TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 2nd January 2026
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Page 64

Paradise Indonesia, Club Med to develop new resorts across Indonesia

By TTG Asia
0

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 charity run returns to raise funds for visually impaired students in Thailand

By TTG Asia
0

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.”

The Westin Singapore takes marathon recovery to the next level

By TTG Asia
0

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.

For more information, visit The Westin Singapore.

Nobuki Sato takes over as president and COO of Okada Manila

By TTG Asia
0

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 appoints new resident manager

By TTG Asia
0

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.

ASEANTA unveils new initiatives to promote ASEAN tourism

By Mimi Hudoyo
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The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has launched two initiatives to mark ASEANTA Day 2025 in Jakarta on August 8, 2025.

The launch of the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Awards, themed Promoting Unity, Creativity & Excellence in Southeast Asian Tourism, and the Discover ASEAN microsite, a digital travel platform, aims to expand tourism opportunities in ASEAN member countries.

Tourism awards and a digital microsite were launched in Jakarta to promote collaboration among ASEAN member countries and expand travel opportunities across the region

Eddy Krismeidi, ASEANTA president, stated the initiatives reflected ASEANTA’s response to current tourism challenges and its readiness to capture future opportunities: “These initiatives reflect our determination to recover, innovate, and thrive.”

He said the ASEANTA Tourism Awards, now in its 39th edition, have long served as a platform to recognise the best of ASEAN tourism, from community-based initiatives to large-scale innovations in marketing, sustainability and service excellence. Registration is open until October 31, 2025, and winners will be announced at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in the Philippines.

The Discover ASEAN microsite is a digital travel booking platform developed by ASEANTA in collaboration with AirAsia.

“This microsite curates essential and inspiring content, ranging from culinary experiences, culture, and interesting destinations to verified immigration links and the latest travel information,” he shared.

The microsite was co-developed by Move in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and is accessible via the Move app’s homepage. It features recommendations on food, culture and destinations across ASEAN member countries, alongside verified travel requirements, links to official immigration websites, and up-to-date health and safety guidelines.

Yizhen Fung, head of strategic partnership at AirAsia Move, shared: “The Discover ASEAN (microsite) serves three objectives. The first is to involve by offering trusted, up-to-date travel requirements across ASEAN member countries, including links to the official websites of the immigration departments of each ASEAN member country.

“The second is to inspire through curated recommendations showcasing gastronomic nature, cultural and wellness attractions of each Asian country. To this end, we are very grateful for the support of the ASEAN secretariat for letting us draw our content from the official tourism website of ASEAN.”

As for the third objective, Fung said it was to include smaller towns and communities by connecting them to travellers alongside major cities and tourist spots, helping to boost their local economies.

Indonesia’s deputy minister of tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, said: “The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is proud to welcome ASEANTA’s initiative to launch the programme on ASEAN Day.

“As one of the region’s leading tourism destinations, we fully support this joint initiative to strengthen ASEAN’s shared identity and unlock greater opportunities for collaboration. Let us inspire more travellers to explore what makes our region vibrant, diverse, and united.”

Ni Luh also expressed the ministry’s interest in linking its official website, Indonesia.travel, to the microsite.

New festival brings light to Bangkok’s heritage district after dark

By Anne Somanas
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The inaugural Awakening Song Wat festival, running from August 8 to 17, aims to boost night-time activity in one of Bangkok’s most popular neighbourhoods.

Song Wat has become known for its cafés, galleries and creative businesses that draw steady crowds during the day. However, local entrepreneurs report that the area loses energy after dark, with bars and night-time venues struggling and visitors left disappointed by the lack of nightlife.

The Awakening Song Wat festival uses light, sound and storytelling to revitalise Bangkok’s riverside district at night; photo by Friday Originals

The festival uses light, sound and storytelling installations to extend the district’s appeal into the evening and position it as a cultural destination after sunset.

Under the theme Culturalight, 14 installations by Thai and international artists span 12 locations along Song Wat Road, showcasing the district’s shophouse architecture and riverside heritage, with highlights including Please Pray, My Child, a colourful display at Charoenwattana Warehouse; Light Supplies, a glowing historic hub; and Song Wat Song Dance, an interactive floor reacting to visitors’ steps.

Festival director Pongsiri Hetrakul – also behind the flagship Awakening Bangkok, founded in 2018, which now attracts some 200,000 visitors annually – believes lighting festivals can help rebalance day-night visitor flows.

“Light brings people in. When they come, foot traffic increases, shops sell more, and there’s renewed interest in the area’s stories,” he said.

His site selection process can take years, involving historical research, conversations with residents, and mapping walkable routes.

“I’ve always believed in making people walk – sometimes five kilometres or more – so they pass through shops, food stalls, and everyday life. That’s when the local economy comes alive again,” he explained, recalling fried bun vendors setting up to meet demand, 7-Elevens selling out of bottled water, and residents offering pop-up tabletop activities such as tarot reading during past festivals.

The festival is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, along with MINI Thailand, GrabTaxi (Thailand) Co., ThaiBev Marketing Co., Boon Rawd Trading Co., and various private-sector partners along Song Wat Road, with installations lighting up 18.00 to 23.00 nightly.

Scoot, Tourism Malaysia sign three-year deal to boost regional travel

By TTG Asia
0

Scoot and Tourism Malaysia have signed a three-year memorandum of collaboration to promote Malaysia as a travel destination in key regional markets ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

The agreement, which runs until August 5, 2028, outlines joint efforts to raise awareness of cities across Malaysia through integrated marketing and co-branded campaigns, including digital promotions and familiarisation trips.

The partnership will tap on regional travel demand through co-branded activities and campaigns

The initiative targets travellers from Australia, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Scoot currently flies to 11 Malaysian cities: Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Langkawi, Melaka, Miri, Penang, Sibu and Subang.

With the addition of Kota Bharu on October 26, 2025, the airline will operate 115 weekly flights to 12 cities in Malaysia.

Scoot director of marketing, communications and loyalty Agatha Yap said: “Malaysia has always been an important market for Scoot, and we hope that this collaboration will allow us to drive even more awareness and interest in the various Malaysian cities that Scoot serves… we hope to connect more travellers to Malaysia from Singapore and the rest of Scoot’s extensive network.”

Manoharan Periasamy, director general of Tourism Malaysia, shared: “This strategic partnership with Scoot comes at a crucial time as we ramp up efforts for VM2026. Leveraging Scoot’s extensive network will allow us to tap into high-potential regional markets and attract more international visitors to explore Malaysia’s unique offerings.

“We are confident that this collaboration will contribute significantly to our 2025 target of welcoming 43 million international visitors.”

Maldives to cut back on trade show participation

By Feizal Samath
0

The Maldives will be more selective with travel trade show participation as cost of such activations have gone up, said a top Maldives tourism industry official, who added that presence will only be maintained at the “bigger” events.

Abdulla Ghiyas, chairman, Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC), told TTG Asia that participation at international travel trade shows are “getting more expensive”, due to higher cost of hiring spaces at such events.

Ghiyas remarked the Maldives is shifting focus from trade shows to targeted campaigns as tourism marketing costs rise

In place of trade show participation, the country’s NTO has adopted new strategies, shifting towards more direct and impactful initiatives that deliver measurable results.

Ghiyas said: “We are investing heavily in B2C advertising, brand awareness campaigns, and on-ground activations in key source markets. In addition, we are running conversion and performance-driven joint marketing campaigns with airlines, OTAs, and tour operators to ensure our spend is targeted and accountable.”

MMPRC’s partnership with Liverpool FC is a prime example of such a shift.

He said there are plans to raise the promotion budget to support these new strategies, and funding will come from a portion of the Tourism Goods and Services Tax.

Meanwhile, Ghiyas is hopeful that the recent opening of the country’s new airport terminal will herald a new tourism era. The facility can cater to 7.5 million passengers per year, a sharp rise from 1.5 million at the old terminal that was a bottleneck for inbound traffic, he acknowledged.

“We now have opportunities for more airlines, more slots,” he said.

With the help of the expanded airport, the Maldives aims to welcome three million visitors per year in the next three years, up from a target of 2.3 million.

He noted that the Maldives has an inventory of 63,000 beds, and capacity at the moment is under 60 per cent.

As such, the destination can certainly accommodate more visitors and have enough facilities to support greater arrivals.

Ascott to manage new Johor Bahru hotel in Coronation Square

By TTG Asia
0

Ascott has been appointed by Coronade Properties to manage the hotel in the Coronation Square integrated development in Johor Bahru.

Located in the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the hotel will be directly linked to the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

The partnership marks the first major hospitality collaboration since the historic Singapore-Malaysia JS-SEZ agreement

The collaboration is the first major hospitality partnership since the JS-SEZ agreement between Malaysia and Singapore in January 2025. It also marks the debut of the Ascott brand in Johor Bahru and will be the sixth Ascott-branded property in Malaysia. The other five Ascott-branded properties are in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Ascott manages more than 40 properties in Malaysia, both operating and in the pipeline.

Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will have 207 rooms within Tower 1 of Coronation Square, in the IIBD of the JS-SEZ. It is scheduled to open in 2H2029 and will have an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, fitness centre, residents’ lounge and meeting rooms.

Coronation Square is a five billion ringgit (US$1.07 billion) integrated development by Coronade Properties and is the first project in the 101-hectare IIBD. The 3.9-hectare development will comprise hotel, medical, office and residential components, as well as the 111,500m² Coronation Square Mall. Construction of the mall will begin in 2026 and is targeted for completion in 2030. The development will be connected to the RTS station at Bukit Chagar and the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facilities via a 210-metre elevated walkway. It will also have basement parking for about 4,500 vehicles, with around 700 bays reserved for RTS users.

Paduka Alinah Ahmad, director of corporate relations, Coronade Properties, said: “As Coronation Square develops into a vibrant destination, this partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Johor’s hospitality and real estate landscape.”

Wong Kar Ling, chief strategy officer and managing director for Southeast Asia, Ascott, added: “With the JS-SEZ catalysing greater cross-border investments and the RTS enhancing connectivity, Johor Bahru is entering a dynamic new phase of growth. Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru allows us to introduce our namesake Ascott brand to this market, positioning us at the heart of this transformation to capture rising demand from corporate, long-stay and leisure segments.

“Ascott’s presence in Malaysia continues to deepen, with over 40 properties in operation and in the pipeline. We are committed to expanding our footprint with high-quality developments that meet the evolving expectations of discerning travellers visiting the country.”

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