Indonesian landmark undergoes revamp to become world-class event venue
The Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex (GBK), a legendary landmark in Jakarta, is undergoing a transformation to elevate its status to become a leading regional sports hub as well as cultural, entertainment, education and tourism destination in South-east Asia.
Since its opening in 1960, when it hosted the 1962 Asian Games, GBK has also housed countless prestigious events, including the recent Asian Games, Asian Para Games, FIFA U-17 World Cup, and concerts by global superstars Blackpink and Coldplay.
In October 2025, GBK will host the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2025, where 70 countries are expected to participate.
In a dialogue with Jakarta hospitality and travel media recently, Rakhmadi Kusumo (Adi), president director of the GBK Complex Management Centre shared that the venue was poised to become a world-class destination beyond sporting events.
He said: “We want to be more than a domestic leader – our goal is to establish GBK as a global player for sports, arts, culture, music, education and business.”
To achieve this, GBK Management Centre is studying successful international sports complexes, with Singapore Sports Hub serving as a key benchmark.
As a government asset worth 348 trillion rupiah (US$21.8 billion, based on 2020 valuation), the GBK complex spans 279 hectares of land in Jakarta’s city centre, making it not only the oldest but also the biggest sports hub in South-east Asia.
Eighty-four per cent of the complex is an open green area, home to rare species of trees and 22 species of birds.
The GBK complex is divided into three primary zones: sports (53 per cent), commercial (25 per cent), with the remainder for government buildings.
The Sports zone houses the main stadium, secondary stadium, soccer field, swimming stadium, athletic stadium, courts for tennis, basketball, hockey and baseball, gymnasium halls and an archery facility.
The commercial area takes in hotels such as Fairmont Jakarta, Hotel Mulia Senayan, The Sultan Hotel & Residence, Harris Hotel FX Sudirman and Artotel Gelora Senayan, as well as major shopping malls and restaurants.
Extensive renovations of the sports facilities started in 2018 for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games. The Jakarta Convention Centre, revamped for the 46th ASEAN Summit last year, is in the process of a management take-over from Singgasana Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, Artotel Gelora Senayan is undergoing a complete overhaul, while plans to revitalise Block 15, home to The Sultan Hotel and Residence, will commence once legal issues with the hotel management are resolved.
Taking inspiration from Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, the revitalised space aims to accommodate international events and meet the need for open-space public activities.
Other plans by GBK Management Centre include developing an interactive museum showcasing the history of the complex, expanding the GBK facility tour which is currently available to students and the general public, as well as adding more electric buses between the GBK gates and around its vicinity.
Adi said precise development plans were still being decided on.
Save big on travel with Traveloka’s EPIC Sale
Traveloka will be launching its EPIC Sale from July 30 to August 11, the largest online travel promotion ever by Traveloka.
Running simultaneously in six countries – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia – Traveloka EPIC Sale has something for everyone to plan their holidays with discounts of up to 50 per cent off for flights, hotels, experiences and other travel products.
Across the sale are special timed events for more savings, such as the Super EPIC Deal, EPIC Hour Deal, EPIC Brand Day.
Completing the array of EPIC Sale 2024 promotions, Traveloka also introduces the flexibility feature for various travel products, including a 100 per cent refund guarantee, rescheduling options, various payment options, and more.
For more information, visit Traveloka EPIC Sale 2024.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts debuts in Tokyo
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, alongside World Trade Center Building and Tokyo Tatemono, has announced plans to introduce the storied brand in Tokyo, Japan.
Slated to open in 2028, Raffles Tokyo is part of the redevelopment of the iconic World Trade Center in the Hamamatsuchō district, and will occupy the top 46 floors of the building.
The hotel will be in close proximity to some of city’s most notable landmarks including Tokyo Tower, the Roppongi Museum, and Rainbow Bridge, and have direct access to Hamamatsuchō station. Boasting panoramic city views, the hotel will feature 130 guestrooms, including 27 suites, six F&B outlets, a fitness studio, swimming pool, spa and bathhouse, as well as event spaces.
“We are delighted to grow the Raffles global family with Raffles Tokyo, which will feature the brand’s world-renowned hallmarks including personalised Butler Service and an inspiring environment where anything is possible for our guests. World Trade Center Building and Tokyo Tatemono are likeminded partners that share our vision for delivering luxury hospitality at the highest level, and we look forward to unveiling a new urban icon in one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally significant cities,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
Plaza Premium Group unveils new airport lounge in South-western China
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has completed its expansion project in Chongqing, China with the opening of its third Plaza Premium Lounge, which is integrated with an airport dining establishment, Jon Ramen, at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
This new lounge marks PPG’s third location in the airport, and follows the previous openings of the first Plaza Premium Lounge and Jon Ramen at Pier E, Domestic Departures in November 2023 and the second one at Pier H, International Departures in April 2024.
The newly-opened lounge is located on the fifth floor of the departure level in Terminal T3A landside, behind Check-in Counter 3C, spanning 185m² and accommodating up to 35 guests. Unlike traditional lounges, PPG has partnered with a renowned ramen chain in China for the first time, housing both Plaza Premium Lounge and Jon Ramen under one roof.
The lounge features comfortable sofa seating, work environment, flight information displays, charging facilities, and a multi-functional meeting room capable of hosting up to 22 people.
To create a holistic journey for travellers, PPG will establish a professional concierge team at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, offering comprehensive services to complement the Plaza Premium Lounge experience, including paid transit services, baggage handling, fast-track security, and customised travel assistance for special needs passengers.
Additionally, PPG will soon introduce buggy car service at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to enhance passenger experience.
AirAsia Group deploys SITA Mission Watch to track flights across airlines
AirAsia Aviation Group and AirAsia X have strengthened partnerships with SITA, adopting SITA Mission Watch to ensure safer and more efficient airline operations across seven airlines.
SITA Mission Watch is a flight tracking and flight monitoring solution, delivering comprehensive weather visualisation and shared situational awareness between the operations control centre and the cockpit through advanced alerting and messaging systems.
With a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other applications, it provides a single platform to enable synergies across AirAsia. Now deployed at AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia X, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Indonesia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, and AirAsia Cambodia, SITA Mission Watch supports AirAsia in managing over 200 aircraft serving more than 130 destinations in 22 countries.
SITA Mission Watch maps each aircraft’s latitude, longitude, altitude, and time to provide 4D/15 visibility that meets and exceeds ICAO’s Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System mandate on tracking requirements, a top priority for AirAsia.
By incorporating real-time weather data aggregated from multiple sources, the solution also gives flight dispatchers the capability to anticipate potential issues before they happen and take steps to resolve them proactively, thanks to ease of communication with the cockpit through integrated messaging services.
Chester Voo, deputy group CEO (Airline Operations), AirAsia Aviation Group, said: “SITA has brought all seven airlines across the AirAsia Group and AirAsia X to the cutting edge of flight tracking technology, allowing us to go above and beyond industry safety standards, streamline our operations through a single platform, and boost the ease of collaboration between our flight dispatchers and pilots to resolve any potential issues before they happen.”
“In delivering the next generation of flight tracking technology to all AirAsia member airlines, we’re helping dispatchers work smarter and safer, while staying one step ahead of changing conditions,” added Yann Cabaret, CEO of SITA For aircraft.
Seek wellness with Avani+ Hua Hin Resort’s new well-being clinic
Avani Hotels & Resorts has launched AvaniWell, the brand’s first well-being clinic, at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in Thailand, inviting guests to discover the true meaning of well-being with guidance from AvaniWell’s team of experts through weekend resets, staycations and weekly well-being programmes.
AvaniWell offers a personalised path to well-being through a choice of traditional and modern practices. Treatments include Pao Ya Fire Rebalance to alleviate bloating by placing heated herbal bundles on the stomach and Chae Ya Power Baths infused with medicinal herbs to relieve tension and cure skin irritations. There is a focus on Salt Pot Healing, which releases tension throughout the body using hot salt compresses and aromatic oils.
Guests can also experience traditional Middle Eastern well-being practices at the dedicated hammam with a choice of massage and cleanse, before sinking into deep relaxation on a heated marble bed.
The AvaniWell concept goes beyond its four walls with healthy menus that are designed to suit vegan, paleo and gluten-free diets available at all five resort bars and restaurants. For a deep dive into diet and gut health, AvaniWell’s Vitality in the Kitchen workshops and Cleanse & Boost mixology classes are open to all ages, sparking healthy habits for little ones, as well as providing key takeaways to enhance daily routine.
From now till December 20, Avani+ Hua Hin Resort is offering a two-night AvaniWell Weekend Opening Offer which starts from 13,500 baht (US$372) per person. The package comprises a two-night stay for two staying in an Avani Deluxe Room; choice of either a 60-minute TTM consultation and treatment, a 60-minute physiotherapy session, a 40-minute IV Drip or a 50-minute ELEMIS Facial; choice of a 60-minute massage, a 60-minute salt scrub or a 60-minute manicure or pedicure; complimentary hospital-grade Body Composition Scan and results; and complimentary Cleanse & Boost mixology class.
For more information, visit Avani+ Hua Hin.
Japan faces fuel shortage woes
A jet fuel deficiency in Japan is hampering the operation and expansion of international flights and threatening to curb the rapid growth of inbound tourism that has seen 17.8 million visitors arrive during the first half of this year.
The shortfall is caused by supply chain bottlenecks and a lack of domestic vessels, lorries and labour. As Japan has been consolidating its oil refineries in recent years, the fuel has further to travel by ship and truck, but rules require such ships to be manned by Japanese crews and regulations enacted in April limit overtime hours for truck drivers.
With 35 million foreign travellers expected in 2024, which would surpass the record 31.9 million who arrived in 2019, the Japanese government has launched a multi-pronged plan to tackle the fuel deficit. It is designed to help prevent further disruption, includes operational difficulties, flight cancellations and the shelving of plans to expand flight numbers and routes.
At Hiroshima Airport, three international flights experienced disruption in their operations in May due to the fuel shortage.
In late June, six airlines scrapped plans to add a total of 57 flights to their weekly schedules at Narita International Airport. Some airlines even reduced the number of seats sold to passengers to carry enough fuel for the return flight, said airport officials.
Korean Air has cancelled charter flights to Obihiro Airport, Hokkaido, in July and August.
Looking ahead to the year-end travel peak, Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines have cancelled their snow season flights to New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido, over concerns about procuring sufficient fuel for the return journeys.
Five airlines have cancelled plans to add more flights or launch routes through Fukuoka Airport, while Kumamoto Prefecture has reported difficulties in persuading airlines to increase flights at its local airport.
Kyoji Kuramochi, head of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Aviation Network Department, said the situation poses a particularly serious problem as Japan aims to increase inbound tourism in regional areas.
In response to the shortage, the ministry plans to add more tankers to domestic routes, use spare tankers to transport aviation fuel, and introduce a new method of collecting data from airports to provide fuel suppliers with earlier notifications regarding new routes and flights.
Narita International Airport will accept imported jet fuel for its fuelling and transport facilities, for the first time, in July. Its operator has also asked traders to procure jet fuel directly from overseas refineries by international shipping vessels, rather than stopping at Japanese refineries enroute.
The Petroleum Association of Japan, meanwhile, has called on international carriers to provide supply requests about a year in advance so they can “understand demand and make preparations”.
With the government aiming for a net-zero society by 2050, use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is growing but is yet to be a viable solution. By 2030, SAF is set to account for only 10 per cent of fuel powering international flights using Japanese airports.
Still, airlines are also setting their own targets.
Japan Airlines (JAL) signed an agreement with Enos this month for the purchase and sale of SAF in Japan, making Enos the first domestic oil wholesaler to import SAF and supply it to JAL. The airline aims to replace one per cent of its total fuel load with SAF in fiscal year ending March 2025.
Grand Hyatt Singapore attributes success to team members, hosts appreciation lunch for retired staff
Grand Hyatt Singapore’s solid HR pillar, where the longest length of service is over 53 years and the average length of service of current associates is 17 years, is the bedrock of its multi-year transformation.
Prior to its progressive reopening on July 10, the hotel created a simulation lunch at local cuisine-focused StraitsKitchen to welcome back and thank 100 retired former staff who have contributed to Grand Hyatt Singapore’s legacy, and critique their experience.
Hotel manager Parveen Kumar, said: “Reopening after nearly two years of temporary closure has been a significant endeavour for all the teams.”
The robust training programme included a mass orientation programme for current and new associates to get all the teams up to speed and ready to deliver “the exceptional service guests have come to trust us with”, he added.
“Our experienced team members have been instrumental in this process, guiding new hires and sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise. Their dedication and commitment have been invaluable in helping new associates quickly adapt to and embrace the Grand Hyatt Singapore spirit.”
In its commitment to hire, nurture talent and instil the Grand Hyatt Singapore work culture, Kumar said management is keeping team members motivated by focusing on promoting and retaining diverse talent and supporting colleagues in their areas of development.
The fostering of an inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages collaboration helps build strong relationships among team members, promote a sense of belonging and drive collective success, he commented.
He cited the example of a young sales manager’s thoughtful approach to mapping out the tour route for lunch attendees, taking guests outdoors first to the Butterfly Garden and then indoors to keep everyone cool, as a perfect example of extending care and personalising each interaction.
The reopening showcases the nature-inspired Terrace Wing, the enhanced Fitness Centre and 25-metre lap pool, StraitsKitchen, night spot BRIX, as well as 10|Scotts, which will operate as the Grand Club Lounge until early 2025.
When the Grand Wing reopens in early-2025, the hotel will complete its evolution into a Grand Living Room and Wellness Haven with 699 guestrooms and suites.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve gears up with new offerings at Night Safari, Singapore Zoo
Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve will be launching new experiences inside Night Safari with a new trail, and a new marine coastal exhibit with an F&B hub at Singapore Zoo.
Night Safari is celebrating its 30th year with a new 280m-long walking trail where visitors can look out for about a dozen different animal species including the Sunda pangolin, slow loris, binturong, oriental small-clawed otter and spotted giant flying squirrel.
The new Pangolin Trail will be the first fully sheltered walking trail at Night Safari, allowing guests to explore the jungle and its mysterious denizens at night under all weather conditions. The trail is easily accessible from the entrance of the park.
Also new at the world’s first nocturnal animal park is a brand-new bull elephant habitat featuring a ‘stable grazer’ that releases hay at random timings to encourage Chawang, the park’s iconic Asian bull elephant, to forage more actively, as well as a new look-out deck that allows visitors to observe the giant pachyderm at close range.
Over at Singapore Zoo, a new marine coastal habitat for the Californian sea lions and African penguins is in the works, scheduled to open in 2027. The existing sea lion and penguin exhibits have been closed since July 15 to make way for the fresh experience, which will be the first underwater-viewing habitat in the zoo to be integrated with an F&B venue. Diners at the first level restaurant will have underwater views of the marine mammals. On the upper level is a bistro where visitors can have vantage views of the sea lions basking in the habitat.
In the mornings, the upper floor outside the bistro will also host Singapore Zoo’s signature dining programme, Breakfast in the Wild. Additionally, a new banquet hall next door, almost twice the size of the zoo’s current Forest Lodge event space, will be able to accommodate larger groups of up to 400 pax. Outside this banquet hall are spaces that can be set up for a host of curated experiences including animal interactions.
Cheng Wen-Haur, deputy CEO and chief life sciences officer of Mandai Wildlife Group, shared: “The new Pangolin Trail tells the story of our ongoing mission to conserve this critically endangered species, with a holistic plan to protect them both in the wild, as well as in our care. The trail will offer guests the unique experience of seeing and learning about the shy and elusive pangolin being active at night.
“By offering a range of memorable and meaningful wildlife experiences, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a window into the wild for our guests. We hope to inspire our guests to better appreciate nature and join us in our efforts to protect threatened wildlife.”
Collinson International, the owner and operator of Priority Pass and LoungeKey, has released its latest global research report, The Value of Sports and Music Tourism, that explores the travel and spending habits of sports and music event travellers.
With sports and music tourism booming and event travellers having high aspirations, the report highlights a huge opportunity for businesses to tap into this growing segment of travellers.
The new research revealed that sports fans are the biggest spenders globally in comparison to those travelling for music events; 57% of Asia-Pacific’s sports enthusiasts are spending more than US$500 per trip, per person.
Sports and music tourism is seeing huge growth. In 2023, sports tourism was valued at US$564.7 billion and is expected to almost double in value to US$1.33 trillion by 2032.1 Similarly, music tourism is expected to see huge growth, forecasted to reach US$13.8 billion by 2032.
This is being driven by three main components: events, exposure, and experience.
With more sports and music events, fans have more choice of destinations, while the internationalisation of new and existing sports leagues through TV and streaming has encouraged fans to travel, and music fans are finding it more cost-effective to see an artist abroad. As for experience, after years of Covid-19 travel restrictions, live fans are back and wanting new, enhanced experiences.
In Asia-Pacific, of those that travel to an event by plane, more than four-fifths (85%) have travelled for sports and 74% for music in the past three years or plan to do so in the coming 12 months. Of these travellers, over half (53%) travel more than once a year with 19% attending three or more events annually.
Spending habits
Sports fans are the biggest spenders globally, with 57% from Asia-Pacific exceeding US$500 per trip. Notably, 12% of respondents in Asia-Pacific spend more than US$2,000 per trip. Globally, the 25-34 age group spends the most overall, with a third (33%) exceeding US$1,000 for sports and 31% for music events.
The typical spend for event travellers globally at airports is US$100 (44%) but this varies considerably with those travelling for basketball (30%), Formula 1 (32%) and the Olympics (31%) prepared to spend US$200 or more. As for those travelling for music, 25% are prepared to spend US$200 or above.
About 82% of Asia-Pacific sports and music fans have travelled to a new city or country to watch their favourite team or artist and of those, 28% said they have returned to these new cities/countries – with a further 31% planning to return. This presents huge economic growth opportunities for local businesses within these destinations, particularly where repeat business can be identified ahead of time.
Elevated airport experiences
Those travelling to see their favourite sports team or artist are looking for more premium travel experiences, which means they are more likely to take advantage of airport experiences.
More than half (52%) of Asia-Pacific sports and music fans have used airport experiences when travelling for an event, which includes visiting an airport lounge (34%), gaming lounges (15%), sleep pods (16%) and spas (13%).
The top reasons Asia-Pacific fans visit an airport lounge is to relax and unwind before or after watching their favourite team/artist (58% for sports and enjoying at the airport.
Around 65% of Asia-Pacific event travellers participate in customer engagement and loyalty programmes. Many have joined customer engagement and loyalty programmes that offer points/miles (46%) or discounts on flights (50%), tickets (39%) and accommodation (38%). Over a third (39%) of Asia-Pacific event travellers would choose a payment card that offered exclusive travel benefits such as access to airport lounges, travel insurance (42%), and an event package (42%) that includes flights, accommodation, transfers and tickets.
Airport lounge access is a popular travel benefit through payment cards, particularly for travellers from India (43%), Hong Kong, the UAE, Australia (all 41%), Singapore (40%) Germany (34%), the UK (33%) and Brazil (32%).
Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass, shared: “Fans are by definition synonymous with loyalty. This new research shows the high value they place on travel benefits. Great news for the travel industry and for those businesses targeting frequent travellers providing the opportunity to capitalise on the rise of event tourism by offering the travel benefits fans crave. In return, they will see the advantage of being top-of-mind and wallet with these frequent travellers, boosting engagement, building loyalty, and driving additional cross-border spend.”
“Sports and music events fuel wanderlust, taking travellers to every corner of the globe. As the appetite for sports and music tourism grows across Asia-Pacific, significant opportunities for businesses are opening up,” noted Todd Handcock, global chief commercial officer and Asia Pacific president, Collinson International.
Handcock continued: “This is particularly true for the travel sector, with Asia-Pacific travellers being some of the highest spenders globally; as well as financial services organisations, with the latter witnessing significant shifts driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and disruptive competitors. Brands who can unlock the power and influence of sports and music-related rewards will position themselves well to benefit from higher customer engagement and retention.”
Read the full report here.