercially viable travel period, citing lower costs and reduced crowd levels.

In Cambodia, Prak Vuthy, director of the Overseas Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department, said the season continues to be widely misunderstood.

Cambodia, pictured, is among the South-east Asian destinations repositioning the Green Season as a value-led travel period; photo by KimlongMeng

“From May to October, Cambodia traditionally experiences the green season, with more rainfall, and this is a period that many travellers tend to misunderstand,” he noted. “Some visitors assume that the green season means travel is not suitable, but in reality, this period offers many advantages.”

To address this, Prak remarked “that’s why we are actively promoting travel during the May to October green season, with incentives across hotels and tourism activities”, adding that “many of our major events are intentionally scheduled during this time to encourage visitation”.

He emphasised that the objective is to spread demand more evenly and “create value for travellers”.

The positioning aligns closely with corporate and incentive travel, where programmes are largely indoor-focused and benefit from higher hotel availability and more competitive rates, even if weather conditions are variable.

In Laos, Phouthone Dalalom, deputy director general at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the destination’s natural strengths during this period.

“During the Green Season, Laos offers very high tourism potential, with lush landscapes, waterfalls at their best, and beautiful natural scenery,” he stated, noting that “each province has its own strengths during the Green Season, particularly in terms of nature, views, and outdoor experiences”.

Across South-east Asia, reframing the Green Season from a perceived drawback into a selling point is increasingly seen as a strategic opportunity for both leisure and group travel.

Marriott International signs four-hotel agreement with Masterise Group in Vietnam

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Marriott International and Masterise Group are set to develop four hotels and one branded residence in Vietnam, adding close to 1,900 keys to Marriott’s national portfolio. The agreement introduces a range of Marriott brands across Vietnam’s key urban, economic and leisure destinations.

As of 3Q2025, Marriott operates 29 properties across Vietnam, with more than 30 additional hotels in the pipeline. Masterise Group continues to expand its portfolio across real estate, hospitality and infrastructure projects in partnership with government stakeholders.

The agreement covers four new hotel developments in Vietnam

The flagship developments will be located in Ho Chi Minh City, including The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Saigon, marking the brand’s debut in the city. In Can Gio, a coastal district near Ho Chi Minh City, a dual-branded eco-focused resort complex will include JW Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton hotels as part of the wider Can Gio Coastal Urban Tourism Area.

In Hanoi, the agreement includes the city’s first Marriott Hotel. The Co Loa Marriott Hotel is under construction next to the National Exhibition & Convention Center, approximately 13km from the city centre. The 494-key property is designed to serve business travellers and the meetings and events market, with four dining venues, leisure facilities and around 3,000m² of function space.

The JW Marriott Hotel Saigon Can Gio and Four Points by Sheraton Saigon, Can Gio will form part of the 2,870-hectare Can Gio Coastal Urban Tourism Area, which is expected to attract up to nine million visitors annually. The dual-branded development is planned to offer a combined 780 keys, along with meeting facilities, leisure amenities and a range of dining options.

The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon is planned to feature 231 hotel rooms, alongside a separate tower with 420 branded residences, located in District One, the city’s central commercial area.

Gautam Bhandari, chief development officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said: “Our collaboration with Masterise Group is founded on a shared vision and a long-term commitment to excellence. Through this multi-property agreement, we hope to create destinations that deliver memorable and meaningful experiences for domestic and international travellers alike.”

Nelly Phuong Ta, head of hospitality & entertainment, Masterise Group, added: “Each project will be master planned with a vision to harmoniously integrate heritage and community, aligning with the global shift toward cultural and experiential tourism. Our expansion into the hospitality and resort sector represents a strategic milestone in Masterise Group’s journey to build a fully integrated real estate ecosystem, underscoring our long-term commitment to advancing Vietnam’s position as a premier global destination.”

Radisson Red to open in Queenstown in 2028

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Radisson Hotel Group has signed Radisson Red Hotel Queenstown, a newly-built lifestyle hotel scheduled to open in early 2028. The signing expands the group’s presence in New Zealand and follows the planned opening of Radisson Red Auckland.

Radisson Red Hotel Queenstown will feature 221 rooms, including four deluxe rooms and five suites. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, a rooftop bar with terrace, two meeting rooms and a fitness centre.

Artist’s impression of Radisson Red Hotel Queenstown, scheduled to open in 2028

The hotel will be located a seven-minute walk from Queenstown’s town centre, within a developing precinct that will include new retail, supermarket and food and beverage offerings. The site overlooks Coronet Peak, the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu, and is adjacent to a recreation reserve that is planned to be developed into a community park.

Coronet Peak ski area is approximately a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while summer hiking and biking trails are located nearby. Queenstown Airport is around 16 minutes away, with direct flights from major Australian east coast cities and regular domestic services.

Radisson Red Hotel Queenstown will join the brand’s New Zealand portfolio alongside the upcoming Radisson Red Auckland. Elsewhere in the region, Radisson Hotel Group has recently opened Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton, with Radisson Blu Mirage Resort Fiji scheduled to open in 2027.

Redwood owner Tony Gapes said: “The brand’s energy, design-led style, and understated luxury feel perfectly matched to the spirit of the region. This is an exciting project for Queenstown, and we’re proud to continue to deliver developments that add long-term value to the region.”

Lachlan Hoswell, managing director, Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group, added: “Australasia is primed for high-performing lifestyle hotels, and Queenstown is an ideal stage for Radisson Red. We’re excited to work with local partners such as Tony Gapes at Redwood and Ash Hira at Bayleys, who was instrumental in facilitating this transaction, and look forward to collaborating with Bayleys and other partners on elevating the hotel offerings across New Zealand and Australia.”

Bonus Journeys turns stays into future rewards

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Bonus Journeys gives World of Hyatt members more ways to be rewarded for eligible stays around the world. Whether travelling for a city break, a family holiday or a sports-focused getaway, members can earn Bonus Points that unlock future experiences.

From now through April 15, 2026, World of Hyatt members can register to earn 3,000 Bonus Points for every three eligible nights, up to 21,000 Bonus Points, at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide. Members staying at Hyatt Place and Hyatt Select hotels can earn even more, with an additional 1,000 Bonus Points for every three eligible nights, up to 7,000 additional Bonus Points, for a total of up to 28,000 Bonus Points.

World of Hyatt members can now earn more Bonus Points on eligible stays worldwide; Grand Hyatt Goa, pictured

With a wide range of participating hotels and resorts, including select Mr & Mrs Smith properties, Bonus Journeys rewards members across different travel styles. Enjoy wine country at Alila Napa Valley, explore Dublin from Hyatt Centric The Liberties, or experience cherry blossom season at the newly renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Beach escapes are equally rewarding, from the tranquil mangrove setting of Alila Mayakoba in Mexico to all-inclusive stays at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic. Sports fans can plan trips around major events, with hotels near tennis tournaments, motorsport weekends and key baseball and football matchups across the US and internationally.

With up to 28,000 Bonus Points available to earn, eligible stays can unlock free nights, room upgrades and memorable experiences across Hyatt’s global portfolio, from cultural city centres to resort destinations designed for relaxation and discovery.

For more information, visit World of Hyatt.