China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has placed online travel giant Trip.com Group under investigations for alleged anti-monopoly conduct.
The announcement comes just weeks shy of China’s Spring Festival holidays, a peak travel season when millions of Chinese nationals will take celebratory domestic and international trips.
Trip.com Group is under investigations for alleged anti-monopoly conduct in China
In response, Trip.com Group said on January 14 that it will “actively cooperate with the investigation” and that business operations will not be disrupted.
The SAMR’s probe has caused the company’s shares on Hong Kong Stock Exchange to plummet 17.05 per cent on January 15 – its largest single-day decline since November 8, 2018, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
Trip.com Group has headquarters in both Shanghai and Singapore.
SAMR had previously initiated a similar investigation into Alibaba in December 2020, which resulted in a record RMB18.2 billion (US$2.8 billion at that time) fine for monopolistic practices.
Charles Fisher has been appointed general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. In his new role, he is responsible for leading the hotel’s operations, teams and strategic direction.
He brings more than 20 years of experience with Four Seasons, having most recently served in the same role at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.
Starting his career at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Fisher’s career has since included senior roles at The Pierre in New York, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, properties in Singapore and Chiang Mai, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
The government is offering free safety and induction training to 10,000 tourism workers nationwide, preparing them to meet health and safety standards as Malaysia manages rising visitor numbers under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The training programme, Safety Induction for Tourism Industry (SITI), is provided by the Human Resources Ministry in collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and will be delivered through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. A budget of 2.65 million ringgit (US$652,725) has been allocated, and the programme is open to frontline tourism workers, including tour guides, hoteliers, drivers, and caterers.
Malaysia introduces a free safety induction programme for tourism frontline staff under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign; Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, pictured
A New Straits Times report quoted human resources minister Ramanan Ramakrishnan, as having said: “Safety and health cannot be compromised, especially in the service industry. Tourists may have varying expectations when it comes to service, but when it comes to safety, there must be no room for compromise.”
The one-day programme will comprise seven hours of training and serve as a basic induction on requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2022. Areas that will be covered in the programme includes occupational safety and health laws, hazard identification specific to the tourism sector and risk control.
Upon completion, participants will receive a digital safety passport in the form of an e-card, which includes 24-hour insurance coverage for two years.
Online registration will open on January 25 on the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health website.
Ramanan shared: “If the response is encouraging, we will review the programme and consider expanding it further.”
PATA has extended its preferred partnership with data analytics company Euromonitor International, a provider of global business intelligence, market analysis, and consumer insights.
The collaboration aims to strengthen PATA’s ability to deliver in-depth insights into traveller behaviour, market competitiveness, and investment potential across the Asia-Pacific region.
The partnership aims to deliver deeper market insights and guidance for tourism stakeholders across Asia-Pacific
Euromonitor International will contribute analytical articles to accompany the PATA Asia Pacific Destination Forecasts 2026–2028 reports. Each report will feature a four- to five-page article presenting data-driven global economic insights, complemented by a forecast webinar for members and industry professionals to explore the analysis and its implications.
The partnership is intended to support destinations and businesses in making evidence-based decisions, enhancing regional competitiveness, and promoting sustainable and inclusive industry growth.
PATA and Euromonitor International also plan to explore additional collaboration opportunities to deliver greater value to members and the broader tourism sector.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “The core purpose of PATA has always been to ensure that practical, expert-centric insights are accessible to members and the broader industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Partnering with Euromonitor International advances this commitment to the next level, enabling us to deliver even greater context and clarity in understanding the forces shaping travel across our region that further support strategic tourism planning.”
He added: “We are pleased to begin this collaboration with Euromonitor International. Their global market expertise complements PATA’s regional focus, and together we aim to provide a clearer view of where the industry is heading over the next few years.”
Stephen Dutton, global travel insight manager at Euromonitor, commented: “Euromonitor’s partnership with PATA will thrive the fast-growing travel market. Through this collaboration, PATA and Euromonitor will help clients navigate complex market opportunities, unlock growth potential and foster transparency through shared insight that supports a sustainable and equitable way in travel.”
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has introduced a refreshed brand identity built around its 1990s tagline, It’s Different Out Here, positioning the update as a return to the principles that shaped the brand’s development.
The revised platform reflects the cruise line’s history, including the introduction of Freestyle Cruising, which removed fixed dining and entertainment schedules. NCL was among the first to operate weekly Caribbean cruises, establish a private island at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, and cater to solo travellers, alongside other onboard developments. The updated positioning emphasises flexibility, choice and time spent with family and friends.
Norwegian Cruise Line rolls out a refreshed brand identity centred on flexibility and guest choice; photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
Developed with Arnold Worldwide, the brand refresh shifts focus away from scale and onboard attractions towards how cruising fits into travellers’ lives. The identity places emphasis on presence, choice and how guests experience their time at sea, rather than on amenities alone.
The rollout includes a multimedia advertising campaign that introduces a revised visual system and tone. The creative approach centres on the guest perspective and uses simplified design to reinforce themes of freedom and flexibility. Digital and social channels will play a central role in communicating the updated positioning, including across Asia-Pacific markets.
The brand update coincides with a significant year for the cruise line, which is preparing to add Norwegian Luna to its fleet in March and introduce further developments at Great Stirrup Cay, including the opening of Great Tides Waterpark later this year.
“It’s Different Out Here is more than a tagline – it’s our commitment to delivering true freedom and flexibility to our guests across Asia, on every sailing,” said Ben Angell, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, NCL.
“In a market where travellers are seeking experiences that feel more personal and less prescriptive, NCL stands apart by creating holidays that feel effortless and tailored around the individual, not a fixed schedule.”
Amadeus has been selected as a key technology provider by the Lufthansa Group as the airline seeks to accelerate its digital transformation. The group plans to implement a range of Amadeus Nevio modular solutions to support personalised services and more efficient operations.
Amadeus Nevio, a next-generation modular platform, will provide nine airlines – including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss – with flexible core technology, allowing each carrier to transform at its own pace. The platform includes Delivery Management, which is expected to redefine the passenger experience through data-driven systems that support personalisation and smoother operations. Delivery Management is designed to work seamlessly with Amadeus Nevio Offer and Order Management.
Amadeus Nevio solutions will support Lufthansa Group’s digital transformation and more personalised passenger services
The Lufthansa Group intends to combine its own content with partner offerings to create more personalised services across the entire journey. Amadeus Product Catalogue and Stock Keeper will help expand the group’s offerings and provide an accurate view of availability, supporting tailored offers and improved customer satisfaction.
Central to the transformation is the adoption of orders based on IATA’s standard. Amadeus Order Management manages the traveller’s full journey – including flights, ancillaries and third-party services – within a single record, replacing traditional tickets and Passenger Name Records and supporting modern airline retailing.
Lufthansa Group is expected to be the first airline group to implement Amadeus Delivery Management, enabling features such as a digital Journey Pass and fulfilment tracking. These tools will allow passengers to be recognised at key points in the journey while supporting disruption management and personalised services.
Tamur Goudarzi Pour, executive vice president strategy at the Lufthansa Group, said: “We are excited to partner with Amadeus to advance the development and implementation of an innovative order technology and to further improve the travel experience for our customers.”
Decius Valmorbida, president of travel at Amadeus, added: “Lufthansa Group and Amadeus share a long track record of collaboration that has been instrumental in shaping airline technology. The planned development of Amadeus Delivery Management marks an industry first, especially for servicing across the group, representing a promising step toward more seamless, end-to-end travel experiences.”
Picnic Island Tasmania has released details of its curated guest experiences ahead of its scheduled opening in February 2026, positioning the private island as an all-inclusive base for exploring Tasmania’s east coast.
The experience menu centres on nature, food and low-impact exploration, with activities shaped around local conditions, wildlife patterns and guest interests rather than fixed itineraries. A dedicated island host works with guests to plan daily programmes, allowing flexibility for weather and seasonal changes.
Curated activities at Picnic Island immerse guests in the natural and cultural landscape of Tasmania’s East Coast
Wildlife encounters are a key feature, with opportunities to observe Little Penguins and Short-tailed Shearwaters that nest on the island, as well as Australian fur seals, dolphins and migrating whales offshore. Marine excursions and guided walks are conducted under established protocols to minimise environmental impact. Other nature-based options include boat-based marine discovery trips and stargazing.
Culinary experiences focus on regional producers and Tasmanian ingredients. Guests can visit oyster farms, distilleries and cool-climate vineyards on the mainland, while meals on the island are prepared by a private chef using local produce.
Exploration activities include boat trips to Wineglass Bay and other parts of the Freycinet coastline, guided peninsula walks, cycling, hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, subject to conditions.
Wellness offerings include yoga, meditation, cold-water immersion and in-suite massage treatments, with an emphasis on privacy, limited guest numbers and time away from digital distractions.
Most experiences are included in the all-inclusive rate. Selected additions, such as helicopter flights, specialist guides and extended wellness services, are available at extra cost.
K-pop powerhouse, BTS, has unveiled their World Tour schedule for 2026/2027, and has marked Singapore for their longest run in Asia. The South Korean boy band with a global fanbase will perform on December 17, 19 to 20, and 22.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a statement that this underscores Singapore as a premier destination for entertainment with a vibrant, year-round calendar of exciting leisure experiences.
Singapore scores four nights in K-pop powerhouse BTS’s world tour schedule
The BTS win is an extension of STB’s partnership with Hybe, which manages several K-pop artists including BTS, following successful collaborations with other top K-pop acts.
Guo Teyi, director, leisure events, STB, said: “We’re pleased to host the BTS World Tour for four nights in Singapore in partnership with Klook – the longest run in Asia outside of (South) Korea and Japan.
“This milestone reflects the strong collaborative partnership with Hybe and its label, and is testament to the growing confidence international artists and producers have in Singapore’s ability to deliver unforgettable, world-class live entertainment.
“We look forward to welcoming Army (the global fanbase of BTS), and to showcasing not only an extraordinary series of performances, but also the vibrant and distinctive experiences our city has to offer.”
Singapore has a strong track record in hosting massive, multi-night concerts, with success stemming from the country’s entertainment ecosystem, encompassing expertise in delivering exceptional experiences, world-class venues, strong regional connectivity, excellent infrastructure, safe environment and diverse accommodation options that cater to different traveller preferences.
STB’s partnership with Hybe kicked off in 2024, and both have rolled out diverse initiatives including content creation for social media, and event participation featuring prominent K-pop acts such as j-hope, Seventeen, and Enhypen.
Most recently, Singapore was featured in Jin’s music video, Don’t Say You Love Me.
Klook, which is committed to supporting STB on inbound tourism initiatives, will work with Hybe “to bring global icons BTS to Singapore”.
Sarah Wan, general manager, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, said: “Together, we are reshaping how fans experience travel and entertainment. With a strong track record supporting major concerts and events across Asia, we are excited to connect fans with this world-class experience and showcase the best of what Singapore has to offer.”
BTS had performed in Singapore previously – in 2014 for their BTS 2014 Live Trilogy Episode 2! The Red Bullet Tour; in 2017 for the KBS Music Bank World Tour; and in 2019 for the Love Yourself Tour. For the 2019 concert, tickets were sold out in four hours.
BTS members have also held solo concerts in Singapore; Suga performed in 2023 and j-hope in 2025.
The BTS World Tour will kick off this April in Goyang, South Korea, and move on to other Asia-Pacific cities including Tokyo, Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong and Manila. Organisers have indicated plans for more cities to be announced in 2027.
Indonesia’s minister of tourism has called on travel companies to develop high-value, niche itineraries to meet current travel demand, as the Ministry of Tourism released a series of official travel guides aimed at supporting product development by travel agents.
The guides are intended to help agents design specialised itineraries and include Wisata Rasa Bumi Pasundan, a gastronomic roadmap for West Java; Indonesia Gourmet Guide, a curated directory of 120 restaurants in Jakarta and Bali; Wellness Journey Across the Java Wonders, which highlights Yogyakarta and Surakarta as holistic health destinations; and the Wonderful Indonesia Diving Directory, covering dive sites in eastern Indonesia with safety information and locations of hyperbaric chambers.
ASITA celebrates its 55th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to quality and sustainable tourism and introducing new travel guides; photo by Mimi Hudoyo
Speaking to members of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) at the association’s 55th anniversary celebration in Jakarta last week, tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the focus of tourism development must move beyond volume.
“The future of Indonesian tourism is not just about chasing numbers. We are strengthening the quality of the visitor experience and ensuring the industry remains sustainable for generations to come,” she said.
Widiyanti said ASITA members were expected to actively socialise and use the guides in developing high-value, niche itineraries. She also called for stronger professional integrity across the industry, noting that sustainable growth depended on a licensed and orderly business ecosystem. She urged ASITA to ensure all partners were officially registered and compliant with current ministerial regulations, which are designed to protect international visitors and safeguard Indonesia’s tourism credibility.
Safety and innovation were highlighted as priorities for the coming year, with the ministry planning to roll out a nationwide safety initiative, including specialised training for travel agents. Widiyanti added that to remain competitive, ASITA members must adjust their marketing strategies to target six pillars of modern travel: cultural immersion, eco-friendly tourism, nature and culture, culinary, wellness and bleisure.
ASITA chairman Nunung Rusmiati stated the 55th anniversary marked a moment of reflection and reaffirmation of the association’s direction.
“At the age of 55, ASITA is committed to being a mature and respected association, upholding the dignity of the Indonesian travel industry, and making a real contribution to realising quality and sustainable tourism towards Golden Indonesia,” she said.
She noted the association had taken steps to strengthen professionalism through service standards and business ethics, reinforce tourist safety and protection, apply sustainable tourism principles, support members and the wider business ecosystem, and strengthen collaboration with central and regional governments.
“Through this series of strategic steps, ASITA affirms our position as a strategic partner of the government and tourism stakeholders in building a quality, sustainable, and globally competitive Indonesian tourism ecosystem,” she added.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, ASITA also signed a memorandum of understanding with Messe Berlin (Singapore) to form a host collaboration for Travel Meet Asia 2026. Budijanto Ardiansjah, secretary general of DPP ASITA and chairman of the ASITA Fair Executive Committee, said the partnership was expected to strengthen international promotion and support the development of tourism events and exhibitions.
He shared: “This collaboration is expected to strengthen the promotion of Indonesian tourism at the international level, increase global market access for Indonesian tourism industry players, and support the development of quality and sustainable tourism events and exhibitions.”
Starting his career at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Fisher’s career has since included senior roles at The Pierre in New York, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, properties in Singapore and Chiang Mai, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
His background includes sales and marketing strategy, brand conversions, and hotel openings across international brands.
