Dusit Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Malaysia’s property developer, Gamuda Land, to manage ASAI Gamuda Cove – Dusit’s first hotel in Malaysia and the first hotel development by Gamuda Land.
Slated to open in 1Q2026, the hotel is situated next to the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands within Gamuda Cove. Gamuda Cove will also include residential and commercial areas to complement a range of eco-friendly tourism attractions, such as the SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park, all designed with sustainability and a low carbon footprint in mind.
Dusit International and Gamuda Land at the groundbreaking ceremony on November 30
ASAI Gamuda Cove is just 20 minutes away by car to Kuala Lumpur airport, and the city centre can be reached in just 40 minutes.
In addition, Gamuda Cove’s e-tram network – the first of its kind in Malaysia – will seamlessly link guests to hotspots within the development, helping to limit the use of motorised vehicles and reduce carbon footprint. The hotel will organise regular community-based activities and events to give guests a taste of local culture and experiences while highlighting the importance of responsible tourism.
“In our collaboration with Dusit, we are thrilled to align with a strategic partner that shares our unwavering commitment to creating interconnected spaces where everyone can seamlessly integrate their living, working and recreational experiences,” said Eusoffe Chua, chief commercial officer, Gamuda Land.
Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer, Dusit International, remarked: “With its stunning location and sustainable credentials, Gamuda Cove perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the ASAI brand, and we look forward to delivering a unique and unforgettable hotel experience that immerses guests in the diverse cultural tapestry of Malaysia and the natural beauty of the wetlands, all while contributing enduring value to our esteemed partners and the community we serve.”
Artyzen Singapore, Singapore
Artyzen Singapore is a modern lifestyle hotel located on what was once a heritage landmark. The sprawling tropical-garden mansion is nestled in the West Orchard neighbourhood on Cuscaden Road, and boasts 142 rooms and suites – all with balconies.
The top floor features the private social destination, The Roof Garden, as well as the infinity pool that has a partially transparent base that provides a spectacular view of the neighbourhood. Onsite are a gym, pavilions for yoga and exercise, as well as an orchid garden.
Umana Bali
Umana Bali, Indonesia
Umana Bali provides a private and exclusive getaway, with each villa featuring a private infinity-edge pool and outdoor hot tub. For multi-generational families, the three-bedroom Umana Pool Villa, which spans 1,200m2, is an ideal choice.
Facilities include restaurants and bars, event spaces, spa, fitness centre, kids’ club, and even a chapel for clifftop weddings.
Umana Bali also sources most of its produce from local farms and its own hydroponic herb and vegetable garden.
Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua
Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, the Philippines
Nestled in the centre of Metro Manila’s major business district centre is the new Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua.
With 152 rooms and suites, the hotel offers an all-day dining restaurant, an infinity swimming pool overlooking the Makati skyline, lobby lounge, fitness centre, and meeting rooms.
Guests can also take a short ferry ride to discover the local marketplace in Divisoria, or visit and explore Intramuros and Pampanga.
NH Zhengzhou Jinshui
NH Zhengzhou Jinshui, China
The 140-key NH Zhengzhou Jinshui is located in the city’s Jinshui District, known for its cultural sites, historical attractions and convention centres.
The hotel features an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar, meeting venue, fitness centre, self-service laundry room and ample parking spaces.
Nearby the property is the Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Zhongyuan International Expo Centre and the CBD (Central Business District) area.
Opening its doors for the festive season, Amora Beach Resort Phuket welcomes guests with special stay offers.
Located on Bang Tao Beach, the resort presents 264 renovated rooms and suites, a beach club, wellness centre, kids’ club, two pools, event venues, and F&B options.
Amora Beach Resort Phuket opens with special room rates
The special opening promotion comprises 24 per cent off published rates for any room type, with daily breakfast for two, 999 baht (US$28) room credit, and sunset cocktails for two.
During the festive period, there is also a promotion at the Nora Beach Club, which offers a modern Mediterranean menu with signature cocktails and table-side chef’s service.
Silversea has announced its first-ever full summer season in French Polynesia, opening an exclusive pre-sale on 17 voyages between April and September 2026 aboard Silver Whisper.
With two itineraries in rotation, the sailings will offer immersion into 11 of some of the world’s most remote destinations in three of the region’s five archipelagos – the Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands.
Silver Whisper will sail to destinations in French Polynesia, such as to Bay of Virgins at Fatu Hiva, pictured
The 392-guest Silver Whisper will offer seven- and 14-day sailings, and will undertake 17 voyages in French Polynesia, homeporting out of Papeete, Tahiti from April 6, 2026.
The shorter of the two itineraries will see Silver Whisper journey among the Society Islands’ most iconic destinations – from Papeete, Tahiti to Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, and Bora Bora. Guests can connect with the rich Polynesian culture and history, learn about how early navigators used the stars to sail through the Pacific Ocean, and more. They also have the option of relaxing on a private island to enjoy a traditional barbecue and local music.
The 14-day itinerary will depart from Papeete, Tahiti and head to Moorea, Raiatea on an overnight call, then Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona, Tahuata, Rangiroa, and Bora Bora, before returning to Papeete. This journey enable guests to admire the archipelago’s abundant marine life, spot whales (August-November), learn about local culinary traditions in a test kitchen in Moorea; discover Raiatea by electric bicycle, among other immersive experiences. Guests will also have the chance to relax on a private island.
In addition, there will also be a 21-day Easter Island sailing, departing Valparaiso on March 16, 2026.
With global tourism on course to recover almost 90 per cent by the end of 2023, according to UNWTO, several Asian countries are outlining how they are developing their tourism offerings to provide more value from 2024.
Country representatives outlined their plans at Tourism Expo Japan, where they told attendees that tourism can help grow economies, aid social issues and preserve cultural heritage, while also being more sustainable than ever before.
Country representatives from Asia outlined their plans for development and sustainability during the recent Tourism Expo Japan (Photo: Kathryn Wortley)
“The pandemic has hit the reset button to make tourism a driver of economic and sustainable growth,” said Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, minister of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, noting that Thailand’s tourism agenda prioritises crisis preparedness, quality of travel and alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
India also considers tourism a “multiplier” that can advance economic activity, shared Roshan Thomas, director of India’s Ministry of Tourism, citing how tourists visiting the setting of movie Slumdog Millionaire have a positive impact on the micro-economy of Mumbai’s slums.
Looking ahead, India is developing agritourism opportunities for visitors and farmers, while recruiting more young people into destination management roles to support the future of the industry, Thomas shared.
Labour is also a priority for Japan, where demographic decline and low wage levels have left many positions that were vacated during the pandemic still unfilled, but there is hope that digitalisation efforts will help, said Ryusho Kato, vice-president of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
“Tourism is a pillar of our growth strategy and the key for regional revitalisation,” Kato added, pointing to the potential to preserve nature, enrich local areas and improve local pride by increasing the number of visitors to rural Japan.
Indonesia, too, is banking on rural tourism, which is seeing growth particularly in Bali, according to Sandiaga Uno, head of Indonesia’s Tourism & Creative Economy Agency.
“Travel now is more customised and localised, with people staying longer and spending more locally,” Uno said.
Domestic tourism in Indonesia is already higher than in 2019 and international tourism has been rebounding strongly, prompting the government to increase its target to 10–11 million inbound arrivals by year-end, up from the initial target of 8.5 million.
Indonesia’s green tourism is already “showing good early progress,” and the next stage is regenerative tourism that is responsible and eco-conscious while facilitating cultural preservation. Bali’s resorts will no longer be built in a “cookie-cutter manner”, and food loss and waste is being tackled, said Uno.
“Before Covid, our tourism was about the three S’s (sun, sea, sand) – now it’s about a different three S’s: serenity, sustainability and spirituality,” he added.
Relative newcomers to tourism are also anticipating further growth in the post-recovery period.
Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, ambassador of Uzbekistan to Japan, reported that the country has tripled inbound tourism arrivals since 2017 and expects to welcome 10 million visitors annually by 2025 by improving infrastructure, accessibility, smart-tech and e-commerce services.
Brunei, meanwhile, is developing its tourism roadmap for 2025, which will focus on quality experiences, culture and adventure activities, said Tutiaty Abdul Wahab, permanent secretary of Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Air Macau has opened its thrice-weekly direct flights to Jakarta as of November 28.
Using the Airbus 320 with 154 seats in Business, Premium Economy and Economy classes, the service is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Macau and Indonesia will join forces to promote travel between both destinations
In conjunction with the inaugural service, both Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute brought a group of delegates representing trade, business events and tourism sectors to Jakarta on a “Macao Tourism + MICE Product Updates” session, where a networking lunch with the travel trade and the media was held on November 29.
A series of signings also took place – between the Association of Travel Agents in Indonesia (ASTINDO) and the Macao Travel Agency Association; between ASTINDO and Macao Leisure Tourism Services Innovation Association, as well as between Asia Links and Top Holiday-P&E International Travel, to promote travel between Indonesia and Macau.
Cheng Wai Tong, deputy director of MGTO, commented in his speech: “As a South-east Asia travel market with great potential, Indonesia ranks third among Macau’s international visitor markets and sixth among 10 leading source markets. (This year’s data up to) November 26 showed Macau has welcomed 120,000 visitors from Indonesia.”
Macau has always been a popular destination for Indonesians due to its proximity via a five-hour flight from Jakarta to Hong Kong, followed by a convenient travel through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, according to Cheng.
“With the introduction of Air Macau’s direct services, there is (no need) to transfer via Hong Kong anymore, saving both time and cost for travellers. We believe this new route will boost tourism, enhance cultural exchange, and improve connectivity between our cities,” said Cheng, adding that the visa-free facility for Indonesian passport holders would be more convenient for travellers.
Jeffrey Ng, general manager for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia of Air Macau told TTG Asia that the airline saw Indonesia’s population and growing economy as an opportunity to “let the people in Jakarta know more about Macau”. On the other hand, Macau’s location in the Greater Bay Area opens up opportunity not only for the people of Macau but also for those in Hong Kong and the surrounding areas of China to fly to Jakarta.
On the choice of Jakarta instead of Bali, Ng explained: “There are already many flights to Bali – besides, Jakarta is the capital city, and we want both corporate and leisure travellers to fly with us.”
In the meantime, Pauline Suharno, president of ASTINDO said the recovery of international flights to Indonesia this year had reached 88 per cent of 2019 levels and is expected to reach 95 per cent in 2024.
Pauline said Indonesians were confident travellers, despite any crises, as the success of many travel fairs held in Jakarta have proven.
Citing an example, she said: “The ASTINDO Travel Fair (held) in Jakarta end-August, although smaller in scale compared to the one in February, managed to (attract) over 25,000 visitors and sales of over US$3 billion.”
Tourism Tasmania has led a 10-member delegation to Hong Kong last week, marking its first visit since the pandemic. This three-day visit aimed to reconnect with partners and media, according to head of industry and partnerships, Cathryn Carey.
Carey noted: “Instead of exploring new markets, we decided to reinvest in those markets supporting Australia strongly i.e. premium FITs and small groups who seek experience of nature, wildlife, food and drinks, art and culture.
From left: Tourism Tasmania’s Haley Wong; Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ Robert Pennicott and Mia Pennicott; Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority’s Iain Chalmers; and Tourism Tasmania’s Cathryn Carey (Photo: Tourism Tasmania)
“Currently, only about 51 per cent of seat capacity (is) to Australia, compared to 2019 figures. Cathay Pacific and Qantas are slowly ramping up their services so hopefully by March 2024, it will hit 70 per cent. We really hope to get about 75 flights per week by March, with easy connectivity from Sydney and Melbourne to Tasmania.”
In 2019, Tasmania welcomed 28,100 visitors from Hong Kong but since January this year, there were only around 3,000 visitors. As of September, the destination received about 1.26 million arrivals, of which 13 per cent were international visitors.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Tasmania has worked on introducing new products, for instance, four international hotels (four- and five-star) opened in Hobart over the last two years – Marriott’s first Luxury Collection hotel in Australia, Crowne Plaza, Mövenpick and Vibe Hotels.
New and improved facilities also ensure visitors enjoy comfort while out in nature, such as the brand-new Mount Field Retreat situated at Mount Field National Park and Dove Lake viewing shelter. Meanwhile, the Agrarian Kitchen provides guided one-hour garden tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
In 2024, Spirit of Tasmania ferry services from Victoria’s Geelong to Devonport in Tasmania’s north will see the addition of two brand-new boats. These are 25 per cent larger than the current capacity, providing more space for camper vans and caravans, as well as a spacious and modern facility onboard for visitors.
Carey pointed out that the ultimate goal is to have direct air connection into Asia. Currently, there is direct service to Auckland from Hobart International Airport.
She added: “The runway of Hobart International Airport is long enough to take wide-bodied aircraft but that needs to be underpinned and strengthened to allow (aircraft to) take off with a full load of fuel. The underpinning of the runway has been approved and the government has set aside money for it – it’s just a matter of time (till) we can get engineering services.”
Half of the Tourism Tasmania delegation continued their journey to Zhuhai, China from Hong Kong for the Australia Marketplace China 2023 held on December 4-6.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has revealed the most popular destinations for 2024 and what is motivating travellers to visit them.
Japan and Thailand top the list, followed by Spain, Canada and Hawaii, a survey of its GHA Discovery loyalty programme members found, with the desire to try new destinations and experiences a key motivation behind travel decisions.
Thailand ranks as one of the top destinations among travellers; Krabi, Thailand, pictured
Europe has emerged as the most sought-after region to visit next year, while staycations are booming in Asia, led by members in China, who are planning more than five on average, followed by Thailand and Malaysia with more than four.
Similar to last year’s survey, GHA Discovery members’ travel plans are predominantly driven by leisure. Across regions, most respondents are planning to take no more than one business trip on average and two to four trips for leisure.
The strong rebound of Asian outbound travel is also clear, once again led by China where members have six to seven leisure trips planned (a 6.8 average), closely followed by Hong Kong (6.7) Thailand (6.4) and Germany (6.1). The Middle East and Africa stand out too, with travellers in these regions planning almost equal business and leisure trips (4.9 versus 4.0) in 2024.
Travellers in Asia are booking trips to Japan, China and Thailand, the same as in 2023, revealing an appetite to continue exploring intra-regional destinations.
European residents favour Thailand and Japan for the second consecutive year, but have replaced their 2023 hotspot, the US, with a desire to dive deeper into their own region, with Spain and Italy at the top of the list.
Travel-seekers from Australia and New Zealand are heading to Singapore and the UK in 2024, while Sydney is a city hotspot for a staycation. Those travelling to Europe tend to visit Portugal as well.
North American residents are still planning vacations to Japan but have swapped trips to China for getaways in Hawaii, Spain and Thailand instead. This market has the least interest in staycations, with an average of just over two planned.
As for the Middle East and North Africa, Japan remains in demand into 2024, but Canada and Oman are the new hot destinations for travellers based in this region, compared to Italy and Singapore in 2023.
Motivations, inspirations and preferences driving these trending destinations include various factors.
Social media is the top inspiration source, with 75% of respondents saying they travel to new places after seeing friends’ posts, with Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Oceania leading this trend. Travel magazines are still an important source in Europe and North America but recommendations from friends and family are the most influential.
Post-Covid, members are mostly opting for travel with their spouse or partner and intimate family trips, rather than solo adventures or mega-vacations with extended family. Foodie breaks are also on the rise and have overtaken wellness getaways as the most desired travel experiences.
Loyalty programme websites and apps are now the top choice across all regions for travel research and booking, a clear increase compared to 2023. This is followed by OTAs and dedicated review portals, all preferred to brand and hotel sites, indicating that travellers want to search from a wide choice of options in one place to save time and effort.
When deciding what hotel to stay in, the quality of accommodation and the benefits of its loyalty programme are the most important factors. This marks a change from last year when location or neighbourhood and price were prioritised.
When it comes to travel, upgrades are in demand. Special rates and hotel benefits are seen as the most critical in-hotel loyalty benefits. The largest change is seen in Europe, where discounts were the top pick last year, but now benefits such as room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout are significantly more valued. Across regions, a staggering 70% of elite GHA Discovery members place room upgrades at the top of their preferences, advocating for greater availability of this benefit.
“Travel is back on all fronts with every region thriving, and despite disruptions in certain markets, we are optimistic for another strong year in 2024” said Kristi Gole, executive vice president of strategy at GHA. “Travellers are still willing to pay premium prices to get where they want and to stay in the best hotels, but they now expect the product and service levels to match and want loyalty programmes to add value and enhance each stay.”
Marriott International has signed an agreement with IOI Properties Group to bring W Singapore – Marina View, a new 350-room property, to downtown Singapore.
The hotel is slated to debut in 2028 at the site of a 51-story mixed-use development.
W Singapore – Marina View is set to open late 2028
Boasting views of the Marina Bay, the new hotel will be located near key commercial and entertainment districts of Marina Bay, Raffles Place and Tanjong Pagar as well as the heritage neighbourhood of Chinatown. It will feature guestrooms and suites, as well as a wet deck, fitness centre, spa, and dining and social spaces at multiple restaurants and bars.
Oriol Montal, managing director, Luxury Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said: “This signing underscores the strong demand for our luxury brands across the region as we continue to expand our portfolio in new and existing markets. It also marks the opening of our second W Hotels in Singapore, following the success of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.”
“We are delighted to answer to the growing demands of luxury lifestyle hotels with W Singapore – Marina View, which is set to transform guest experience in leisure, entertainment and gastronomy here within the iconic Marina Bay district,” added Lee Yeow Seng, group CEO of IOI Properties Group.
Meliá Hotels & Resorts are getting festive with a range of holiday offerings for all ages.
At Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, the festivities begin on December 16 with a Christmas tree lighting party. A host of activities for families await, such as Christmas ornament colouring and a Christmas biscuit workshop. On Christmas Eve, Santa will make an appearance at the Breeza Restaurant, while on Christmas Day, Breeza will host a barbecue night. On New Year’s Eve, indulge in Mediterranean cuisine before the countdown party on the beach featuring a DJ, fire dance, and other performances.
Meliá Hotels & Resorts across Vietnam are offering a range of holiday activities this festive season; Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, pictured
Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh is set to light its Christmas tree on December 10, followed by a “Santa in Town” gathering serving up canapes and mulled wine, along with live piano, carol singing and cookies for the kids.
On Christmas Eve at Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh, there will be a pre-dinner cocktail party along with live music and a magician to entertain the children.
Several properties have special kids classes throughout the month of December including Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong with themed workshops for children, such as cupcake decoration and gingerbread decorating.
At Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, there will be a Lobster New Year’s Feast followed by a New Year’s Eve party with a DJ and live music, cocktails and mocktails.
In addition to festive meals this season, Meliá Da Nang has a few unique offerings including a Festive Afternoon Tea at Cape Nao Beach Club, with Christmas-themed treats, from December 23 to January 2, 2024. There’s also a Family Pool Party planned for December 30, which is free to in-house guests, with poolside tropical cocktails, fun games, and lively music.
