Genting Dream: Chef Tommie Lee’s dining experience at sea

May 7, 2026

Chef Tommie Lee showcases his escargot vol-au-vent in a live demonstration on board Genting Dream

Having sailed on Genting Dream before, I was looking forward to once again enjoying a relaxing cruise with the service I had come to expect. What made this two-night Singapore–Melaka sailing stand out even more was the anticipation around this particular cruise, which featured Korean chef Tommie Lee, recognised globally as “Chef French Papa” from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, in a collaboration to celebrate the ship’s 10th anniversary.

At the centre of the sailing was a dining collaboration, with Lee creating an exclusive five-course set menu for the ship’s restaurant, Bistro by Reinhard Mammes. A small group of invited media were hosted for a private dining experience, offering a first-hand look at the menu on board. Chef Lee was also present during the sailing, sharing more about his culinary journey and influences in an informal session with guests. The experience came together through a French-led menu, paired with selections from Veuve Clicquot.

The first course was an escargot vol-au-vent, with tender snails set within a crisp, buttery pastry shell, accompanied by a creamy roux-based sauce and a generous portion of mushrooms – the roux technique also demonstrated live by the chef during the meal.

Next was a prosciutto and mesclun salad, served with shaved Parmesan, Kalamata olives and a lemon dressing that brought a light, zesty lift to the dish. Both courses were paired with Bottega Rosé Gold Spumante, a sparkling wine with floral and fruity notes that complemented the dishes well.

Guests were then treated to a bouillabaisse maison, a rich, saffron-infused broth brimming with fresh seafood, including mussels and fish. It was easily the heartiest course, pairing well with a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial.

Chef Tommie Lee’s Five-Course Set Menu

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The fourth dish was my favourite of the evening: slow-roasted veal tenderloin, alongside a foie gras and truffle roulade, with green pea mash, roasted carrot purée and a velvety port wine sauce. The veal stood out for its tenderness and depth of flavour, with the sauce bringing everything together. A glass of Barton & Guestier Saint-Émilion Bordeaux further elevated the dish.

The meal concluded on a sweet note with a chocolate mousse with dulce de leche espuma. Light and airy in texture, the mousse was topped with dulce de leche – a milk jam made by slowly heating sugar and milk – adding a gentle sweetness to round off the dish. It was served with Canella Bellini Fruit Blend Spumante Brut, though the dessert stood well on its own without the addition of alcohol.

Verdict
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Beyond the well-executed menu, the highlight was meeting Lee, whose genuine and humble personality – and clear passion for what he does – came through in the dishes as much as in person.

Though he appeared exclusively on this sailing, his menu will be available on Genting Dream from May 3 to July 3, 2026 at Bistro Restaurant – giving more guests the opportunity to experience this specially curated menu.

Rate
Menu only: S$90 (US$66) per person

Menu with Wine Pairing: S$132 per person

Contact details
Website: https://www.stardreamcruises.com/

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport appoints new rooms division leadership

By TTG Asia

May 7, 2026

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Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has promoted Avinash Chandola to rooms division manager and appointed Anju Rathore as front office manager, strengthening its rooms division leadership team.

Chandola was most recently front office manager at the property and brings over 16 years of experience, with a focus on front office operations and guest satisfaction.

From left: Avinash Chandola and Anju Rathore

Rathore joins with more than 12 years of experience in front office operations and guest experience, having led high-volume operations and service delivery across hospitality settings.

Bhutan to stage inaugural travel mart as global engagement grows

By TTG Asia

May 7, 2026

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Bhutan will host the first Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) from June 11 to 13, 2026 in Zhichenkhar, Thimphu, bringing together global buyers and local partners.

The event will take place alongside the launch of its official website, www.bitm.bt, which serves as a central information platform for buyers, exhibitors and the public.

The Bhutan International Travel Mart will debut in Thimphu in June 2026, alongside the launch of its official website as a central information platform

Jointly organised by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO), the event marks a new step in Bhutan’s tourism engagement with international markets. BITM is intended as an annual event and a central platform for Bhutan’s ongoing engagement with the global travel trade.

The three-day programme is designed to facilitate B2B interactions between international buyers and Bhutanese tourism stakeholders, while highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and tourism offerings. The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s long-standing approach to tourism centred on high-value, low-volume travel.

BITM will also place a focus on Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), presenting the development as part of Bhutan’s future tourism landscape. The event is expected to bring together international travel professionals and local partners, supporting connections across established and emerging markets.

Key objectives include strengthening Bhutan’s positioning as a distinctive tourism destination, creating opportunities for partnerships, and providing a platform for showcasing services and experiences. The event will also support new product introductions and collaboration within the sector.

The launch of the BITM website is intended to support access to event information and participation, reflecting the growing importance of digital platforms in global travel trade engagement.

“BITM is not merely an exhibition. It is a declaration of Bhutan’s leadership in leading a new era of mindful, regenerative, sustainable and deeply transformative tourism on the global stage. (It allows) us to tell our story directly to the world, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful business linkages right here in Bhutan,” said Damcho Rinzin, director, Department of Tourism Bhutan, adding that GMC is central to Bhutan’s future, describing it as a “visionary blueprint” for a living sanctuary for mindfulness and a key driver of high-value tourism.

ABTO’s chairman Kinley Gyeltshen shared: “The launch of the BITM website is crucial to the success of BITM. At the same time, BITM will significantly benefit the tourism industry, particularly Bhutanese tour operators. It also creates a valuable platform for our partners to connect directly with international buyers here in Bhutan, build strong business relationships and secure meaningful partnerships.”

Air Astana taps transit boom amid network shift

By Anne Somanas

May 7, 2026

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Air Astana Group reported a 13.2 per cent rise in first-quarter revenue to US$331 million, as it reallocated capacity from the Middle East to Asian and European routes. The airline is leveraging increased east-west connecting traffic to offset regional volatility and rising unit costs.

Following the suspension of flights to Doha, Dubai, Jeddah and Madinah, the Kazakhstan-based carrier redirected capacity towards higher-yield markets. This shift boosted available seat kilometres to South-east Asian leisure destinations and key business markets in China and India.

Canliel shares that the airline began reallocating aircraft within 48 hours of the Gulf conflict, reflecting rapidly evolving demand conditions that have become the new norm; photo by Air Astana

“Within 48 hours of the Gulf conflict starting, we had already begun reallocating our aircraft to support the rapidly evolving demand conditions which have become a new norm,” said Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana.

The realignment led to a 65 per cent year-on-year increase in international-to-international connecting traffic during the quarter, with a sharper rise towards the end of the period.

“We saw a 65 per cent increase of international transit traffic during the first quarter, which was driven largely by a 158 per cent increase during the month of March alone,” Canliel said.

To support growth in Asia, the group launched direct flights to Shanghai in March and plans to operate up to 50 weekly services to China by June across Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary, FlyArystan. The group also expects delivery of its first two Boeing 787-9 aircraft later this year, offering extended range and upgraded business class configurations aimed at longhaul corporate travel.

Despite higher revenue and load factors, cost per available seat kilometre rose 19.8 per cent, alongside capacity constraints linked to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues. Management said it remains focused on mitigating these costs ahead of the peak summer season.

“We believe that these levels do not reflect the structural cost advantage that the group has in the industry and that we plan to leverage on going forward,” said Air Astana’s chief financial officer Goncalo Pires.

Air Astana plans to expand its fleet to 86 aircraft by 2030, comprising 54 aircraft for the Air Astana brand and 32 for FlyArystan.

The airline views its geographic shift not as a temporary adjustment but as a longer-term change in regional aviation dynamics.

“Our strategy stands sound in the new normal, and it is the execution of it over the coming quarters that is going to be key,” Canliel concluded.

Singapore’s Rainforest Wild Adventure to open second phase in May

By TTG Asia

May 7, 2026

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Rainforest Wild Adventure at Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore will soft open its second phase from May 20, 2026, expanding the park to a full 20-hectare site inspired by the rainforests of Asia and Africa.

The development completes the park’s east and west zones, allowing visitors to explore interconnected habitats within a single visit. A single ticket provides access to both zones, along with selected Adventure+ activities.

Rainforest Wild Adventure opens its eastern zone with experiences including the Canopy Glider and Primate Climb overlooking animal habitats; photo by Mandai Wildlife Group

The park combines wildlife encounters with varying levels of physical exploration. Visitors can choose from accessible activities to more challenging, harnessed experiences, with a total of nine Adventure+ offerings across the site. In the eastern zone, activities include canopy rides, elevated viewpoints and treetop courses, while the western zone offers guided high-element experiences such as climbing and simulated cave exploration.

Spanning seven hectares, the new eastern zone draws on Afro-tropical and Madagascan landscapes. It introduces species including the okapi, making its debut in South-east Asia. The park is home to four okapis, managed under an international breeding programme aimed at supporting conservation and genetic diversity.

Additional species across the park include pygmy hippo, eastern bongo, red river hog and Nile lechwe, alongside multi-species habitats representing Madagascar. The design of the habitats allows animals to move freely and exhibit natural behaviours, with visibility varying throughout the day.

To coincide with the opening, Mandai Wildlife Group will host National Geographic-themed retail pop-ups across the park, featuring apparel collections and visual displays inspired by the brand’s archive.

Rainforest Wild Adventure East will operate daily from 09.00 to 18.00, with the last admission at 17.00. Visitors can travel between zones via shuttle services within the reserve, including connections to Khatib MRT station.

As part of the soft opening, ticket holders will have access to selected Adventure+ activities, with additional experiences available separately.

Hilton set for return to Adelaide with East End hotel project

By TTG Asia

May 7, 2026

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Hilton has signed an agreement for a new-build property in Adelaide’s eastern CBD, marking a return for the brand in South Australia. The Hilton Adelaide East End is planned for 299 Pirie Street and forms part of the wider Arcadia mixed-use development.

The 27-storey hotel will feature 251 rooms and is being developed under a franchise agreement with Auriga Investments. Trilogy Hotels has been appointed to operate the property. Located just over one kilometre from Rundle Mall and the East End precinct, the site is positioned close to established dining, nightlife and cultural venues.

Hilton Adelaide East End is planned as part of a mixed-use development in the city’s eastern CBD, with completion targeted for 2031; photo by Matt Kroker

Guestrooms will range from 31m² to 140m², alongside a recreation deck, several food and beverage outlets and 303m² of meeting space. Facilities are expected to include a fitness centre and pool, with a focus on accommodating both corporate and leisure travellers.

The surrounding area benefits from tram access within 700 metres, while the purpose-built development is designed with contemporary architecture, sustainability considerations and operational efficiency in mind.

Arcadia is intended to combine residential and hospitality elements within a single precinct, contributing to activity in the eastern part of the CBD. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2031 and will participate in Hilton Honors, the group’s global loyalty programme.

“The return of Hilton to Adelaide is both a symbolic and strategic milestone,” said Tushar Raniga, director of development, Hilton Australasia. “This project allows us to reintroduce Hilton Hotels & Resorts as a modern, design-led flagship aligned with Adelaide’s growth and evolving skyline.”

“Together, they will create a destination that draws locals back into the CBD and supports the year‐round calendar of events that make Adelaide unique. This is a long‐term investment in the city’s future, and we are committed to delivering a precinct that elevates Adelaide for generations to come,” added Eric Luk, director, Auriga Investment Group.

Wafaifo Resort Hoi An unveils May stay with dinner for two

By TTG Asia

May 7, 2026

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Wafaifo Resort Hoi An has introduced a limited-time stay package for May 2026, offering a one-night break with dining included.

Valid for bookings and stays from May 1 to May 31, 2026, the package includes a one-night stay in a Faifo Room with breakfast for two. Guests will also receive a Josper-grilled dinner for two, based on a set menu, along with two glasses of house red wine.

The short-stay package combines a one-night room, breakfast and dining experience

The offer is positioned as a short stay option, combining accommodation and dining in a single booking. Rates start from 2.5 million dong (US$98) per night.

The package is non-refundable and cannot be combined with other promotions.

For more information, visit Wafaifo Resort Hoi An.

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa names director of operations

By TTG Asia

May 6, 2026

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JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa has appointed Kashmira Sahu as director of operations, who will oversee all hotel functions and key operational departments.

She most recently held senior leadership roles including director of rooms, with experience across Marriott International, Indian Hotels Company and The Leela Palaces and Resorts.

With nearly two decades in luxury hospitality, she brings expertise in operational efficiency, revenue performance and guest services.

CrescentRating revamps Muslim travel intent tracker

By Caroline Boey

May 6, 2026

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CrescentRating (CR), which provides Muslim-friendly travel ratings and accreditation services, has revamped its Muslim Travel Intent Tracker (MTIT) to deliver more detailed data.

Launched in 2021 to track post-pandemic recovery, the MTIT now addresses emerging market challenges, CEO Fazal Bahardeen told TTG Asia.

CrescentRating upgrades its tracker to provide real-time insights into evolving Muslim travel demand

“In rapidly changing conditions, intent serves as an early warning signal. In response, we have fully revamped the MTIT, offering stakeholders a more comprehensive set of data and insights to support improved planning during these highly uncertain times.

“Tracking this score monthly during the current disruption gives a more accurate perspective than retrospective arrivals reports.”

Fazal noted that travel intent in April “definitely dropped”, although intent for travel within one to three months has risen slightly, possibly reflecting optimism that the Middle East conflict will ease.

He added that the four- to six-month outlook remains “pretty stable”, with “no change” in the seven- to 12-month timeframe.

“In volatile markets, timing shifts often signal whether travellers are advancing, delaying, or cancelling trips.

“Destination signals indicate where Muslim travellers intend to travel in the near future. As demand responds to disruptions, these signals reveal early shifts as travellers choose destinations perceived as safer.”

Fazal also highlighted the importance of calendar factors in Muslim travel patterns.

“Calendar context is often overlooked by global travel intelligence tools. Ramadan shifts 10 to 11 days earlier each year, while Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha reshape travel patterns in ways generic holiday overlays do not capture.

“Hajj season also compresses GCC outbound travel windows, and the MTIT dashboard reflects these factors in travel intent.”

For destinations and national tourism organisations, the MTIT helps answer whether Muslim travel intent towards a market is strengthening or weakening, and over what timeframe. With current intent data, this becomes actionable, Fazal stated.

For hotels, intent timing can guide inventory decisions. If the one- to three-month window is weaker than last year but six- to 12-month intent remains steady, planning requirements differ.

Fazal said: “Revenue teams that identify these shifts early can adjust pricing, staffing, and Muslim-friendly service offerings appropriately.

“For operators, OTAs and aggregators, MTIT destination signals show where demand is shifting in near real time. Travellers who previously chose GCC destinations this quarter may now consider alternatives.

“For decision makers, monthly intent is a clear leading indicator of how visa policies, security perceptions, and entry requirements affect competitiveness. During and after disruptions, it also reveals whether traveller confidence is returning.”

Tiket.com expands green partnerships

By Mimi Hudoyo

May 6, 2026

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Tiket.com, Indonesia’s major OTA, has partnered with Artotel Group and Rumah Atsiri Indonesia through its Tiket Green movement to develop more sustainable travel experiences.

Tiket Green is a sustainability-focused initiative that promotes eco-conscious travel by identifying and supporting tourism partners that implement environmentally and socially responsible practices.

From left: Rumah Atsiri Indonesia’s Natasha Clairine, Tiket.com’s Gaery Undarsa, and Artotel Group’s Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego

The collaboration reflects Tiket.com’s ongoing efforts to support the adoption of sustainable tourism in Indonesia. It also marks a new phase for Tiket Green, with a focus on “accommodation with experience”. Moving beyond traditional lodging, the initiative prioritises journeys that deliver measurable environmental and community benefits, while offering travellers more meaningful stays.

Speaking at the partnership media conference, Gaery Undarsa, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Tiket.com, said growing awareness of eco-conscious travel is shaping more purpose-driven travel behaviour.

Citing the Tiket Travel Industry Outlook 2026, Gaery said 63 per cent of travellers are familiar with sustainable travel concepts, while 67 per cent have previously stayed in eco-friendly accommodation.

Motivations include contributing to the environment (69 per cent), supporting local communities (49 per cent), and seeking more meaningful experiences (41 per cent). These findings indicate that sustainable travel is becoming a value-based preference rather than a passing trend.

Gaery added: “Tiket continues to expand Tiket Green, which as of 2025 has featured over 8,000 sustainable accommodation options across Indonesia and South-east Asia. Through this movement, we aim to strengthen our role in driving the industry’s transformation toward more responsible tourism.”

The partnership with Artotel Group and Rumah Atsiri Indonesia forms part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Artotel Group represents a large hotel network with potential for scaled sustainability practices. It has received certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), with around 40 per cent of its portfolio having updated sustainability programmes as part of a long-term commitment.

Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, chief operating officer of Artotel Group, said: “As part of the hospitality industry, we view sustainability as a long-term commitment that must be implemented consistently across our network. Through various ESG initiatives, we strive to deliver more responsible operational practices while ensuring the stay experience remains comfortable and relevant for guests.”

Rumah Atsiri Indonesia is an “edu-recreation” and wellness destination located on the slopes of Mount Lawu in Central Java. It is recognised for its focus on essential oils and aromatic plants, and for its role in regenerative tourism.

The organisation integrates experience, education, and community empowerment, allowing visitors to observe and engage with sustainable practices.

Natasha Clairine, director and founder of Rumah Atsiri Indonesia, shared: “Sustainability shouldn’t stop at operational practices; it needs to be presented as a direct experience. By integrating education, exploration, and community empowerment, we want to provide experiences that are not only meaningful for visitors but also provide a real impact for the environment and society.”

Genting Dream: Chef Tommie Lee’s dining experience at sea

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport appoints new rooms division leadership

Bhutan to stage inaugural travel mart as global engagement grows

Air Astana taps transit boom amid network shift

Singapore’s Rainforest Wild Adventure to open second phase in May

Hilton set for return to Adelaide with East End hotel project

Wafaifo Resort Hoi An unveils May stay with dinner for two

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa names director of operations

CrescentRating revamps Muslim travel intent tracker

Tiket.com expands green partnerships

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Genting Dream: Chef Tommie Lee’s dining experience at sea

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