Prior to her 2025 launch and homeport in Singapore, Disney Cruise Lines’ Disney Adventure has unveiled seven uniquely themed areas onboard the new ship.
Each area will teem with dozens of characters and unforgettable experiences. They include Disney Imagination Garden, an enchanted valley, charming garden, and open-air performance area rolled into one; Toy Story Place, where the popular movie comes to life; Town Square, a fantastical forest filled with shops, eateries and entertainment venues; and more.
Disney Cruise Line sheds more light on its 2025 cruise season out of Singapore (Photo: Disney Cruise Line)
While booking and further product details will only be released later, the cruise line has said three- and four-night voyages will be crafted for fans of cruise holidays and Disney magic.
The move by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to position Langkawi Island as a preferred Muslim destination emphasising spiritual tourism and family-friendly experiences has sparked concern among the travel trade, who doubt its benefits for the island.
In a recent parliamentary announcement, deputy minister of tourism, arts and culture of Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, explained that the strategy aims to focus on niche sectors, such as the Muslim market, to enable Malaysia to compete with other countries and islands in the region ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Rebranding Langkawi, already known for its sun, beach, and ecotourism holidays, may affect its appeal; Payar Island, pictured
However, local trade stakeholders worry that rebranding Langkawi Island might be counterproductive. They note that Langkawi is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a key destination for European, Indian, and Chinese tourists.
Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, highlighted that Langkawi is already well-known for its sun, beach, and ecotourism holidays. He argued that rebranding it as a Muslim destination would alter its current appeal and promotional dynamics.
Shaharuddin M Saaid, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, questioned the necessity of making Langkawi a preferred Muslim destination when Malaysia is already recognised as such and has consistently won the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards. He pointed out that Langkawi already offers halal food, Muslim prayer facilities, and religious attractions, which are available elsewhere in the country as well. He suggested that for Langkawi to stand out, it would need unique elements not found in other parts of Malaysia.
Arokia Das Anthony, executive director of Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, expressed concerns about potential bans on alcohol and cigarettes following this new direction. He warned that such measures could alienate non-Muslim tourists who visit Langkawi for relaxation and to enjoy its beaches.
Making digital payments in Japan as an international traveller is becoming easier thanks to efforts promoting the digitalisation of payments and integration of systems used in other countries.
Improving inbound tourists’ experience through the promotion, acceptance and integration of digital payments is part of the government’s New Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan launched in April 2023, and Japan’s standardised QR Code (JPQR) is expected to be launched by 2025.
Japan’s standardised QR Code will ensure easier acceptance of both QR code and barcode-based payments
The JPQR will “ensure easier acceptance of QR code/barcode-based payments”, Mayu Suzuki, director of Payments Japan Association, told TTG Asia.
To enable cross-border payment acceptance, Payments Japan, which formulated the JPQR, is establishing a new merchant acquiring system, appointing a switching system dedicated to cross-border purposes and arranging for interlinkage with countries that have adopted common standards for QR payments.
“Experiencing smooth payment will eventually lead to increased efficiency as well as credibility for Japan. We believe this is a small but vital point to boost the satisfaction of every tourists’ stay in Japan,” said Suzuki.
Private companies, too, are driving change.
Since January 2024, users of Naver Pay and Toss from South Korea, OCBC Digital and Changi Pay from Singapore, MyPB from Malaysia and MPay from Macau have been able to use PayPay Corporation’s cashless payment service in Japan using the “user scan method”.
The latest integration aims “to create an environment that supports merchants seeking to capture tourist-driven demand while enhancing traveller experience”, stated SoftBank Corporation, the parent company of PayPay Corporation.
Use of digital payment methods have been on the rise in Japan in recent years, with the non-cash payment ratio reaching 39.3 per cent in 2023, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Expo 2025, which will be held in Osaka, aims to be the first cashless world’s fair.
Onyx Hospitality Group has unveiled Shama Hub – an extension of its serviced apartment brand, Shama – which offers a lifestyle that celebrates creativity, flexibility, and community engagement.
Strategically located in vibrant neighbourhoods, Shama Hub properties are easily accessible to attractive areas, allowing guests to seamlessly connect with the pulse of the city and explore its local culture.
Both Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China and Shama Hub Metro South, Hong Kong offer an array of amenities designed to enhance both convenience and social interaction for residents
Each Shama Hub property offers an array of amenities designed to enhance both convenience and social interaction for residents. These include self-service laundry facilities, a fitness centre, communal hub spaces, and self-service business cabins.
In addition, these Shama Hubs offer the exclusive Shama Social Club lifestyle programme, an initiative that enriches the guest experience by fostering a sense of community and connecting residents to the unique essence of each locale.
Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China and Shama Hub Metro South, Hong Kong are two new properties that have been added to the Shama Hub portfolio.
Shama Hub Metro South, Hong Kong is located in the Hong Kong Southern district and is an ideal hub for individuals or families seeking long-term accommodation close to the city while being surrounded by nature. The property features 26 floors and 139 rooms, with seven room types ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Just a two-minute walk from Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, guests enjoy easy access to attractions like Ocean Park, Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen district, and more.
A new addition in the heart of Hangzhou, Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China features a variety of room types that cater to short- and long-term residents. Guests can choose from studio kings, one-bedroom suites, or studio flex twin rooms.
Situated in the Dajiangdong area, Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China is just a short walk from Dongsha Lake Park and the Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre, and is also within close proximity to shops, malls, restaurants, and major transport hubs. The property is only a 40-minute drive from the city’s international airport.
Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, shared: “At Shama Hub, we believe in providing more than just a roof over your head; we offer an experience that defines you.
“It is not just a club; it’s a community that fosters connection, exploration, and a sense of belonging.”
Minor Hotels will introduce its NH Hotels & Resorts brand to Bangkok, Thailand through a management agreement signed with Boulevard Hotel Company to rebrand Boulevard Hotel Bangkok to NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard by 4Q2024.
This will be the group’s second NH property in Thailand after NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, which opened in 2022.
The rebranding of Boulevard Hotel Bangkok to NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard will be complete by 4Q2024
Currently operating as the Boulevard Hotel Bangkok under Minor Hotels’ management, the 309-key property is situated in central Bangkok just off Sukhumvit Road, and is only 200 metres from the BTS SkyTrain public transportation system which provide access to the city’s attractions, shopping centres and restaurants. It is also within walking distance to Bumrungrad International Hospital, and a 30-minute drive from Bangkok’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
The hotel recently completed extensive renovations of its guestrooms, lobby, restaurant and pool areas. Amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar, meeting venues, fitness centre and an outdoor pool. It will operate as the Boulevard Hotel Bangkok under Minor Hotels’ management.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and group CEO of Minor International, said: “NH will be the third brand we will introduce to Bangkok, joining Anantara and Avani, providing visitors to the world’s most visited city with another way to stay with Minor Hotels.”
Kirin Narula, chairman of Boulevard Hotel Company, added: “We look forward to collaborating with the Minor Hotels team to deliver excellent guest experience to those visiting the NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard in central Bangkok.”
Liverpool Football Club (Liverpool FC) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have entered a global, multi-year partnership that will see the airline become the club’s official airline partner.
This partnership, which extends to both the men’s and women’s teams, will see both organisations work together to support and complement their ambitious global growth plans, leveraging their respective strengths to grow their global footprints.
Liverpool FC and Japan Airlines soar together in global partnership
It also reflects their shared belief in the power of sport and travel to inspire and connect to leave a lasting positive impact on individuals of all ages and communities around the world.
As part of this partnership, JAL will work closely with the LFC Foundation on key community initiatives across global markets and looks forward to a shared journey of community empowerment and inspiring moments.
The first initiative will kick off in July, with the airline supporting a youth football clinic in conjunction with Liverpool FC’s international pre-season match held in Philadelphia on the US East Coast. Fans will have the chance to win match tickets, signed memorabilia and even a trip to Liverpool through fan promotions. Additionally, JAL Mileage Bank members will be able to access exclusive VIP experiences at Anfield Stadium.
Ben Latty, chief commercial officer at Liverpool FC, shared: “The partnership will create opportunities for fans to engage with the club through unique activations and experiences.
“Partnering with Japan Airlines is another major step forward in our club’s strategy to expand our international presence and engage more deeply with our diverse and dedicated global fanbase.”
Minako Kent, managing director of global marketing at Japan Airlines, added: “Japan Airlines and Liverpool FC share a deep commitment to nurturing multinational talent, investing in youth development, and supporting the communities we serve. Through our partnership with the LFC Foundation, we are excited to expand these efforts and make a lasting positive impact on young people around the world.”
Liverpool FC is the most engaged club in the Premier League with over 1.5 billion fan engagements on social and the most viewed club on socials with 11.9 billion views. It is also the most watched European football club globally across domestic and league cup fixtures, with hundreds of millions of fans and over 330 Official Liverpool Supporters Clubs across the globe.
Location
Aloft Singapore Novena stands tall among strips of old-time shophouses and along the Balestier Heritage Trail, with the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall as its neighbour. This area is loved by locals for several famous eateries that specialise in favourites like chicken rice, roast duck, bak kut teh pork ribs soup, and tau sar piah traditional Teochew mung bean paste pastry.
While the hotel may appear far from Singapore’s main shopping and commercial zones on the map, it is not, as the hotel offers free shuttles to Novena MRT Station, which connects hotel guests quickly to leisure and business centres.
Accommodation
Part of the mixed-use commercial complex Zhongshan Park, Aloft Singapore Novena occupies two towers and packs in 785 rooms, including four suites. Guests have their pick of twin, queen, king and triple options, making the hotel popular among business travellers and holidaying families.
While rooms range from 18m² to 23m² in size, ceilings rise 3.45m in the East Wing and 3.3m in the West Wing – much higher than most hotel rooms in the city-state. Japanese interior designer KKS, which has a knack for maximising use of spaces, cleverly crafted beds with storage area underneath for suitcases and bay windows where guests can rest and enjoy the views outside.
There is also a selection of rooms with outdoor patio.
I spent a night in an Urban King room in the West Wing. This room was flooded by natural light, yet double-glazed windows kept the Singapore heat out wonderfully – a feature that speaks to the crucial energy conservation movement. Furnishing is practical – numerous charging points with traditional sockets and USB points at sensible locations by the bed and desk, and bathrooms with plentiful hooks and just enough space on the vanity for toiletry pouches and beauty knick-knacks.
The Urban King room also comes with a customised armchair that converts into a single bed by the bay window.
I had a chance to take a look at the other room types across the hotel, and all are similarly furnished – practical, with welcoming colours, and a good sense of space due to the high ceiling.
For guests whose intention is to get out and make the most of their time in Singapore, these rooms are ideal for resting and recharging.
Aloft Singapore Novena
1 of 3
W XYZ lobby bar
Urban King bedroom
Splash pool and social deck
F&B
The hotel has two main restaurants. 21 on Rajah, a halal-certified restaurant that specialises in Mediterranean and South-east Asian cuisine, needs little introduction among local Muslim diners who love its good buffet spread for lunch and dinner.
Yuè @ Aloft, the other main dining venue, presents Chinese cuisine and fresh seafood, with names of dishes inspired by popular karaoke songs.
There is also the W XYZ bar in the lobby, which serves an extensive drink menu and bar bites. On Friday evenings, this venue turns into a music lounge that features budding local bands and musicians, and draws both hotel guests and locals residing in the area.
Recognising the many gourmet lures in its vicinity, the hotel gladly points guests in the direction of eateries not to be missed and replaces its in-room dining service with a convenient 24-hour snack station, Re:fuel. Here, guests can pick up chips, chocolates and cup noodles.
Facilities
Since its rebranding, the property has become a lot more colourful and youthful – all in alignment with the Aloft brand that targets modern travellers who favour a vibrant and sociable environment during their stays.
The lobbies in both wings are colourful, with overhead digital artworks that depict iconic scenes and landmarks in Singapore. Music plays in the background all day, so no matter the time of day one checks into the hotel, there is always a sense of activity.
Public spaces in the hotel are designed accordingly to cater to guests who wish to mix and mingle – the business centre is open, without restrictive enclosures, and blends into other seating areas in the lobby. When W XYZ bar is packed out, guests can take any of these seats and enjoy their favourite tipple.
Guests have access to two gyms (one in each wing), an outdoor swimming pool plus children’s wading pool along with a large sun deck and generous supply of loungers, and launderettes in both wings. The gym in the West Wing deserves a special mention – it comes with an outdoor workout area, equipped with a hanging punching bag.
Both wings come with manicured lawns that are popular with private events.
Service
The laidback, youthful character of the brand is reflected in its service standards. Hotel associates are dressed in stylish pants and vests over gingham shirts with rolled-up sleeves – not stuffy suits and ties. While they come in all ages, they share a common energetic vibe. They are smiley, casual – and definitely polite – and always ready to strike up a conversation.
Verdict
Aloft Singapore Novena will score with travellers who love hotels in meaningful addresses and surroundings to explore on foot as well as fuss-free top-notch comfort.
The Lux Collective has named Olivier Chavy as its next chief executive officer.
Hailing from France, he will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and performance of The Lux Collective while pursuing its expansion in high potential markets. He will work alongside the board of directors, key executives, general managers and staff of the resorts, to innovate and craft distinctive experiences that will further set the iconic hotel group apart.
During his career, Chavy has held leadership positions with groups such as Travel+Leisure, Mövenpick, and Hilton.
Who are the members of EATOF and why was it formed?
EATOF was launched in 2000 with the nine member local governments of Gangwon State (formerly Gangwon Province, South Korea), Tottori Prefecture (Japan), Jilin Province (China), Tuv Province (Mongolia), Cebu Province (the Philippines), Sarawak (Malaysia), Special Region of Yogyakarta (Indonesia), Primorsky Territory (Russia) and Chiang Mai Province (Thailand) to promote awareness of the importance of the tourism industry in regional development, the need for exchange and cooperation between regions, and to achieve common prosperity.
In 2009, Quang Ninh Province (Vietnam), Luang Prabang (Laos) and Siem Reap (Cambodia) became members.
What was the vision and mission of EATOF when it was established and what is the federation planning for the future?
The founding member local governments were seeking a new leap forward in co-existence and co-prosperity by promoting joint cooperation while respecting complementarity and diversity.
There has been exchange of tourism information and tourism human resources, joint promotion and marketing and the broadening of the scope of culture, arts and sports exchanges.
Prior to lockdown, EATOF functioned as a forum which focused on sharing tourism policies and benchmarking best practices.
The grouping was officially relaunched as a federation in 2022 at the EATOF General Assembly in Quang Ninh, Vietnam by transforming into an organisation focused on practical action.
In 2025, the meeting of the 23rd EATOF Standing Committee will be held in the Philippines’ Cebu, and efforts will be made to expand exchanges between EATOF member local governments and to jointly achieve sustainable tourism through global alliances with ASEAN, PATA and Green Destinations.
What are some highlights of cooperation and active exchanges between members, and what has been achieved?
In the area of cultural and sports exchange, traditional performances from each region were presented through the dispatch of an EATOF delegation and cultural performance troupe to the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, dubbed the Cultural Olympics.
Through the GOGO Gangwon global leaders exchange programme from 2019 to 2021, more than 1,000 EATOF youth were invited to Gangwon to build friendships while experiencing winter and cultural content.
In joint risk management, there was sharing of regional Coronavirus management policies through the EATOF online conference and status sharing of campaigns related to tourism recovery and more.
Best practice sharing is a continuous joint marketing effort through mutual invitations to events such as the Lao New Year Festival (Luang Prabang), Suroy Suroy Sugbo (Cebu), Gangneung Danoje Festival, Gangwon Forestry Expo and Son Heung-min Youth International Football Competition (Gangwon), and dispatch of cultural performance troupes.
Tour product development of inter-regional tour packages have been achieved through charter flights between Gangwon-Tuv and Gangwon-Manila, and ferry trips for Gangwon-Tottori.
EATOF recently signed an MoU and new partnership with PATA. How can EATOF and PATA benefit from each other? By sharing tourism trend data between the two organisations, we can support strategies for the development of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region and promote global sustainable tourism through joint efforts.
EATOF tries to achieve its goals by utilising cohesion as a small and medium-sized regional initiative.
Who are the other EATOF partners?
Green Destinations is an official certification body of Global Sustainable Tourism Council which evaluates and certifies the achievement standards of sustainable tourism in government and the private sector, and promotes the expansion of public-private sustainable tourism practices in East Asia through joint certification with EATOF member local governments.
We are also trying to expand the scope of EATOF’s activities through various platforms such as the Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement economic cooperation and transform it into an organisation that provides practical benefits.
As the lead and base of the EATOF Permanent Secretariat, what can you share about tourism development in Gangwon State that others can learn from?
In collaboration with telecommunication companies and the immigration office, the Gangwon Tourism Organization – along with the digital industry department of Gangwon State – publishes a monthly ICT Smart Travel report.
This report highlights traffic changes, points of interest, demographic data and traveller behaviour to help navigate strategic planning.
Additionally, the Gangwon Tourist Taxi service, which has been successfully operating for more than six years, publishes a monthly report through three City Halls and an appointed agency.
This initiative enables Gangwon to understand user demographics and set effective strategies for attracting future FIT tourists.
Location
During his career, Chavy has held leadership positions with groups such as Travel+Leisure, Mövenpick, and Hilton.
He has held key positions in some of the group’s most prestigious properties during his tenure.
Who are the members of EATOF and why was it formed?
The move by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to position Langkawi Island as a preferred Muslim destination emphasising spiritual tourism and family-friendly experiences has sparked concern among the travel trade, who doubt its benefits for the island.
In a recent parliamentary announcement, deputy minister of tourism, arts and culture of Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, explained that the strategy aims to focus on niche sectors, such as the Muslim market, to enable Malaysia to compete with other countries and islands in the region ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
However, local trade stakeholders worry that rebranding Langkawi Island might be counterproductive. They note that Langkawi is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a key destination for European, Indian, and Chinese tourists.
Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, highlighted that Langkawi is already well-known for its sun, beach, and ecotourism holidays. He argued that rebranding it as a Muslim destination would alter its current appeal and promotional dynamics.
Shaharuddin M Saaid, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, questioned the necessity of making Langkawi a preferred Muslim destination when Malaysia is already recognised as such and has consistently won the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards. He pointed out that Langkawi already offers halal food, Muslim prayer facilities, and religious attractions, which are available elsewhere in the country as well. He suggested that for Langkawi to stand out, it would need unique elements not found in other parts of Malaysia.
Arokia Das Anthony, executive director of Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, expressed concerns about potential bans on alcohol and cigarettes following this new direction. He warned that such measures could alienate non-Muslim tourists who visit Langkawi for relaxation and to enjoy its beaches.