TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 2nd January 2026
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A first-of-its-kind adventure at sea: Disney Cruise Line’s magical experiences are designed for all ages to enjoy

By TTG Asia
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Take home your favourite souvenirs from the first-ever Duffy and Friends Shop at sea

Brought to you by Disney Cruise Line


Disney Cruise Line is leading the next wave of family cruising in Asia ahead of the Disney Adventure’s maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, 2026.

From her first float out in April this year from the Meyer Werft construction hall in Wismar, Germany, to the reveal of both Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse on her stern, the Disney Adventure has been making waves ahead of her maiden voyage in Singapore come December 15. 

Set to be the largest vessel in the Disney Cruise Line fleet with an approximate gross tonnage of 208,000 and capacity for around 6,700 guests, the Disney Adventure is leading the next wave of multi-generational cruising in Asia, bringing the brand’s signature hallmark experiences to the region. 

Combining uniquely Disney activities, food and beverage, and flair with exceptional service and immersive storytelling, guests onboard the Disney Adventure will discover a world of many Disney firsts that they can enjoy together regardless of age and create unforgettable memories together.

Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse launch the float out of the Disney Adventure in Germany

Dazzling entertainment 

Remember, a brand new Broadway-style show set to dazzle and captivate guests

As part of its signature world-class entertainment offerings, guests on board the Disney Adventure will be the first to experience three brand new shows. Duffy and The Friend Ship, features crowd favourite characters and original songs as they bring the Garden Stage at Disney Imagination Garden to life, while Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen, a new action-packed swashbuckling show which will see the pirates battle a giant squid in their hunt for rare treasure. 

There will also be brand-new stage production – Remember, an all-new musical held at the Walt Disney Theatre, designed exclusively for the ship. Be the first to catch a dazzling Broadway-style show at sea. 

Experience it first
To further immerse guests in their favourite Disney stories, step into the Marvel Style Studio and into the shoes of popular Marvel Super Heroes. A fun, family-bonding time for all ages, guests can suit up in their favourite Marvel costume and get their hair and makeup done for the full transformation. 

Guests can also take home a piece or more of Disney magic home with them should they wish to buy something from the extensive shopping precinct destined for the Disney Adventure. 

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Take home your favourite souvenirs from the first-ever Duffy and Friends Shop at sea
The World of Disney® store brings a massive collection of merchandise including special designs inspired by the heritage of the region
The first National Geographic Store at sea brings the spirit of exploration and offers a new co-branded collection available exclusively on board

With nearly 1,580m² dedicated to retail, the new ship will introduce several first-of-their-kind retail experiences, including Disney Cruise Line’s first World of Disney® store, the first National Geographic Store at sea, and the first-ever specialised Duffy and Friends Shop, a dedicated space for Duffy and Friends merchandise.

And specially for the Asian market, the Disney Adventure will feature exclusive product designs that reflect the region’s rich diversity and artistry with a series of new merchandise ranging from apparel and accessories to homewares and toys. 

The iconic Disney Parks shopping destination, World of Disney, will also make its first Disney Cruise Line appearance on the Disney Adventure with a vast collection of merchandise. Specially designed collections will pay homage to Singapore’s iconic skyline and local flora and fauna, while others will draw inspiration from the distinctive architecture and vibrant patterns found across South and South-east Asia.

Meanwhile, the National Geographic Store is set to provide an immersive retail environment, complete with vivid photography, and offering an exclusive co-branded collection of apparel and outdoor accessories. Purchases go toward supporting the global non-profit National Geographic Society in its work to protect and illuminate the world through exploration, research, and education.

Making its debut on the ship as well is the Duffy and Friends Shop, featuring a collection of sought-after plush toys, apparel, souvenirs, including a brand-new line featuring Duffy and his friends exclusively on board. 

Be among the first to sail on the Disney Adventure – make a booking with Disney Cruise Line now!

Agoda, ASEAN team up to boost regional travel with new campaign

By TTG Asia
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Agoda, in partnership with ASEAN, has launched the A Destination for Every Dream campaign to promote travel within the region.

Running until the end of 2025 and timed with ASEAN Day celebrations, the campaign offers exclusive deals and curated insights into the region’s festivals and cultures. Agoda’s festival-focused travel guides highlight cultural events across ASEAN Member States, encouraging travellers to explore and experience the region’s diversity.

The new campaign offers discounts and festival guides to inspire journeys across South-east Asia; Bali in Indonesia, pictured

The campaign includes discounts of up to 18 per cent on accommodation, along with savings on flights and activities booked through Agoda.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, shared: “A Destination for Every Dream is about making it easier and more affordable for travellers to explore the festivals and traditions that make South-east Asia so special.”

Oliver Chong, assistant chief executive (designate) of the Singapore Tourism Board’s International Group and chair of the ASEAN Tourism Marketing and Partnership Working Group, added: “This campaign reflects ASEAN’s commitment to showcasing South-east Asia as a unique and interconnected destination. By partnering with Agoda and AirAsia, we aim to make it easier for travellers to discover the vibrant festivals, diverse cultures, and authentic experiences that define our region. Together, we are opening doors to unforgettable journeys across our region.”

H World Group to debut Intercity, Ji and Orange hotel brands in Laos

By TTG Asia
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H World Group will enter Laos with the signing of four hotel management projects that will bring three of its brands – Intercity Hotel, Ji Hotel, and Orange Hotel – to the destination.

This move is in line with H World Group’s growth ambition in South-east Asia through what it terms an “asset-light and internationalisation strategy”. It opened its first South-east Asian hotel in Singapore – Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore – in 2019.

H World Group is set to open four hotels in Laos by 2027

The new hotels in Laos will be located in prime areas in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. They will be developed with three investment partners – Lao Kunpeng Industrial Co., Yuting Hotel Investment Management Co., and KP Construction Sole Co..

Both Intercity Hotel Vientiane and Ji Hotel Vientiane Mekong Riverside will open in early 2026 while Orange Hotel Vientiane International Airport will welcome first guests in 3Q2026.

Intercity Hotel Luang Prabang will join the network in 2027.

These openings will also mark the Orange Hotel’s brand debut outside of China and Ji Hotel’s second flag in South-east Asia.

Zhu Xiaogang, president of H World Asia Pacific, said the four projects would be “highlights” in the company’s expansion in the region.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways teams up with Amadeus ahead of launch

By TTG Asia
0

Sun PhuQuoc Airways, Vietnam’s first airline dedicated to a “resort-in-the-sky” travel model, has selected Amadeus solutions, including the Altéa Passenger Service System (PSS), Amadeus Sky suite and Amadeus Revenue Accounting, to support its full-service operations and customer experience ahead of its official launch.

Developed by Sun Group, Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims to provide direct connections between Phu Quoc and major cities domestically and internationally. Using Amadeus Altéa PSS, the airline will manage booking, ticketing, inventory, departure control and customer service, ensuring a seamless, data-driven experience for passengers.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways will use Amadeus systems to streamline operations and enhance the passenger experience

The airline will also implement Amadeus SkyWorks, an intelligent schedule editor that allows flexible and streamlined flight planning, and Amadeus Revenue Accounting to track passenger revenue in real time and optimise accounting processes.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways is developing a hub-and-spoke network with Phu Quoc as the central hub. The launch coincides with the island’s preparations to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in 2027, which will welcome thousands of delegates from 21 member countries.

The partnership with Amadeus comes at a time of strong growth in Vietnam’s tourism sector. Visitor numbers increased 23 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of 2025, reaching 7.7 million. According to Amadeus Travel Trends 2025, 35 per cent of global leisure travel spending will occur in Asia this year, and the region is projected to see a 50 per cent rise in air passengers over the next 15 years.

As a new regional travel hub, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is positioned to connect Asian and international travellers to Phu Quoc, supporting the continued growth of the region’s tourism and aviation sectors.

Nguyen Manh Quan, CEO of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, commented: “Choosing Amadeus is a strategic move that enables us not only to deliver outstanding service, but also to reach a global distribution network and bring international travellers closer to the beauty of Phu Quoc and Vietnam.”

“By providing data-driven insights and a modular design approach, we aim to support the airline’s ambitions in delivering high-quality service from day one and to successfully expand its reach into a successful future in the travel space” added Javier Laforgue, executive vice president, managing director, Asia Pacific, Amadeus.

K-pop star Jisoo spotlights Singapore’s nature in latest music video

By TTG Asia
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K-pop star Jisoo has released a special video for her track Your Love, from her mini album AMORTAGE, filmed at Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The video highlights the city’s natural landscapes and wildlife attractions, including Rainforest Wild Asia, the region’s first adventure-based zoological park, and the Singapore Zoo, known for its open-concept habitats.

The video was officially released on August 12, and a behind-the-scenes video will be uploaded after.

Jisoo’s emotive performance brings Singapore’s greenery and wildlife to life, showcasing the city’s distinctive attractions to K-pop fans and international travellers alike

The collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board aims to promote Singapore to global audiences through K-content, inspiring visitors to explore its nature and cultural experiences.

To coincide with the launch of Jisoo’s video, Rainforest Wild Asia will host the Your Love meets the Wild campaign from August 13 to October 5, 2025, offering an immersive trail that recreates locations from the video.

New hotels: Peppers Hunter Valley, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and more

By TTG Asia
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Peppers Hunter Valley

Peppers Hunter Valley, Australia
Peppers Hunter Valley has reopened following the rebrand of Grand Mercure The Vintage and a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The property returns to the Hunter Valley, where the Peppers brand was first established.

The hotel offers one-, two- and three-bedroom villas upgraded with modern kitchens, as well as refreshed lighting and new furnishings. A redesigned reception area combines Peppers’ signature style with the relaxed atmosphere of the countryside.

Located within The Vintage precinct, the property is surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course. A new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar, Mezze, will open upstairs, adding to the precinct’s culinary offerings.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will open in the iconic Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in the Asia-Pacific.

The hotel occupies levels 75 to 114, offering guests panoramic views of the city skyline.

The property features 252 keys, including 27 suites, with wellness facilities and dining options reflecting Malaysian culture.

Situated near Petaling Street in Chinatown, the hotel provides easy access to Kuala Lumpur’s historic and cultural attractions.

Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City

Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City, Indonesia
Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City will open on August 22, 2025, introducing the Aloft brand and Marriott’s first hotel in eastern Surabaya. The hotel features 233 rooms designed for business travellers, digital nomads and weekend visitors.

Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, outdoor pool, meeting spaces, W XYZ Lounge, Vibe Restaurant and Echo Lounge & Bar. The hotel is directly connected to Pakuwon City Mall, The Courtyard and Park Shanghai, putting shopping, dining and entertainment just steps away.

Pullman Sydney Penrith

Pullman Sydney Penrith, Australia
Pullman Sydney Penrith, the first five-star hotel in Penrith, offers 24 Junior Suites, 95 Superior Rooms, 25 Deluxe Rooms and eight accessible Superior Rooms. Junior Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a sitting area, work desk, full-sized fridge and microwave, along with in-room amenities such as Hunter Lab skincare products and Nespresso machines. All rooms include smart controls, digital compendiums and a Sleep Therapy Menu with a range of wellness options.

The hotel features F&B options, a fitness and wellness centre, a 10-person sauna, and sustainably minded operations including zero single-use plastics and electric vehicle charging stations.

Located 21 minutes from Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, Pullman Sydney Penrith provides easy access to the Blue Mountains, Sydney CBD and Harbour, as well as coastal attractions. The hotel is adjacent to the Western Sydney Convention Centre, and offers a central base for business and leisure travellers in New South Wales.

Singapore throws music party to celebrate 60 years of homegrown sounds

By TTG Asia
0

This December, Singapore will host Sing60 Music Festival, a two-day outdoor event at Fort Canning Park on December 6 and 7. Organised by The Rice Company and produced by Global Cultural Alliance, the festival marks 60 years of Singapore’s music, showcasing both classic and contemporary homegrown sounds.

Performances will take place across two stages, Fort Canning Green and the Battlebox, with three strands: Homegrown Icons, Bandwagon Sessions, and Bunker B2B.

From left: Shye, Mavis Hee and Shazza take the stage with classic favourites and fresh performances, celebrating Singapore’s musical legacy

Homegrown Icons features established solo artists performing original songs and covers of Singaporean music that shaped their careers. Bandwagon Sessions highlights indie and alternative bands across generations. Bunker B2B at the Battlebox pairs veteran DJs with emerging talents in back-to-back sets, covering electronic genres from house to experimental.

Celebrations extend to the Festival Village, where independent design, lifestyle, and food brands will be featured, reflecting Singapore’s creative community.

Sing60 operates a pay-it-forward model, with every ticket enabling a child from an underserved background to attend.

The festival is supported by sponsors including the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore, which helps recognise and support local music creators.

Tickets are available online at SISTIC.

For more information, visit Sing60 Music Festival.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers multi-destination Asia cruises in 2026

By TTG Asia
0

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2026 Asia itinerary offers travellers the chance to visit multiple destinations across the region in a single trip, without the need for separate transportation or accommodation bookings. This provides opportunities to explore a range of cultural, historical, and natural sites throughout Asia.

The 2026 Asia ports of call include Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand, where visitors can explore temples, markets, and local cuisine; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which features the Petronas Towers; Papeete, French Polynesia, offering outdoor activities such as surfing and hiking; Seoul, South Korea, which combines history and modern city life; Singapore with its mix of temples and skyscrapers; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, providing cultural sites like museums and temples; and Tokyo, Japan, where visitors can enjoy a range of traditional and modern experiences.

Explore multiple Asian destinations in one trip with Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2026 itinerary, such as Singapore, pictured

Other highlights include Hong Kong, China, with markets, Victoria Peak, and Cantonese cuisine; Kyoto, Japan, with shrines, temples, and historic districts; and Phuket, Thailand, featuring beaches, temples, and national parks.

For more information, visit Norwegian Cruise Line.

TAAI returns to Abu Dhabi for 68th convention after nine years

By Rohit Kaul
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The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has confirmed Abu Dhabi as the host destination for its 68th Convention-cum-Exhibition, scheduled for September 17 to 19 at the Grand Hyatt, Abu Dhabi. The event is expected to attract over 350 delegates.

The association last hosted its convention in the emirate in 2016.

The 68th TAAI Convention in Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen ties and promote Indian visitor arrivals with immersive cultural experiences

“Much has changed in Abu Dhabi since our last convention there. A number of new products and experiences like teamLab have been introduced and we want our members to be updated on these developments. We are confident that hosting our convention in Abu Dhabi will further boost Indian visitor arrivals to the destination,” said Sunil Kumar, president, TAAI, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi on August 11 to announce the convention.

Held under the theme Business with Goodness, the convention will highlight tourism’s role as a promoter of peace and include knowledge sessions on industry insights and emerging trends. The delegates will also be offered the opportunity to discover Abu Dhabi through various tours. Some of the products and experiences covered will include BAPS Temple, Qasr-Al-Watan Palace, teamLab, The Louvre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace among others.

“This convention will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange while offering our members an immersive introduction to Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural, leisure and business attractions. Our exhibition, the India Travel Trade Expo will create business opportunities and provide strong visibility for exhibitors, enabling them to network and forge new partnerships,” added Kumar.

The convention aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

Sun Siyam Resorts powers youth apprenticeship

By Karen Yue
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Sun Siyam Resorts, which operates a number of properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, has joined hands with the Ministry of Higher Education, Maldives to offer hospitality apprenticeship for young Maldivians.

The new programme is conducted through the World Bank-funded SAILS Project (Sustainable and Integrated Labour Services), which sets out to enhance skills development and youth employability in the Maldives.

Sun Siyam Resorts launches hospitality apprenticeship programme to boost skills and employment for young Maldivians

The first intake kicked off in July with 13 apprentices. Over the next six months, these apprentices will gain structured, on-the-job experience across key departments of Siyam World Maldives resort, from diving, finance, engineering, culinary, IT and more.

The programme includes mentorship by senior team members, skill-focused workshops, and real-world exposure aligned with national certification standards and Sun Siyam Resorts’ own service philosophy.

Apprentices who successfully complete the programme will be offered employment at any property under Sun Siyam Resorts.

Abdulla Thamheed, vice president of operations, Sun Siyam Resorts, said the project is a “long-term investment in the future of Maldivian tourism”.

The new hospitality apprenticeship reflects the same values that drive the group’s broader commitment to people and purpose, and joins other initiatives carried out under the Sun Siyam Cares framework that focuses on sustainability, environmental protection, and ethical tourism.

Sun Siyam Resorts spokesperson Claudia Klingbeil told TTG Asia that a second enrolment will follow in January 2026 – and this time it will be conducted across all properties.

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