A major integrated development is taking shape in Lombok, which will also introduce the first Destination by Hyatt brand in the region.
Samara Lombok, expected to be ready in 2028, comes under a franchise agreement between Hyatt Hotels and Lombok Torok Developments to develop a 135ha site on the southern part of the island, located less than 30 minutes from the airport.
Samara Lombok will combine villas, boutique hotels and community-focused facilities on Lombok’s southern coast
“Samara Lombok will be experience-focused and community led,” said Steve Ebsworth, co-founder, Samara Lombok. He is also the co-founder of Rascal Voyages, which leads luxury yacht charters across Indonesia.
The development encompasses two distinct zones – Samara Hills and Samara Bay – featuring villas and three boutique hotels with a combined total of approximately 249 keys.
Key to the Samara Lombok’s success is ensuring that they are integrating into the land and community, not simply building on top of it, emphasised Ebsworth.
“Our vision for Samara Lombok has always been to create a destination that goes far beyond conventional luxury. It’s about crafting a place where exceptional design, sport, dining, and exploration come together to deliver truly meaningful guest experiences,” he added.
Facilities include a farm-to-table restaurant, spa and wellness facility, purpose-built tennis courts and padel courts, a marine and water sports centre, day clubs and beach clubs, while an educational marine biology centre where children can learn about the region’s ecosystem.
Samara Lombok will also have its own hospitality training school, where its graduates can go on to work with Samara Lombok should they choose to. Ebsworth plans to have over 50 per cent of hospitality staff come from the school, offering a direct path to employment.
Ebsworth is also working on securing “world-class partnerships” with notable brands that will be announced at a later date.
The Philippines will stage the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Mactan, Cebu from January 27 to February 4, 2026. The event will bring together ASEAN tourism ministers, National Tourism Organisations, senior officials, Travex exhibitors, international buyers, and media, reaffirming ASEAN’s aim to promote the region as a single tourism destination.
Travex, the forum’s travel-trade component, will run from January 28 to 30. Exhibitors from ASEAN member states will meet hosted buyers and media through a three-day programme of networking sessions and cultural activities. Delegates can join five pre-show and eight post-show tours showcasing Philippine beaches, island resorts, and cultural and heritage sites. Exhibitors and buyers will benefit from 32 pre-scheduled one-to-one business appointments.
Philippines prepares to welcome ASEAN tourism delegates for ATF 2026
TTG Asia Media has been appointed Travex Secretariat. The Philippines will also host a series of social events, including the Opening Ceremony, Welcome Reception and Dinner, and Closing Ceremony.
ATF 2026 will include the ASEAN Tourism Conference, where regional and international experts will discuss tourism trends, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation and support sustainable development.
ATF 2026 marks the 45th edition of the forum, first held in Malaysia in 1981. Travex will take place in Mactan, Cebu from January 28 to 30, 2026.
Agoda has released its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, highlighting trends set to influence travel across Asia in the coming year. The report identifies shifts including the rising popularity of secondary destinations, increasing demand for experiential travel, and growing expectations for seamless, technology-driven journeys – providing guidance for hotels, destination marketing organisations (DMOs) and travel industry partners.
The report draws on a survey of 3,353 Agoda customers from nine key Asia-Pacific markets (India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam) conducted in October 2025.
Asia’s travellers are turning to secondary cities for authentic experiences and immersive stays
A rising middle class, streamlined visa processes, and expanding flight networks are shaping travel choices across Asia, with travellers increasingly looking beyond familiar hotspots. Recent Agoda data shows searches for accommodation in secondary cities across Asia have grown 15% faster than in traditional tourism hubs over the last two years. Secondary destinations accounted for 34% of total accommodation searches on Agoda in the first half of 2025. 43% of travellers cited lower costs as their top reason to explore these destinations, while unique local culture, special promotions, and outdoor activities were also key motivations.
Ease of access is an important factor for travellers considering new destinations, particularly in India (91%), the Philippines (89%) and Indonesia (80%). Governments in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and India are expanding access to more destinations through targeted campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Agoda works with DMOs to leverage data insights and marketing channels to highlight lesser-known destinations and enable rural properties to reach wider audiences through digital platforms.
Diversifying accommodation supply is also important to meet traveller preferences and create new economic opportunities. Non-hotel options such as villas, apartments and boutique guesthouses on Agoda have increased steadily from 2022 to 2025, supporting immersive stays while allowing local property owners to enter the digital economy.
The report also highlights key strategies for industry partners in 2026: enhancing digital visibility with updated listings and reviews, using data insights for targeted marketing, and expanding offerings to include authentic cultural, culinary and outdoor experiences. By adopting these approaches, accommodation providers, local experience providers, DMOs and travel brands can diversify revenue, strengthen resilience, and deliver high-value experiences to travellers.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply, Agoda said: “Secondary cities are no longer hidden gems. They’re becoming the engine of travel growth across Asia. Travellers want authenticity, value and a sense of discovery that the major hotspots cannot always deliver. This shift unlocks real opportunity for local communities and for the partners who move early. At Agoda, our focus is straightforward – we equip our partners with the data, insights and digital tools they need to capture this demand and win in these emerging markets.”
Amari Bangkok, part of Onyx Hospitality Group, has unveiled its new EV Tuk-Tuk, a modern, eco-conscious version of Thailand’s iconic three-wheeler. The service allows guests to explore Bangkok neighbourhoods such as Pratunam and Ratchaprasong in comfort while promoting sustainable travel.
Guests can enjoy convenient drop-offs at city highlights including the Four Face Buddha, Siam Square, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and the Jim Thompson House with its teak architecture and gardens.
Guests at Amari Bangkok can enjoy the EV Tuk Tuk as part of their stay, adding a sustainable and distinctive dimension to their Bangkok visit
The EV Tuk-Tuk reflects Amari’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences while reducing environmental impact. It provides a low-emission way to explore the city, combining eco-conscious travel with cultural discovery.
Each ride is guided by a dedicated city explorer who shares the stories, traditions and hidden gems that make Bangkok unique. The experience offers convenient access to key landmarks, cultural immersion at each stop, and sustainable transport throughout the journey.
Rooted in Amari’s brand ethos, the EV Tuk-Tuk transforms each ride into a story-led experience. Guests can visit temples, discover street art, or explore shopping streets, blending environmental responsibility with authentic cultural storytelling.
Tuk-tuks emerged in Thailand after World War II and became widespread by the 1960s. While modern transport relies on taxis, buses and ride-hailing services, tuk-tuks remain popular for short trips and as a cultural experience for tourists.
Philippine Airlines resumes Manila-Sapporo seasonal flights
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed seasonal non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo, operating from November 24, 2025, to March 27, 2026. The service runs three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using the airline’s Airbus A321neo.
The route strengthens PAL’s network in Japan, which includes non-stop services to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, as well as direct flights from Cebu to Osaka and Tokyo Narita.
The Airbus A321neo used on the route has 12 business-class and 156 economy seats, with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Passengers received a welcome reception on the inaugural flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Vietjet expands Vietnam-Con Dao and Manila-Ho Chi Minh routes
Vietjet has strengthened its network with two new routes in Vietnam and the Philippines.
From December 3, 2025, the airline will resume direct flights to Con Dao, offering daily round trips from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From December 15, the frequency will increase to two round trips per day.
Separately, Vietjet has launched its first route to the Philippines with a direct service between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, operating five times weekly. The inaugural flights were celebrated at both Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, with special guests welcoming the first passengers. Ho Chi Minh City serves as a hub with onward connections to Hanoi, Danang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hue, and other major cities in the region.
Vietjet’s fleet provides complimentary checked baggage, in-flight meals, and eSIM options for international travellers.
TransNusa; photo by axell.rf
TransNusa commences Jakarta-Penang route
TransNusa has launched a new Jakarta-Penang route, expanding its regional network and enhancing connectivity between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The service initially operates three times weekly, moving to daily flights from December 1, with plans to increase frequency in 2026.
Penang becomes TransNusa’s third route to Malaysia, alongside its Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur.
The airline offers bundled fare options including Seat, Seat-Plus and Flexi-Pro, providing additional baggage, seat selection, meals and flexible schedule changes. Aircraft are configured with 174 seats, offering around 30 inches of legroom.
This festive season, Mett Singapore becomes the ultimate holiday retreat, offering Italian feasts, sparkling evenings, and leisurely poolside mornings.
L’Amo Bistrò del Mare serves refined Italian cuisine, while Canning Bar & Lounge hosts festive teas, cocktails, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Guests can complement their celebrations with curated stay packages that pair luxurious accommodation with seasonal experiences.
Festive Italian menus, seasonal cocktails, and indulgent holiday dining await at METT Singapore’s L’Amo Bistrò del Mare and Canning Bar & Lounge
At L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24 features a five-course Italian coastal menu from S$168++ (US$120), with optional free-flow Bolla Prosecco for S$88++ or Boizel Brut Réserve NV Champagne for S$128++.
Christmas Day Lunch on December 25 offers a five-course shared menu from S$138++, with the same Champagne pairings available. New Year’s Eve Golden Soirée on December 31 includes a six-course menu from S$228++ with optional free-flow Boizel or Krug Champagne. New Year’s Day Brunch on January 1, 2026 offers seafood and Italian dishes from S$168++.
Canning Bar & Lounge presents Festive Afternoon Tea from December 25 to 28 (S$88++), with optional Champagne or signature martinis. The venue also hosts the New Year’s Eve celebration with a raw bar, classic roasts, alfresco desserts, and the Midnight Pinsa Parade from S$188++, with free-flow beverage options including Champagne, wines, spirits, and beers.
Signature cocktails across both venues include Panettone Fashioned, Crimson Solstice, Espresso Grey Goose, Passionfruit Patron Silver, and Dirty Bombay Sapphire, combining festive flavours with seasonal twists.
In addition, Mett Singapore’s seasonal stays offer a full festive experience. The Seasonal Celebration package (December 24 to January 2, 2026) includes daily breakfast, welcome cocktails, and a US$74 dining credit, with rates from S$775++. The Mett Festive Escape (December 24-26) includes breakfast and Christmas Day Lunch from S$625++. New Year’s Eve by Mett (December 31 to January 1, 2026) features breakfast and a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner, with rates from S$705++.
The Hat Yai Songkhla Hotels Association has stepped in as one of the key private-sector responders to the severe floods that have paralysed Songkhla province since November 21, with the team forging their way through floodwaters daily in an attempt to rescue and provide sustenance to thousands of tourists stranded across the city.
Association president Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha has been coordinating food and supply efforts and helping stranded Malaysian tourists return home, with more than 4,000 still affected. He said the hotel-association network and consular partners began coordinating assistance from the first hours of the disaster, following urgent calls for help from the Malaysian Consulate in Songkhla and affected hotels across Hat Yai.
Sitthiphong noted that effective care could help the sector recover, while inaction would leave a lasting mark on Thailand’s tourism reputation; photo by Ong Sitthiphataraprabha
“We immediately set up teams and coordinated support for stranded guests,” he noted.
Sitthiphong said the current flooding exceeds the severity of the province’s last major flood in 2000, when water covered the first storey of some houses. This year, it has risen to levels knee-deep on the second floor.
Satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, Thailand’s national space agency, showed on November 25 that large parts of the city – including sections of the downtown area – were submerged under more than four metres of water.
Beyond the scale of inundation, Sitthiphong said the shortage of transport and evacuation equipment created major obstacles. Large boats were needed to extract tourists from submerged hotels, and vehicles were required to transfer them onward to the Sadao border checkpoint – yet the association did not receive either in the quantities it had requested from the government.
“Tourists wanted to return home, but we simply had no cars available,” he stated.
Attempts to deliver food were repeatedly hampered by dangerous currents and electric lines floating directly beneath the surface of the water, causing many rescue boats to capsize.
Although Sitthiphong’s own businesses were not flooded, he has remained in the field coordinating responses from the association’s network and liaising with foreign missions, including the Singapore Embassy.
Sitthiphong said the economic damage can be viewed in two broad layers. The first is the immediate collapse of tourism revenue, with hotels, restaurants, entertainment and the entire visitor economy “effectively dropping to zero” during the disruption. The second is the physical toll on properties and infrastructure, with floodwaters damaging buildings, equipment and essential systems. A full assessment of these losses will only be possible once the waters recede.
Initial assessments indicate losses “easily in the thousands” of cases across the tourism sector.
Sitthiphong issued a frank assessment of the government’s preparedness and crisis coordination. He said: “I believe the government must treat this as a lesson and plan ahead to prevent a repeat of this situation. Tourists understand that this is a natural disaster. What they expect from Thailand is safety and proper care, and in this regard, we failed to meet their expectations.”
He added: “Even today, four to five days after the disaster began, many tourists still have not had any food to eat. They are very distressed.”
He emphasised that the association has poured all its efforts into returning stranded tourists home.
“If we take good care of them and ensure their safety, we can turn this crisis into an opportunity. But when a crisis occurs and we fail to act, the damage to our tourism image is substantial. Recovering that image later will be extremely difficult,” he warned.
On Wednesday, November 26, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced it had launched a new Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre to coordinate travel assistance for tourists with relevant authorities and deliver verified updates, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a local command centre to assist tourists. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, partnering with Hat Yai municipality, is also preparing a 24-hour assistance centre to aid foreign tourists.
The PuLi Group will launch next year as an exclusive collection of luxury hotels, evolving from its Shanghai property into the flagship of a growing portfolio across major global destinations.
Victor Clavell, appointed CEO, will lead the group’s strategic vision.
The PuLi Group prepares for expansion, positioning Shanghai as the flagship of its growing portfolio
Drawing on PuLi’s Chinese meaning of ‘uncarved jade’, the brand aims to continue its philosophy of understated design, thoughtful service, and cultural connection. The portfolio currently comprises three properties: The PuLi Shanghai, the inaugural flagship opened in 2009, and its sister hotels, The PuXuan in Beijing and The RuMa in Kuala Lumpur.
The PuLi Shanghai will undergo a full renovation, scheduled for completion in summer 2026, with phased work to keep the hotel fully operational. Guestrooms will feature bespoke furniture, Chinese artworks, and literature, while public areas including the Lobby, The Library, and The Long Bar will be refreshed.
The dedicated wellness floor will offer spaces for movement, nutrition, social wellness gatherings, and practices designed to support restorative sleep. Additional amenities will include a Hair Up Bar, a nail bar in partnership with Bastien Gonzalez, and an enhanced wellness membership programme. A 377m² penthouse with an outdoor terrace and panoramic city views will accommodate private events and celebrations.
Culinary offerings will expand with two new destinations: The PuLi Bar & Grill and an eight-seat omakase restaurant designed by Spin Design Studio. The Long Bar will be reimagined with a new cocktail programme blending Eastern and Western influences, with both concepts planned as signatures for future PuLi properties.
The PuLi Shanghai will also serve as a blueprint for the brand’s cultural initiatives, including collaborations with local artisans and immersive guest experiences.
Clavell, whose career includes senior roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, Edition, and Rosewood, said: “We want to redefine conscious luxury – not through scale or spectacle, but through restraint, authenticity, and calm. Our vision is to create sanctuaries of balance within the world’s most dynamic destinations – places composed with clarity, grace, and purpose.”
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has expanded its Considerate Collection, adding 24 properties in the last 12 months.
Launched in 2021 with 25 hotels, the Considerate Collection identifies the most sustainable and regenerative hotels in the SLH portfolio. The collection, which marked its fourth anniversary in October 2025, now includes 82 properties in 41 countries to help travellers find more sustainable options.
Lilløy Lindenberg, pictured, is one of 82 hotels worldwide recognised for sustainability and community-focused practices in SLH’s Considerate Collection
SLH has encouraged travellers to stay small and considerate since its founding. As the brand marks its 35th anniversary in 2025, the newly launched SLH Call-to-Action Report outlines the brand’s sustainability initiatives to date, highlights developments in the Considerate Collection, and details portfolio-wide commitments and partnerships. The report aims to showcase impact within the SLH portfolio and the wider hotel industry.
The report also details the evolution of the Considerate Collection, including a video covering the first SLH Considerate Connections Retreat. To mark the fourth anniversary, SLH gathered Considerate Collection hoteliers at Dar Ahlam in Morocco to discuss regenerative hospitality and the role of small hotels in advancing sustainability.
Entry to the Considerate Collection remains merit-based. Each property must meet three core criteria: environmentally conscious, community minded, and cultural custodianship. Properties must also meet the highest categories of the SLH Sustainability Criteria, developed in line with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council framework and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The result is a portfolio of diverse hotels that combine sustainability with small-scale operation.
Recent additions to the collection include Lilløy Lindenberg in Norway, Quinta Da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort in Portugal, and The Retreat Koh Chang in Thailand.
New hotels joining in 2025 include Laguna Coast Resort in Naxos, Greece, which opened in May 2025, and Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam, which opened in December 2024. Other additions include Calcot & Spa in the UK’s Cotswolds, and Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort in Mendoza, Argentina.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) has partnered with luxury assistance provider Knightsbridge Circle to enhance the pre- and post-cruise travel experience for guests in the Regent Suite and Skyview Regent Suite.
Guests booking the Regent Suite onboard Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor, and Seven Seas Grandeur, or the Skyview Regent Suite on Seven Seas Prestige, will have access to Knightsbridge Circle. This includes a dedicated Knightsbridge Circle Personal Manager who can arrange transfers, hotel stays, local experiences, dining requests, and private shopping. Access to the concierge service and Personal Manager is included, while the experiences themselves are available at an additional cost.
Guests in Regent Suite and Skyview Regent Suite will have access to personalised services from Knightsbridge Circle; photo by Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Knightsbridge Circle provides services including travel planning, private jet charters, dining arrangements, personal shopping, wellness, private tours, helicopter excursions, and access to invitation-only events.
The Regent Suite, priced from US$15,000 per night, is over 465m² and can host up to six guests. It includes panoramic ocean views, an in-suite spa area with sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, and a formal dining area as well as exclusive use of The Study for up to 12 guests. Suites include a dedicated butler, a full bar, and choice of toiletries. Each suite includes original artwork, a grand piano, and a hand-crafted Hästens Vividus bed with a choice of linens and pillows.
From 2026, the Skyview Regent Suite on Seven Seas Prestige, the first of three new Prestige Class ships, will be the largest all-inclusive suite in cruise ship history. Starting at US$25,000 per night, the two-storey suite covers 817m², with wraparound balcony, two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a living room, floating stone staircase, private in-suite elevator, gym, sauna, and walk-in closet.
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for RSSC, said: “Heartfelt, personalised service is one of Regent’s core values and the ethos of Knightsbridge Circle is seamlessly aligned. By offering the tailored approach of Knightsbridge Circle, we are building on the vast range of amenities for our Regent Suite guests to curate the ultimate luxury experience.”
Stuart McNeill, founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle, added: “This collaboration brings together two leaders in ultra-luxury travel to craft truly bespoke journeys – from curated local adventures and exclusive dining to exceptional stays before and after each voyage. Together, we aim to redefine what it means to travel in style, offering moments that inspire long after the journey ends.”
