Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has expanded its global brand campaign, Special Happens…, with a new collection of curated guest experiences across its 96 properties worldwide. Each experience reflects the brand’s focus on creating meaningful connections through hospitality.
Under Special Happens… After Dark, Fairmont Mumbai offers a night-time wellness ritual for travellers; Fairmont Mayakoba hosts a Día de Muertos dinner in November; and Fairmont Makati presents a poolside silent cinema experience.
The Harvest-to-Table Lunch at Fairmont Singapore showcases fresh produce and a three-course meal at SKAI, pictured
In Special Happens… In the Wild, Fairmont Orchid guests can fish with the hotel’s chef and dine on their catch, while Fairmont Kea Lani offers a helicopter tour and rum-tasting experience in Maui. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel features a private engagement package, and Fairmont Chateau Whistler provides a wellness journey in a remote forest setting.
Special Happens… Around the Table includes Fairmont Taghazout’s three-part dining series featuring international chefs; Fairmont Ambassador Seoul’s private proposal dinner; Fairmont Singapore’s harvest-to-table lunch; and Fairmont San Francisco’s private festive dining in its Gingerbread House between November 22, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
In Special Happens… In the Spotlight, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech offers a cultural journey from desert balloon rides to Medina markets; Fairmont Le Montreux Palace grants private access to the home of the Montreux Jazz Festival’s founder; and Fairmont Jaipur introduces guests to rural life and craftsmanship in Chak Charanwas village.
These experiences are designed to offer memorable, authentic moments that reflect the unique character of each property, allowing guests to explore, celebrate, and connect in ways that truly make special happen.
More foreign retirees and their families are choosing to stay in the Philippines, partly due to incentives provided by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), an agency under the Department of Tourism.
This year’s target of approving 4,000 Special Resident Retiree Visas (SRRV) is likely to be met, up from 3,850 foreign retirees in 2024, said CEO and general manager Bob Zozobrado.
New SRRV members from the US, India, South Korea and New Zealand have recently taken their oaths, joining the growing number of foreign retirees choosing the Philippines
“I’m now working on getting more Europeans, Canadians and Americans. We’re no longer promoting too much in Asia because we’re already getting a good size of the Asian market,” he told TTG Asia.
Of the 59,000 active foreign retirees in the Philippines, about 85 per cent are from Asia: Chinese (around 40 per cent), South Koreans (around 20 per cent), and Indians (around 15 per cent). US retirees, mostly former Filipinos who became American citizens, make up less than 10 per cent.
“We discovered that there are so many senior-related expos and other events in Europe, Canada and the US and that’s what we’re attending now. When I attended the Salon de Senior 2025 in Paris, 11 French individuals and couples said they wanted to retire in the Philippines and they arrived the following week,” Zozobrado said.
The main appeal for SRRV holders is the ability to become permanent residents while retaining their citizenship, allowing them to travel freely in and out of the Philippines without needing permission from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, a requirement that previously applied when renewing the Alien Certificate of Registration.
PRA now has 250 merchant partners nationwide, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, wellness centres and spas offering senior discounts of 20 per cent, and in some cases up to 30 per cent, compared with just 14 merchant partners a few years ago.
An SRRV holder must make a one-time US$25,000 deposit in a PRA-accredited bank in their name, covering the whole family. The deposit earns interest and can be refunded if they return home, withdrawn in an emergency, or used to buy or lease property.
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has revealed its 2027-2028 Journeys Collection, featuring itineraries across five continents.
The season marks the brand’s first-ever Journeys through Asia and the debut of Explora V, the fifth ship in the fleet. Explora V will begin in the Mediterranean’s quiet season before continuing east to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.
Explora III will visit 47 destinations across Asia, including overnight stays in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Bali, on its first maiden journeys
The Collection, running from September 2027 to May 2028, includes nearly 100 Journeys covering 59 countries and almost 200 destinations. Extended overnight stays and immersive regional experiences aim to provide deeper cultural engagement.
Explora III will take guests on 28 Journeys across 47 destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, all maiden calls. Overnight stays are planned in Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Naha, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali. Itineraries coincide with seasonal highlights, including cherry blossoms in Japan and Chinese New Year celebrations in Shanghai.
Explora V will explore the Mediterranean during the quieter months, visiting 27 destinations across nine countries, including a maiden call at Salerno, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Overnight stays in cities such as Istanbul allow for extended exploration, and New Year’s Eve in Naples will be marked with a sea-view of the city’s fireworks.
Following the Mediterranean, Explora V joins Explora I on itineraries through the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, visiting Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Highlights include Petra, Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza, and AlUla. Overnight stays offer extended time in cultural capitals and coastal destinations, including Dubai for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Explora II and Explora IV will operate in the Caribbean, Central and South America, visiting 51 destinations in 30 countries. New ports include Port Antonio in Jamaica, while other stops include Jost Van Dyke and Terre-de-Haut. Guests can explore Mayan ruins, rainforests, volcanic landscapes and the Amazon, with overnight stays in Manaus and New Year’s Eve in San Juan.
The 2027-2028 Collection underscores Explora Journeys’ focus on mindful exploration and immersive travel, offering extended stays, seasonal highlights, and maiden calls in Asia, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Caribbean.
Agoda has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with Busan City to promote tourism and support related initiatives. The partnership, the first between Agoda and a local government in South Korea, aims to strengthen Busan’s appeal as an international destination.
Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on marketing campaigns and tourism activation strategies using Agoda’s media solutions. Planned initiatives include an online content competition to showcase Busan’s attractions.
The partnership aims to position Busan as a global destination by combining the city’s attractions with Agoda’s technology and reach
Busan is known for its beaches, skyline, markets, temples, and cultural sites such as Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Jagalchi Market, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Taejongdae, and Gamcheon Culture Village. The city hosts annual events including the Busan International Film Festival and Fireworks Festival and has gained recognition for its culinary scene, with several Michelin Guide listings and popular local dishes such as pork soup, fish cakes, milmyeon, and ssiat hotteok.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda, said: “We (want) to showcase Busan’s exceptional tourism assets to travellers across the globe. By partnering with Busan City, we aim to accelerate Busan’s move from a domestic favourite to a trending international destination.”
Mayor of Busan Park Heong-joon added: “Partnering with Agoda will help international tourists easily discover and experience Busan’s rich cultural and hidden gems. We will pursue cooperation not only through Agoda’s media solutions but also by leveraging Agoda’s global reach and marketing power.”
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), managed by SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS), has completed a S$40 million (US$29 million) upgrade to improve passenger experience and accommodate growing cruise demand in Asia.
The terminal has reorganised passenger flows to manage simultaneous dual mega ship calls across its two berths. A new Level 1 check-in hall with 70 counters and over 500 seats will serve Pier 2, while the existing Level 2 check-in hall will continue serving Pier 1. Both halls include VIP lounges for premium travellers.
The upgraded facilities at MBCCS aim to improve efficiency and comfort for cruise passengers
Other upgrades include a new Ground Transport Area with widened roadways, additional coach bays, early baggage drop-off, and more than doubled ride-hailing lots. A looped shuttle links Marina South Pier MRT station to the terminal, and an Advanced Carpark Reservation System allows parking to be booked up to 60 days in advance. Buggy services are available for passengers with reduced mobility.
MBCCS has introduced baggage transfer services to hotels and Changi Airport, shuttle services to attractions such as Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown, and reintroduced the Cruise-Fly Service for international passengers, allowing them to check in and tag baggage for same-day connecting flights.
Behind the scenes, a Vehicle Slot Management System coordinates deliveries of supplies to ensure efficient operations during dual ship calls. The terminal has also launched PortDeck, a convertible bench-table system designed to optimise space and passenger comfort during peak periods.
Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, parent company of Creuers, said: “As cruise travel continues to expand across the region, this upgraded facility will enhance the passenger journey and exemplify Singapore’s continued leadership in shaping the future of cruise travel across Asia.”
Ong Huey Hong, assistant chief executive, industry development group, Singapore Tourism Board, added: “Through our partnership with SATS-Creuers, we are future-proofing our tourism landscape by delivering world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of evolving traveller expectations while reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region. As we chart the next chapter for tourism, these enhancements underscore cruise tourism’s vital role in our broader ecosystem of quality, sustainable growth.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Urban Property Group to open Crowne Plaza Parramatta, a 217-room hotel set within a new mixed-use development in central Parramatta.
The hotel is scheduled to open in 2029.
The new Crowne Plaza will add 217 rooms to Parramatta’s growing business district
Located opposite Parramatta Train Station and linked directly to it, the property will form part of a complex connected to Westfield Parramatta. Facilities will include dining outlets, meeting and event spaces, and a rooftop pool with an outdoor terrace.
Parramatta has become Sydney’s second CBD, driven by investment in commerce, education, health, and the arts. Projects such as the Powerhouse Parramatta Museum and the expanded Riverside Theatre precinct are expected to draw more visitors. The opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026 is also expected to strengthen access to the area.
Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts managing director, Australasia & Pacific, said: “Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most dynamic growth corridors, underpinned by record levels of infrastructure investment, a flourishing business and government sector, and the arrival of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026. Crowne Plaza Parramatta will be a flagship destination for both domestic and international travellers and an important and attractive addition to the city’s evolving skyline.”
Crowne Plaza Parramatta will join other Australian properties including Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, Crowne Plaza Melbourne, and Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes. The brand now operates 14 hotels in Australia, with seven more in development. Globally, Crowne Plaza has 415 hotels open and 144 in the pipeline.
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, Vietnam
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort has opened in Quang Ninh Province within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. The resort has 275 rooms, suites, and villas, six dining venues, and a spa in collaboration with Margaret Dabbs London and Sodashi.
Facilities include three pools, beach volleyball, and a kids’ club. Event spaces such as the Tonkin and Cat Ba Ballrooms cater to meetings and weddings.
Situated in the Ha Long Marina Urban Area near Bai Chay, the resort is about two hours from Hanoi and close to Bai Tho Mountain, Sung Sot Cave, and Fighting Cocks Islet.
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, Japan
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo boasts 200 rooms and suites with views of the Tokyo skyline. Located above Takanawa Gateway Station and about 20 minutes from Haneda Airport, the hotel provides easy access to Shinagawa Station and future Shinkansen links to Nagoya and Osaka.
Facilities include several dining venues such as Kakō for washoku cuisine, Sefino for Mediterranean dishes, and Le Cres for Japanese-style croissants. Other features include a spa, a fitness centre, a pool with city views, and over 1,140m² of event space.
Model J Hotel Jakarta Central Park
Model J Hotel Jakarta Central Park, Indonesia
Model J Hotel Jakarta Central Park introduces 107 rooms in one of the city’s busiest commercial areas. Located 30 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and 10 minutes from the Sudirman Central Business District, the hotel offers easy access to offices, retail, and entertainment.
Rooms feature high-speed Wi-Fi, 50-inch smart TVs with Netflix, and sustainable amenities. Supported by a Smart In-Stay System and an efficient operating model, the hotel focuses on reliability, consistency, and a streamlined guest experience
Alino New Manila
Alino New Manila, the Philippines
Alino New Manila is a 20-storey lifestyle hotel featuring 128 rooms, including suites, and a Healthcare Room with HEPA air purifiers and hospital-grade cleaning for families of patients.
Facilities include an all-day Filipino restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, laundrette, and function rooms.
The hotel sits on E Rodriguez Sr Avenue in Quezon City, across from St Luke’s Medical Center, with access to Ortigas, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and the Skyway, serving medical travellers, business guests, and long-stay visitors.
Planners today want faster responses, clearer visualisation, and smoother coordination across – and hotels have to meet these needs to gain more business
The nature of MICE business is shifting. Planners today want what used to feel impossible: faster responses, clearer visualisation, and smoother coordination across sales, operations, and event planning teams.
For hotel sales leaders, that means adapting how they prospect, pitch, and close deals or risk losing business to faster, smarter competitors.
Across Asia-Pacific, optimism for the meetings and events sector remains high with 70 per cent of planners in the region reporting a brighter outlook for meetings and events, according to the Northstar & Cvent Meetings Industry Pulse Survey (APAC Edition) released in September 2025.
Naina Vishnoi, senior sales director for Cvent’s Hospitality Cloud division, shares her expertise on how hotels can adapt to changing expectations.
Speed is of the essence
Speed has become a decisive competitive edge. Planners in APAC increasingly expect venue responses within just three to four days, particularly for mid-sized events. Hotels that reply first and tailor their responses to the planner’s objectives stand a far better chance of conversion.
Being discoverable where planners are already sourcing is equally critical. According to the Cvent Global Planner Sourcing Report 2026, 61 per cent of planners in Asia are using electronic RFPs for most or all meetings. Hotels need to ensure they are visible and active on digital sourcing platforms like Cvent – the quicker and more relevant the reply, the higher the likelihood of winning the business.
Planners also want clarity. This means hotel sales teams need to provide sample setups for visualisation to reduce uncertainty and set aside rooms for event guests so that they can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Tapping on technology
Naina Vishnoi shares how hotel leaders can improve MICE business
Technology such as artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping how hotels pursue and manage MICE business.
The Cvent Global Planner Sourcing Report 2026 shows that 84 per cent of planners in Asia and 96 per cent in Australia now use technology and AI to source venues, streamline RFPs, and communicate with hotels. For example, Singapore RFPs now arrive with AI-built agendas that specify “two plenaries and eight breakouts with hybrid AV and halal catering,” making day-one pricing accurate; Bangkok riverside venues use response automation to draft tailored proposals in minutes; Sydney teams share AI-assisted 3D cabaret layouts for a Darling Harbour gala to reduce resends and secure a shortlist.
Yet even with all this technology, a third of planners globally say the tools they use either slow them down or fail to add real value.
This provides an opportunity for those that adopt the relevant tools that can help further their objectives.
In Asia-Pacific, 39 per cent of planners already use AI to create or optimise RFPs, while 45 per cent leverage AI to analyse attendee data for the best venue fit. By integrating automation for rooming lists, event diagramming, and proposal generation, hotel sales teams can reclaim hours, reduce errors, and focus on what matters most: building relationships and closing deals.
Doing so and benchmarking performance against it lets sales leaders uncover pricing gaps, measure conversion speed, and spot emerging demand before their competitors.
By combining such insights with a disciplined approach to speed, customisation, and communication, hotels can capture a larger share of the resurging MICE business market.
Ultimately, relationships also matter. Planners increasingly look for hotel partners who act as collaborators rather than vendors and can anticipate challenges before they arise.
For hotel sales managers, that means pairing digital precision with human insight. Using AI-enabled prospecting to identify the right opportunities is just the start; delivering personalised follow-through cements trust and long-term loyalty.
Leverage cumulative data insights for strategic decisions
In a world of compressed lead times and shifting portfolios, teams that see demand before the RFP – understanding which segments are moving, which planners are signalling intent, and where space, dates, and budget truly align – are likely to have the edge. Strategic sales and revenue leaders use intelligence to reframe sales from ‘coverage’ to ‘clarity’ concentrating effort on best‑fit accounts, equipping outreach with context that adds value, and routing opportunities to the properties most likely to convert.
Tools like Cvent’s Group Pipeline Intel (GPI) elevates the human work that differentiates hospitality – consultative conversations, tailored proposals, and trust – by removing guesswork and letting data light the path.
Make smarter decisions and close more successful events with Cvent.
Naina Vishnoi is senior director of Sales, Hospitality Cloud at Cvent. With over 18 years in hospitality and travel technology, she drives business growth, strategy, and digital transformation. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Naina is known for her collaborative leadership and focus on developing future leaders.
Further East, the annual event where global travel buyers meet distinctive brands in Asia-Pacific, will hold its sixth edition with record attendance and a focus on new regional trends. Scheduled for November 3 to 6 in Seminyak, Bali, Further East 2025 will host more than 600 delegates and introduce programmes aimed at fostering stronger connections.
On day one, the ideas festival Open House will feature Circle Talks, a new freeform space where delegates can initiate group discussions. Serge Dive, founder and CEO of This is Beyond, the show owner, told TTG Asia that to facilitate networking, “we’ll also have a rich array of entertainment, activations and local drinks suppliers at our Sunset Sessions, taking place after our show floor wraps up on Tuesday and Wednesday”.
Dive: seeking more city properties to show what Asia-Pacific can do for alternative urban escapes
The Community Project, a regular part of the Further East programme, this year focuses on cooking to combat poverty in collaboration with the Ragam Foundation, while charity partners will host one-off talks and experiences.
To maintain relevance and growth, Further East is seeking to diversify its representation by including more city properties, aiming to challenge the traditional view of crowded Asia-Pacific metropolises.
Dive said: “We’re seeking more city properties to show what Asia-Pacific can do for alternative urban escapes. Many people have a cliché of an Asia-Pacific metropolis in their head: soaring skyscrapers, swathes of neon, crowded streets and dozens of horns at once. But the truth is, there are countless large or hidden boutique hotels and resorts offering serenity on the city bucket list. So, we’re welcoming more of these properties to put cities on the map in a whole new way, especially those from South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and China. We’re keen to spotlight these urban markets.
“Additionally, I think it’s important that we stay on the pulse of regional trends. Not just finding them – demonstrating how our community is serving them with creative itineraries and unmatched service. You can bet that we’re looking at more incisive content across our channels to show the rest of the world what it’s missing.”
Dive also highlighted set-jetting as a major trend, citing the Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand, featured in season three of The White Lotus, as a prime example of an “extra iconic” location. He noted rising demand for multi-generational family trips and resorts offering digital detox.
“Switching your phone off with kids, grandparents or extended family, somewhere gorgeous and mindful, is another kind of luxury,” he said.
Another factor enhancing Asia-Pacific’s appeal is the growing number of domestic flight paths, which allows affluent guests to plan longer, more cohesive trips – a trend also supported by increased eco-awareness.
Since its debut in 2018, Further East has established itself as the key platform uniting innovative and transformative stays across the region, maintaining its focus on quality, convenience, and opportunities for properties to stand out while preserving their unique, intimate atmospheres.
Banyan Group will celebrate the grand opening of its 100th resort worldwide with the inaugural Rainforest Festival, a week-long programme from November 27 to December 3, 2025, at the new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
The event also commemorates the group’s Singapore homecoming, with the resort — owned by Mandai Wildlife Group — representing Banyan’s debut in its home city and a key addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore’s nature and wildlife destination.
The Rainforest Festival at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree celebrates Banyan Group’s 100th resort, with all proceeds donated to the President’s Challenge
The Rainforest Festival is the grand finale of 100 Journeys – a hundred days of global activations across Banyan Group’s portfolio leading up to this milestone. All ticket proceeds will be donated and matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group in support of the President’s Challenge, benefiting 60 programmes across 52 local charities, with a further government match under the SG60 Matching Grants.
Visitors can discover how sustainable design, biodiversity and well-being come together through experiences such as the Discovery Trail, which showcases the resort’s elevated architecture, tree preservation and circular resource systems. Along the trail, guests can enjoy birdwatching, nature walks and interactive installations, and view the Banyan Gallery Showcase featuring handcrafted pieces from artisans worldwide. At its heart stands the Wishing Tree, a living artwork symbolising renewal and community.
Festivalgoers can enjoy refreshments inspired by local and sustainable craftsmanship, including Gryphon Tea’s exclusive resort blend, Owa Coffee’s wildlife-friendly brews, nostalgic ice cream sandwiches and Tanglin Gin’s upcycled chocolate bark. Over the weekend, the resort will host Into the Rainforest by Green-House HangOut, a boutique version of Singapore’s largest sustainable lifestyle event, alongside live performances by Joie Tan, Jack & Rai, MICappella and others celebrating local creativity.
Ticket holders can also join free well-being, yoga and family sessions, as well as guided nature walks. Highlights include 100 Sun Salutations, a collective yoga session honouring Banyan’s 100th milestone, and workshops for children introducing native wildlife through art and play. Paid experiences include culinary collaborations, rainforest mixology showcases and workshops led by local ecologists, with 20 per cent of proceeds donated to the President’s Challenge.
“The Rainforest Festival is our way of giving back as we mark our 100th milestone and a symbolic homecoming to Singapore,” said Eddy See, CEO of Banyan Group. “It embodies our belief that travel can be a force for good – connecting people with nature, culture and community.”
