TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 1st April 2026
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AHICE births new tech summit and design symposium for hotel industry

By TTG Asia
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AHICE

The Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) has launched two new events – InnTech Hotel Technology Summit and South East Asia Design Inn Symposium – alongside AHICE South East Asia next month.

To be held later this month at the Pan Pacific Singapore, these events will give delegates the opportunity to delve deeper into hotel technology and hotel design.

AHICE will be held in Singapore from February 24 to 26 this year

InnTech Hotel Technology Summit on February 26 is a three-hour event with panel discussions, keynotes, Q&As, and masterclasses focused on topics such as AI, procurement software, in-room entertainment, door locking tech, PMS and RMS systems, digital marketing, robots, and more.

South East Asia Design Inn Symposium, also debuting on February 26, follows the success of hotel architecture and interior design conference, Design Inn Symposium Australasia-Pacific, and will examine the critical components of hospitality design and explore exciting new properties to open in the region. Delegates can expect to hear from leading architects, designers, hotel operators and owners.

Tony Marshall, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific, for hospitality software company Agilysys, a principal partner of AHICE South East Asia, said: “AHICE South East Asia continues to bring together hospitality leaders from across the region to exchange insights, explore new opportunities, and discuss the future of the industry.”

“With a strong line-up of speakers and networking opportunities, this year’s event sets the stage for invaluable conversations on hotel investment and operations, offering key takeaways for businesses looking to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.

AHICE South East Asia will be held from February 24 to 26.

IHG Hotels & Resorts enters Thailand’s Hat Yai

By TTG Asia
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IHG Hotels & Resorts will add a Hat Yai property to its Thailand portfolio in 2027. The 160-key Holiday Inn Express Hat Yai will be the hotel firm’s first property in the southern Thai city as well as the city’s first internationally branded hotel.

A 25-minute drive from the Hat Yai International Airport and a 10-minute drive from the city centre, Holiday Inn Express Hat Yai will have facilities including a 24/7 Express Café & Bar, fitness centre, and meeting facilities.

IHG Hotels & Resorts will manage a new hotel in Thailand’s Hat Yat for real estate developer Park Avenue Property Company

Vivek Bhalla, managing director, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Together with our new partner Park Avenue Property Company, we will be introducing the world’s largest hotel brand to Hat Yai, expanding IHG’s presence to eleven destinations across the Kingdom.

“Famous the world over, our mainstream brands continue to be the first choice for guests and owners everywhere. In Thailand, more than half of IHG’s existing estate and close to half of our pipeline is made up of Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express hotels. Expanding our brand presence into a new destination underlines the enduring appeal of our brands as well as IHG’s strong enterprise including our award-winning IHG One Rewards loyalty programme.”

Prawit Phongprapat, managing director, Park Avenue Property Company, said: “Holiday Inn Express Hat Yai is our first venture into the hotel segment, and we are excited to work with the IHG team and confident that together we will create a market-leading midscale hotel that will be enjoyed by business and leisure travellers.

“The Holiday Inn Express brand has a good track record in Thailand and is popular with travellers seeking a comfortable base where they can rest, relax and recharge. Hat Yai is a major hub for Southern Thailand and a lively vibrant city known for its fusion of cultures, bustling markets and cuisine.”

Haikou marks the end of Chinese New Year with a bang

By TTG Asia
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A top-grade Rainbow Lucky Cloud fireworks display concluded Chinese New Year celebrations on February 12 in Haikou, China; Photo by Hainan International Media Center

Extravagant fireworks and drone shows held over Haikou, the capital city of China’s Hainan Province on February 12 marked the conclusion of the 15-day-long Chinese New Year festival.

Three thousand drones danced over Haikou Bay, painting floating coconut trees, bougainvillea flowers, and many more Hainan-themed images in the night sky. That then gave way to a finale fireworks display that was visible across three surrounding city districts.

Tripartite partnership forged to boost travel exchange between Singapore and Indonesia

By Mimi Hudoyo
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The tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Jakarta by (from left) Singapore Tourism board’s Terrence Voon, Singapore ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Kwok Fook Seng, Garuda Indonesia’s Naufal Aflah, and Changi Airport Group’s Peh Ke-Wei

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has signed a strategic partnership with Garuda Indonesia and Changi Airport Group (CAG), aimed at growing the number of arrivals between Singapore and Indonesia through enhanced connectivity and tourism promotion.

Naufal Aflah, corporate and channel group head at Garuda Indonesia, said: “In line with (our) efforts to provide service excellence to our customers, particularly between Indonesia and Singapore, Garuda has formed a cooperation agreement in the areas of targeted campaigns, joint marketing efforts, and new travel offerings, such as fly-cruise packages for Singapore.”

The Memorandum of Cooperation signing ceremony in Jakarta was led by (from left) Singapore Tourism board’s Terrence Voon, Singapore ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Kwok Fook Seng, Garuda Indonesia’s Naufal Aflah, and Changi Airport Group’s Peh Ke-Wei

Ade R Susardi, commercial director of the airline, added that all partners have a “shared commitment to revitalising regional travel and fostering stronger tourism and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations”.

Ade expects the collaboration to also entice international tourists to explore Indonesia’s many destinations by connecting through Singapore Changi Airport and using Garuda Indonesia’s extensive networks from Singapore to various domestic Indonesian routes.

Garuda Indonesia operates 55 weekly flights between Singapore and Indonesia. It flies 41 weekly flights on the Jakarta-Singapore route alone, including two daily flights that were added in December 2024.

The airline also flies daily to Bali and Surabaya.

Terrence Voon, executive director, Southeast Asia with STB, said: “This collaboration comes at the best time possible, as both Singapore and Indonesia continue to be very important source markets for each other in tourism.”

Indonesia was Singapore’s second largest tourism market, contributing 2.49 million arrivals in 2024. Singapore was the third largest tourism market for Indonesia with 1.4 million arrivals last year.

Voon added: “Indonesia is poised to continue growing in 2025. This inaugural tripartite partnership reflects the importance of tourism and air connectivity between our two countries, and our commitment to work together for mutual benefit. By combining our strengths, we hope more Indonesian travellers can enjoy Singapore’s diverse offerings and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones.”

Peh Ke-Wei, vice president of market development, CAG, noted that Indonesia is one of the company’s top passenger markets, with more than 7.3 million passenger movements between Singapore and Indonesia registered in 2024.

Klook closes US$100 million investment to fuel next decade of growth

By TTG Asia
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Klook has gained US$100 million in funding led by the global growth investment firm Vitruvian Partners, which will go towards accelerating its efforts to capture the fast-growing market of next-generation travellers and deepen its reach across Asia-Pacific.

The latest investment underscores continued confidence in Klook’s vision, market leadership, and operational excellence. Klook marked its 10th anniversary in 2024, and has been instrumental in redefining how travellers discover and book in-destination experiences.

Klook gets new round of investment to fund further expansion

“Over the past decade, Klook has established itself as the go-to platform for travel experiences in Asia-Pacific, reimagining how travellers discover and connect with destinations. With the region set to remain the heartbeat of global tourism, Klook’s strong brand, extensive supply network, and deep local expertise position us to deliver even greater value to the next generation of experience-driven travellers across the world. We are excited to welcome Vitruvian on this journey,” said Ethan Lin, CEO and co-founder of Klook.

According to recent forecasts, international visitor arrivals in the region are expected to grow from 619 million in 2024 to 762 million by 2026, surpassing previous highs in 2019. This resurgence, coupled with evolving traveller behaviours – including a growing preference for experiences over material goods – positions Klook to capture significant market share as a trusted platform for experiences and services across the region.

The investment from Vitruvian Partners, known for backing high-growth, category-defining companies, brings a wealth of expertise and global perspective to Klook’s next phase of growth. With a strong track record of supporting travel innovators and scaling global businesses, Vitruvian’s partnership reinforces Klook’s ambition to expand its reach, and solidify its position as a category leader.

“We are thrilled to partner with Klook at this pivotal moment in its journey. Klook’s track record of innovation, commitment to customer experience, and deep market expertise make it uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of travel experiences in Asia-Pacific. We believe Vitruvian’s investment and its deep thematic expertise in the global travel experience market will help further drive Klook’s growth by strengthening its operational capabilities and expanding its reach,” said Sophie Bower-Straziota, partner at Vitruvian Partners.

Through its expanded AI partnership with Google Cloud, Klook plans to enhance customer experience, merchant operations, and internal productivity. Klook is also future-proofing the tourism sector through digital transformation and fostering community impact in collaboration with tourism boards across Asia-Pacific. A recent agreement with the Philippine Department of Tourism exemplifies this approach, accelerating the digital transformation of the country’s tourism sector and improving access to authentic local experiences.

Dusit’s first Asai Hotel to open in Cebu late 2026

By TTG Asia
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Asai Cebu Oslob, the brand's first beach resort, is expected to open in late 2026

Dusit International is bringing the first Asai Hotel to the Philippines with the Asai Cebu Oslob, which is also the brand’s first beach resort.

Dusit International and Grand Land, a subsidiary of the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies and established name in Philippine real estate, held the hotel’s groundbreaking ceremony on February 3.

Asai Cebu Oslob, the brand’s first beach resort, is expected to open in late 2026

Expected to open in late 2026, Asai Cebu Oslob will introduce Asai Hotels’ signature blend of modern design, local experiences, and vibrant communal spaces to one of the Philippines’ most scenic coastal destinations.

“Building on the success of our city-based Asai Hotels in Thailand and Japan, Asai Cebu Oslob is all about creating an immersive, social, and seamless resort experience in one of the Philippines’ most beautiful coastal destinations,” said Siradej Donavanik, vice president – development global and head of culture at Asai Hotels, Dusit International.

“With its breathtaking biodiversity, natural wonders, and deep cultural heritage, Oslob is the perfect setting for our first Asai beach resort. This distinctive property will be a vibrant hub where like-minded travellers can connect, relax, and explore everything Oslob has to offer – all while enjoying a contemporary, sustainability-focused, design-forward environment.”

Located in Barangay Lagunde, in the Oslob province of Cebu, the 98-room resort will cater to “modern, millennial-minded travellers who seek meaningful local connections and adventure”.

Most rooms will feature private balconies with stunning ocean or pool views, while a communal space will be designed for dining, socialising, and remote working. In the works are a beach bar, pool, dining focusing on Cebuano cuisine, tours to local attractions, and personalised itineraries for guests.

The launch of Asai Cebu Oslob will mark Dusit’s sixth hotel in the Philippines.

Big transformation in the works for JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon

By Karen Yue
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Hotel manager Yannick Freymann shared transformation plans to upgrade the hotel's rooms, suites and restaurants

A series of major product refreshments will soon come into play for JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon, following Marriott International’s management takeover of the dual-tower hotel complex in Ho Chi Minh City’s prime District 1 zone last September.

According to hotel manager Yannick Freymann, the luxury property is a significant project, as it is the first JW Marriott hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (joining two others in Hanoi and Phu Quoc) and the first luxury hotel in the Marriott International portfolio to open in the Vietnamese city.

Hotel manager Yannick Freymann (left) shared the hotel’s plans to upgrade its rooms, suites and restaurants

“It was also significant that the takeover was overnight although the management team had a couple of weeks to prepare. The operational transition was very smooth and we did not have to close the property down at all. We transitioned with a full house, including groups on property, while maintaining service on a luxury level,” recalled Freymann.

“We’re very excited to show Mapletree what we can do with this property, which would lead to a future with more management opportunities,” stated Freymann.

The JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon team wants to bring “a spark of innovation” to the property and raise it to the luxury level befitting its stellar location among consulates and offices of global companies.

“Planning started the moment we came in,” he said. At press time, plans indicate that all guest rooms and suites will be upgraded while restaurants will be renovated and new dining concepts will be introduced.

The number of keys and room-type configuration will remain – 305 guest rooms and suites in one tower and 260 full-service apartments in the other – but guests can look forward to new furnishings and layout, as well as the inclusion of functional technology that improves the guest experience.

Renovations will be done in phases, starting in April this year, to avoid inconveniencing guests.

Ahead of these major works, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon has already refreshed its lobby to reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability and its JW Garden serene sanctuary concept. The lobby spots a lush garden and water feature in the centre, a floor-to-ceiling planter wall, and more potted plants – instead of less sustainable cut flowers – throughout the space.

Alongside hardware changes, heart-ware investments will see hotel associates undergo training to understand the JW Marriott brand and product concepts.

Freymann expressed business confidence on both the leisure and corporate fronts. The hotel’s location in Ho Chi Minh City’s commercial and culture hub presents it with opportunities to tap the business event, business travel, and luxury holiday markets, while the JW Marriott brand is well-positioned to respond to the rise in luxury travel interest in the destination.

New hotels: Keraton at the Plaza, The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection and more

By TTG Asia
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The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection
Keraton at the Plaza

Keraton at the Plaza, Jakarta, Indonesia
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt debuts in South-east Asia with the opening of Keraton at the Plaza in the Indonesian capital. The luxury hotel reimagines Indonesia’s royal palaces and offers access to an exclusive private club for dining and socialising.

Offering 138 spacious rooms and suites starting from 64m² and 3.86m-high ceilings complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel incorporates renditions of Indonesian batik patterns into its design.

Situated within the Plaza Indonesia complex, the hotel offers direct access to the Plaza Indonesia shopping mall. Guests also have access to Grand Hyatt Jakarta’s recreational facilities and dining outlets in the same building.

The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection

The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, Malaysia
The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, marks the first Autograph Collection hotel in Penang. Located along the historic Millionaire’s Row in George Town, the designer hotel reimagines the grandeur of a bygone era, breathing new life into the iconic 1800s setting of Northam Road.

Its 146 rooms offer sweeping views of the Andaman sea, each outfitted with high quality linen, marble-clad interiors, dual vanity tops, and luxurious bathtubs framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are also meeting and event facilities including a grand ballroom and boardrooms, as well as an infinity pool, fitness centre and spa.

ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang, Malaysia
A vibrant new addition to Malaysia’s capital, the ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is right in the heart of the entertainment and retail hub. Steps away from popular landmarks such as Pavilion KL, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square, and the hotel is easily accessible from the Bukit Bintang MRT station.

The design-forward hotel features 168 colourful, creatively designed rooms, with cosy interiors and essential amenities for both leisure and business travellers.

NATAS travel fair returns bigger, welcomes first-time NTO exhibitors

By TTG Asia
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The NATAS Travel Fair, organised by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, returns for its 61st edition from February 28 to March 2, 2025 at the Singapore Expo Halls 4 and 5.

More than 70 exhibitors including travel agents, NTOs, airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resorts, and tourist attractions, will be showcasing their products and services, along with travel deals and promotions.

More than 70 exhibitors will join the travel fair from February 28 to March 2

New NTOs exhibiting this year include Cambodia Tourism, Georgia Tourism, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.

“In line with this fair’s theme, Travel, Explore, Live it, travellers are encouraged to continue exploring the world and live in the moment as there are endless things to discover. The NATAS travel fair is the go-to place as it connects travellers with travel agents and travel related partners all in one space,” said Steven Ler, president of NATAS.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is the official airline partner for the fair, while Etiqa Insurance is once again the official travel insurer.

Minor Hotels names GMs for new Sri Lanka properties

By TTG Asia
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Minor Hotels has made two key appointments following its Sri Lankan expansion, which sees the debut of the NH Collection and NH Hotels brands in the country.

Yann Decaix will lead the NH Collection Colombo Hotel, while Wim Fagel will head the NH Bentota Ceysands Resort.

From left: Yann Decaix; and Wim Fagel

A hospitality leader with more than 15 years of experience, Decaix has worked for Minor Hotels, Accor and The Dorchester Collection. In his new role, he is responsible for converting the 219-key property in the heart of Colombo into the NH Collection hotel, as well as ensuring a smooth brand launch in the country.

Prior to Sri Lanka, Decaix, who has a background in revenue, was based in Dubai, first as general manager at Accor and later at Avani Ibn Battuta, also a Minor Hotels property.

Meanwhile, Wim Fagel, the general manager of the 166-key NH Bentota, has been with the resort since July 2022. With nearly four decades of international expertise in opening, restructuring, expanding and renovating luxury properties in Asia and Europe, Fagel is well placed to launch Sri Lanka’s first NH hotel.

Earlier, his work for Centara Hotels & Resorts saw him at the helm of teams in Asia, including Myanmar, where he was area general manager, as well as in Thailand and Indonesia.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Asia-Pacific visitor arrivals to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2026, PATA forecasts
TTG Asia | Thai tourism associations propose stimulus projects as new cabinet comes in
TTG Asia | China and Taiwan lead Thai tourism recovery