The RuMa Hotel and Residences has introduced The Kuala Lumpur Escape, a stay package aimed at travellers from South-east Asia. Located in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, the property combines accommodation, dining and wellness within a single programme.
The package includes daily breakfast for two at Atas, along with spa and dining credits. Guests receive 100 ringgit (US$21) in spa credit and 200 ringgit in dining credit at Santai per stay. Additional inclusions cover a room upgrade subject to availability, welcome amenities and selected beverages.
Guests stay at The RuMa Hotel and Residences with dining, spa and city-based experiences included in the package
Dining forms part of the experience, with options ranging from Malaysian and regional dishes at Atas to lighter fare and drinks at Santai. Afternoon tea and cocktail programmes are also available at the property’s bar venues. Guests can join guided walking tours to explore Kuala Lumpur’s cultural and architectural sites.
Wellness is integrated through treatments at UR Spa, including a signature therapy combining elements from Malaysian, Chinese and Indian traditions. The package is positioned as a short urban stay with a mix of relaxation and local experiences.
The offer is available to residents of South-east Asia, with proof of residency required at booking and check-in. Cancellation is permitted up to three days before arrival, subject to conditions.
The property is located near Kuala Lumpur’s main retail and commercial districts, with access to shopping and transport hubs.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a Letter of Intent with B2B travel technology group Dida to promote the Trusted Thailand initiative in the Chinese market.
Signed at Dusit Thani Bangkok, the agreement aims to rebuild travel confidence while driving demand towards emerging destinations across the kingdom.
The agreement signed at Dusit Thani Bangkok aims to rebuild travel confidence and drive demand to emerging destinations across Thailand; photo by Dida Holdings
To execute the campaign, Dida will leverage its B2B distribution network across platforms including Xiaohongshu and WeChat to capture traveller inspiration early in the digital discovery phase. Darryl Lee, group CEO of Dida Holdings, announced an immediate financial injection to fund content development alongside experience-led product creation.
“Trusted Thailand is not just the right message; it is the right commercial strategy. We’re committing a minimum of 2.5 million yuan (US$367,000) over the next 90 days, starting immediately, into this programme,” said Lee.
The investment directly addresses shifting sentiment among Chinese tourists, where external news cycles have heavily influenced outbound booking momentum. Lee emphasised that managing destination perception is critical when dealing with travellers seeking certainty prior to departure.
“When incidents make the news in China, travellers do not stop traveling, but their evaluation process changes. They ask if a destination is safe, and whether they can trust what they see online,” Lee emphasised.
He noted that addressing these hesitations directly is a business imperative for the Thai hospitality sector to secure bookings.
To reinforce the Trusted Thailand campaign, TAT is backing its marketing messaging with concrete operational infrastructure designed to reassure hesitant Chinese travellers, such as a dedicated tourist police presence alongside a 24-hour multilingual hotline and real-time support systems integrated directly into the travel journey.
Dida’s role involves communicating this safety infrastructure to the Chinese market before tourists finalise their booking decisions. Lee pointed out that publicising TAT’s support systems provides a distinct competitive advantage over rival destinations.
“This is infrastructure that many destinations talk about, but Thailand has actually built it. In today’s environment, feeling confident about a destination prior to arrival is just as important as the on-the-ground experience,” he concluded.
Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and parent company Las Vegas Sands have committed more than S$2 million (US$1.5 million) to support hospitality education and workforce development in Singapore.
The funding will support a second run of the Sands Hospitality Scholarship programme from 2026 to 2029, following an earlier US$1 million initiative launched in 2022. The new programme is expected to support more than 160 Singaporean students pursuing hospitality or tourism studies.
The scholarship programme aims to support students and workforce development in Singapore
An agreement has been signed with seven Institutes of Higher Learning, including the Institute of Technical Education, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and the Singapore Institute of Technology.
The programme will be complemented by participation in the Singapore Industry Scholarship, supporting 10 undergraduates over the next three years. A separate initiative with TomoWork’s Talent Uplift Programme will provide scholarships for 15 undergraduates with disabilities or those requiring tailored support.
MBS has also provided a S$75,000 contribution to support the initiative, which focuses on improving access to education and career opportunities. The company currently employs 93 persons with disabilities across various roles.
The event included discussions on workplace inclusion and career development within the hospitality sector.
The scholarship programme builds on earlier efforts, which have supported more than 100 students since 2022 through financial assistance and industry exposure.
MBS COO Paul Town shared that the company continues to invest in developing talent for the hospitality sector and is working with education and industry partners to support workforce needs as the business grows.
Shona Ann Lowe, executive director of Casino Training and Game Development at MBS, said: “Every individual can succeed when given the right opportunity and support. Inclusion goes beyond access. It means unlocking opportunities for people to thrive and contribute meaningfully.”
Train of Glamour is now part of EHL Alliance, becoming the first corporate member from China under the network.
The partnership is intended to support the development of luxury rail travel, with a focus on service standards, training and cross-industry collaboration. Under the agreement, the brand will work with EHL on initiatives including the development of rail service standards, talent exchange programmes and culinary concepts.
The partnership aims to focus on service standards, talent development and luxury rail experiences
Train of Glamour operates the Silk Road Express, a tourist train designed for low-density travel with 80 guests across 38 cabins. The train runs along routes linked to the historic Silk Road, including sites recognised by UNESCO. Its design includes a hand-painted exterior developed with Tsinghua University and interiors by HBA, which received the 2024 OPAL London Outstanding Property Award (Platinum).
The collaboration will also include efforts to balance international service standards with local cultural elements, alongside participation in industry events and partnerships.
John Fang, CEO of Fosun Infrastructure Group, said: “Together with EHL, we aim to set new benchmarks for China’s luxury train travel lifestyle, guided by authentic Eastern narratives and international hospitality excellence. The Silk Road Express is a moving cultural space where travellers can experience the depth of Eastern aesthetics alongside world-class service.”
Garrya Mù Cang Chải has introduced a retreat concept in northern Vietnam centred on landscape, culture and well-being. Located in a region shaped by Hmong communities for more than 400 years, the property offers experiences based on local traditions and daily life.
In April, the destination enters the water pouring season, when terraced rice fields are filled and reflect the surrounding mountains. This period is considered a key time to visit, ahead of the harvest season.
Guests explore terraced rice fields and local villages at Garrya Mù Cang Chải during the water pouring season
To improve access, the resort has introduced a helicopter transfer from Hanoi. The 60-75-minute journey accommodates up to eight guests per flight on selected dates, providing direct access to the highlands and views of northern Vietnam’s terrain.
Guest experiences include guided trekking routes through rice terraces and villages, with options suited to different levels. Cultural activities include weaving workshops and food preparation sessions focused on local dishes. Evening programmes include small group gatherings and storytelling.
The approach focuses on slower travel, with activities developed in collaboration with local communities. According to the resort, this allows guests to engage with the region’s cultural context through direct participation.
The destination is recognised for its terraced rice fields, which form part of Vietnam’s agricultural landscape and heritage.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has introduced a series of new activities focused on the natural environment of the Son Tra Peninsula in central Vietnam. The area is home to a population of red-shanked douc langurs, alongside a wide range of plant and animal species.
The programme includes four guided experiences developed with the resort’s resident naturalist. These add to the existing Nature Expedition, which focuses on conservation and wildlife observation.
Guests explore rainforest trails and coastal habitats at InterContinental Danang as part of new nature-led activities
A one-kilometre Ecowalk introduces guests to local flora and fauna within the resort grounds. The guided walk runs five days a week and is included for in-house guests.
A separate jungle hike leads to an 800-year-old banyan tree located within the peninsula. The four-hour guided experience covers forest ecosystems and wildlife along the route. This activity is operated by a local partner and is available for a fee.
The Son Tra Wildlife Expedition is a half-day tour to the summit of the peninsula, with a focus on biodiversity and habitat education. The experience includes opportunities to observe wildlife and views across Danang.
For younger guests, the Planet Trekkers programme offers beach and garden activities. These include planting herbs, learning about pollinators and observing marine life along the shoreline. The sessions also include basic conservation activities and are available for children aged four to 12.
The resort has also introduced a tree-planting programme in partnership with local authorities, alongside its existing sustainability initiatives.
Ascott’s recent shift in development strategy, which sees it diversifying its presence from only gateway cities to secondary cities as well as residential, industrial and resort locations, has allowed the hospitality company to boast a landmark year of signings across South-east Asia last year.
Ascott added more than 7,300 units across the region, and recorded a 55 per cent increase over the 4,700 units signed in 2024. The growth momentum not only marked Ascott’s strongest signing performance in South-east Asia to date, it also led Horwath HTL to place Ascott among the top three hospitality companies in South-east Asia in 2025.
From left: Ascott’s Tan Bee Leng, Serena Lim, Kevin Goh and Wong Kar Ling discuss their organisation’s expansion across South-east Asia
More than 25 new properties across property types and brands are expected to open within the next 12 months, joining Ascott’s portfolio of more than 200 operational properties in South-east Asia.
Regional expansion will also bring Ascott into 20 new cities, such as Nha Trang in Vietnam; Phuket in Thailand; Labuan Bajo in Indonesia; Davao in the Philippines; and Langkawi in Malaysia.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the Ascott Global Conference, held last week at the brand new Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi’s International Convention Center, Kevin Goh, CEO of Ascott and lodging, Capitaland Investment, said the company has brought “different typologies” into the region over the last three to five years as a result of the change in development approach.
“We used to be only in city locations, but have since brought our brands to resorts, residential areas, industrial parks, and different primary and secondary cities,” said Goh.
Ascott’s leadership said the strong South-east Asia expansion is made possible by the region’s structurally resilient tourism fundamentals, strong post-pandemic intra-region travel demand, rising visitor spending and improving regional connectivity.
South-east Asia’s highly fragmented hospitality market also fuels development opportunity, as hotel supply is dominated by independent and unbranded properties. Ascott noted that about 30 per cent of pipeline in the region is delivered through conversions and brownfield projects.
In response to TTG Asia’s question about conversions opportunities across South-east Asia, Serena Lim, chief growth officer, Ascott, said the number of conversion signings at Ascott has risen year-on-year, encouraged by the ideal location of existing hotels, speed and ease in bringing a property to market, the need to mitigate rising cost of construction, and urgency among real estate owners wanting to reposition their assets in emerging markets.
Lim added that Ascott has an advantage due to its forty-year expertise in its Asian “home base”, “different conversion capabilities”, and brands that are familiar to Asian owners.
Goh said 60 per cent of the hotel inventory stock in South-east Asia are unrepresented by one of the major brands, which meant ample room for conversion here.
Wong Kar Ling, chief strategy officer and managing director, Southeast Asia, Ascott, underscored South-east Asia’s role as both a core growth engine and a showcase for Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy.
Wong expressed excitement over Ascott’s resort openings in South-east Asia, “which will meaningfully expand our leisure offerings and open up new destinations for Ascott Star Rewards members to explore and enjoy their rewards”.
Indeed, resort properties represent one of the most significant areas of growth for Ascott. New properties are expected across Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. Resort openings this year include Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection on Vietnam’s northern coast, Harris Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam, and 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang by The Unlimited Collection in Malaysia.
Vietnam has also emerged as a development darling for Ascott, with five new properties set to launch between this year and 2028.
Lim described Vietnam as a market that does well across Ascott’s brand portfolio while the country’s extended coastline creates attractive opportunities for resort development. Goh, meanwhile, observed that the China Plus One strategy, which focuses on diversifying supply chains from China to enhance trade resilience, has lifted corporate arrivals to the country.
Escalating international corporate traffic on the back of heightened global investments has prompted Ascott to work with owners to develop properties across that are equipped for meetings and events.
The new Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi takes the limelight in this approach – it boasts the International Convention Center, which packs in 13 meeting venues including what is said to be Hanoi’s largest pillarless ballroom for more than 2,000 guests. The hotel, part of a nine-tower mixed-use development, will open progressively now through 2027.
Calls to restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status have gained momentum following a proposal by the Sultan of Kedah, prompting the federal government to consider reinstating the island’s tax-free privileges to boost its tourism sector.
Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that proposals to review and potentially restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status are being studied.
Malaysia considers reinstating Langkawi’s full duty-free status to revive tourism and attract high-spending visitors
“I have asked finance minister II, Amir Hamzah Azizan, to look into it,” he said, as reported by The Star, adding that the government is also exploring broader efforts to restore the island’s competitiveness.
The move follows calls by the Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, to reinstate full duty-free privileges, which had been partially scaled back in recent years.
Kedah’s chief minister, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, stated the proposal to restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status was aimed at revitalising the island’s economy. He said the shortage of duty-free products, which were previously a major draw for tourists, was among the reasons for the current decline in Langkawi’s appeal.
He has proposed expanding the list of duty-free goods, including luxury vehicles, to attract high-spending visitors. “When wealthy visitors come, they should be able to buy expensive cars at lower prices and spend in Langkawi,” he said, noting the potential spillover benefits for the local economy.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the federal government’s willingness to reassess the policy.
Raseli Yahya, chairman of the Langkawi Tourism Industry Players Association, described the review as timely, citing increasing operational costs and a drop in domestic tourist interest.
“We appreciate prime minister Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern in recognising the current challenges faced by Langkawi’s tourism industry, including rising operating costs and declining appeal among domestic tourists,” he said.
Langkawi was declared a duty-free island on January 1, 1987. However, on January 1, 2021, duties were imposed on tobacco products, including cigarettes, marking a shift away from its fully duty-free status and slightly diminishing its appeal as a shopping haven.
Tourism Western Australia has updated its global Walking On A Dream campaign, refining its brand positioning for international markets.
First introduced in 2022, the campaign contributed to the recovery of international tourism, with Western Australia reporting 1.1 million international visitors and A$3.4 billion (US$2.2 billion) in spending in the year to December 2025.
The refreshed campaign features new film, ambassadors and international rollout; photo by Tourism Western Australia
The updated campaign includes a new brand film and the introduction of an ambassador group known as “The Dreamers”. The campaign will be rolled out across 13 markets, including Singapore, New Zealand, the UK and China.
The film features a reworked version of the track Walking On A Dream, performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra with Aboriginal artist Billy-Jo Shoveller. Filming locations include Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Ningaloo Reef and the Kimberley.
The Dreamers programme brings together local ambassadors representing areas such as nature, food, culture and outdoor activities, with the aim of providing destination-led content and perspectives.
The campaign is supported by events and partnerships in key markets, for example, activities in Singapore include a collaboration with Drinks & Co, featuring Western Australian food and beverage products and a related consumer promotion.
Anneke Brown, managing director, Tourism Western Australia, said: “The brand refresh celebrates WA’s deep connection to nature, culture and country, progressing towards our target of achieving a A$25 billion-dollar tourism economy by 2033.”
Contiki is expanding its Asia programme with two new small-group itineraries in Vietnam and Cambodia, introducing a travel format built around local transport and guided experiences.
The trips are being introduced alongside a digital campaign featuring content creators who joined early departures, with material released across Contiki’s platforms to support the launch.
Contiki’s new Vietnam and Cambodia trips focus on immersive travel using local transport
The new trips, Ride Vietnam and Ride Cambodia, move away from coach-based touring and instead use Vespas, motorbikes and tuk-tuks to take travellers through urban and rural areas with local drivers.
The itineraries are designed for groups of up to 14 to 16 travellers and will begin operating from November 2026. Ride Cambodia runs over eight days, covering locations including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with activities such as visits to Angkor Wat and community stays near Tonle Sap lake. Ride Vietnam is a six-day itinerary through central Vietnam, including Hoi An, Danang and the Hai Van Pass.
Prices start from US$1,600 for Cambodia and US$1,200 for Vietnam.
The launch reflects a shift towards more locally focused travel formats, with itineraries structured around direct interaction with destinations and communities.
“Young travellers are moving beyond the Instagram ‘greatest hits’ and looking for trips that connect and immerse them in destinations,” said Tom O’Hara, head of brand at Contiki. “These new trips deliver exactly that – exploring Vietnam by Vespa and motorbike or Cambodia by tuk-tuk – a small group of like-minded travellers can be sharing meals with locals, staying in family-run accommodation and discovering off-the-beaten-track towns and villages, all while being led by an experienced and knowledgeable Contiki crew.
“It’s about getting closer to the culture, the communities, and the moments that make travel unforgettable.”
