TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Thursday, 23rd April 2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Thailand partners Dida to boost travel confidence in China
TTG Asia | Train of Glamour joins EHL Alliance as first Chinese member
TTG Asia | Marina Bay Sands expands scholarship programme to support hospitality talent
Page 335

Riu Hotels & Resorts opens two all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius

By TTG Asia
0

Brought to you by Riu Hotels & Resorts 

The Riu Palace Mauritius and Riu Turqoise on the Le Morne peninsula in Mauritius run on clean energy

Opening on May 31 on tropical Mauritius are the Riu Palace Mauritius and Riu Turquoise, two luxurious additions to the Spanish hotel group’s portfolio. 

They replace two of its former hotels in the same location on the Le Morne peninsula and have been rebuilt with an elevated concept with sustainability at the forefront. 

As such, they are also Riu’s most energy efficient hotels, running on clean energy generated from over 2,400 solar panels.

Both hotels are 24-hour all-inclusive resorts where guests have access to food and drinks at all hours.

Apart from the lush surroundings and stellar service, each establishment promises its own brand of hospitality and guest experience.

The Riu Palace Mauritius, a 4-star superior adults-only hotel and the first Palace brand for Riu in Mauritius, has 310 rooms, 255 of which are junior suites, some with panoramic ocean views. For dining options, guests can try a variety of delicious cuisine at the hotel’s main restaurant and five themed restaurants — comprising an Indian, Asian, fusion, grill and steak restaurant — a patisserie and ice cream parlour, and six lounges and bars.

Amenities are designed to provide ultimate enjoyment with three swimming pools including one with a swim up bar and a private pool for Elite Club guests.

Take in the ocean views from the comfort of your room at Riu Turquoise

The Riu Turquoise on the other hand is a family-friendly 4-star establishment. With 390 rooms, including 244 with sea views and 10 family rooms, each is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of families.

Hotel facilities include three outdoor pools, one with a swim up bar for those 18 and above, the other, a children’s pool with slides.

Riu Turquoise’s restaurants include the main restaurant and three themed restaurants — one Indian, one grill and a steakhouse. Adults can get a nightcap in one of the four lounges and bars.

Apart from these, guests staying at Riu Palace Mauritius can enjoy all the facilities of Riu Turquoise.

Both hotels offer a variety of activities for guests such as an in-house gym, spa, RiuFit, a daily sports programme, and water activities from stand up paddle surfing to kayaking and snorkelling. There is also a free Kids Club in Riu Turquoise.

Wind down at night with a variety of entertainment from live music and karaoke, to stage shows, game shows and even catch a traditional Mauritius dance.

Elevating the experience with Elite Club

Elite Club guests at Riu Palace Mauritius get special privileges such as private pool access

For an elevated experience, the Elite Club at the Riu Palace Mauritius offers an array of exclusive privileges.

From personalised late check in and late check out, to private pool and lounge area access, and priority reservations for the themed restaurants, Elite Club guests are treated to a bespoke experience tailored to their needs.

They can stay in one of the 55 junior suite rooms for Elite Club guests, some of which include their own private swim up room.

They also have exclusive access to the hotel’s premium branded drinks in the pool area, a special room service menu, and upgraded minibar with in-room drinks.

Riu Hotels & Resorts logo

Fancy a trip to Mauritius? Book your stay with Riu now.

MasterCard travel trends report reveals top destinations, rise in longer stays

By Marissa Carruthers
0
  • Japan is the top trending global destination due to its universal appeal and weak currency
  • India is becoming the biggest and fastest growing major market in the world
  • Chinese tourists continue to prioritise domestic over international travel
Mastercard’s Travel Trends 2024 report shows Japan as the number one trending destination worldwide

Destinations in Asia-Pacific are trending globally, snagging half of the top 10 hotspots with the greatest momentum among travellers, while passenger traffic in the region is showing strong signs of rebound, particularly for shorthaul trips, and India continues to position itself as the leading global player.

The fifth Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries report from Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) offers insights into the evolving landscape of the travel industry across 74 markets, including 13 in Asia-Pacific.

Japan emerged as the number one trending destination worldwide, growing at 0.9 per cent, with 3,081,600 international visitors arriving in March 2024. According to the report, this is the highest level on record and sits ahead of the peak travel season.

“There’s no big surprise that we’ve been seeing Japan gain so much momentum on the travel scale. It’s an attractive place to go with many special experiences to be had and great food to be tasted, but also the weak yen, which is at the lowest level since 1990 on a bilateral basis against the Euro,” said David Mann, chief economist Asia-Pacific at Mastercard.

The report also revealed that passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific is rebounding, especially with regard to intra-regional trips. For example, it flagged up this summer’s top outbound destinations from Singapore, which includes Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Perth.

“Also, this year, we’re expecting to see a full recovery of tourist arrivals into Thailand, which is now only a few percentage points below where it was in 2019,” Mann said, adding that total visitor arrivals are now only seven per cent below 2019 levels.

However, inbound flight traffic from South Asia and the South-east Asia region sits at nearly 20 per cent above 2019 levels.

Eyeing up the Indian market
“The India travel story will only become bigger and bigger over the next few years and beyond. Firstly, we have to talk about the story of the middle-class itself. We have nearly 20 million more people by our estimates entering the middle-class in the next five years,” said Mann.

“We already should be seeing another two million entering the higher income groups, and we’re seeing more international trips coming from India than any time in history. In India’s case, it’s the biggest and fastest growing major market in the world now, and in the foreseeable future.”

Travellers are stay longer and spending more at destinations which helps local economies

In the first three months of 2024, 97 million passengers travelled through Indian airports. A decade ago, this figure would have taken one year to achieve. Domestic passenger traffic is 21 per cent higher than 2019 levels, with international passenger traffic up by four per cent, as of March 2024.

The MEI report also revealed that Indian travellers to key markets rose significantly in 2024 compared to 2019. Visitors to Japan increased by 53 per cent, to Vietnam by 248 per cent, which was attributed to the addition of direct flights, and visitors to the US jumped by 59 per cent.

Chinese domestic travel remains strong
The MEI report highlighted that Mainland China’s travel movement has shifted, with more Chinese tourists prioritising domestic over international travel.

“We actually saw a full recovery of travellers domestically in China one year ago. Even as of today, we’re about 15 per cent above where we had been in 2019,” Mann said.

In the meantime, international tourism traffic leaving Mainland China continues to recover. It is now at 80.3 per cent of 2019 levels. In 2024, this is expected to gain momentum due to visa exemptions in Asia-Pacific and an increase in international flight capacity, benefitting destinations including Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

“The majority of the outbound trips that we’ve seen from the Chinese mainland have been going elsewhere in Asia, to parts of Europe, and into the Middle East,” Mann stated.

Leisure for longer
Mann noted that there is a rise in the leisure for longer trend, stating that “we’re seeing tourists extend their trips in the Asia-Pacific region outside of Australia and New Zealand by about 1.2 days compared to what we’ve been seeing in 2019 – so, the average trip is 7.4 days”.

He added that this trend is being driven by the affordability of destinations, warm weather and favourable exchange rates. This compares to the 2019 average of 6.1 days per trip. In Australia and New Zealand, the average stay has risen to 5.4 days, which marks an increase of 0.6 days compared to 2019.

“We believe the bigger patterns that we’ve been seeing on these extra days spent on trips have been in places where the hotel price gains have been relatively lower,” said Mann, adding that “the longer people stay, there’ll be spending on other things, not just on the hotel, therefore helping local economies even more”.

Tourism New Zealand to boost off-peak travel

By TTG Asia
0

Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) is focusing on growing off-peak visitation to support sustainable and productive growth of the tourism sector, which has seen a successful recovery post-lockdown.

Visitor arrivals are returning to old patterns of peaking in summer and, without intervention, peak visitation is likely to grow faster than off-peak. Seasonal peaks and troughs result in the sector struggling to operate productively year-round.

Tourism New Zealand aims to boost New Zealand as a year-round destination; Auckland, New Zealand, pictured

TNZ chief executive René de Monchy commented that the tourism sector is now the country’s second largest export since the launch of its new four-year strategy for 2024-2028.

“We’re aiming to grow international tourism by NZ$5 billion (US$3.05 billion) over the next four years, with 70 per cent of that coming from visitors during the off-peak travel season,” he said.

In FY25, TNZ will target international tourism spend growth of 8.7 per cent equating to an additional NZ$900 million, as well as target international tourism spend growth in the off-peak of 9.6 per cent equating to NZ$655 million.

“FY25 is the first year of our four-year strategy – we’ll focus on building a long-term pipeline of visitors at the same time as we aim to boost off-peak visitation in this year,” says de Monchy.

In the first year of the new strategy, TNZ will focus on three areas, which include to build desire for New Zealand as a year-round destination, grow off-peak arrivals, and support sector sustainability and enhance the visitor experience.

de Monchy said: “TNZ will support the governments export growth goals and alleviate the industry’s seasonal visitation challenge by growing off-peak visitation alongside its work to support peak visitation”.

Dave Beeche, chief executive of RealNZ, which offers experiences that peak in the summer, like cruises in Fiordland and the TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak in Queenstown, alongside its ski areas Cardrona and Treble Cone for winter holidays, shared how the travel company has adjusted its operations into traditional shoulder seasons.

“It means we can retain more staff, use our locations more effectively, and lead to a better guest experience – so we’re very supportive of spreading the tourism load across the seasons,” said Beeche.

Meanwhile, New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) general manager Prue Daly remarked: “We believe the business events sector plays a crucial role in this effort. Business event delegates prefer travelling during less busy times to avoid crowded destinations, which enhances their experience and supports seasonality.

“TNZ’s vision aligns perfectly with the work NZICC is doing, as the majority of international congresses and business events we pursue are scheduled during the off-peak tourism months.”

AXN Asia to showcase Malaysia highlights in mini-series

By TTG Asia
0

Tourism Malaysia and AXN Asia, an English-language general entertainment channel owned by KC Global Media, have teamed up to present Unfading Memoirs, an exploration production showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry and breath-taking landscapes.

This pioneering collaboration between AXN Asia and Tourism Malaysia will premiere on AXN’s channel in July across Asia, featuring curated experiences from different travellers’ perspectives.

The Unfading Memoirs mini-series will explore Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak, pictured

Inviting viewers to discover Malaysia’s culinary delights, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures are travel-savvy hosts Justin Bratton and Selina Lo, alongside food and travel enthusiast Erwan Heussaff. The mini-series will feature an immersive exploration of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

Through a series of user-generated content initiatives, viewers will also be empowered to share their own travel experiences, further enriching the narrative of the unique destinations while having the opportunity to win exclusive trips.

George Chien, co-founder, CEO, and president of KC Global Media, shared: “This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to inspire wanderlust and cultural exploration – exemplifying our dedication to producing meaningful and engaging content that resonates with viewers across the region. We are excited to embark on this journey with Tourism Malaysia and look forward to creating more impactful projects together in the future.”

“Malaysia is a treasure trove of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and captivating experiences – for which we’re eager to showcase Malaysia’s unique charm to a wider audience, inviting travellers from around the globe to discover the wonders of our country,” remarked Manoharan Periasamy, director general, Tourism Malaysia.

Asia-Pacific travel gains momentum: ForwardKeys

By TTG Asia
0

Asia-Pacific has made a remarkable recovery after the pandemic, as highlighted by ForwardKeys’ director of intelligence & marketing, Olivier Ponti, at the recent PATA Annual Summit 2024 held in Macau.

During his presentation, Ponti unveiled insights into Asia-Pacific travel trends and stressed the pivotal role of increased flight connectivity, innovative marketing strategies, and relaxed visa requirements.

Airfares have shown a consistent downward trend since 2023, though still higher than 2019 levels due to limited capacity and strong demand

Steady recovery in flight connectivity
Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region, which has faced significant challenges, is rebounding swiftly. As of the 1Q2024, the region’s seat capacity recovery is just 13% shy of 2019 levels. Notably, the Asia-Pacific outpaced global seat capacity growth, registering a seven-percentage point increase compared to the global average of three percentage points between 4Q2023 and 1Q2024.

Declining airfares amid growing demand
As seat capacity gradually rebounds, airfares have shown a consistent downward trend since 2023, despite remaining higher than 2019 levels due to limited capacity and strong demand. This trend was particularly evident during significant events such as Chinese New Year and major concerts in Singapore. For example, Taylor Swift’s concert in Singapore in early March led to a 17% increase in travel from South-east Asia, contrasting with a 27% decline in the rest of the month.

Visa facilitation draws in Chinese travellers
Chinese outbound travel during the recent Labour Day holiday indicates a mere 16% decrease compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The relaxation of visa policies has notably enhanced Chinese travel to numerous destinations. Data revealed a 212% surge in travel from China to Kazakhstan, with notable increases to Singapore, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and the Maldives. However, Thailand’s slower recovery is attributed to ongoing safety concerns.

Innovative marketing strategies stimulate demand
Air Macao’s pandemic-era promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free tickets, successfully attracted mainland Chinese couples and continue to do so post-lockdown. Their new Travel Pass offer for affordable travel from specific cities to Macau has further increased couple bookings by four percentage points compared to 2019 levels.

A positive outlook for summer 2024 travel
The forward-looking travel outlook for the region remains positive, although recovery is still ongoing. As of April 27, summer travel bookings to Asia-Pacific are down by only 12% compared to 2019 levels. In contrast, travel to Europe and the Americas has fully rebounded, and travel to Africa and the Middle East is down by just 5%.

PATA’s CEO, Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “The travel industry can effectively attract tourism by harnessing the power of visa facilitation, strategic marketing, and leveraging major events. These elements are crucial in driving the recovery and growth of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.”

SIA Group’s new foundation to support Singapore’s youth community

By TTG Asia
0

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group is launching the Singapore Airlines Foundation, which will serve as a platform to support individuals and communities in need within Singapore, as well as contribute to the growth of the country’s aviation industry.

The foundation, funded from income earned on an endowment of S$30 million (US$22.18 million) contributed by SIA, is expected to launch two programmes that aim to provide financial aid to students in need and inspire them through immersive experiences in the aviation industry and mentorship schemes.

The Singapore Airlines Foundation will launch two youth programmes to provide financial aid to students in need and inspire them through immersive experiences in the aviation industry

The Youth Uplift Programme is designed to empower students from families in need, where eligible students at Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education (ITE) colleges, polytechnics, or universities will receive financial assistance by the foundation. Participants will also get industry experience through a three- to six-month traineeship with the SIA Group, courses from the Singapore Airlines Academy to enhance their personal and professional skills, and mentorship from SIA employees. Applications are expected to open in July 2024.

The Youth Outreach Programme is designed to ignite a passion in the aviation industry among upper secondary school and junior college students – the five-day hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience with the SIA Group during their school holidays will provide the students with an exclusive look at the group’s operations, and insights from the teams behind its success.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “Establishing the Singapore Airlines Foundation represents a significant milestone in the SIA Group’s long tradition of service and contribution to communities worldwide. Its programmes will support those in need, inspire and empower the next generation of aviation professionals, and help catalyse the long-term growth of Singapore’s air hub.”

The SIA Group and its employees continue to support various community activities, both in Singapore and across the global markets served by SIA and Scoot. These currently include initiatives that nurture sporting talent, promote the arts, encourage environmental stewardship, and assist those in need including children, youth, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

IHG Hotels & Resorts unveils new properties in Japan, Nepal

By TTG Asia
0

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed two new hotels to be launched in Japan and Nepal – ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa is slated to open in 2025, while Crowne Plaza Resort Nepalgunj, Nepal will open its doors early 2028.

In its first management agreement with Kajima Corporation, IHG is targeting a mid- to long-term mutual development partnership in Japan with the leading Japanese construction, civil engineering, and real estate development company.

ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa in Japan will open in 2025

The 100-key ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa will be an all-season resort situated in the majestic Asama wilderness, and is an hour and a half away from Tokyo Station.

The resort will also offer two pet-friendly villas, a restaurant, natural hot spring, gym, indoor swimming pool and other facilities. The grounds adjacent to the hotel will feature a ski slope for children and adults, as well as an 18-hole golf course.

Currently operating as President Resort Karuizawa, the property will undergo an extensive renovation and reopen as ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa in 1Q2025.

IHG has also partnered with Mansarovar Amusement Park & Resort to open Crowne Plaza Resort Nepalgunj, Nepal, which will boast over 100 guestrooms. Facilities will include multi-functional spaces, three F&B venues, fitness centre, club lounge, spa, and a retail store. For events, two meeting rooms and a ballroom will be available.

The hotel is located in Nepalgunj, the sub-metropolitan city of Banke District, which serves as a major transport hub for many of the western regions of Nepal. The city is famous for its treks to the Dolpo Plateau and Jumla region, and offers a strategic stopover spot on the pathway to the Himalayas.

The new resort will be easily accessible from the Nepalgunj Airport and the India-Nepal border.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA joins World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

By TTG Asia
0

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa has joined the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) as a member, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to fostering sustainability across the region’s vibrant hospitality industry.

As a new affiliate member, Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East & Africa aligns with nearly 50 global members, collectively addressing critical challenges affecting the planet, communities, and the hospitality industry. Committed to instigating sustainable change, WSHA offers invaluable resources and programmes, empowering the hospitality sector to create a future that prioritises prosperity and responsibility.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa is now a member of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA’s ESG goals are in alignment with the region’s evolving priorities, and through its sustainability programme, Millennium’s Green Path Brand Playbook, the brand has set ambitious targets, including a 27 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA and Lakhraim Group, said: “We are committed to environmental responsibility and believe that WSHA’s collaborative approach and resources will be instrumental in achieving our sustainability goals. Together with like-minded global leaders, we aim to spearhead positive change in the hospitality industry, driving towards a more sustainable future for our planet, people, and businesses.”

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of WSHA commented: “As a truly global organisation, we are increasing our reach across the Middle East and Africa, and Millennium Hotels is integral to moving the region towards Net Positive Hospitality. Collectively, we will lead the global hospitality industry towards a sustainable, prosperous future that thrives by giving back more than it takes.”

Cheers to us

By Karen Yue
0

We have just published a special issue, one that marks the 50th anniversary of both TTG Asia Media as a company and the well-known travel trade title TTG Asia. This milestone is not easy to come by when you consider how vulnerable the travel and tourism industry is to macroeconomic ebb and flow.

Yet, TTG Asia Media and its flagship title have continued to serve Asia-Pacific’s community of industry professionals uninterrupted, even through various crises that impacted travel and tourism. Along the way, the company has expanded its stable of travel trade titles, and established and grown other business divisions to support a wider range of industry organisations and functions.

I like to think that TTG Asia Media’s success is the sum of its people’s contribution. I am so proud to count many brilliant and resilient people as colleagues past and present. In developing this commemorative issue, I gave myself the fun assignment of interviewing some colleagues who play critical functions in the company. I hope their stories will allow you to better know TTG Asia Media and the work we collectively do.

And as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, we also look ahead to the next decades through the projection of industry leaders and brave imagination of how travel and tourism should and could be.

Plaza Premium Group names new global head of ESG & Sustainability

By TTG Asia
0

Plaza Premium Group has appointed Syafrina Sharif as the global head of ESG & Sustainability, effective immediately.

An international sustainability expert with a proven track record of formulating and implementing impactful sustainability strategies and communications, training programmes, outreach initiatives as well as commercial engagements, Sharif has been actively promoting and leading the corporate sustainability agenda at engineering, construction and biotechnology multinational companies over the past decade.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, she has also been supporting the development of Malaysia’s National Planetary Health Action Plan.

1...334335336...2,919Page 335 of 2,919

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 © 2025-2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Train of Glamour joins EHL Alliance as first Chinese member
TTG Asia | Thailand partners Dida to boost travel confidence in China
TTG Asia | Marina Bay Sands expands scholarship programme to support hospitality talent