TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 25th February 2026
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Page 46

Thomas Cook India, SOTC relaunch China holidays as direct flights resume

By TTG Asia
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Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have relaunched China as a key holiday destination for Indian travellers, capitalising on the resumption of direct flights, relaxed visa processes, and strengthened diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The move follows strong consumer demand, with departures selling out even during the traditional low season of October-November.

China’ Zhangjiajie’s towering sandstone peaks are among the new destinations featured in Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s expanded China itineraries

The expanded China portfolio offers itineraries for multi-generational families, millennials and Gen Z, working professionals, couples, seniors, and solo travellers. Popular destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and the Great Wall remain central, while new locations including Chongqing, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie have been added.

Unique experiences include rides on the Shanghai Maglev, immersive storytelling at Chongqing 1949’s 360° theatre, Yangtze River drone shows, Michelin-starred dining, and private Baijiu distillery tastings.

Multi-destination tours to China-Japan for the Cherry Blossom season are also available.

Group tours feature high-speed train travel, including the Xi’an-Beijing route, with enhanced comfort through porter services and pre-planned menus combining regional Chinese cuisine and Indian favourites, catered by Indian chefs to meet vegetarian preferences.

China’s growing infrastructure and connectivity are also boosting business travel and the MICE segment. Cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu are emerging as key hubs, attracting corporates for meetings, incentive programmes, and conferences, alongside increased interest in bleisure travel.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook India, said: “Announcement of direct flight connectivity has opened the doors to China and driven consumer interest. Leveraging on this opportunity, we have enhanced our China portfolio to go beyond the conventional, introducing new regions and experiences that resonate with India’s new age holidaymaker.”

S D Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel, added: “China’s re-emergence as a preferred destination is a significant opportunity. With direct connectivity restored and traveller confidence on the rise, our expanded portfolio offers Indians a seamless blend of China’s iconic landmarks and exciting new experiences.

“From group tours to customised holidays, we’re delighted to bring China back on the travel map for our customers. We also see growing traction for MICE, with organisations seeking culturally rich and high-impact destinations for their events and incentive programmes.”

JW Marriott adds a splash of Marimekko colour to hotels across China

By TTG Asia
0

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has launched a collaboration with Finnish design house Marimekko across nine JW Marriott hotels in China. The partnership, part of the brand’s Stay in the Moment campaign, combines Marimekko’s signature prints with JW Marriott’s focus on mindful living.

From November 6, 2025, to March 9, 2026, guests can book the Blissful Stay with Marimekko package at hotels in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Chengdu and Xi’an. Selected suites and guestrooms will feature Marimekko designs across bedding, tea sets, bathrobes and towels, with each booking including a complimentary Marimekko tote bag.

Guests can experience Marimekko’s signature style and JW Marriott’s calm luxury through themed stays, teas and workshops across China

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong and JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong will also offer afternoon tea experiences inspired by Marimekko’s designs, while select properties will host creative workshops such as fragrance blending and craft sessions.

A highlight of the collaboration is an exclusive pop-up event in Shanghai from November 7 to 9, 2025, at the historic Hotung House. The space will showcase Marimekko’s art and JW Marriott’s Serene Space concept through paper installations, botanical décor, and a JW Garden-inspired café offering themed pastries and drinks. A retail area will feature a curated range of Marimekko products.

The collaboration reinforces JW Marriott’s focus on experiences that connect design, well-being and nature for travellers seeking balance and creativity.

For more information, visit JW Marriott.

Asia-Pacific tourism continues strong recovery, PATA reports

By TTG Asia
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PATA’s Annual Tourism Monitor 2025 reports a strong rebound in international visitor arrivals across the Asia-Pacific. In 2024, 46 destinations recorded a total of 647.9 million arrivals, an increase of 24.1 per cent from the previous year and reaching 91.9 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Provisional data for 1H2025 show continued growth, with 295.7 million arrivals, reflecting a 5.4 per cent year-on-year increase and 92.6 per cent recovery.

International visitor arrivals in the region reached 647.9 million in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels and signalling continued growth for 2025

Asia led the region’s growth, recording 470.9 million arrivals in 2024, or 72.7 per cent of the total, up 30.7 per cent on 2023. The Americas followed with 153.0 million arrivals (23.6 per cent, up 9.7 per cent) and the Pacific with 24.0 million (3.7 per cent, up 6.9 per cent). China welcomed more than 127 million visitors, accounting for 19.7 per cent of the region’s total, while the US saw 72 million arrivals (11.2 per cent).

Japan recorded the highest growth among major destinations, with 36.87 million arrivals in 2024, up 47.1 per cent, driven by cultural appeal, favourable exchange rates, and improved air connectivity. In the first half of 2025, Japan continued its strong performance with 14.4 million arrivals, a 24.5 per cent increase, achieving a recovery rate of 131.6 per cent. Macau, China, also saw strong growth, with 34.9 million arrivals in 2024 (up 23.8 per cent) and a further 14.9 per cent increase in the first half of 2025, supported by diversification beyond gaming and improved infrastructure.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “While growth has naturally eased following the sharp rebounds of 2023 and 2024, the data points to a healthy and sustainable trajectory for tourism across the Asia-Pacific. The region is entering a new phase of maturity – one defined not by recovery, but by resilience and recalibration. These results reaffirm the strength of the industry’s foundations and its ability to evolve in response to shifting market conditions and traveller expectations.”

Opportunities include the expansion of low-cost carriers, pushing inbound seat recovery to 123.1 per cent of 2019 levels, and India’s emergence as both a source and destination market. Challenges include slower outbound recovery from China, high operating costs in the Pacific, and ongoing geopolitical and climate risks.

Hamid added: “Destinations should continue to diversify their markets, strengthen public-private collaboration, and invest in long-term sustainability – both environmental and economic. Adaptability and cooperation remain our most valuable tools for steady, inclusive growth.”

The report can be viewed here.

Therme Group to build Asia’s first large-scale well-being destination in Singapore

By TTG Asia
0

Therme Group has won the Singapore Tourism Board bid to develop a S$1 billion (US$740 million) well-being destination at Marina South Coastal, Singapore.

The project will be the group’s first in Asia and the region’s first large-scale social well-being infrastructure, occupying a four-hectare waterfront site near Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay. It is expected to welcome around two million visitors annually, with roughly half from overseas.

Singapore’s Marina South Coastal will be transformed into a sustainable urban wellness hub attracting residents and international visitors; photo by Therme Singapore and DP Architects

The development will integrate water, nature, and architecture to promote holistic urban well-being. It is being designed in collaboration with DP Architects and Therme ARC, the group’s in-house architecture and design practice. The facility will combine thermal pools, botanical landscapes, art installations, and advanced health technology, creating a year-round destination that supports physical, mental, and social well-being.

The facility will also prioritise sustainability, incorporating high-efficiency water recycling, renewable energy solutions, and biophilic design to integrate the destination with the surrounding coastal park, creating a cohesive green and blue urban oasis.

“Therme Group is pioneering the future of well-being at scale globally,” said Robert Hanea, founder and CEO of Therme Group. “Our winning proposal for the Marina South Coastal site is an honour and a reflection of our shared vision for how cities can integrate well-being into everyday life. In Singapore, we are creating a destination for residents and visitors alike – a place where wellness, culture and nature come together.”

Jean Ng, assistant chief executive, experience development group, Singapore Tourism Board, added: “Our vision is to establish Singapore as a leading urban wellness haven through a world-class facility that offers transformative wellness experiences for visitors and locals alike. Their approach to wellness – encompassing physical, mental and emotional well-being – aligns well with our focus areas. In line with our pursuit of quality tourism, this attraction will draw travellers seeking wellness experiences, potentially increasing length of stay and spend, while providing locals with best-in-class wellness experiences.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts to join South Korea’s Sono International

By TTG Asia
0

Cross Hotels & Resorts will be acquired by Sono International Co., a South Korean hospitality group, following an agreement with its parent company, Flight Centre Travel Group.

The acquisition combines Cross Hotels & Resorts’ presence in lifestyle, wellness, and luxury hospitality with Sono International’s regional expertise and operational capabilities.

The acquisition aims to strengthen the brand’s presence across Asia while supporting future growth and expansion; Cross Vibe Paasha Bali Kuta, pictured

The company currently operates 28 hotels across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan, with plans for further expansion.

Cross Hotels & Resorts will remain headquartered in Bangkok, managing its existing properties and development projects while leveraging Sono’s network and resources. The integration supports Cross’s current business model and growth strategy, paving the way for the next stage of the brand’s evolution.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, said: “This partnership opens new opportunities for innovation and expansion, strengthening our position across key markets while staying true to what makes Cross unique. With Sono’s support, we will continue to enhance our portfolio, deliver outstanding experiences, and drive sustainable growth.”

Further updates on new openings, brand developments, and strategic initiatives will be announced in due course.

Bhutan opens new pathways for global learning through Druk Asia partnership

By TTG Asia
0

Druk Asia has partnered with Inspire Citizens to create experiential learning journeys in Bhutan for students and educators, developed with the Museums of Bhutan, focusing on community participation, intercultural exchange, and ecological responsibility to help young people understand global interdependence.

Based on Inspire Citizens’ Empathy to Impact Framework, the programmes explore the relationship between culture, economy, and ecology. Participants engage with local communities to observe how national policies are shaped for collective well-being.

Students and educators join Bhutanese communities in hands-on cultural and ecological learning experiences

The Museums of Bhutan are central to the programme, which invites schools and educators to experience learning in the world’s only carbon-negative country. Participants work with Bhutanese youth, civil society organisations, and cultural practitioners on projects in heritage preservation, storytelling, and ecological stewardship.

A Building Fund has been created to improve the National Museum of Bhutan and the Royal Heritage Museum, including new outdoor spaces for learning and collaboration. Each journey follows the Empathy to Impact model, helping educators and students move from awareness to informed action through engagement with themes of regeneration, stewardship, and cultural heritage.

“Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness demonstrates how progress can be regenerative – restoring balance, enriching lives, and strengthening community. Through our partnership with Inspire Citizens and the Museums of Bhutan, we can mobilise a new generation of global shapers – future leaders who will create meaningful impact across cultures and communities,” said Joni Herison, managing director of Druk Asia.

“Bhutan is unique – a place where culture is lived, deeply anchored in the values of humanity,” added Tshering Uden Penjor, chief curator, museum division, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, these learning journeys will offer a blueprint for the future. We hope both international and Bhutanese students will cultivate this guardian mindset, driving regenerative change that uplifts communities and ecosystems alike.”

Dida Holdings unveils unified global structure for AI-driven travel technology

By TTG Asia
0

Dida Holdings has launched a new group structure, uniting its portfolio of travel and technology companies under one identity. The move marks its transition from a travel distribution platform to a global travel technology ecosystem built around three areas: Travel, Technology, and New Ventures.

The group’s aim is to connect travel partners through AI, automation, and next-generation connectivity.

Dida Holdings brings its travel and technology brands together to drive global expansion through AI and automation

The new structure follows the appointment of Daryl Lee as group CEO earlier this month and represents the next phase of the company’s development. The updated brand identity consolidates its businesses under one framework designed to strengthen collaboration and global reach.

Operating across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Dida Holdings combines travel distribution expertise with AI-based tools to redefine how travel is connected, booked, and experienced worldwide.

Under Dida Holdings, the group’s main travel divisions – Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go, and Dida Experiences – will continue to expand internationally. These are supported by technology and innovation units developing AI applications in pricing, connectivity, content automation, and sustainability.

“With the creation of Dida Holdings, we’re scaling our technology across every part of the travel value chain, enabling partners to share in the growth of an AI-first global platform,” said Rikin Wu, founder and chairman of Dida Holdings.

“Our new structure reflects what Dida has already become – a global AI-first travel tech company with the scale, expertise, and agility to power all travel businesses to thrive,” shared Lee.

Legoland Malaysia launches Asia’s first Lego Ferrari Build & Race experience

By TTG Asia
0

Asia’s first Lego Ferrari Build & Race attraction has opened at Legoland Malaysia Resort, combining motorsports with Lego construction, allowing guests to design, build and race their own Lego Ferrari.

The attraction also features the world’s first life-sized Lego Ferrari F50 built exclusively for the resort. The model was constructed from 421,652 Lego elements, weighs 1,603 kilograms, and took 1,306 hours to complete.

Families can enjoy hands-on building, digital racing and interactive play at the new Lego Ferrari Build & Race attraction; photo by Media Digital Johor

Located in the Imagination Zone, the experience includes Ferrari Garage, where guests can explore Ferrari memorabilia and the life-sized Lego F50, and the Build Zone, where they can design and assemble a Lego Ferrari from scratch. The Test Zone evaluates creations on three tracks – Speed, Steering and Tune tests – to measure power, precision and performance. In the Virtual Race Zone, cars can be scanned and raced digitally on a virtual replica of Ferrari’s Pista di Fiorano track in Italy, with results displayed on a winner’s podium. There is also a Duplo Build Area for younger guests, with larger bricks for safe play.

The attraction combines STEAM-based learning, hands-on building and digital interaction, and is expected to be a highlight during the year-end school holidays, drawing visitors from across the region including Singapore. This follows other developments at the resort, including Miniland Singapore and the world’s first Lego Flower Garden Miniland, reinforcing Legoland Malaysia Resort’s contribution to tourism and economic activity in Johor.

Legoland Malaysia Resort offers Triple Park Annual Pass Family Bundles, providing unlimited access to the Theme Park, Water Park and Sea Life Aquarium, with perks such as early previews, free parking and discounts on food and retail.

For more information, visit Legoland Malaysia Resort.

Cebu moves to restore traveller confidence after natural disasters

By Rosa Ocampo
0

Despite booking cancellations and a sharp decline in hotel occupancy, Cebu remains safe and open to visitors following the strong earthquakes in September and the subsequent aftershocks.

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that “tourism infrastructure remains stable” and that most tourism sites and accommodation across Cebu and the Central Visayas region “have already been inspected and declared structurally sound by authorities”.

Cebu remains open and ready to welcome visitors despite recent earthquakes and typhoon disruptions

A hotel general manager told TTG Asia that many hotels in Cebu are seeing cancellations for room and event bookings through the first quarter of 2026, due to the earthquakes and, more recently, Typhoon Kalmaegi, which struck Cebu and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Data from CoStar, a global provider of real estate data and analytics, showed that Cebu hotels’ average occupancy fell by 10.41 per cent to 47.1 per cent between October 1 and 26, compared with 52.6 per cent over the same period last year.

Even before the September 30 earthquake, hotel occupancy in Cebu had been declining, averaging 50.2 per cent for the month.

The hotel general manager remains optimistic that Cebu will recover next year, citing eased visa restrictions for tourists from China, India and Taiwan, as well as the launch of more international flights to Cebu.

With less than three months before Cebu hosts the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), TRAVEX and the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting from January 25 to 30, 2026, Frasco told TTG Asia that Cebu is “absolutely ready”.

“We have been coordinating for several months now. I am very grateful to all of our local stakeholders because they have also done their own preparations. I know that the hotels and resorts have made sure that quality and service are top notch as they have always been in Cebu, and our local government units are being cooperative.

She added: “We’re expecting a lot of foreign buyers. We are working with (the Department of Tourism’s marketing arm) Tourism Promotions Board to organise the TRAVEX.”

Travellers seek more personal, purposeful journeys in 2026: Skyscanner

By TTG Asia
0

Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report outlines the seven key trends expected to influence global travel behaviour in the coming year, reflecting a shift towards more personal and purposeful experiences.

With the cost of living still a major factor, travellers are building trips around passions, priorities and a sense of value. The report combines Skyscanner’s data with consumer research and insights from brands including Reddit, Malin and Goetz, AllTrails and Penguin Books.

Skyscanner’s 2026 trends reveal travellers are curating trips around passions, priorities and value

The seven trends are:

Glowmads: Beauty rituals are influencing travel choices, with 33% of travellers wanting to experience local beauty culture and 20% influenced by social media. From in-flight skincare to visiting iconic beauty retailers, beauty is becoming part of the travel experience.

Shelf discovery: Food tourism is shifting from fine dining to local markets and supermarkets, with 35% of travellers planning to shop at local grocers on their next trip.

Altitude shift: Mountain escapes are attracting visitors beyond the ski season, with 76% considering an alpine holiday in summer or autumn. Skyscanner data shows a 103% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings using the ‘Room with a mountain view’ filter.

Bookbound: Travel inspired by literature is growing, with 57% booking or considering trips linked to books or authors. Searches using Skyscanner’s ‘library’ filter are up 70% year-on-year.

Catching flights and feelings: Social travel is rising, with 55% travelling or considering travel to meet new people. Hotel bookings using the ‘solo’ filter are up 83% year-on-year.

Family miles: Multi-generational trips are on the rise, with 31% planning to travel with family. Younger travellers are also driving this trend as they look for cost-sharing and shared experiences.

Destination check-in: Hotels are becoming the focus of travel decisions, with 29% choosing destinations based on accommodation design, atmosphere or uniqueness.

The report also highlights how AI and social platforms are reshaping travel planning. With 84% of people expecting to travel abroad as much or more in 2026 than in 2025, travellers are seeking curated, meaningful and efficient ways to plan and experience their journeys.

Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner, said: “Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report shows how travel is about to get more personal than ever. Whether it’s building a trip around a must-stay destination hotel, getting lost in a new favourite book on a reading retreat, incorporating a beauty routine into their travel itinerary or bringing the whole family along for the journey, travel will become more curated, grounded and unique.”

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | IHG targets upscale conversions with Noted Collection brand
TTG Asia | Beyond Green joins Travalyst Coalition as accommodation partner
TTG Asia | China Airlines, Agoda launch StayMiles hotel platform