NATAS Holidays 2026 concludes with expanded footprint and stronger NTO presence

August 24, 2026

From left - Papua New Guinea high commissioner Kapi Tau Maro and NATAS' Steven Ler, photo by NATAS

NATAS Holidays 2026 wrapped up its three-day showcase at Singapore Expo under the theme A World within Reach.

The event brought together close to 100 exhibitors and featured a 25 per cent increase in exhibition space for travel agents, National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), airlines, cruise operators, hotels and resorts, banks, insurance providers, and other travel partners. A total of 14 NTOs participated this year, representing a 40 per cent increase over the previous edition.

For NATAS president Steven Ler, the value of the fair extends beyond statistics.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, he described travel as more than moving between destinations, emphasising its role in fostering cultural understanding and connecting diverse industry partners, including airlines, cruise lines, tourism boards, and financial institutions.

Papua New Guinea returned to the fair for a second year as destination partner.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kapi Tau Maro, high commissioner of Papua New Guinea to Singapore and guest-of-honour, highlighted the importance of proactive market expansion. He noted that Papua New Guinea showcased its cultural heritage and natural landscapes to make these experiences more accessible to Asian travellers.

Simultaneously, national carrier Air Niugini is focused on enhancing operational reliability and network expansion, supported by ongoing promotional efforts from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority.

The high commissioner expressed confidence that these initiatives, paired with strong bilateral relations with Singapore, will position Papua New Guinea as a primary destination for authentic cultural and natural travel.

Fusion Hotel Group expands Indonesian footprint with Topotels integration

By TTG Asia

August 24, 2026

0

Fusion Hotel Group has integrated two established midscale Indonesian hotel brands, Ayola and Odua, into its regional portfolio. Operating under Topotels Hotels & Resorts, the collection comprises seven properties across key cities including Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya, serving business and leisure travellers.

The strategic addition strengthens the organisation’s presence in Indonesia, providing the two midscale brands with access to broader commercial platforms and operational support. Under the agreement, Ayola and Odua will retain their existing brand identities while integrating into a regional network that spans Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

From left: Topotels Hotels & Resorts’ Willy Suderes and Fusion Hotel Group’s Christopher Hur mark the integration of the Ayola and Odua brands into the regional portfolio

The expansion forms part of a strategy to scale operations and broaden guest access to value-driven accommodation across South-east Asia.

“Joining Fusion will open new doors for our business, allowing us to deliver a better experience for our guests and provide stronger support for our owners. We’re confident that the integration with Fusion will bring fresh momentum to our hotels and teams,” said Willy Suderes, COO of Topotels Hotels & Resorts.

“We’re delighted to welcome Topotels into the Fusion family. Their strong roots in Indonesia combined with Fusion’s expertise will unlock new opportunities in key destinations across the country. This partnership strengthens our regional presence and supports our long-term vision for growth across South-east Asia,” added Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group.

Club Med expands regional padel cup across eight Asia-Pacific markets

By TTG Asia

August 24, 2026

0

Club Med has launched the Club Med Padel Cup 2026, which runs from July to November 2026. Doubling in scope from the previous year, the event spans eight markets: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and India.

The hospitality operator offers padel across more than 75 facilities globally. Within Asia-Pacific, courts are available at properties in Bintan, Kani and Phuket, with additions planned for Club Med Borneo at the end of 2026. Outside the region, facilities are also located at Club Med South Africa.

Club Med ramps up its sports programming across Asia-Pacific by hosting the Padel Cup 2026 and partnering with the Tatler Padel Series

National qualifiers began in July 2026, with events already held in Bangkok on August 2 and Hong Kong on August 22. Upcoming legs include Sydney on August 30 and Tokyo on September 6, followed by Kuala Lumpur from September 11 to 13, Singapore from October 1 to 4, and Taiwan on October 9.

Winners from the national events will advance to the Grand Slam Finale at Club Med Phuket from November 30 to December 3, 2026. The four-night event includes competitive matches, masterclasses and workshops, with prizes provided in partnership with sports equipment manufacturer Babolat.

Additionally, the company has taken on the role of Official Lifestyle Partner for the Tatler Padel Series. The circuit expects to engage over 2,000 participants across Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai, leading to a regional final in November 2026.

“Padel is more than a sport; it is a joyful way for people to connect, play and create shared memories,” said Rachael Harding, CEO, Club Med East, South Asia and Pacific. “Last year’s inaugural Padel Cup showed us the incredible enthusiasm for the sport across the region. Expanding to eight markets this year is a natural next step for our brand which has always celebrated active lifestyles, togetherness and unforgettable holiday experiences.”

Flores tourism moves toward recovery despite ongoing overland disruptions

By Dhini Oktavianti

August 21, 2026

0

Tourism in Flores is gradually recovering following the August 15 earthquake, with Labuan Bajo and the main Komodo National Park circuit back in operation, although several inland destinations and transport links remain disrupted.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, activities at Padar Island, Loh Liang on Komodo Island, Loh Buaya on Rinca Island, and Gili Lawa have returned to normal, with daily visitor numbers exceeding 2,000 on August 17. Labuan Bajo Marina and Komodo National Park have reopened, while most major hotels in Labuan Bajo remain operational with restored utilities and no reported early checkouts.

Labuan Bajo and major Komodo National Park sites have resumed normal operations, though inland transport and remote destinations remain affected; photo by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism

However, recovery across the wider island remains uneven.

Ende Airport has cancelled all flights through August 20, while Wings Air services at Ruteng’s Frans Sales Lega Airport are suspended through August 22. Komodo Airport, Frans Seda Airport in Maumere, and Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka remain open with some schedule adjustments.

Several destinations remain temporarily closed for safety assessments, including Wae Rebo, Ruteng Pu’u, Kelimutu National Park, and Teluk Maumere Marine Nature Tourism Park. Nuca Molas has been permanently closed due to structural damage, while tourism areas in Ngada and Nagekeo continue to face power and communication outages.

Although main sections of the Trans-Flores route have reopened after landslide clearances, ongoing access disruptions continue to affect overland travel. Consequently, some travellers bound for Riung Marine Park cancelled or rerouted their trips, driving up accommodation demand in nearby Ruteng.

Leonardus Nyoman, director of Flores Exotic Tours, reported cancellations from group and online bookings, adding that marine excursions also faced temporary disruptions following a tsunami warning. Although the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics confirmed no tsunami threat, some boat operators remain hesitant to sail as aftershocks continue.

“Some captains don’t want to sail because they are still afraid,” Nyoman said, noting that operators are monitoring ongoing aftershocks. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency recorded 2,768 aftershocks as of August 19, including 24 above magnitude five.

Oyan Kristian, chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies East Nusa Tenggara, noted that the impact on Labuan Bajo’s main circuit remains minimal.

“Until today there is no closure in the Komodo National Park area,” Kristian said.

While one of his existing guests cancelled their stay, Kristian noted that the wider impact was likely to be felt more on overland trips to other parts of Flores, where connectivity remains disrupted.

The reopening of remaining destinations will depend on ongoing safety assessments, with full road restoration key to island-wide recovery.

Azerbaijan targets Asian markets amid connectivity challenges

By Marissa Carruthers

August 21, 2026

0

Azerbaijan is eyeing new target markets in Asia, setting its sights firmly on Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China.

“We see great potential in Asia, and especially great potential in growing the Chinese market,” said Teymur Suleymanzada, deputy CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board.

Suleymanzada says Azerbaijan aims to establish itself as a key Umrah Plus stopover hub to attract Muslim travellers from across the region

He added that the destination recently opened a representative office in China.

In 2025, the country saw a 40 per cent year-on-year increase in arrivals from China, as well as a 36 per cent year-on-year rise in arrivals from Malaysia.

While there are direct flights connecting Azerbaijan with China, Azerbaijan’s ability to tap fully into Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia is hampered by the lack of seamless air connectivity.

“We believe that air connectivity is one of the driving tools that will enable more visitors from these countries,” he said, adding that talks are taking place to establish a direct route from Malaysia to Azerbaijan.

Suleymanzada told TTG Asia that Azerbaijan Tourism Board has launched marketing campaigns to position the country as an official Umrah Plus stopover hub for religious tourists, which will appeal to Muslim pilgrims.

“We want to become an active part of Umrah Plus and are looking to expand this project in the future,” he said.

While Azerbaijan is a majority Muslim country, it is secular. It ranks 27th out of 150 destinations globally in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, achieving an overall score of 58 out of 100 as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.

Suleymanzada also sees potential in building interest through Azerbaijan’s role in the historical Great Silk Road. For over 2,000 years, Azerbaijan sat at the crossroads of the most important trade route that linked China and India to Europe.

He noted that attractions – such as the UNESCO-listed mountain town of Shaki, Karvansaray and Khansaray – on the Great Silk Road are presently very popular with Chinese tourists.

“We have so many things in common,” he remarked.

Sarawak repositions as entry point to Borneo

By S Puvaneswary

August 21, 2026

0

Sarawak marked a defining moment in its tourism journey with the unveiling of its refreshed destination identity and new tourism tagline, Sarawak: Gateway to Borneo, which replaces the former tagline, Sarawak: More to Discover, introduced in 2019 in conjunction with the Visit Sarawak campaign.

The new tourism tagline was revealed during the Soul of Borneo Gala Dinner on August 19, in the presence of Sarawak’s Premier, Abdul Rahman Zohari Openg.

The updated branding reflects Sarawak’s focus on heritage, biodiversity, and community-led tourism development

The refreshed destination identity reflects Sarawak’s continued evolution as a destination that honours its rich heritage and biodiversity while embracing innovation, connectivity, and new opportunities under the state’s broader transformation agenda, the Sarawak Tourism Board said in a press statement.

Sarawak: Gateway to Borneo embodies the state’s aspiration to become the natural entry point to discovering the island of Borneo.

It invites travellers to begin their Bornean journey in Sarawak, where authentic indigenous cultures, UNESCO-recognised heritage, world-renowned biodiversity, vibrant festivals, and meaningful connections with local communities come together in one destination.

Anchored by the new destination brand, Sarawak remains committed to purposeful tourism growth by creating experiences that benefit local communities, celebrate cultural authenticity, and safeguard the state’s natural environment for future generations.

At the recently concluded PATA Travel Mart, Sarawak was also recognised as a Grand Title Winner at the PATA Gold Awards 2026 under the Marketing category for its Guinness World Records Title – Longest Cumulative Distance by a Remote-Controlled Multirotor/Drone Relay initiative.

DTH Travel expands slow rail journeys across Asia

By Rosa Ocampo

August 21, 2026

0

DTH Travel is expanding its portfolio of rail journeys across Asia as part of its focus on slow travel and lower-carbon tourism.

Last year, the DMC launched the exclusive 14-day The Great Train Journey, which travels on the modern EMU high-speed railway from Laos into China’s Yunnan province before continuing to Vietnam, with stops at key destinations along the route.

DTH Travel’s 14-day Great Train Journey combines rail travel across Laos, China and Vietnam with immersive cultural experiences

Earlier this year, DTH Travel also introduced its eight-day Peninsular Train Surfing itinerary, which begins in Singapore before travelling through Johor Bahru, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang by rail.

Group director of sales Marjorie Aquino said more rail programmes are being developed for launch this year following the positive response to the Blue Jasmine Train in Thailand, which debuted last November.

Aquino told TTG Asia that the itineraries are designed to offer a slower pace of travel while encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with local communities and culture.

“Our programmes are really personal and hands-on, not just hop on, hop off. Travellers get to experience the destination, not only farming or a cooking class but an immersive cultural experience. They really get to experience the place and the people, not just taking photos then leave.”

She added: “We want to promote responsible tourism with authentic local experiences, so we only work with competent tour guides with expertise in the local communities.”

DTH Travel’s rail journeys combine overnight train travel with boutique hotel stays, guided excursions and exclusive experiences. The Blue Jasmine Train journey has scheduled departures in November and December this year, and in the first three months of 2027. A shorter four-day version, From Bangkok to the Mekong: Tracing Thailand’s Silk Legacy, will be launched soon. Guests enjoy a private visit to Jim Thompson’s factory and travel aboard a restored 1960s sleeper carriage gifted by Japan to Thailand, featuring more than 2,000 Jim Thompson furnishings and items of décor.

Community-driven decision-making strengthens long-term tourism benefits

By Marissa Carruthers

August 21, 2026

0

Working closely with local communities and giving them a genuine role in decision-making is key to creating authentic tourism experiences, according to tourism experts.

Jessica Yew, director of Sticky Rice Travel, said meaningful travel should leave a lasting benefit for communities after visitors have gone, with tourism income staying locally and residents gaining new skills and exposure.

Tourism experts discuss the importance of involving local communities in decision-making

“Meaningful travel is what stays behind after visitors leave. Rather than being the backdrop, the community is the main author of the story.”

She said communities should be fully involved in tourism activities and positioned as decision-makers rather than simply being consulted. Tourism operators should also recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to community-based tourism.

Yew also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for genuine participation rather than simply putting communities on display for visitors.

“It’s important to consider participation versus just performance because if there’s participation in something, that creates a lot more meaning than if it’s just a passive performance.”

Somsak Boonkam, founder and CEO of Local Alike, pointed out that a tourism experience should benefit both travellers and the communities they visit.

“Travellers have a deeper sense of understanding now not just to visit a place, but to talk to, learn from and build relations with communities,” he explained.

“On the local side, it’s about how to make sure we don’t only measure by economic value, but the opportunities to better their life and communities.”

However, Yew cautioned that developing successful community-based tourism products requires patience, long-term engagement and an understanding of local conditions.

“There’s a very fine line when working with communities because going into a community and attempting a collaboration takes a long time, it’s not an overnight game.”

She noted tourism operators also need to navigate language barriers, understand the dynamics of individual communities and determine which programmes are appropriate for each location.

Other considerations include building local capacity and providing training, as well as ensuring there is sufficient budget and resources to support the development of community-based tourism initiatives.

Minor Hotels brings Avani brand to Sabah

By TTG Asia

August 21, 2026

0

Minor Hotels will introduce its Avani brand to Sabah with the opening of Avani Kota Kinabalu in the first quarter of 2027, expanding its presence in Malaysia.

The 352-key hotel will form part of The Logg Luyang mixed-use development by KTI Landmark and will cater to both leisure and corporate travellers. Located about 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, it will provide access to the city’s business districts, residential neighbourhoods and visitor attractions.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will open in 1Q2027 as the hospitality anchor of The Logg Luyang mixed-use development, marking the brand’s debut in Sabah

The property is part of Minor Hotels’ strategy to grow its lifestyle portfolio in destinations with increasing domestic, regional and international demand. It will join Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas as the group’s second property in Malaysia.

Developed by KTI Landmark, The Logg Luyang combines hospitality, commercial and lifestyle components, with Avani Kota Kinabalu serving as the development’s hospitality anchor.

The hotel will feature 352 guestrooms for business, leisure and extended stays. Facilities will include five dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant serving Sabahan, Malaysian, Korean and international cuisine, a Chinese restaurant highlighting Sabah Hakka flavours, a lobby lounge, a bakery café and the rooftop SEEN Restaurant & Bar.

The hotel will also offer meeting and banquet facilities, an infinity pool and a gym, with nearby Tun Fuad Stephens Park providing access to outdoor recreation.

Winston Gong, general manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu, said: “Kota Kinabalu is evolving rapidly as a regional business and tourism hub, creating strong demand for a hotel that can move easily between corporate, leisure and social use. Our focus will be on delivering an efficient, locally relevant guest experience while building a property with genuine appeal to the city’s residents.”

New hotels: Conrad Nagoya, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit and more

By TTG Asia

August 20, 2026

0

Conrad Nagoya, Japan
Conrad Nagoya has made its debut in Japan’s third-largest city, occupying the upper floors of The Landmark Nagoya Sakae in the heart of the city’s business and shopping district.

The hotel features 170 guestrooms, including 29 suites, all measuring more than 50m². Facilities include six restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, as well as meeting and event spaces, including a 342m² Grand Ballroom.

Directly connected to Sakae Station, the property is close to Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, while also providing a base for exploring central Japan destinations such as Ise and Takayama.

Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand
Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit has joined Bangkok’s luxury hotel market as the brand’s first property in Thailand.

Located in Sukhumvit, the hotel features 474 guestrooms and suites, seven dining venues, Fairmont Spa, fitness facilities and more than 2,000m² of meeting and event space across three floors. Family-friendly accommodation and pet-friendly rooms are also available.

The property is close to Sukhumvit’s shopping, dining and entertainment districts, providing easy access to one of Bangkok’s busiest neighbourhoods.

Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad, India
Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad has become the brand’s first hotel in Ghaziabad, located in the city’s Rajnagar Extension commercial and residential district.

The hotel offers 106 guestrooms and suites, alongside an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and more than 740m² of meeting and event space.

The property is about an hour from Indira Gandhi International Airport and 20 minutes from Ghaziabad Railway Station. Nearby attractions include Akshardham Temple, India Expo Mart and shopping districts in East Delhi.

Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok, Thailand
Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok occupies the former Chateau de Bangkok in the city’s Ploen Chit district following an extensive refurbishment.

The hotel offers 178 guestrooms and suites, including long-stay accommodation with kitchenettes. Facilities include three dining venues, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and three meeting and event spaces, with the largest catering to around 250 guests.

Located 400 metres from Ploenchit BTS station, the property provides convenient access to Bangkok’s business districts, shopping areas and diplomatic quarter, while Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are within a 40-minute drive.

NATAS Holidays 2026 concludes with expanded footprint and stronger NTO presence

Fusion Hotel Group expands Indonesian footprint with Topotels integration

Club Med expands regional padel cup across eight Asia-Pacific markets

Flores tourism moves toward recovery despite ongoing overland disruptions

Azerbaijan targets Asian markets amid connectivity challenges

Sarawak repositions as entry point to Borneo

DTH Travel expands slow rail journeys across Asia

Community-driven decision-making strengthens long-term tourism benefits

Minor Hotels brings Avani brand to Sabah

New hotels: Conrad Nagoya, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit and more

Tried and Tested

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon review: A quick Bintan getaway...

What to Buy Now

New hotels: Ocean Mantra Village, Meliá Aurea Nha Trang and more