TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 25th February 2026
Page 52

Silversea unveils largest voyage collection for 2027-2028

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Silversea has revealed its largest-ever voyage collection for summer 2027 and winter 2027-2028, scheduled to depart between February 2027 and May 2028.

The collection includes 414 voyages on 12 ships to over 600 destinations in more than 100 countries, including 30 maiden calls. Voyages range from six to 77 days, comprising 271 classic sailings and 143 expeditions.

The collection includes 414 sailings on 12 ships, featuring cultural festivals, Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, and Silversea’s first summer season in Japan

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The collection introduces Silversea’s first summer season in Japan, new itineraries aboard Silver Nova and Silver Ray, and three Grand Voyages in the Mediterranean, Asia, and South America. The voyages feature immersive experiences, including boutique ports, cultural festivals, and extended overnights in key destinations. Expeditions cover warm-water destinations in Japan, South-east Asia, and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as Arctic, Greenland, and 32 Antarctica fly-cruise sailings.

Guests will gain access to cultural and sporting events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, cherry blossom season and Awa Odori in Japan, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the San Sebastián Street Festival, and the Puccini Opera Festival.

Shore excursions are complemented by Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary programme, providing regionally inspired food experiences.

Three new Grand Voyages allow deeper exploration of major regions. Silver Dawn will operate a 60-day Mediterranean voyage visiting 48 destinations, Silver Muse a 51-day Asia voyage across 28 ports in seven countries, and Silver Ray a 77-day South America circumnavigation to 40 destinations. Expanded land programmes and curated City Stays provide additional choice and access.

“Our voyage collection 2027-2028 marks a new chapter of innovation in luxury travel,” said Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea. “Silversea’s 12 ships will host guests on 414 classic and expedition voyages to many of the world’s most iconic and hidden destinations – few of which even the most discerning travellers ever get to see, including 30 maiden calls. We will deliver exclusive access to authentic festivals and events that best showcase the world’s most enriching local cultures and customs – leaving our guests with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Independent hotels face mounting distribution challenges

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Velocity Ventures, which invests in travel and tourism businesses, has called out a new reality where independent hotels are facing greater distribution challenges.

Speaking at ITB Asia in Singapore last week, Abizer Lashkari, analyst at Velocity Ventures, noted that hotel distribution now requires “staying visible in a world where attention is fragmented and competition is global”.

Independent hotels face rising distribution pressures as technology gaps, OTA reliance, and loyalty challenges reshape the booking landscape

“Distribution isn’t just about selling rooms anymore,” he remarked.

While OTAs remain indispensable, powering nearly half of hotel bookings worldwide, they draw 15 to 25 per cent commissions, which bite into hotel margins.

Yet, hotels cannot afford to walk away, as the benefit is “reach, trust, and convenience”.

The future, Lashkari argued, demands that independent hotels rebalance their relationship with OTAs by embracing smarter, data-driven tools.

The second challenge Lashkari highlighted is fragmented technology stacks: 62 per cent of hotels still juggle disconnected systems for bookings, revenue, and guest management. Those that have made the leap to cloud-based, AI-enabled solutions are already seeing operational efficiency jump by up to 30 per cent.

The last challenge identified was the loyalty gap. Boutique hotels might not be able to compete with the likes of giant programmes Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honours, which comes with millions of members.

“Most independents rely on OTAs for new bookings, which means they never truly capture their guest. Once that state ends, will the relationship too?” questioned Lashkari.

On a positive note, he sees change coming fast, with AI-driven pricing, predictive analytics, and social media commerce rewriting the playbook. Emerging startups are helping boutique hotels harness AI-driven pricing tools that boost revenue by up to 30 per cent, and predictive analytics that anticipate demand before guests even start searching.

The rise of “embedded commerce”, where banks, airlines, and even super apps like Grab now sell travel, is redrawing the distribution map. Meanwhile, social media continues to drive inspiration and bookings in real time.

For small hotel players, Lashkari said the answer lies not in going at it alone, but to connect smarter by partnering strategically, integrating systems, and owning first-party data to build direct loyalty.

Koko Hotels integrates three brands to form unified network in Japan

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Polaris Holdings Co. and Minacia Co., which merged in December 2024, have integrated their three original brands – Koko Hotels, Hotel Wing International, and Tenza Hotel –under the single brand Koko Hotels.

As of September 2025, the unified brand operates 63 hotels with 9,489 rooms nationwide, making it one of the top 10 domestic hotel brands in Japan by scale.

The combined brand operates 63 hotels with 9,489 rooms, introducing new services and experiences designed to showcase regional culture and cuisine

Koko Hotels has introduced new brand visuals and guest services reflecting its concept: Here Discovery Begins. The reimagined brand positions hotels as hubs for exploring regional cuisine, culture, and local experiences, rather than solely as places to stay.

The brand’s key visual identity was created by graphic designer Asuka Watanabe, designed to allow personal interpretation and connect imagery with guest experiences.

New services include a Taste of Japan Dashi Amenity, offering five regional umami blends; a unified fragrance programme with notes of white pepper, white roses, and green citrus fruit; an eco-bag lending service; an AI-powered mobile trip guide; and enhanced guest experiences at check-in, including the appointment of Brand Ambassadors to develop services and highlight local culture.

In addition to Koko Hotel, Koko Hotel Premier, and Koko Hotel Residence, Koko Hotels will launch a new brand, Koko Stay, and plans 12 new openings across its portfolio by spring 2028. The expansion aims to offer curated spaces where guests can explore and engage with local destinations.

Yohei Taguchi, president and CEO at Polaris Holdings, said: “At Koko Hotels, we aim to deliver experiences that truly intrigue guests. Hotels can no longer differentiate themselves solely on being clean, new, well-located, or reasonably priced. Instead, conversations, services, and local attractions are equally as important. While safety and security remain fundamental, we are prioritising local discoveries and human connection for our guests.

“Our goal is for each stay at Koko Hotels to leave a lasting impression, so that guests remember us when planning their next journey.”

Plaza Premium Group builds presence in Cambodia with two lounges at Techo International Airport

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Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge at Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The launch strengthens the group’s presence in South-east Asia and aligns with Cambodia’s sustainable development goals.

The new airport has been designed to incorporate eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient systems.

Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge open in Phnom Penh, featuring local art, cuisine, and design inspired by Cambodian culture

Plaza Premium First, with capacity for 110 guests, marks the brand’s debut in Cambodia, following locations in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Vancouver, and Jakarta. The lounge features interiors inspired by Cambodian culture, including decorative motifs and artwork by artist and sustainability advocate Bill Bensley.

Facilities include two private VIP rooms and massage services, while the menu features local flavours such as the KTI Passion Mood Mocktail and Passion Paradise Cocktail made with Khmer ingredients.

Plaza Premium Lounge, with 120 seats, offers a calm setting that highlights Cambodian art and cuisine. Guests can sample dishes such as Beef Lok Lak and Fish Amok, alongside Pursat Orange Juice and Koh Kroubey’s Jasmine Tea. The lounge showcases works by artist Dina Chhan and welcomes guests with ambassadors dressed in the traditional Sampot.

The new lounges reflect PPG’s approach to airport hospitality by combining operational consistency with local culture and design.

“Cambodia’s Techo International Airport represents a critical hub in the region and offers exciting opportunities for PPG, given the airport’s expansion plan with two additional runways to be completed in phases, passenger capacity is expected to reach 45 million by 2050,” said Cavin Loh, regional general manager (Southeast Asia) of PPG.

Singapore Cable Car expands with 13 new SkyOrb cabins

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Mount Faber Leisure Group will add 13 SkyOrb cabins to the Singapore Cable Car’s Mount Faber Line, bringing the total to 20 from mid-November 2025. The expansion follows strong demand for the initial seven cabins, making the SkyOrb experience available to more visitors.

The larger fleet will offer a full round-trip on the Mount Faber Line, connecting Singapore and Sentosa. The upgrade replaces the previous one-way route and increases passenger capacity.

The new SkyOrb cabins offer full round-trip journeys with panoramic views

Launched in March 2024 as part of the Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary, the SkyOrb cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car. Designed in Switzerland, it features illuminated rings, glass floors, and louvred windows, providing panoramic views from Mount Faber Station to Sentosa Station.

From now to November 5, 2025, the Singapore Cable Car will offer an online promotion of S$60 (US$44) for two passengers for a round trip on the SkyOrb Cabin (usual price S$96 for two).

For more information, visit Mount Faber Leisure Group.

Preferred Travel Group appoints South-east Asia area MD

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Preferred Travel Group has appointed Christine Tan as area managing director for South-east Asia, effective October 29, 2025. Based in Singapore, she will oversee account management and business development across the region, supporting the growth and visibility of Preferred’s global portfolio of more than 600 independent luxury hotels and experiences.

Tan brings over 30 years of experience across the hospitality and technology sectors, with expertise in hotel distribution, sales strategy, and client relationship management. She most recently served as vice president of sales – APAC at Lighthouse, a SaaS platform supporting more than 75,000 hotels worldwide.

Douglas Glen returns as GM of Carlton City Hotel Singapore

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Carlton City Hotel Singapore has appointed Douglas Glen as general manager, marking his return to the property after previously leading the team through the pandemic period.

Glen brings over three decades of hospitality experience to his current role, and will oversee all operational and financial aspects of the 386-key business hotel, driving strategic growth while maintaining the property’s high standards of service and guest experience.

He previously held senior positions at The Regent Hotel Group in Hua Hin, The Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, The Steigenberger Riverside Bangkok, The Landmark Bangkok, and The Landmark London.

Luxury travel shifts from opulence to access and experience

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Luxury travel is evolving, with high-net-worth travellers trading opulence for access to remote landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and personalised journeys.

Hannah Pearson from the Adventure Travel Trade Association highlighted a US$1.16 trillion global market for adventure travel, noting a shift from passive sightseeing to purposeful, intimate experiences that connect visitors with nature, people, and place.

Panelists at ITB Asia 2025 highlighted a shift in luxury travel from opulence to immersive, high-value experiences in remote and culturally rich destinations; photo by Stephanie Zheng

“Luxury used to be opulence and being pampered,” said Willie Wibamanto, sales manager at Flywire, during a panel on luxury adventure travel at ITB Asia 2025. “These days, luxury means more access, reaching places we never dreamed of.”

Bhutan exemplifies this trend, positioning itself as a low-volume, high-value destination. By welcoming only those willing to pay a premium, the Himalayan kingdom preserves its environment, maintains traditions, and ensures tourism benefits local communities. Visitors can trek sacred valleys, explore centuries-old monasteries, and connect with artisans and monks without the distractions of mass tourism.

Joe Zou from HX Expeditions noted how their small hybrid vessels combine “comfort, science and sustainability” to bring guests face-to-face with penguins in Antarctica or glaciers in Greenland. “You want access to those places, and I guess luxury is taking (that access) to the next level,” he said.

Wayne Kum from the Japan National Tourism Organization added that travellers are spending more time in fewer locations to “immerse themselves in local culture and well-being”, signalling a shift from quantity to quality.

For a new generation of high-value travellers, ultimate luxury lies in intimacy: private onsens after limited-access mountain hikes, or stepping foot where few have gone before. The appeal is fewer people, richer experiences, and deeper connections.

HotelMinder creates global network to help hoteliers solve operational challenges

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HotelMinder, a hospitality industry resource offering a free knowledge platform and technology marketplace for global hoteliers, has launched Lobby, the industry’s first network connecting hoteliers with vetted hospitality experts.

Lobby aims to provide actionable, affordable solutions to operational challenges and is free to join for both experts and hoteliers. Services operate on a commission-based model.

Lobby offers hoteliers free access to vetted hospitality specialists to tackle operational challenges and boost performance

Currently in beta, Lobby gives hoteliers access to specialists across functions including revenue management, operations, distribution, tech stack consultation, marketing and automation, and hotel management consulting. Lobby’s global experts bring hundreds of years of combined experience supporting properties of all sizes.

With the launch of OpenAI-integrated Booking.com and Expedia apps, which the OTAs are using to maintain control over the marketplace, it is increasingly important for hoteliers to adopt innovative operational strategies to protect direct bookings and retain market share.

Founded in 2013, HotelMinder initially sought to make advanced operational technology accessible to smaller, independent properties, helping them compete effectively regardless of budget. 12 years later, the company has launched Lobby to provide additional support and resources to hoteliers worldwide.

Benjamin Verot, founder of HotelMinder, shared that up to now, there had been no global network of consultants where hoteliers could source trusted support for their business, and that Lobby had been created to address that gap in the marketplace.

He said: “As more hotels implement sophisticated technology to support their operations, technology is no longer enough to make a property stand out from the crowd online.

“Today, savvy hoteliers are developing out-of-the-box operational strategies – supported by the knowledge and actionable insights of specialised industry experts – to increase their operational efficiency, maximise their bookings, and retain profitability over the long-term.”

Scenic Group launches Scenic Ikon ahead of 2028 inaugural season

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Scenic Group is expanding its Discovery Yacht fleet with the addition of Scenic Ikon, scheduled to begin sailing in April 2028. The new vessel marks the next phase of the company’s ultra-luxury expedition operations, designed to navigate both polar and warm water destinations.

Scenic Ikon will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 verandah suites, each measuring between 34m² and 250m² across five decks. The ship will meet Polar Code 6 standards with an Ice Class 1A Super hull and include two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, a custom Triton AVA submersible, Zodiacs, and luxury tenders.

Scenic Ikon sets sail in April 2028 with polar and tropical itineraries

Construction milestones include a steel-cutting ceremony in February 2025 attended by Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenković and a keel-laying in May 2025. Delivery is scheduled for the end of 2027, followed by testing and entry into service.

The inaugural voyage will depart from Venice in April 2028 and has sold out, with strong demand for subsequent departures. The maiden season, running through March 2029, will cover 110 ports in 21 countries and 26 new destinations, including the Mediterranean, Aegean, Egypt, Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords.

On board, guests will find 15 dining venues, lounges and leisure spaces designed around Scenic’s all-inclusive model. The two-level Senses Rejuvenation Spa, spanning 1,700m², will offer spa therapies, hydrotherapy and fitness experiences. Each voyage will include excursions, events and entertainment.

Scenic Ikon’s helicopter programme will feature landings at golf courses, restaurants and historic sites, as well as access to remote wilderness regions. The submersible, Scenic Neptune III, will allow guests to explore underwater environments in destinations such as Antarctica.

“(Scenic Ikon) is the result of more than three years of passion, innovation and development by our team, and we are delighted to share the Discovery Yacht with our valued guests, travel advisors and partners. Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimised to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base the Mediterranean to the wilds of Antarctica,” said Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group.