Albatros Expeditions has appointed Jakob Lunøe as the company’s new CEO.
With an extensive background in the travel and technology industries, Lunøe will be in charge of evolving Albatros Expeditions into an even more dynamic and guest-centric company, deeply rooted in its Nordic and family values.
He also recognises the critical role of agents in the company’s future success, particularly as the industry adapts to shifts toward direct-to-consumer bookings, and will be introducing a real-time booking system, and expanding educational initiatives.
WTTC has launched the second edition of its Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism report, revealing the number of global travel and tourism businesses setting climate targets has surged by 27 per cent in the past three years, with more than half now actively committed to emissions reduction.
Launched at the COP29 (29th Conference of the Parties) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report reveals that 53 per cent of the 250 leading travel and tourism businesses analysed have now set climate targets, a significant increase from 42 per cent in 2021, when the first net zero roadmap was created.
WTTC’s latest roadmap addresses the rising environmental impacts on tourism, and introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework
Among these businesses, one third have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals, with the number of companies adopting SBTi targets more than doubled since 2021, signalling an accelerated effort by the sector to align with global climate standards.
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this second edition of the roadmap underscores the urgency of climate action as the sector works towards net zero by 2050.
The latest edition addresses the escalating environmental impacts on tourism, and introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework, including new target corridors to guide travel and tourism businesses in setting actionable climate targets.
A major focus of the updated roadmap is improving sector alignment and transparency, particularly as demand for sustainable travel options grows, with 75 per cent of global travellers now expressing a desire to travel more sustainably.
The roadmap also draws on WTTC’s Environmental & Social Research (ESR), which reveals a significant decrease in travel and tourism’s carbon emissions footprint.
According to the latest ESR data, travel and tourism accounted for 6.5 per cent of global emissions in 2023, down from a peak of 7.8 per cent in 2019, representing an 10.2 per cent reduction in the sector’s greenhouse gas intensity. Across a number of industries, the roadmap notes significant improvements in carbon intensity.
In 2023, the aviation industry achieved a six per cent reduction in carbon intensity from 2019, when travel and tourism was at its peak, while the cruise and accommodation industries both decreased their carbon intensity by 11 per cent – these reductions are critical as the sector works to balance growth with a meaningful transition to lower emissions.
The updated roadmap also highlights the role of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, and calls for the expansion of SAF adoption across airlines, supported by investment and regulatory alignment.
It also emphasises the importance of accessible green financing for small to medium enterprises that can often lack the resources to implement sustainability measures.
Despite these advancements, the report identifies ongoing challenges, both internal and external, that require attention: measuring Scope 3 emissions remains a complex task for many companies, as does achieving regulatory alignment across regions.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, shared: “This updated roadmap is a call to action for every business in travel and tourism. We must work together with greater ambition and urgency to create a sustainable future for travel and tourism. Every step counts towards preserving our planet and the livelihoods of millions.”
Mauritian-born global luxury hotel operator, The Lux Collective has identified India as a potential market as part of its expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific region. The hospitality company is at present looking at ‘like-minded’ developers who believe in its brand value.
Although a definitive timeline for entering the Indian market has not been established, Nitesh Pandey, COO for Asia Pacific at The Lux Collective, during a recent visit to New Delhi told TTG Asia that the move is expected to happen sooner rather than later.
Pandey: we expect India to become a significant source market for our properties
“There are few places where we would like to have The Lux flag in Asia with India being a key focus. Having a presence in India will enhance the visibility of The Lux Collective brands among Indian consumers. This, in turn, makes it easier for us to promote our properties in destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius. In India, destinations like Goa, Kerala, Jaipur, Dharamshala and Coorg are well positioned for the opening of our resort brand, Lux*,” shared Pandey.
The Lux Collective is currently focusing on the Maldives and Mauritius to attract Indian outbound tourists. India is currently among the top 10 source markets for its properties in these two destinations.
“We are striving to elevate India into the top five key market list through strategic consumer engagement and travel trade initiatives. Our trade efforts include regular outreach through sales calls across major cities, collaboration with B2B and DMC partners for events and roadshows, and specialised product training for B2C agents to enhance their understanding of our offerings,” he added.
For the year 2025, The Lux Collective is looking at partnerships across mixologists, chefs, wellness experts, fashion designers and lifestyle influencers to further connect with the affluent Indian audience.
In terms of its other expansion plans in Asia, The Lux Collective is coming up with Luxnam* Phu Quoc in Vietnam (2Q2026) – a modernistic overwater resort with 116 villas – and three resorts in China: Lux* Guangzhou (3Q2026), Salt of Anji (2Q2025) and Salt of Mount Siguniang in 2027. Moreover, Lux* Al Jabal and Lux* AL Bridi are scheduled to open in Sharjah by 4Q2025.
Pandey added: “Given the growing popularity of the UAE and Vietnam among Indian outbound travellers, we expect India to become a significant source market for our properties in these destinations once they become operational.”
The Lux Collective currently manages 18 operating resorts and hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Ile de la Reunion, China and Tanzania.
Onyx Hospitality Group and Equatorial Group have joined forces to co-develop EQ Phuket, a luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand, slated to open in 2028.
With a total investment of 2,500 million baht (US$71.9 million), the new development will be located on Kata Beach and will feature hilltop views and direct beach access, and will be located next to a new F&B destination.
The joint venture will see both companies co-develop the luxury EQ Phuket resort, opening in 2028
EQ Phuket will offer 180 units, catering to a wide range of regional, longhaul, and shorthaul markets. Guests will have access to a range of amenities, including F&B outlets and facilities located directly on the beach plot. With sustainability at the heart of the design and construction, the new project will seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, preserving large trees and maintaining a substantial green space, with the majority of the area dedicated to greenery.
This project represents a significant milestone in Onyx Hospitality Group’s business expansion, complementing its brands, Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence.
Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, remarked: “The new joint venture with Equatorial Group represents a pivotal step in our growth strategy, underscoring our commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences… we are confident this project will set a new standard in luxury hospitality. Together, we are not only creating a spectacular property but also strengthening our position in the region and enhancing the tourism landscape of Phuket.”
Donald Lim, CEO of Equatorial Group, added: “Equatorial has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over fifty years in Malaysia. We are driven by our mission to create exceptional and enduring experiences with a distinctively Asian touch and our partnership with ONYX aligns perfectly.
“The introduction of our EQ brand at the uppermost tier has taken the Malaysian hospitality industry to a new level. This exciting project begins the expansion of the EQ brand and we are delighted to be doing so with Onyx.”
Disney Cruise Line and United Overseas Bank (UOB) are collaborating to offer UOB cardholders across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam special benefits when booking Disney Adventure cruise vacations, starting December 10.
The three-year partnership will offer UOB cardholders exclusive perks when booking Disney Adventure cruise vacations through UOB’s travel partners, including UOB Travel Planners, Klook, Traveloka, and Trip.com – more details on the benefits offered by each travel partner are available on their respective websites.
From left: UOB’s Jacquelyn Tan and Disney Cruise Line’s Sarah Fox
Across the four, an estimate of over 100,000 queries have been registered from the public, expressing interest in the first season of sailings for the Disney Adventure. To kick off this collaboration, all UOB cardholders purchasing Disney Adventure cruise vacations via UOB’s travel partners will get limited-edition Sailors Chip ‘n Dale plushies.
New and existing UOB cardholders will also stand to redeem and win prizes such as the limited-edition plushies and even Disney Adventure cruise vacations in a series of activities celebrating this collaboration.
UOB also launched its Let the Magic Begin year-end campaign at the UOB Plaza Atrium with an unboxing event, with Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse, who were on-hand to take photos with staff and the public. UOB is also running a regional campaign for customers to stand a chance to win a three-night voyage in an Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Adventure, as well as other prizes.
“UOB is thrilled to team up with Disney Cruise Line on our quest to provide cardholders with unique privileges for their Disney Adventure cruise vacations in this first-of-its-kind collaboration in the region,” said Jacquelyn Tan, head, group personal financial services, UOB.
Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager for Southeast Asia, Disney Cruise Line, shared: “As Disney Cruise Line brings its magical cruise vacations to Asia for the first time in December 2025, we look forward to welcoming travellers in the region to experience beloved stories and characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel brought to life.
“Through this collaboration with UOB, consumers will have even more options to plan and book their Disney Adventure cruise vacations seamlessly. We can’t wait for guests to create exceptional memories with their family and friends onboard the Disney Adventure.”
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is finally in Singapore and has rolled out a line-up of vacations onboard to destinations across South-east Asia, including special sailings for Christmas and the New Year.
Anthem of the Seas brings to the table 30 holidays to choose from. For those seeking a short getaway, there are the three- to four-night trips to Malaysia and Thailand; or the five-night Spice of Southeast Asia vacation to destinations like Penang, Phuket, Phi Phi Islands and more.
Enjoy a range of sailings on the Anthem Of The Seas departing from Singapore
Those with more time to spare can join the eight-night Bali Adventure that takes travellers on a journey to Bali’s coastline, where they can visit iconic temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, enjoy traditional Balinese dance performances and discover the cultural hub of Ubud.
Holidaymakers looking for an immersive journey to Vietnam and Thailand can enjoy a 10-night South-east Asia adventure, where they can explore Ho Chi Minh City’s History Museum, Vietnam’s Reunification Hall, Thailand’s Grand Palace and Wat Arun, or shop at the Ben Thanh Market in Vietnam.
For the festive sailings, there is the four-night Christmas getaway on December 24 to Penang and Phuket, as well as the five-night voyage departing on December 28, which will journey to cities across Malaysia and Thailand.
KTO organised a fam trip for Singapore travel agents and media earlier this month to spotlight destinations beyond Busan; photo by KTO
In an effort to bring more travellers’ attention to destinations beyond popular Busan in the country’s south-east region, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) organised a fam trip for Singapore travel agents and media earlier this month.
The activity was part of KTO’s strategy to actively promote the cities of Busan and Ulsan, and Gyeongnam province, or BuUlGyeong, as a combined destination.
KTO organised a fam trip for Singapore travel agents and media earlier this month to spotlight destinations beyond Busan; photo by KTO
The fam trip highlighted a blend of cultural heritage, natural scenery, arts and creativity, local cuisine and outdoor leisure activities across Sancheong, Hapcheon, Hadong, and Gimhae in Gyeongnam province, as well as Ulsan and Busan.
Park Chul-ho, senior director of regional tourism promotion, KTO, said: “The BuUlGyeong region’s blend of urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural richness creates an ideal destination for Singapore travellers seeking diverse experiences beyond Seoul.”
Lee Kyung Jin, deputy director of KTO (Singapore Office), added: “Singapore travellers are very well-travelled and they have been to South Korea many times. It is about showing them new places and attractions so they want to revisit South Korea.”
Park shared that the top inbound tourist markets to South Korea for 2023 were Japan, China and the US.
“While Singapore ranks behind these top markets, it remains a key focus for us. We will focus on targeted promotions to foster further growth,” remarked Park.
Exploring the south-east region is made possible with Busan’s Gimhae International Airport as a natural jumping point. To further facilitate tourism, a new international airport is being built on Busan’s Gadeok Island, which is expected to open in December 2029.
At present, Singapore Airlines flies to Busan four times a week, while Jeju Air does so seven times a week. In addition, Busan is developing the north port and expanding high-speed rail connections, which will boost access for international visitors, added Park.
When asked how the BuUlGyeong region would appeal to Singapore travellers, travel agents told TTG Asia that they could include certain destinations into their future itineraries.
Syaza Anwar, director, Azza Travel & Tours, which specialises in tours for Muslim travellers, said she usually uses the main cities of Seoul and Busan as a draw to invite travellers to explore other parts of South Korea that are new to them. Attractions such as the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village and Sancheong Donguibogam Village would appeal to her customers. With regards to food, she noted that “while there are not many halal restaurants, there are more vegetarian and vegan restaurants these days, so we can still find alternative places for our customers”.
Meanwhile, Busan is stepping up its promotional efforts. Inbound tourism for 2024 is expected to exceed the record set in 2019, indicating that Busan has nearly overcome the effects of the pandemic on tourism, shared Lee Jung-sil, president of Busan Tourism Organization (BTO).
BTO plans to enhance the port city’s branding as an “international tourism city”, further develop its tourism industry through corporate collaboration, and implement market-specific strategies targeting South-east Asia, including Singapore, as well as China, Taiwan, Japan, and the Americas.
“According to a survey of visitors planning to visit Busan, over 60 per cent of both domestic and international respondents listed food as the number one reason for their trip. Moving forward, we plan to strengthen experiential content that combines unique Busan experiences with local cuisine,” Lee added.
In today’s digitally connected world, travellers are no longer confined to one source for inspiration, with Sarah Mathews, managing director of eTourism Frontiers, noting the end of the “mono-searching” era.
“The disruptors of discovery (are drawing us) away from mono-searching. For those of you who still reach out to your High Street travel agent, you’re one of the very few,” said Mathews during her speech at the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF) in Phetchaburi, Thailand.
Sarah Mathews emphasises the interconnected, non-linear nature of modern consumer journeys at the PDMF 2024 hosted at Dusit Thani Hua Hin on November 14; photo by PATA/PDMF
Mathews emphasised that platforms like Netflix, social media, and even gaming have become key sources of travel inspiration. “For some of us, the way we access travel information isn’t even through search anymore. It’s often from (indirect sources) – watching a Netflix programme, a cooking show, or engaging with social media,” she explained.
Such nonlinear discovery paths reflect how consumers have evolved into what she calls “digital omnivores”.
“We’re consuming content on multiple devices daily. This makes it harder to track users, but also broadens opportunities to reach audiences in unexpected places,” she noted.
AI has become central to this evolution. “AI-driven personalisation is everywhere – from Amazon recommendations to OTAs tailoring travel options,” said Mathews.
She urged destinations to leverage AI, warning that “destinations that don’t embrace AI to personalise experiences are already falling behind”.
However, Mathews reminded marketers that storytelling remains at the heart of destination marketing.
“It’s about the people, the culture, and the products. Technology is just a tool to share these stories,” she said, adding that video content is particularly crucial.
“The most time we spend online is on video. If you’re building an audience, focus on creating snackable, shareable video content,” she suggested.
Mathews also called for a shift from outdated success metrics, such as arrival numbers, to focusing on economic reinvestment. “You can’t champion sustainability while aiming for 10 million extra visitors annually,” she stated. Instead, she advocated for measuring economic output, empowering local ownership and ensuring economic benefit – especially in developing nations – as key to long-term sustainability.
This year’s PDMF spotlighted an immersive user-generated content contest, inviting participants to uncover content gems from the technical tours, highlighting the forum’s focus on innovative marketing strategies.
Airbus has released its latest regional market forecast, forecasting that the Asia-Pacific aviation sector will require 19,500 new aircraft over the next 20 years.
This demand represents 46 per cent of the global requirement, which is expected to reach around 42,430 new aircraft by 2043.
Airbus forecasts that the Asia-Pacific region will require 19,500 new aircraft by 2043, driven by strong growth in passenger demand and sustainability efforts
Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific, presented these findings during the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines’ Annual Assembly of Presidents in Brunei, underscoring the region’s continued growth and importance in the global aviation market.
The Asia-Pacific forecast, which includes China and India, reflects a year-on-year growth of three per cent in terms of new aircraft needed. With this surge in demand, the region’s fleet will continue to expand, driven by both growth and replacement needs, with sustainability initiatives becoming more prevalent.
Airbus anticipates the need for 16,000 single-aisle aircraft, such as the A220 and A320neo Family, to support the region’s short- and medium-haul routes. At the same time, demand for medium- and large-sized long-range aircraft, like the A330neo and A350, will total approximately 3,500 aircraft. Key recent widebody aircraft orders in the region include Cathay Pacific (A330neo), as well as EVA Air, Japan Airlines and Korean Air (A350), with several other ongoing campaigns expected to fuel growth.
Airbus estimates that nearly 71 per cent of the aircraft deliveries will support fleet expansion, while 29 per cent will replace older models, significantly contributing to decarbonisation efforts. The next generation of Airbus widebody aircraft offers an immediate 25 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions. These advancements reflect Airbus’ commitment to supporting the aviation industry’s goal of minimising its environmental footprint.
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to have an annual growth rate of 4.8 per cent, outpacing the global growth rate of 3.6 per cent, with widebody aircraft playing a pivotal role in enhancing passenger connectivity.
The A350 has established itself as the leader in longhaul travel, with nearly 300 A350s already in service in Asia-Pacific and another 230 on order.
At the same time, the A330ceo replacement cycle is underway, with some 540 A330ceos currently operating in the region. The A330neo is positioned as the optimal replacement, offering a seamless transition for airlines, with commonality in pilot training and technical operations between the two models.
Stanley stated: “As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for significant growth over the next two decades. With rising demand for both passenger and cargo operations, we are well-positioned to help our airline partners meet their long-term goals with the most efficient, sustainable, and advanced aircraft available, while contributing to decarbonisation efforts across the industry.”
According to a new report from Rocket Travel by Agoda, travel-based loyalty programmes continue to climb in popularity thanks to the sector’s ability to build loyalty through highly personalised customer experiences.
Rocket Travel by Agoda’s 2025 Trend Report reveals that the top five airline loyalty programmes alone saw a 7.75 per cent average growth in valuation from 2020 to 2023 while some travel loyalty programmes in the financial services sector have tripled in value since 2019.
The new report outlines how travel drives high levels of loyalty in commoditised marketplaces
“Unlike other industries, travel is something that people are emotionally invested in,” said Damien Pfirsch, head of Rocket Travel by Agoda, the strategic partnerships arm of Agoda. “By offering real-world experiences that customers really care about, it’s easier for brands to turn transactional relationships into long-term partnerships with their customers.”
While the report noted a dip in levels of customer satisfaction for many customer loyalty programmes post-Covid because of reductions in benefits, there was now an opportunity to reignite customer enthusiasm through more engaging online experiences. For brands using Rocket Travel by Agoda solutions, some partners have seen 40 per cent of loyalty users book more than once.
“Digital travel platforms are uniquely engineered to let customers design their own, highly personalised experience thanks to great search capabilities and a wide selection of destinations and accommodations – all at value-driven prices,” he said. “The technology is also highly customisable, so brands are able to offer their loyalty customers an enjoyable experience with all the look and feel of their main site.”
Other benefits include the ability to search based on distance to key points of interest, find refundable or flexible travel options, filters based on pricing data and localised languages. Meanwhile interactive tools proactively recommend options to the customer based on their preferences – like deep discounts for price-sensitive travel planners or options with high earning potential for points-hungry members – drive increased repeat rate and added long-term value from each customer.
“And these personalisation capabilities are only going to get stronger as the industry embraces AI,” Pfirsch noted.
The report highlighted that travel-based loyalty programmes tend to appeal to higher spending customers, presenting businesses with the opportunity to not only boost levels of customer engagement but also benefit from higher customer lifetime values.
Elsewhere the report explores how travel-based loyalty programmes offer partners the opportunity to tap into ancillary revenue streams.
“Travel loyalty programmes also offer businesses the flexibility to drive ancillary revenue through expansion into adjacent verticals such as hotels, car hire and ground transportation,” he shared. “For example, we worked closely with one of our partners to estimate that if they looked to offer trip insurance as an add on, they could boost incremental revenue by around US$1.2 million and the early results are indeed looking promising.”
Rocket Travel by Agoda leverages its extensive industry expertise to guide partners in crafting loyalty programmes that resonate with their audiences, build loyalty and support sustainable growth. With a clear focus on personalised and flexible offerings, brands can build lasting customer relationships and elevate their market presence in 2025 and beyond.
He also recognises the critical role of agents in the company’s future success, particularly as the industry adapts to shifts toward direct-to-consumer bookings, and will be introducing a real-time booking system, and expanding educational initiatives.
