Matthew Smith has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Destination Asia.
He has been part of Destination Asia since his appointment in 2018, helping develop the key sectors of meetings and events, tailormade travel and cruise. His forward-thinking approach has helped strengthen Destination Asia’s footprint and been pivotal in driving innovation and growth within the company.
Guillaume Gallas has taken the reins of Mondrian Singapore Duxton.
Gallas has over twenty years of experience across numerous destinations, including London, Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macao, Beijing, and Sultanate of Oman.
Having worked with Alain Ducasse for seven years at the acclaimed Hotel de Paris in Monaco, and in London and Hong Kong, Gallas has a deep-rooted passion for all things culinary and has already been working with the Mondrian team on new menu offerings.
Three airlines will begin offering flights connecting Malaysia and South Korea to various Indonesian destinations starting in August.
Batik Air Malaysia will launch four new routes from Kuala Lumpur, flying twice weekly to Surabaya, and four times a week to Lombok from August 1. Meanwhile, the daily services to Padang and Pekanbaru will commence on August 10, operated on a Boeing 737-800 with 150 seats.
Super Air Jet will join the route expansion with a Kuala Lumpur-Banda Aceh service beginning August 3. The daily flight will be operated on an Airbus 320 aircraft, which carries up to 180 passengers.
Finally, Jeju Air will commence daily services from Incheon to Denpasar on October 27, serving up to 189 passengers per flight.
Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, expressed optimism that these new services will contribute greatly to Indonesia’s goal of boosting international arrivals to the country.
Speaking at the media briefing in Jakarta recently, Nisa Niscaya, senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, pointed out that the new air links are poised to drive a surge in tourism to Indonesia, with Bali set to benefit significantly from the growing South Korean market.
The routes will not only benefit Indonesia, but offer more options for Malaysia’s outbound travellers.
She highlighted the diverse appeal of Batik Air’s destinations, including Padang, which is a popular shopping destination for Malaysians, renowned for its embroidery.
Nia emphasised the crucial role of air connectivity in enhancing tourism for archipelagic countries like Indonesia, noting that approximately 70 per cent of foreign tourists arrive by air.
To capitalise on the benefits of these new routes, Nia stressed the importance of collaboration among the government, industry, and local communities to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success.
The Asia-Pacific luxury hotel landscape is already a crowded marketplace, yet competition continues to intensify as hospitality giants expand their portfolios to cater to the evolving demands of discerning high-net-worth individuals.
For example, Hilton already counts Waldorf Astoria and Conrad among its luxury brands, but announced at ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 that it was adding the NoMad, and Signia brands, to the luxury portfolio. Earlier in February, Hilton also partnered with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, adding another 400 boutique hotels to the portfolio.
Candice D’Cruz, vice president of luxury brands at Hilton, Asia Pacific, told TTG Asia: “Our expansion from three to five luxury brands allows us to cater to this evolving demand and increase our competitive edge.
“By introducing new brands and experiences, we can tap into niche segments and push the boundaries of luxury hospitality. The luxury market is expansive, allowing multiple brands to coexist and cater to different segments of discerning travellers, all of whom we remain committed to in meeting their evolving needs.”
NoMad, a joint venture with Sydell Group, represents Hilton’s entry into the luxury lifestyle segment, shared D’Cruz. The brand will be known for its exceptional culinary offerings, distinctive locally-inspired interior design, and impeccable service, and will rise in sought-after neighbourhoods across the globe.
Meanwhile, Signia will target active business travellers and meeting professionals that value technology, design, and premium amenities.
D’Cruz shared: “Hilton plans to expand NoMad and Signia in Asia-Pacific through a combination of new builds and conversions. The expansion will include both new constructions and conversions, with up to 100 NoMad properties projected globally, while Signia is currently exploring various opportunities in the region.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts is also investing in six of its luxury and lifestyle brands, which account for 22 per cent of its global pipeline, twice the amount five years ago.
Rajit Sukumaran, senior vice president & managing director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared with TTG Asia: “We have built up a strong presence in this segment in the region, with 45 per cent of the global luxury and lifestyle pipeline in Asia-Pacific. It is home to about 60 per cent of our InterContinental brand’s global pipeline, as well as iconic award-winning hotels across Six Senses and Regent.”
In August 2021, IHG launched Vignette Collection to complement its existing luxury and lifestyle portfolio. “As a collection brand, it appeals to owners of independent luxury and lifestyle properties seeking to tap into IHG’s enterprise systems, without the need for high upfront costs or compromise on a property’s unique character, style or name,” Sukumaran pointed out.
Vignette Collection has grown to 11 open hotels across nine countries globally, and IHG expects this collection to grow to more than 100 properties in the next seven years. This year, 13 properties are set to join the Collection, where Asia-Pacific properties include Dinso Resorts & Villas Phuket (which rebranded in April 2024), Shanghai Snow World, Rumah Luwih Bali, and Moire Hoi An.
Accor has a similar luxury collection brand, the Emblems Collection, that was also established in 2021. However, there are no open properties in Asia-Pacific at the moment.
Camille Lopeo, vice president global marketing, Emblems Collection, shared that “five flagship hotels have been signed in North America, Greece, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines”.
Although these projects remain confidential at press time, she believes that the “Emblems Collection will encapsulate up to 60 properties in the decade to come”.
“Emblems is a collection brand designed for independent hotelier visionaries who embrace collaboration and seek to elevate their property from neighbourhood hotel to destination landmark, while preserving the very essence of what makes their place exceptional,” she explained.
The brand welcomes conversions, as well as new builds, where partners can expect luxury experts (design, F&B, wellness, etc.), bespoke marketing content and a full sales, distribution and loyalty ecosystem.
Marriott International recently signed a hotel management agreement with SKS Group to open Courtyard by Marriott Subang in Selangor, slated to be operational in 2026.
This agreement will be the third collaboration between both companies, following the launch of Four Points by Sheraton Desaru in 2021 and the opening of Sheraton Johor Bahru next year.
Courtyard by Marriott Subang, part of a mixed-use development featuring retail spaces, will offer 280 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop pool, and event spaces when opened.
The hotel is located in Subang’s bustling economic zone, with leisure attractions nearby. It is just a five-minute drive from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport and 35 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport .
Andree Susilo, senior director, hotel development, Asia-Pacific, Marriott International, said: “Subang is flourishing, with increasing demand from both international and domestic travellers, making it an ideal fit for Courtyard by Marriott, where guests are offered everything they need while travelling for business or leisure.
“Our partnership with Marriott International cements our contribution to Subang’s appeal as a commercial and leisure destination with an array of our distinctive hospitality offerings. It sets the stage that will further propel the hotel industry to greater heights in Malaysia and underscores our shared vision and mutual dedication to provide exceptional hospitality experiences,” shared Meera Raj, head of hospitality, SKS Group.
Oceania Cruises has launched Oceania Insider Connect, a free trade solution powered by technology from Approach Guides to boost the sales and marketing efforts of its valued travel advisor partners.
Oceania Insider Connect offers two marketing solutions: the first is instantly brand-able marketing pages that showcase Oceania Cruises’ itineraries, onboard experiences, destinations, ships and latest promotions; and the second is a co-branded website with real-time pricing and availability, driving actionable leads directly to advisors.
In addition to pre-designed content experiences and offers using dynamic images and marketing, Oceania Insider Connect supports advisors with their marketing outreach, harnessing the power of AI to suggest social posts and client emails as well as creating dynamic QR codes linked back to an advisor’s own website.
Oceania Cruises’ sister brands, Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, are already experiencing success with their respective versions of this service – NCL Connect and Regent Connect. The programme continues to receive positive feedback, with travel partners stating that the ease and personalisation of the platform has helped them better engage their valued client base and sell more efficiently.
“As we prepare for further growth with the addition of our eighth ship, Allura, launching next summer, this tool will support our travel partners and our mutual success. Our trade partners are busier than ever and Oceania Insider Connect is exactly the type of innovative technology that will make it easy and efficient to cultivate their business,” said Jason Worth, vice president, international sales at Oceania Cruises.
“With Oceania Insider Connect, our esteemed travel advisors will be able to share the Oceania Cruises experience, increase their engagement and build long-lasting client relationships – all with less work and this free tool.”
Illumination’s Minion Land will open at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in 2025, transporting guests in South-east Asia to an immersive, new land inspired by Illumination’s beloved Despicable Me and Minions franchise.
Minion Land will feature multiple rides, including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and an all-new carousel exclusive to USS, Buggie Boogie, which features dance music remixed by the Minions, as well as a variety of themed retail and dining experiences.
Created in partnership between Universal Creative and RWS, Minion Land will comprise three distinct areas: Minion Marketplace, Gru’s Neighbourhood, and Super Silly Fun Land.
Minion Marketplace is the one-stop location to shop all things Minions including themed sweet treats and merchandise at three stores – Sweet Surrender, Pop Store and Fun Store.
Adjacent to Minion Marketplace is Gru’s Neighbourhood, where the former supervillain now lives with his family, and beneath their home lies Gru’s Lab and his loyal horde of Minions. This is where the popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem immersive motion simulator ride will be.
Super Silly Fun Land, the seaside carnival from Despicable Me, is right across the street from Minion Marketplace and Gru’s Neighbourhood. Guests can look forward to the Buggie Boogie, the first-ever Minion dance party-themed carousel; Silly Swirly, spinning and soaring through the sky in colourful vehicles while catching views of Super Silly Fun Land and the lagoon; dining at the Super Hungry Food Stand restaurant; indulge in Minion-inspired popcorn flavours; have a go at the Space Killer game booth; and flip bananas at the Ba-Na-Na CaBaNa! for a chance to win prizes.
In addition, there are plenty of fun photo opportunities with the Minions.
“We are thrilled to bring Illumination’s Minion Land to Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa and transport fans in South-east Asia into the world of Illumination’s globally popular Despicable Me franchise,” said Lee Shi Ruh, president of RWS. “With its exciting line up of attractions, retail, and dining – some of which are exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore – Minion Land is poised to be a popular draw for both local and overseas visitors alike.”
Page Thompson, president of New Ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, shared: “The Minions are such well-loved characters and this newest land builds on the incredible storytelling from the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, brought to life in an exciting, immersive theme park setting. Guests are going to love this new addition.”
Angsana Quan Lan, Vietnam
Nestled in Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay, Angsana Quan Lan boasts 156 rooms and suites offering views of the Gulf of Tonkin. Onsite are three dining venues, spa, rooftop mini-golf course, outdoor lagoon-shaped pool, indoor swimming pool, and event venues.
Angsana Quan Lan also features Vietnam’s first and only coastal zipline integrated into a resort, as well as direct access to Son Hao Beach, ideal for various water sports and activities.
Mercure Kuala Lumpur Trion, Malaysia
Mercure Kuala Lumpur Trion offers 228 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, swimming pool, sundeck pool café, gym and function rooms. Committed to sustainability, the hotel adheres to a zero single-use plastic policy, utilising disposable paper amenities, reusable soap bottles and 3M water filtration.
Located within the Trion @ Kuala Lumpur complex, which includes serviced apartments and retail shops, guestst at Mercure Kuala Lumpur Trion can easily access shopping destinations and the Chan Sow Lin LRT station.
SureStay by Best Western Bangkok Ramintra, Thailand
SureStay by Best Western Bangkok Ramintra features 80 loft-style rooms, all equipped with modern features and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Facilities include a restaurant, coffee shop, gym, and meeting room.
The hotel is located on the main Ratchada-Ramintra Road in the city’s Khan Na Yao district, just a short drive from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports, and a few minutes away from the city’s MRT subway network at Nopparat Station.
Sheraton Lanzhou Anning, China
The 354-key Sheraton Lanzhou Anning offers facilities such as social spaces, dining options, club lounge, and event venues.
There is also the Sheraton Club, an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and guests staying at Executive Floor, which features curated F&B offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity, and more.
Situated in the heart of Lanzhou’s Anning District in China, the hotel is approximately 55km from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and about six kilometres from Lanzhou West Railway Station. Guests can easily visit historical and cultural attractions such as the Gansu Provincial Museum and the Zhongshan Bridge during their stay.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is expanding its footprint in Japan with the signing of a strategic partnership with Tokyu Hotels that will result in its first Kyoto property. The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto Tokyu, A Pan Pacific Hotel will join the PPHG portfolio come January 2025.
The 143-room hotel, which recently celebrated its second anniversary, features a design that draws inspiration from the calming flow of the nearby Shirakawa River. Its location allows hotel guests to enjoy easy access to many local attractions.
PPHG has an existing partnership with Tokyu Hotels through Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel and Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel, both located in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Jun Murai, representative director and president, Tokyu Hotels & Resorts Co., said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Pan Pacific Hotels Group for the third property, following the two hotels that opened in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower last year. We feel that the core values and vision of Pan Pacific Hotels Group align closely with our company’s purpose and philosophy, and by combining the strengths of both companies, we will be able to develop an even better brand for our guests and the local community.”
Murai added that the partnership would allow The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto Tokyu, A Pan Pacific Hotel to offer a wider welcome to the world and introduce the charms of Kyoto to more travellers.
Choe Peng Sum, chief executive officer of PPHG, underlined the strong tourism potential of Japan. He said: “JNTO recently announced that visitor arrivals into Japan from January to June 2024 increased by 65.9 per cent to 17.8 million over the same period last year, with the monthly figure for June 2024 hitting an all-time high of 3.14 million.”
He added that Kyoto itself was “consistently ranked within the top five most visited cities in Japan”.
Altabriza Resort Boracay welcomes Teody Espallardo back as director of sales and marketing, who had previously served in the same position at sister properties Altamare Dive and Leisure Resort Anilao in Batangas and Altaroca Mountain Resort in Antipolo.