TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 27th February 2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Reclaiming the Singapore left behind
TTG Asia | TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Michael Ma, Sentosa Development Corporation
TTG Asia | Andy Tan to lead Varel Singapore as GM
Page 71

NATAS Fair draws Singaporean travellers seeking new destinations and experiences

By Caroline Boey
0

High-end Singaporean travellers are finding inspiration at the NATAS Travel Fair by visiting the “separate counters” run by major outbound agents to plan customised programmes.

According to NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) president Steven Ler, these travellers are clear about their expectations and are drawn to the fair by the large number of tourist boards represented. Papua New Guinea was the destination partner for the end-February/early-March fair this year, he added, with other tourism boards participating to provide fresh insights.

Ler observed that high-end Singaporean travellers are seeking new ideas and engaging with tourism boards from destinations such as Taiwan and South Korea

“Papua New Guinea, for example, offers new options for travellers looking for adventure and the culture is very different,” Ler said.

He observed that high-end Singaporean travellers are also seeking new ideas and are highly engaged with tourism boards from popular destinations such as Taiwan and South Korea, which come with new content, partners and products.

While the fair does not have a dedicated luxury segment, Ler said well-known brands such as Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel and EU Holidays “have a presence” and operate “separate counters” onsite to engage customers who do not find group series programmes suitable.

Despite the softer economy, Singaporeans are not resisting overall cost increases of between 20 and 30 per cent, he noted. To mitigate higher costs, some travellers are shortening trip durations while others are planning longer, back-to-back holidays.

“Some retirees are combining two holidays into one to save on longhaul air fares and this is trending for some programmes to Latin America, Europe and cruises,” he added.

Dusit Thani College to offer direct pathway into Japan’s hospitality sector

By TTG Asia
0

Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s institute for hospitality education under Dusit International, has been certified to administer Japan’s Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test in Thailand, providing direct pathways for Thai talent as well as those from ASEAN member states to secure positions in Japan’s hospitality sector.

The certification follows the signing of an agreement on September 2, 2025, between Dusit Thani College, the General Incorporated Association Center for Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test, and the All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, with support from the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau and Jeducation language school in Bangkok.

Dusit Thani College will become Thailand’s first certified testing centre for Japanese hospitality skills, paving the way for graduates to pursue careers in Japan’s hospitality sector

As Thailand’s first certified testing centre, Dusit Thani College can now recruit and train Thai and candidates from ASEAN member countries through its hospitality and culinary arts programmes and facilitate their official skills certification locally.

Successful graduates will qualify for employment in Japan via the government’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in 2019 to address labour shortages in sectors including F&B and hospitality.

Aligned with Dusit Thani College’s Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP), which prepares participants for entry-level roles in six months, the new pathway allows aspiring professionals to train, gain certification, and access employment in Japan.

The All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, representing more than 15,000 traditional inns and hotels across Japan, will promote certified candidates to member employers through job fairs in Bangkok. Dusit Hotels and Resorts will also welcome graduates to its properties in Japan, including Dusit Thani Kyoto and Asai Kyoto Shijo, providing further opportunities for international placement.

Jeducation, a Japanese language school in Bangkok, will provide essential language training to ensure participants meet SSW visa requirements and are equipped for life and work in Japan.

John Lohr, executive director of external affairs at Dusit Thani College, said: “This collaboration directly addresses the hospitality skills shortage in Japan while creating exciting career opportunities for our students. By combining world-class training at Dusit Thani College with official certification and a clear pathway to employment, we are building a strong pipeline of talent that benefits both Thailand and Japan.”

Makoto Yamashita, area general manager – Kyoto, Dusit Hotels and Resorts, added: “This partnership underscores our commitment to developing future leaders in hospitality and giving them access to life-changing opportunities abroad. It is a win-win for our students, our partners, and the wider industry.”

Dusit Thani College will begin recruiting candidates for its TOP Japan Pathway programme in October 2025. The first examinations and employer recruitment fairs are scheduled for February 2026.

Vietjet adds Airbus A330 to fleet as international expansion continues

By TTG Asia
0

Vietjet has welcomed an Airbus A330 widebody, registered VN-A820, bringing its total fleet to 121 aircraft, including those operated by Vietjet Thailand and Vietjet Kazakhstan.

The addition reflects the airline’s ongoing growth strategy and readiness to meet rising travel and trade demand during the year-end peak season.

Vietjet introduces an Airbus A330, expanding its fleet and international services to Australia, India, Japan and Kazakhstan

The A330, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, delivers improved fuel efficiency and performance. Vietjet plans to deploy the aircraft on services to Australia, India, Japan and Kazakhstan, offering passengers enhanced comfort and a modern inflight experience.

The aircraft features Vietjet’s signature red and yellow livery, with a flowing golden silk ribbon symbolising connectivity, cultural exchange and global integration.

With a modern fleet and more than 400 new aircraft on order from Airbus and Boeing through 2030, Vietjet continues to expand its international network, adopt advanced technologies, improve operational efficiency and provide safe, reliable travel while supporting long-term sustainable value.

New Bhutan travel series focuses on flexible, small-group experiences

By TTG Asia
0

Druk Asia is rolling out a new approach to visiting Bhutan with the launch of the Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low, a series of small-group journeys designed to replace conventional sightseeing with more flexible, meaningful encounters.

The itineraries are curated to align with the country’s High Value, Low Volume tourism policy, which emphasises cultural preservation, environmental protection and sustainable development.

The Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, Gasa showcases tradition and culture against Bhutan’s mountain backdrop

Each trip is accompanied by Low, a hospitality veteran who spent nearly a decade in Bhutan as general manager of an international five-star hotel. Low, together with a licensed local guide and driver, leads participants through a programme where accommodation, transport and access are arranged, but space remains for spontaneous discovery, such as shared meals, artisan visits and conversations with spiritual leaders.

Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan, with all visitors required to travel with licensed guides. This ensures safety in high-altitude terrain while also providing access to sacred sites and local communities.

Druk Asia, which has hosted more than 20,000 travellers to Bhutan and is the official representative of Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines), will also continue to offer special interest journeys such as the Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, Gasa, held in October 2025 at 4,000 metres above sea level.

Prices are based on twin-sharing accommodation and include return economy airfare with Druk Air to Paro from Singapore.

For more information, visit Druk Asia.

Thai Airways reveals key outbound travel trends for 2025 at THAI Talk event

By Anne Somanas
0

Thai outbound travel has shaped up dynamically in 2025, with Tokyo, Singapore, and Shanghai emerging as the top destinations for Thai travellers.

“Based on Thai passenger statistics from January to July 2024, the top five routes were Tokyo (Narita), Hong Kong, Osaka, Singapore, and Seoul,” noted Kittiphong Sansomboon, chief commercial officer of Thai Airways International (THAI).

THAI and Mastercard hosted the THAI Talk: Travel Trend and Priceless Experience event on September 3, 2025, in Bangkok at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

“In 2025, Tokyo remains the champion while Singapore and Shanghai climbed to second and third place, replacing Hong Kong and Osaka,” he stated.

Seoul still ranks in the top 10.

He added that new hotspots are emerging, with China’s visa-free policy fuelling demand among Thais seeking alternatives to Japan and South Korea: “The rising star is Guangzhou, China… Thais don’t just go shopping there, but are also interested in museums, history, sightseeing, and trying diverse street food.”

Growth in secondary routes is equally striking.

“Colombo saw over 100 per cent increase in Thai travellers, while Shanghai experienced over 80 per cent passenger growth,” Kittiphong said, noting that THAI has increased flights to match demand on routes to Shanghai, Colombo, and Denpasar (Bali).

Beyond destinations, behaviour is also shifting to what Juthasree Kuvinichkul, founding partner of the YouTrip Thailand multi-currency wallet, called a “cut the cost, not the holiday” mindset.

She observed: “In the first half of 2025, international travel among Thais grew by 45 per cent compared to last year. But travellers are adopting a smarter approach by opting for Asia destinations that offer the same luxury experience as longhaul trips at a fraction of the price.”

“We’re also seeing Thais become more financially savvy, with a 25 per cent increase in travellers monitoring exchange rates and pre-exchanging currencies to lock in favourable rates and stretch their budgets further,” she added.

She underlined the rise of the digital-first traveller, calling smartphones “the new passport” that powers every journey”.

Kittiphong noted that Thai travellers are increasingly prioritising convenience, with a growing preference for full-service flights where a single payment covers all their travel needs, rather than low-cost flights and piecemeal add-ons.

THAI underscored its response to these evolving demands with new service upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and a Mastercard promotion offering a discount of 2,000 baht (US$63) per seat on Asian routes booked by September 30 for travel through the end of 2025.

Explora Journeys unveils 2027-2028 collection with debut Asian itineraries

By TTG Asia
0

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has revealed its 2027–2028 Journeys Collection, featuring itineraries across five continents and introducing the brand’s first voyages through Asia.

The season also marks the debut of Explora V, the fleet’s fifth ship, which will begin with Mediterranean itineraries before continuing to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.

Explora III will dock in Hong Kong as part of the brand’s first Asian voyages in the 2027–2028 collection

From September 2027 to May 2028, the collection includes nearly 100 journeys visiting 59 countries and almost 200 destinations. The itineraries focus on deeper regional immersion, overnight stays in key cities, and opportunities to explore local culture at a measured pace.

Asia will feature prominently with Explora III, which will undertake 28 journeys covering 47 destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. The itineraries include maiden calls, overnight stays in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Naha, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali, and coincide with seasonal highlights including Japan’s cherry blossoms and maple leaves, Chinese Golden Week, and onboard Chinese New Year celebrations.

Explora V will launch in December 2027 with a series of Mediterranean itineraries during the region’s quiet season, visiting 27 destinations in nine countries. The inaugural voyages include maiden calls such as Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, overnight stays in Istanbul, and a New Year’s Eve celebration in Naples. Following the Mediterranean, Explora V will travel to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula alongside Explora I, covering Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Guests will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Petra, Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza and AlUla, with multiple overnight stays enabling extended exploration.

Explora II and Explora IV will operate in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, visiting 51 destinations across 30 countries and territories. Highlights include maiden calls in Port Antonio (Jamaica), remote Amazonian communities, and opportunities to explore Mayan ruins, rainforests and Caribbean islands. Both ships will celebrate New Year’s Eve off San Juan, Puerto Rico, with views of the city’s fireworks from the ship.

Cathay, Hong Kong Disneyland to boost Hong Kong tourism

By TTG Asia
0

Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen inbound tourism and create new travel offerings.

The agreement aims to explore synergies between the two brands, enhance Hong Kong’s appeal as a global travel destination, and support its role as a regional transit hub.

The MoU between Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland aims to create new travel experiences and attract more visitors to Hong Kong

A product for travellers transiting in Hong Kong is targeted for launch in 2026.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, attended by Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam and Hong Kong Disneyland managing director Michael Moriarty, with Mickey Mouse present to mark the occasion.

Lam commented: “By combining world-class air travel with Disney experiences, we will create unforgettable journeys that celebrate the very best of Hong Kong. Together, we aim to inspire travellers from around the world to come to our home city and experience all that it has to offer.”

Moriarty added: “As we mark Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, this strategic collaboration with Cathay exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal. Together, we aim to drive inbound visitation and solidify Hong Kong’s position as a world-class tourism and transit hub. We look forward to enchanting more tourists with immersive, experiential experiences that reflect the evolving aspirations of today’s travellers.”

Fairfield by Marriott celebrates milestone of 150 hotels in China

By TTG Asia
0

Marriott International’s Fairfield by Marriott brand has reached a milestone of 150 combined open and pipeline hotels in China, reflecting strong growth in the region’s select service segment.

The brand, which entered China in 2017, now spans more than 50 destinations and has expanded rapidly since celebrating its 50th hotel in 2024. In just over a year, Fairfield has grown by more than 50 per cent, with another 50 hotels expected to open within the next two years.

From left: Marriott International’s David Marriott and Yibing Mao

In the first seven months of 2025, newly signed projects increased 75 per cent year-on-year, targeting key locations including Shanghai’s Xuhui District, Beijing Capital Airport and Shenzhen’s Qianhai area.

Fairfield by Marriott has extended its presence across transportation hubs, emerging urban districts and leisure destinations, with recent openings in Yangshuo (Guangxi), Xinzhou (Shanxi) and Qiandao Lake (Hangzhou). To support this growth, the brand introduced a regional product upgrade, including a new Chinese name, refreshed design, and updated guest experience focusing on four core travel needs: working, sleeping, bathing and service.

Globally, Fairfield by Marriott operates over 1,350 hotels in 20 countries and territories, with more than 460 additional properties in the pipeline, making it Marriott’s largest brand worldwide by combined open and pipeline hotels.

Marriott International chairman of the board David Marriott commented: “What started with inspiration from our family’s Fairfield Farm has grown into one of Marriott’s largest and most trusted brands. I’m extremely proud of the teams who continue to carry Fairfield’s legacy forward and deliver exceptional hospitality to guests across China and around the world.”

“Since entering China eight years ago, Fairfield has unlocked new opportunities for growth, bringing the Beauty of Simplicity to more destinations and more guests across the region,” added Yibing Mao, president, Greater China, Marriott International. “The brand’s accelerated expansion reflects our broader strategy to meet evolving traveller needs in China, and with localised product enhancements, Fairfield continues to drive fresh momentum in the select service segment.”

Alipay+ integrates Grab ride-hailing for South-east Asia travellers

By TTG Asia
0

Alipay+ and Grab are expanding their partnership to give travellers easier access to transport services across South-east Asia.

Grab’s ride-hailing services have been integrated into Alipay+ Voyager, the inbuilt AI travel agent of Ant International’s global wallet gateway. The move enables users to book rides directly from within their home e-wallets without downloading an additional app.

Alipay+ Voyager users can now book Grab rides directly from their e-wallet while travelling in South-east Asia

Launched in mid-2025, Alipay+ Voyager is available in Alipay (China), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR) and GCash (the Philippines), with more partners to follow this year.

Users travelling to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar can now book Grab rides seamlessly within the app ecosystem they already use.

Alipay+ currently connects 36 partner e-wallets, with 1.7 billion user accounts, to over 100 million in-store merchants across 70 markets.

“With South-east Asia growing in popularity as a travel destination, making Grab’s services directly available within Alipay+ partner apps offers users the most comprehensive and trusted local transportation across the region,” said Scarlett Xing, general manager of Alipay+ Travel Solutions, Ant International.

“We’re thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Alipay+ Voyager to deliver safe and reliable ride-hailing services for more travellers visiting South-east Asia,” added Samir Kumar, head of mobility at Grab.

Amadeus, Shiji offer integrated hospitality solutions

By TTG Asia
0

Amadeus and Shiji have extended their partnership to promote and facilitate the licensing and referral of each other’s solutions, providing hoteliers with a more comprehensive end-to-end technology portfolio.

The agreement covers products including Shiji Daylight PMS, Infrasys POS, Amadeus HotSOS, Amadeus Delphi, Amadeus iHotelier and Amadeus Central Reservation System (ACRS).

The expanded alliance enables hoteliers to access a comprehensive suite of property management, point-of-sale, reservations and operations tools through a fully connected ecosystem

The companies aim to integrate their solutions to address fragmentation, connectivity and personalisation challenges in the hospitality industry. The new ACRS integration allows single-image integration at an attribute level, making ACRS the master record for inventory, rates and availability for room and non-room products. This integration provides a foundation for more personalised guest sales and merchandising.

Hotels will benefit from a fully integrated technology suite covering property management, point of sale, central reservations, sales and catering, and hotel operations with latest integrations. The partnership enables improved top-line sales through enhanced guest servicing and personalisation, as hoteliers can expand ACRS enablers across multiple channels to enhance merchandising and upselling strategies.

The alliance also streamlines vendor management, allowing hotels to access multiple technology solutions through a single provider while each company continues to operate independently and maintain its own services and security.

Amadeus and Shiji’s combined global reach further enhances service continuity, providing broad support and a seamless experience across markets. By centralising technology partners, hotels can also benefit from greater efficiency and innovation.

Kevin King, CEO of Shiji International, said: “This collaboration ensures that hotels have access to the most advanced tools available, all within a fully connected ecosystem.”

“With this alliance, we are redefining how hotels access and use technology,” added Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, president of hospitality at Amadeus.

1...707172...2,891Page 71 of 2,891

Tried and Tested

What to Buy Now

 
Subscribe To
Advertise With Us
 
Asia-Pacific's Leading Travel Trade Business Resource Since 1974

  • All Rights Reserved

Copyright TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2025-2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Michael Ma, Sentosa Development Corporation
TTG Asia | Reclaiming the Singapore left behind
TTG Asia | Andy Tan to lead Varel Singapore as GM