This October, W Maldives will host a two-night culinary event as part of its Flavours Unscripted series, featuring three chefs from Bali: Benjamin Cross, Stephen Moore, and Chris Smith.
The dinners on October 18 and 20, 2025, will take place at Fire, the beachfront smokehouse, and Fish, the overwater restaurant, and will focus on open-fire cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
The two-night culinary event features open-fire cooking and locally sourced ingredients by chefs Chris Smith, Benjamin Cross and Stephen Moore, pictured; photo by W Maldives
Benjamin Cross, executive chef at Mason and Bar Vera, brings Mediterranean influences, Stephen Moore of Shelter combines Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, and Chris Smith of Red Gunpowder blends French techniques with Indian spices and Balinese produce.
The first dinner at Fire will include dishes such as wagyu ribeye and smoked duck, while the second at Fish will feature seafood including line-caught fish pilpil and lobster risoni.
W Maldives, in the North Ari Atoll, is a 25-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport. The resort has 77 private villas with plunge pools and ocean access. Guests can book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes breakfast, a three-course dinner, and roundtrip seaplane transfers.
Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts has appointed Nicolas Kassab as general manager. He will be responsible for operations, team development and guest experience strategy at the resort.
Kassab brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality. He was previously general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, where he oversaw the hotel’s opening and operations. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Marriott International, managing luxury brands across Asia-Pacific and overseeing operations in Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas has appointed Stuart De San Nicolas as general manager. He brings decades of experience in ultra-luxury hospitality, with a track record in operational leadership, revenue management and designing bespoke guest experiences.
In 2023, he joined Minor Hotels as cluster general manager, overseeing Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the launch of Avani+ Fares Maldives, and the introduction of NH and NH Collection brands in the Maldives, leading signature experiences while driving sales and revenue strategies.
Japan is aiming for one million Japanese cruise passengers annually by 2030 to boost the country’s cruise market, which has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
Japanese cruise travellers numbered 224,000 in 2024, only 63 per cent of the record high of 356,000 recorded in 2019. Of those 356,000 passengers, 118,000 travelled on domestic cruises (ships registered in Japan) while 238,000 travelled on international cruises (ships registered overseas).
Japan’s largest domestic cruise ship Asuka III made her inaugural sailing in July; photo by NYK Cruises Co.
By the end of the decade, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is targeting 700,000 Japanese cruise passengers on domestic ships and 300,000 on international ships.
The goal is based on recommendations of an expert panel tasked with considering the sustainable development of the country’s cruise market. Their report advises industry, government and academia to work together by “diversifying and upgrading the market in terms of both quality and quantity, and expanding the range of services for individual travellers”.
Central to those efforts is the supply of new ships, including those catering to new markets such as young families and people in their forties and fifties.
In July, Asuka III, a 740-pax luxury liner owned by NYK cruises, became the largest Japan-flagged passenger ship when she made her inaugural sailing from her home port of Yokohama to Hokkaido. Designed to be a flagship for the Japanese cruise industry, the vessel boasts all ocean-view cabins with balconies, a 24-hour gym, a pool and six restaurants.
Another Japan-flagged ship, which will operate a Disney cruise by Oriental Land Co. for up to 4,000 pax, is scheduled to start service in 2028.
Other endeavours to attract more Japanese cruise passengers will include the creation of new products such as short, affordable cruises from metropolitan areas; greater provision of information about products such as luxury accommodation and dining options; expansion and diversification of sales channels including online; and promotion on social media.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Klook have teamed up to promote Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering curated activities, accommodation and prayer-friendly experiences. The initiative builds on HKTB’s Jelajah Hong Kong campaign and reflects rising interest in the city among Muslim travellers, with Klook reporting a significant increase in bookings.
Muslim leisure travellers are motivated by the same interests as others, including exploring new cultures, discovering local experiences and creating meaningful memories, but their travel choices also need to meet faith-based requirements such as access to Muslim-friendly food, prayer facilities and privacy considerations.
The partnership aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s positioning as a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers; photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Jelajah Hong Kong campaign, the board’s first multi-market effort targeting Muslim travellers, has been enhanced through the Klook partnership. The platform provides a one-stop shop for Muslim-friendly activities, stays and prayer-friendly day trips to family attractions and cultural sites. Klook leverages its Kreator network in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia to develop curated itineraries and share first-hand recommendations, giving travellers confidence to explore Hong Kong.
The initiative builds on previous work by Klook, which partnered with CrescentRating and HalalTrip to become the first global experiences platform offering verified Muslim-friendly ratings. Hong Kong has also been recognised as the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 and ranks third among non-OIC destinations and second globally in the Muslim Women Friendly Travel category in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).
Muslim travel continues to grow. GMTI reported 176 million international Muslim arrivals in 2024, up 25 per cent from 2023, with projections reaching 245 million by 2030 and total spending expected to hit US$230 billion. Klook data shows bookings to Hong Kong from Muslim travellers rose 43.5 per cent over the past year, led by theme parks and attractions.
Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, noted that travel to non-Muslim-majority destinations can be stressful when key information for “faith-based needs is not readily available”, and that navigating unfamiliar places can increase anxiety, creating discomfort or a sense of exclusion that undermines the purpose of leisure travel.
He added: “The partnership between Klook and HKTB is a good example of how collaborations can create meaningful, Muslim-friendly travel experiences to provide useful and relevant travel information for tourists.”
Liew Chian Jia, regional director for South-east Asia at HKTB, shared that the Jelajah Hong Kong campaign has increased interest from Muslim travellers, and that the partnership with Klook reinforces Hong Kong’s appeal as an inclusive destination and reflects the board’s efforts to diversify tourism offerings.
Taipei will host the 2025 Trendy Taipei festival from August 25 to September 7, featuring more than 150 music performances, 39 professional forums and citywide activities over 14 days.
The event will bring music and cultural programming to venues across the city, including concert halls, live houses, cultural centres, and MRT stations, and includes international collaborations, industry expos and forums.
2025 Trendy Taipei aims to showcase Taipei’s music and creative industries while bringing performances and cultural activities into public spaces
The festival was officially launched at a press conference on July 31 at the Taipei Music Center. Programming is structured around three main areas: the Concert Economy, Industry Trends and Urban Actions, spanning six thematic areas including music, art, audiovisual, technology, gaming and fashion.
Mayor Chiang Wan-an said Taipei is the core of Taiwan’s pop music and creative industries, with more than 530 concerts in 2024 attracting nearly two million attendees. Trendy Taipei aims to bring music out of concert halls and into the streets, allowing residents and visitors to experience performances in public spaces.
The Concert Economy segment will activate venues across Taipei through live performances, including the new Trendy Taipei Boom: Taipei Arena Series from September 5 to 7, featuring artists from Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. Taipei Very Live, running from August 8 to September 7, connects 22 live houses and music restaurants with over 50 performances across genres including rock, jazz and pop. Other festival highlights include the Trendy Double-Decker Bus, running from August 30 to 31 with live performances at Taipei 101, Songshan Cultural Park and Taipei Music Center, and the Giant Electric Guitar installation at City Hall Plaza, which remains on display until September 7.
The Industry Trends section includes the Trendy Fusion Forum at Ambi Space One, featuring international experts such as Sebastian Masuda, a pioneer of Japanese Kawaii culture, and K-pop strategist Cha Haley. TMEX, Asia’s leading music industry expo, will host representatives from 10 Asia-Pacific countries and 60 exhibitors, including festivals, venues and media organisations, while a new Industry Matchmaking Day will facilitate professional collaborations.
Urban Actions will extend the festival into city neighbourhoods and public transport. Notable activations include exhibitions and performances at the Taipei City Archives, MoCA Taipei, Taipei Artist Village, Taipei Performing Arts Center, Songshan Cultural Park, and MRT stations including Xinbeitou and Nangang. A Trendy-themed MRT train will operate from mid-August to showcase the city’s music culture.
Other festival components include StartSphere Taipei, highlighting start-ups from six countries, and the Taipei Film Academy programme on AI and the Future of Film. Trendy Taipei also features Taipei Music Expo and Jam Jam Asia from August 28 to 31, with 70 performances and international collaborations.
The press conference included performances from rising bands and the Golden Melody-winning band Trash. A special one-time band, Wan-Ping-Ling, was formed by Chiang, director Tsai Shih-ping and Taipei Music Center chairwoman Sandy Huang to symbolise cross-sector collaboration.
Trendy Taipei is organised by Taipei’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Information and Tourism, Department of Economic Development, Department of Information Technology and Taipei Music Center, with support from sponsors including NVIDIA, Cathay United Bank, Taiwan Mobile, Uni-President Group, Heineken Silver, Eslite, Open Culture Foundation, Hanlai Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Downtown, The Place Taipei, Mesh+ Co., Citylink and Ysolife.
PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026) will be held for the first time in Sarawak, Malaysia, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from August 18 to 20, 2026.
The event is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak, hosted by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and supported by Business Events Sarawak.
Sarawak will host PATA Travel Mart for the first time at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching in August 2026
A PATA member since 1981, STB has partnered with the association on initiatives to promote destination resilience and sustainability. Sarawak was among the Asia-Pacific destinations to implement the Tourism Destination Resilience capacity building programme, launched with PATA in 2024. The two organisations also collaborate on strategic projects, including carbon offset initiatives, joint advocacy and policy development, sustainable urban tourism, biodiversity conservation and capacity building for green hospitality.
With a strong foundation of collaboration, Sarawak is positioned as an ideal host for PTM 2026. The destination offers a strategic location for global tourism professionals focused on advancing a sustainable and inclusive future for the industry.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “As a long-standing and valued member, STB has consistently supported a wide range of collaborative initiatives over the years. PTM 2026 will not only align with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and PATA’s 75th Anniversary, but also mark STB’s 45th year of membership with the Association, making it a truly special occasion for Sarawak, PATA, and all participants.
“We look forward to welcoming our community and stakeholders to Sarawak and showcasing the destination’s remarkable strengths in both business and leisure – and highlight how there is always ‘More to Discover’ in Sarawak.”
Further details about PATA Travel Mart 2026 will be shared in due course. Registration is now open.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its voco hotels brand to Phuket, Thailand, through a partnership with AssetWise Public Company and its subsidiary Rhom Bho Property Public Company.
Opening in 2029, the 175-room voco Phuket Bangtao will be located in Bangtao on the west coast of Phuket. It is the third signing for voco hotels in Thailand and the first in Phuket, joining more than 180 open and pipeline properties worldwide since the brand launched in 2018.
voco Phuket Bangtao will become the brand’s first Phuket property when it opens in 2029
The hotel will be 30 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport. Facilities will include a restaurant, lounge and bar, spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Bryan Chan, vice president, development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to continue the growth momentum of voco hotels in Thailand with the signing of voco Phuket Bangtao in one of the country’s most popular and enduring destinations. voco Phuket Bangtao will be a wonderful addition to our estate, strengthening IHG’s presence throughout the city.”
Paneeta Malaivongs, deputy CEO, AssetWise Public Company, said: “voco hotels’ positioning as a premium brand offering a distinctive and uplifting experience will suit the Phuket Bangtao area and we envisage it quickly becoming a leading hotel for travellers who want to be within easy reach of everything the area has to offer.”
IHG currently has 40 open hotels across nine brands in Thailand and 41 in its pipeline. The group aims to double its portfolio in the country in the coming years. voco Bangkok Surawong will be the first property to open in Thailand later this year.
Korean Air has completed the first phase of its lounge renewal project at Incheon International Airport, reopening the redesigned Miler Club and Prestige East (Right) Lounge on August 18 and launching two new Prestige Garden Lounges following the airport’s recent expansion.
The renewal programme forms part of the airline’s infrastructure investment ahead of its integration with Asiana Airlines.
Korean Air’s upgraded Miler Club, pictured, and Prestige East Lounges at Incheon feature new dining, wellness and work areas
The redesigned lounges include separate areas for dining, relaxation, work and wellness. Facilities include open kitchens where chefs prepare dishes on-site, buffet options with Korean and Western selections, a bakery, salad bar, cocktail service, and barista-prepared coffee. Menus will rotate quarterly. Other amenities include a wellness area with massage chairs, a technology zone, meeting space, shower facilities and private powder rooms.
The interiors combine modern materials with traditional Korean design elements. The Miler Club and Prestige East Lounge feature Hanok-inspired structures alongside a colour scheme of gold, charcoal, black and ivory, reflecting Korean Air’s premium cabin style.
The Prestige Garden East Lounge overlooks a Korean-style outdoor garden, while the Prestige Garden West Lounge faces a Western-style garden. Both provide F&B service.
Further renovations are scheduled for completion in 2026, including the First Class Lounge, Prestige East (Left) Lounge and Prestige West Lounge. First Class passengers will temporarily use the Miler Club during this period.
Korean Air’s lounge space at Incheon will expand from 5,105m² to 12,270m², with seating capacity rising from 898 to 1,566.
According to Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025–2027 report, international visitors to Asia-Pacific are expected to reach 801 million by 2027, amid global conflict and economic uncertainty.
In light of these travel trends, hotel players are strategically positioning themselves to capitalise on new opportunities. Among them is BWH Hotels, currently operating more than 200 hotels and resorts in Asia-Pacific and with many more in the pipeline.
By strategically expanding into both established and emerging markets, BWH Hotels targets destinations with underlying strengths or significant scope for future growth.
It continues to solidify its position in Thailand where it is already one of the country’s leading players with 21 properties. This year alone saw two new SureStay by Best Western hotels joining its portfolio in Bangkok – SureStay by Best Western Iconic Suvarnabhumi in Samut Prakan province and SureStay by Best Western Iconic Ari-Jatujak. The Thai capital will also welcome Asia’s inaugural Aiden hotel, the first of a new era of stylish boutique hospitality in the region.
BWH Hotels will continue its expansion in several key emerging markets such as Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung brings a new modern edge to West Java
With improved infrastructure, a growing luxury segment and a wealth of cultural offerings, Vietnam has become one of the most visited destinations in South-east Asia – and one of the fastest-growing for BWH Hotels. The signing of Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences, set to open in 2026, is an acknowledgment of the debut of a more premium residence concept in Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, the Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang is set to become the group’s first property in this vibrant central coast city.
The Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences that are expected to open next year
BWH Hotels has also opened a new property, each in Indonesia and the Philippines – Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung, a modern hotel close to the volcanic hills of West Java, and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, a newly-renovated seafront property in a popular Filipino tourist resort and free port zone, just 2.5 hours from Manila.
Venture to a new destination in the heart of Asia. Visit BWH Hotels to make a booking now.
Kassab brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality. He was previously general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, where he oversaw the hotel’s opening and operations. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Marriott International, managing luxury brands across Asia-Pacific and overseeing operations in Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives.
In 2023, he joined Minor Hotels as cluster general manager, overseeing Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the launch of Avani+ Fares Maldives, and the introduction of NH and NH Collection brands in the Maldives, leading signature experiences while driving sales and revenue strategies.
