SKS Group has signed an agreement with Marriott International to open Four Points by Sheraton Johor Bahru, following the rebranding of AmanSari Residence Resort in Bandar Seri Alam.
The hotel is scheduled to open in 1Q2026.
Staff prepare the site for the upcoming Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Johor Bahru, scheduled to open in early 2026
This project marks SKS Hospitality’s first entry into franchise operations and continues the group’s brand expansion. Four Points Johor Bahru will be its second Four Points property and the fourth under the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, following the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Desaru, Sheraton Johor Bahru (due in 3Q2025), and Courtyard by Marriott Subang (opening in 2026).
The hotel will feature 150 guestrooms across three categories. It is designed to accommodate both business and social events, with 1,770m² of function space including a 1,130m² divisible Grand Ballroom, a 310m² Junior Ballroom, five meeting rooms, and a 255m² pre-function area.
Andree Susilo, vice president of hotel development for Asia-Pacific at Marriott International, said that Bandar Seri Alam is a vibrant and fast-growing township, making it a suitable location for a brand offering stylish comfort and reliable essentials. He added that the partnership reflects Marriott’s commitment to expanding its presence in Malaysia.
Meera Raj, head of SKS Hospitality, stated: “The transformation of this legacy hotel into Four Points by Sheraton Johor Bahru is not just a change in name – it’s a reawakening of purpose, rooted in our commitment to create stays that guests will remember for a long time.”
Start the year-end holidays with a five-night sailing from Singapore to South and North Bali aboard Genting Dream. Departing on November 30, 2025, the cruise offers a chance to explore two contrasting ports – Denpasar and Celukan Bawang – while spending two days at sea on a ship equipped for both relaxation and activity.
Onboard, guests can access halal and vegetarian dining options, live entertainment, spa facilities, and a range of activities including waterslides, pools, Jacuzzis, rock climbing, ziplining and a rope course. The Palace, a private area with dedicated amenities and 24-hour butler service, is available for those seeking added privacy. Two full days at sea are scheduled.
Genting Dream’s exclusive five-night Bali cruise departs Singapore on November 30, 2025
The itinerary includes two stops in Bali. In Denpasar, visitors can explore markets, visit Pura Agung Jagatnatha, and view exhibitions at the Bali Museum. In Celukan Bawang, the schedule allows time for swimming, snorkelling and visiting nearby villages.
This five-night sailing is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and bookings open from August 21. Cabin availability is limited.
As the Indian outbound tourism market continues to grow for Tourism Australia, the NTO is devising its strategies to sustain and build on the momentum. Moving forward, Tourism Australia will prioritise high-yield travellers as well as the leisure and business events segments in India.
It also remains committed to investing in travel trade partnerships and consumer engagement initiatives to further boost Indian arrivals to Australia.
Tourism Australia is targeting high-yield Indian travellers as visitor numbers and travel interest continue to grow
“India remains the fastest-growing inbound market for Tourism Australia. Prior to Covid-19, it ranked as our seventh-largest market. Today, it stands at number five and continues to be one of the most promising markets for the future. With India’s accelerating economic growth, we are witnessing a rise in the high-net-worth population, which will significantly contribute to outbound travel from the country,” said Nishant Kashikar, country manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, during a media roundtable held on the sidelines of Australia Marketplace India (AMI) from August 3 to 6 in Jaipur.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), visitor arrivals data for the year ended (YE) May 2025 confirms Australia welcomed 453,000 visitors from India, up by 10 per cent. The annual B2B event brought together more than 100 Indian travel agents and 82 Australian tourism operators. While 30 per cent of the sellers were visiting India for the first time, 20 per cent of all participating buyers were new to the platform.
According to Tourism Australia, Indian travellers are extending their stays, with the total number of nights spent in Australia reaching nearly 29 million – a 21 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
“The reason we are seeing this trend is because Indian travellers are no longer limiting themselves to just three or four cities; they are now exploring new states, territories and lesser-known regions across Australia,” added Kashikar.
According to Chennai-based Sriharan Balan, managing director, Madura Travel Service, the outbound demand for Australia in India has taken a great leap post-lockdown.
“We are opening an office in Sydney to catch up with the demand. We are hiring Tamil speaking drivers and guides to cater to our guests. We have student groups who are visiting Australia in November and January. Destinations like Tasmania and Cairns and Canberra are now also climbing up the popularity charts of the Indian outbound traveller.”
Presently, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales are key popular destinations among Indian tourists. The ease of visa processing has played a vital role in promoting travel to Australia in India. The entire process is digitised with no interviews or biometrics needed.
“Visitors get up to a three-year multiple entry visa if they are travelling for the purpose of leisure or for a holiday and one gets up to a five-year multiple entry visa if travelling for MICE or business events. So, we are seeing a very high increase in terms of repeat visitation into Australia not just for leisure but also for business events,” said Kashikar.
Luxury cruise specialist Silversea is gearing up for the opening of its hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – The Cormorant at 55 South – with the unveiling of land offerings that will present guests with an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remote and ecologically rich destinations.
The Cormorant at 55 South hotel is set to welcome first guests in January 2026, and will be a key component in Silversea’s seamless six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise programme. It will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to Antarctica, where guests can fly over the Drake Passage and lead into their expedition from the comfort of the hotel.
The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams will offer guests a seamless and immersive gateway to Antarctica when it opens January 2026
Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, said in a release: “Our vision for The Cormorant at 55 South has always been to transform a journey that had to be endured, into one our guests truly enjoy.
“The Cormorant will be more than just a place to stay – it will become a new point for discovery at the edge of the world while also making the journey to Antarctica more comfortable and enjoyable for our guests. Our teams have created an enriching offering for guests to explore during their stay, giving them the opportunity to engage with the natural and historical heritage of Puerto Williams, all while enjoying the elevated comfort and service that is synonymous with Silversea.”
A variety of guided excursions and activities are available for different activity levels. These experiences will provide intimate access to the subpolar landscapes, from the Magellanic subpolar forests such as those in Parque Municipal Ukika to panoramic vistas, and more.
The Cormorant at 55 South itself is a haven for birdwatching and ecological discovery. The surrounding area is home to an array of bird species, including the cormorant – which serves as inspiration for the hotel’s name – dolphin gull, upland goose, and the yellow-billed pintail. Guests may also admire native horses and guanacos, as well as marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals in the nearby Beagle Channel.
In an earlier interview with TTG Asia, Conrad Combrink, senior vice president, Silversea Expeditions, said: “Our expeditions are designed to not just take our guests to the world’s remote destinations, but place them at the heart of these phenomena, supported by elevated comfort. From our enriching excursions led by industry experts onboard and onshore, to guest-first innovations like our Antarctica Fly Cruise programme and our new hotel in Puerto Williams that provide an effortless journey to Antarctica, we continue to unlock the best in luxury travel that blends enriching discoveries with thoughtful design.”
Combrink added that Silversea is the only cruise line to homeport from Puerto Williams, and The Cormorant at 55 South will provide adventurers with a luxurious pre-departure experience, allowing them to “begin their journey with comfort and ease, topped with Silversea’s personalised service and warm hospitality”.
Gold Coast Airport’s 2024 Master Plan has received approval from the federal government, paving the way for a 20-year development framework aimed at shaping the airport into a more connected and accessible precinct in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The plan, which includes environmental and sustainability measures, was developed following extensive consultation with local communities and cultural stakeholders. It outlines a range of future developments such as a public plaza with integrated transport, expanded hotel and office facilities, a health and wellness centre, a technology and conference hub, a retail village and travel centre, and an extension of Southern Cross University.
Rendering of the Master Plan, which aims to boost connectivity and regional growth across the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the plan enhances connectivity across the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales.
“Ensuring GCA’s connectivity and accessibility is vital for the success of both our airport and the regions we serve. It will also deliver an enduring legacy for the 2032 Games,” she said.
Passenger traffic is projected to more than double by 2044, with 13 million travellers expected annually. Evans said the mixed-use precinct would support a broader role for the airport. “Our vision extends beyond being just an airport – we aim to be a destination in our own right,” she said.
According to the plan, the airport’s economic contribution to the region is expected to reach nearly US$990 million each year and support over 6,000 jobs within two decades. Evans noted the approval represented a significant step towards delivering a future-focused precinct expected to generate health, employment and social benefits for surrounding communities.
The announcement follows the recent sale of a 74.25 per cent stake in Queensland Airports Limited to KKR and Skip Capital, opening the door to further investment opportunities.
“The future is bright for our business as we continue to expand, innovate and evolve,” she said.
The 2024 Gold Coast Airport Master Plan can be viewed here.
AmaWaterways has rolled out 42 new river cruise departures for 2027 in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution.
Two new itineraries include cruises on the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers in France, and a journey along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. These trips feature experts from the Smithsonian and offer cultural and educational experiences.
The new itineraries include cultural explorations along the rivers of France, South-east Asia, and Europe, combining expert-led excursions with immersive local experiences
Eleven itineraries along Europe’s major rivers – such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône – will run in 2026 and 2027. Each includes excursions and talks by specialists, with optional pre- and post-cruise packages hosted by AmaWaterways staff.
AmaWaterways cruises provide dining in multiple venues, unlimited drinks with meals, daily cocktail hours, small group excursions, high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness classes, airport transfers, and more, with trips lasting from eight to 15 days.
The new France itinerary covers Normandy, Burgundy and Provence in 15 days, starting in Paris and travelling along three rivers, with visits to sites such as Omaha Beach and Monet’s home. The Mekong journey lasts 17 days, combining a seven-night river cruise with visits to cities and villages in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Other cruises include an eight-day tulip season cruise through Holland and Belgium, and Danube cruises covering parts of Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans. Guests can also take Christmas market cruises along the Danube and Rhine, as well as trips through Portugal’s Douro River Valley, the Rhône River in Provence, and the waterways of Bordeaux.
“At AmaWaterways, our mission is to create travel experiences that uncover the heart of each destination,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are delighted to partner with Smithsonian Journeys and together offer guests voyages that inspire curiosity, deepen the connection with the places they visit and provide the exceptional comfort and service our guests expect, all the while creating shared and lasting memories.”
Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys, added: “With interest continuing to build, we are excited to introduce the 2027 programme, featuring sailings along Europe’s most iconic rivers and, new for 2027, a chance to venture farther, delving into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on the culturally rich Mekong River.
“As always, these voyages will include the distinctive touches of the Smithsonian – two Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard each voyage and thoughtfully curated shore excursions – and will open the door to new opportunities for curious explorers to more deeply engage with the vibrant history and rich cultures of these extraordinary destinations.”
Full details and booking options are available on AmaWaterways’ website.
Airport Dimensions, in partnership with Blue Sky Lounge, has opened its newest facility, Blue Sky Premier Lounge, at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Indonesia.
This launch follows a strategic investment in Blue Sky Group’s subsidiary Bumi Liputan Angkasa, announced in March. The expansion brings Airport Dimensions’ expertise to Indonesia, adding to its network of over 80 airport lounges worldwide. As the 17th lounge in the Asia-Pacific region, it reflects growing demand for premium airport services and supports the company’s ongoing regional expansion.
The new lounge offers premium facilities and local experiences amid growing passenger traffic at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport; photo by Blue Sky Group
Blue Sky Premier Lounge responds to increased passenger traffic at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, which now handles more than one million travellers monthly. The lounge is located in the domestic terminal near security and a short walk from the gate, offering 500m² of space and seating for up to 137 guests.
The menu highlights local cuisine using regional ingredients, with an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring dishes such as Coto Makassar, Pisang Ijo, and I-ta Suki’s steamboat noodles. A live cooking station operates throughout the day, and a dedicated coffee corner serves Ippolito, Blue Sky’s in-house brand, locally roasted in Indonesia. Guests can also enjoy cold-pressed juices, unlimited Le Minerale water and soft drinks.
Service is designed to provide a seamless experience, beginning with dedicated ambassadors assisting passengers throughout the terminal and a buggy service transporting guests between the lounge and gate. The lounge offers two productivity zones with high-speed Wi-Fi, showers, restrooms, VIP private rooms available for an additional fee, separate prayer rooms for men and women, and a nursery room for families. A smoking wing is also available, equipped with air purification systems.
The lounge is accessible to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class. Priority Pass and LoungeKey members may use the lounge, along with guests booking in advance or purchasing entry on the day, subject to availability. Entry is priced at 195,000 rupiah (US$11.90) per person, with promotional offers during the opening period.
This opening marks the eighth new lounge Airport Dimensions has launched since December, following openings at Jersey Airport, London Heathrow, Lima, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each new lounge supports the company’s goal to meet rising traveller demand in key aviation hubs through operational expertise and strategic growth.
Errol McGlothan, president of Airport Dimensions, EMEA & APAC, commented: “This opening represents not just the expansion of our lounge network, but the strength of collaboration between two industry leaders. Together, we’ve developed a space that meets the rising demand for tourism and premium travel in Indonesia, while setting a new standard for airport lounges in the region.”
“We are excited to partner with Airport Dimensions to open the Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. This lounge combines world-class comfort with local culture, offering travellers a premium experience in one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing cities,” added Linan Kurniahu, CEO of Blue Sky Group.
Emirates’ inaugural flight to Hangzhou was welcomed with a water cannon salute on July 30
Emirates boosts connections across China with new daily flights to Hangzhou
Emirates has launched a daily service to Hangzhou, its fifth destination in mainland China and the second new route added within a month after Shenzhen.
Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, flight EK310 arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30, welcomed by local officials and a water cannon salute. Passengers on the inaugural flight from Dubai received commemorative items including keychains, certificates and Chinese tea tasting sets.
The Boeing 777-300ER features eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats and 304 Economy seats, with Emirates’ entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels in more than 40 languages, including Chinese, alongside regionally inspired menus.
Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to five Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The airline has extended its complimentary chauffeur-drive service to Hangzhou, offering transfers within 80 kilometres of the airport in Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles for First and Business Class passengers.
Emirates’ schedule offers connections from 40 European destinations, 21 in Africa, 13 in the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina, to Hangzhou via Dubai. The airline also provides convenient two-way connections from Hangzhou to cities including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo and Johannesburg.
Korean Air
Korean Air expands Seoul Incheon-Kobe service with enhanced connections
Korean Air has expanded its Japan network with the launch of a twice-daily service between Seoul Incheon and Kobe.
The Seoul Incheon-Kobe route, which began in April, is operated by Airbus A321neo aircraft and is the only service on the route by a South Korean carrier. The service connects with Korean Air’s three daily flights from Singapore, enabling efficient transfers through Seoul Incheon International Airport without the need to change terminals.
The airline has coordinated schedules to provide both short and extended layover options in Seoul. Passengers arriving from Singapore on the overnight KE644 flight, for example, can connect to KE731 to Kobe after a 145-minute transit. Alternatively, travellers on KE646 can make a longer stop before boarding KE733 in the afternoon.
For return journeys, passengers on KE732 from Kobe can connect to Singapore-bound KE643 with a 105-minute layover, while those on KE734 in the evening can catch the overnight KE647 flight.
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines
Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines to expand codeshare and lounge access
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will enhance their commercial cooperation in August 2025 with joint fare sales, expanded codeshare destinations and reciprocal lounge access.
From August, customers can book flights operated by both airlines between Singapore and Indonesia on a single itinerary, providing more fare options and convenience.
The codeshare expansion will add four SIA destinations for Garuda passengers: Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi and Male. SIA customers will gain new connections on Garuda Indonesia flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo, and Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, Lombok and Manado. Existing codeshare routes between Singapore and Denpasar, Jakarta and Surabaya, as well as SIA flights to London and Mumbai, remain in place.
From mid-August, GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members travelling between Singapore and the three Indonesian cities will have reciprocal lounge access, including Garuda Executive, KrisFlyer Gold and Business Class SilverKris lounges. Members will also be able to earn and redeem miles on the new codeshare routes under their frequent flyer partnership launched in February 2025.
SIA increased Singapore-Jakarta flights to nine daily in May 2025. Subject to approvals, Garuda Indonesia plans to raise Jakarta-Singapore frequency to seven daily flights in 4Q2025, up from six, with further increases expected.
Air Astana joins forces with China Southern Airlines on codeshare deal
Air Astana, China Southern Airlines sign codeshare agreement
Air Astana and China Southern Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement to enhance cooperation on key routes between Kazakhstan and China, offering travellers more flight options.
The agreement covers Air Astana flights from Almaty to Beijing Capital, Urumqi and Guangzhou, as well as from Astana to Beijing. China Southern Airlines’ codeshare routes include regular services from Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Urumqi and Xi’an to Almaty, plus flights from Guangzhou and Urumqi to Astana.
In celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, Shangri-La Singapore and The TENG Company present Wuxing, The Five Elements, Singapore’s first immersive lie-down concert experience.
The event will be held in the Island Ballroom at Shangri-La Singapore with two sessions on September 28, 2025, at 10.00 and 14.00.
Wuxing, The Five Elements offers a transformative sound and wellness experience blending traditional Chinese music therapy with modern design
This 45-minute experience combines traditional Chinese music therapy, contemporary sound design, and mindfulness practices. Featuring The TENG Ensemble – known for blending Eastern and Western musical influences – and supported by Shangri-La Singapore, Wuxing, The Five Elements invites guests on an inward journey through sound, stillness, and guided meditation.
Participants lie on yoga mats in a space arranged with live musicians in an octagonal Ba Gua formation, rooted in Chinese cosmology. This setup creates a full-body listening experience, with music flowing from all directions to calm the mind. Traditional string instruments such as the guzheng and pipa, as well as dizi (bamboo flute) are combined with monaural beats to promote relaxation and stress relief. The event is designed as a modern ritual of restoration and resonance.
Guided by Evelyn Lee, a registered music therapist and founder of Prospect Music Therapy, the concert pairs original compositions with nature-inspired visualisations, breathwork prompts, and a narrative based on the five elements: earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. Each segment guides audiences from tension to stillness for a meditative and nourishing experience.
Wuxing, The Five Elements is Singapore’s first concert to merge therapeutic soundscapes with immersive staging, celebrating the country’s cultural traditions and its evolving wellness scene.
Tickets priced at S$148 (US$108) are available online. Ticket holders receive 20 per cent off dining at The Rose Veranda on the concert day.
The Tottori Sand Dunes, a 16-km stretch along the Sea of Japan coast, has introduced eco-tourism experiences for international visitors in response to growing interest in responsible tourism in Japan.
Each 90-minute session includes an introduction to the dunes’ unique environment and an expert-led weeding activity to remove invasive plant species. These will be repurposed into compost and used in the production of washi paper.
The Tottori Sand Dunes, a natural landmark on Japan’s coast, now feature eco-tourism activities aimed at preserving their fragile environment
According to the Tottori Sand Dunes Mirai Council, which operates the programme, an estimated 20 to 30 per cent of the dunes have been overtaken by non-native vegetation over the past two decades. These plants contribute to the formation of mounds that cause erosion, reduce native biodiversity, and interfere with activities such as sandboarding. Over time, these changes could destabilise the dune system and threaten its preservation.
Local tourism operators believe the initiative may attract new visitors and renew interest in the dunes, which currently draw more than 1.3 million visitors each year.
“We hope that our growing efforts to protect and preserve the dunes will raise awareness of their importance and inspire more visitors to come and see them,” said Hirokazu Hirai, chief of the tourism and geopark promotion section at Tottori city government.
Allan Takahashi, representative director of Anoma Hospitality Group Co., which is scheduled to open a Marriott Luxury Collection hotel near the dunes in 2029, added: “The Tottori Sand Dunes are one of many attractions that Tottori has to offer, and Tottori’s increasing efforts to showcase them to a global audience are sure to increase the area’s popularity as a tourist destination.”
