TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Sunday, 21st December 2025
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Hilton teams up with Explora Journeys to expand loyalty programme to luxury ocean voyages
TTG Asia | Diamond Princess begins Singapore homeporting season
TTG Asia | Cross Hotels to develop Bali Uluwatu Resort
Page 30

Railbookers Group expands into Asia with worldwide offerings

By Karen Yue
0

Railbookers Group, a specialist in independent rail holidays worldwide, has brought two flagship brands – Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations – to Asia, where it has also hired Singapore-based staff in the sales and business development departments.

The latest development reflects progress in the company’s global growth, and will make access to curated, independent holidays by rail available to Asian travellers and travel advisors.

Seasoned travellers are said to regard the California Zephyr as one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America

Railbookers Group allow travellers and travel advisors to book rail holidays in Europe, the US, Canada and beyond, with the convenience of adding hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more to their itinerary. It also promises dedicated on-trip customer care.

Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group, said in a press statement: “We are delighted to bring Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations to Singapore and the South-east Asia market with a local, Singapore-based staff. Travellers here have a deep passion for exploring the world, and we are proud to offer them unforgettable rail holidays across six continents as independent travellers or perhaps in small unescorted groups.”

Rail products available through Railbookers include Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rocky Mountaineer, and Glacier Express. Amtrak Vacations rail adventures cover popular destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Glacier as well as major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Seattle.

With the addition of Singapore as its Asian hub, Railbookers Group is now serving customers in six global source markets – the others being the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Agoda, Saudi Tourism Authority to boost Asia-Pacific travel to Saudi Arabia

By TTG Asia
0

Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and travel experiences to Asia-Pacific travellers.

Launched during Web in Travel Singapore 2025, the first campaign of the partnership, Spectacular Saudi, will use immersive storytelling, curated cultural experiences, and exclusive offers to drive inbound travel from 11 key Asian markets.

The Spectacular Saudi campaign showcases Saudi Arabia’s heritage and experiences to travellers from 11 key Asian markets; Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, pictured

Running until February 28, 2026, the campaign targets travellers from Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.

The Saudi Tourism Authority will leverage Agoda’s Media Solutions to reach active travellers, deploying a marketing campaign across Agoda’s platforms and external channels. Dedicated landing pages will showcase Saudi’s hidden gems and iconic destinations, while selected hotels gain premium positioning to reach travel-ready users.

The four-year partnership, running until the end of 2029, will combine onsite banners, social media amplification, and booking incentives to maximise Agoda’s online presence and drive conversions.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, said: “By combining our experience in engaging travellers from Asia with their vision for the Kingdom, we aim to foster new connections and inspire more visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations. We look forward to supporting our partners throughout this campaign and contributing to the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.”

Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC at Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “By leveraging Agoda’s extensive reach, we are driving direct conversion, ensuring that Saudi is positioned as the top choice for millions of travellers. This campaign is important for accelerating the country’s tourism growth.”

Trip.com, Live Nation Asia to turn concerts into travel experiences across Asia

By TTG Asia
0

Fans are increasingly travelling across Asia to see live performances, prompting Trip.com Group and Live Nation Asia to launch a multi-year partnership integrating travel and concert experiences in major regional markets.

Launching across Hong Kong/Macau, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and China, the collaboration will allow fans to plan concert-focused trips, combining exclusive pre-sale access to shows with flights, hotels, and curated local experiences through Trip.com Group’s platform.

Trip.com and Live Nation Asia team up to offer concert-focused travel experiences across key Asian markets

This joint venture marks Trip.com Group’s first step into the live entertainment travel space, reflecting how tourism, hospitality and live entertainment are coming together. As live music becomes a growing driver of travel, the collaboration is designed to empower fans to follow the artists they love while supporting regional tourism and elevating destination appeal in Asia.

According to Trip.com’s Momentum consumer survey, nearly 66 per cent of Asia-Pacific travellers are willing to travel internationally for concerts, with Gen Z and millennials leading the trend. In Singapore, hotel bookings tripled during Lady Gaga’s Asia-exclusive show, while in Hong Kong, over half of concertgoers extended their stay for leisure, driving revenue across tourism sectors. Artists are also adding shows in cities such as Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul, establishing these locations as music hubs.

The collaboration also creates opportunities to work with local hotels, attractions and tourism stakeholders, building concert-driven products and experiences that encourage more bookings, longer stays, and greater destination appeal.

The first launch under this partnership featured exclusive bundled experiences for K-pop group Twice’s tour in Hong Kong. As the official travel partner of the Twice World Tour in Hong Kong, Trip.com is offering fans presale access, bundled hotel packages, and transport options. Similar bundles and early access will roll out across five Asian markets, featuring global and regional artists. Bundles may include concert tickets paired with attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Rainforest Wild Asia, sightseeing buses, and hotel rooms, enhancing the overall trip experience.

Building on its role as Blackpink’s Official Sponsor in Bangkok and Hong Kong, Trip.com will also provide presale access for the upcoming Blackpink World Tour in Singapore and Hong Kong.

“Today’s music lovers are embracing immersive experiences that extend far beyond the concert itself,” said Bo Sun, chief marketing officer, Trip.com Group. “Through partnerships like this, we are enhancing the travel journey, adding value for fans and unlocking new cultural and economic value for destinations and the wider industry in Asia. Together, we’re proud to pioneer the future of tourism through entertainment.”

“Concert travel is redefining tourism across Asia,” said James Dick, executive vice president of partnerships and media, Live Nation Asia. “Together with Trip.com, we’re helping fans turn concerts into unforgettable trips that shape the culture of entire cities.”

Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Jurong to launch through Marriott-RWS collaboration

By TTG Asia
0

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) to open Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Jurong, following a strategic conversion deal.

The hotel is expected to open in early 2026, marking Marriott’s continued expansion in Singapore.

Opening in early 2026, the hotel will provide contemporary amenities and versatile spaces for business and leisure travellers

Located in the Jurong Gateway precinct of the Jurong Lake District, Singapore’s largest planned mixed-use business district outside the city centre, the hotel offers easy access to Jurong East MRT Station, major expressways, and nearby retail malls. Attractions including the Science Centre Singapore and Snow City are also within reach. Accessibility will be further improved by future MRT expansions, including the Jurong Region Line in 2028 and the Cross-Island Line by 2032.

The hotel will feature an outdoor pool, all-day dining restaurant, the brand’s Best Brews programme highlighting local craft beers, a fitness centre, and 720m² of flexible function space for corporate and social events.

Gautam Bhandari, senior vice president, hotel development and operations for Singapore and Maldives, Marriott International, said: “This signing reflects our strategic focus on expanding thoughtfully across key gateway cities and underscores the strong demand we see for well-positioned, globally recognised brands that cater to both business and leisure travellers. With its emphasis on balanced comfort and local experiences, Four Points by Sheraton aligns well with the evolving needs of today’s guests.”

“This strategic collaboration enhances accommodation offerings for business travellers in the vicinity… rebranding our property under the globally recognised Four Points by Sheraton brand elevates the hotel’s market positioning and enables us to better serve our guests with a strengthened identity. We are confident that Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Jurong, will remain a key contributor to the district’s transformation into a dynamic, lakeside business and leisure destination,” added Andreas Oliver Reich, senior vice president, hospitality general management, RWS.

TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue wins TravMedia’s Media Lifetime Achievement

By TTG Asia
0

TravMedia Awards Asia 2025, the first pan-Asian award that recognises excellence in travel media and public relations, has given TTG Asia Media’s group editor, Karen Yue, the Media Lifetime Achievement recognition.

The Awards was held on Tuesday, during International Media Marketplace (IMM) Asia, a platform of meetings designed for travel communicators and storytellers.

TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue (left) receives the TravMedia Awards Asia 2025 – Media Lifetime Achievement award from TravMedia’s Nick Wayland

Other award categories included PR Lifetime Achievement, Travel Writer of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Travel Magazine of the Year, Travel Section of the Year, PR Professional of the Year, and PR Team of the Year.

The winners were determined by a panel of leading editors, journalists and communications experts, ensuring integrity, diversity and excellence in the final selections.

The judges recognised Yue as a “true force in the industry who has been shaping travel reporting in the region”, and “praised her editorial integrity, ability to mentor rising voices, and strategic thinking in an ever-shifting travel landscape”, shared TravMedia in a press statement.

Commenting on her win, Yue said: “March 3, 2026 will mark my 20th year with TTG Asia Media, which seems like a pretty brief period in the context of a lifetime. I am just 45 years young and have so much more to learn about our industry.

“Yet, this hefty recognition seems just about right, considering today is the oldest I have ever been and this is longest ongoing chapter in my professional story.

“Thank you to the folks who nominated me, and to all the judges who saw the good I was doing.”

As the group editor of TTG Asia Media’s TTG Travel Trade Publishing business unit, she leads a team of almost 20 editors, reporters, correspondents and editorial service staff across Asia-Pacific. Together with her team, she produces a stable of titles including TTG Asia, TTG Asia Luxury, TTGmice, TTGassociations, TTG India and TTG Show Daily.

She oversees TTG Content Lab, a division she birthed in 2015 to support industry stakeholders in their content creation across multiple platforms.

She fronts the TTG Conversations: Five Questions video news series.

Under her charge, features published under the various TTG titles have won several PATA Gold Awards, a recognition of editorial quality.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore unveils bespoke four-day luxury escape

By TTG Asia
0

Raffles Sentosa Singapore has introduced The Butler Did It, a four-day, three-night package that offers personalised service and curated experiences.

Guests are welcomed by a private limousine and attended by a dedicated Raffles butler throughout their stay in a villa featuring a private pool, garden terrace, and spacious living areas.

Guests enjoy personalised service, curated dining, wellness, and a private yacht tour in a four-day, three-night villa escape

The experience includes breakfast in the villa or at Empire Grill, the resort’s modern Italian restaurant, as well as curated tasting menus at Empire Grill and Royal China, showcasing Cantonese cuisine by executive chef Ling Heng Yao. Guests can enjoy a private Rolls-Royce tour of Sentosa, a Raffles Sentosa Sling tasting session, and a fragrance-making workshop to craft bespoke scents.

A well-being butler collaborates with the resort’s wellness team to offer tailored spa treatments, nutritional guidance, and mindfulness practices. The stay concludes with a private yacht charter to the Sisters’ Islands, featuring champagne and gourmet canapés at sunset.

The package starts from S$4,985 (US$3,650) per villa per night for a Garden One-Bedroom Pool Villa, subject to service charge and government tax.

For more information, visit Raffles Sentosa Singapore.

Plaza Premium Group appoints chief sales officer

By TTG Asia
0

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has promoted Becky Lim to chief sales officer.

With over 20 years’ experience in payments, loyalty, and airport hospitality, Lim has spent six years as managing director, commercial, building a global client portfolio and driving consistent revenue growth.

In her new role, Lim will lead PPG’s global sales teams, drive revenue growth, refine sales strategies, oversee product development and pricing, and expand responsibility for Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge Operations.

She previously held senior roles at DragonPass Asia Pacific, Visa, American Express, and DBS Bank, and holds a BA in Marketing with High Honors from Michigan State University.

Ponant welcomes Benoît-Etienne Domenget as group CEO

By TTG Asia
0

Benoît-Etienne Domenget has been appointed group CEO of Ponant, effective November 3, 2025, succeeding Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving to pursue new professional opportunities.

With 25 years in hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism, Domenget will focus on driving the Group’s international growth while upholding Ponant’s maritime expertise, hospitality standards, and environmental commitments.

He most recently served as CEO of Sommet Education, leading its international expansion across Glion, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality, and Invictus Education, establishing the group as a global leader in hospitality and luxury management education.

Holy Door Jubilee revives Indonesian pilgrimage travel to Europe

By Dhini Oktavianti
0

Indonesian travel to Europe has slowed this year due to global economic and geopolitical factors, but the Vatican’s opening of the Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee has renewed interest in pilgrimage travel and helped sustain the market.

Although the introduction of a new five-year Schengen visa was expected to encourage more travel, its impact has been limited. Ricky Hilton, general manager of communications and CRM at Golden Rama Tour & Travel, said some clients have received the visa from France, Spain, and Norway, but the overall number remains small.

The Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee draws renewed interest in European travel from Indonesia to the Vatican City, pictured

Hellen Xu, CEO of Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia, explained that the five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa is available only to applicants who have obtained a Schengen visa in the past three years.

“However, there is no guarantee that eligible applicants will always get the five-year visa,” she said, adding that its effect on group bookings has been minimal.

“This policy is still limited to operational services, not a sales driver.”

Amid weak demand for European travel, the Vatican’s Holy Door, which opens every 25 years, has become a key source of business. Ricky noted that pilgrimage tours, such as Golden Rama’s Porta Sancta (Holy Door) packages, have provided much-needed stability.

“The Porta Sancta in the Vatican has opened up opportunities to boost travel to Europe. Cities like Paris, Milan, and Barcelona have become popular routes for pilgrimages, and this trend has become a ‘safety net’ that stabilises our European traffic,” he said.

The tours typically last 10 to 12 days, covering the four holy doors in Rome – St Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls – as well as stops in cities such as Monaco, Lourdes, and Pisa. Itineraries also include leisure activities such as museum visits and shopping.

Xu said the Holy Door has also driven Panorama JTB’s performance in Europe for 2025. “Without the Holy Door, our European performance would likely have been flat compared to 2024,” she said.

Wyndham, Worldwide Hotels set to open Days Inn Singapore Novena

By TTG Asia
0

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Worldwide Hotels (WWH), Singapore’s largest home-grown hotel group, to introduce Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena.

The 362-room property, currently Value Hotel Thomson, will be rebranded and renovated from late 2Q2026, with reopening planned for August 2026. It will feature a swimming pool, fitness areas, and an all-day dining restaurant.

From left: Worldwide Hotels’s Carolyn Choo and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’s Joon Aun Ooi

The hotel will cater to leisure, business, and group travellers from China, India, South-east Asia, and beyond. Located along Balestier Road, it is within walking distance of Novena MRT station, a 15-minute drive from the CBD, and about 30 minutes from Changi International Airport.

The partnership strengthens the relationship between Wyndham and Worldwide Hotels, combining international reach with local expertise. It adds to Wyndham’s Singapore portfolio, which includes Wyndham Singapore Hotel and Hotel Traveltine Downtown Singapore, Trademark Collection by Wyndham.

Days Inn by Wyndham operates about 1,500 properties globally and is known for dependable, affordable stays supported by Wyndham Rewards, which has around 120 million members worldwide.

Joon Aun Ooi, president of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, commented: “Our collaboration with Worldwide Hotels reflects our shared vision to deliver quality, accessible hospitality that meets the evolving needs of travellers. This new addition under the Days Inn brand not only expands our diversified portfolio but also reinforces our long-term partnership with one of Singapore’s most respected hospitality groups. Together, we are setting the stage for sustained growth and stronger brand presence in this key gateway city.”

“We are proud to rebrand our property under Worldwide Hotels as Days Inn by Wyndham. This strategic franchise partnership lets us leverage Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ global reputation and loyalty programme, all while continuing to offer the comfort and value our guests expect,” said Carolyn Choo, CEO and managing director of Worldwide Hotels.

She added that the property’s location near major medical facilities makes it well suited to accommodate medical tourists in addition to leisure and corporate travellers, and that the rebranding reinforces Worldwide Hotels’s commitment to its promise of ‘Hospitality that matters, Stay better’ while extending its reach to travellers globally.

1...293031...2,863Page 30 of 2,863

Tried and Tested

What to Buy Now

 
Subscribe To
Advertise With Us
 
Asia-Pacific's Leading Travel Trade Business Resource Since 1974

  • All Rights Reserved

Copyright TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2024-2025
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Hilton teams up with Explora Journeys to expand loyalty programme to luxury ocean voyages
TTG Asia | Diamond Princess begins Singapore homeporting season
TTG Asia | Cross Hotels to develop Bali Uluwatu Resort