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Asia/Singapore Sunday, 26th April 2026
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Page 7

Macao’s health tourism gains momentum with wellness expansion

By Prudence Lui
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Macao is making progress in its tourism+big health economic diversification efforts through an expansion of health-related infrastructure across the city. According to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), new facilities include the Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, iRad Hospital at Studio City Macau, Medical Center at Wynn Palace Cotai, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology and Creativity Museum.

The MGTO spokesman said these facilities “create a solid foundation for health and wellness tourism experiences”.

Macao strengthens its tourism+big health vision with new hospitals, TCM experiences, and wellness routes, building a global hub for health and healing

MGTO actively promotes wellness offerings to visitors worldwide and encourages the travel trade to explore available resources.

This commitment carries through last week’s MITE 2026, where the Macao+Hengqin medical tourism potential was highlighted. An inspection of Macao and Hengqin health institutions was offered to MITE 2026 buyers on April 11.

The Macao-Hengqin Wellness Traveller Forum, also held on April 11 in collaboration with the Economic Development Bureau of Hengqin using a multi-venue events model, presented new medical tourism routes through both Hengqin and Macao across two to three days.

Exhibitor Macau Investment (Hengqin) Health Tourism Co. runs the TCM Cultural Experience Centre, the venue for the April 11 forum. Xue Ji, assistant sales manager of the centre, told TTG Asia that 150 delegates from Macao and overseas participated in the event.

The TCM Cultural Experience Centre conducts its own traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) promotions through study tours for students from Hong Kong. Some 1,600 students will join its programmes this April to June, according to Xue.

Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital was a first-time exhibitor at MITE 2026. It showed off its smart healthcare innovations through displays of high-end medical equipment.

Head of international medical department, Zhang Hong, said the medical centre wants to attract both mainland and overseas Chinese.

Andy Wu, managing director of Gam Lun Macau Tours, sees opportunities for travel agents to work with IRs in Macao to grow opportunities in tourism+big health, especially as more properties diversify into wellness and medical services.

Cindia Lam, dean of Institute of Executive and Professional Development at the Macao University of Tourism, said Macao’s academia can support talent development, training, and research in the area of tourism+big health.

“Macao is increasingly well positioned to develop this segment, with infrastructure and policy direction becoming clearer, while continued work is underway on talent development and service integration.

“With new hospitals now in operation and specialist services expanding, local medical education and residency pathways are also taking shape,” she reflected.

Lam opined that “a broader health and wellness experience that combines medical or wellness services with hospitality, therapeutic dining, TCM elements, and selected cultural and leisure offerings” is the “most suitable model for Macao”.

She stressed the need for a collaborative approach for Macao’s health and wellness tourism bid to succeed: hospitals must ensure clinical quality, tourism operators must shape the visitor experience, and the government must provide policy and coordination.

IATA trials show readiness for seamless digital travel journeys

By Caroline Boey
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the aviation industry is ready for contactless, biometric-enabled international travel, with digital identity able to replace paper documentation.

IATA director general Willie Walsh announced this at an April 8 press conference in Singapore.

IATA outlines trials showing how digital identity and biometrics can support contactless passenger journeys across airlines and airports

Under the IATA Strategic Partnerships Program, several digital identity proof-of-concept (PoC) trials were completed with support from airlines, airports, technology providers and governments across Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Walsh said the partners tested how digital identity stored in mobile wallets and biometric verification can support passenger journeys without repeated paper document checks.

Importantly, the PoCs demonstrated that system interoperability is sufficiently advanced to support contactless journeys involving multiple carriers and different digital identity wallets, including Digital ID in Apple Wallet for US passport holders, Google ID pass for UK and US passport holders, and digital identity programmes such as India’s Digi Yatra.

IATA shared examples of three PoC trials.

One involved connecting international journeys with a transfer (Japan Airlines – Tokyo Haneda – Hong Kong – European airport), where passengers shared identity data in advance using digital wallets, enabling biometric processing at departure and transfer points.

A second was based on airline-managed digital identity (Air New Zealand – Auckland – Hong Kong), where passengers used an airline digital wallet to share identity data during booking and check-in, enabling remote biometric enrolment and contactless processing at airport and customs touchpoints.

The third tested interoperability across providers (IndiGo – Bengaluru), demonstrating that digital identity solutions from different providers – including national programmes such as Digi Yatra and international wallet credentials – can work together within a single journey, enabling processing from airport entry to boarding.

Cathay Pacific to cut flights through June as fuel costs rise

By TTG Asia
0

Cathay Pacific Airways will reduce flight capacity between mid-May and the end of June 2026 due to higher jet fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Hong Kong-based airline plans to cancel about two per cent of its scheduled passenger flights from May 16 to June 30, 2026, while its low-cost subsidiary HK Express will cut around six per cent of flights from May 11. Services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain suspended until June 30.

Cathay Pacific and HK Express will reduce flight capacity between May and June 2026 due to higher jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict; photo by LPatricK297

The adjustments come as fuel prices have risen sharply. According to CNA, data from the International Air Transport Association shows the global average jet fuel price reached US$209 per barrel for the week ending April 3, up from US$99.40 per barrel in the week ending February 27. The airline said rising crude oil and refinery costs are driving the increase.

Despite the temporary reductions, Cathay Pacific has maintained its broader growth plans. CEO Ronald Lam said the airline intends to expand passenger capacity by 10 per cent in 2026, supported by demand for longhaul routes to North America, Europe and Australia. Traffic through the Middle East has been affected by the conflict involving Iran.

The airline expects to resume its full schedule after June, with both Cathay Pacific and HK Express planning to operate all scheduled passenger services beyond that period.

Industry conditions are expected to remain challenging in the near term. Reuters reported that aviation executives said a recent two-week ceasefire involving Iran is unlikely to ease pressure on fuel supply quickly, with constraints expected to persist even if shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz reopen.

Cathay Pacific said the decision to reduce capacity was taken as a last resort and apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused.

Kuala Lumpur to stage Rain Rave festival alongside Labour Day celebrations

By TTG Asia
0

Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur will host the World Labour Day Celebration and Rain Rave Water Music Festival from April 30 to May 2, 2026 in Bukit Bintang, as Malaysia seeks to attract regional and international visitors.

The event is co-organised by Tourism Malaysia and The Fame as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 programme. It is positioned as an urban tourism initiative aimed at increasing visitor numbers and supporting activity across retail, hospitality and related services.

The Rain Rave festival in Kuala Lumpur will feature music, cultural programming and local market experiences

Seven states, including Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka, Kedah, Labuan, Pahang and Terengganu, are preparing related events aligned with local cultural themes, extending participation beyond Kuala Lumpur.

The festival will combine music, cultural programming and lifestyle experiences. Activities include performances by international, regional and Malaysian DJs, alongside curated markets featuring local food, crafts and cultural elements. The programme also incorporates traditional performances and games, drawing on Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.

Organisers said the event is designed to support tourism-linked businesses and contribute to wider economic activity. Planning includes traffic management, crowd control and coordination with enforcement agencies.

The initiative is supported by agencies including Istana Budaya, the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, the National Department for Culture and Arts and the Department of National Heritage.

Tourism Malaysia is promoting the event under Visit Malaysia 2026, while the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is coordinating with relevant authorities on implementation and safety measures.

The festival is expected to become an annual event linked to Labour Day, forming part of Malaysia’s tourism calendar and supporting efforts to attract visitors while promoting cultural activities and local industries.

Explore Cambodia’s travel past at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

By TTG Asia
0

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap has introduced the Path of History tour, a permanent exhibition that presents archival material documenting early travel in South-east Asia.

The exhibition includes photographs, video footage, architectural drawings and artefacts that trace the development of international travel between 1900 and 1940. The display is available to in-house guests and is led by a Raffles historian.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor introduces the Path of History tour, featuring archival material on early travel in South-east Asia and the history of the property

The tour is accompanied by a new book, A Tale of Two Hotels – Raffles in Cambodia, by Andreas and Carola Augustin. The 160-page publication covers the history of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, including their role during the early period of tourism in Cambodia.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor opened in 1932 as accommodation for visitors to Angkor Wat, while Raffles Hotel Le Royal opened in 1929 in Phnom Penh. Both properties are part of the Raffles portfolio and have undergone restoration and refurbishment in recent years.

The exhibition and book reference historical figures and events linked to the hotels, including early travellers to Cambodia and cultural exchanges such as performances by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia in Paris.

The Path of History tour is curated by Andreas and Carola Augustin and focuses on the connection between the development of travel in the region and the history of the two Raffles properties.

For more information, visit Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.

Macao’s safety record strengthens appeal to cautious travellers

By Prudence Lui
0

Macao’s reputation as a worry-free destination is an outstanding advantage at a time when travellers place greater value on personal safety and undisrupted journeys.

Government statistics show a marked decrease in criminal cases in Macao over the 2024 and 2025 period, while Numbeo’s 2026 Global Safety Rankings placed Macao in fifth position worldwide, with a high score of 81.8.

Macao’s low crime rates and stable environment support its positioning as a preferred destination for families and high-end travellers

Pamela Chan, managing director of Taipa Village Destination, told TTG Asia: “Macao’s reputation as one of the safest and most politically stable destinations in the world has become a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Due to its geopolitical neutrality, it maintains a unique position that feels removed from global power struggles. Another advantage is the effective governance on social, legal and economic aspects.”

This reputation rings especially loud among affluent travellers, who are “increasingly risk-averse regarding their personal safety and the stability of the regions they visit”, observed Chan.

She said: “As high-end travel is increasingly multigenerational, involving children and elderly parents, safety is the non-negotiable priority. Macao’s integrated resorts offer a high level of security, where families can move around with peace of mind. (Safety) is a primary driver for families choosing Macao as their holiday destination.”

Rutger Verschuren, area vice president – Macao & Hengqin, Artyzen Hospitality Group and general manager – Artyzen Grand Lapa Macao, said Macao has “a real competitive advantage, especially in today’s uncertain global environment”.

He noted that “families and couples, as well as corporate travellers, place safety high on their list of requirements when choosing a holiday or meeting destination”.

Verschuren said the perception of safety drives better tourism earnings.

“That sense of ease encourages deeper exploration, longer stays to discover more, and return visits, often with family or friends,” he explained.

Bruno Simões, managing director of DOC DMC Macao & Hong Kong, remarked: “China is exceptionally safe, and Macao – being so compact – feels even more secure.”

He added that some events that were affected by the Gulf crisis have chosen to relocate to Macao, indicating strong confidence in destination Macao.

Macao travel expo opens with strong international turnout

By Karen Yue
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The 14th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) kicks off today (April 10) at the Venetian Macao. Held under the theme, Global Convergence, Future Horizons, the annual event demonstrates its international influence with participation from more than 700 tourism-related enterprises and governmental entities from 59 countries and regions as well as over 600 hosted buyers from around the world.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao, MITE 2026 is organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office and coordinated by Macau Travel Agency Association.

MITE 2026 opens in Macao with international exhibitors and buyers gathering for business exchange and travel promotions; photo by Karen Yue

The event this year welcomes both travel industry professionals and the public. The programme comprises more than 130 themed sessions, such as destination presentations, industry forums, and performances.

Public visitors will discover special travel offers prepared exclusively for MITE 2026, covering hotel accommodation, travel packages, air tickets and more. Purchases will come in handy for the upcoming Labour Day and summer holidays.

Thailand pushes year-round tourism in new cabinet policy statement

By Anne Somanas
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The Thai government has introduced a strategic tourism policy to shift the sector from volume metrics towards higher-value yields, in a policy statement delivered by prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul to the Thai parliament on Thursday.

The framework mandates structural integration of national tourism functions under the Ministry of Culture to leverage cultural diplomacy on the global stage, alongside the use of modern technology to improve management efficiency and support tourism development.

Thailand outlines a tourism policy focused on higher-value travel, infrastructure development and stronger safety standards

Another key element is the development of Thailand as a 365-day destination.

By delivering travel experiences that create “lasting impressions and cherished memories”, paired with enhanced safety standards, Thailand aims to build on its strengths in wellness tourism to generate consistent year-round demand.

Officials said the objective of this year-round model is to deliver secure travel experiences “to ensure (visitors) return to Thailand as if it were their ‘second home’”.

For the local travel trade, the policy calls for deeper integration of domestic supply chains. The government is directing hospitality providers to incorporate local agricultural goods and spa products into the visitor experience. This sourcing model is intended to distribute economic benefits to rural producers while standardising sustainable operations across the sector.

At the same time, the administration is prioritising infrastructure to support international exhibitions and major conventions, as well as “world-class recreational activities” such as concerts and sports events. New zones will be developed to attract long-stay remote workers, particularly in high-demand sectors within Thailand.

Authorities will also focus on developing and promoting destinations where local communities benefit directly and contribute to sustainable preservation.

To stimulate the domestic market, travel within Thailand will be supported through tax incentives and travel benefits to Hidden Gems cities, along with the development of products linked to Geographical Indications through collaboration between the private sector and local communities.

The policy also requires stricter enforcement of destination safety regulations.

A new mandatory visitor insurance system covering health and accidents will be introduced, alongside international certification standards for tourist venues and personnel.

The new administration is set to assume full executive authority following the conclusion of a mandatory two-day parliamentary policy debate on Friday, ending a two-month transition period since the February 8 election.

Airlines brace for prolonged impact of fuel price surge, says IATA

By Caroline Boey
0

The disruption to airline operations caused by high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict may take “many, many months” to normalise after the fighting stops, and nobody knows when, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general Willie Walsh.

However, Walsh, speaking on April 8 at the IATA World Data Symposium held in Singapore, is confident of recovery and said airlines are not facing “an existential crisis”.

Airline leaders discuss fuel costs, digital investment and operational challenges at the IATA World Data Symposium in Singapore; photo by Caroline Boey

He said closed borders during the pandemic had a far greater impact, when 90 per cent of capacity vanished.

Citing the industry’s resilience, he noted it took four months for recovery after the September 11 attacks in 2001, and around 10 to 12 months after the 2008 global financial crisis.

Calling the jump in ATF a “wake-up call”, IATA senior vice president sustainability and chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen, in her Sustainability and Economic Outlook presentation, drew attention to the need for greater global energy investment, in particular low-emission fuels, which stood at just 1.2 per cent of 2025’s US$3.3 trillion total energy sector.

Venture capitalists, she argued, have yet to turn a profit on investments in AI, whereas the use of sustainable aviation fuel, a key part of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, is reducing emissions.

During the CEO panel discussion, airline chiefs from Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore highlighted the increase in ATF forcing capacity cuts and higher air fares.

“Fortunately, demand in the region is still strong but how can the fare increases be sustained,” Nasaruddin A Bakar, president and group CEO of Malaysia Airlines Group, quipped.

For now, the group’s strategy is to contain costs as much as possible.

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri said the airline is having to adapt to survive and is “not thinking of profitability”.

Meanwhile, Walsh said digital transformation can give airlines the opportunity to “better serve customers” and that the industry remains committed.

He cited the pandemic and how investment in technology such as self check-in kiosks away from the airport was a “win-win”.

Eamsiri noted customer service is a priority, and while investment in other projects is being postponed, the airline is proceeding with AI projects involving enterprise data.

For Scoot, CEO Leslie Thng said investing in Gen AI has helped the low-cost carrier improve customer engagement and work efficiency in optimising aircraft and crew deployment.

Scoot has set up a data department and data warehouse and is using data analytics to power business and manpower productivity, he added.

The industry has to continue to invest in digital transformation, he opined: “The airline industry cannot fall behind as the customers already expects it.”

He acknowledged Scoot’s chatbot had a low rating, but its adoption of Gen AI was better, and agentic AI is expected to be “even better” as data privacy is intact and the system is protected.

“(AI) Incidents outside the industry provide a good lesson and we continue to learn from outside and inside the aviation industry. The questions is when we will be attacked and how quickly we recover.”

Thng remarked that the aviation industry must have the appetite to experiment, as not all digital transformation efforts are successful.

DTH Travel passes US$100 million as growth continues after rebrand

By Rosa Ocampo
0

Innovations and operational changes have resulted in DTH Travel achieving high double-digit growth rates, with healthy year-on-year revenue since its ownership change and rebranding four years ago.

Rebranded from Diethelm Travel when CEO Stephan Roemer acquired full ownership with partners, DTH Travel has served over 90,000 travellers across 14 Asian countries, breaking the US$100 million mark for the first time.

Roemer: people’s eyes have been opened to travel… the yearning to see and experience something unique remains

“We see that our creative approach to what would otherwise be corporate and mass travel arrangements are very much appreciated by our clients and their customers,” Roemer told TTG Asia.

On the impact of the current situation in the Middle East, Roemer said: “We received a few cancellations but this comprised less than ten per cent of our total bookings for the month. Most of our clients requested for an adjustment of dates, either within the same period or later on in the year.

“We are also still actively receiving requests – they may not be the same volume compared to last year – but we cannot say that the bookings have stopped either,”

He remains sanguine about the outlook for Asia. “As people’s eyes have been opened to travel, despite global challenges, the yearning to see and experience something unique remains. We saw this during Covid, where travel stopped when borders closed but resumed with a vengeance when they reopened.

“People may currently be on a wait-and-see status, but we are optimistic that the situation will improve and the volume of customers traveling to Asia will return,” he pointed out.

DTH Travel, whose core business remains B2B, with growing MICE and group segments, now has a customer base of just over 1,200 agents and tour operators worldwide, 720 of which made a booking in at least one destination last year.

Roemer added that the company has 22 local offices in Asia with 388 full-time employees from 19 nationalities. It has a complaint rate of less than 0.05 per cent, with guest satisfaction as the main benchmark rather than customer base or revenue figures.

DTH Travel is known for creating unique travel experiences, including the recent launch of the Blue Jasmine train experience in Thailand.

More than a train ride, Roemer said its goal is “to provide customers access to smaller locations, local communities and experiences that would otherwise be impossible without the train”.

“The train is just the very special vehicle we use for the special experience of excursions and the people travellers meet along the way”.

This focus on developing new offerings also applies to products such as adventure travel in the offbeat destination of Abra in northern Philippines, river safari experiences in Borneo, and a cross-country train journey through Laos, China and Vietnam.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Navigating China’s digital discovery
TTG Asia | Ascott advances AI infrastructure with focus on agent-led travel
TTG Asia | Thailand recovers as Japan’s safety perception falls among Chinese travellers