TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Page 7

Trafalgar enters river cruise market with Rhine and Danube sailings

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Trafalgar has launched its river cruise programme with inaugural sailings on the Rhine and Danube, extending its guided travel operations beyond land-based itineraries.

The first sailing took place aboard Trafalgar Verity in Amsterdam from April 10 to 12, hosting more than 100 trade partners, media and company representatives. The programme included a naming ceremony and a series of onshore and onboard activities reflecting the brand’s approach to guided travel.

Trafalgar’s Damien O’Connor, Alexander van Der Graaf, TTC Tour Brands’s Melissa DaSilva, and Trafalgar Verity’s godmother Cassie Estrella-Roca

A second vessel, Trafalgar Reverie, began its first sailing on the Danube on April 11. The departure, which was fully booked, follows a route from Passau to Budapest, with stops including Vienna and Bratislava.

Both ships accommodate 128 guests and operate itineraries designed around smaller group experiences. Trafalgar Verity sails between Basel and Amsterdam on a 10-day route, while Trafalgar Reverie operates on the Danube through Central Europe.

The itineraries include visits to cultural and heritage sites, as well as hosted dining experiences and activities linked to local communities. Onboard programmes combine destination briefings, wellness activities and shared spaces.

The launch marks the start of a wider river cruise strategy. A third ship, Trafalgar Harmonie, is scheduled to enter service on the Seine in 2027, with further expansion planned by 2030.

“Introducing river cruising is a dream in the making for Trafalgar, shaped by the trust our travel advisor partners have placed in us over the years and their support every step of the way,” said Melissa DaSilva, deputy CEO and chief sales officer, TTC Tour Brands.

Nicole Mazza, chief marketing officer, Travelsavers, added: “From the personalised service to the intimate, thoughtfully designed spaces, it feels both elevated and incredibly welcoming. What stands out most is how seamlessly they’ve brought their signature connection to destination onto the river – this is something advisors can feel confident recommending to their clients.”

TripWorks flags risks from AI-built booking platforms amid reliability concerns

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TripWorks has warned of rising risks from AI-generated booking platforms, as new research points to accuracy issues and operational weaknesses across the travel tech sector.

The warning reflects wider industry debate over the role of generative AI in travel distribution, particularly as new entrants bring products to market more quickly but with varying levels of operational maturity.

Fessler: generative AI can build a beautiful demo, but it can’t build operational maturity

The company said generative AI is driving a wave of “copycat” systems that replicate established booking interfaces but lack the infrastructure needed to handle real-world travel complexity. These platforms may perform well in demonstrations but can struggle with disruptions such as weather events, cancellations and itinerary changes.

TripWorks cited recent studies indicating widespread adoption of AI in travel planning, alongside ongoing concerns about reliability. It noted that while many travellers use AI tools, a large share still verify results through original sources.

The company also pointed to reported cases of AI-related errors, including incorrect routing and system failures, as signs of broader risks as the technology is deployed at scale.

TripWorks CEO Aaron Fessler stated booking systems should be treated as operational infrastructure rather than front-end tools, and called on travel businesses to assess platforms based on proven performance, reliability under peak demand, and transparency in how systems are built and tested.

He said: “AI is a powerful accelerator, but it’s not a substitute for engineering, testing, or operational experience.”

Aviation roundup: Philippine Airlines, Drukair and more

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Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines launches Pacific routes, resumes Riyadh service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has introduced new services to Palau and Saipan while also resuming flights between Manila and Riyadh, expanding its network across the Pacific and Middle East.

PAL has launched a new Manila-Palau (Koror) route, operating twice weekly, and resumed its Manila-Saipan service with the same frequency, restoring connectivity to the Northern Mariana Islands. Both routes are operated using Airbus A321ceo aircraft and strengthen Manila’s role as a gateway to the Pacific.

Separately, the airline resumed Manila-Riyadh flights from April 10, 2026. Selected services will operate via a technical stop in Bangkok for refuelling as a temporary measure, with no change required for passengers on board.

Drukair will operate three weekly services between Singapore and Paro

Drukair raises Singapore-Paro frequency to three weekly flights
Drukair will increase its Singapore-Paro service from two to three weekly flights from May 16, 2026, adding capacity on the route.

The airline will operate three weekly services between Singapore and Paro, up from the previous two. The expanded schedule is expected to improve connectivity for longhaul travellers, particularly from Australia and North America, via Singapore.

Scoot

Scoot adds Belitung and Pontianak routes, expands regional frequencies
Scoot will launch new routes to Belitung and Pontianak in Indonesia in May and June 2026, using Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. Belitung will be served twice weekly, while Pontianak will operate three times weekly. With these additions, the airline’s network will expand to 85 destinations across 18 countries and territories.

The carrier will also increase frequencies across its network. From April 2026, Phuket will rise from 17 to 21 weekly flights, Sibu from three to four, Okinawa from three to four, and Changsha from four to five. From June 2026, Bali and Jakarta will increase from 28 to 35 weekly flights, Labuan Bajo from two to three, Lombok from four to 10, and Manado from six weekly services to daily. Vienna will increase from three to four weekly flights from the same month.

Air Astana now flies direct between Almaty and Shanghai

Air Astana introduces Almaty-Shanghai route
Air Astana has commenced a new direct service between Almaty and Shanghai, operating three times weekly. The route adds to its existing China network, which includes Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya, Urumqi and Yining.

With Shanghai added, the airline now operates up to 32 weekly services between Kazakhstan and six Chinese cities, strengthening connectivity for point-to-point and transit traffic across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe and Asia.

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa welcomes new director of rooms

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Bindiya Yadav has been appointed director of rooms at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa.

She was most recently executive housekeeper at Fairmont Palace, Udaipur, where she oversaw housekeeping operations and service delivery.

In her new role, she will lead the rooms division, including housekeeping, front office and guest services.

Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore appoints GM

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Nelson Quek has been named general manager of Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore.

He was most recently executive assistant manager, sales and marketing at Carlton Hotel Singapore, where he focused on revenue growth and market positioning.

In his new role, he will oversee operations and strategy, with a focus on guest experience and commercial performance.

New hotels: Fukuoka Prince Hotel Momochihama, Fairmont Hanoi and more

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Fukuoka Prince Hotel Momochihama

Fukuoka Prince Hotel Momochihama, Japan
Fukuoka Prince Hotel Momochihama is a new beachfront hotel in the Momochihama district, marking the brand’s first property in Fukuoka City. Around 20 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport, the 20-storey hotel has 229 rooms, all with views over Hakata Bay, averaging 32m² and accommodating up to three guests. Upper floors feature Club rooms and suites with access to a top-floor lounge and terrace.

Facilities include the all-day dining venue which serves French-influenced dishes using Kyushu produce, and a café with outdoor seating.

The hotel sits close to Fukuoka Tower, Mizuho PayPay Dome and the Fukuoka City Museum, offering a coastal base with access to the city’s main attractions.

Fairmont Hanoi

Fairmont Hanoi, Vietnam
Fairmont Hanoi has opened in the city’s Old Quarter, marking the brand’s first property in Vietnam. The hotel offers 241 rooms, including 38 Fairmont Gold rooms and 12 suites, with views over the historic district or skyline.

Facilities include eight dining venues, ranging from Vietnamese, Japanese and Italian restaurants to a café, lounge and pool bar. The wellness spa comprises hydrotherapy, thermal areas and a fitness studio. Event space exceeds 4,000m², including a 1,115m² column-free ballroom.

Located in central Hanoi, the hotel provides access to key sites such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter’s streets. Noi Bai International Airport is around 45 minutes by car.

Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriot

Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriot, Japan
Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriott, is nestled in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district. The hotel boasts 256 rooms, featuring facilities such as Ampere Coffee & Kitchen, offering breakfast and all-day dining with a mix of local and international dishes, alongside shared spaces designed for informal use and social interaction.

The hotel is within walking distance of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Dotonbori and Amerikamura, with Kuromon Ichiba Market and Namba nearby. Shinsaibashi Station is 300 metres away. Osaka Itami Airport is around 15km away and Kansai International Airport about 48km.

Country Inn, Rishikesh

Country Inn, Rishikesh, India
Country Inn, Rishikesh is set in Tapovan, within easy reach of Lakshman Jhula and Parmarth Niketan Ashram, placing guests close to the city’s main spiritual sites. The property has 28 rooms, including suites with views of the Ganges, offering a straightforward base for both leisure and pilgrimage travel.

Facilities include a casual dining restaurant and a small event space overlooking the river, suited for private gatherings. Its location allows access to yoga centres, ashrams and rafting points along the Ganges. The hotel is about 20 km from Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the nearest air link, and is well connected by road to Haridwar and Dehradun.

Hong Kong visitor arrivals rise in first quarter of 2026

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Hong Kong recorded 4.35 million visitors in March 2026, a 14 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Visitors from China accounted for the majority of arrivals, while international visitors made up 27 per cent of the total. The share of international arrivals increased, supported by a series of art and cultural events, including Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and ComplexCon Hong Kong.

Hong Kong reports growth in visitor arrivals across both China and international markets in early 2026

For the first quarter from January to March, total visitor arrivals reached 14.31 million, up 17 per cent year on year. Visitors from China reached 11.08 million, reflecting a 20 per cent increase, supported by major events and promotional campaigns linked to the extended Lunar New Year period.

Visitor growth was also supported by increased air capacity and the return of international cruise liners. Longhaul arrivals rose by 19 per cent year on year to around 990,000 during the quarter.

Shorthaul markets recorded more moderate growth, with arrivals increasing by six per cent in March and two per cent across the quarter. New markets saw higher growth rates, with a 16 per cent increase in March and 25 per cent for the first three months of the year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board noted that developments in the Middle East may introduce some volatility in the tourism market in the coming months and said it will monitor the situation and adjust its promotional efforts accordingly.

Indonesia to launch tourism investment forum ITX 2026

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Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sector will gain a new national industry platform with the launch of Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026).

Scheduled for May 12 at The Langham, Jakarta, and set to be an annual event, the forum will bring together hotel owners, operators, investors, and senior decision-makers to examine the forces driving the archipelago’s tourism economy.

Shng said modern luxury travellers are seeking meaning and a sense of place, and that brands must understand Indonesia’s cultural complexity to deliver personal experiences

Organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview, and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group, the event arrives at a point of renewed growth and increasing market complexity.

The agenda will cover an assessment of Indonesia’s investment climate and tourism outlook for the year, providing economic context for the discussions that follow. This will then continue with luxury hospitality, where expectations are shifting rapidly and brands are being challenged to move beyond traditional definitions of premium service.

Sherona Shng, regional vice president of operations Asia at Langham Hospitality Group, noted that modern luxury travellers are seeking “meaning and a sense of place” rather than global replicas.

“The brands that succeed here will be those that understand Indonesia’s cultural complexity and deliver experiences that feel deeply personal,” Shng stated.

Matt Gebbie, director at Horwath HTL, will address the 2026 outlook, emphasising that the industry’s future lies in “smart growth”. He suggests that understanding specific destination performance and sustainable capital returns is now critical for investors facing higher expectations.

Beyond hotels, ITX 2026 also examines how ownership structures and development strategies are evolving. A dedicated discussion on standalone branded residences reflects the rising importance of residential-led hospitality across Indonesia’s resort and lifestyle destinations, where brands are increasingly used to drive long-term value.

Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, who will moderate the session, said: “Branded residences are no longer a secondary product in Indonesia – they are becoming a primary driver of luxury real estate demand. What makes Indonesia compelling is the combination of brand trust, destination appeal, and lifestyle aspiration. The challenge is aligning those elements in markets that are diverse, fragmented, and culturally nuanced.”

The forum will also discuss hospitality technology and sustainability strategy, ownership transitions and leadership, and culturally grounded design and development.

ITX 2026 is supported by the Jakarta Hotels Association, PHRI Indonesia, and the Bali Hotels Association.

StarDream Cruises expands training ties with Kaohsiung hospitality university

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StarDream Cruises, which operates StarCruises and Dream Cruises, continues to reinforce its commitment to talent development and industry-academia collaboration through an ongoing partnership with the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT).

The collaboration aims to develop future hospitality professionals and strengthen cruise industry workforce capabilities in local markets and across the region.

From left: StarDream Cruises’s Tan Kah Soon and NKHUT’s Victor Der-Long Fang during a memento presentation symbolising the continued partnership between both parties

The partnership reaffirms StarDream Cruises’ commitment to growing the local cruise industry, supported by its continued homeport deployment in Keelung. With Star Navigator operating from Keelung, StarCruises is strengthening cruise development and regional connectivity through year-round sailings, offering two-, three- and five-night itineraries to destinations across Japan and South Korea.

A delegation from StarDream Cruises visited NKUHT in early April 2026 to meet the university’s newly appointed president, Victor Der-Long Fang. The visit reaffirmed both parties’ shared vision of bridging academic learning with real-world cruise industry experience, while continuing to support internship opportunities onboard StarDream Cruises’ vessels.

During the visit, both sides discussed expanding collaboration in talent development, internship placements and graduate recruitment, with a focus on equipping students with practical skills and global exposure in the hospitality and cruise sectors.

The strengthened collaboration enhances the strategic partnership by aligning academic curriculum with industry operations. It provides structured internship and employment opportunities onboard, while strengthening talent pipelines for regional cruise operations.

It also supports career readiness through exposure to multicultural service environments and global customer engagement standards, and promotes cruise industry awareness through academic engagement, industry sharing sessions and career outreach initiatives.

Through this collaboration, the partners aim to support the long-term development of talent and the cruise industry.

Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises, said: “Through our partnership with NKUHT, we are combining academic excellence with real operational experience to support industry growth, elevate standards and help shape the next generation of hospitality professionals for the region.”

Changi Airport Group, Plaza Premium Group to develop private terminal and lifestyle hub at Terminal 2

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Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Plaza Premium Group (PPG) have begun redevelopment of the former Commercially Important Persons terminal site, with plans to create a combined travel and lifestyle space at the southern end of Terminal 2.

The project will include a new private terminal and an expanded Hub & Spoke amenities area, with completion expected in mid-2027. The development is intended to update premium travel facilities while adding new dining and leisure options.

The new private terminal and expanded Hub & Spoke area are planned for completion in 2027; photo by Changi Airport Group

The private terminal will replace the existing CIP facility and be operated jointly by CAG and PPG, offering lounge areas, private suites, dining spaces and facilities for small groups and private events, alongside transfer services to departure gates, as part of a more tailored experience for passengers seeking additional services before departure.

The adjacent Hub & Spoke area will be expanded to include dining outlets, wellness and pet-friendly facilities, serving both travellers and visitors. Plans also include a covered amphitheatre and outdoor plaza designed for small to mid-sized events.

The development is located near Terminal 2 and the upcoming Hotel Indigo, forming part of a broader plan to add mixed-use facilities at the airport.

“Some of today’s travellers seek more than just a comfortable place to spend time before their flight – they are after a personalised premium experience. CAG is meeting this demand with an upgraded private terminal that delivers an exceptional experience,” said Ang Siew Min, senior vice president, airport operations development and airport operations services at Changi Airport Group.

“By bringing together our global expertise in airport hospitality with Changi’s renowned operational excellence, we will offer a new benchmark in personalised, seamless and bespoke services for our discerning guests,” added Mei Mei Song, chief transformation officer at Plaza Premium Group.