Preferred Hotels & Resorts has made several senior appointments in Asia-Pacific, including Laurence Onfroy as vice president, business development, Asia Pacific; Eddie Wong as area managing director, Greater China & Australia; and Midori Kataoka as area managing director, Japan.
Based in Singapore, Onfroy will drive portfolio growth, strategic partnerships, and development of the sustainable brand Beyond Green.
From left: Laurence Onfroy, Eddie Wong and Midori Kataoka
Wong, based in Hong Kong, will lead growth and development initiatives across Greater China and Australia, while in Japan, Kataoka will oversee a portfolio of 50 member properties.
Swire Hotels has made three senior appointments: Mark Passmore as head of operations, Kristina Snaith-Lense as general manager of the upcoming House in Shenzhen, and Simon McHendry as general manager of The Upper House.
Passmore will oversee operations and design for all Swire Hotels properties in Asia, including The House Collective, EAST, and Headland Hotel. He has been with the group since 2015, leading key openings and most recently serving as director of operations for Chinese mainland.
From left: Mark Passmore, Kristina Snaith-Lense and Simon McHendry
Snaith-Lense will lead the Shenzhen House ahead of its 2027 launch, Swire Hotels’ first new opening in nine years, and will also oversee wellness projects across the group. She joined in 2011 and was most recently general manager of The Upper House.
McHendry will drive the continued growth of The Upper House and oversee Swire Hotels’ sales and revenue team. Since joining in 2016, he has held senior roles at East Beijing and The Temple House, and most recently served as head of development & projects.
Tourism Australia is employing multiple strategies to boost visitor numbers from Indonesia. These include sports tourism promotions, a Muslim-friendly destination approach, and highlighting second-tier destinations in marketing programmes.
Agitya Nuraini, country manager for Indonesia at Tourism Australia, told TTG Asia during the recent Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2025 in Jakarta that sporting events such as marathons and cycling races have grown significantly since the pandemic.
Tourism Australia ramps up efforts in Indonesia with tailored campaigns to attract more visitors and diversify travel experiences
She noted some Indonesian travellers have even taken part in major international marathons held in Australia.
Marathons including the Sydney Marathon and Gold Coast Marathon remain key events in Australia’s sports calendar. As such, Tourism Australia has launched campaigns promoting marathons across the country, including those in Melbourne and Western Australia, along with major sporting events such as the Australian Open and the Formula 1 race.
Nuraini added that participants and spectators often bring their families, inspiring travel agents to create ‘sportcation’ packages of five to six nights that combine sports events with leisure activities.
She noted that Indonesian participants formed the second largest contingent among international runners in last year’s Sydney Marathon, coming just after the US.
Tourism Australia has also developed Muslim-friendly travel offerings by forming a consortium of travel agents – including AntaVaya Umroh, As-Salam by Dwidaya Tour, Cheria Holiday, and Ramah Umroh & Halal Tour – to promote combined destinations such as Sydney-Melbourne, Sydney-Gold Coast, and Melbourne-Tasmania.
“We have started to see growth in (the Indonesian) market, especially since there are many Indonesian restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne now,” Nuraini noted.
As 75 per cent of Indonesian travellers to Australia are repeat visitors, the NTO is focusing on promoting new destinations and attractions like Tasmania, Brisbane, and refreshing awareness of South Australia.
An earlier initiative in 2018 to promote Tasmania has yielded encouraging results, with FITs and family group demand up for Sydney-Tasmania and Melbourne-Tasmania trips. Indonesians were also attracted to unique experiences, such as the Seafood Seduction Cruise and self-drives between Hobart and Lancaster.
Brisbane, which will host the 2030 Summer Olympics, is also on the radar of Indonesian travel agents, who are looking to create travel packages.
To reach new source markets across Indonesia, Tourism Australia has expanded its Aussie Specialist Programme to cities such as Medan and Makassar. Partnerships with Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines will also help to generate more traveller traffic to Australia from these cities.
The NTO aims to welcome 269,000 Indonesians by the end of this financial year ending June 2025, and to raise arrivals by 10 per cent in the following year.
Experience Gold Coast has launched a new locally developed app designed to transform how people explore the city by providing curated tips, hidden gems and exclusive deals in one platform.
Operated by Experience Gold Coast, the free mobile app offers personalised recommendations, smart tools and curated content to enhance how users discover and enjoy the area. The self-titled tourism app helps both visitors and residents explore the city’s highlights and features Goldie, an AI-powered chatbot that serves as a personal guide.
The Experience Gold Coast app aims to enhance how locals and visitors enjoy the city with personalised recommendations and an AI-powered guide
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said the app makes it easier for people to connect with the city, whether visiting for a weekend or living there long term. He explained it brings events, experiences and stories personalised to users’ interests to their fingertips.
Available for Apple and Android devices via the App Store and Google Play, the app includes a real-time events calendar, curated ‘what’s on’ listings and exclusive offers on experiences, dining and accommodation.
Experience Gold Coast head of marketing Brant Hirst described the app as the ultimate guide to the Gold Coast in your pocket. He added that Goldie, the lorikeet-inspired chat assistant, is ready to answer users’ questions.
Users can share their own Gold Coast stories through written or video submissions linked to specific places and events. The app’s personalisation tools tailor suggestions based on location, preferences and activity, helping both locals and visitors explore more of what they enjoy.
The Experience Gold Coast team collaborated with local developer Spritely to build the app. Spritely’s head of product, Scott MacKenzie noted that the city’s growth as a vibrant cultural destination influenced the app’s development, with content creators playing a key role in sharing authentic experiences.
The app launch follows recent data from Tourism Research Australia confirming the Gold Coast as Australia’s second largest holiday market and Queensland’s largest.
Hirst said: “This app is just the beginning of a broader digital transformation strategy, with plenty more exciting developments in the pipeline. What makes it so powerful is its ability to grow and evolve alongside our city – adapting to how people experience the Gold Coast now, and into the future.”
Ascott is expanding its global resort portfolio through asset-light growth, with around 50 properties in resort destinations in operation or development, supported by 11 new signings in the past 10 months via management and franchise agreements.
These account for about five per cent of its global portfolio of more than 1,000 properties, reflecting a focus on the leisure segment. The company is adapting its brands – Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection – for resort settings to scale in high-potential destinations.
Ascott will debut in Phuket with the upcoming Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, pictured
Recent signings include Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort in Thailand, with 254 rooms and leisure facilities, and a 227-unit branded residence, located 150 metres from Patong Beach. In Vietnam, new properties include Somerset Nha Trang, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc and Harris Resort Cam Ranh. Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son in Thanh Hoa began opening in April 2025. In Indonesia, lyf Labuan Bajo will open in 2027, alongside Oakwood properties in Jimbaran, Canggu and Sanur.
In South Korea, an Oakwood property will open in Gangneung, and in the UAE, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection will open in 2027 on Marjan Island.
These additions build on Ascott’s existing resorts, which include Oakwood Suites Chongli in China’s winter sports hub, Oakwood Ha Long near Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Somerset Pattaya in Thailand and Château Belmont Tours in France’s Loire Valley. The portfolio will be further strengthened by upcoming openings such as Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao, Philippines, scheduled for late 2027, and other planned developments in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Ascott’s chief growth officer Serena Lim noted that rising leisure travel is driving strong interest from property owners, who are attracted to the company’s flex-hybrid model for serving both short and extended stays, supported by a brand strategy tailored to each resort setting.
Tan Bee Leng, chief commercial officer, Ascott, said: “From sun-drenched beachfront villas and serene mountain retreats to château stays and immersive wellness escapes, each resort adds lifestyle richness to the loyalty journey, deepening member engagement and incentivising cross-destination travel.
“Ascott’s flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand approach allow us to scale trusted urban brands into resort destinations with local authenticity and operational excellence, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits guests, members and property owners alike.”
Indonesian Paradise Property (Paradise Indonesia) and Club Med have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a series of upscale all-inclusive resorts across Indonesia.
The agreement was signed by Anthony Prabowo Susilo, CEO of Paradise Indonesia, and Rachael Harding, CEO of East and South Asia and Pacific Markets at Club Med.
The collaboration aims to create upscale all-inclusive resorts in Bali, North Sulawesi and West Java
The partnership will see the creation of more than five new resorts in several phases, starting with three resorts planned over the next five years in North Sulawesi, Bali and West Java. Both companies aim to offer lifestyle holidays that meet the needs of today’s travellers in some of Indonesia’s most attractive destinations.
Club Med operates in 40 countries with nearly 70 resorts worldwide. It is known for pioneering the premium all-inclusive holiday experience. In Indonesia, Club Med has been operating two resorts: Club Med Bali since 1984 and Club Med Bintan since 1997.
Between 2023 and 2025, Club Med plans to open 17 new resorts globally, including extensions and renovations. The company emphasises responsible tourism through its Happy To Care programme, which focuses on environmental protection, community support and sustainable guest experiences.
Paradise Indonesia has 30 years of experience developing lifestyle destinations in eight cities across Indonesia. The company manages 25 business units, including hotels, retail complexes and residential apartments, and has a track record of completing all its projects.
This partnership supports the Indonesian government’s tourism goals by attracting domestic and international visitors and raising the country’s travel and tourism index. The new resorts are expected to create jobs, develop local talents, promote knowledge exchange in the hospitality sector and boost the local economy in each region.
Anthony shared: “This joint venture aims to unveil a series of developments that will not only foster mutual growth for both companies but also bring about substantial benefits to the local communities and areas in which we build. Our united vision is to cultivate sustainable and enriching experiences for all.”
“Our strategic partnership with Paradise Indonesia marks a significant milestone in our development strategy for Indonesia. We are confident that this partnership will create incremental value for all our stakeholders and accelerate our commitment to further establish Club Med as the world leader in all-inclusive and experiential premium holidays in stunning locations,” added Harding.
IHG Hotels & Resorts will hold its annual IHG Run for Good charity event for the third consecutive year at Vachirabenjatas Park (Suan Rot Fai) in Bangkok on September 14, 2025, from 05.00 to 08.00. The event aims to raise funds to support visually impaired students across Thailand.
In 2024, the charity run took place in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, attracting over 5,000 participants and raising 1.1 million baht (US$31,000) for the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of HM The Queen. This year’s event will also be held in Phuket and Koh Samui with the same purpose.
The IHG Run for Good supports the purchase of educational tools for blind students across Thailand
The run is part of IHG’s Giving for Good Month in September, an annual initiative to support communities in more than 100 countries where IHG operates. This year’s event will raise funds to support visually impaired students across Thailand by purchasing a 3D Educational Material Production Machine for the Educational Technology for the Blind Centre.
The machine converts used PET plastic bottles into tactile 3D shapes and figures, such as animals and objects, to enhance learning for students. It will enable the centre to produce educational materials for 2,000 students from 16 schools for the blind throughout Thailand.
The theme for this year embraces empathy, inclusion and community empowerment under the concept of light and vision. Supporting the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H M The Queen, the run encourages participants to “light the path” for those without sight, highlighting that while not everyone can see the world, everyone deserves to be seen, supported and included.
IHG Run for Good features three race categories – a two-kilometre walk and run, a four-kilometre fun run, and a nine-kilometre run – catering to all levels from casual walkers to experienced runners. Registration fees are 550 baht (US$15.50) per person for the two-kilometre walk and run and the four-kilometre fun run, and 650 baht for the nine-kilometre run. Fees include a running shirt, bag, medal and running bib. Running shirts are also available separately for 350 baht.
“IHG Run for Good is our core charitable activation in Thailand, bringing together thousands of our colleagues, partners and the local community to help others,” said Patrick Both, director of operations, luxury & lifestyle at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “We are committed to being a force for good and this meaningful cause, which we are deeply passionate about, helps build a more caring and inclusive society.”
Marking its third consecutive year as the Official Elite Hotel of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, The Westin Singapore has introduced its Move Well: Marathon Package, designed to support runners before and after the race.
Available for stays from December 4 to 8, 2025, the package includes overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room, daily breakfast for one at Seasonal Tastes, use of Hyperice recovery gear during the stay, and an ice bath at Pure Fitness. Guests also have access to the Heavenly Spa by Westin and the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio. Each booking includes Westin Bear merchandise.
Participants can rest and recover with The Westin Singapore’s dedicated wellness package during marathon week
Located in the CBD near Marina Bay, the hotel offers direct MRT access and proximity to running routes along Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. The flag-off venue is within walking distance, allowing guests to bypass road closures.
To mark the occasion, the hotel has partnered with the Singapore Disability Sports Council as its official beneficiary, raising funds for para-athletes across multiple disciplines. Guests may contribute by purchasing charity shirts through the hotel’s online shop.
Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc. (TRLEI), operator of Okada Manila, has appointed Nobuki Sato as its new president and chief operating officer, effective September 15, 2025.
Sato currently serves as senior executive officer and chief financial officer of Universal Entertainment Corporation and has been a member of the TRLEI Board of Directors since March 2023. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, finance and strategic operations.
Byron Yip, who has held the president and chief operating officer roles for seven years, will continue overseeing daily operations and support the leadership transition through September 2025.
Shangri-La Singapore has named Yusuf Yaran as resident manager. With over 20 years of international experience in hotel operations and F&B management, he brings extensive expertise to the hotel.
In his new role, Yusuf will oversee daily operations across the hotel’s dining outlets, banquet services and three wings, leading a team of over 1,000 staff.
He joins from Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, where he led operations and a team of over 700 colleagues. A member of the Shangri-La group since 2006, Yusuf has held leadership roles across Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila and Singapore.
Byron Yip, who has held the president and chief operating officer roles for seven years, will continue overseeing daily operations and support the leadership transition through September 2025.
He joins from Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, where he led operations and a team of over 700 colleagues. A member of the Shangri-La group since 2006, Yusuf has held leadership roles across Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila and Singapore.
