Accor and Elanor Investors Group (Elanor) have rebranded four properties within the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund (EHAF). The hotels will be managed by 1834 Hotels and will join Accor’s network in October 2025.
As part of the EHAF’s asset strategy, Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments will become The Sebel Byron Bay, Barossa Weintal will become Mercure Barossa Valley, Clare Country Club will become Peppers Clare Valley, and Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide will become Mantra Wakefield Adelaide.
From left: Accor’s Adrian Williams, Elanor’s Tony Fehon, and 1834 Hotels’s Andrew Bullock
The rebranding is intended to improve asset performance and guest experience by aligning the hotels with recognised regional and global brands. The conversion of Peppers Clare Valley and Mantra Wakefield Adelaide will follow planned refurbishment works to ensure full brand alignment. The Sebel Byron Bay marks Accor’s return to the area, continuing the long-standing presence of The Sebel brand in regional destinations since 1963.
1834 Hotels will manage day-to-day operations during the transition, increasing the number of EHAF hotels under the Accor brand to nine.
Adrian Williams, chief operating officer of Accor in the Pacific region, said: “These hotels are well positioned in key regional and leisure destinations and we are confident they will see immediate benefit from our scale, systems and support. By joining our franchise network, each hotel gains access to Accor’s global distribution system and award-winning loyalty programme – ALL Accor.”
Tony Fehon, managing director of Elanor Investors Group, added: “Aligning with Accor’s respected and targeted brand architecture allows us to further differentiate our portfolio and enhance investment performance. The support and operational execution by 1834 Hotels has been instrumental in bringing this strategy to life.”
The rebranding is underway, with minimal impact on operations and a focus on implementing the new Accor brands.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 31st World Route Development Forum (Routes World 2026), a global event that shapes the future of air connectivity.
The event will be led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) as tourism partner, the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) as air connectivity partner, and Matarat Holding as airport partner, and organised by Tahaluf.
Riyadh prepares to welcome global aviation leaders at Routes World 2026
Routes World is an international platform where airlines, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders plan and negotiate future air services. Each year, the event attracts thousands of aviation decision-makers, supporting the growth of international travel and tourism.
The selection of Riyadh as host city highlights Saudi Arabia’s growth as a global aviation hub under Vision 2030. In 2024, more than 128 million passengers travelled through the Kingdom’s airports, a 15 per cent increase on the previous year and 25 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. In the first half of 2025, airports handled 66.7 million passengers, 467,000 flights and 575,000 tonnes of cargo.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of STA, noted that Saudi Arabia is opening new links between people and places, with visitor numbers rising six per cent in 2024. Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, said the event highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to growing its tourism and aviation sectors, while Steven Small, managing director of Routes, added that strong visitor spending and modern aviation infrastructure make Riyadh an ideal host for the forum.
Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport is expected to handle 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is expanding its capacity from around 50 million today to 80–114 million by 2030, reaching 100 million by 2035. The Kingdom is also investing in new airlines and infrastructure, including the launch of Riyadh Air by the end of 2025, which will serve over 100 international destinations.
Riyadh’s successful bids for World Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 show confidence in its ability to host major events. Hosting Routes World 2026 will further strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a global connector between Asia, Africa and Europe.
GACA president and chairman of Matarat Holding, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, said: “Hosting Routes World 2026 is a major milestone in our journey to position Riyadh and the Kingdom as a central hub for global aviation. The decision recognises Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth, infrastructure investment programme and Vision 2030 tourism and economic growth agenda.”
Qantas adds A220 service and Jetstar route to New Zealand
The Qantas Group will expand its trans-Tasman operations, including Qantas’ first international service using the A220 aircraft between Brisbane and Wellington and a new direct Jetstar route from Brisbane to Queenstown in 2026.
From February 2026, Qantas will operate its A220 aircraft on flights between Brisbane and Wellington, marking the aircraft’s first international deployment. The A220 will initially operate up to three times a week, replacing existing E190 services and some Boeing 737 flights. The aircraft is more fuel efficient than previous-generation planes and offers a lighter, brighter cabin, larger windows, overhead lockers and fast free Wi-Fi.
Jetstar will begin direct flights between Brisbane and Queenstown from June 2026, operating three times a week during the snow season (June to October) on A320ceo aircraft, providing more than 17,000 low-fare seats annually.
Qantas and Jetstar will also increase frequency on existing trans-Tasman routes. Jetstar Brisbane-Auckland will operate up to twice daily, Melbourne-Christchurch will operate daily year-round, and Sydney-Auckland will increase to up to 12 per week. Qantas will add two extra flights per week between Sydney and Christchurch during February and March.
Lufthansa Group
Lufthansa Group launches early check-in at Singapore Changi Airport
The Lufthansa Group has introduced an early check-in service for all passengers travelling from Singapore to Europe with Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS).
The service, available at Changi Airport’s Jewel, allows guests to drop off their bags and check in as early as 08.00 on the day of departure, 12 hours before the main check-in counters open. Passengers can use the service from 08.00 until 20.00.
Air Astana and Air India
Air Astana, Air India deepen codeshare on Almaty-India routes Air Astana and Air India have strengthened their cooperation through a codeshare partnership covering flights between Almaty and Delhi, and Almaty and Mumbai. Under the agreement, Air India will place its AI designator code on Air Astana-operated flights, offering passengers greater connectivity and convenience for travel between the two countries.
The arrangement builds on an existing interline partnership that began earlier in 2025. Air Astana customers can already connect via Delhi and Mumbai to 18 destinations across India, as well as nine international destinations served by Air India. At the same time, Air India passengers gain access to Air Astana’s network through Almaty, connecting to key cities in Central Asia and China, including Astana, Bishkek, Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Urumqi.
Vietjet
Vietjet to operate direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila
Vietjet will launch a direct service linking Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hub, with Manila, the capital of the Philippines, starting November 22, 2025. The route will operate five round-trip flights per week, enhancing air connectivity across South-east Asia.
The new service is Vietjet’s first direct connection between Vietnam and the Philippines. Tickets are available via the airline’s official website for travel from November 22, 2025, to March 29, 2026.
Park Hyatt Auckland has appointed Lisa Breckon as director of sales and marketing.
She has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and was most recently director of sales and marketing at CPG Hotels, where she managed the sales and marketing function across 10 properties and oversaw the launch of the Fable Hotels & Resorts brand in New Zealand.
Her expertise includes sales strategy, digital marketing, brand development and revenue optimisation. She also has experience in building teams and client relationships.
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is anticipating a visitor surge in the coming years – from 72 million in 2019 and 65 million in post-Covid 2023 – to reach a predicted excess of 85 million by 2027, according to the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. This projection has highlighted the importance of visitor management to protect the environments and communities that call GMS destinations home.
“What happens when visitors love a place too much? We see overflowing waste, overcrowding and communities pushing back against tourists. That’s why visitor management is key to saving what we love,” said Chumpol Musiganont, deputy director-general of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration in Thailand.
Sherpas help tourists with their luggage as they ascend the mountains in Phu Kradueng National Park
Speaking at the Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang, Laos in June, Musiganont added: “Poor experience leads to fewer return visits, while effective management enhances quality, protects heritage and ensures community equity.”
Common techniques
Musiganont pointed to tools used to control impacts and enhance visitor experience. Zoning and spatial planning is a common technique, where specific zones are designated for activities, such as tourism, conservation or residential use.
Timed entry and booking systems, including advance reservations and ticket quotas, can be effective in managing visitor flow during peak periods. Additionally, digital tools are proving key, such as smart visitor monitoring using apps or Internet of Things sensors, to track visitor numbers, patterns and behaviours.
“This is a good way to learn how many people there are and where congestion occurs,” said Musiganont, adding that data can help with informed decision-making and planning.
Thailand has been able to better manage tourist flows with the QueQ app, which allows visitors to reserve entry to popular attractions and venues. To date, at high demand sites, QueQ has reduced the average waiting time by 38 per cent.
A code of conduct for tourist is also essential for visitor management. Musiganont recalled how massive Chinese inbound volumes to Thailand earlier had resulted in friction between visitors and residents.
He said: “Thai people complained about improper behaviour. That happened because they (the tourists) were never informed about how to conduct themselves. Foreigners must be informed of the code of conduct.”
Finally, he recommended involving local communities. “Engaging local residents in decision-making and benefit-sharing, while fostering stewardship and cultural integrity is important to gain local support,” he stated.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai,Thailand
Easing congestion in Thailand
The small mountain of Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai province, Thailand is surrounded by a national park and is home to the famed Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Buddhist temple. This destination receives millions of visitors annually.
Visitorship surges especially on weekends and during religious festivals, leading to parking issues, littering and noise.
“The visitor experience and site integrity were under pressure. Many who had to wait in one place felt upset and complained,” Musiganont said.
A raft of actions was introduced. This included enforcement of one-way traffic, zoning, regulation of vendor stalls, and installing signs and behavioural guidance encouraging quiet and respectful conduct in sacred areas.
It also trialled the QueQ app, which reduced waiting times during busy periods by 32 per cent. During the trial period, all of these tools combined reduced temple congestion by 40 per cent and complaints by 50 per cent, while increasing visitor satisfaction by 27 per cent, according to Chiang Mai Tourism Office.
Thailand’s Phu Kradueng National Park is now working on strategic visitor management. It is popular with visitors hiking the 5.5km trail to camp overnight at its summit. The large volume of visitors results in up to 180kg of waste dumped daily at the summit, which attracts elephants. Trails are also erodied, making it inaccessible to the elderly and disabled. Furthermore, congestion issues are common on weekends.
To overcome this, the park has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce a cable car system and shuttle hub. App-based queuing and reservation systems will be introduced, as well as visitor zoning and capacity control, and wildlife and visitor tracking tools.
The project is currently under Environmental Impact Assessment, but predicted benefits include reduced trail erosion and improved waste management, minimising wildlife disturbance, and increased access.
Musiganont said: “Visitor management isn’t about limiting tourism, it’s about shaping it. Smart tools, like zoning and digital queuing, are already making a difference.”
He urged GMS tourism leaders to invest in capacity-based infrastructure, such as smart queuing and controlled access, engage local communities as custodians and co-designers, support legal reform and policy innovation that enables sustainable solutions in protected areas, and use data to guide action.
Taiwan is stepping up efforts to grow inbound tourism and guide visitors beyond its capital with new routes, nature trails and island attractions.
Huang Shih-Fang, deputy director general of the Taiwan Tourism Administration, told TTG Asia that while arrival targets were missed in 2024, the outlook for this year is stronger.
Taiwan showcased its destinations at the recent PATA Travel Mart to boost regional visibility
So far, arrival numbers have been encouraging, with 4.2 million tourist arrivals in the first half of this year, a 10 per cent increase from the same period last year. Its top target markets for inbound tourists are Japan, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration is actively working to promote Taiwan overseas through partnerships and events. These included participation in travel tradeshows such as Singapore’s NATAS Holidays 2025 and the PATA Travel Mart in Bangkok, and the upcoming Tourism EXPO Japan.
Taiwan also aims to encourage visitors to explore all of the island, beyond its capital of Taipei.
In February, the Pingtung County Government launched eight uniquely themed travel routes that highlight the southernmost county’s nature and cultural diversity through a series of leisure activities.
Other efforts include promoting sustainable travel through the island through the use of public transport. Huang shared that the Tourism Administration is working with national parks to promote hiking trails and tours.
He noted that the New York Times featured Alishan as one of its 52 destinations to travel to this year, which would help increase its visibility among international tourists, and mentioned the Alishan Forest Railway, a 113-year old train that was originally a logging train and now a popular tourist attraction in Chiayi county.
He also shared about the Matsu islands off the north-west of Taiwan, renowned for its bioluminescence or ‘blue tears’ phenomenon visible at certain times of the year off the coast.
YTL Hotels has acquired the 380-bedroom Thistle Hotel in Johor Bahru, marking the group’s latest investment in Malaysia’s southern region.
The property will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen in 2026 as a five-star hotel. The hotel will feature a range of amenities, including premium accommodation, dining options, meeting and event spaces, and leisure facilities for business and leisure travellers.
The 380-bedroom property will be refurbished and reopened as a five-star hotel, expanding YTL Hotels’ presence in southern Malaysia
The acquisition strengthens YTL Hotels’ presence in Malaysia while expanding its global portfolio. Further details on the project and design will be released as development progresses towards the 2026 opening.
With Johor Bahru experiencing growth and transformation, Francis Yeoh, executive chairman of YTL Corporation, said: “This investment represents our ongoing commitment to Malaysia’s tourism landscape, delivering memorable stays that combine exceptional service with thoughtfully designed experiences.”
Trip.com has launched a Free Layover Tour Service at Hong Kong International Airport, allowing travellers with layovers of seven hours or more to explore the city. The service offers six half-day itineraries, three free and three premium, all including guided transport and English-speaking guides.
The free tours take participants through cityscapes, heritage sites, and natural attractions. Highlights include a visit to Inspiration Lake and Ma Wan Village on the Serenity & Stories tour, the Pei Ho Street Market and Wong Tai Sin Temple on the Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk, and the West Kowloon Cultural District and Avenue of Stars on the Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey.
Trip.com introduces free layover tours at Hong Kong International Airport, giving travellers time to explore the city between flights
The premium tours, requiring advance booking, include a Lantau Island half-day tour with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Big Buddha, a Peak tour featuring colonial architecture and Victoria Peak, and the Tai O Water Village tour exploring traditional stilt houses.
All tours last about four hours, accommodate up to 20 guests, and include airport transfers with fast-track re-entry for onward flights.
Bookings can be made via the Trip.com app, website, or on-site at designated airport counters.
Terra Madre, the global gathering created by Slow Food and known for its biennial Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, will hold its first regional edition in Asia and the Pacific in the Philippines from November 19 to 23, 2025.
The five-day event will be themed From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions. Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP) will bring together farmers, fishers, indigenous leaders, chefs, academics, youth, and cultural advocates to celebrate food biodiversity and promote sustainable food systems rooted in tradition, fairness and environmental care.
Fresh Start Organic Farm in Hacienda Maquina, Silay, showcases local farming traditions in Negros Occidental
Held at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, the event is expected to attract 2,000 delegates from over 20 countries and thousands of regional visitors.
Ramon “Chin Chin” Uy Jr, Slow Food councillor for South-east Asia, said the gathering will provide a platform where grassroots knowledge can influence policy and tradition can inspire innovation. Paolo Di Croce, general director of Slow Food, described the event as a chance to strengthen regional networks, launch strategic initiatives such as Slow Food Travel, and highlight the shared culinary traditions of Asia and the Pacific.
The event marks the designation of Bacolod City as the Center for Sustainable Gastronomy and Negros Occidental as the Organic Capital of the Philippines, building on previous Terra Madre Visayas events.
Activities will include thematic spaces and exhibits highlighting regional staples such as rice, spices, soy, and taro; educational programmes for children and adults on taste and biodiversity; coffee-focused workshops; public talks and conferences on sustainable agriculture; guided tastings and cooking demonstrations; and spaces dedicated to organic farmers, sustainable drinks, and street foods. A communal dining area will feature dishes from all 61 barangays of Bacolod, turning the event into a living showcase of local heritage.
The programme also includes an opening ceremony, official government welcome dinners, and curated ticketed dining experiences, reflecting collaboration between Slow Food, the city and provincial governments, national agencies, and local partners.
Location
The six-hectare resort overlooks the Gulf of Thailand on a stretch of coastline in Kep in southern Cambodia that has recently been developed as part of a government-led beautification programme. It is a stroll from the town’s famous crab market and a short tuk-tuk ride to the town centre, main beach and national park.
Accommodation
While Knai Bang Chatt has been welcoming guests for 22 years, its rebranding to Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West marks the start of a new chapter, not only for the resort, but for the quaint coastal town as a whole.
The 18 rooms span five types, with each mirroring the resort’s wabi-sabi spirit. Each blend minimalist luxury with restored modernist architecture. While they feature a mini bar and coffee and tea facilities, the rooms come without a TV, which the owner claims distract from being present in the moment. However, there is a small meeting room on-site with a TV.
I stayed in a spacious superior room that spanned 38m² and oozed understated elegance, featuring contemporary raw concrete floors and walls, teak wood and traditional Cambodian artefacts.
F&B
Knai Bang Chatt’s signature restaurant, The Strand, is where guests can enjoy breakfast with an ocean view. It also serves lunch and dinner. Adjacent to the resort is Kep West, a multi-functional leisure destination that sits on the oceanfront.
At The Wave, guests can opt for more casual dining at Cafe Grande, which is perfect for lunch or a relaxed evening meal. For fine dining, Crab & Co delivers a mouth-watering menu dominated by the area’s abundance of fresh seafood. The giant mud crabs and steamed king prawns are a must.
The rooftop, The Deck, is the perfect sunset spot, serving a range of tapas dishes, creative cocktails and idyllic views of the sun sinking into the sea.
Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West
1 of 7
Suite
Superior room
Bathroom
Swimming pool
Sunbeds
The Strand
Front desk
Amenities
The resort reflects Kep’s past as Kep-sur-Mer, a retreat for the French colonial elite. It includes three original villas from the 1960s, with the rest built in the same style.
The main resort comprises expansive gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, spa and The Strand. In addition to The Wave, Kep West is home to a raft of other amenities.
Kep West Wellness Centre is the perfect place to start the day with a yoga session, holistic healing, Tibetan bowl sound healing or breath workshops, designed by wellness manager Lana Yang.
At Kep West Sailing and Discovery Centre, visitors can embark on sailing adventures and a raft of excursions designed to immerse guests into local life. Options include meeting rural farmers by motorbike, pepper farm visits, day trips with fishermen, dolphin spotting and planting mangroves. We embarked on a unique trip to Koh Seh Island, the base of Marine Conservation Cambodia, to learn about its work to protect Cambodia’s marine ecosystem.
Service
In keeping with the barefoot luxury vibe, don’t expect staff to be wearing suits greeting you with, “Ma’am” and “Sir”. Instead, you’re on first name terms, welcomed like a relative returning home.
Verdict
Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West is a great new addition to the sleepy seaside town, offering elevated adventure, dining and drinking options, while helping usher in a new era for Kep.
Her expertise includes sales strategy, digital marketing, brand development and revenue optimisation. She also has experience in building teams and client relationships.
Location
