TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 8th April 2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Thailand pivots to regional tourism hub
TTG Asia | WebBeds appoints new Asia-Pacific president
TTG Asia | BBTF 2026 to focus on gastronomy and destination readiness
Page 281

Singapore to develop first-of-its-kind certified travel professional programme

By TTG Asia
0

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 collaboration will see NTUC LearningHub and NATAS co-develop the Certified Travel Professional programme

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

By TTG Asia
0

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.

From left: UFC’s Leanne Chu and Kevin Chang, and Galaxy Entertainment Group’s Kevin Kelley and Jeffrey Jiang

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

By TTG Asia
0

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.

Kai Tak Mall in Hong Kong will house the first overseas Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park; Tokyo Joypolis, pictured

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

By TTG Asia
0

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.

Sail onboard Silver Muse from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City and onwards to Hong Kong, Jeju, Seoul, Kagoshima and Tokyo

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

By TTG Asia
0

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

By Anne Somanas
0

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.

Members of Thai parliament have elected a new prime minister as of today; Sappaya-Sapasathan – The New Parliament house of Thailand, pictured

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

By TTG Asia
0

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.

TNZ aims to highlight the after-dark dining experience to boost inbound tourism; Amisfield Bistro, pictured (Photo: Miles Holden)

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

By TTG Asia
0

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.

The Grand Hotel Leicester will be rebranded as The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection

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.

SHATEC to cease pre-employment training, turns focus on continuous education and training

By TTG Asia
0

The Singapore Hotel Association’s (SHA) training arm, SHATEC, will be making a strategic move away from pre-employment training (PET) and will focus primarily on its continuing education and training (CET) programmes.

SHATEC will work closely with partners, such as Workforce Singapore, on its new focus to reskill and upskill the existing individuals in the tourism and hospitality sectors with in-demand skills, such as sustainability and digital fluency, outlined in the Jobs Transformation Map for the Hotel Industry.

Li: nurturing talents to serve hotels of tomorrow

Through this collaboration, SHATEC aims to strengthen the career health of these individuals and contribute to a fulfilled and resilient workforce.

In September, SHATEC will be receiving its last intake of PET students. Concurrently, SHATEC will, in consultation with the industry, continue with its CET programmes to upskill, deep-skill and reskill the hotel workforce to enable them to thrive and advance their careers.

“As we embark on the journey of job transformation for hotels, it is a natural progression for SHATEC to assume an elevated role in nurturing talents to serve hotels of tomorrow,” said SHA president Kenneth Li.

Dusit Thani College to host PATA Youth Symposium & Career Fair

By TTG Asia
0

PATA’s inaugural Youth Symposium & Career Fair will be held on August 27 at Dusit Thani College in Bangkok, Thailand.

This event is held in conjunction with PATA Travel Mart 2024 and the 25th anniversary of the association’s establishment in Thailand.

Attendees at the PATA Youth Symposium 2024 held in Macau on May 16

The one-day programme will be filled with interactive activities and feature a special career fair segment offering students the chance to explore various career paths and meet experts in their fields of interest. Seven leading organisations from the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism sector, including Dusit Careers, Khiri Travel, Rama Gardens Hotel Bangkok, and Travel Compositor, will be part of the event.

The upcoming event will be held at Srinakarin Hall located on the campus of Dusit Thani College, an educational institution renowned for shaping generations of talent in hotel management, culinary arts, and business administration.

PATA Youth Symposium & Career Fair will feature presentations addressing insightful topics, and participants will have the opportunity to engage in roundtable discussions, panel discussion, and more.

Following these sessions, recruiters from various organisations will present available career opportunities within the sector. These include DTH Travel Thailand, Dusit Careers, Khiri Travel, Navigate Journeys, Rama Gardens Hotel Bangkok, SO/ Bangkok, Travel Compositor, to name some.

“We are witnessing a new era of young trailblazers whose passion and dedication are set to revolutionise the tourism industry,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “To support their journey, it is essential to bridge the gap between their potential and the workforce opportunities available to them. The PATA Youth Symposium is crafted with this purpose in mind. It will not only broaden young people’s understanding of the current tourism job market through professional presentations and mentorship sessions but will also offer practical opportunities through the career fair.”

Dusit Thani College’s dean of hospitality management program Simon Lloyd added: “Creating a strong network amongst students and a space where they can share, build and shape their ideas is vital for an innovative and sustainable tourism industry. The PATA Youth Symposium & Career Fair is an important platform to create a safe space for students to challenge the status quo and share their ambitions for the future.”

Interested parties may register for the PATA Youth Symposium & Career Fair here.

1...280281282...2,911Page 281 of 2,911

Tried and Tested

What to Buy Now

 
Subscribe To
Advertise With Us
 
Asia-Pacific's Leading Travel Trade Business Resource Since 1974

  • All Rights Reserved

Copyright TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2025-2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Thailand pivots to regional tourism hub
TTG Asia | WebBeds appoints new Asia-Pacific president
TTG Asia | BBTF 2026 to focus on gastronomy and destination readiness