TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 10th April 2026
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Page 73

Hyatt, Homeinns to bring Hyatt Studios brand to China

By TTG Asia
0

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Homeinns Hotel Group have signed a strategic master franchise agreement to introduce Hyatt Studios hotels in China. The collaboration will expand Hyatt’s upper-midscale portfolio with its new extended-stay brand in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

Hyatt and Homeinns will leverage their respective strengths to develop Hyatt Studios extended-stay hotels across key business and travel destinations in China. Under the agreement, Homeinns plans to open 50 Hyatt Studios hotels in the coming years and establish a pipeline for further growth.

Hyatt Studios will launch 50 extended-stay hotels across China through a master franchise agreement with Homeinns Hotel Group

Part of Hyatt’s Essentials portfolio, Hyatt Studios provides extended-stay accommodation with studio-style rooms, kitchenettes, and workspaces. The Essentials portfolio, which also includes Caption by Hyatt, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Select, and UrCove, is designed for business and leisure travellers seeking consistent, contemporary amenities and practical spaces. In addition, the brand prioritises scalable development and efficient operations that can adapt to local market needs.

Hyatt Studios integrates with the World of Hyatt loyalty programme, which has grown by 27 per cent per year since 2017.

“This agreement with Homeinns Hotel Group builds on our strategic path, enabling us to bring Hyatt’s brand and operational standards into a growing segment,” said Stephen Ho, president – Greater China and growth, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.

“With Hyatt’s global expertise and Homeinns Hotel Group’s local market knowledge, we are confident this next chapter will deliver meaningful results for both guests and owners across China,” said David Sun, chairman & CEO of Homeinns Hotel Group.

The Warehouse Hotel elevates stays with local flair

By TTG Asia
0

The Warehouse Hotel has unveiled new guest offerings that blend personalised service with curated local experiences, including a concierge curation service, an exclusive wellness partnership with Hideaway by The Trapeze Group, and a new cocktail menu at The Warehouse Lobby Bar.

The concierge curation service connects guests with local insiders who tailor dining and travel recommendations based on personal preferences, offering access to both well-known attractions and hidden neighbourhood gems.

Discover personalised stays, exclusive wellness, and cocktails inspired by Singapore’s rich heritage at The Warehouse Hotel

Through its partnership with Hideaway, located nearby in New Bahru, guests can enjoy preferred rates on wellness experiences such as reflexology, infrared saunas, cold plunge therapy, and massage treatments – ideal for rest and recovery after travel.

At The Warehouse Lobby Bar, a newly launched cocktail menu pays homage to Singapore’s past, with each creation inspired by a different decade from the 1890s to the 2000s. Led by director of food and beverage Joseph Haywood, the team reimagines classic cocktails using local ingredients such as buah keluak, pandan, and jambu, capturing the area’s rich history in every glass.

The Warehouse Lobby Bar is open Sunday to Thursday from 11.00 to midnight, and until 01.00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit The Warehouse Hotel.

European DMCs tailor Europe tours for Indonesian Muslim travellers

By Dhini Oktavianti
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European DMCs and tour operators attending the 42nd TTC Travel Mart in Jakarta are increasingly targeting Indonesia’s growing Muslim-friendly and faith-based tourism market.

Sutan Nicko, travel consultant head of Indoreisen UK, said the company is developing thematic programmes under Storynomic, Historinomic, and Panoramic Travel.

Tour operators and DMCs connect at TTC Travel Mart Jakarta to explore opportunities in Indonesia’s Muslim-friendly travel market; photo by Dhini Oktavianti

“The programmes integrate history, culture, and natural beauty into a meaningful experience,” he shared. “Our Islamic Heritage and Educational Tour includes visits to the London Central Mosque, Cambridge Mosque, and Birmingham’s oldest mosque, alongside historical insights on the co-existence between Islam and the British monarchy during the eras of Richard the Lionheart, Queen Victoria, and King George VI.”

“Our goal is to create religious programmes that open minds, not just pilgrimages. Travellers can learn about social history, education, and interfaith harmony in Europe,” he said, noting that the packages also aim to introduce children to Europe’s multicultural legacy. Indoreisen’s programmes cover the 27 EU countries and other European destinations.

Sureka Saravanan, sales and operations executive of My Trip Global (MTG), said the company focuses on European destinations and senior travellers, providing halal-certified meals, mosque visits, and Bahasa-speaking guides.

“We handle accommodation, meals, and transport directly since we have partnerships with local suppliers. We also have our own coach company, so our pricing remains competitive and affordable,” she said.

MTG covers all European territories, including Western and Eastern Europe, the UK, the Baltics, Switzerland, Italy, and Scandinavia.

Iwan Kip, general manager of Wens Europe, highlighted customisation and cultural sensitivity as key to serving the Indonesian market.

“We create custom-made group programmes, whether it’s for leisure, private tours, or corporate incentives. Once we agree on the details, we manage all bookings and ground operations directly in Europe,” he said.

Wens Europe works with halal-certified restaurants and Bahasa-speaking guides, and can include non-EU destinations such as Iceland or Kazakhstan. Although the company currently has no Indonesian office, it plans to establish one, seeing the market as a growth opportunity.

Iwan noted that while he had previously worked with major players like Dwidaya and Panorama, Wens Europe now sees strong growth potential among smaller, niche-focused agencies in Indonesia. The company plans to establish a local office, reflecting the market’s importance and its commitment to tailored experiences for Indonesian travellers.

India’s inbound tourism season off to a good start

By Rohit Kaul
0

As India’s peak inbound tourism season (October to March) gets underway, early signs indicate a promising year ahead for the sector with traditional source markets such as North America and the UK showing robust growth.

Industry stakeholders say international arrivals have picked up strongly driven by renewed travel confidence and demand for experiential and wellness travel.

D’Souza: India is witnessing a good resurgence in international arrivals

“With the start of the inbound season, India is witnessing a good resurgence in international arrivals. We have seen a 25 per cent growth as compared to last year. Our source markets such as the UK, the US, Canada and the Middle East continue to perform robustly,” said Louis D’Souza, managing partner, Tamarind Global.

For most inbound operators, this period marks the most crucial half of the year, as it attracts leisure travellers especially from longhaul markets.

“Last year was the best inbound season for our company and we are hoping this season will perform even better. There were concerns because of geopolitical situations like the war in the Middle East but people are now confirming their bookings. After the UK, the US market has come up very strong for us,” shared Michael Dominic, managing director, CGH Earth.

Industry players note that the nature of demand is also evolving.

“The demand this year feels less about volume and more about meaningful experiences. Travellers are veering away from the usual circuits and exploring spiritual towns, wellness retreats and culturally rich destinations that offer depth and authenticity,” observed Neha Kapoor, general manager, Hyatt Place Gurgaon

According to D’Souza, while the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) continues to be a staple for first-time visitors, newer patterns are emerging.

“Destinations such as Kerala, Rishikesh, Coorg and the Andaman Islands are gaining popularity among travellers seeking sustainability and mindfulness-based experiences. The numbers are also rising for adventure-led regions like Ladakh and the North East, while the luxury and slow travel segment continues to grow as high-value visitors opt for boutique stays, palace hotels, heritage walks and curated experiences over standard sightseeing,” he added.

However, not everyone in the industry is equally optimistic.

“Enquiries are just a trickle. India has become very expensive. However, the good news is the resumption of flights from China. Let’s hope there will be an influx of Chinese tourists,” said Lally Mathews, managing director, Divine Voyages.

Direct air connectivity between India and China is set to resume after more than five years with IndiGo launching a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26. The flights were suspended following border tensions between the two nations.

Thailand enters period of mourning following passing of Queen Mother

By Anne Somanas
0

Thailand has entered a national mourning period following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on Friday evening, October 24, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.

Prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that all government offices, state enterprises and educational institutions will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days from October 25, 2025.

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha will close from October 26 to November 8 for merit-making and funeral rites, with increased activity and road closures around Rattanakosin Island; photo by Phutanet Boonsuwan

Civil servants and state enterprise employees are to observe a one-year mourning period in black, while the general public is requested to observe a 90-day mourning period and dress in black, subdued or neutral tones.

Despite the solemn occasion, which closely overlaps with the famed Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals, the government has not ordered any suspension of public or tourism activities.

Visitors can expect adjustments in event delivery, as organisers modify formats to reflect the mourning period. During the first 30 days, the prime minister’s office has requested that the entertainment sector, venues, and service establishments exercise restraint.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) noted that TAT-organised events will be adjusted in format, with festive and celebratory elements postponed until further notice.

Vijit Chao Phraya 2025, a 45-day light and sound spectacle in Bangkok – originally scheduled from November 1 to December 15 and targeting 1.5 million visitors and 500 billion Thai baht (US$13.7 billion) in revenue – will instead begin on December 1.

The annual Loy Krathong and Candle Festival by Sukhothai City Development Co. will proceed from October 27 to November 5 at Sukhothai Historical Park with modified programming – such as fireworks featuring only traditional, Sukhothai-reminiscent displays – and cancellation of the Noppamas beauty contest. Candle-lighting tributes will take place nightly at 21.21 hrs to honour the memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.

The Ayutthaya Loy Krathong Festival will also continue with a more subdued tone.

Meanwhile, the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025, set for November 28 and 29, will proceed with revised programming, including a one-minute silence, a dedicated fireworks tribute, and exhibitions honouring the late Queen Mother’s royal initiatives.

The Chiang Mai municipality has not yet announced whether the Yi Peng tradition, consisting of the sky lantern festival from November 4 to 6, will be affected, and there is yet no word from the TAT Chiang Mai office about the status of the Yi Peng Lanna Light Festival 2025 from November 3 to 6.

The Blackpink World Tour Bangkok concert (October 24-26, 2025) this past weekend went ahead as scheduled, with organisers observing a moment of silence and requesting participants to dress in black or white. Earlier in the month, the TAT had designated Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban – also a member of girl group Blackpink – as Amazing Thailand Ambassador.

Throughout Thailand, daily life and tourism continue, with an emphasis on respectful dress and conduct.

Rural Cambodian dance experience brings traditional arts to life

By Marissa Carruthers
0

Determined to revive traditional Khmer performance arts, theatrical director Soung Sopheak transformed his backyard in rural Arey Ksat, Cambodia, into a small performance space in 2023.

Sopheak, who founded the NGO Khmer Arts Action (KAA) in 2005 to preserve rapidly fading art forms, wanted to host free gatherings for the local community while giving artists a chance to practise in front of a live audience.

Performers bring traditional Khmer dance to life amid the paddies of Arey Ksat, offering an authentic cultural experience

Now, his niece, Yem Sovannry, 25, has helped develop the community initiative into Steps & Stories: Khmer Dance Experience, offering an authentic introduction to Cambodian theatre, music, and dance, performed outdoors among paddies to the chirp of crickets, as villagers have done for centuries.

Sovannry said that last year, KAA began running monthly performances for communities at the space her uncle created in Arey Ksat, a 10-minute ferry ride across the Mekong River from Phnom Penh.

“We were very surprised to learn that some people came all the way from the city just to see the show. That inspired us to create something for foreign tourists,” Sovannry said.

“We’ve created a space where they can come and enjoy cultural performances, but we’re also doing this to help local artists earn a living and to sustain ourselves.”

Villagers and visitors enjoy sbek thom and lakhon performances in an open-air setting, preserving Cambodia’s heritage arts

Steps & Stories: Khmer Dance Experience now offers immersive journeys into Cambodian dance, theatre, and storytelling. The programme has been developed into five packages for tour operators wishing to offer clients authentic Khmer performances in a genuine rural setting.

Packages range from a 45-minute single performance to a half-day experience featuring multiple performances by 18 artists. Art forms include apsara dance, sbek thom (shadow puppet theatre), lakhon (Khmer theatre), and traditional music, with refreshments included.

“The space isn’t luxury like what you see in the city – but if you want to experience an authentic performance like locals used to do in the past, then this is perfect,” Sovannry said.

Timor-Leste joins ASEAN as 11th member

By TTG Asia
0

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations – commonly referred to as ASEAN – has welcomed its 11th member for the first time in 26 years. Timor-Leste was officially admitted on October 26 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Timor-Leste is the first country to join the grouping since Cambodia’s admission in 1999.

Xanana Gusmão, prime minister of Timor-Leste (second from right) officiates the country’s formal admission into ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Timor-Leste officially applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. In 2022, ASEAN Leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a Member State, granting it Observer Status in ASEAN meetings.

This was followed by the adoption of the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in 2023, which guided its preparations to meet ASEAN’s membership criteria, including accession to ASEAN legal instruments and participation in meetings across all three ASEAN Community pillars.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland marks 50 years

By TTG Asia
0

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) celebrated its 50th anniversary at the 2025 Qantas and Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards on October 24 at the Cairns Convention Centre, with 350 guests in attendance.

Former chair George Chapman, general manager Bill Cummings and other past staff and board members joined industry representatives to recognise five decades of promoting the region.

TTNQ celebrates its 50th year at the 2025 awards ceremony in Cairns

Current TTNQ chair John O’Sullivan said the organisation was founded through collaboration by those who established the Far North Queensland Development Bureau, registered on September 12, 1975.

TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen noted its role as Australia’s oldest and largest Regional Tourism Organisation and acknowledged the contribution of those who developed the region’s World Heritage attractions.

Guests received a commemorative booklet, Hunting as a Pack, and the new Robbie Bastion Award for Inbound Marketing was introduced to recognise campaigns that prioritise the destination. The award honours the late Robbie Bastion, who promoted the region internationally.

O’Sullivan commented: “Over the past five decades there have been many visionaries and their legacy continues with Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry developed by family businesses whose owners were proud to live and work in this region.”

“History is an invaluable teacher and so we pause in the 50th year of Tourism Tropical North Queensland to look back at five decades of passion, innovation and resilience that have transformed Tropical North Queensland into the A$4.5 billion (US$2.9 billion) powerhouse of today,” added Olsen.

Overnight adventure awaits at Singapore Oceanarium’s Ocean Dreams

By TTG Asia
0

Resorts World Sentosa has relaunched Ocean Dreams, an overnight experience within Singapore Oceanarium, running on select weekends between November and December 2025.

Guests can stay in glamping tents set against the Open Ocean Zone, offering an immersive way to explore marine life during the festive and school holidays.

Guests can spend a night in glamping tents within the Open Ocean Zone, with exclusive tours, animal encounters, and curated marine activities; photo by Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa

The programme blends education with leisure, providing curated experiences on marine conservation and ocean science. Guests can take part in after-hours tours, guided visits to support areas such as the Aquarist Lab and Coral Fragment Room, and animal feeding sessions.

The glamping tents include air-conditioning, ambient lighting, plush bedding, drinks and snacks, and charging access. The Ocean Gallery tents accommodate up to four guests, while the larger Ocean Dome tent can host up to eight.

Children have access to an activity corner with games, storybooks, and crafts. Guests also receive take-home amenities including a marine-themed eye mask and socks, badges, and a personalised lanyard.

Dining is included with a gourmet dinner buffet, late-night snack basket, and breakfast. Deluxe Tent guests also enjoy a private lounge, exclusive 270 views of the Open Ocean habitat, and a private tour of the oceanarium.

Each session has 10 Signature Tents at S$1,800 (US$1,320) and one Deluxe Tent at S$3,800. Mastercard holders receive 10 per cent off bookings.

Early reservations are recommended due to limited availability.

For more information, visit Singapore Oceanarium.

Tourism Expo Japan calls for stronger outbound travel from central Japan

By Kathryn Wortley
0

Inspiring wanderlust was a core theme of this year’s Tourism Expo Japan, the country’s largest international travel event, which attracted 88,500 members of the public over two days in late September.

Held in Nagoya Prefecture for the first time, the expo spotlighted the urgency to stimulate greater outbound travel from Japan, particularly from Chubu Centrair International Airport, located adjacent to the venue, Aichi Sky Expo.

Japan looks to Chubu Centrair International Airport to drive the recovery of outbound tourism; photo by Lee Yiu Tung

“Japan’s central region, home to Centrair Airport, can serve as a catalyst for revitalising overseas travel, which remains in mid-recovery,” said Hiroyuki Takahashi, chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents.

Outbound travellers from Japan totalled 13 million in 2024, a 35.2 per cent increase year-on-year but only 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a slower recovery than other nations.

June brought improvement across seven major airports nationwide, with outbound departures reaching 75 per cent of 2019 levels on average, but Centrair achieved only 54 per cent, with 340 international flights weekly compared to 480 in 2019.

Speaking at the expo’s overseas travel symposium, a representative of Finnair, the only European carrier connected directly to Centrair, said increasing outbound travel from Japan is vital “because maintaining routes requires stimulating bidirectional demand”, adding that the airline had doubled its summer schedule from two to four flights weekly.

A representative of Japan Airlines, which increased its Centrair to Honolulu service to daily flights in July, said the airline aims to improve year-round passenger numbers to Hawaii by supporting the state’s marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, and other events.

Meanwhile, Centrair announced plans to promote business travel and expand passport acquisition support for its passengers from those aged 20 and under to those aged 25 and under.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Macao travel expo opens with strong international turnout
TTG Asia | Macao’s safety record strengthens appeal to cautious travellers
TTG Asia | Thailand pushes year-round tourism in new cabinet policy statement