TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 2nd January 2026
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Page 408

Phuket Airport expansion raises environmental concerns

By Alastair Newport
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With news that the long-awaited Phuket Airport expansion has reached the design phase, Thailand’s new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, is displaying his commitment to the Thai travel industry by preparing the country’s infrastructure with a beefed-up travel hub easily capable of handling the increase in arrivals during peak travel periods.

The work is slated for completion by 2027 and will enable the airport to process up to 18 million passengers per year.

Phuket Airport’s expansion will boost passengers handling capacity to 18 million per year

In comments to a group of entrepreneurs and business people last week, reported by the Bangkok Post, Srettha said: “I want everyone to know that the Pheu Thai government will propel the tourism sector in every dimension, including matters related to airlines, airports, security, visa exemption for some countries and extension of stays so that operators can prepare their business plans in advance.”

Ludovic Gallerne, vice president – global commerce of S Hotels & Resorts, believes the prime minister is on the right track.

Gallerne said: “This is absolutely good news to hear. The government plans to expand the airport in Phuket as flight capacity, especially in the high season, has almost reached its limits. Phuket has bounced back very well following Covid-19 and serves destinations like Khao Lak and Koh Phi Phi, as well as Phuket itself. The expansion will help to ensure a good continuation in our arrivals.”

However, Gallerne also has some concerns over the environmental impact of the expansion project. He told TTG Asia: “Phuket is already a world-famous destination where tons of tourists flock to every year. As long as the government plans with land and transport infrastructure organisations to enforce regulations to protect the environment, Phuket can see steady growth without a negative environmental effect.”

However, Bill Barnett, founder and managing director of C9 Hotel Works and a powerful voice for sustainable travel in Phuket, is not impressed with the project and believes more than expanding the existing airport is required to counter ongoing issues.

Barnett said: “The expansion plans are only a bandaid for the current tourism and economic recovery. Phuket has significant seasonal swings in arrivals, and handling peak period passenger traffic is a recurring issue, whether at immigration lines, on the tarmac, or overcrowding and a lack of seating in departures. These problems will be compounded by the steady return of Chinese tourists this year. This peak season is expected to be hectic.”

He cites a need for a second airport as a more long-term solution to the problem and believes a second runway cannot be accommodated on the present site.

Barnett added: ‘Phuket’s transportation infrastructure is a crumbling house of cards, and the sharp rise in residential projects, new hotels, and expansion of international schools has added to rising traffic woes.

“While the airport is one issue, the second is how to get anywhere once you arrive, and the peak season, this November, will likely bring the issues to a head. Bangkok’s central government can no longer continue to sit on the fence on these issues and must develop a sustainable transportation and infrastructure master plan.”

Mekong Tourism Office promotes internships to plug tourism skills gap

By TTG Asia
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The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) has launched the Mekong Tourism internship finder on its website to address labour challenges faced by the industry and to connect interns to workplace learning opportunities.

The internship finder is primarily aimed at young people who are studying tourism and who would benefit from workplace experience. However, available internships are also open to people with aptitude, who are not yet in education or training.

The Mekong Tourism internship finder will make it easier for people keen on jobs in the tourism industry to find workplace learning opportunitie

The project has four goals: facilitating hands-on experience, by working alongside existing professionals in travel and hospitality roles; imparting both technical and soft skills; ensuring that students are industry-ready upon graduation; and building connections between tourism businesses and students, including recent graduates.

The tourism sector, which contributes about 16 per cent of GDP to the whole Mekong subregion, according to ResearchGate, is grappling with skill shortages. This deficit is impacting the quality of services offered to tourists and the overall sustainability of the industry, said the MTCO.

The Mekong Tourism internship finder programme will be a step towards resolving that issue, according to MTCO.

“The MTCO invites tourism industry players in the Mekong region who are recruiting, or plan to recruit, to advertise internships on our website at no cost,” said Suvimol Thanasarakij, executive director of MTCO.

“We want the next generation of tourism professionals to be well-equipped, not just in theory, but in practice. We want to elevate industry standards. First-hand on-the-job experience is vital to that process,” she added.

The Mekong Tourism internship finder will feature tourism internship opportunities in Cambodia, China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

“We are confident that the internship initiative will enhance human capital development in the region and be instrumental in elevating the quality of services and experiences that the Mekong region offers to tourists,” Suvimol said.

Norwegian heads to Asia with destination-rich itineraries

By TTG Asia
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Norwegian Cruise Line has released a series of immersive itineraries for its 2024/25 season in Asia, with opportunities for travellers to cruise with Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun.

The collection includes a range of itineraries suitable for a range of traveller preferences, including those who prefer longer, more immersive experiences.

Norwegian Sun will make her first foray into Asia-Pacific

A highlight of the season is a 12-day cruise aboard the refurbished Norwegian Spirit, which will sail from Manila, Philippines and include a stop in Hong Kong for the first time in four years.

Norwegian Spirit will offer 14 itineraries sailing from five departure ports, including Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul from September 2024 to April 2025.

The season also signals Norwegian Sun’s first foray into the region. Her six-month Asia-Pacific season will include 12 itineraries between October 2024 and April 2025 – four of which have never been offered before, including departures from Melbourne for the first time. Departure ports include Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Honolulu and Papeete, with itineraries showcasing French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

New hotels: andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Andaz Macau, and more

By TTG Asia
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andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan
The first fully andBeyond-owned and managed property has opened in Bhutan. Situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge features six tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool, and a one-bedroom villa, which boasts a plunge pool/hot tub that changes with the season.

Like all andBeyond’s properties, the lodge draws inspiration from its natural surroundings and combines traditional Bhutanese style with a unique twist.

Boasting uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, the lodge site offers easy and unrivalled access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a site that is a major drawcard for visitors to Punakha. A suspension bridge leads over the river and a selection of walking trails is situated nearby. The riverside setting is ideal for al fresco lunches and beach activities, such as yoga, massages and swimming.

The site also allows andBeyond to offer a variety of activities and experiences that is unmatched in the area, including cycling, river rafting and kayaking, as well as exceptional nature hikes and birding opportunities.

An extensive organic vegetable garden speaks to the company’s dedication to sourcing local, sustainably grown ingredients. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit a community farming project nearby.

Andaz Macau
The new Andaz Macau is the brand’s largest hotel globally, as well as its first and only hotel in Macau. It features more than 700 rooms and suites, a signature lounge, a bar and restaurant, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a heated 19-meter indoor pool.

Located between the neighbourhoods of Old Taipa and Coloane, the hotel immerses guests in the “real Macau”, allowing them to experience the city’s traditional heritage and diverse culture firsthand, as well as providing easy access to the resort’s many cutting-edge attractions. This includes Galaxy Macau’s world-class tourism and events facilities, with Andaz Macau being directly connected to both Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena.

‌Guests keen to experience the authentic flavours of Macau, as well as classic dishes from around the world, will be well catered for at Andaz Macau’s dynamic culinary venues. Andaz Kitchen is an all-day dining neighbourhood destination featuring live-action cooking where guests can enjoy Chinese, Portuguese and Western cuisines in a space inspired by Macau’s iconic shophouses. Connected to the main restaurant by a discreet entrance and accommodating up to 80 guests, the multi-function Andaz Studio is perfect for private events as well as interactive experiences such as master chef cooking classes.

The adjacent Andaz Lounge is an open and instantly welcoming space that is evocative of a residential living room. This serves as a community social space. Meanwhile, Andaz Bar is an open and inviting setting where guests can savour creative cocktails.

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, South Korea
Said to be the first upscale full-service hotel and residences in South Korea’s south Gyeonggi area, the DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is a dual complex comprising 432 hotel rooms and 170 residences.

Hotel rooms boast modern interiors and natural lighting with stylish executive rooms that grant access to the Executive Lounge, while residences feature spacious and comfortable studio rooms, as well as premium suites of up to two bedrooms that offer separate bedroom and living room spaces.

Guests will dine well at Nyx, which serves up the Pangyo skyline through panoramic windows, and all-day dining restaurant Demeter.

Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a driving range, a tennis court and a sauna.

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo also operates an urban rooftop bee farm with the aim of sustainable beekeeping that helps protect and maintain viable populations of thriving colonies. With its own harvest, the hotel offers a wide spectrum of honey-infused culinary creations, ranging from cocktails with a natural honeycomb to honey cakes and Bee My Honey afternoon tea sets. As part of DoubleTree by Hilton’s Do Good, Feel Good programme and as an extension of its CARE culture, the hotel organises weekly workshops that educate children on the importance of bees to the ecosystem.‌

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, Australia
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is steps away from the city’s prime attractions, including the new Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery, and GMHBA Stadium, and makes a good base from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

It offers 180 stylish rooms, including 23 suites, as well as flexible guest areas.

The hotel embraces Holiday Inn’s Open Lobby concept, designed to reflect the needs of how travellers stay and work today. This integrates all public spaces – from the reception area to a café stocked with snacks for guests on-the-go, a bar and lounge – into one warm and inviting living space. It offers guests a vibrant hub where casual meetings, collaborative work sessions, and relaxing breaks can take place. With a variety of seating options and an additional media lounge, the Open Lobby creates an ideal environment for informal meetings or breakout sessions. Meanwhile, the E-bar conveniently provides a space to plug in and stay connected with the day’s news or work.

Other facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped Fitness Centre.

Perfecting the fun of travel

By Karen Yue
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Preferences for off-the-beaten-track destinations and experience continue to reign among the well-travelled. Skyscanner’s latest Travel in Focus report found that a majority of budget-conscious (not to be mistaken as low-budget folks) travellers in South Korea are willing to allocate a larger budget, or adjust their itinerary, for obscure travel attractions and destination specific experiences, while those in India are placing their money on itineraries that allow them to delve deep into a single destination.

On the sparkly end of the spectrum, high-net-worth Chinese are prioritising new and unusual experiences, and have become a lot more adventurous when it comes to holiday options. ILTM Asia Pacific 2023’s Decoding the Luxury Travellers Mindset: Spotlight China study, produced in collaboration with affluent research specialist Altiant, reported that 80 per cent of respondents prefer new destinations and experiences while 69 per cent prefer holidays where they explore the local area.

These trends bode especially well for operators of expeditions and adventure experiences, which are not restricted to just adrenaline-filled activities but also include soul-stirring immersions into the culture, landscape and habitat of rarely explored destinations.

Expedition specialists like Quark Expeditions and White Desert have in recent months woken up to the shiny potential of the Asia-Pacific market, while others like Silversea Cruises’ expedition arm and New Zealand’s privately-owned aviation business GCH Aviation are expanding their adventure menu. The latter is even reaching deeper into the high-spending corporate incentive and teambuilding segments, crafting programmes to suit C-suite personnel keen on a fun break between strategy meetings.

This growing affection for expeditions and adventures can benefit Asia-Pacific as a destination too, considering the vast diversity of our region’s geography, culture and history.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to soon freeze over – in a happy way

By TTG Asia
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World of Frozen, the world’s first and largest Frozen themed land, will open at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on November 20.

Inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ films, Frozen and Frozen 2, World of Frozen will transport guests to the cinematic and living land, Arendelle, where captivating stories, beloved characters, culture, stunning landscapes, and enchanting music can be found.

World of Frozen to come alive at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on November 20

Cutting-edge technology will also be harnessed to present various attractions and experiences like Summer Snow Day, Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.

Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said: the new World of Frozen “is an integral part of the park’s latest expansion and growth”, and he expects the new draw to attract “even more guests from around the world”.

Frozen fans can expect to find a number of iconic scenes at World of Frozen, such as the North Mountain, with its peak being the highest point in Arendelle at the resort; the Ice Palace where Elsa unleashes her icy powers freely for the first time; Arendelle Castle, home of the royal family; and many more.

Nordic history and culture will permeate the new attraction, including its themed dining venues Golden Crocus Inn and Bayside Wharf where delicacies are inspired by traditional Nordic dishes. Visitors can pick up Frozen souvenirs at Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles and Traveling Traders.

Klook has been appointed as the designated booking platform for World for Frozen experiences and products in the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. Guests who book through Klook Travel will have the exclusive opportunity to be among the first to explore World of Frozen with a special hotel package on November 4, 2023 before its official gate opens on November 20. In addition, guests can also purchase the One-Day Ticket with Early Park Entry Pass.

Fire mishap shuts down Mount Bromo

By Tiara Maharani
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A wildfire on Mount Bromo’s Teletubbies Hill has forced The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Center (BB TNBTS) to close the attraction to visitors until further notice as authorities scramble to extinguish the fire.

The fire was allegedly caused by the use of flares by a couple who were taking pre-wedding photographs at the location.

The fire has so far destroyed 274 hectares of forest and land on Mt Bromo, based on Sep 14 data

All access routes to the Indonesian national park have been shut down. An entrance is available only for locals living in the areas surrounding the mountain.

In statement, Septi Eka Wardhani, head of the administrative division at BB TNBTS, explained that the closure would ensure the safety of visitors. Once the situation is under control, a reopening will be evaluated.

Based on Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency data, the area of forest and land destroyed by the fire on Mount Bromo has reached 274 hectares.

Efforts to extinguish the devastating fire is being carried out by the East Java provincial and Malang task force teams, volunteers, fire awareness community, and the BB TNBTS’s fire-handling team.

Septi said visitors who had purchased tickets online can apply for a change in visiting dates. Procedures for rescheduling and other information will be provided by BB TNBTS.

Although the national park is closed, Adjie Wahjono, operations manager of Aneka Kartika Tours, said tourists could still enjoy views of Mount Bromo from Seruni Point or Metigen Viewpoint, areas that are not within the management of BB TNBTS.

“There have been no cancellations so far. We can still conduct Mount Bromo tours with slight modifications, as tourists cannot go to Whispering Sands or hike up the mountain. However, Jeep rides and other activities are still possible,” said Adjie.

Mazen Abilmona helms Pullman Singapore Hill Street

By TTG Asia
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Pullman Singapore Hill Street has appointed Mazen Abilmona as general manager.

Prior to this, he served as the cluster hotel manager of both Sofitel Singapore Resort & Spa and SO/Singapore.

Abilmona has built his 25-year career with properties across the Middle East, China, and Singapore; having spent the bulk of his earlier journey within F&B. He began his career with Fairmont Dubai as an F&B service supervisor, before becoming F&B Director within the same hotel.

Abilmona has also been involved in several pre-opening task forces over the years and has spearheaded rebranding projects in properties including Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Sofitel Sanya Leeman Resort, and Fairmont Riyadh.

The 350-key Pullman Singapore Hill Street under Accor opens on October 1, 2023. The hotel will feature three dining concepts, a pool bar, outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness area, and event spaces.

Boracay’s stakeholders clamour for more marketing and promotions as foreign visitors dwindle

By Rosa Ocampo
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Boracay (pictured) is facing a huge drop in foreign tourists

Although Boracay’s carrying capacity is 6,405 people per day, only 10 to 15 per cent are foreign tourists, compared to 70 to 75 per cent pre-pandemic.

This observation was made by stakeholders interviewed by TTG Asia at the recent 34th Philippine Travel Mart of the Philippine Tour Operators Association.

Boracay (pictured) is facing a huge drop in foreign tourists

Unfortunately, Boracay’s losses started when it closed for six months for its environmental rehabilitation, which was made worse by the pandemic.

Lea Rosales-Wong, director of sales and marketing, The Muse Hotel, conceded that Boracay can be expensive because as an island, it imports everything from the mainland including food, labour, electricity and gasoline.

South Koreans, the island’s top market, have reportedly been opting to head to Vietnam instead. To combat this, Boracay hotels have reduced their rates, where the price of staying at a five-star hotel in Boracay, is about the cost of staying in a three-star hotel in Vietnam.

Claribel Casimero, president, Boracay Island Travel Agency and Tour Operators Association, pointed out that regional flights, mostly chartered from South Korea, China and Taiwan, have also not been fully restored.

Moreover, Boracay was rebranded from a leisure destination to a family-orientated destination which meant that bars and beach parties were restricted, which could have affected tourist numbers as well, said Casimero.

To return to 2019 levels, Rosales-Wong opined that attractive airfares and more marketing and promotions for Boracay are needed.

A source requesting anonymity said the island is currently being sustained by local business events and leisure tourists, but destinations need foreign tourists to survive and grow.

The source added that the government should have started promoting Boracay soon after the removal of international borders.

“They’re promoting other destinations but why take Boracay out of the picture when it’s the destination that introduced Philippine tourism to the world? If you go to other countries, they don’t know the Philippines but they know Boracay”.

Another source who also requested anonymity agreed, and pointed out that the government should have started promoting Boracay after the reopening of Philippine borders.

Japan’s adventure tourism sector receives much-needed recognition through ATWS

By Kathryn Wortley
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From left: Hokkaido District Transport Bureau’s Takeshi Mizuguchi; Hokkaido Tourism Organization’s Kenji Koganezawa; Adventure Travel Trade Association's Shannon Stowell and Hannah Pearson. Photo: Kathryn Wortley

Japan’s adventure travel industry warmly welcomed the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) to Hokkaido this week, as the four-day event kicked off on Monday with plenaries, meetings and other activities at the Sapporo Convention Center.

National and local stakeholders shared their joy that Japan’s northernmost island was chosen as the first venue in Asia, where they voiced their hope that the hosting will spur the development of adventure travel across the country.

From left: Hokkaido District Transport Bureau’s Takeshi Mizuguchi; Hokkaido Tourism Organization’s Kenji Koganezawa; Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Shannon Stowell and Hannah Pearson. Photo: Kathryn Wortley

“Hosting ATWS presents an opportunity for people to realise the potential of adventure travel in Japan,” Tetsuo Saito, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, told delegates, adding that Hokkaido is “a treasure trove of adventure travel resources” that allows for diverse activities such as trekking, kayaking, snowshoeing, wildlife watching and learning about the indigenous Ainu people.

Moreover, Japan’s 3,000km-long archipelago, which stretches from the subarctic zone in Hokkaido to the tropical zone in Okinawa, can offer inbound visitors a whole range of outdoor activities, from skiing to snorkelling, added Atsumi Gamo, president of the Japan National Tourism Organization.

By holding seven of the 22 pre-summit adventures outside Hokkaido, the ATWS has also helped expand the domestic network of industry players, to help develop adventure travel in Japan, added Takeshi Mizuguchi, director of the international tourism division at the Hokkaido District Transport Bureau.

Industry players also noted that advancing adventure tourism in Japan can help the country tackle some of its pressing tourism issues, including overtourism, because adventure travel is more prevalent in nature-rich areas that are off the beaten path.

For Hokkaido, ATWS is also an opportunity to engage with delegates from the European and North American markets whose inbound numbers have been slow to grow in the prefecture, said Kenji Koganezawa, chair of the Hokkaido Tourism Organization and member of the AWTS Hokkaido Executive Committee.

“We hope the summit will fuel people’s adventure spirit and serve as a place for new encounters and discoveries,” he said.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Macau shows off stronger festive winter vibes
TTG Asia | Productivity in tourism economy takes centre stage at 11th GTEF
TTG Asia | Strong baht weighs on Thai tourism