TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Monday, 15th June 2026
Page 3

IHG to develop InterContinental hotel in Mumbai’s Goregaon district

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) to develop InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon, expanding its luxury portfolio in India.

Scheduled to open in 1Q2030, the hotel will be located in Goregaon, a commercial and residential district in Mumbai’s western suburbs. The property will feature 350 guestrooms, including 70 suites.

Located in Goregaon, the hotel will cater to business and leisure travellers with 350 rooms, dining venues and large-scale event space

Positioned between Andheri and Malad, the hotel is expected to cater to both business and leisure travellers, with access to key commercial, entertainment and residential areas of the city.

The development will include five food and beverage venues, comprising an all-day dining restaurant, bar, speciality restaurants and a lobby lounge. Meeting and event facilities will include multiple function spaces and a large ballroom.

Additional facilities will include a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, retail space and parking facilities.

Sandip Gupta, director, Zon Hotels (Mumbai) said: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the world-renowned InterContinental brand to Goregaon.”

Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “Mumbai continues to demonstrate strong demand across both business and leisure travel, and Goregaon’s emergence as a growing commercial corridor makes it an ideal location to expand our luxury portfolio. With InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon joining our portfolio, we look forward to creating a destination that offers world-class amenities, intuitive service, and a strong sense of place, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.”

Norwegian Cruise Line extends South Pacific cruise programme through 2027

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled additional South Pacific sailings aboard Norwegian Spirit for 2026 and 2027.

The programme features itineraries ranging from eight to 13 days, with sailings available through December 2026 and additional departures scheduled between April and December 2027.

Norwegian Spirit will operate South Pacific itineraries ranging from eight to 13 days through 2026 and 2027; photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

According to NCL, demand for cruising in the South Pacific remains strong as travellers seek multi-destination holidays that combine island experiences, cultural attractions and leisure travel.

Among the itineraries is a 12-day voyage from Lautoka, Fiji, to Sydney departing on November 30, 2026. The sailing includes calls in Fiji, Vanuatu, Brisbane and Newcastle before arriving in Sydney.

Another seasonal itinerary departs Sydney on April 23, 2027, on an 11-day voyage visiting destinations in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji, including Nouméa, Lifou, Port Vila, Mystery Island and several ports in Fiji.

NCL will also operate an eight-day round-trip cruise from Papeete in French Polynesia on selected dates in June and September 2027. The itinerary includes calls at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, Raiatea and Moorea.

The cruises will be operated by Norwegian Spirit, which accommodates adult travellers and offers a range of dining, entertainment and leisure facilities.

The programme coincides with plans for new direct flights between Sydney and Papeete from December 2026, which are expected to improve access to fly-cruise holidays in French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific.

Ben Angell, managing director and vice president, Asia-Pacific, NCL, said: “Having sailed the South Pacific myself, I can confirm there’s nothing quite like travelling between these picture-perfect destinations by sea, and we are delighted to offer travellers even more opportunities to discover it during our extended 2026 and 2027 seasons.”

Sun Siyam Pasikudah launches floating dining platform in Pasikudah Bay

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Sun Siyam Pasikudah has introduced the Aqua Lounge, a floating dining platform in Pasikudah Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast.

The resort said the platform is the only floating ocean dining venue in the bay, the only solar-powered floating dining platform on Sri Lanka’s east coast, and the only floating fine-dining experience on the open Indian Ocean in eastern Sri Lanka.

The Aqua Lounge is a solar-powered floating dining platform offering dining experiences on the waters of Pasikudah Bay

Spanning 37.2m², the platform is accessed by catamaran from the resort and is constructed using sustainable timber and recyclable barrels. It operates entirely on solar energy and forms part of the resort’s sustainability programme, Sun Siyam Cares, which focuses on renewable energy, ocean conservation, waste management and community engagement.

The dining experience features a seven-course menu inspired by ingredients and flavours from Sri Lanka’s east coast. Guests can enjoy sunset cocktails and evening dining on the platform, while champagne breakfasts are available on request.

The initiative also supports the resort’s community outreach efforts. Local schoolchildren are brought to the platform as part of educational programmes focused on marine conservation, coral reefs and environmental stewardship in Pasikudah Bay.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah features 34 pavilions along Sri Lanka’s east coast and is part of the Privé Collection, the boutique tier of The House of Siyam.

The resort is also promoting a Summer Offer for stays until October 31, 2027. The package includes savings on room upgrades, dining and spa treatments, along with a complimentary spa experience, kayaking session and daily bicycle use.

For more information, visit Sun Siyam Pasikudah.

Plaza Premium Group opens Air India lounge at San Francisco airport

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Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has introduced a new lounge for Air India at San Francisco International Airport.

Located in the international terminal near Gate A1, The Maharaja Lounge has been developed to support Air India’s premium passenger experience at one of the airline’s key international gateways.

The Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport offers dining, social and relaxation spaces for eligible Air India passengers

The lounge accommodates up to 80 guests and is available to First and Business Class passengers, as well as Maharaja Club Platinum and Gold members. Access is also available to eligible guests through PPG’s affiliate network.

The facility combines Indian-inspired design with contemporary furnishings and features several dedicated spaces, including a bar, tarmac-facing seating areas, social spaces and a dining area serving Indian and international cuisine.

PPG will manage the lounge as part of its airport hospitality portfolio, which spans lounges, passenger services and airport hospitality experiences globally.

For more information, visit Plaza Premium Group.

John Bristowe to lead Amora Hotel Brisbane as GM

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John Bristowe has been appointed general manager of Amora Hotel Brisbane.

He brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand.

Most recently, he held an executive operational leadership role overseeing a national serviced apartment portfolio. He has also held senior leadership positions with TFE Hotels and Stamford Hotels & Resorts.

Alexander Lopez takes charge of Meliá Pattaya Hotel

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Alexander Lopez has been named general manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel. He joins from W Koh Samui, where he served as general manager for more than two years.

Previously, he was interim general manager and resort manager at W Maldives, and has held senior leadership roles at Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, and The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket.

Bohol sets framework for sustainable whale shark tourism

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Bohol has introduced new regulations for whale shark interaction activities as the province moves to expand its eco-tourism sector while strengthening marine wildlife protection.

Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado recently signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-004, known as the Enhanced Sustainable Marine Wildlife Interaction Ordinance of the Province of Bohol. The ordinance establishes guidelines for regulated whale shark tourism activities and sets requirements for operators seeking accreditation.

The new regulations will govern whale shark interaction activities as Bohol expands its eco-tourism offering

The framework is intended to support the reopening of whale shark interaction activities while ensuring safeguards for marine wildlife and local ecosystems.

Whale shark tourism in Bohol has previously centred on the municipality of Lila, about an hour from Panglao. Under the updated regulations, accredited operators will be required to comply with sustainability and environmental standards set by the province.

The move forms part of Bohol’s broader eco-tourism strategy, which includes marine activities, nature-based attractions and community tourism experiences.

Beyond whale shark encounters, visitors to Bohol can access diving and snorkelling sites around Panglao, island-hopping tours, river cruises on the Loboc River, forest trails, cultural attractions and community-based tourism programmes.

Bohol is known for attractions including the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, beaches and heritage sites. The island is also recognised as the Philippines’ only UNESCO Global Geopark, reflecting its limestone landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Access to the province is provided through Bohol-Panglao International Airport, located about 10 to 15 minutes from Panglao’s main tourism areas. The airport was designed with sustainability features including natural ventilation, solar energy systems, rainwater collection and landscaped green spaces.

Aumentado said the IRR would serve as a guide for tour operators interested in offering whale shark interaction activities in the province and urged operators to comply with the regulations to help preserve and protect marine wildlife.

Singapore opens more areas to hotel and hostel development

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Singapore is easing planning restrictions on new hotels, hostels and serviced apartments in selected areas as part of broader efforts to support tourism growth and revitalise key precincts.

Announcing the changes during the debate on the Draft Master Plan 2025, National Development minister Chee Hong Tat said restrictions on new accommodation developments in the Upper Circular Road area will be lifted. Parts of Beach Road will also be opened up for new hotels, hostels and serviced apartments.

New accommodation developments will be allowed in the Upper Circular Road precinct near Singapore’s historic Boat Quay

The move follows a review by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and forms part of broader efforts to refresh older districts and create new opportunities for tourism-related development.

The Ministry of National Development said the restrictions were introduced more than a decade ago to manage the concentration of tourist accommodation in selected areas. With changing tourism patterns and redevelopment needs, the government has decided to relax the controls.

Located near the Singapore River and Boat Quay, the Upper Circular Road area is expected to benefit from greater visitor activity as new accommodation options are introduced. The district is known for its conserved shophouses, dining outlets and nightlife offerings.

Beach Road is also likely to attract renewed interest from hospitality developers. The area has undergone substantial transformation in recent years through a mix of office, residential, lifestyle and hotel projects.

Local media reports noted that the policy shift could unlock redevelopment opportunities for older buildings and support additional room supply in central locations.

The announcement comes as Singapore advances plans under the Draft Master Plan 2025, which aims to strengthen the city’s attractiveness as both a business and leisure destination while enhancing the vibrancy of key precincts.

Galaxy Macau, Trip.com Group sign three-year tourism partnership

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Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group have entered a three-year strategic partnership aimed at expanding live entertainment, sports and tourism experiences in Macau.

The agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2029, will combine Trip.com Group’s travel platform and membership network with Galaxy Macau’s entertainment and event operations.

The agreement will focus on live events, travel experiences and membership benefits between 2026 and 2029

The partnership will focus on developing and promoting live events at Galaxy Macau, including concerts, sporting events and other programmes hosted at venues such as Galaxy Arena. It will also involve greater integration between the companies’ membership programmes, providing travellers and event attendees with benefits linked to ticket purchases, travel bookings and on-site experiences.

The collaboration comes as Macau continues efforts to diversify its tourism offering through entertainment, culture and major events. The companies said they will explore destination marketing campaigns and new tourism experiences that combine travel, accommodation and entertainment offerings to attract regional and international visitors.

The partnership coincides with Galaxy Macau’s preparations for its 15th anniversary in 2026 and is intended to support Macau’s position as a tourism and leisure destination while strengthening links between the travel and entertainment sectors.

Travelport, Cognizant and Anthropic join forces on AI development programme

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Travelport is working with Cognizant and Anthropic on an AI programme aimed at modernising software development and travel retailing systems across its platform.

The collaboration will deploy Anthropic’s Claude AI models to support software development, testing and maintenance across Travelport’s travel distribution and retailing infrastructure. The companies said the initiative is intended to accelerate the delivery of new AI capabilities for airlines, hotels, travel management companies and online travel agencies.

The initiative will use Anthropic’s Claude AI models to support software development and travel booking services

The initial focus will be Travelport Trip Services, the platform that manages bookings, exchanges, refunds and servicing. The project is being developed on Travelport’s cloud-native platform, with the first customer-facing capabilities expected to be released this year.

According to the companies, the programme is designed to address growing complexity in travel booking and servicing. For travel management companies, Travelport aims to automate tasks such as rebooking, exchanges and disruption management. For online travel agencies, the company is developing tools that can convert conversational AI travel requests into bookings using live availability data.

Cognizant will integrate Claude into its engineering platforms and delivery processes, including its Neuro AI multi-agent accelerator. The AI models will be used for code development, test creation and software review, with the aim of reducing software delivery times.

The companies said the work builds on Cognizant’s wider AI Builder strategy and extends its partnership with Anthropic, first established in November 2025.

“This collaboration is about giving Travelport the tools to move faster and deliver higher quality at scale to meet the challenge of a changing travel distribution landscape,” shared Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant.

Travelport CEO John Mangelaars, said: “AI is not a future consideration, it is happening now, and the companies that move fastest and most intelligently will define the next era of travel technology.”

Rich O’Connell, head of alliances at Anthropic, added: “Reasoning across large, complex codebases is where Claude is at its best – and that’s exactly what travel infrastructure demands.”