Professional actors from Evolve School of Performing Arts will bring secrets and twists to life across Cempedak Island, a private resort off Bintan, Indonesia, during the second Murder Mystery Weekend from November 7 to 9, 2025.
The inaugural April 2025 edition saw guests follow clues and unmask the culprit during a communal dinner, with actors initially indistinguishable from other guests and clues hidden in unexpected places, including the general manager’s hat.
Guests can immerse themselves in secrets and suspense during Cempedak Island’s Murder Mystery Weekend
The second edition offers an immersive experience with mysteries spread across Cempedak’s secluded areas. Guests can enjoy barefoot luxury while taking part in adventure walks, rock climbing, water sports, tennis, croquet, volleyball, boule, yoga, and pilates. Meals and cocktails by the sea are included.
The weekend begins before arrival for those travelling on the Singapore to Bintan ferry. Rates for the three-day, two-night event are S$1,845 (US$1,260) for single occupancy, S$2,200 for double occupancy, and S$3,156 for triple occupancy, with additional nights at available upon request.
All rates cover the murder mystery itinerary, two nights’ accommodation, transfers to and from Bintan Ferry Terminal, and three meals a day.
Central Asian destinations are eyeing prime South-east Asian markets as part of a strategy to lure more tourists to its emerging countries.
Igor Nabatnikov, incoming department manager at DN Tours based in Turkmenistan, said he is seeing an increase in visitors from Japan and China seeking a combined tour with Uzbekistan.
Central Asia’s hidden gems are drawing attention from South-east Asian tourists, such as like Registan Square, pictured
He added that direct flights from South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand are helping to lure visitors from those destinations.
Nabatnikov believes that future direct flights from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will help lure more visitors wanting to embark on multi-country trips.
“South-east Asia has a lot of potential, so we are trying hard to market our destination there,” he said. “We have beautiful landscapes, culture, food and hospitality, and we are relatively undiscovered.”
Mari Zaridze, head of sales, Georgian Holidays, said since Georgia signed a strategic partnership with China, more Chinese have been visiting. A strong presence of Singaporeans is also noted.
“South-east Asia is new for Georgia. We want to market to the Philippines because Filipinos can get an e-visa, as well as Malaysia as Malaysians can enter without a visa,” she said, adding that the majority of bookings are for combination tours with neighbouring countries.
Aiperi Narbaeva, tour manager at Aksai Travel, said Kyrgyzstan is keen to court Malaysia and Singapore. “We’re starting to see more requests from these countries,” she noted, stating that the majority of bookings are from travellers wanting to explore “undiscovered” destinations.
BWH Hotels’ presence is growing in the region, with further expansion on the horizon as it prepares to celebrate 80 years of delivering hospitality next year.
Olivier Berrivin, vice president for APAC, said BWH Hotels currently operates more than 200 hotels and resorts across Asia-Pacific, with strategic markets including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.
BWH Hotels accelerates Asia-Pacific growth with new openings and brand expansions across key markets
“In 2025, we’ve seen significant growth, marked by the signing of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, introduction of our Aiden brand to South-east Asia, and the addition of Azzurr Marina Akita, BW Signature Collection, which will become our first managed property in Japan,” he told TTG Asia in an interview at ITB Asia 2025.
Before the year is over, BWH Hotels will add a seventh hotel in Pakistan and open three new hotels in Thailand and Vietnam in November. The new property in Pakistan will firmly position the Best Western brand as one of the leading operators in the country.
“Our partnership with Savers Group Holdings as Area Development Office in the Philippines is also driving rapid expansion. These developments demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, long-term growth in the region,” he reflected.
Starting off 80 years ago as a US brand, over the years BWH Hotels has gone global, cementing itself in the top 10 hospitality brands and boasting more than 4,300 properties worldwide.
To mark the occasion, a regional conference will be held next March in Bangkok, followed by a global gathering in Phoenix in October to bring all brands together for the first time.
“Through our iconic Best Western brand, BWH Hotels’s 80-year heritage reflects a strong commitment to quality, trust and innovation in hospitality. Over the years, we have adapted to enhancing guest expectations while staying focused on delivering excellent service and value,” Berrivin said.
“This legacy has made BWH a trusted, forward-thinking partner for hotel owners and travellers worldwide. Our leadership in the midscale sector has been continuously recognised with our induction into the Travel Hall of Fame at the TTG Travel Awards 2025.”
He added that the company’s expansion focuses on growing BWH Hotels’ presence across all market segments by offering 18 distinct brands under WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels.
“This range allows us to cater to diverse traveller needs and provide flexible options for hotel owners. We’re also introducing new brands like Aiden, which brings modern, lifestyle-driven concepts that resonate with today’s travellers.”
He underscored the important role of sustainability in the company’s development strategy.
“We’ve earned Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification for many of our properties in South-east Asia, Japan and Pakistan, ensuring responsible operations that benefit both guests and local communities. This commitment supports our long-term vision for sustainable expansion,” he stated.
The Indonesian House of Representatives passed an amendment to Tourism Law No. 10 of 2009 on October 2, which removes the provision recognising the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI). This has drawn criticism from the tourism industry that the move undermines collaboration with the government.
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on October 12, Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of GIPI, said: “We are extremely disappointed that this removal was done without open discussion, despite GIPI having a proven record of actively contributing to national tourism development.”
GIPI says the removal of its legal status limits industry representation and could hinder collaboration on tourism development; photo by Dhini Oktavianti
Hariyadi stressed that GIPI’s former legal status was vital as the official coordination platform for tourism stakeholders. Its removal will make communication between public and private sectors more difficult.
“This industry drives employment and investment, yet it has been excluded from the legal framework,” he said.
GIPI also highlighted inadequate funding for tourism, noting that government revenue from foreign exchange, taxes, and non-tax state revenue had not been proportionally reinvested in industry development.
“The government cannot simply enjoy the income from tourism without helping the industry to develop its markets,” Hariyadi said.
During the amendment process, GIPI proposed creating a Tourism Public Service Agency (BLU) to collect and manage levies from international tourists transparently for promotion and destination development, a model used in several South-east Asian countries.
However, the BLU concept was later taken over by the government, and the levy is now treated as central government revenue rather than supporting industry programmes.
“This has the potential to cause overlap and make it increasingly difficult for business operators to secure budget support,” Hariyadi said.
GIPI said the law revision, intended to strengthen the sector, has caused disappointment among operators and may hinder achieving this year’s target of 14 million international tourists.
“We hope the government does not view the tourism industry merely as a source of tax and foreign exchange, but as a strategic partner in building the national economy,” Hariyadi said.
As the law has been passed, GIPI plans to write to the president. Hestu Cipto Handoyo, a tourism law expert at Atma Jaya University, Yogyakarta, suggested GIPI submit a judicial review instead.
Responding to GIPI, tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the amendment was an Indonesian House of Representatives initiative discussed with the government and industry through public consultations. She noted tourism associations remain involved under Chapter IV, Article 8, paragraph (2), letter j, which addresses the tourism ecosystem.
“Chapter VII, Article 22 stipulates that every tourism business operator has the right to form and become a member of a tourism association. Based on this, tourism associations can still play a role in building and developing Indonesian tourism,” she said.
Widiyanti added that coordination and partnerships can be regulated flexibly through executive regulations or other mechanisms. On the BLU Pariwisata and the foreign tourist levy, she said it is a government agency providing public services without prioritising profit.
The minister said the government continues to support the sector through internship programmes, competency-based certification and training, destination marketing and promotions, and tax waivers for tourism workers.
The upcoming Aiden Surawong Bangkok debuts the Aiden brand in Thailand
From new openings across Thailand to the first managed hotel in Japan, BWH Hotels continues to expand its footprint across Asia.
With more than 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries, BWH Hotels’ 18 distinct brands cater travellers looking for unique and memorable experiences from a relaxing beach escape in Vietnam or an exciting urban retreat in Bangkok.
The group’s three main hotel companies, WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, continues its growth with upcoming openings.
The signing of the Azzurr Marina Akita, BW Signature Collection, marks the brand’s debut in the northwest city of Akita. The 144-key waterfront property becomes the second BW Signature Collection hotel in Japan.
Another of the group’s most recent debuts is the signing of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, introducing the Aiden brand in Thailand for the first time. The avant-garde boutique hotel will have 77 guest rooms with refined stylish design and amenities that reflect the essence of the local community.
Also scheduled to open in Bangkok is Best Western The Matter Tiwanon Hotel, a modern property offering 68 stylishly appointed rooms. Strategically located in the Tiwanon district, it is a 15-minute drive from Don Mueang International Airport and provides convenient access to key destinations.
Anticipated openings in November are two new hotels in Pattaya. Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection, is a converted hotel and second hotel in the collection. It offers 121 keys, a restaurant, swimming pool, pool bar, fitness club and ballroom. Also expected to open its doors in November is SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, the group’s second SureStay Plus property in Thailand. The rebranded hotel offers 95 rooms, a restaurant, meeting room, fitness club, swimming pool, and two bars, including a rooftop venue.
WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc is a 465-key beachfront resort in the vibrant Tran Hung Dao Boulevard
In neighbouring Vietnam two hotels are scheduled for a Q42025 opening. WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc is a stunning new addition to the WorldHotels Distinctive collection. The 465-key beachfront resort is located along the island’s west coast in the vibrant heart of Tran Hung Dao Boulevard. Meanwhile, in southern Vietnam is the 91-key Best Western Premier Imperial Da Lat. close to the city’s top attractions, the hotel features a heated pool, spa, kids’ club, dining options, and event spaces for business and leisure.
Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang will be a new addition to the hotels in the upcoming Vietnamese city
BWH Hotels has also signed the new Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang, a 136-room hotel located near the scenic Han river.
The group has also expanded further across Asia with the Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou, part of the prestigious WorldHotels Elite collection and its second in the city. The stylish property in the vibrant Gongshu district offers 295 rooms and suites, 2,500 square meters of event space, and premium dining options.
In Pakistan, the Best Western Premier Hotel Karim Abad Hunza with 50 modern rooms and stunning views of the majestic Hunza valley, is set to open in November.
The group has also signed the Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Multan, further strengthening its footprint in the historic city of Multan in the Punjab province. The 50-key hotel is easily accessible from Multan International Airport and is scheduled to open in Q1 2026.
With properties across the region, BWH Hotels offers seamless accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. At the same time, guests can enjoy their stay while minimizing their environmental footprint.
BWH Hotels team at the GSTC certification ceremony
Staying true to its commitment to environmental responsibility, BWH Hotels has implemented sustainable practices and products that reduce waste and water usage, improve operational efficiency, and support local sourcing. Its Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan have proudly achieved certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
BWH Hotels’ rewards programmes offers exclusive perks and benefits for guests who stay at its various properties across the region
Now with 64 million members, the loyalty programmes allow guests to earn points with every stay at participating hotels. These points can be redeemed for rewards such as free stays or retail gift cards. By staying at BWH Hotel properties, travellers can also earn airline miles, enjoy room discounts and even transfer points to other members.
No matter where you are in the world, book your next stay with BWH Hotels.
The inaugural Singapore Hospitality & Tourism Conference (SHTC) 2025 is taking place today at Marina Bay Sands, in conjunction with ITB Asia.
In addition to panel discussions, student attendees also have access to a career fair which offers close to 700 immediate opportunities across more than 20 companies in tourism such as Mandai Wildlife Group, Conrad Singapore Orchard, and Singapore Airlines.
The first Singapore Hospitality & Tourism Conference connects students with career opportunities and showcases the sector’s continued growth and resilience; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
These extensive job opportunities reflect the tourism sector’s strength, supported by strong employment trends, where between June 2023 and June 2025, Singapore’s total tourism workforce grew by more than eight per cent from 69,000 to 75,000. The sector is actively hiring, with over 5,000 job postings covering around 6,700 vacancies available in 2Q2025 on Workforce Singapore’s MyCareersFuture portal.
Rachel Loh, executive director of hospitality and tourism talent at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), told media during a group interview that, beyond traditional roles such as HR executives, new positions have emerged, including a data scientist at Marina Bay Sands and an international ski and snowboard management trainee at EU Holidays.
Additionally, the hospitality sector, which employs over 43 per cent of the tourism sector’s workforce, is set to grow even further, with another 1,500 new hotel rooms expected to open by end-2026.
Loh asserted that “tourism has a bright future”, backing this claim with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) statistics that show some 1,500 students now select tourism and hospitality as their top choice – a 66 per cent growth compared to two years ago.
For mid-career individuals, work-study programmes have seen “very encouraging growth”, with participants rising from 70 two years ago to 100 this year (based on Republic Polytechnic figures). This development is supported by accredited courses offered through CET (Continuing Education and Training) centres like the NTUC LearningHub, which has a three-year partnership with STB.
Responding to a query raised by TTG Asia about SHATEC’s closure earlier this year, Loh reassured: “There is sufficient supply to continue this pipeline of training, both for students as well as industry professionals, into the broader tourism sector as well.”
When asked by TTG Asia how assurance could be given to students considering the tourism sector, Rachel Loh said the industry’s swift post-pandemic rebound demonstrates its resilience. She noted that the pandemic highlighted the sector’s adaptability, with traditional tours revamped into gamified, mystery-themed experiences to engage domestic audiences. Rather than coming to a halt, Loh said the downtime was used to reinvent business models and strengthen competitiveness. She added that if a crisis similar to Covid-19 were to occur again, the industry would be “even more prepared” having learned to adapt and emerge “so much stronger”.
This inaugural SHTC 2025 evolved from the annual Tourism Transformation event, building on five editions led by the Tourism Sector Coordinator Team, comprising six IHLs (Institute of Technical Education, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic).
Now rebranded and enhanced, this iteration with new partners including STB, Singapore Institute of Technology, and Singapore University of Social Sciences, aims to deliver a more comprehensive programme and job opportunities for students, signalling a strong commitment to build Singapore’s talent pipeline for the hospitality and tourism sector.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks a milestone in its sustainability journey as Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay becomes the first IHG hotel in Asia to join the company’s Low Carbon Pioneer programme.
The initiative is a global network of energy-efficient properties that operate without on-site fossil fuel combustion and are supported by renewable energy.
From left: RB Capital Group’s Kishin RK and IHG Hotels & Resorts’s Vivek Bhalla; photo by IHG Hotels & Resorts
Since opening in 2014, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay has been recognised for its sustainability-focused design. Features include a fully electric kitchen, hot water heat pumps, high-efficiency water fixtures, solar glazing, advanced lighting controls, and an intelligent building management system that optimises energy usage without affecting guest comfort.
The hotel has received GSTC certification, a global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. It was awarded the 2025 Singapore Hotel Sustainability Award by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and achieved a Water Efficient Building Certification from PUB.
Singapore’s hospitality industry has introduced initiatives such as the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap, supported by the SHA and Singapore Tourism Board under the Green Plan 2030, targeting 60 per cent of hotels to achieve recognised sustainability certification by 2025 and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
IHG is extending its sustainability efforts across the region. In addition to Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay joining the Low Carbon Pioneers programme, the upcoming Hotel Indigo Changi Airport, opening in 2028, aims to achieve “zero-energy” certification under the Green Mark Scheme of the Singapore Building and Construction Authority.
IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneers programme is part of the company’s global effort to reduce carbon emissions across its portfolio. The initiative brings together low-carbon hotels to test and share sustainability measures while providing benefits such as eligibility for green financing, regulatory alignment, and increased preference from guests and corporate clients for sustainable stays.
Kishin RK, founder and CEO of RB Capital Group, said: “It is wonderful to see Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay becoming the first IHG hotel in Asia to join IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneer programme. Future-proofing our assets is incredibly important, and adopting carbon reduction practices is a present-day business imperative. Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay shows how performance and responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Vivek Bhalla, managing director, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “We’ve worked closely with RB Capital for a long time, and we are aligned in our ambition to tackle climate change and manage the environmental impact of our hotels.
“I’m delighted to see these efforts recognised, with Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay joining the Low Carbon Pioneers programme. We are committed to working closely with government and industry partners to accelerate sustainability efforts at scale, and hope this inspires many more hotels in the region to follow suit.”
Vietjet reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and sustainable development at the 2025 Women in Aviation International-Singapore Chapter (WAI-SG) Gala Dinner, attended by Singapore’s senior minister of state for transport and national development, Sun Xueling, and more than 300 aviation leaders and experts.
Held under the theme Pioneering the Sky’s Future, WAI-SG recognises initiatives that support the next generation of female leaders shaping a more inclusive and sustainable aviation industry in Asia-Pacific.
Vietjet celebrates women’s contribution to aviation at the WAI-SG Gala
Ho Ngoc Yen Phuong, member of the Board of Directors, vice president and chief financial officer of Vietjet, highlighted the airline’s efforts to create equal opportunities for women across aviation, including technical, operational and financial roles.
“We don’t just talk about gender equality – we live it. At Vietjet, we believe that empowering women is essential to achieving long-term, sustainable growth,” she said.
Founded by Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, South-east Asia’s first self-made female billionaire, Vietjet reports that women make up nearly 40 per cent of its workforce, with 30 per cent in leadership roles, among the highest in the region.
Bourachi joins from The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman, where she held the same role.
Here’s wishing all our Hindu readers a Happy Deepavali!
