The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest yacht, Ilma, is its second new-build luxury superyacht, offering suites with private ocean view terraces, dining curated by Michelin-starred restaurant chefs, a pool deck, new itineraries, and more.
Accommodating up to 448 guests and offering among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea, Ilma boasts 224 suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on itineraries to destinations such as Santorini, Porto Cervo, and the historic sites of Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean to Virgin Gorda, Gustavia, and St. John.
Ilma’s Marina and Marina Terrace features a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea
Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe – a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – during the 2025 summer season, featuring immersive itineraries in destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.
Onboard are five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining programme, bars, and a signature wine vault. Debuting on Ilma is the extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when the yacht is at anchor.
There is also an open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. Additional experiences include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and three fitness spaces: a movement studio, cycle studio, and fitness studio.
The modern boutique Best Western Premier Agung Resort in Ubud has rooms that each come with their own balcony
A continent of diverse cultures and people, Asia is filled with a plethora of historical and cultural sites, a wide range of food from recipes handed down over generations, and modern attractions that show its remarkable innovation.
With an extensive collection of 4,300 hotels and resorts in over 100 countries and territories, BWH Hotels has properties across Asia for the perfect holiday experience.
The global hotel chain has three hospitality companies — WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels — under its umbrella, each catering to every type of traveller with a different type of travelling style and preference, be it travelling solo, as a couple, family, or groups.
Tranquil retreat in Bali, Indonesia
Ever popular among travellers, Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, offers cultural richness amidst natural treasures. In the cultural heart of Ubud, BWH Hotels offers upscale options such as Best Western Premier Agung Resort Ubud. The 76-key boutique hotel is furnished in a modern style with wooden accents and each room also comes with its own balcony.
Guests can unwind and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, with activities like morning walks, yoga, and hiking readily available. After a day of adventure, the resort’s two infinity pools, complete with poolside services, massage, and spa treatments, offer the perfect spot to relax.
Escape to bliss in Thailand
Tawa Ravadee Resort in the tranquil eastern Prachinburi region offers an escape into lush surroundings
In Thailand’s eastern city of Prachinburi, lies the Tawa Ravadee Resort, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive. Inspired by ancient Dvaravati art and culture, the tranquil resort is designed in modern Dvaravati style and surrounded by lush greenery and lotus ponds, offers spacious rooms filled with art of its local heritage.
Head for a beachside getaway in Vietnam
Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang occupies a scenic spot overlooking the ocean
Commanding a prime oceanfront location, the Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang invites travellers to unwind in its 335 rooms and suites that overlook the ocean. Just a 35 minute drive from Cam Ranh international airport, the hotel’s art deco inspired rooms are fully furnished, designed in sleek contemporary styles for the ultimate comfort.
Explore the cultural essence of Japan in its former capital of Kyoto
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle puts travellers right in the of the cultural capital of Kyoto
Situated just by the city’s Nijo Castle, a cultural landmark, KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, a BW Signature Collection hotel, places visitors right in the heart of the ancient city. The boutique accommodation offers 57 rooms all furnished in the quintessential Japanese style with a small koagari area with slightly raised flooring, sliding Japanese doors, and tasteful sakura elements.
Scenic views in Hangzhou, China
At the 196-room Hangzhou Goethe Hotel, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive, the stylish business hotel offers a blend of sophisticated elegance. Situated near the scenic West Lake, guests who stay in the lake view room can look out onto the beautiful lake.
The hotel is close to Hangzhou Railway station and is conveniently located near business, culture and leisure centres.
Discover nature and cultural treasures in Islamabad, Pakistan
For those who want to discover the beauty of Pakistan’s raw nature, the Best Western Premier Hotel Islamabad in the capital offers the perfect base point for exploration. With 112 spacious rooms and suites featuring contemporary decor and modern amenities, the hotel also houses various event spaces, dining options, a fitness centre, and a rooftop pool with stunning views. Located near Ankara Park and close to key attractions and government offices, it is ideal for both leisure and business.
Stay in the bustling hub of Clark in the Philippines
Relax in modern comfort at the Best Western Plus Metro Clark, which is easily accessible to various areas of the city
Located next to the Saver’s Mall in downtown Angeles City, the modern midscale Best Western Plus Metro Clark offers comfortable rooms and suites furnished in a contemporary style. Relax in the dramatic infinity pool, work out in the fitness centre and indulge at the onsite restaurant.
Nearby, there are a number of dining and entertainment options from restaurants and casinos, to theme parks, spas, and golf courses.
From September 3 to November 18, 2024, BWR® members who book and stay at participating hotels and resorts worldwide will be rewarded with double points for every qualified stay. Visit www.bestwesternasia.com or www.worldhotels.com to make a booking now.
Indonesia now joins its Asian neighbours in putting in place mpox precautionary procedures – thermal scanners at major ports of entry and an online health declaration procedures have been implemented.
Achmad Farchanny, director of health surveillance and quarantine at the Ministry of Health (MoH), told the media that thermal scanners have been installed at all international airports and ports. In addition, international passengers arriving at major ports such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will have to declare their health condition on the Satu Sehat Health Pass (SSHP) website.
Indonesia has heightened its health declaration and screening at major ports of entry such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, pictured (Photo: ardiwebs)
The SSHP online form is available in Indonesian, English, French, Mandarin, and Hokkien, according to Achmad.
After submission, travellers will be issued colour-coded results, with red being symptomatic. Symptomatic travellers will be seen by a health quarantine doctor in a private room.
Achmad stated that the first case of mpox found in Indonesia was in October 2022; in 2023, there were 73 cases.
He added that 14 cases have been found this year, with the latest identified in May.
For now, news of mpox have not had an effect on inbound tourism.
Paul Tallo, chairman of the Indonesia Inbound Tour Operator Association, said there have been no cancellations, although travellers have enquired about health measures and if examinations similar to the Covid-19 period would be enforced.
Nia Niscaya, senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, expects heightened communications on mpox prevention efforts between related authorities and the private sector during this period.
Popular Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (XHS), which expanded into “cross-border e-commerce” in 2017, is gaining prominence among Chinese outbound travel sellers, according to the latest Dragon Trail International (DTI) webinar.
XHS started out as the Hong Kong Shopping Guide in 2013, and expanded into shopping destinations and became a luxury travel showcase for top-tier travellers before lockdown. Today, it is gaining traction as a sales channel among Chinese travel agents, according to Sienna Parulis-Cook, DTI’s director of marketing and communications.
Xiaohongshu has developed from a shopping guide to become a lifestyle encyclopaedia
In DTI’s January 2023 Chinese Traveller Sentiment Report on planning outbound travel, Parulis-Cook shared that XHS ranked third while airline and hotel websites placed second; domestic OTAs were at the top.
DTI’s Chinese Travel Agents’ Sales Channels: Summer 2024 findings showed XHS had a 25 per cent share, tying with telephone sales.
In addition, DTI’s April 2024 Chinese Traveller Sentiment Report showed XHS had a 52 per cent share of channels used for outbound destination information.
In working with travel brands, DTI’s XHS rankings include airlines, attractions, cruise lines, museums and hotels. DTI marketing specialist Emily Cao said brand exposure and enhancing follower loyalty were achieved by mounting engaging campaigns and exciting giveaways.
Successful NTO campaigns included Hong Kong Disneyland – Duffy and Friends, and VisitBritain x Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice, she added.
XHS’s head of outbound travel, commercialisation, Cathy Wu, noted the Singapore Tourism Board’s online and offline brand refresh campaign, In Shanghai, offered “fun interactive activities” that offered insight for young travellers interested in spending Chinese New Year in Singapore.
Wu described the platform’s milestone as developing from a shopping guide to becoming a lifestyle encyclopaedia and where travel brands can now create an official account.
Accor has reached a major milestone on its sustainability journey with the Sustainable Tourism Certification of its 100th hotel in Australia by Ecotourism Australia, bringing the company closer to its goal of having 100 per cent of its network across the Pacific region being certified by the end of 2025.
The 100 hotels, resorts and apartments from all states and territories across Australia have each demonstrated commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles, implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to achieve certification.
Novotel Sydney City Centre has become the landmark 100th Accor hotel to achieve the Sustainable Tourism Certification
Of the 100 certified hotels, 30 per cent are strategically located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne, making them particularly well-suited to meet the sustainability and business needs of Accor’s corporate clientele.
Achieving certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key indicators across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices, shared Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan. She explained: “The process can take up to 12 months and includes an independent third-party audit before certification is awarded. Hotels must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain certification.”
Accor Pacific COO PM&E, Adrian Williams commented: “Sustainable Tourism Certification not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of our hotels but also boosts operational excellence and revenue generation. This achievement aligns perfectly with the expectations of today’s travellers and our corporate clients, who increasingly seek responsible options and prefer hotels with third-party sustainable certifications.”
Resorts World Cruises (RWC) will debut its Resorts World One in the Gulf in the Middle East from November 1, where the vessel will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures.
Itineraries include the two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise (Friday departures); the three-night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) Cruise (Sunday departures); and the two-night Doha Cruise (Wednesday departures). For a longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4, 5 or 7 Night Cruise.
From left: Resorts World Cruises’ Michael Goh and DP World’s Hamza Mustafa
The commencement of Resorts World One on November 1 also coincides with Diwali, one of India and Asia’s major festivals, which will also attract a wider expat demographic in the region and the inbound Fly-Cruise segment to Dubai. Diwali themed performances and F&B will be offered on board during the entire week of celebration.
Muslim guests can cruise with peace of mind as the Resorts World One will receive the official halal certification upon commencing her sailing from Dubai. In addition, certified vegetarian and Jain cuisine are also available.
Onboard public announcements will be made in English and Arabic languages for the convenience of the onboard guests. Shisha will also be available onboard.
“The response from the Gulf and from various markets in Asia, including from our travel partners have been very encouraging and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard soon”, said Michael Goh, president, RWC. “Our deployment in the Gulf will unlock new opportunities for Dubai and the Gulf as a premiere cruise region. We look forward to this journey together, as we boost inbound and outbound travel for the cruise tourism sector.”
Saud Mohammed Saeed Hareb, cruise tourism & yachting lead, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, added: “Cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. This strategic partnership with Resorts World Cruises is a testament to our commitment to bring increasingly diverse cruise experiences to our city, underlining Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region.
“We look forward to welcoming the first passengers onboard Resorts World One and providing them the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience, particularly in Dubai itself where they will begin and end their cruise journeys and be able to take advantage of the wide range of offerings across the city.”
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali (Mulia Bali) has unveiled a special festival dining experience that marries two rich traditions: the cultural celebration of Ajengan and the Mulia’s Mid-Autumn Mooncake collection.
Derived from the Balinese word for food, Ajengan is more than just a dining experience. It is a cultural night that immerses guests in the richness of Balinese culture, art, and culinary traditions. Held at the exquisite Eden Garden, this all-you-can-eat dinner invites both guests and visitors to discover the finest elements of Balinese heritage every other Thursday from 19.00 onwards. There will also be dance performances by a local dance troupe from a nearby village.
Guests can indulge in an all-you-can-eat dinner while enjoying a cultural dance performance during Ajengan
In addition, guests can try some of this year’s mooncakes, which comes in an elegant packaging reflecting the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Authorities in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, among others in the region, have established precautionary measures at borders against the import of mpox from abroad, following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of mpox a global public health emergency on August 14.
A WHO statement cited a surge in cases of the new mpox clade 1b strain in Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Thermal scanners are deployed at international border crossings
Singapore started from August 23 temperature and visual screening at both air and sea checkpoints. The city-state does not have direct flights between Singapore and any country with an mpox outbreak, stated the health ministry. National Centre for Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital are prepared to handle infected patients.
In Johor, the Malaysian state bordering Singapore, health authorities have stepped up public health screening activities at all international checkpoints – Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ), Sultan Abu Bakar Complex CIQ, Senai International Airport, and international ferry terminals.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 has also tightened screening procedures. While most travellers and crew will pass through thermal scanners, those arriving from high-risk country – or those showing symptoms of illness – will undergo more thorough screening at a centre near gate C22.
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said symptoms to watch for include high temperature, blistered skin, or swollen glands. People with these symptoms would be given a health alert card and referred to the nearest healthcare facility.
In Thailand, authorities now require people travelling from high-risk areas to register in the Thai Health Pass system, which will collect entry and exit dates and times to aid contact tracing where necessary.
International arrivals at Indonesia’s major ports of entry such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali will pass through thermal scanners and are required to fill out an online health declaration form. Symptomatic passengers will undergo checks in a private facility upon arrival.
During a press conference earlier this week, Singapore health minister Ong Ye Kung emphasised that “Mpox is a troublesome virus which we can manage”.
He noted that the new mpox strain was less transmissible than respiratory viruses such as influenza and Covid-19. An mpox infected person can spread it to an average of 1.3 persons, while the rate of infection is five for Covid-19 (Omicron) and 10 for measles.
As such, Ong said the state of disruption resulting from Covid-19 would unlikely occur with mpox.
Finn Partners’ latest industry report, China’s Women in Charge, produced in association with ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 and presented on July 1 at the trade event’s Opening Forum, paints a clearer picture of the next Chinese outbound traveller segment that the travel and tourism industry needs to watch out for: affluent female travellers.
The report notes that high-value Chinese female travellers are seeking more meaningful travel experiences, as they see travel as opportunities for enrichment, new learnings, and personal fulfilment.
Chinese female travellers are bolder and more adventurous than ever, prioritising off-the-beaten-path destinations and meaningful experiences
“Where travel was once a form of conspicuous consumption, it is now a sign of independence,” said Jenny Lo, managing partner of Finn Partners.
“A famous Chinese saying goes: women hold up half the sky. Clearly, this is so in travel,” Lo added, emphasising that women make 80 per cent of travel decisions and account for six out of 10 Chinese tourists in 2023.
“They are the ones who hold the household’s purse strings. As China reclaims its position as a top spender in international travel, it suffices to say that female travellers will have an impact on the travel business,” Lo said.
Precise travellers
On the back of changing social and cultural dynamics in China and with more Chinese females choosing not to have children and prioritising personal goals, travel patterns are evolving too.
In detailing the ways Chinese women are using their economic and social influence on the travel industry, the report highlighted five key takeaways.
Redefining luxury: the definition of luxury has shifted away from external validation to self-fulfilment. Sixty-three per cent of respondents define luxury as enjoying “me time”, while half interpret luxury as experiences that evoke joy.
Travel to enrich: China’s female luxury tourists no longer travel to escape daily routines or family obligations. They embrace travel as an opportunity to challenge themselves or learn new skills. Ninety-nine per cent believe that travel brings profound joy, and the same percentage see it as essential to expanding their horizons.
Need for niche: while most Chinese tourists take familiar routes, almost 90 per cent of Chinese female travellers are attracted to niche destinations for their natural beauty and landscapes. As an expression of individuality, 66 per cent are drawn to unsung destinations that offer unique local experiences, while 58 per cent are willing to veer off the beaten path to visit destinations of cultural or historical significance.
Flying solo: there is a growing trend for solo travel, particularly among female travellers, who see this as a reflection of their independence. Regardless of their marital status, over 80 per cent of respondents feel equally comfortable travelling on their own as with a spouse or partner. Seventy-three per cent of married respondents are likely to increase their solo travel in the coming years. For those with children, 46 per cent plan to travel without or travel less with their children.
Rising self-influence: empowered by financial autonomy and preference for solo travel, 82 per cent of respondents say their opinions mattered more than before when arranging travel. While they may be influenced by partners (60 per cent), this demographic is less likely to be swayed by celebrities and social media influencers (10 per cent) or advertisements (nine per cent). Older affluent female travellers favour travel advisors, trusting their insights and seeking guidance from experts when curating bespoke travel experiences, while the younger ones are more open to celebrities, influencers, and travel bloggers for inspiration.
Be ready for the ladies
Lo told TTG Asia that while the report focuses on affluent Chinese females due to the great interest the travel and tourism industry has in the outbound Chinese market, the reality is that the female population across Asia is increasingly educated, financially empowered, and independent.
“This is a trend that is widely observed, and we would love to study the travel intentions of Asian women one day,” remarked Lo.
Even without supporting data now, Lo believes that travel and tourism businesses must already be prepared to welcome a growing number of female travellers who are going solo or with friends.
According to the study, 31 per cent of Chinese females prefer accommodation designed for women. Cathy Feliciano-Chon, managing partner at Finn Partners, urged hoteliers to adopt friendlier interior design and furnishings for women.
“Give us more hangers and don’t position clothes racks and hanging rods so high up. Give us mirrors and lighting that allow us to do our make-up. Give us proper, powerful hairdryers,” Feliciano-Chon said, adding that women-only floors are no longer enough.
Lo added that these ought to be “basics” at hotels, even at business hotels since more women are travelling for work. She added that respondents are also asking for solo travel packages, safe nightlife options, and more networking opportunities while on trips.
“Women are planning trips to celebrate personal achievements, so hotels could offer packages that facilitate that,” Lo suggested, pointing to ideas like exclusive designer shopping weekends and wellness retreats.
The world has long acknowledged that the minds of children are like sponges, and they take lessons from the actions of people around them. So, when I started in 2015 to travel with my firstborn when he was just 10 months old, I made a conscious decision to choose my destinations and activities wisely. Together, and along with his little brother years later, we spent time in tranquil parts of Ubud, walked down quiet paths in the ancient post town of Tsumago, had picnics in Japanese castle parks, stayed in a hanok surrounded by a private Hallabong tangerine orchard in Jeju, and played at old-school amusement parks that generations of locals once loved.
My family’s travel programmes are guided by a desire to go deeper into destinations, build memories on experiences we cannot find at home, and to support local businesses as much as possible.
Has my travel style rubbed off on my sons? My firstborn is now nine. I took off with him in June on our first mother-and-son bonding trip to Perth. In the planning stage, I shortlisted several activities and he marked out the must-dos: see the stars over The Pinnacles Desert, explore Fremantle Prison and learn what it was like to be a convict then, and comb through the galleries of WA Museum Boola Bardip (we eventually spent two days in this attraction!).
I am proud that he prioritised learning experiences that were unique to the destination. However, I am not the only one to use travel as a teaching opportunity. In our analyis on the travel behaviours of millennial and Gen Z travellers (page 16), Discova’s chief commercial officer, Rhydian James noted that millennials, when travelling with their young families, seek opportunities to teach and learn, not just to see. Seeing how this generation, along with the Gen Z that follows, prioritises unique and meaningful experiences, off-the-beaten-path places, and sustainable travel merchants, there is hope that these positive preferences will rub off on their offspring and catalyse responsible travel and tourism development into the future.
Indonesia now joins its Asian neighbours in putting in place mpox precautionary procedures – thermal scanners at major ports of entry and an online health declaration procedures have been implemented.
Achmad Farchanny, director of health surveillance and quarantine at the Ministry of Health (MoH), told the media that thermal scanners have been installed at all international airports and ports. In addition, international passengers arriving at major ports such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will have to declare their health condition on the Satu Sehat Health Pass (SSHP) website.
The SSHP online form is available in Indonesian, English, French, Mandarin, and Hokkien, according to Achmad.
After submission, travellers will be issued colour-coded results, with red being symptomatic. Symptomatic travellers will be seen by a health quarantine doctor in a private room.
Achmad stated that the first case of mpox found in Indonesia was in October 2022; in 2023, there were 73 cases.
He added that 14 cases have been found this year, with the latest identified in May.
For now, news of mpox have not had an effect on inbound tourism.
Paul Tallo, chairman of the Indonesia Inbound Tour Operator Association, said there have been no cancellations, although travellers have enquired about health measures and if examinations similar to the Covid-19 period would be enforced.
Nia Niscaya, senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, expects heightened communications on mpox prevention efforts between related authorities and the private sector during this period.