Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, is enhancing its facilities to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing guests. The initiative is part of the hotel’s commitment to becoming a “people-friendly hotel”, one of Tokyu Hotels’ three sustainability goals, aiming to create a universal environment where all guests can enjoy a comfortable stay.
Staff receive sign language training through sessions with the Tokyo Sign Language Interpreter Dispatch Center and the Japanese ASL Signers Society, supporting communication in both Japanese and international sign language.
The front desk at Hotel Groove Shinjuku features a real-time subtitle system to assist deaf and hard of hearing guests
The reception desk now features a Cotopat subtitle display system, which converts voice into text, illustrations, and videos in real time to facilitate smooth communication. Guests can also use the chat function of the multilingual concierge app Kotozna In-room to request services, access hotel information, and obtain local tourist guidance in real time.
The hotel has 538 guest rooms across floors 20 to 38, with layouts suited to various travel purposes and a mid-century modern design reflecting Kabukicho’s history. JAM17 Dining & Bar on the 17th floor serves as a social hub connecting guests to the surrounding area. These initiatives align with Tokyu Hotels’ sustainability policy, which aims to create an Earth-friendly, city-friendly, and people-friendly hotel, guided by six key themes and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel, also recently supported the Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival in Koenji, Tokyo, held from November 6 to 9, 2025. The festival featured theatre, film, performances, and markets. The hotel hosted a stall, participated in clean-up activities, and engaged with attendees on November 7. In connection with the festival, 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku screened the Academy Award-winning film Coda from November 7 to 13 with barrier-free Japanese subtitles.
Emirates and OpenAI have entered a strategic collaboration to advance AI adoption and innovation across the airline.
The collaboration will include enterprise-wide deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise, supported by tailored AI literacy programmes, technical exploration, and executive strategic alignment to embed AI capabilities across the organisation.
The agreement will support AI adoption across the airline, including technical programmes, leadership sessions, and pilot projects
The partnership will explore practical use cases, develop an internal AI champion network, and establish an AI Centre of Excellence. It will also identify areas to enhance and expand AI capabilities across the organisation, covering the skills, processes and technology required.
Emirates will gain early access to AI research and emerging developments, and collaborate on government-led innovation projects and accelerators. Leadership sessions will be run jointly to examine practical applications, build support for AI initiatives, and provide leaders with insight into OpenAI’s product roadmap.
Technology teams from both organisations will work together to optimise the integration of OpenAI’s models, establish rapid prototyping and deployment practices, and provide sandbox environments to accelerate experimentation across generative AI use cases.
The airline said it aims to develop practical and scalable AI solutions that benefit travellers, communities, the wider industry, and all its brands and businesses.
Ali Serdar Yakut, executive vice president IT, Emirates Group, said: “We see enormous potential for AI technology to support our business requirements, helping us tackle complex commercial challenges, strengthening our operations, and enhancing the customer experience. Closely working with OpenAI will make our technology investments both strategic and scalable, enabling us to deliver enhanced value to our employees and customers, fundamentally changing how we innovate, deliver value, and maintain our competitive edge in the industry.”
Rod Solaimani, regional director, MENA & Central Asia at OpenAI, added: “Emirates Group has laid out a bold vision for how AI can transform the future of aviation. With this collaboration, we’re proud to help them bring that vision to life – embedding intelligence across their operations, empowering teams with powerful new tools, and reimagining the travel experience for millions of customers.”
The Pokémon-themed cable car cabins return from November 22, 2025, to April 30, 2026, with the Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure presented by Singapore Cable Car.
Visitors can enjoy distinct day and night experiences featuring Pikachu, Eevee, Charizard and other Pokémon as they travel along the Mount Faber Line from Mount Faber Peak to Sentosa.
Cabins feature full Pokémon-themed interiors, floors and seating for an immersive ride
During the day, five Pokémon – Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Jigglypuff and Gengar – appear on the exterior of the cabins. Inside, each cabin is customised to its featured Pokémon, with themed floors and seats, providing a fully immersive experience.
After the sun sets, the adventure transforms into an interactive night journey. Guests receive a complimentary UV torch to reveal the five daytime Pokémon as glowing silhouettes. Five hidden flying-type Pokémon – Gyarados, Pidgeot, Charizard, Dragonite and Aerodactyl – are only visible under the UV light. A rare appearance by Mew adds a mysterious challenge for the most determined participants.
The experience culminates at Mount Faber Peak, where special photo spots feature first-generation starter Pokémon. Larger-than-life Pokémon displays provide a picture-perfect backdrop for memories with family and friends.
Tickets for a round-trip ride on the Mount Faber Line for the Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure are S$33 (US$24) for adults and S$22 for children aged four to 12, available at counters or online. Children aged three and below ride free. The Cable Car SkyPass, offering unlimited rides for one day, is priced at S$45 for adults and S$35 for children. All ticket holders receive a complimentary collectible Pikachu sun visor while stocks last.
The Reverie Saigon sits on top of Times Square Building in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City
For a five-star experience in Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than The Reverie Saigon. Occupying the top 39 floors in the iconic Times Square Building that stands between Nguyen Hue Boulevard and Dong Khoi Street, the lavish, opulent European-style hotel is designed to impress.
Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi are recognised as Saigon’s most prestigious streets, placing travellers at the vibrant crossroads of major cultural landmarks like the Opera House, the City Hall (People’s Committee Building), and the historic Central Post Office. The Reverie Saigon’s prime location offers a truly luxurious base, providing guests with easy walkability to many interesting sites.
From its rooms to meeting and dining facilities, every part of the hotel ensures that guests receive an exceptional and memorable experience, seamlessly blending art, comfort, and sophistication, alongside breathtaking city and Saigon River views, thanks to its high rise spot.
Plush accommodations
The Grand Deluxe Room, decorated in elegant furnishings, offers panoramic views of the city and Saigon river
The Reverie Saigon houses 224 luxury rooms, 62 suites, and 89 service apartments, each an expression of uniqueness through Italian interiors and contemporary Vietnamese art. Soft lines, mosaic walls, and arched ceilings add to the sense of grandeur and warmth. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Saigon River or the city, offering a tranquil scene or one of the city’s vibrance.
Event extravaganza
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The grand pillar-less La Scala Ballroom is ideal for lavish occasions and grand affairs
Meet in comfort in one of the elegantly designed boardrooms
Sumptuous luxurious spaces such as the lobby on level 7 (pictured) await business travellers
Its meeting spaces are equally grand, thoughtfully designed to meet each client’s requirements.
The hotel features 15 grand venues, meeting, and conference rooms, each equipped with the latest technology and designed for flexibility and comfort.
Flexible meeting rooms, located on the eighth floor, are ideal for partner meetings, executive discussions and private gatherings. With capacities ranging from 8 to 100 guests, these spaces offer exquisite city and river views, creating a private and inspiring environment.
For large-scale and prestigious events, the La Scala Ballroom, one of the largest in the city at 618m², provides an unrivalled setting for conferences, banquets, and sophisticated celebrations. Its column-free design, accentuated by crystal detailing, onyx-framed entryways, resplendent Swarovski chandeliers, and walls clad in fabric designed by renowned Italian textile brand Rubelli, evoke a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels across all ballroom and conference spaces, natural light floods the interiors, illuminating the chandeliers for a visual spectacle.
Standing in the foyer in front of the La Scala Ballroom is The Reverie Saigon’s pièce de résistance – a 19th-century Bechstein grand piano. It has been re-imagined and transformed by the Florentine company Baldi into a grand masterpiece. Dating back to 1895, the still-pitch-perfect instrument’s original veneer has been refinished with precious malachite stone in a striking, Russian mosaic-style with chiseled, gilded bronze accents.
Behind each event is a dedicated team of event specialists ready to support and anticipate client’s needs.
Culinary delights
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Café Cardinal serves refined international cuisine
Long Trieu is a one Michelin star restaurant that serves delicious Cantonese delicacies
The dark and intimate The Long Lounge is perfect for exclusive events
Dining at The Reverie Saigon is a journey through diverse cuisines and refined spaces, with four distinct restaurants each with their own culinary style.
Long Trieu, a one Michelin star restaurant, evokes the grandeur of the Chinese imperial court with its imperial interiors and authentic Cantonese cuisine, while The Long @ Times Square offers a vibrant, open-air setting where guests can enjoy international dishes and creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
Café Cardinal presents a European-inspired design and an ambiance of elegance and luxury, serving international cuisine. Its flexible layout allows events to transition effortlessly from the refined indoor dining area to the expansive outdoor poolside space, perfect for elegant receptions. For more intimate gatherings, The Long Lounge provides a cozy and stylish venue ideal for cocktail parties and private functions.
With this diversity of options, The Reverie Saigon ensures that every event – from grand celebrations to small, themed gatherings – finds the perfect setting to complement its purpose.
To experience the grandeur for yourself, visit The Reverie Saigon for more information.
The Sri Lanka government on November 29 declared state of emergency as cyclone Ditwah swept through the country, and appealed to foreign leaders and Sri Lankans living abroad for financial aid.
While the rain has started to ease today, cyclone Ditwah has left behind a trail of destruction to public infrastructure and homes.
Cyclone Ditwah has disrupted tourism in several popular hill country destinations, including Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, pictured
Local news reported many FITs being stranded and helped to safer locations by rescue services operated by armed forces, police and emergency rescue teams.
Severe disruption in mobile communications in many areas also hampered rescue efforts.
An executive of a travel company told TTG Asia on Saturday that he struggled to contact a group of tourists organised by his company.
The natural disaster has left many incoming tourists anxious for updates. They are relying on social media for information to help them decide if their trip should be postponed.
“We got several cancellations and postponed travel plans,” said the general manager of a hotel in the flooded hill town of Kandy.
Nishad Wijetunga, managing director at Wayfarers and former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Operators, said DMCs did not suffer any cancellations but had to deal with itinerary rescheduling as national parks and many other tourist sites were closed.
Wijetunga said one of his groups would arrive as planned today.
Tourism industry players are critical of the management of the crisis by state-owned Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), which issued a statement on Friday declaring that it was safe to travel to Sri Lanka. It failed to explain the extent of the crisis and disruption.
“They (SLTDA) said everything was fine when it was not, with parks and tourist sites closed,” said an angry executive of a local travel agency.
SLTDA followed up on November 30 with information on teams operating round the clock to assist tourists and industry stakeholders affected by cyclone Ditwah. It also urged tourists to remain vigilant regarding weather updates and strictly follow government guidelines.
SriLankan Airlines has cancelled several flights since Nov 28 while some arriving flights are rerouted to nearby South Indian airports. Affected tourists are allowed free visa extensions, full waivers on flight cancellation and date-change fees, and flexible rebooking at hotels.
Sri Lanka is targeting 2.3 million to 2.5 million tourists this year, but may fall short due to disrupted travel in December.
Winds and incessant rain sweeping across Sri Lanka, causing widespread disruption and loss of life, have also disrupted tourism movement and activities in popular scenic spots, reported industry operators.
According to Nalin Jayasundera, chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, movement has been affected particularly in the hill country and some parts of the North-Central region, which is dealing with floods.
Heavy rain and strong winds in Sri Lanka have disrupted tourism in several popular hill country destinations, including Kandy and Nuwara Eliya; Kandy Lake, pictured
The most affected areas owing to floods and landslides are Kandy, a popular hill country resort, and Nuwara Eliya further up in the hills that is also popular with tourists.
A hotel manager in Kandy, who declined to be named, said flooded rooms have forced at least 35 guests to be housed in the bar area.
The country is battling what is said to be its worst-ever natural disaster, as incessant rain and strong winds lashed across the island in the past few days, resulting in extensive destruction, disrupted businesses, displaced residents, and fatalities.
However, local authorities said on November 28 that Sri Lanka remains safe for tourists. The situation is being closely monitored, and major tourist destinations are operating as usual, with hotels, transport services, and attractions continuing without disruption.
Tourism Australia has launched its Aussie Specialist Program (ASP) in Vietnam to promote Australia as a holiday destination at events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The Aussie Specialist Program is Tourism Australia’s global frontline travel seller training programme. It provides international travel sellers with the knowledge and skills to sell Australia more effectively.
Vietnamese travel agents join Tourism Australia’s ASP to showcase destinations, MICE options and visa support as visitor demand rises
The expansion into Vietnam responds to growing interest in Australia as a holiday destination. As of year-ending September 2025, Vietnam is one of Australia’s strongest growth markets for visitor arrivals, up 37 per cent on the same period in 2019.
The launch events on November 25 and 27 target Vietnamese product managers, travel planners and agency frontline staff from 91 companies, equipping the country’s travel trade with product knowledge and confidence to meet rising demand.
The events include destination showcases from five State Tourism Organisations: Destination New South Wales, South Australia Tourism Commission, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Western Australia and Visit Victoria. They also highlight Australia as a MICE destination and provide visa training delivered by the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Australian Embassy in Hanoi.
Tourism Australia regional general manager for South and South-east Asia Jennifer Doig stated that Vietnam has historically been an important partner for Australia, with strong economic, education and cultural ties.
“It is now one of our most important emerging markets, evidenced by 37 per cent growth in visitor arrivals since 2019. The ASP provides a platform to help partners convert this interest into holiday bookings,” she said.
Doig also announced Junnie Tran as business development manager, South-east Asia. Tran will manage relationships with trade partners and lead the ASP launch in Vietnamese.
Research shows key factors attracting South-east Asian markets to Australia include its positioning as a familiar yet new destination, proximity for holidays closer to home, expanding aviation routes, pleasant climate, and a vibrant dining scene.
Australia aims to provide experiences for all travellers across South-east Asia, including high-yield travellers, groups, families and Muslim travellers. This is supported by State Tourism Organisations actively promoting Australia’s offerings.
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.”
