Sail from Singapore on Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International’s set the stage for a standout 2025-2026 season in Singapore, with new itineraries on Ovation of the Seas sailing from the city-state to destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and more.
Between October 2025 and March 2026, the Quantum Class ship will offer three- to eight-night holidays, where travellers of all ages will enjoy a taste of the sights and sounds of South-east Asia – from indulging in renowned street food in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site George Town in Penang, Malaysia, to kicking back on the sandy beaches of Phuket, Thailand, and even immersing in culture and adventure while roaming the waterfalls and temples of Celukan Bawang in Bali and Lombok, Indonesia.
Friends and families can make the most of their getaway in more ways than one while on the ship, with 20 dining experiences, and fun activities such as on the 360-degree glass observation capsule, North Star, and the signature RipCord by iFly skydiving experience, plus more.
For more information, visit Royal Caribbean International.
Ideal business model key to Ascott’s 2023 record fee earnings and openings
Ascott has reported a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in fee-related earnings to S$331 million (US$245.7 million), up from S$258 million in financial year 2022, as well as the highest number of property openings with nearly 9,600 units turning operational in the same year. The achievement is largely due to the “flexibility and agility” of Ascott lodging properties’ flex-hybrid business model, which performed during “both challenging and good times”, thus attracting keen owners.
In an interview with TTG Asia, Ascott’s chief commercial officer, Bee Leng Tan, elaborated: “We did not have to close a lot of our properties (during Covid) because of our apartment-style product’s flex-hybrid business model. This business model…got us a lot of validation from third-party owners who saw how well it can perform in both challenging and good times. As a result, we had better signings during the pandemic and continue to see record signings, which led to record openings.”
Ascott defines the flex-hybrid business model as one that allows the company to be flexible with product and room mix, enabling agility to pivot operations to suit the needs of the market and optimise occupancy. With a hotel-in-residence model that supports adaptability, the model also allows Ascott to cater for varying lengths of stays, from short to extended periods, and for different guest profiles, from solo travellers to groups, while providing elevated services, facilities and amenities similar to that of a hotel.
With the appeal of such a business model, the company also attracted intense conversion signings.
Tan said that with conversions, there was no need to build a property from scratch, allowing owners to convert their existing property to an Ascott brand and take it to market sometimes as quickly as within a month.
She shared that of all the Ascott lodging brands, Citadines is the most powerful in the “conversion play”.
“Citadines is now one of our fastest growing brands. It is conversion-friendly, given that it carries very distinct brand signatures that are easier to (deploy) in both new and existing properties,” said Tan.
One of Citadines’ brand experiences is the For the love of coffee programme, which conveys the local coffee culture through a cup of local brew served on property.
“Citadines is an urban city brand and is present in all the key gateway cities. We believe that every city has its own unique coffee culture, and our guests – many of whom are business travellers who cannot get through their day without coffee – can experience city living through the local brew,” she said.
“The owner does not have to tear down this wall and alter that space just to align with our brand standards.”
There are now more than 200 Citadines properties globally, both operating and in the pipeline. Fifty-four of these – or more than a quarter of the Citadines portfolio – are in China. Within South-east Asia, Citadines properties number the most in the Philippines, with 18 in operation and in the pipeline.
Tan shared that The Collection brands – The Unlimited Collection and The Crest Collection – are also ideal for conversions. They are best suited for existing properties that are “very premium, luxurious and unique”, and allow “owners with boutique properties to come to us and benefit immediately from our flex-hybrid business model”.
The Crest Collection portfolio, once concentrated in France, has expanded into Asia. It now comprises The Grand Mansion Menteng in Jakarta, The Robertson House in Singapore, and The George Penang in Malaysia.
As these were signed and opened within months, The Crest Collection “gained a lot of attention from owners”. The portfolio will soon be joined by fresh conversions in London, Paris and Bucharest.
Looking ahead, Tan sees opportunities in altering the Ascott playbook for a stronger presence in tourist destinations.
“Traditionally, we have been more apartment-type and more long-stay focused; we are the market leader in this very corporate-focused segment. Now, we are seeking opportunities to expand our portfolio in tourist destinations, so as to play in the wider hotel space,” she said.
The company has already made its move, with the new Oakwood Suites Chongli in China setting a prime example.
She explained: “The location is popular with business travellers, but it is also known as one of the host cities of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and has beautiful snow mountains. We know that business travellers would likely extend for business, or be joined by their family. In this case, Oakwood is an ideal brand due to its blended travel positioning as well as its strong F&B offering.”
lyf, a brand that Ascott had designed and created itself, is also thriving in tourist destinations. lyf Ginza Tokyo opened November 2023, marking the brand’s entry into the Japanese capital; a second property will soon launch in Shibuya. Beyond Japan, lyf is also opening in Bondi Junction, Sydney; Gambetta in Paris; Ostend in Frankfurt; Canggu in Bali; Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; among many others.
Other Ascott brands could work in tourist destinations too, and the conversion team would assess location, hardware, and potential clientele before identifying the relevant brand, according to Tan.
As Ascott charts its journey into tourist destinations, Tan said a large team of “hunters” – business development personnel – is “going out to make sure everybody knows Ascott is here for the party”.
“We are telling owners that they can bring their hotel or resort properties to Ascott, not just their apartment-type real estate and that Ascott is prepared to manage a variety of properties for them. We have the right products and brands for any travel intention, be it business, leisure, wellness or medical,” she remarked.
In an earlier press statement, Kevin Goh, CEO for Ascott and CLI Lodging said 2023’s stellar performance has put the company on track to achieving its target of more than S$500 million in fee earnings by 2028.
Minor Hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia
Puneet Dhawan has been named the head of Asia for Minor Hotels, and will be based in the group’s Bangkok Corporate Office when he joins the company in July.
He will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team.
A seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Dhawan was previously senior vice president of operations – India & South Asia at Accor.
Leslie Thng helms as EVP of Singapore Airlines
The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has promoted Leslie Thng to executive vice president, effective July 1, 2024.
He first joined SIA in 1999 and served as senior vice president sales and marketing at the airline before his current role.
He remains the CEO of Scoot, SIA’s low-cost carrier subsidiary.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport welcomes Greg Gubiani as GM
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has named Greg Gubiani as its new general manager.
He brings 25 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry to his new role, Gubiani will take charge of the strategic management and operations of the 575-room Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.
He most recently served as the general manager of The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
dnata names new Singapore MD
Global air and travel services provider dnata has appointed Neo Su Yin as the company’s managing director in Singapore. She will report to Charles Galloway, dnata’s regional CEO for Asia-Pacific.
In her role, Neo will oversee dnata’s ground handling and cargo operations at Changi Airport, and will manage a team of more than 1,500 employees.
A Singapore national, she was most recently CEO, Singapore, Singapore Post, and had also worked as General Manager at Changi Airport Group.
Subin Dharman joins W Bali – Seminyak as GM
W Bali – Seminyak, the flagship W Hotels in Indonesia has named Subin Dharman as general manager.
With over two decades of leadership experience in luxury hotels across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the US and Europe, Dharman will champion W Bali – Seminyak’s ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing global environmental concerns, underscoring the hotel’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and social impact.
He was previously the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali before joining W Bali – Seminyak.
Conrad Koh Samui makes two leadership appointments
Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Residences has made significant additions to its executive team with Brent Assam as the director of operations and Marco Araujo as its new general manager.
As the new director of operations, Assam will oversee the daily operations at Conrad Koh Samui. Boasting an extensive background in F&B management and operations, his 20-year career in hospitality includes a notable tenure at Hilton Adelaide, where he served as director of operations.
With over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Araujo brings with him a wealth of expertise and leadership capabilities to the team. In his new role, he will oversee the commercial and operational performances for Conrad Koh Samui.
Western Australia sees rise in women-only tourism experiences
Western Australia has been witnessing a rising trend in women-only tourism in the past six to 12 months. The development echoes a broader global movement towards creating safer, more inclusive travel opportunities tailored specifically for women.
“This year marked the launch of four innovative women-only travel products, reflecting a strong demand for experiences that allow women to connect deeply with both themselves and nature,” said Sueanne McCumstie, acting lead public relations manager, Tourism Western Australia.
“It aligns with the global trend of inclusivity and accessible tourism for all – including LGBTI, people living with accessibility needs and people seeking exclusive experiences,” she added.
Among the new offerings is a Bardi and Jawi Cultural Experience, on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. It invites women to explore the ‘secret women’s business’ of local indigenous women through activities like fishing, oystering, and bush tucker gathering. The four-night experience provides an immersive look into the roles and skills of indigenous women.
Another product is the Reddell Beach Walk and Talk Experiences by a local elder from Jarndu Ngaank Tours. Guests are introduced to significant cultural ceremonies, including a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, and Water Ceremony designed to blend education with personal healing and well-being through cultural insights.
In Margaret River, Swimming Women has expanded its offerings with a tour that takes participants through scenic swims in rock pools, rivers, and the Indian Ocean, exploring unique aquatic spots with regional stories and nourishing food.
The fourth tour is a Yorgars basket-weaving workshop which also promotes female empowerment through artistic expression through understanding the matriarchal legacies of the indigenous Nyungar people.
These developments were highlighted at a media event where nearly 80 international media members were updated on the latest tourism developments across Australia, before the launch of the Australian Tourism Exchange 2024 in Melbourne today (May 20).
This year’s event has attracted over 1,500 seller delegates and 700 global buyers, marking a 10 per cent increase in buyer participation from last year.
Traveloka has partnered with Filipino low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) to attract more Thai and South-east Asian tourists to visit the Philippines by implementing an application programming interface that will allow inbound travellers to explore CEB flights through the travel app.
This initiative is expected to positively contribute to the growth of Philippine tourism by making it easier for Thai and South-east Asian tourists to explore the country’s destinations, with offerings such as additional flight choices to explore the country and its tourist spots, as well as special offers for travellers.
Traveloka also noted a significant surge, a fivefold increase compared to the previous year, in the number of travellers from South-east Asian countries who booked Cebu Pacific flights through its platform. Apart from domestic tourists, travellers from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia are among the top six nationalities travelling to the Philippines based on Cebu Pacific flight data.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Traveloka to support the local tourism industry and make travelling to the Philippines much easier,” said Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific.
Traveloka’s CEO of transport, Iko Putera, remarked: “Our partnership with Cebu Pacific will provide diverse possibilities for travellers and spearhead innovation to deliver optimal solutions for customers. We will also contribute to growth within the tourism industry in the Philippines and the wider region.”