TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Page 4

South Asia to present free December lectures on sustainable tourism

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Development of sustainable tourism is being supported by the Meaningful Tourism Centre (MTC) and the Institute of Tourism (IoT), which will begin a series of free online lectures from December 8.

The programme, titled Meaningful Tourism as a Tool to Develop Sustainable Tourism in South Asia, requires pre-registration on IoT’s website. Recorded lectures will be available on the IoT website.

Arlt: destinations will be able to benefit from the increasing interest of activities beyond sightseeing and recreation without falling into the traps of overtourism and environmental damage

MTC executive director Wolfgang Arlt said the lectures provide stakeholders with insight on how to achieve objective benefits and subjective satisfaction from tourism and hospitality activities.

Arlt explained: “The six main stakeholders identified in the Meaningful Tourism approach are: travellers, host communities, employees in service-providing companies, service-providing companies, governments and the environment; and smart KPIs are used to measure the improvement of benefits and satisfaction on a regular base.”

He continued: “With a Meaningful Tourism approach, destinations will be able to benefit from the increasing interest of activities beyond sightseeing and recreation without falling into the traps of overtourism and environmental damage, making sure that local communities and employees get their fair share in alignment with the interests of companies and governments.”

Participants will also learn about carbon credit trading, with speakers including an MTC certified trainer and a local expert.

The lecture on December 8 will focus on North-east India, followed by North India on December 9, Nepal on December 11 and Bangladesh on December 12. Three further lectures on December 15, 22 and 29 will provide more detailed information tailored to South Asia and how to build a sustainable and profitable future.

Arlt noted that India, Nepal and Bangladesh together house more than 20 per cent of the global population, but jointly received only one per cent of global international tourism arrivals in 2024.

The objective of MTC and IoT, he said, is to help grow the tourism industry in South Asia without repeating the overtourism and environmental or cultural damage experienced by other Asian destinations.

Lectures for other parts of Asia will be scheduled in January 2026, with Oceania following in March.

Global Tourism Economy Forum moves to Harbin

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Harbin, China will play host to the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) for the first time. Set for December 15 to 17, the event will adopt the theme, New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy, and attract more than 1,000 participants from over 30 countries and regions.

Attendees will include the secretary-general of UN Tourism, heads of international organisations, government officials, tourism ministers, Fortune Global 500 executives, entrepreneurs and academics.

Harbin’s ice and snow landscape will welcome delegates for GTEF 2025 in December

GTEF 2025 will centre on four themes: ice-snow economy and innovation, cultural brand development, investment, and cross-border collaboration. The programme includes keynotes, roundtable discussions, showcases and an investment promotion session, with delegates invited to visit Harbin’s winter attractions as part of the province’s ongoing seasonal campaign.

MGallery Collection to debut in Maldives with V Villas Mirihi

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MGallery Collection, Accor’s boutique hotel division, will open V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection in early 2026. Located on the secluded island of Mirihi in the South Ari Atoll, the resort marks MGallery’s first property in the Maldives.

The property, formerly Mirihi Island Resort, will undergo renovation and expansion before reopening under the MGallery flag. It will feature 42 villas, including beach and overwater villas, as well as multi-bedroom suites with private pools. The design reflects Maldivian heritage, ocean rhythms, and the island’s namesake flower, Mirihi, offering guests a tranquil retreat immersed in nature.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will offer overwater and beachfront villas amid Mirihi’s tranquil South Ari Atoll

Owned by VIE Maldives, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Major Cineplex Group, the resort joins several MGallery properties in Thailand, including VIE Hotel Bangkok, V Villas Hua Hin, and V Villas Phuket.

Guests will arrive via a 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport. Renovations include redesigned interiors, a signature spa and wellness sanctuary, new indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, upgraded F&B venues with an overwater restaurant and new bar concept, and a main pool area. The project incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with Accor’s ESG pilot programme, from eco-conscious design to operations and guest experiences.

MGallery Collection currently comprises over 120 boutique hotels worldwide, each with a unique story. With the addition of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, the brand expands its footprint in premium leisure destinations.

Langham Hospitality Group introduces AI toolkit across global hotels

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Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has launched three AI agents to meet changes in how guests and staff access information. The new toolkit complements existing channels, allowing guests to make enquiries digitally or directly with hotel staff, while providing colleagues with broader access to training materials and commercial insights.

The AI agents are being phased in across LHG’s 31 properties on four continents, including The Langham Hotels and Resorts, Cordis Hotels and Resorts, Eaton Workshop, and Ying’nFlo.

Langham’s AI agents assist guests and staff with multilingual support, insights, and training across 31 properties; The Langham Boston, pictured

The first agent, Experience Agent, offers a multilingual interface for guests to ask questions via email, WhatsApp, WeChat, and Instagram, with the option to speak directly with staff. It currently responds in over 50 languages and will develop the ability to recognise intent, suggest service options, and direct enquiries to the appropriate teams. Future capabilities include voice interaction and an AI concierge function to help guests plan stays, arrange services, and receive updates before, during, and after their journeys.

Next, the Knowledge Agent supports employees by providing instant answers to questions about procedures, standards, and troubleshooting, helping staff perform their roles efficiently while ensuring consistent delivery across departments. Over time, it will guide tasks step-by-step, highlight standards in real time, flag compliance gaps, and offer personalised learning pathways.

Lastly, the Insight Agent is a real-time analytics tool that reviews booking patterns, demand signals, and guest behaviour, surfacing actionable recommendations on timing, pricing, and audiences to help commercial teams optimise offers. Future iterations will forecast trends, suggest package concepts, and personalise offers for specific guest segments.

The AI toolkit continues LHG’s tradition of innovation, which dates back to The Langham, London, in 1865, the first European Grand Hotel to introduce electric lighting, hydraulic lifts, and hot and cold running water. Today, LHG applies the same mindset to intelligent heating and cooling, smart check-in solutions, and advanced property management systems, all designed to enhance the guest experience.

Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said: “Personal and intuitive guest care, strong colleague development, and informed commercial decision-making have always been central to how we operate. These new tools extend that approach by allowing us to respond to the shift in how people access information, whether they are guests planning a stay, frontline team members sharpening their skills, or marketing executives exploring emerging travel trends.”

PATA, Jeju Tourism Organization to boost responsible travel and MICE growth

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PATA and the Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO) have signed a collaboration agreement to support responsible travel to Jeju Island, South Korea, and to lay the groundwork for a future PATA event in Jeju.

The signing by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and JTO CEO Koh Seung Chul at the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 in Chiang Rai, Thailand was witnessed by over 300 tourism professionals from across the globe.

The collaboration aims to advance sustainable tourism and international events on Jeju Island; photo by PATA

Under the agreement, JTO will take responsibility for promoting the MICE industry in the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. It aims to foster qualitative growth in the sector and strengthen Jeju’s competitiveness in the global MICE market.

The partnership also emphasises the joint promotion of responsible travel to Jeju Island, with a focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, community benefits, and environmental protection. Both organisations will collaborate on advocacy, knowledge sharing, and event organisation to promote best-practice principles in the tourism and MICE sectors.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “At this pivotal moment, we are honoured to deepen our collaboration and stand alongside Jeju as it advances its global prominence and reinforces its stature as one of the world’s most distinguished, responsible, and inspiring tourism destinations.”

JTO president Koh Seung Chul added: “The Jeju Tourism Organization, which executes MICE industry promotion policy, will strive to strengthen Jeju’s international competitiveness through this new international cooperation.”

Accor signs world’s largest Mövenpick in Manila with Megaworld

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Accor has partnered with Megaworld, the Philippines’ largest township developer, to sign Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside.

The hotel, with 1,530 keys, will be the world’s largest Mövenpick property and marks a milestone in Accor’s expansion in Asia.

The signing marks the launch of Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside, set to open in 2026

The opening in 2026 will make Accor the largest international hotel operator in the Philippines, with 13 hotels, more than 4,700 keys across eight brands, and a development pipeline of 16 hotels.

Located within Megaworld’s Westside City Township in Parañaque, the hotel sits in an integrated tourism estate with retail, entertainment, business and leisure facilities. Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will offer four dining venues, including a specialty Filipino restaurant, an international all-day dining option, a signature bar, and Mövenpick’s Chocolate Hour experience.

The property is designed to meet the needs of business and events travellers, with flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces for social gatherings, conferences and large-scale functions.

The development reflects Accor’s focus on the premium segment, meeting rising demand for experience-driven hospitality. The hotel will showcase Mövenpick’s Swiss-rooted brand values, highlighting service and memorable guest experiences.

Andrew Langdon, chief development officer, Asia, at Accor, said: “This landmark project represents an opportunity to enhance our premium presence while contributing to the country’s long-term tourism growth. We look forward to creating a flagship hotel that sets new standards for premium hospitality.”

Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, added: “The opening of the world’s largest Mövenpick is a powerful testament to our group’s efforts to scale our world-class offerings and meet the demands of the broader international market. As we rebrand Grand Westside Hotel into the world’s largest Mövenpick, we continue to generate more jobs, help drive stronger tourism activity, and open doors for communities to grow alongside this development.”

Indonesia introduces AI-powered travel companion for smarter tourism

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Indonesia has unveiled MaiA, an AI platform designed specifically to enhance the quality of national tourism services. The system, part of the Tourism 5.0 programme, was introduced by tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana at the Sapta Pesona Building in Jakarta on November 28, 2025.

MaiA (Meticulous artificial intelligence of Indonesia) is accessible via the official Indonesian tourism website and represents a key step in the country’s digital tourism evolution. The platform aims to serve as both an intelligent curator and a digital travel companion, offering features such as personalised destination recommendations, automatic itinerary creation, interactive maps, and multilingual destination summaries.

Widiyanti: this is our step toward shaping tourism that is not only beautiful to behold, but also intelligent and inclusive for all

The technology is intended to respond to changing traveller behaviour, supporting tourists who increasingly seek personal, efficient, and easily accessible experiences. Beyond providing practical travel tools, MaiA strengthens the connection between visitors and the culture, experiences, and stories of Indonesia.

The launch event was attended by government officials, tourism associations, industry partners, and national and international media, highlighting the government’s commitment to establishing a smart, inclusive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Widiyanti commented at the event: “The launch of MaiA is the actual implementation of the government’s commitment to establishing a smart, inclusive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem.”

She added: “This is our step toward shaping tourism that is not only beautiful to behold, but also intelligent and inclusive for all. Let us welcome MaiA as a step forward toward a more adaptive, competitive, and world-class future for Indonesian tourism.”

Sunway Hotels & Resorts launches voluntary carbon offset scheme across hotel portfolio

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Sunway Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Saxon Renewables to launch a voluntary guest carbon offset programme across its hotels in Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. The initiative allows guests to make an optional contribution when booking online or at check-in, supporting certified carbon projects supplied by Saxon Renewables.

All projects follow recognised standards, including Verra and Gold Standard, ensuring contributions deliver verified emission reductions.

The collaboration between Sunway Hotels & Resorts and Saxon Renewables aims to promote guest-led carbon offsetting

The programme supports Sunway’s long-term sustainability approach by offering guests a way to address the carbon footprint of their stay. It builds on the group’s existing measures, which include energy-efficiency systems, LED lighting, motion-sensor controls and smart Building Energy Management Systems. Water conservation is supported through low-flow fixtures and linen-reuse programmes, while waste reduction efforts include food-waste segregation, recycling and the gradual removal of single-use plastics.

The offset scheme follows rising demand for responsible travel, with more travellers preferring sustainable choices and value options that reduce environmental impact. Sunway plans to roll out the programme across its hotels by March 2026, with a target to offset up to 500 tonnes of carbon emissions through certified credits in its first year. Each tonne retired represents verified climate impact supported by guest contributions.

As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, the partnership signals increasing collaboration within the hospitality sector to support responsible travel. By offering guests a simple way to contribute to certified carbon projects, Sunway aims to strengthen participation in climate action and support a lower-carbon future.

Sunway Hospitality Group CEO Alex Castaldi commented: “Sustainability has always been part of Sunway’s DNA. Through this collaboration with Saxon Renewables, we’re extending that commitment to our guests – giving them the opportunity to participate in meaningful climate action during their stay.”

Reik Ong, founder and managing director of Saxon Renewables, added: “We’re excited to collaborate with Sunway Hotels & Resorts in making climate action more accessible for guests.”

Laguna Phuket advances low-carbon shift with new electric shuttles

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Laguna Phuket has introduced eight fully electric shuttles carrying the Rava Beach Club identity, coinciding with the club’s opening and supporting the resort’s shift toward low-carbon mobility and responsible tourism.

Supplied by Anuphas NEX, the shuttles run entirely on electric power and include 11 forward-facing seats and onboard speakers. The fleet forms part of Laguna Phuket’s sustainability roadmap, which includes a phased transition to electric transport and expanded charging infrastructure across the estate by 2026.

Electric shuttles now run across Laguna Phuket as the resort strengthens its low-carbon transport network

Alongside the EV roll-out, Laguna Phuket is implementing a multi-year regenerative placemaking plan that will transform 2.5 kilometres of the estate into parks, cultural installations, wellness spaces and biodiverse landscapes. The project aligns with the resort’s long-term aim to integrate sustainability, culture, community and well-being into the guest experience.

With electric mobility now embedded across the estate and a regenerative landscape plan under way, Laguna Phuket is developing a model of responsible travel centred on ecology, culture and well-being. Through phased openings in 2025-2026, the destination will offer a nature-led experience supported by a cleaner transport network.

Paul Wilson, managing director, Laguna Phuket, stated: “The arrival of the new EVs represents a significant milestone in our journey toward a more sustainable future. As we prepare for the grand opening of Rava Beach Club, these e-vehicles not only enhance the guest experience but also underscore Laguna Phuket’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and setting new standards for responsible travel in the region.”

New hotels: Visama Explorer Nan, Risonare Shimonoseki and more

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Visama Explorer Nan

Visama Explorer Nan, Thailand
The eco-luxury Visama Explorer Nan tented camp has opened in northern Thailand, offering eight air-conditioned tented suites with ensuite bathrooms, king-sized beds, hot water rain showers, private decks and verandas, available in Mountain View or Creek View categories.

At the heart of the camp is the Ambalama, a communal space for evening gatherings or open-air cinema shows by the fireplace. The Monmanee creek-side restaurant serves Northern Thai specialties and Western classics alongside wine and cocktails.

Guests can enjoy tree planting, artisan workshops, hiking, cycling, and visits to local temples and waterfalls. The camp is an 80-minute flight from Bangkok plus a two-hour drive, with daily Air Asia and Nok Air flights from Don Muang International Airport.

Risonare Shimonoseki; photo by Hoshino Resorts

Risonare Shimonoseki, Japan
The 187-room Risonare Shimonoseki overlooks the Kanmon Strait, connecting Honshu and Kyushu, and reflects the region’s maritime culture and Shimonoseki’s reputation as Japan’s fugu capital. All rooms face the sea, with some pet-friendly, while the Strait Cabana Suites feature indoor “beaches” with telescopes and seashell accents.

The resort offers an infinity pool merging with the strait, a 30-metre water slide, a shallow toddler pool, and children’s play areas. Dining options include an Italian restaurant and a buffet-style venue. Public spaces such as the Naminami Terrace feature wave-like lawns and seating, and programmes include a Captain Academy for children.

The resort is five minutes by car from JR Shimonoseki Station and 90 minutes by train from Fukuoka Airport, providing a seaside base for exploring the city and its maritime surroundings.

Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk

Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk, Indonesia
Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk has opened in one of Jakarta’s rapidly developing lifestyle and commercial districts. The hotel features 150 rooms, ranging from 27m² Aloft Sky King & Twin layouts to 52m² Sky Suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bedding, 55-inch LED Smart TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy the rooftop W xyz Bar with city views, Chio Chio all-day dining, a 33rd-floor infinity pool, and the fitness centre. Meeting and event facilities cover over 1,600m², including seven rooms and a pillarless grand ballroom with a pre-function area.

Located on Jalan Panjang in Kebon Jeruk, the hotel is directly connected to Museum MACAN and within five kilometres of Central Park, Neo Soho, and Mall Taman Anggrek. Local street food, hospitals, and schools are nearby. Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk is part of Marriott Bonvoy.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo, Japan
Park Hyatt Tokyo will reopen on December 9, 2025, following a major refurbishment. It occupies the 39th to 52nd floors of Shinjuku Park Tower in western Tokyo, offering views of Harajuku, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and Mount Fuji, and is close to the city’s shopping, cultural, and entertainment districts.

The hotel has 171 guestrooms and suites, including a new Park Suite category. Rooms feature king or double beds, walk-in closets, Japanese-style wet bathrooms with marble and wood finishes, Frette linens, Aesop amenities, Nespresso machines, and LG TVs. Specialty suites include soaking tubs, saunas, kitchens, and entertainment areas.

Dining includes Girandole by Alain Ducasse, the Peak Lounge & Bar, New York Grill & Bar, and Kozue Japanese restaurant. The Library, spa, fitness centre and event venues have also been refreshed.