Marriott International elevates gastronomy with new dining series
The Luxury Group by Marriott International has launched its Luxury Group Dining Series, a multi-city regional dining series commencing from September to November featuring six handpicked hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, The St. Regis Bali, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, The St. Regis Mumbai, and JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach.
The series offers specially designed gastronomic experiences at each property, presented by a line-up of culinary talents across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
In conjunction with Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the series also presents discerning travellers an opportunity to discover an unprecedented culinary journey where members can also bid for these exceptional experiences using loyalty points.
The Luxury Group Dining Series takes place in six destinations, activating 23 restaurants and bars, with participation from over 25 hotels and resorts, and showcases the skills of over 55 culinary and beverage talents.
The dates to look out for are September 27-29 at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo; October 4-6 at The St. Regis Bali; October 17-19 at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne; October 31 to November 3 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok; November 15-17 at The St. Regis Mumbai; and November 29 to December 1 at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach.
For more information, visit Luxury Group Dining Series.
Thailand celebrates 50 years of Thailand-China relations with events, promotions
To mark the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China relations in 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Nihao Month will feature special events and promotions from September to October this year, which will lead up to the year-long celebration next year.
TAT has set a target for the Nihao Month festival to materialise into 250,000 arrivals from China during the upcoming Golden Week. Special events and promotions aim to help generate about 500 million reaches and further enhance the positive image of Thailand as the preferred destination for Chinese tourists.
Starting in September is a KOLs Mega Fam Trip hosting up to 100 KOLs from China. The activity is intended to boost awareness of Thailand’s soft power and five must-do activities through content shared with followers of the participating KOLs via various online platforms, including Little Red Book, Weibo, and Douyin.
In addition, the buzz surrounding the Nihao Month is set to reach 400 million more views through the Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night on September 17, to be held at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The event will see a special appearance by the China-Thailand Cultural Friendship Ambassador, Chinese actor Luo Yunxi, along with Thai actors DaOu Pittaya Sae-chow and Mai Davika Hoorne.
In October, TAT will present the Sound of Friendship Concert at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, playing one show per day on October 5 and 12.
TAT will also launch promotions with China’s Ctrip, Fliggy, Meituan, Tongcheng, and UnionPay between September and December to motivate Chinese tourists to book travel to Thailand. These include special deals on airfares, accommodation, travel activities, discount vouchers, and souvenirs.
Furthermore, Chinese tourists visiting Thailand from September 19 to October 31 can take advantage of the Chinese Passport Special Deals, a collaboration between TAT and shopping malls, transportation services, duty-free shops, spas, and restaurants. Chinese tourists just need to show their passports to participating vendors to enjoy special privileges, deals, and lifestyle benefits.
TAT is also jointly organising two Thailand-China friendship caravan trips for 200 travellers.
The first trip, from September 22 to October 13, will comprise 50 travellers and 20 luxury vehicles including Land Rover, BMW, and Porsche. Covering Lao PDR, Thailand, and Malaysia, the caravan will enter Thailand on September 27 and travel through Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chumphon, Trang, Nakhon Sawan, and Chiang Rai, totalling 11 days.
The second trip, from September 30 to October 7, will comprise 150 travellers and 50 vehicles from Kunming, China. The caravan will feature Thailand only on the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai-Lampang route.
This year, Thailand has already recorded 4.5 million arrivals from China between January 1 and August 17, buoyed by Thailand-China mutual visa exemption, marketing campaigns and promotions implemented by TAT. The momentum is expected to continue to successfully reach the year’s target of 7.3 million arrivals.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “The Nihao Month heralds the grand celebration TAT has planned for the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-China relations. In this connection, TAT warmly invites Chinese tourists to come enjoy this Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week in Thailand and many more special events scheduled through the end of this year to early next year, culminating in the Chinese New Year and the 50th year festivity.”
Asian travel rewards app hits growth targets within six months after launch
Launched in February this year, azgo, the latest travel cashback app in Asia, has already achieved its ambitious growth targets for the year in just six months.
The app has amassed over 250,000 users across key markets such as China, Singapore, and Hong Kong since its launch, and has generated more than US$2.4 million in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), which is the total value of transactions made through azgo. This represents a fast growth trajectory of close to 620 per cent growth month on month.
This rapid growth demonstrates that not only has there been a gap in the market that azgo is now filling for both consumers and merchants, but that the industry is ready for new disruptors and ripe for change.
Backed by azgo’s experienced team of leaders hailing from Booking.com, Trip.com and Skyscanner, azgo is leading the evolution of the travel tech industry.
Some of the changes introduced and led by azgo that have fuelled its rapid growth include accelerating the pay-outs of rewards to its customers in just seven days; leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up validation of cashback from best deals and offerings from a network of established travel partners, such as Booking.com, Agoda, Creatory by MoneyHero Group, and Pelago by Singapore Airlines; and being the first mobile-first platform for travel bookings that will respond to each customer query within 30 minutes with personalised responses during its customer service operating hours, instead of relying on automated responses.
azgo aims to become the leading AI-driven platform for rewards and price comparison, so users are empowered to make smarter decisions when they travel. With many top-tier OTAs already entering into partnerships with the app, azgo will continue to focus on expanding its partnerships and delivering impactful results to its key merchants and partners.
As part of its initial phase, azgo has launched in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. In the next phase of its journey, azgo will be setting its sight on the US and Australia markets.
Yan Yuan Sng, head of country, Singapore, said: “Our commitment to revolutionising the travel experience through our AI-driven platform and innovative solutions have resonated well with travellers and merchants throughout the region, exceeding our initial expectations. This spectacular growth is testament to the capabilities of our team, made up of leading industry experts, who have a unified mission to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and partners.
“Our journey has only just started, and we are looking forward to continue redefining the travel tech landscape and unlocking greater value for everyone.”
Outbound demand for Maldives recovers in India as political tensions ease
The diplomatic row between India and the Maldives earlier this year led to a significant decline in demand for the archipelagic state among Indian outbound travellers. However, the relationship between the two countries has since then improved, highlighted by India’s External Affairs minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to the Maldives.
A section of industry stakeholders shared with TTG Asia that they are already seeing improvement in the sentiments from the Indian outbound tourism market.
Roshan Radhay, vice president – sales & marketing, Maldives & GCC, The Lux Collective said: “We are delighted to observe a notable resurgence in interest from the Indian market, fuelled by recent improvements in India-Maldives relations. This renewed confidence is reflected in the healthy rise in both inquiries and confirmed bookings from Indian travellers. We are optimistic that this upward trend will continue, further establishing the Maldives as a premier destination for discerning Indian guests seeking exceptional luxury experiences.” Radhay expressed confidence that by year’s end, demand from India will return to pre-tension levels.
The sharp decline in India’s standing as a key market for the Maldives is evident from the numbers. India was the top international source market for the Maldives with 209,198 arrivals last year. However, as of August 17 this year, India has fallen to sixth place, with only 77,326 arrivals.
Deepa Manuel, general manager, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives said: “With a push from the government towards rebuilding ties with India in a positive manner and increased marketing and sales outreach from our end, the demand is showing signs of improvement, and the bookings from India are coming in as we expect an uptick during the upcoming festive and wedding season.”
Segments like honeymooners and luxury FIT are helping to revive the demand. “Moreover, we are seeing a rise in family bookings, as more Indian families are attracted to our family-friendly packages, activities, and amenities,” added Radhay.
Additionally, initiatives such as a three-city roadshow organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM), covering New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore between July 30 and August 3, are expected to boost outbound demand from the Indian market.
However, Indian travel agents believe that it will still take a while for the Maldives to reach the high growth it witnessed in the previous years.
“During the pandemic, the Maldives secured a strong presence in the Indian market by remaining open to tourism. However, demand took a hit following unwarranted remarks made by some Maldivian politicians about Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. While demand is gradually recovering, it will take time for a significant rebound,” said Guldeep Singh Sahni, managing director, Weldon Tours & Travels.
There is also a segment of travellers who have shifted to alternate destinations. “We are not noticing any jump in the demand for the Maldives. Our clients are increasingly seeking experiential travel. For instance, we recently had a family visit Hawaii, exploring islands like Maui, O‘ahu, and Kauai. They participated in a variety of activities, including volcano tours, helicopter rides, zip-lining, scuba diving, and bike tours,” shared Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape.
Agoda unveils top flight destinations for summer 2024
According to Agoda’s booking data for the summer season this year, the top five international flight routes are Bangkok, Thailand; Seoul, South Korea; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore; and Tokyo, Japan.
The ranking is based on flights booked on Agoda between June and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travellers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the summer months.
Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. Seoul leapfrogs Singapore to take the second spot, while Kuala Lumpur saw an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The popularity of these destinations highlights the ongoing fascination with vibrant cities like Bangkok, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. Seoul captivates visitors with its technology and historic palaces, while Kuala Lumpur offers a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. Singapore’s futuristic skyline and Tokyo’s eclectic neighbourhoods also continue to draw travellers seeking both urban excitement and cultural heritage.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda, shared: “The summer of 2024 currently shows a trend towards Asia-Pacific travel. Destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur continue to attract many travellers, reflecting their appeal and the diverse experiences they offer.”
The Apurva Kempinski Bali receives GSTC certification
The Apurva Kempinski Bali has achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, making it the first hotel in Indonesia to obtain this recognition.
The GSTC certification provides guidance for standards in the travel and tourism sectors, and aims to support the four pillars: Sustainable Management, Social Impact, Cultural and Community Preservation, and Environmental Stewardship.
Sustainability has been the core of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s brand strategy roadmap, and receiving this GSTC certification signifies the resort’s commitment to sustainable growth to measure, enhance, and communicate its commitment to sustainable practices.
During the audit by the GSTC’s appointed certification body, Control Union, the key criteria highlighted for the resort included effective sustainability management, maximising social and economic benefits for the local community, maximising benefits to cultural heritage, and maximising benefits to environment and minimise negative impacts.
Some key initiatives by the resort comprise hiring staff from the surrounding communities, collaborating with educational institutions to provide training opportunities, and reducing its environmental footprint with a hydroponic rooftop garden, waste management, and use of electric vehicles, to name some.
The resort has also partnered with Eco-Tourism Bali to launch the mangrove planting programme, beginning with the planting of 1,000 seeds.
“It is truly an honour for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification,” shared general manager, Vincent Guironnet. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Arival research reveals more travellers crave outdoor activities
New research from Arival has shown that outdoor adventure activities remain a popular choice for travellers, with 59% participating in such activities during their trips in 2023.
The report, The 2024 U.S. Outdoor Adventure & Activities Traveler, surveyed 1,000 US citizens who have travelled in the past year, and found that 80% of those participating in outdoor activities were under the age of 55.
The research also highlighted the increasing frequency of activity participation, with travellers engaging in an average of four activities per trip in 2023, up from 3.5 in 2019. Water-based activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, lead the pack with 49% of travellers participating in 2023, up from 20% in 2019.
Land-based activities like hiking and biking follow closely behind, with 48% participation in 2023, compared to 34% in 2019.
Key findings from the report include popularity of water sports, strong demand for land-based activities, younger and more affluent demographic, high spending, shifting booking patterns, activities essential to the trip, multiple activities per trip, as well as research and planning.
“The fact that three in four travellers who participated in activities rated them as essential to their trip underscores the value these experiences bring to the overall travel journey. This presents a significant opportunity for operators who can deliver high-quality, engaging outdoor experiences,” noted Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival.
Paula Weisenbeck, director of marketing at Polaris Adventures, shared: “We’ve seen first-hand the growing enthusiasm for outdoor activities. People are craving authentic, hands-on experiences that gets them outside in new and unique ways and create lasting memories.
“It’s not just about checking off a bucket list item anymore; it’s about connecting with nature, pushing personal boundaries, and sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family.”
Japan to develop leaders in adventure tourism
Japan Airlines, JTB Corporation and the Japan Adventure Tourism Organization (JATO) are teaming up to launch a programme supporting human resource advancement in Japan’s bourgeoning adventure tourism sector.
Run by the Adventure Tourism Academy, which was founded in April 2023, the courses will “develop leaders who can maximise the appeal of local areas and realise sustainable tourism”, according to a JATO spokesperson.
Participants will learn how to develop sustainable tourism regions, using methods such as in-person lectures, online workshops and onsite skill-building.
The move comes amid nationwide efforts to promote adventure tourism by utilising the country’s “rich natural environment and diverse cultural resources”, which have the potential to attract more international visitors to regional areas, thereby revitalising local economies, continued the spokesperson.
JATO says more extensive training will help the sector’s human resources address the challenges they face, including “raising awareness (of adventure tourism in Japan), strengthening safety management, using local resources sustainability and cooperating across various administrative organisations”.
Instruction in theory and practice will be provided by a team with extensive experience in Japan and overseas, including active practitioners of adventure tourism and experts in tourism policy, regional tourism development and risk management.
“By addressing the issue of cultivating leadership talent in the Japanese adventure tourism market, we hope to link the UN Sustainable Development Goals and regional assets to economic value through tourism,” said a JAL spokesperson.
A JTB spokesperson added that talent development in Japan’s adventure tourism sector will help “achieve a win-win situation for local communities, travellers and society”.
Singapore to develop first-of-its-kind certified travel professional programme
NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the NATAS Travel Fair 2024 to develop a certification programme that will help equip professionals in the travel industry with emerging skills and capabilities.
Both NTUC LHUB and NATAS will co-develop the Certified Travel Professional (CTP) programme, a first-of-its-kind certification programme in Singapore’s travel sector under a three-year strategic partnership.
The CTP programme is designed to help new entrants to the travel sector acquire essential skills to widen job opportunities, as well as seasoned professionals by equipping them with knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive market.
This initiative builds on NTUC LHUB’s three-year partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board to co-develop courses in emerging areas such as sustainability, technological enablers, and service excellence.
The CTP programme is catered to a diverse group of professionals, including travel consultants, experienced agents, career switchers, as well as those looking to specialise in niche areas such as corporate travel management or eco-tourism. It features a structured curriculum that includes a blend of core modules, general electives, as well as specialised electives, with key areas of focus in Sales and Marketing Strategies, Sustainability, Emerging Technology, Wellness and Service Experience Excellence.
To attain the CTP Certification, learners will be required to take three modules, starting with a mandatory core module on effective strategies for travel professionals, followed by one elective module covering topics ranging from service excellence, sustainability to technology. Subsequently, learners can choose a specialised elective module focusing on either corporate travel or leisure travel track. Learners who successfully completed the three modules will be conferred Certified Travel Professional – Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, or Corporate and Leisure Travel, depending on the specialised elective they choose. Recertification is required 18 months following the date of completion of the CTP programme, and learners will need to complete any two elective modules to maintain their certification.
The modules will be conducted by a panel of professionals with diverse and extensive experience in the travel sector, and delivered physically. The pilot run for the programme will take place in March 2025 starting with an intake of 10 learners. NTUC LHUB will be the programme manager for the modules, while the certification will be issued by NATAS.
NATAS president Steven Ler commented: “Through our collaboration with NTUC LearningHub, NATAS is confident that the CTP programme will not only elevate the standards of service and professionalism within the travel industry, but also support the continuous growth and innovation that is demanded to position Singapore as a leading global travel destination.”
“Through these efforts, we aspire to help Singapore become a premier tourism destination supported by a workforce that continues to innovate and revitalise itself,” added Jeremy Ong, CEO of NTUC LearningHub.
As Aloft Singapore Novena crosses into its second year of operations this September, a focus on enriching guest engagement and experience through local connections has taken shape. Plans include strengthening its ongoing Live@Aloft signature music event that pledges to support local singers and songwriters and curating programmes that highlight the neighbourhood’s rich heritage.
General manager Tan Kim Seng told TTG Asia: “Enhancing our weekly hotel signature programme, Live@Aloft, will not only serve as a platform for emerging talent, but also provide a unique and evolving experience that resonates with our guests.”
At the same time, he intends to leverage on the hotel’s address in “a very Singaporean locale” to infuse “flavours of the community” into future guest programmes.
Tan sees possibilities of hosting events that introduce guests to Singapore’s cultural events, traditions and community lifestyle as well as connect travellers with residents around the area for authentic interactions.
“Through various collaborations and events in the pipeline, we aim to offer an authentic, hyper-local experience that appeals to both locals and tourists, ensuring that every stay at Aloft Singapore Novena is memorable and meaningful,” he stated.
By creating events that involve local merchants, artisans and people living in the neighbourhood, Tan believes that the hotel also fulfils its responsible and sustainable tourism development agenda.
At the same time, crafting a uniquely local experience at Aloft Singapore Novena also grants the property differentiated ammunition to compete against hotels in the prominent city centre areas.
Tan explained: “We are a lifestyle hotel that is hip and alive, and our market comprises people who want to experience the destination and the local community.
“We are in this flavourful part of Singapore, where locals come for their daily coffee and toast, and favourite chicken rice, bak kut teh (pork ribs soup) and old-school coffee blends sold in shops that have been around for generations. The mix of shops along these long streets are eclectic, from home tiles and furnishing to traditional cakes and foodstuff. There is the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall just next door to our hotel, and we have the Balestier Heritage Trail (set out by the National Heritage Board) on our doorstep.
“We have so much to offer right on the edge of the city centre, which also means guests enjoy prices that are a lot more accessible than what they would be charged in the prime city areas.”
He said the hotel strove to keep prices accessible to both travellers and locals. For example, a National Day special four-course set meal for two at the hotel is priced at S$59++ (US$45), with dishes comprising premium seafood. Regular set lunches are priced from S$26 per person. Dining deals are updated regularly, and are loved by residents in the area.
He acknowledged that Singapore’s destination marketers have taken the right approach to “addressing cost concerns by emphasising value and quality experiences”.
“In today’s competitive global market, travellers are increasingly looking for unique, immersive experiences that justify their spending. By highlighting Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and innovative dining and entertainment options, we can position the city not just as a destination, but as an experience that offers exceptional value for money,” Tan stated.