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.
Galaxy Macau to host UFC Fight Night Macau in November
Galaxy Macau has signed an agreement with premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation, UFC, to host the UFC Fight Night Macau on November 23 at the Galaxy Arena in Macau.
This global MMA event marks UFC’s return to Macau after a decade, making it a major sporting highlight for Macau and Greater China this year.
Under the theme of Tourism + Sports, this collaboration aims to enhance Macau’s reputation as a “City of Sports”, attracting sports enthusiasts from around the world to this ideal travel destination.
Since entering Asia in 2010, Macau has been a stronghold for UFC. The city hosted three Fight Nights in 2012 and 2014. This upcoming event marks UFC’s return to Greater China after four years.
With the Greater Bay Area co-hosting the 2025 National Games, this collaboration between Galaxy Arena and UFC is of great significance. Galaxy Macau aims to showcase Macau’s unique geographical location, rich tourism resources, and strong sports enthusiasm to visiting spectators, continuously promoting the integrated development of sports and tourism in Macau.
Kevin Kelley, COO of Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group, highlighted the return of the UFC event back to Macau as a prestigious addition to Galaxy Macau’s growing portfolio of international sports events which includes the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2024 and The Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macao.
UFC senior vice president and head of Asia Kevin Chang expressed his excitement: “We are ecstatic to be back at this incredible destination city. Our last UFC event here was a decade ago in 2014, and since then, our brand has grown by leaps and bounds. We are proud to partner with Galaxy Macau and can’t wait to put on an electrifying show at the state-of-the-art Galaxy Arena to the delight of fans across the region.”
Japan’s Joypolis theme park debuts first overseas flagship in Hong Kong
The Kai Tak Mall, part of the Kai Tak Sports Park family, will be home to CA Sega Joypolis’ first flagship outside Japan, Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park.
As the operator of Japan’s largest indoor amusement park Tokyo Joypolis, CA Sega Joypolis has over 20 years of experience in operating entertainment facilities. In its efforts to expand its global footprint, CA Sega Joypolis has authorised the launch of the first Joypolis Sports flagship outside Japan – a new sports-themed park.
Located in Hong Kong, this flagship spans five storeys and nearly 2,787m², features over 20 attractions that blend latest technology with innovative entertainment, and is poised to become Hong Kong’s most eagerly awaited new sportainment attraction.
Each floor of the Joypolis Sports Hong Kong flagship showcases a unique theme that combines play and sports. It comprises three key themed zones: Ninja Dojo, for modern ninja training; Sonic the Hedgehog Themed Interactive Playground – The First Sonic Stadium; and Future Arena, for sports and innovative entertainment.
In keeping with the Tokyo Joypolis culture, Joypolis Sports will also regularly collaborate with popular Japanese brands and IPs to launch exclusive events, featuring limited merchandise and souvenirs.
On the top floor is the Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon restaurant and bar that blends sports elements with popular IPs. It features a semi-alfresco dining area with a view of the main stadium. Aligning with the Kai Tak Sports Park theme, the restaurant offers healthy options and limited themed meals like muscle-building dishes, vegetarian meals, and energy shakes. In the evening, it transforms into a stylish bar, providing an interactive space for spectators and event participants.
Takeshi Yoshimoto, CEO of CA Sega Joypolis, said: “Opening the first authorised JOYPOLIS SPORTS flagship outside Japan in Hong Kong is a significant step in our global expansion. We selected Kai Tak Sports Park and its Kai Tak Mall for its excellent location and first-class facilities, which are sure to attract many local and international visitors. We believe this new indoor amusement park will bring unprecedented entertainment experiences and surprises to all visitors.”
“Our goal is to become the leading sports social platform, and we believe the Joypolis Sports Hong Kong flagship will set off a new wave of sportainment excitement across the city,” shared Andrew Tsui, general manager of Joypolis Sports Hong Kong.
Save on cruise getaways with Silversea
Silversea has introduced its Save. Indulge. Explore. cruise promotion, offering savings of US$3,000 per suite on Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port all-inclusive fares, with a reduced deposit of just 15 per cent from now to October 31.
The promotion is applicable for a selection of Japan voyages, including the 10-day Tokyo to Yokohama sailing from September 26 to October 6; and the 16-day Singapore to Tokyo cruise from March 6 to 22, 2025.
Beyond Japan, other voyages comprise the seven-day Vancouver to Seward itinerary, sailing from July 24 to 31, 2025; and the six-day King George Island to King George Island cruise from February 13 to 19, 2026.
Foodies can also delight in Silversea’s S.A.L.T (Sea And Land Taste) culinary programme which enables guests to join in hands-on culinary workshops with renowned local chefs at selected shore excursions and indulge in destination-specific curated menus onboard.
For more information, visit Silversea Cruises.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas welcomes new area GM
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has appointed Torsten Richter as the property’s general manager and the area general manager of Indonesia and Malaysia.
He will oversee other Minor properties such as Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.
With a career spanning three decades in the hospitality industry, Richter is renowned for his proficiency in managing both resorts and city hotels, having held leadership positions in several major destinations worldwide, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Germany, the US and the UK. He most recently served as the multi-property general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Hotel Am Steinplatz Autograph Collection in Berlin, Germany.
Uncertainty looms over Thai tourism policies after PM reshuffle
Thailand’s tourism policies face uncertainty following the forced resignation of prime minister Srettha Thavisin on August 14. The new government, led by new prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, must now decide whether to continue the tourism policies of the previous administration.
According to Thai law, ongoing policies with approved budgets will continue to be implemented, regardless of the change in leadership. However, proposed initiatives whose budgets have not yet been approved will depend on the new administration’s priorities.
Paetongtarn, who is also the deputy chair of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, has been instrumental in efforts to establish the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA). The agency organised the THACCA Splash: Soft Power Forum hosted at the end of June 2024, a three-day event hosted at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to alert local Thais to 11 elements of soft power inherent in Thai culture.
Somjai Phagaphasvivat, a political and economic analyst, believes that the Pheu Thai Party, which leads the coalition government, will maintain significant influence.
“Under a new government with the same coalition parties, the continuity of government policies, including the digital wallet, Ignite Thailand, and other projects, will remain intact,” he stated to local news Bangkok Post earlier this week.
Speaking after the court’s decision, Srettha told CNN he had “performed his duty as best he could” and accepted the verdict. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether his policies would continue under the new administration.
Under his IGNITE Thailand strategy announced in April 2024, Srettha aimed to increase foreign investment and establish the country as a hub for eight industries: tourism, wellness and medicine, aviation, logistics, agriculture and food, future mobility, digital economy and finance. He is credited with broadening visa-free entry policies and planning to host significant events to stimulate economic growth.
Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, emphasised the crucial role of political stability in the tourism sector. Speaking to Bangkok Biz News, he noted that Thailand had already welcomed 20 million foreign visitors by July. To meet the year-end target, the country must reach 30 million visitors by October, enabling Thailand to attract an additional six million tourists during the high season in the final two months.
He stressed: “The government has a big task to attract foreign tourists to reach the target of 36.7 million this year. It is crucial to stimulate these numbers through real sector operators – not just organising events – because there is a problem of tourists’ purchasing power decreasing due to geopolitical problems and the slowdown of the global economy.”
Paetongtarn was elected to position by the House of Representatives on August 16. At age 37, she becomes Thailand’s youngest and second female leader.
Tourism New Zealand spotlights dining under the stars experiences
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) recently hosted international tastemakers at ‘the restaurant with the most stars’ to put New Zealand’s night skies and world class cuisine on the map, part of its new strategy aimed at growing off-peak, year-round visitation and helping tourism continue to thrive as a vital export for the country.
This unique restaurant experience of dining under the starry skies of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill) at the foothills of the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island is called Pou-o-kai, created by New Zealand chef Ben Bayly, renowned for pioneering Kiwi cuisine globally.
Guests from Australia, China, India, Japan, North America, the UK, Germany, Singapore and South Korea were treated to a bespoke six-course degustation menu under the destination’s dark skies. Meticulously crafted using the finest winter produce and native ingredients, the menu celebrated the diverse array of ingredients available to manuhiri (visitors) throughout New Zealand.
Bayly will rotate select dishes from the menu across his New Zealand restaurants (Ahi, Aosta, Origine, Little Aosta, The Bathhouse) in Auckland, Queenstown and Arrowtown through to August 2025.
To support the campaign, a suite of assets for travel trade will be made available to promote dining and stargazing experiences across New Zealand. This includes a product manual, 10-day itinerary and training videos centred around stargazing, wellness, food and wine, and accommodation. These assets will be available in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Korean. The product manual is also available in Thai and Bahasa Indonesia.
René de Monchy, chief executive, TNZ, said: “Set in New Zealand’s winter, this event celebrates Aotearoa New Zealand as a culinary destination and showcases it as a compelling destination for international visitors all-year round. Deeply rooted in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), Aotearoa New Zealand’s food identity honours both people and place, resulting in a distinct agricultural richness and vibrant, culinary culture.”
“We think that New Zealand cuisine is in a category of its own – we call it superior cuisine, worth a journey to the edge of the earth,” explained Bayly.
S Hotels & Resorts, Ascott to advance The Unlimited Collection in the UK
S Hotels & Resorts (SHR) has partnered with The Ascott Limited (Ascott) to reposition SHR properties in Edinburgh and Leicester under The Unlimited Collection brand.
As part of the strategic move, Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel and The Grand Hotel Leicester will be rebranded under The Unlimited Collection, and will mark the Europe debut of The Unlimited Collection brand, which originates from Singapore.
SHR has identified two hotels from its 26-strong UK portfolio for conversion into The Unlimited Collection, joining a curated selection of independent hotels in vibrant neighbourhoods that feature exquisite designs and fulfil travellers’ aspirations for authenticity and immersive local cultural experiences.
By the end of 2024, the 169-key Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel in Scotland will be rebranded as Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection, while the 104-key The Grand Hotel Leicester will be known as The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection from 2Q2025 after undergoing refurbishment.
“These iconic buildings play a pivotal role in our UK strategy, and I am confident that, under The Unlimited Collection umbrella, they will fully realise their potential as investment properties. Looking ahead, we anticipate expanding our partnership with Ascott to include hotels in two additional key UK cities,” said Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts.
“Ascott is honoured that the owners have identified two of their iconic hotels to be part of The Unlimited Collection. We will leverage Ascott’s established conversion capabilities to swiftly bring both hotels to market while preserving their original characters,” commented Kevin Goh, CEO for Ascott and Lodging, CapitaLand Investment.
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.”