TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Sunday, 21st December 2025
Page 29

St Regis Maldives serves up Tastemaker Series

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The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has launched The Tastemaker Series, a new line-up of curated experiences starting in 4Q2025.

The programme brings together chefs, mixologists, wellness practitioners, and global tastemakers for a series of dining, wellness, and mixology events.

World-class chefs take centre stage at The Tastemaker Series, bringing culinary artistry to the Maldives

The inaugural series runs from October 20 to December 19, 2025. Highlights include a chef Jolly pop-up featuring contemporary interpretations of Indian cuisine, chef Alexander Herrmann, a two-Michelin-starred German chef, from November 12 to 14, and French pastry chef Gregory Doyen from December 10 to 11.

The resort will also host wine dinners, including the Marco Felluga Wine Dinner on October 24 and 25 with sixth-generation winemaker Ilaria Felluga, and a François Labet Wine Dinner later in the season.

Wellness offerings include Pilates programmes with Tash & Andre from November 3 to 16, holistic therapies with Tricia Tee from December 1 to 18, and personalised fitness sessions with Jono Castano on December 17 and 18.

Evenings at The Whale Bar feature mixology takeovers, with London’s Satan’s Whiskers on December 4 and 5 and Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour on November 17 and 18.

Set on a private island, the resort features 77 villas with ocean or jungle views, personalised St Regis Butler Service, and yachting experiences aboard the resort’s private Azimut Flybridge.

The Tastemaker Series offers guests a journey through culinary creativity, wellness, and mixology in the Maldives.

For more information, visit St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

High-value markets, digital innovation drive tourism growth in Asia-Pacific: study

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Simon-Kucher & Partners’s latest Asia-Pacific Travel Trends Report 2026 has painted a positive outlook for travel and tourism in the region.

Sharing data-backed findings at ITB Asia’s Knowledge Theatre on October 15, Lovrenc Kessler, managing director and partner, noted that while the Middle East has surpassed pre-Covid visitor arrivals by 40 per cent, Asia-Pacific remains behind in volume. Yet, Asia-Pacific leads in value, with traveller spending per trip rising sharply.

Lovrenc Kessler highlights Asia-Pacific’s rise as a high-value travel market, with spending, sustainability, and AI adoption driving future growth; photo by Stephanie Zheng

“Asia-Pacific has become the heavy spender,” he said, highlighting the increase in actual spend per tourist as optimistic signals for the years ahead.

Domestic travel remains the largest segment, but regional travel is expected to nearly double by 2030, particularly within North-east Asia, where cross-border movement is projected to rise from eight per cent to 12 per cent. This reflects stronger connectivity and growing middle-class purchasing power.

Luxury travel continues to dominate growth, followed by mid and upscale tiers, supported by the region’s healthy hotel development pipeline.

At the same time, travellers are prioritising experiences over material goods. This trend is visible across three decades of consumer data, as travellers seek quality time with loved ones and unique, localised adventures.

Asian travellers also show a stronger desire for novelty: only 10 per cent of Chinese respondents said they would revisit the same destination, compared to nearly 50 per cent of Europeans.

A surprising find from the study is a strong leaning towards eco-friendly travel – around 80 per cent of Indian and 75 per cent of Chinese travellers are willing to pay at least 10 per cent more for eco-friendly options. This outpaces Western markets.

The report also determined that digital transformation remains a defining force. More than 70 per cent of Asia-Pacific travellers already use AI tools for itinerary planning and translation. Kessler noted two key fronts of adoption: externally, to enhance personalisation and user experience; and internally, to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

He concluded that agility and ecosystem collaboration will shape the next phase of recovery. As travellers become more discerning, tourism players must dynamically balance pricing, capacity, and channel strategy, optimising between OTAs and direct sales, while embedding sustainability and technology at the core of their growth plans.

Vietnam takes firm steps towards medical tourism development

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Vietnam is eyeing a slice of the estimated US$80 billion global medical tourism pie, after authorities inked a deal to develop a roadmap to position the nation as a healthcare tourism hub by 2030.

At the 19th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed an MoU to develop medical tourism between 2025 and 2030.

HCMC Department of Tourism’s Le Troung Hien Hoa says Vietnam is poised to grow its dental and cosmetic tourism sector, with Ho Chi Minh City leading the way

Minister of tourism, Nguyen Van Hung, said developing medical tourism would diversify Vietnam’s tourism portfolio. Efforts will include developing medical tourism, especially in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), as well as wellness tourism concepts that are centred around the country’s natural resources.

He noted that under the MoU, regulations in line with international standards will be developed, as well as high-quality medical facilities.

Le Troung Hien Hoa, deputy director of HCMC Department of Tourism, told TTG Asia that dental and cosmetic tourism in Vietnam are gaining traction, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, among Asian and Australian markets.

“We see a lot of potential to explore in this area, but we need regulations, which we are working on. We want to mainly focus on building Vietnam’s dental and cosmetic surgery offerings,” he said.

Giang Nguyen, sales and marketing manager at Benh Vien Rang Ham Mat Saigon dental hospital, noted a steadily rising number of patients from Japan, Australia and the US.

“They usually combine (treatment) with a one- to two-week holiday,” she said. “There is a lot of potential in Vietnam to grow this sector.”

However, Marie Kaalund Winther, managing director of Lotus Rejser in Denmark, said it may be difficult to lure Europeans.

“I think it would be difficult to gain trust from European markets, plus we have many affordable and reliable dental options much closer to home, such as Turkey and Hungary,” she opined.

Philippine tourism turns to local market amid declining international arrivals

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The Philippines is increasingly turning to its domestic tourism market to sustain growth amid a continued drop in foreign arrivals, particularly from key markets such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan.

Data from the Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) showed that foreign arrivals between January and September fell by 2.37 per cent to 4.33 million, with all three markets posting double-digit declines.

The surge in domestic tourism is helping sustain the Philippines’ travel industry amid declining foreign arrivals; travellers heading across the islands at Cebu Port, pictured; photo by MDV Edwards

In contrast, domestic tourism remains robust, with Leechiu Property Consultants projecting 58.7 million local trips this year as Filipinos increasingly choose to travel within the country and explore lesser-known destinations.

The strength of domestic travel was reflected in last month’s Philippine Travel Mart, where new destinations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao participated, many for the first time, to cater to growing demand, said Philippine Tour Operators Association president Arjun Shroff.

Hotel Sales and Marketing Association president Loleth So added that the association’s month-long September Online Sale (SOS) has generated 122.5 million pesos (US$2.2 million) in revenue over the past five years to 2024.

Started during the pandemic, SOS has become a platform that “has witnessed the survival, revival and growth of tourism, thanks in large measure to domestic travellers”, she said.

Colliers Philippines research director Joey Roi Bondoc observed: “The domestic market will likely help fill the void left by the plummeting South Korean and Chinese tourists so it’s pivotal for hotel operators and other leisure-related businesses to continue innovating to corner the local market’s expansion.”

“Hotel demand will continue to be driven by domestic tourists and business travellers. The latter is partly lifted by sustained demand for MICE facilities. Occupancy was stable in the first half of 2025, supported by demand from domestic tourists and in-person events. By end-2025, we project occupancy to remain below pre-pandemic levels as foreign arrivals continue to lag versus DoT’s forecast,” Bondoc added.

Korean tourism start-ups show up at Travel Tech Asia

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Korean tourism start-ups aiming to gain a footprint in the Thai market are among the first-time exhibitors at Travel Tech Asia this year, following the opening of a Korea Tourism Startup Center (KTSC) in Bangkok in December 2024.

An initiative of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO), KTSCs helps innovative travel companies attract global investment, build international networks and expand market research, with one launched in Singapore in 2022 and Tokyo in 2023.

KTO highlights Korean travel technology and start-ups at Travel Tech Asia; photo by Kathryn Wortley

At KTSC Bangkok, the start-ups benefit from access to partnership opportunities at regional and global expositions and demo days. They are also involved in proof-of-concept opportunities and customised localisation strategies to thrive in the Thai market.

Among those related to KTSC Bangkok that are exhibiting at Travel Tech Asia this week in Singapore are Alicorn and Gadget Korea.

Alicorn specialises in AI-based automated space and operation technology, supporting hotels with workspaces to accommodate travellers on workation or bleisure trips, while Gadget Korea operates an e-SIM-based data roaming platform, providing travellers with access to mobile networks in approximately 200 countries.

“KTO’s mission is to support the development of (South) Korea’s tourism industry. As part of that mission, we started to support Korean start-ups related to travel. Their expansion overseas can help more foreign tourists to visit (South) Korea,” said Jeong Da Wa, deputy director of the Singapore office for KTO.

Da Wa said Bangkok’s proximity to South Korea makes it an attractive market in which to support Korean travel start-ups expand, both in Thailand and on the world stage.

Mövenpick marks 10 years of global Kilo of Kindness campaign

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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its global charity campaign, Kilo of Kindness, running from October 13 to November 14, 2025.

More than 70 Mövenpick properties in nearly 30 countries will collect food, clothing, educational supplies, and essential items for local charity partners, inviting guests, staff, and nearby communities to take part.

Mövenpick celebrates ten years of its global Kilo of Kindness initiative, uniting guests and communities in support of local charities

First launched in 2015, Kilo of Kindness began with the idea that a single kilo can make a difference. Since then, it has gathered more than 100,000 kilogrammes of donations, supporting hundreds of non-governmental organisations and benefiting communities worldwide. At the heart of the campaign are Mövenpick’s guests and staff, whose ongoing contributions have supported children’s education and families in need.

To mark the anniversary, Mövenpick is highlighting ten stories from its hotels around the world, showing how the initiative has supported education, families, and basic needs through simple acts of giving. One of the featured stories comes from Mövenpick Hotel Auckland in the Pacific region.

The 2025 edition coincides with World Kindness Week and reinforces Mövenpick’s long-term focus on creating meaningful connections and social impact. Guests and locals can participate by bringing donations such as non-perishable food, books, toys, and clothing to any participating Mövenpick hotel lobby between October 13 and November 14, 2025, with all items distributed to local charities.

“10 years of Kilo of Kindness is a celebration of what can be achieved when generosity becomes a shared purpose,” said Benoît Racle, global brand president, premium, Accor.

“At Mövenpick, we believe that kindness is more than a gesture – it is a part of who we are every day. This milestone reflects not only the kilos donated but the communities uplifted, the lives touched, and the spirit of togetherness that defines our brand.”

New hotels: The Okura Tokyo, Brij Sone Bagh and more

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The Okura Tokyo

The Okura Tokyo, Japan
The Okura Tokyo has reopened following a major transformation, offering 508 rooms across two wings: the 41-storey Okura Prestige Tower with 368 rooms and panoramic city views, and the 17-storey Okura Heritage Wing with 140 rooms overlooking the Okura Garden.

The hotel features banquet and convention facilities, spa and fitness amenities including a 25m indoor pool, and five restaurants serving Japanese, French, teppanyaki, and Chinese cuisine, including the hotel’s own Wagyu, Okura Beef.

Located in Minato-ku, the hotel is close to landmarks such as the National Art Centre, Roppongi, and historic Akasaka, offering access to Tokyo’s cultural, political, and entertainment hubs while providing a tranquil retreat. Guests can enjoy cultural experiences including private Noh theatre performances, artisan craft workshops, tea ceremonies, and guided architectural tours.

Brij Sone Bagh

Brij Sone Bagh, India
Brij Sone Bagh, a new luxury retreat by Brij Hotels, has opened in the Vindhya Hills, Madhya Pradesh, set across around 13 hectares. of forest near Bandhavgarh National Park. The property comprises five villas, each offering private plunge pools, expansive verandas, and forest views.

Located five minutes from the main gate of Bandhavgarh National Park and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Jabalpur Airport, the retreat provides direct access to tiger safaris, walking trails, tribal villages, and the 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort.

Onsite facilities include a pool, the Elephant Bar, and dining experiences featuring locally sourced and seasonal cuisine. Guests can participate in guided safaris, nature walks, cultural workshops, and immersive slow-travel experiences that highlight the region’s wildlife, heritage, and crafts.

Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo

Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo, Japan
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo. The 195-room hotel is steps from Kayabacho and Nihonbashi subway stations, with easy access to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Ginza, and both Haneda and Narita airports.

Guestrooms range from 22m² to 54m², with suites including in-room washers and dryers, and the hotel features a fitness centre.

At the heart of the hotel is Talk Shop, an all-day social space serving craft burgers, salads, desserts, coffee, beer, and cocktails, while also hosting cultural programmes and workshops open to guests and locals. A 24/7 grab-and-go Market offers ready-to-eat items and curated products from Nihonbashi heritage brands.

The hotel provides self-service check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and TV streaming.

The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Australia
The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, has opened in Launceston, Tasmania, within a National Trust-listed building dating to 1847. The four-storey property offers 38 rooms, including self-contained apartments and king suites, and is located near the CBD, with easy access to Cataract Gorge, Seaport precinct, UTAS Stadium, City Park, and the Tamar Valley wine region.

The hotel combines sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, double glazing, full insulation, and solar technology. Guest amenities include a fitness centre, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, onsite parking, elevators, and an EV charging station.

Alma Resort launches nature-focused kids camp

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Alma Resort in Cam Ranh, Vietnam has introduced Alma Discovery Camp, a new educational and recreational experience designed to connect children with nature, farm animals, and sustainable agriculture.

Aimed at kids aged four to 14, the camp features interactive farm visits, hands-on feeding activities, and a dedicated museum showcasing Vietnam’s agricultural heritage.

Alma Discovery Camp invites young explorers to dig into nature, meet friendly farm animals, and uncover Vietnam’s agricultural roots

Children can pet and feed animals including cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits, and explore exhibits on local produce such as coconut, coffee, rice, and pepper. Each child receives a certificate of completion and a traditional Vietnamese conical hat as a keepsake.

The camp also includes food sampling of local delicacies like dried mangoes, coconut cookies, Vietnamese coffee, and rice cakes.

Alma Discovery Camp complements the resort’s wide range of family-friendly facilities, including a water park, cinema, themed kids’ rooms, and culinary workshops.

For more information, visit Alma Resort.

InterContinental Bali Resort names new resort manager

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InterContinental Bali Resort has appointed Abdul Hafid bin Mohamed Gaus as resort manager.

A Singapore native with over 20 years of experience across Asia, Hafid has held leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Shangri-La Jakarta, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, and Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa.

He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.

Gautam Bhandari leads as Marriott International’s APEC chief development officer

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Marriott International has appointed Gautam Bhandari as chief development officer for Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), effective January 1, 2026.

Bhandari, who joined Marriott in 2007, brings over two decades of leadership experience across revenue management, operations, sales, marketing, and development. He currently serves as senior vice president, development and operations, overseeing Marriott’s Premium and Select brands in Singapore and the Maldives.

In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Based in Singapore, Bhandari succeeds Shawn Hill, who will assume the role of executive vice president and chief development officer, global, for Marriott International in early 2026.