Japan’s travel trade is seeing increased sales of outbound trips this summer, with more consumers choosing to travel overseas compared to last year.
JTB Corp., the country’s largest travel agent, expects some 2.4 million people to travel abroad for at least one night between July 15 and August 31, equating to an increase of 21 per cent over the same period last year. Average traveller spend is estimated at 289,000 yen (US$1,961), six per cent more than in summer 2024.
More Japanese travellers are heading abroad this summer, with Europe, South Korea and Hawaii among the top destinations; Haneda airport, pictured
HIS Group, meanwhile, reports an 8.2 per cent rise in bookings year-on-year for overseas trips between July 19 and August 31, with an average cost increase per booking of seven per cent.
The trend is being driven by increased flight capacity, a stronger yen and larger-than-usual summer bonuses. Public and private sector campaigns to encourage overseas travel – such as gift certificates, discounted fares and subsidies for new passports – are also supporting outbound sales, according to agents.
Among this year’s summer destinations, Europe and South Korea are the most popular with JTB customers, each accounting for 17 per cent of bookings, followed by Taiwan and Southeast Asia at 14 per cent each. The company has also recorded a rise in bookings for Hawaii compared to the same period last year.
Similarly, HIS said Seoul, Taipei and Honolulu remain top choices for its clients this summer. However, strong growth has also been seen in emerging destinations such as Cairo, Shanghai and Barcelona.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Grab, South-east Asia’s leading superapp, have partnered to improve visitor experiences and support Singapore’s tourism industry. Both organisations aim to attract more international visitors and increase tourism spending, while providing smoother travel experiences across the city.
The partnership focuses on strengthening Singapore’s position as a destination that offers value and easy travel. STB’s expertise in marketing and partnerships will be combined with Grab’s technology and data on dining and transport trends to help travellers explore Singapore more easily and get better value from their trips.
The collaboration aims to attract more international visitors and boost tourism revenue in Singapore
Sharing data insights will help both parties understand visitor behaviour and find better experiences for tourists. This supports STB’s Tourism 2040 plan to increase visitor numbers, improve Singapore’s appeal, and encourage quality tourism growth.
STB will connect Grab with tourism partners in Singapore to encourage closer cooperation. Using these insights and Grab’s marketing tools, they aim to increase visitor numbers and spending across the island, benefiting local businesses.
One key initiative is improving the Grab Travel Pass, which offers discounts on transport and services for international visitors. The pass simplifies travel planning and makes it easier to get around Singapore, helping both tourists and tourism partners.
The partnership will also support events in Singapore. Grab will work with STB and event organisers to improve event experiences using its transport, food, and payment services, which are popular with leisure and business travellers.
Food remains an important part of Singapore’s tourism appeal, from high-end restaurants to local hawker centres. In 2024, F&B contributed 14 per cent of tourism receipts, up 6.3 per cent from 2023 and 73 per cent above pre-pandemic levels – this shows how important food experiences are for visitors.
To help visitors find food options, Grab’s Dine-Out Discovery uses maps and reviews to highlight nearby places to eat, encouraging tourists to explore both central and neighbourhood areas.
This collaboration helps local businesses by making them easier to find for visitors. Grab’s platform features heritage hawker stalls, family-run eateries and smaller local outlets, helping attract visitors and boost sales at nearby shops. This spreads tourism spending beyond the city centre.
Singapore has seen strong tourism growth in 2025, with 8.33 million international visitors in the first six months and S$8.07 billion (US$5.95 billion) spent in the first quarter. As competition for tourists grows, partnerships like this aim to support steady growth by offering better experiences and sharing tourism benefits across communities.
Terrence Voon, executive director for Southeast Asia at STB, shared: “Visitors today seek good value and unforgettable experiences when they travel – and Singapore is a compact, yet exciting destination that delivers on both. Together with Grab, we hope to inspire more travellers to consider Singapore, and when they are here, to make every ride an adventure. Grab’s extensive reach and capabilities, coupled with STB’s destination know-how, will help us understand our customers better, while making it easier for them to discover more, and get the most out of every moment in Singapore.”
“One of Singapore’s greatest charms lies in the richness of its everyday experiences – from its distinctive neighbourhoods to the hawker centres and small eateries that define its culinary identity. Through our partnership with STB, we hope to help travellers uncover these authentic moments, showcasing Singapore’s heritage and encouraging deeper exploration of its diverse precincts. In doing so, we not only enrich the visitor experience but also support local businesses by connecting them with a broader international audience,” added Alejandro Osorio, managing director of Grab Singapore.
PATA has named Yeji Cho, assistant manager at the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), as the Grand Winner of the 2025 PATA Face of the Future Award.
Cho has played a key role in strengthening KTO’s partnerships with organisations such as the UN World Tourism Organization and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. She has contributed to expanding the PATA–KTO Internship Programme and helped secure Gyeongsangbuk-do Province as the host for the 2026 PATA Annual Summit. From 2021 to 2023, Cho led KTO’s Accessible Tourism Project, improving travel infrastructure and education for tourists with disabilities, which earned KTO the PATA Gold Award 2022 for Tourism for All.
PATA recognises four emerging leaders, naming KTO’s Yeji Cho as 2025 Face of the Future
As the 2025 Face of the Future, Cho will join the PATA Board representing youth and will participate as a panellist at the PATA Knowledge Forum 2025.
Three other professionals were recognised for their achievements: Poornaka Delpachitra of Intrepid Travel for Sustainability Initiatives; Bella Vongvisitsin of Hong Kong Metropolitan University for Strategic Management; and Nikhil Jeet of DDP Group for Leadership.
Cho shared: “Receiving this award is a meaningful milestone in my journey through tourism. I hope this award might inspire other young people to believe in their ability to create global impact. By sharing our stories and experiences, I believe we can shape a more inclusive and meaningful future through tourism.”
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “I sincerely congratulate Ms Yeji Cho on this well-deserved recognition. It reflects her dedication, skills, and achievements, qualities that will undoubtedly inspire other young professionals in our industry. Her contribution exemplifies the potential of the next generation of tourism leaders in the Asia-Pacific, and the innovative, determined, and resilient spirit they bring to shaping a new era for our sector.
“My commendations also extend to the other three recognised youths, all the nominees, and every young person working hard for our industry. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. You are the key to our future and the ones who will define it.”
Accor Plus, a travel loyalty subscription programme in the Asia-Pacific region, will rebrand and transition all existing memberships to a new format under the ALL Accor+ Explorer subscription from October 1, 2025.
The updated subscription will include guaranteed ALL Accor Gold status or higher within Accor’s global loyalty programme, two complimentary nights per year, and wider global discounts. Existing members will automatically be upgraded to the ALL Accor+ Explorer membership.
The new ALL Accor+ Explorer offers expanded discounts and guaranteed loyalty status for members; Pullman New Delhi Aerocity India, pictured
The shift aligns with the broader growth of subscription models globally. ALL Accor+ Explorer will provide members with access to two free nights annually across Asia-Pacific, hotel stays at up to 50 per cent off under the Red Hot Rooms offer, and a 15 per cent discount off public rates at over 4,500 hotels worldwide under more than 30 hotel brands.
Dining discounts include 30 per cent off food and 15 per cent off drinks at more than 1,600 restaurants and 1,200 bars across the region. Members will also receive 30 Status Nights annually, securing ALL Accor Gold status, which includes benefits such as room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, where available. Additional benefits include priority access to limited-time offers and member-only events.
Accor Plus stated that the upgraded membership benefits were informed by research conducted with more than 7,000 members and 200 hotels across 12 countries in October 2024. CEO Emilie Couton said the company reviewed data and feedback over the past 18 months to align the subscription with current member expectations.
The rebranded subscription will be integrated into the wider ALL Accor global loyalty platform, allowing members to use benefits while earning and redeeming ALL Accor Reward points and Status Nights through a single booking system and app.
In 2024, Accor Plus members stayed five times more nights than non-members, with more than 3.1 million room nights booked. They also redeemed over one billion reward points and accessed more than 2,300 exclusive offers.
ALL Accor+ Explorer will apply across more than 25 Accor hotel brands in Asia-Pacific, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, ibis and others. It also offers a 15 per cent discount on stays at over 30 brands globally and includes ALL Accor Gold status or above.
All active Accor Plus members will be automatically upgraded from October 1. New members can subscribe at S$299 (US$222) per year.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, a 93-year-old hotel located near ancient Khmer archaeological sites in Cambodia, has opened a new art exhibition featuring works by two Cambodian contemporary painters.
The exhibition, titled Harmony, presents new paintings by Morn Chear and Nak Noy, both born and raised in Siem Reap. It opened last month and runs until September. The show was curated by Nat Di Maggio from Tribe Art Gallery.
The artworks can be seen in hotel’s public spaces or via private tours led by resident artists
The paintings depict birds, fish, elephants and other animals that represent Cambodia’s biodiversity. These creatures are also significant in Khmer culture, folklore and the livelihoods of people today. Against the backdrop of global environmental changes, the exhibition highlights the importance of shared responsibility in protecting natural heritage for future generations.
This exhibition is part of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s ongoing art and cultural series. It follows an exhibition of works by Khmer painter Channy Chhoeun that opened in January.
The hotel originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archaeologists and explorers visiting the Angkor Wat area, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Last year, the hotel introduced ‘Curated Journeys’ to provide guests with cultural and historical experiences in Siem Reap. Its on-site Resort Programme presents local heritage and traditions.
The Westin Yokohama has appointed Allen Howden as general manager.
Howden brings more than 25 years of international hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. A long-standing member of Marriott International, he has held senior commercial roles at properties including W Bangkok, Swissôtel in London and Bangkok, and The Cadogan in London.
He most recently served as general manager of The St Regis Singapore.
Originally from the UK, Howden is recognised in the industry for his leadership and commitment to service.
Novotel Sydney Cabramatta has made two key leadership appointments ahead of its planned opening in November: Sam Fakih as general manager, and Anthony Hoang as director of sales.
With more than 23 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Fakih previously held senior roles at IHG-branded properties, most recently serving as cluster general manager for Crowne Plaza Burwood and Holiday Inn & Suites Parramatta Marsden Street. His knowledge of the local market will support the hotel’s development in Western Sydney.
From left: Sam Fakih and Anthony Hoang
Hoang brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, having held senior positions at InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort, Holiday Inn Parramatta, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Eastin Grand Hotel, Hanoi Hotel, Paddington Hotel Halong Bayview and Merperle Hotels & Resort. His background in revenue generation and partnership development will support the hotel as it prepares to open.
Sixty-one per cent of 280 Chinese outbound travel agents surveyed in Dragon Trail International’s (DTI) June report say 2025 has improved over 2024, with best sales in small or private tours, “one-of-a-kind experiences” and “in-depth experiential journeys”.
The survey also highlights that B2B engagement remains essential to the trade.
Chinese travellers show growing interest in Japan, the top destination for fam trips and training among travel agents
Face-to-face meetings and in-person experiences are preferred, with 45 per cent favouring offline training, 42 per cent fam trips, and 39 per cent live streaming initiatives. A recent DTI webinar showed a strong link between destinations where agents see the most sales potential and those where they have attended fam trips and training.
Market research analyst Janice Meng said: “Japan in particular stands out as the top country for both fam trips and training in the last two years and it is also the most popular international destination for Chinese tourists. For Europe, all of the recent B2B events that survey respondents have attended have been organised by Western European countries, including leading destinations France, Italy and the UK.”
Agents prioritise cultural information such as historical attractions, local culture and customs to better understand and promote travel to Europe.
Market research analyst Tiana Tian added that Chinese travel agencies have embraced AI, with 82 per cent saying their company uses the technology. Intelligent travel assistants and translation support are the most common applications.
Director of marketing and communications Sienna Parulis-Cook noted Shanghai remains China’s top outbound source market, with Hangzhou and Guangzhou also key.
“Chengdu, Chongqing and Sichuan are also seeing big growth,” she said. “It’s also interesting to note that new international flights are being launched out of Shenzhen.”
Malaysia’s integrated resort, Resorts World Genting, has intensified its marketing efforts in Singapore, with special offers and exclusive gala events lined up just for holiday-makers coming from across the border.
The promotions are part of Resorts World Genting’s year-long 60th anniversary celebrations and coincide with Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
Crockfords in Malaysia sees more Singapore guests as Resorts World Genting rolls out exclusive deals and events across the border
For the month of August, guests from Singapore can enjoy buy-one-free-one tickets to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park and use them before September 14.
The SG60 Gala Dinner, created in partnership with Singapore travel agency, WTS Travel, promises an evening of culinary excellence and cultural spectacle as a tribute to the shared heritage of Singapore and Malaysia. It will be hosted on August 25 at the Genting International Convention Centre. This limited-capacity event is exclusive to Genting Rewards Card members.
Another Singapore-exclusive promotion is the 3D2N Resorts World Awana Gala Dinner Experience. Running from November 22 to 24, the weekend experience will bring guests into the restful rainforest setting of the rejuvenated Resorts World Awana property. The programme includes a gala dinner hosted by popular Singapore Malay radio station DJs at the Awana Wawasan Grand Ballroom, as well as a two-hour guided walk down the Awana Trail.
This package is available for booking through authorised travel partners in Singapore – WTS Travel, Transtar Travel, and EU Holidays.
Spencer Lee, executive vice president of sales, marketing and public relations at Resorts World Genting, said the Singapore market is valuable to the company. He noted that holiday-makers from Singapore are not only familiar with Resorts World Genting, they are also strong repeat visitors through generations and come with a strong spending power.
Arrivals from Singapore to the integrated resorts grows 10 per cent annually.
While Singaporean guests typically favour the complex’s Resort Hotel, Lee said more are booking the luxurious Crockfords, which is the one and only hotel in Malaysia to receive the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award for seven consecutive years.
“Our tagline, Enjoy More For A Lot Less, emphasises how far the strong Singapore dollar can stretch for our Singapore guests who are coming to Resorts World Genting. Singapore guests can enjoy a Forbes five-star hotel at a good price in Malaysian ringgit,” he remarked.
A check on the hotel website shows that a night’s stay in a superior room in Crockfords is priced at 1,483 ringgit (US$373) for non-members over the August 8 to 10 Singapore National Day weekend. In comparison, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star-awarded hotels in Singapore command between S$1,450 (US$1,126) and S$10,000 per night for the same weekend.
Lee added that Singapore guests can enjoy a variety of experiences in the misty highlands, from nature-focused retreats at Resorts World Awana to high-energy entertainment at Resorts World Genting, and from gourmet indulgences to retail therapy. Furthermore, a new botanical themed attraction, Eufloria, is set to welcome guests in 1Q2026.
To highlight new developments and transformation across the integrated resort, Resorts World Genting will join the Travel Malaysia Fair from October 3 to 5 at the Singapore Expo, where travellers can also snag hot deals and exclusive gifts.
Minor Hotels has broken ground on its first Avani property in Singapore, marking a key milestone for the lifestyle brand. Located at 24 Peck Seah Street in the Tanjong Pagar district, the 14-storey hotel is scheduled to open in 2Q2027.
Developed through a partnership with Singapore-based Kajima Development and Abu Dhabi-based Al Wathba Investment, Avani Singapore will feature 200 keys and offer an elevated urban escape that blends the heritage charm of the shophouse precinct with the brand’s modern aesthetic. Facilities will include a pool deck, gym, dining outlets, and a pedestrian link connecting Peck Seah and Tras Street.
Minor Hotels has broken ground on Avani Singapore, its first property in the city, scheduled to open in 2027
The hotel’s location, less than 200m from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and 350m from Maxwell MRT Station, will provide seamless access to key business and leisure districts including the Downtown Core and Marina Bay.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by over 50 guests, including William E Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International; Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and group CEO of Minor International; Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, managing director of Al Wathba Investment; and Shuichi Oishi, CEO of Kajima Development. Also present were the ambassadors of Japan and Thailand to Singapore.
Heinecke opened the event with a speech highlighting the project’s strategic significance and its role in expanding Avani’s presence in major global cities. A project overview followed, after which guests gathered for the ceremonial turning of the soil.
“With our trusted partners Kajima and Al Wathba, we are bringing to life a project that not only reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, but also celebrates the city’s unique blend of culture and modernity,” said Heinecke.
He most recently served as general manager of The St Regis Singapore.
