The cruise industry is experiencing a renaissance, and 2024 is proving to be a record-breaking year, as observed by Trip.com Group.
With a remarkable surge in global cruise bookings of a 344% year-on-year growth from January to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, this rise reflects a global trend of travellers rediscovering the appeal of cruise vacations as they seek diverse destinations and experiences in a single journey.
Cruise vacations are becoming increasingly appealing to a broader audience
A standout trend is the substantial rise in fly-cruise bookings, with bookings from international tourists up by 520% year-on-year. The combination of air travel and cruising allows international travellers to start their voyages in exotic locations, contributing to the overall growth of the industry.
Additionally, younger travellers are at the forefront of this growth. Bookings from millennial travellers skyrocketed by 857%, while those of Gen Z travellers increased by 450%.
Older age groups too, saw significant growth, with a 112% rise in bookings from those born in the 1950s and over 400% among those born in the 1980s. These figures underscore the expanding appeal of cruise vacations across a broader demographic than ever before.
Cruise trips are also becoming longer, with the average cruise duration rising from 4.53 days in 2023 to 4.81 days in 2024, highlighting the increasing preference for extended travel experiences.
In addition, booking behaviours have evolved, with the average booking window lengthening by 10 days to 37 days in 2024, indicating that travellers are planning their cruise holidays further in advance. This reflects a shift towards making cruises a key part of family vacations and long-term holiday planning.
Cruise bookings are particularly popular across key global hubs, with Singapore ranking top in international cruise destinations, followed closely by Port Klang, Barcelona, Jakarta and Tokyo at fifth spot.
The upcoming launch of the Disney Adventure – set to sail from Singapore in December 2025 – has also generated significant interest, reflecting the strong demand for family-friendly cruising options. This will be the first Disney ship to homeport in Asia, offering three- and four-night voyages with immersive Disney, Pixar, and Marvel experiences. With bookings set to open on December 10, the Disney Adventure is expected to attract a wide range of families looking for unforgettable holiday experiences at sea.
Onyx Hospitality Group has signed an agreement with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), introducing Oriental Residence Bangkok to SLH’s repertoire.
Oriental Residence Bangkok stands as the inaugural property under the Oriental Residence brand within the Onyx Hospitality Group portfolio – the property successfully met SLH’s stringent criteria, which include independence, a central city location with fewer than 200 rooms, storytelling capabilities, a commitment to supporting local communities and the environment, and providing exclusive and distinctive offerings including authentic experiences unique to the locality of the property.
Oriental Residence Bangkok is now part of the SLH portfolio
Being accepted into the SLH portfolio grants Oriental Residence Bangkok access to a global network of over 570 hotels renowned for luxury and independence in more than 90 countries, an affiliation that not only enhances exposure to international clientele but also positions the property as a preferred destination for independently minded travellers seeking luxury, meaningful experiences, and cultural immersion.
Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO, Onyx Hospitality Group, said: “It underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences that resonate globally while preserving our property’s distinctive character and community engagement initiatives.”
Mark Wong, senior vice president Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World added: “Our partnership with the well-respected Onyx Hospitality Group further solidifies our brand presence in Thailand. With its deep heritage roots in Thai culture and hospitality, we are looking forward to expanding Oriental Residence Bangkok’s audience reach through our global storytelling platforms and distribution networks.”
Japan’s hotel investment outlook looks promising, with growing demand and improving supply, including refurbished properties and new luxury hotels, according to experts at the Hospitality Japan Conference.
Speaking at the event in October, Caspar Pingel Schmidt, managing director of QCC Collection Group, said international hotels have high potential to grow in Japan, where only seven per cent of hotels are foreign-branded.
Panel discussion on Japan’s hotel development prospects during the Hospitality Japan Conference; photo by Kathryn Wortley
“The demand for hospitality in Japan is very strong”, due to the attractive prices and high-quality, said Gary Kwok, CEO and managing partner at Axe Management Partners.
Rising construction costs and a shortage of labour, however, are constraining supply of new properties, leading to more renovation and rebranding of existing properties.
It is a popular strategy for investors from an ESG perspective and on practical terms, agreed the speakers, as apartment-type hotels can be run by fewer staff, helping future-proof the properties amid Japan’s population decline.
Still, more supply, particularly in rural areas, is needed for the Japanese government to achieve its goal of welcoming 60 million tourists annually by 2030. The target is for each visitor to spend at least two nights in regional areas.
“Investors had been piling into Japan (pre-Covid), creating over supply – but some hotels were converted into other uses during the pandemic. Now, there is a lot of supply but it is not going to meet the growing demand,” said Kwok. “Investors should work with local governments to promote second- and third-tier cities, because they are important for the long-term sustainable growth of tourism.”
Cooperation is key, added Midori Kataoka, regional director at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, noting that luxury destinations can be created outside the “golden route” only with “meticulous planning with national and regional governments”.
Nico Black, general manager at Six Senses Kyoto, said luxury hotels can “revive small towns” through job creation and community engagement.
Challenges remain though, according to Takahiro Tsujikawa, president and CEO at Polaris Holdings Co., adding that “investors remain very cautious about investing in non-major cities, resulting in less supply coming into rural areas” while Kyoto and Okinawa have many luxury hotels but a shortage of two- and three-star hotels.
The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DoT) to create a significant roadmap aimed at guiding future developments and addressing long-standing challenges in the hotel industry over the next five years.
Dubbed the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategy Action Plan (PHISAP) 2023-2028, this document serves as a vital blueprint for infrastructure development, product diversification, marketing and promotions, digital transformation, and industry collaboration, all while emphasising sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
Philippines’ PHOA and DoT have rolled out a roadmap to enhance the hotel sector and drive tourism growth
PHOA executive director, Benito Bengzon Jr, said it also highlights the necessity of building more hotel rooms required by various Philippine destinations amid growing international and domestic demand.
Currently, there are 335,592 hotel keys across 18,818 accommodation establishments in the Philippines. By 2028, an additional 120,463 keys will need to be added to meet the projected 11.5 million foreign tourist arrivals, as outlined in the DoT’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTD), not including the anticipated 100 million domestic trips each year.
Other proposed programmes under PHISAP include enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness, institutionalising data collection on key hotel and accommodation strategies together with the private sector for effective planning and monitoring, and developing a highly competitive workforce.
It also recommends increasing investments in marketing and promotions within the hotel sector to align with the NTDP projections, promoting public-private partnerships and facilitating investments by enhancing the investment climate through optimised tools for tourism planning, partnerships, and incentives.
Tourism secretary Christina Frasco remarked: “The challenges that we face are too vast and too complex to be solved by any single sector or by government alone. Together, we must build a resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking tourism ecosystem to meet the demands of today’s travellers while anticipating the needs of the future.”
Recognising that hotel owners are key investors in tourism, Frasco expressed hope that PHISAP will enable investors to “continue to have a deep understanding of the landscape that the Philippine tourism is in and work with us in (the) government to ensure that the landscape improves”.
Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesia’s newly appointed minister of tourism, plans to boost tourism competitiveness and position it as the leading revenue generator for the economy.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on October 22, Widiyanti outlined her priority work programme for the next six months, which includes developing a strategy for Tourism 5.0, focusing on key pillars such as infrastructure, investment, human resources, and promotion.
From left: Sandiaga Uno and Widiyanti Putri Wardhana
She stated that in the near future, she will engage with experts, stakeholders, and the private sector, as well as internal staff, to identify current challenges and trends, and “we will design a tourism transformation strategy” based on their input.
Her second priority is to establish a management scheme for the Indonesia Quality Tourism Fund to enhance the events industry. She noted that events will be a key driver of tourism development in the country, and her office plans to diversify the types of events while increasing the number of international events hosted in Indonesia.
Widiyanti will also emphasise the use of technology and digitalisation in the Tourism 5.0 transformation, such as promoting a calendar of events using AI and other digital innovations.
As part of the transformation, she plans to collaborate with world-class agencies to enhance human resource development, focusing on improving the skills of tourism personnel in five key destinations.
In response to the new tourism minister’s plan, Budijanto Ardiansyah, vice president of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies, opined that Widiyanti’s immediate focus should be on reaching the tourism target of 14 million foreign visitors in 2024.
Paul Talo, chairman of the Indonesian Inbound Tour Operators Association, urged the new minister to implement extensive promotions targeting potential markets. He also expressed hope that the government would partner with inbound tour operators in its marketing activities abroad.
He elaborated: “We know the budget is limited, but if promotions and marketing are carried out in a planned manner and involve the industry, the results will be much better than the current conditions.”
While Budijanto expressed his enthusiasm about working with Widiyanti, he stressed that the ministry should consult with the industry when defining target markets to ensure promotions are right on target, adding that he hopes the industry’s needs will guide the government in shaping future tourism strategies.
Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research has revealed that instead of retreating, Asia-Pacific travellers are eager to redefine how they engage with the world by challenging conventional getaway norms and fostering deeper connections with themselves, others, and their destinations in 2025.
By breaking free from traditional expectations around age, gender, and travel styles, these emboldened adventurers are using their journeys to fuel and find long-lasting personal growth.
More travellers will turn to nocturnal escapes in 2025 to foster connections with the universe
To understand how people plan to defy the status quo, Booking.com commissioned research among more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, to present nine travel predictions which foresee 2025 being the year that ushers in new ways of experiencing the world for travellers in Asia-Pacific:
1. AI = Alternative Itineraries
New technologies are already helping travellers find experiences tailored to their needs, but 2025 will see innovations being leveraged to help tourists meet the needs of the destinations they hope to experience. 72% of Asia-Pacific travellers will use technology to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences, to not only respect the locations they visit but contribute positively to them.
AI-powered tools, like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner which was newly launched in Singapore, are set to shape these journeys, with nearly half (49%) interested in using AI to curate trips, opening the door to itineraries that encourage deeper, more positive connections with localities and communities. Travellers will also apply a more responsible lens to how they are using technology, with 38% not tagging locations on social media when visiting a lesser known destination to keep it under wraps. That said, technology will equally play a role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt of overburdening the usual hotspots, with 69% hoping to use technology to find less crowded areas.
2. Passport to Immortality
Amid the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, a vacation is more than just time to unwind. Driven by the desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, 60% are interested in a longevity retreat – a super-charged flex on traditional well-being itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in pursuit of a longer, healthier life. Deep revitalisation is a top priority, from body vibration (61%) and red light therapies (54%) to cryotherapy (51%) and stem cell treatment (51%). More than two thirds (70%) are looking for new wellness activities they can mix into their daily lives as they reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves, with 57% of Asia-Pacific travellers revealing they would pay for a vacation that’s sole purpose was to extend their lifespan and well-being.
3. Noctourism
Travellers will be focused on building connections with the universe as they turn to stargazing escapes in 2025. Ditching the daylight crowds for midnight magic, two thirds (67%) are considering visiting darker sky destinations with star-bathing experiences (76%), star guides (66%), constellation tracking (62%) and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (61%) top of the stellar adventure list. Concerns around climate change have also influenced this shift, with 57% planning to elevate their night-time pursuits to avoid rising day-time temperatures and 56% of travellers preferring to vacation in cooler locations. An appreciation for the nocturnal world is also deepening travellers’ connections with nature, as the majority of travellers (60%) would book an accommodation without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.
4. The Gate Escape
Gone are the days of arriving ‘just in time’ to avoid lingering in crowded lounges post-security, as travellers embrace a new era of airport entertainment. More than a third (44%) express an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport, with 71% curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities. Gen Z (50%) and millennials (51%) are set to fuel this trend, as they are keen to consider destinations based on their airport from sleep pods (38% Gen Z, 37% millennials) and spas (31% Gen Z, 33% millennials) to Michelin star restaurants (28% Gen Z, 31% millennials). With over two thirds (73%) suggesting they would feel more excited and stress-free about their trip if there were a wider array of facilities for use prior to their flight, vacations will start long before boarding the plane.
5. Vintage Voyaging
Vacation wardrobes will get a makeover in 2025, as trendy travellers turn vintage voyagers, hitting thrift stores while on holiday to curate a more sustainable suitcase. Over half (57%) said they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to 66% of Gen Z, while 57% would visit thrift stores on vacation with over three quarters (76%) having already bought vintage or second-hand products when abroad. With 57% intending to be thriftier on their trips and 71% tightening budget planning in order to maximise their experiences, finding bargain hidden gems in second-hand stores has become a pivotal part of the adventure. Flying in the face of fast fashion and mass consumerism, 36% say they find better quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home, while 37% say they buy vintage on vacation because they find better bargains. A thrift trip is now more than just shopping; it’s a way to bring cultural connections back home, all while making eco-conscious and wallet-friendly choices.
6. Neuroinclusive Navigation
Neurodivergent travellers will be putting their often invisible needs in the spotlight, using emerging and evolving technologies to revolutionise how they experience the world in 2025. Over half (54%) of Asia-Pacific travellers who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while travelling due to their neurodivergence, while 58% believe their travel options are limited because of their neurodivergence. Many would like to see technology play a greater part of their travel journey and help reduce theirs, or their travel companions’, anxiety. Nearly 72% are keen on AI tools that would provide them with up-to-date travel information, reports of delays and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are sought after by 70%, while 77% would like to see more ‘block out noise’ options across the travel experience. In fact, the call for progress in 2025 is loud and clear with 74% wanting an industry-wide initiative or programme that shares their needs and preferences seamlessly with airlines and accommodation providers, providing a closer connection between travellers, platforms and operators.
7. Boyz II Zen
With growing awareness around stereotypical social guidelines for men, ‘men-only’ vacations rooted in well-being, self-development and vulnerability are becoming popular. Over half (53%) confirm they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, jumping to 68% for Gen Z and 61% for millennials. Male travellers are also abandoning ‘bro culture’ clichés to switch off from the stresses of everyday life (34%), rest and rejuvenate (36%), in pursuit of mental health benefits (28%) and personal growth (28%). They wish to build connections, both old and new, with 29% looking to make new friendships and 26% looking to improve their relationship-building skills with friends and family. Interestingly, it is women persuading the men in their lives to go on a men-only trip, with 57% encouraging their partner, 40% their friends, 27% their brother and 22% their father to put themselves first.
8. Multigen Megatrips
Parents flip priorities by spending kids’ inheritance instead of squirrelling savings. 51% of Singapore travellers would rather spend money on a trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leaving inheritance to their children – with baby boomers coming in at 54%.
Next year, however, this trend will take on an increasingly altruistic approach as older relatives look to splash the cash among their families, helping the younger generations through the cost of living crisis by paying for their next vacation. While 65% of travellers admitted that their parents had already paid for their vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, boomers are likely to influence an uptick thanks to the 76% who are happy to pay for their children when booking their next trip.
9. Ageless Adventures
An emerging cohort of baby boomers will defy their years and conventional expectations in favour of thrill seeking in 2025, with 21% of this generation interested in vacations that involve adventure and 24% eager to push beyond their established comfort zones.
Easing their way into an era of adrenaline, close to a third (30%) are interested in horseriding and letting go of their inhibitions at a wine rave (28%). Venturing further, 20% would take to the water to canoe down the world’s largest rivers, 16% will hunt for glaciers and 14% may lace up their hiking boots to trek one of the highest mountain ranges.
Laura Houldsworth, managing director, Asia Pacific at Booking.com said: “In 2025, travellers in Asia-Pacific will be using their trips to transform themselves, their relationships and ultimately the world around them. It’s all about breaking travel norms to foster a deeper sense of connection. Technology and imagination are coming together to create a new era of traditions and ultimately make it easier for everyone to shape their own journeys in 2025 and beyond.”
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) welcomes Johnson Controls as its newest member, a company known globally for its leadership in smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions.
Both WSHA and Johnson Controls will collaborate to transform the future of energy-positive hotels.
From left: Johnson Controls’ Katie McGinty, WSHA’s Glenn Mandziuk, Johnson Controls’ George R Oliver, and WSHA’s Daniella Foster
Johnson Controls brings expertise in building technologies that target the nearly 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions stemming from buildings. With a workforce of over 100,000 employees across 150 countries, the company is poised to enhance operational efficiency, cut energy costs, and propel the hospitality industry towards ambitious net carbon and energy positive goals.
Its innovative Energy-as-a-Service financing model allows hospitality businesses to adopt sustainable solutions without hefty upfront investments, turning sustainability into a strategic advantage.
Katie McGinty, chief sustainability officer at Johnson Controls, emphasised the dual benefits of sustainability: “Embracing sustainability isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a transformative strategy. As we join the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we recognise that hospitality leaders who lean into sustainability not only reduce operating costs but also enhance customer experiences by ensuring equipment uptime and reliability. By integrating sustainability technologies with the power of AI, we supercharge operations, impacting both the bottom line and the world around us.”
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the WSHA, commented: “As a global leader in building solutions, their expertise will be a game changer for hotels and resorts. Johnson Controls is not only advancing net zero buildings worldwide but also leading by example with their own net zero journey. I am eager to see the valuable contributions and positive impact they will bring to the alliance.”
Tasmanian Walking Company has introduced a new five-day fully-guided walk inside the grounds of the World-Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
The all-inclusive experience will unite two of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Tasmanian Walking Company’s new five-day walk unites two natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta; photo by Tasmanian Walking Company
Small groups of up to 14 will spend five days and four nights inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park learning about ancient Anangu culture and history, connecting with nature, and staying exclusively in environmentally sustainable accommodation.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk commences in April 2026 and marks the second offering in the Northern Territory for the Australian Walking Company, after the company launched the Larapinta Signature Walk in 2022.
25hours Hotels has appointed Jesper Soerensen as general manager of the upcoming 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird, set to open in November 2024.
With over 23 years of experience in lifestyle and luxury hospitality, Soerensen brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to this vibrant new addition in Jakarta’s landscape.
Fluent in German, Danish and English, he joins 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird from SO/ Maldives, where he also served as general manager.
The Japan Sports Agency is aiming for martial arts to become a greater tourism resource with the launch of new experiences and activities under its Budō Tourism programme.
Part of Japan Sport Tourism, which also promotes snow sports, outdoor pursuits like cycling and kayaking, and urban activities such as skateboarding and BWX biking, Budō Tourism aims to offer journeys into the heart of Japanese martial arts, budō, which translates to ‘martial way’.
Japan is inviting visitors to explore its world of martial arts through unique experiences and activities
Experiences are available across Japan, in martial arts as varied as judo, kendo, karate, sumo, aikido, kyudo (archery) and iaido (the art of swordsmanship). Some include tours in picturesque, cultural or historical places, and unique dining, to offer visitors “an increased sense of Japan”, according to Japan Sport Tourism.
The kendo experience, available in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa, features an introduction to samurai, a traditional ceremony, striking instruction, practice and a match. One two-hour session is available for up to 200 pax, at 18,000 yen (US$120) per person and includes a professional guide/instructor, rental of kendo armour and other equipment and a towel.
In Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, the Okinawa Karate Kaikan offers a 30-minute tile-splitting experience twice daily, either in front of the facility’s historic dojo or inside. For 3,000 yen per person, a tour of the Okinawa Karate Museum is included.
Visitors who prefer to watch can choose from several options including the Iai Shrine Samurai Show in Yamagata Prefecture. Up to 40 pax can enjoy a demonstration of iaido for 50,000 yen per person.
Fluent in German, Danish and English, he joins 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird from SO/ Maldives, where he also served as general manager.
