Travelport has revealed improved global air search speeds on its Travelport+ platform. Travel agents using Travelport+ now receive results in an average of 0.84 seconds, a 23 per cent improvement, despite a 200 per cent increase in shopping volumes since 2023.
The platform’s enhanced search and booking functions are designed to support faster response times and more efficient operations for travel agents. Travelport has also integrated tools such as Content Optimiser and Productivity Automator to help streamline workflows and support revenue growth.
Travelport cuts search times by 23 per cent, helping agents work easier, smarter, and faster
According to a global survey conducted by Dynata with 1,289 travel industry professionals across EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, Travelport was rated highest in ease of use and innovation. In the US, it ranked 11 per cent higher than competitors.
It is also rated number one in Travel Agency Software on G2.com, based on user reviews and satisfaction scores.
“We deliver for travel agencies because we think like a travel agent. Agents’ needs are at the heart of our business, and their success in working smarter, selling better, and growing faster is our mission,” said Greg Webb, CEO of Travelport.
“From our lightning-fast search speeds to smart automation and machine intelligence, Travelport+ is the only modern retailing platform built with travel agents in mind.”
Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, India Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa has reopened in Gurugram following extensive enhancements. Set on a large expanse of green space against the Aravalli hills, the resort offers 143 rooms, suites and villas. Among these are Grand Luxury Villas that come with private plunge pools.
Dining options include Shamiana, an all-day restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating; Zvatra, which specialises in North Indian cuisine; and VIXX, a lounge serving cocktails. The resort also houses a wellness centre that provides traditional therapies and features a Turkish Hammam and outdoor swimming pool.
Recreational amenities include an adventure park offering activities such as pickleball, off-roading, go-karting and cricket. Guests may also join property-led experiences such as lawn picnics, yoga sessions, cooking classes, village-style dinners and local tours.
Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok
Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok, Thailand Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok has opened with 89 rooms and is located a few minutes from Don Mueang International Airport.
The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre, all-day dining restaurant, and a meeting space that accommodates up to 129 guests.
Nearby attractions include the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Chatuchak Weekend Market, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Kantarat Golf Course, and Wat Don Mueang temple.
Quest Hotel Midport Port Dickson
Quest Hotel Midport Port Dickson, Malaysia Close to the Malacca border, Quest Hotel Midport Port Dickson offers 413 rooms across ten categories, ranging from Superior Rooms with twin beds and workspaces to Family Suites with separate living areas and views of the forest or sea. All rooms include Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions with international channels, and ergonomic workspaces.
Facilities include a restaurant serving buffet breakfasts and à la carte options, as well as a water play area with slides for children, and an adjacent lawn for outdoor events.
Nearby attractions include Tanjung Biru Beach, Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, Teluk Kemang Beach, Dickson Bay Golf Resort and Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Kepong.
Le Méridien Ahmedabad
Le Méridien Ahmedabad, India Courtyard by Marriott has reopened as Le Méridien Ahmedabad, nestled in the heart of India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. The hotel offers 164 rooms and suites designed with mid-century influences and references to Ahmedabad’s textile and architectural heritage.
Facilities include a 1,860m² event space comprising a pillarless ballroom and outdoor lawns, as well as a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool, and dining venues.
Guests receive complimentary access to Archer Art Gallery, Gujarat’s largest art gallery, by presenting their room key. Other initiatives include the Le Méridien Family Passport, with child-friendly activities and seasonal experiences.
Nearby attractions include Sabarmati Ashram, the old city bazaars, riverfront promenades, and modern architecture reflecting Ahmedabad’s layered urban fabric.
Pulse Active and Hoiana Resort & Golf will host The Vibe Run in Vietnam for the first time, offering a new running experience in the country, blending fitness, nature and celebration.
This event, previously held in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, is more than a race – it combines running with music, wellness activities and social events. Runners can choose between 21km or 7km routes through the resort’s gardens, coastal golf course and ocean views. The run ends on the beach at sunset, followed by a post-race party.
Experience Vietnam’s first-ever sunset run with The Vibe Run at Hoiana Resort & Golf this August
The event takes place on August 8 and 9 at Hoiana Resort & Golf in Danang. On Friday, August 8, participants can collect their Vibe kits throughout the day, followed by a welcome rooftop dinner from 18.00, priced at 650,000 dongs (US$27) per person. On Saturday, August 9, social activities will be held in the morning before the race starts at 15.30, finishing by sunset. An after-race party at NOX Beach Club begins at 19.00, featuring DJ sets, a pool party, games, food and drinks.
Hoiana Resort & Golf offers a special stay package for the event starting from 2,600,000 dongs per night for two guests at New World Hoiana Beach Resort or New World Hoiana Hotel. The booking period runs until August 9, 2025, with stays available from August 6 to 12, 2025. The package includes daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children under six, a food and beverage coupon worth 440,000 dongs redeemable at the NOX Beach Club afterparty, and free cancellation up to three days before arrival.
At the Mega Halal 2025 Bangkok trade show, held at BITEC Bangna, stakeholders discussed powerful springboards for catalysing Thailand’s halal tourism development – from catering to daily rituals, to authentic halal certification and untapped source markets.
“Today, it’s no longer just Muslims promoting to Muslims. Even non-Muslim business owners are asking us how to welcome halal guests,” shared Aida Oujah, president of the Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Trade Association (TAHTA), who has been promoting Muslim-friendly travel routes in Thailand for almost 30 years.
The Bright Future of Thai Tourism: The Hottest Trends in Halal Hospitality session covered key trends, challenges, and untapped opportunities in Thailand’s halal hospitality sector; photo by Anne Somanas
When it comes to welcoming Muslim tourists, it is the small things that matter, such as bidets in bathrooms, prayer signage, same-gender massage therapists, and so on.
“The bidet is important. If there’s no water in the bathroom, it’s a big issue, especially for Muslim women. At the same time, Muslim travellers mostly want the same itineraries as other tourists. The religious requirements create only about 30 per cent differences in the programme,” Aida stressed.
Aida also highlighted that religious and cultural respect often intersect with iconic Thai tourism sites, noting that Muslim travellers frequently express disappointment when landmarks like Wat Arun or Wat Chalong in Phuket are not included in their itineraries, as many feel their visit to Thailand is incomplete without them.
Aida encouraged local operators interested in welcoming Muslim tourists to seek guidance from halal organisations such as the Islamic Committee, the Halal Institute, or TAHTA.
“Phone the contacts; approach the organisations. Don’t wait. Participate in trade shows, fam trips, and foreign buyer inspections,” she urged.
Session moderator Premrapee Punwangdeeyukul, factory manager at SPC Factory All Supply, shared: “Halal is an opportunity, not a limitation. Muslim-friendly doesn’t mean changing everything – just paying attention to the details that matter.”
Dumrong Poottan, advisor to the Speaker of the National Assembly, stressed proper certification, noting that only institutions like the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University or the Central Islamic Council of Thailand can formally certify Halal.
“Others may promote or market halal, but legal authority matters when it comes to the certification,” he underscored.
“Muslims talk among themselves and know when something isn’t truly halal – even if the vendor wears a hijab. Also, travellers don’t look for the owner’s name Fatimah or Mohammad – they look for the halal symbol,” advised Aida.
Travel blogger Sakarin Sadlah, founder of the Lamard tang tin (Praying in a Foreign Land) Facebook page, warned of fake halal labels.
“The biggest issue we face is opportunistic behaviour – stickers with no certification. That’s not just misleading; it’s a violation of religious trust. Thailand needs laws to stop this,” he opined.
While Thailand has a strong Muslim-friendly foundation, and halal snacks available at chains like Foodland and 7-Eleven, Sakarin added that having a local halal app – like Halal Navi in Japan, for checking certifications – would be a game-changer.
Dumrong meanwhile urged stakeholders to look beyond traditional source markets.
“India is now the most populous country, with a sizable Muslim population – in fact, its third wealthiest person is Muslim. We only need to capture a portion of this niche but high-value segment, but many of them don’t know that Thailand has halal-friendly travel options because our dominant image (in India) is nightlife and entertainment. That has to change,” he advised.
Kusuma Kinglek, CEO of Aonang Princeville Villa Resort & Spa, noted that halal tourism merges seamlessly with other broader wellness trends.
“Thailand already has the food and culture. We just need to adapt our kitchens and evolve our service standards to conform to halal wellness. The new tourism S-curve of clean living is a mega trend. Halal fits naturally into that,” she commented.
Aida concluded with a call for leadership, urging the Thai government to make a clear statement of readiness to welcome halal tourists. She noted that Malaysia, with a population that is 70 to 80 per cent Muslim, is emerging as a major source market alongside China. To capture this growing segment, she stressed, Thailand “must be prepared”.
Passport-less immigration procedures that rely on biometrics are known to dramatically improve efficiency in custom clearance and crowd control, but public concerns about security and data privacy remain. Jasie Fon, regional vice president of Asia with Ping Identity, a software company that specialises in identity management solutions, says there are systems in place to protect digital identities in travel processes.
In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions video news series, Fon discusses existing mandates and measures that address data privacy concerns within the aviation industry, innovations in identity fraud prevention efforts and their impact on travel technology adoption, as well as opportunities for other travel organisations and facilities to adopt decentralised identity and password-less authentication to speed up and simplify customer processing.
The Hong Kong government plans to develop nine new tourism sites across the city to better reflect changing visitor behaviour. The move responds to recent trends showing that tourists are seeking more affordable and experience-based options while in the city.
As part of the initiative, the Central and Western District will undergo a transformation in partnership with HKwalls, featuring murals by local, mainland Chinese, and international artists. A regular bazaar will also be launched in Victoria Park, offering themed events throughout the year.
A ride up to The Peak on the Peak Tram offers sweeping views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour, with upgraded trails to improve access by 2026.
The former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier, located midway along Victoria Harbour, will be developed into a public space for events and scenic photography. The site offers panoramic views of Hong Kong Island.
Four of Hong Kong’s well-known peaks – The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi – will be upgraded by the end of 2026. Improvements will include better signage and visitor information panels to enhance accessibility and support eco-tourism.
In addition, local food and beverage manufacturers will offer guided facility tours. These include sauce makers Lee Kum Kee and Pat Chun, as well as the yoghurt drink brand Yakult. The waterfront near Tamar Park will also see new plantings of pink trumpet trees and flowering shrubs to create a seasonal viewing area.
In Kowloon City, the Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey exhibition will extend visitor experiences using augmented reality technology. Tourists will be able to explore historical landmarks such as the former Kowloon Walled City and Kai Tak Airport through interactive features, alongside local food offerings and digital travel services.
The former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, which has served as a location for several crime films including Rush Hour 2, will be partially opened to visitors. Attractions will include a replica report room, cellblocks, screenings of Hong Kong crime films, and a display wall with stills and posters. Souvenirs will also be available.
Additional tours and exhibition enhancements are planned at the Police Museum, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum, and the Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre and Museum.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has raised S$3 million (US$2.2 million) through its SG60 SIA Cares 2025 fundraising campaign. The campaign, which ran for three months, will benefit more than 1,600 children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs across Singapore.
The airline matched the amount donated by corporate partners, members of the public, and SIA staff – S$1.5 million – bringing the total to S$3 million. The funds will go to social service agencies AWWA and Rainbow Centre, as well as to more than 200 programmes supported by Community Chest.
Guests toured SIA Training Centre during SG60 Open House, exploring flight simulators, safety facilities, and heritage exhibits
An additional S$3 million will be contributed through the Singapore government’s SG Gives matching grant, bringing the total impact of the campaign to S$6 million. These funds will support a range of social and community initiatives in Singapore.
A cheque for S$3 million was presented to the beneficiaries during the SG60 SIA Cares Open House held at the SIA Training Centre.
AWWA will use the funds to support its Community Integration Service, which serves over 300 students in mainstream schools and more than 470 students with multiple disabilities and autism at its Napiri and Bedok campuses. The funding will be used to strengthen therapy services, training for independent living, curriculum development, access accommodation, and co-curricular activities aimed at promoting greater inclusion.
Rainbow Centre will apply the funds to its Special Education Programme across its Admiral Hill, Margaret Drive, and Yishun Park campuses. This will support over 900 children and youth with autism or multiple disabilities. The programme focuses on tailored education, care, and intervention services that address individual developmental needs and promote greater independence.
Community Chest will allocate its share of the funds to address critical social needs. This includes support for children with special needs, youth at risk, adults with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions, and low-income families and seniors.
SIA also hosted its third SIA Cares Open House on July 19 and 20 at its Training Centre, which saw nearly 900 guests, including youth at risk, persons from disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities or developmental needs, along with their caregivers from 33 Singapore-based social service agencies. Guests took part in a two-hour tour of the SIA Training Centre, which comprised meeting pilots, cabin crew, and engineers; learning about flight training simulators; visiting safety training facilities; and exploring a showcase on Singapore’s nation-building journey and the airline’s heritage as well as sampling SIA’s in-flight meals.
The 19th edition of the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2025) will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City from September 4 to 6.
Said to be the largest and most prestigious international travel trade event in Vietnam and the Mekong subregion, ITE HCMC 2025 will provide a platform for Vietnam’s and the global tourism community to connect, collaborate, and explore business opportunities.
ITE HCMC 2025 returns from September 4 to 6 as Vietnam’s largest international travel trade event; photo by ITE HCMC
It serves as a hub for domestic and international tourism businesses – especially those from the Mekong subregion countries – to seek business partners and showcase a rich array of products to global markets. It also provide a platform for businesses to explore new products and business models, advancing toward sustainable tourism development. At the same time, localities and tourism enterprises will have the opportunity to introduce distinctive tourism products and unique experiences of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City to international visitors.
More than just a trade show, ITE HCMC also acts as a thought-leadership forum, spotlighting emerging trends and fostering critical dialogue around the future of the tourism industry.
ITE HCMC 2025 is expected to welcome over 520 exhibiting companies and brands, as well as 50 provinces and cities, along with 240 high-level buyers from more than 30 countries and territories. The event anticipates over 28,000 visitors and aims to facilitate 12,600 business appointments between international buyers and sellers.
The programme will comprise 16 key activities, including trade connection events, forums, conferences, and seminars.
A major programme highlight is the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), which will bear the theme, Shaping the Future of Tourism: Embracing Digital and Green Transformation.
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the founding members of TPO and currently serves on the Executive Board.
Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said in a press statement: “With the theme Sustainable tourism, Vibrant experience, ITE HCMC is expected to become a benchmark of innovation and transformation for Vietnam’s tourism industry, especially in today’s highly volatile and challenging global economy, where tourism has been among the hardest-hit sectors.
“Serving as a strategic gateway, ITE HCMC 2025 brings together tourism associations and enterprises nationwide to foster collaboration, boost competitiveness, and elevate Vietnam’s position as a standout destination in both regional and global markets”.
Frasers Hospitality’s global travel campaign More to Explore, More to Save has returned and is now open for bookings till September 30, 2025 for stays between August 1 and October 31, 2025.
The campaign offers a 20 per cent discount or more on new reservations at participating properties across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Frasers Hospitality offers 20 per cent off stays worldwide at properties such as Capri by Fraser, Johor Bahru, pictured
The campaign encourages travellers to visit neighbourhoods beyond typical tourist areas. Participating properties include Fraser Suites Al Liwan in Bahrain, located in the Al Hamala district near the beach, desert trails and UNESCO heritage sites. Fraser Place Chengdu in China’s Gaoxin District offers studios to three-bedroom apartments suitable for families and business travellers.
Capri by Fraser in Leipzig, Germany, is located in the city centre near cultural venues such as opera houses and galleries. Fraser Residence Nankai in Osaka is situated in the Namba district, close to shopping areas and historic temples. Capri by Fraser in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is near heritage streets, malls and night markets.
Fraser Suites Glasgow occupies a restored 19th-century building in the city centre, and Modena by Fraser Bangkok is located near Queen Sirikit MRT station and the Sukhumvit interchange, close to Terminal 21 and Benjakitti Park.
Singapore’s Royal Plaza on Scotts’s Carousel has introduced Voyage of the Titanic, the second immersive dining experience in its Hidden Table series.
Following its earlier season, the production returns with a new script that combines a tasting menu and stage performance, delivered entirely in darkness.
Experience the Titanic’s final voyage through sound, taste and scent in complete darkness
The event begins with a recorded narration set in 1912, as diners are introduced to the departure of the RMS Titanic. A four-course menu is served during the experience, with each course representing a stage of the ship’s journey. Several dishes are based on the original First Class menu served aboard the Titanic.
The performance takes place in complete darkness and is guided by sound, scent, and taste. Diners may be invited to interact with objects during the experience. The format is designed to encourage sensory focus without visual input.
The event opens on July 25 and runs weekly from Thursday to Sunday. Sessions are held at 19.00 on Thursdays and Fridays, and at 11.00, 13.00, 17.00, and 19.00 on Saturdays and Sundays. It begins at Palm Café, Level 5, Royal Plaza on Scotts, in Singapore.
Tickets are priced at approximately S$98 (US$73) per person. In conjunction with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, a special rate of around S$60 per person is available with a minimum purchase of two tickets.
