Snow City Singapore to close after 26 years

May 22, 2026

Snow City Singapore will cease operations on September 30, 2026, bringing an end to the indoor attraction’s 26-year run.

The closure was announced by the Science Centre Board (SCB), which said the decision reflects efforts to refresh its offerings in response to changing visitor interests and a shifting attractions landscape, while continuing to align with its science education mission and long-term plans.

Snow City Singapore will close on September 30, 2026, following 26 years of operations

To mark its final months, Snow City will launch a public farewell campaign titled One Last Snowfall from June to September 2026. The initiative will invite visitors to revisit the attraction and commemorate its role as Singapore’s first indoor snow centre.

As part of the campaign, Snow City will introduce a series of limited-time experiences and promotional offers. These include a Snow Play package priced at S$19 (US$14) for adults and S$16 for children, representing a 30 per cent reduction from regular prices. The package includes one hour of snow play and a bumper car ride.

Additional details relating to the farewell activities will be released through Snow City and Science Centre Singapore’s official websites and social media channels in the coming weeks.

SCB said Snow City’s eight full-time staff would receive support during the transition, including redeployment opportunities, outplacement assistance and severance support where applicable, while contractual commitments to vendors would continue to be honoured. The organisation added that it remains focused on advancing STEM education and delivering educational experiences in Singapore.

Aviation roundup: Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and more

By TTG Asia

May 22, 2026

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Singapore Airlines to expand Europe network with Madrid launch
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will increase frequencies on services to Manchester, Milan, Munich and London Gatwick in the coming months in response to strong demand for travel to Europe.

The airline will also launch a new five-times-weekly Singapore-Barcelona-Madrid service from October 26, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Madrid will become SIA’s 15th destination in Europe and second destination in Spain.

Singapore-Manchester services will increase from five weekly flights to daily from July 13, 2026, while Singapore-London Gatwick and Singapore-Milan services will both increase to daily operations from October 25, 2026.

SIA will also introduce a new three-times-weekly Singapore-Munich service from October 26, 2026, bringing total weekly flights to Munich to 10.

Following the launch of the Madrid service, SIA will discontinue its three-times-weekly Singapore-Milan-Barcelona route from October 27, 2026.

Air New Zealand launches Christchurch-Singapore route
Air New Zealand will commence a new non-stop Christchurch-Singapore service from October 28, expanding its Singapore-New Zealand network and increasing access to the South Island.

The new route will operate three times weekly during the Northern Winter season, complementing the airline’s existing Auckland–Singapore services. More than 34,000 seats will be available on the Christchurch route over the season.

The additional capacity is expected to improve connectivity for travellers from Singapore, the UK, Europe, India and South-east Asia travelling onwards to New Zealand via Singapore.

Flights will be operated using Air New Zealand’s retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Hong Kong Airlines introduces Lanzhou service
Hong Kong Airlines will launch a new direct service between Hong Kong and Lanzhou on May 26, expanding its China network and enhancing connectivity with north-west China.

The new route will operate once weekly and marks the airline’s latest expansion under its regional network strategy.

Lanzhou will become part of Hong Kong Airlines’ growing portfolio of inland China destinations, alongside routes including Xining and Hulunbuir. The airline said the service is expected to support business, leisure and transit traffic via Hong Kong to South-east Asia, Australia and North America.

Vietjet to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo from August 2026

Vietjet to fly direct to Colombo
Vietjet will introduce a new international service between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo in August 2026, marking the airline’s entry into the Sri Lankan market and further expanding its South Asia network.

The new Ho Chi Minh City-Colombo route will operate four round-trip flights weekly and is expected to strengthen trade, tourism and connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

The service will also provide travellers from Colombo with onward connections via Vietjet’s network to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, China, Japan and South Korea.

Gardens by the Bay unveils Disney-themed family experiences

By TTG Asia

May 22, 2026

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Gardens by the Bay will present two Disney-themed attractions this June, combining indoor displays at Floral Fantasy with outdoor activities at Supertree Grove.

Disney Garden of Wonder returns to Floral Fantasy with updated topiary and floral displays inspired by Disney and Pixar characters. The 2026 edition introduces figures of Rapunzel, Belle and Jasmine, alongside Anna and Elsa set within a themed winter landscape.

Gardens by the Bay presents Disney-themed installations and activities across Floral Fantasy and Supertree Grove

In total, 23 character topiaries will be featured across six zones, including Mickey Mouse, Toy Story characters and Winnie the Pooh. A closing section incorporates local elements, with character displays set against recognisable Singapore scenes.

The attraction runs from June 8, 2026 to March 14, 2027. Tickets are priced at S$24 (US$18) for adults and S$16 for children.

At Supertree Grove, the Children’s Festival 2026 will focus on Winnie the Pooh, marking 100 years of the character. The free event includes themed play areas such as a 16-metre zipline, trampolines, balance trails and interactive installations designed for younger visitors. A scheduled inflatable march, Pooh’s Grand Friendship Party, will take place on selected Saturdays, featuring large-scale character inflatables and live activities.

The festival runs from May 30 to June 21, 2026, with daily entry free of charge.

For more information, visit Gardens by the Bay.

TRENZ returns to transformed Auckland

By Adelaine Ng

May 21, 2026

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Tourism industry leaders, buyers and media from around the world gathered in Auckland on May 19 as TRENZ 2026 got under way at the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), marking the event’s return to Auckland for the first time since 2017.

More than 1,200 delegates are attending the 32nd edition of New Zealand’s largest international tourism trade event, including 379 buyers from 27 countries who will take part in more than 16,000 meetings with 315 tourism operators over the next 2.5 days.

More than 1,200 delegates gathered in Auckland for TRENZ 2026, New Zealand’s largest international tourism trade event

Key visitor markets from Asia represented at the event include China, Japan, South Korea and India, with 138 buyers from China and the rest of Asia accounting for around 36 per cent of all international buyers.

Hosted by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited alongside industry partners, this year’s event is projected to inject more than NZ$3 million (US$1.8 million) into Auckland’s economy while serving as a platform to drive future international visitation.

“TRENZ is the platform that elevates our tourism industry to the world, ensuring that New Zealand is competitive and well represented on the global tourism stage,” said Rebecca Ingram, chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

“This year’s event will go down as one of the largest and most innovative TRENZ events on record. We have more buyers this year than any time since 2019, creating millions of dollars of new business for the industry,” she added.

Auckland’s revitalisation and expanding tourism infrastructure were key themes during the opening, with delegates encouraged to experience a city that has undergone significant transformation over the past decade.

“It’s fantastic to welcome TRENZ back to Auckland for the first time since 2017 and to showcase a city and region that has evolved significantly,” said Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

“There’s fresh energy across the city, from transformed waterfront spaces and new accommodation to major infrastructure like the NZICC.”

Ahead of the opening, Auckland also unveiled a 450m² Tiaki Promise mural beside the convention centre as a symbolic welcome to international delegates. Developed in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tiaki partners, the permanent artwork reflects themes of guardianship, cultural respect and sustainable tourism.

The event also introduced two new initiatives this year: the International Media Marketplace, which brings international journalists together with tourism businesses through pre-scheduled appointments, and a VIP Summit involving senior global distribution and trade leaders.

More than 340 buyers also participated in fam programmes across Auckland, including Waiheke Island, Matakana and the city’s west coast, as organisers sought to position Auckland as a destination in its own right rather than simply a gateway to other regions.

PATA launches upgraded PATAmPOWER tourism data platform

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2026

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PATA has introduced an upgraded version of its PATAmPOWER platform, expanding the tourism data tool’s functionality, coverage and user experience for industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

The enhanced platform was unveiled on May 13 during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in South Korea.

The upgraded platform features enhanced data visualisation and analytics tools designed to support tourism planning and decision-making across Asia-Pacific

PATAmPOWER consolidates tourism-related datasets, including visitor arrivals, aviation, expenditure and forecast information, into a single dashboard designed to support data-driven planning and decision-making across the travel sector.

The updated version features a redesigned interface, improved dashboard functionality and expanded filtering, visualisation and export capabilities intended to streamline navigation and analysis.

The platform is designed for use by governments, destination management organisations, national tourism organisations, aviation and hospitality companies, as well as researchers and analysts. Available datasets include monthly international visitor arrivals across Asia-Pacific destinations, annual visitor profiles, average visitor expenditure, inbound flight frequencies, seat capacity projections and tourism forecasts by origin market.

PATA said the platform draws on data provided through collaborations with official government tourism authorities and aviation data company OAG, which serves as one of the association’s official data providers.

Access to PATAmPOWER is available through PATA InfoHub accounts, with varying levels of member access depending on membership tier. Selected datasets may also be made available publicly upon request.

“This upgraded version of the PATAmPOWER platform has been redesigned with our users in mind. The platform is now easier to navigate, which naturally leads to more instantaneous access to the insights needed for decision makers,” said Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA. “As a trusted tool for our members over the years, we look forward to continuing to support them with an improved experience through this refined edition of PATAmPOWER.”

Marriott Bonvoy report highlights shifting hotel loyalty trends across Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2026

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Marriott Bonvoy has released a new regional report examining how travel preferences and local market behaviours are reshaping hotel loyalty engagement across Asia-Pacific excluding China (APEC).

The report was based on a survey of 1,731 travellers across Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, conducted by Kantar.

Marriott Bonvoy’s latest loyalty report shows travellers across Asia-Pacific are increasingly choosing rewards programmes that align with their travel passions and everyday lifestyles

According to the Loyalty Trends Report 2026, 89% of travellers across the region participate in at least one loyalty programme, although engagement patterns increasingly vary according to travel priorities, spending habits and local market expectations.

The report identified food and dining as the leading travel driver across APEC, with 63% of respondents prioritising culinary experiences when planning trips. Travellers motivated by food experiences were also found to show stronger engagement with hotel loyalty programmes through food-related earning and redemption activity.

Other major travel priorities identified in the study included nature and sightseeing, shopping, cultural immersion and wellness-focused travel.

The report also highlighted the growing importance of everyday earning opportunities within loyalty programmes. Across the region, travellers indicated that the ability to earn points through daily spending was one of the most valued programme features, alongside flexible redemption options and broader partner ecosystems.

Hotel loyalty programmes were identified as the most widely used loyalty category in APEC, engaging 66% of surveyed travellers, ahead of airline, retail and dining programmes.

Marriott Bonvoy’s findings also pointed to differing loyalty behaviours across regional markets. Japan and South Korea were identified as Loyalty Strategists, with travellers showing deliberate and value-driven engagement patterns, while Singapore, Australia and Thailand were categorised as Value Optimizers, favouring practical travel benefits and visible savings. India, Indonesia and Vietnam were grouped as Experience Seekers, where travellers showed stronger interest in exclusivity, partnerships and experience-led rewards.

The report noted that hotel loyalty engagement across APEC is primarily driven by hotel stays and co-branded credit card spending, followed by food delivery, dining and retail partnerships.

“Hotel loyalty programmes must evolve into adaptive ecosystems that grow with travellers, rather than simply around them,” said John Toomey, chief commercial officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “In a region as diverse and fast-moving as APEC, brands that deeply understand local behaviours and cultural nuances will move beyond scale to earn lasting relevance and advocacy.”

Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges to open in Phong Nha

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2026

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Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges is set to open in 3Q2026 along the Son River within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area known for its extensive cave systems, including Son Doong. The 30-lodge development introduces an all-inclusive eco-wellness concept shaped by the surrounding landscape and local heritage.

The project has been developed with a focus on environmental resilience in a region characterised by monsoon flooding and dense jungle. Designed in alignment with IFC’s Building Resilience Index, the site incorporates elevated bamboo walkways, adaptable glamping structures and reclaimed materials, with lodges arranged in clusters among indigenous planting selected for biodiversity and durability.

Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges will introduce a 30-unit all-inclusive retreat in Phong Nha, integrating wellness experiences with environmentally responsive design

Guest experiences are structured around three flexible pathways: The Open Way, centred on balance and unstructured exploration; The Still Way, offering guided wellness programmes focused on rest and reflection; and The Wild Way, combining physical activity with outdoor exploration. All stays include daily meals at the on-site restaurant, which highlights seasonal produce, river fish and locally sourced ingredients from Central Vietnam.

The wellness approach draws on traditional practices associated with the Cham culture, incorporating natural elements such as clay, botanicals and water-based therapies. Programmes include hydrotherapy circuits, sound healing, movement sessions and nature-led rituals, alongside a calendar of seasonal activities and visiting practitioners.

The name Auko is inspired by a Vietnamese origin legend, reflecting themes of balance between nature and movement. Guests are encouraged to engage with the environment at their own pace, with experiences designed to foster personal well-being and connection to place.

Access to the lodges is available via Dong Hoi or Hue airports, with onward transfers to the site. Rates are expected to start from US$300++ per night for two guests, on an all-inclusive basis.

Michelle Ford, founder of Lumina Wellbeing and wellness hospitality operator of Auko, shared that sustainability and well-being are closely connected, and that Auko’s approach is centred on developing a regenerative hospitality model with well-being at the core of its operations, for both the environment and its guests.

New hotels: Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights and more

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2026

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Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Thailand
Aiden Surawong Bangkok is a 77-room boutique hotel located on Surawong Road, in one of the city’s historic districts.

Facilities include a rooftop pool, fitness centre, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, as well as a garden social space for casual gatherings.

The property offers easy access to nearby attractions including the Neilson Hays Library, Bangkok Folk Museum and Jim Thompson store, while Silom, Yaowarat (Chinatown) and the Bang Rak riverside are all close by. Sala Daeng BTS and Sam Yan MRT stations connect guests to the wider city.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights, the UAE
The 537-key Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is situated in one of Dubai’s well-connected districts, with easy access to Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Park. Mall of the Emirates, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and JBR are all within easy reach, while Dubai International Airport is around 25–30 minutes away.

Facilities include five restaurants and bars, a spa, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and a kids’ club. The hotel also offers 16 meeting and event spaces, suitable for business and social gatherings.

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is a design-led hotel located in the city centre, set within a lively neighbourhood known for its dining, nightlife and creative scene.

Facilities include a rooftop pool, fitness centre and multiple dining and social spaces. These include Four Siblings, a bar focused on spice-inspired cocktails with city views, and Sabato’s, a retro-style Italian-American restaurant.

Well connected to key areas of Kuala Lumpur, the hotel provides easy access to shopping districts, cultural attractions and entertainment hubs across the city.

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark, India
Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark offers 218 rooms with flexible workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi and views of the surrounding city in select rooms.

Facilities include four dining venues, a rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre and spa. The hotel also offers over 743m² of meeting and event space, suitable for corporate and social gatherings.

Located in Kakkanad, close to Kochi’s Infopark IT corridor and key business hubs including SmartCity, the hotel provides convenient access to commercial districts, as well as cultural sites such as Hill Palace Museum and Thrikkakara Temple, around 20 minutes away.

Bali Zoo launches elephant programme focused on welfare and learning

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2026

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Bali Zoo has introduced a new elephant encounter programme centred on education and animal welfare, following the end of elephant riding activities earlier this year.

Known as Elephant Explorer, the experience launched on April 15, 2026 and allows visitors to observe elephants in a more natural environment through guided encounters led by zoo rangers and mahouts.

Bali Zoo replaces elephant rides with guided encounters focused on welfare and education

Instead of ride-based interactions, guests accompany the elephants via a ranger-led vehicle while learning about their daily routines, behaviours and care. Feeding sessions are also included, offering insight into diet, enrichment activities and the long-term relationship between the elephants and their caretakers.

Bali Zoo is home to 14 elephants, including two calves born at the facility. The zoo said the programme reflects its continued focus on maintaining a stable environment that supports both care and conservation efforts.

The launch comes amid growing demand for wildlife experiences that prioritise responsible tourism and animal well-being. Elephant Explorer has been designed to provide educational engagement while limiting intrusive interaction.

Located around 20 minutes from Ubud, Bali Zoo continues to position itself as a family-friendly attraction offering nature and wildlife experiences for visitors to the island.

For more information, visit Bali Zoo.

Thailand trade seeks visa clarity on visa-free stay reduction

By Anne Somanas

May 21, 2026

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Following the Thai government’s May 19 announcement to end the 60-day visa-free stay for travellers from 93 countries, the country’s travel trade is calling for clearer implementation guidelines.

While key industry associations are not opposed to the shorter duration, they warn that uncertainty surrounding the revised entry process could disrupt operations and affect inbound travel demand.

Thailand’s travel industry is seeking clearer guidance following plans to shorten visa-free stays for foreign visitors; photo by Sony Herdiana

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the policy adjustment itself is manageable, but the lack of clarity around implementation is a concern.

“From our observations, a 30-day stay is generally sufficient for most actual travellers. However, we are primarily concerned about the updated entry process for key markets like China and India,” Thienprasit said.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) echoed these views, saying the reduced duration is not the main issue.

“There will not be any significant impact on the tourist market, provided the visa exemption status remains intact and only the permitted length of stay is reduced,” said Adith Chairattananon, ATTA honorary secretary-general.

However, Adith noted growing confusion among international partners over what arrangements will apply once the 60-day scheme is revoked.

“The government has not issued any further announcements clarifying supporting measures post-cancellation. There has been no official release confirming if markets like India will retain their visa exemption for the 30-day period,” Adith explained.

Although the policy has yet to be implemented, both associations said they have already received numerous enquiries from overseas clients and trade partners, particularly from China, Taiwan and India.

Adith stressed the need for a coordinated public communications effort from the government.

“A lack of clarity is a major problem. Without definitive guidelines, incoming foreign visitors will not know how to proceed, which could ultimately deter them from travelling,” he said.

Thienprasit also warned of reputational risks linked to a poorly communicated rollout and urged the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and other government agencies to issue a country-by-country breakdown of the revised entry rules.

Snow City Singapore to close after 26 years

Aviation roundup: Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and more

Gardens by the Bay unveils Disney-themed family experiences

TRENZ returns to transformed Auckland

PATA launches upgraded PATAmPOWER tourism data platform

Marriott Bonvoy report highlights shifting hotel loyalty trends across Asia-Pacific

Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges to open in Phong Nha

New hotels: Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights and more

Bali Zoo launches elephant programme focused on welfare and learning

Thailand trade seeks visa clarity on visa-free stay reduction

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