StarDream Cruises, the operator of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, will feature the Korean theatrical production Cookin’ NANTA aboard its ships later this year. Known for its mix of comedy, percussion and kitchen-themed performance, the show will run on Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream from August 26 to October 5, 2025, and on StarCruises’ Star Navigator from October 19 to November 28, 2025.
Performances will take place on selected two- and three-night sailings on the Genting Dream, departing from Singapore to South-east Asian destinations including Phuket, Penang and Melaka. The show will also be presented on the Star Navigator during two-, three- and five-night cruises departing from Keelung and Kaohsiung to destinations in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Cookin’ NANTA will perform on Genting Dream and Star Navigator
Staged in the Zodiac Theatre, Cookin’ NANTA has attracted over 15.5 million viewers in 326 cities across 61 countries. The onboard version retains the production’s signature percussion, physical comedy and kitchen choreography, adapted for a cruise ship audience. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Box Office on board, subject to availability.
In addition to the performance, passengers can take part in Korean-themed programming during the sailings. Activities include K-pop dance classes, Korean craft workshops, K-beauty demonstrations, cooking experiences, and hanbok photo sessions.
Accor has appointed Shaileen Jiwa as general manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel in Dubai. She will oversee all operations at the Queen Elizabeth 2, the former ocean liner now operating as a floating hotel.
With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Jiwa will lead the hotel’s next phase of development as one of Dubai’s prominent heritage destinations.
She was most recently general manager at MGallery Gem Forest Nairobi and has held senior roles at Tribe and Trademark Hotels in Nairobi, the Drake Hotel, and Canopy by Hilton in Toronto.
Marriott International has inked an agreement with Ventive Hospitality to open seven hotels as part of a portfolio deal covering 1,548 rooms across five brands.
The deal includes brand debuts with a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Sri Lanka, Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Varanasi, Courtyard by Marriott in Mundra (Gujarat), and Moxy in Pune. It will also be the third JW Marriott and second Moxy in a dual-branded property in Mumbai.
This multi-deal agreement represents 1,548 keys across five brands
Ventive Hospitality, a division of Panchshil Realty, is an owner, developer and asset manager of hotels and resorts, primarily in Pune and the Maldives. The seven properties are expected to open in 2030.
The agreement was signed by Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, and Atul Chordia, chairman and executive director, Ventive Hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Pottuvil, Sri Lanka, will feature 73 villas with living areas, private sun decks and infinity plunge pools. Facilities will include two restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, marine and wildlife centre, water sports club and children’s recreation centre. The property is accessible by a six-hour drive from Colombo or by seaplane or chartered flight.
JW Marriott Navi Mumbai, located in the satellite city of Navi Mumbai, will offer 450 rooms, wellness areas including a garden, five dining venues, 2,000m² of event space, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre. It is 10 km from DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The Varanasi Marriott Hotel will have 161 rooms and three dining options. It will include an exclusive lounge for elite members, a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool and event spaces. The hotel is a six-minute drive from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
Courtyard by Marriott Mundra, near Mundra Port in Gujarat, will have 200 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa and banquet facilities. Bhuj Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.
Moxy Hotels plans include three properties. Moxy Navi Mumbai, with 200 rooms, will be part of the dual-branded property with JW Marriott Navi Mumbai and feature a bar, kitchen, two meeting rooms and fitness centre. Moxy Pune Kharadi, with 200 rooms, will have social spaces, a bar, restaurant, gym and 350m² of event space with two meeting rooms. It is seven kilometres from Pune International Airport. Moxy Pune Wakad, with 264 rooms, is part of a mixed-use development about an hour from the airport and will include a bar, two meeting rooms and a fitness centre.
“Our growth strategy focuses on being present wherever our guests are looking to travel,” remarked Menon. “We are especially excited to have signed a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which is expected to mark the brand’s debut in Sri Lanka.”
Chordia said: “This signing not only strengthens our two-decade-long relationship with Marriott International but also marks a pivotal moment in our journey to redefine India’s hospitality sector.
“By leveraging Marriott’s global expertise and our deep real estate knowledge, we aim to create distinctive destinations that elevate guest experiences for both business and leisure travellers, driving growth in the luxury and upper-upscale segments and expanding our footprint beyond Pune, Bengaluru, and the Maldives.”
Japan Airlines (JAL) is teaming up with a French innovator in sustainable and economic aircraft design to develop the Maeve Jet, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Japan’s flag carrier airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Maeve Aerospace and JAL Engineering Co. (JALEC) to begin the partnership, which JAL hopes will “transform regional air transportation” in Japan while “promoting the development of sustainable aviation technology”.
Japan Airlines and Maeve Aerospace will collaborate to develop the Maeve hybrid-electric regional jet; photo by Japan Airlines and Maeve Aerospace
The jet represents a new approach to regional airline design, offering “improved operational economics over existing aircraft through its mission-optimised design weights and innovative systems architecture”, according to Maeve Aerospace. The design is expected to bring significant improvements to energy efficiency, enabling a 40 per cent reduction in the jet’s overall emissions without relying on sustainable aviation fuel.
“As an island nation, Japan relies heavily on air travel to connect its regions. It is essential to maintain a sustainable regional network to balance public benefit and business viability. The Maeve Jet offers a solution that significantly reduces environmental impact while enhancing economic efficiency,” said Yuji Koyama, senior vice president, corporate planning of JAL.
Martin Nuesseler, chief technology officer of Maeve Aerospace, said his company and JAL “share the vision to develop solutions that have the ability to generate an early impact without relying only on decarbonised fuels and further investments in new infrastructure.”
JALEC’s role will involve supporting safety and efficiency of the jet’s design and maintenance, as well as ensuring compatibility with Japan’s infrastructure.
Takashi Hamamoto, president of JALEC, added: “We aim to help establish new energy-efficient standards for the industry’s future.”
Dragon Trail International (DTI) has launched Trip Builder Pro (TBP), an AI-driven tool designed to help destination management organisations and other travel suppliers generate personalised web content aimed at improving conversion rates.
At a recent webinar, co-founder and CEO George Cao said that while AI can analyse and summarise web content, the use of “model content application” servers enables the development of travel apps that go beyond basic conversation. These apps, he noted, can support itinerary and workflow planning, offer bookable options, and deliver a consistent user experience without factual errors. He believes a “killer travel app” will eventually emerge.
Cao giving a demo of the platform in May at a Los Angeles Tourism/Visit California/Delta Airlines event in Shanghai
Cao added that TBP is designed to help clients build more accurate itineraries while allowing travel agents to edit content directly.
Sienna Parulis-Cook, director of marketing and communications, said TBP is ready for integration with tourism boards’ points of interest (POI) databases.
She explained: “It can be linked up to any data available through Dragon Trail’s B2B digital platforms, including our China Travel Academy e-learning courses, past or present online roadshows, and Travel Trade Hubs.
“We developed the Trip Builder Pro together with one of our DMO clients who was interested in how AI technology could help make its POI database and pre-built itineraries more accessible to the Chinese travel trade. We started doing demos of the platform during ITB China and have since introduced it to more clients and during several online sessions about AI in China over the past weeks, including our own webinar.”
According to DTI, pricing varies depending on the size of the client’s desired B2B outreach network and is confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Parulis-Cook noted: “We are able to offer tiered pricing based on the number of travel agents and agencies licensed to use the Trip Builder Pro tool, and this number is something the client can decide on based on its own requirements.”
Avalon Waterways has reported record bookings for 2026, with sales up 17 per cent compared to 2024 and seven per cent ahead of 2025 at the same point last year.
The company attributes the growth to continued demand for flexible cruising options and expanded itineraries across key destinations.
Avalon’s early 2026 sales surge reflects growing interest in personalised river cruising and expanded global routes
In Europe, the Rhine River remains Avalon’s top performer, led by the Romantic Rhine route from Amsterdam to Basel. On the Danube, two itineraries are driving bookings: Danube Dreams on the upper river and Balkan Discovery along the lower section. France is showing the strongest growth, with the Paris to Normandy route maintaining its position as a bestseller. The new Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary is also attracting interest.
Seasonal demand remains strong, with Christmas cruises continuing to perform well, particularly Christmastime on the Danube.
Outside Europe, bookings on the Mekong River are up 76 per cent compared to 2025. Avalon operates a 36-guest Suite Ship through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Avalon’s fleet features Suite Ships with two decks of Panorama Suites, which the company states are 30 per cent larger than standard river cruise cabins. Each suite includes open-air balconies and beds positioned to face the river view. Guests can customise their experience with excursions grouped under Classic, Discovery and Active categories.
While demand remains high for traditional routes, Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises are gaining momentum. These itineraries offer up to 28 included excursions and are designed to give travellers greater flexibility in how they engage with destinations.
With bookings for 2026 tracking ahead of previous years, Avalon Waterways expects the coming year to mark its strongest performance to date.
“We didn’t just elevate river cruise ships – we reimagined the entire river cruise experience,” said Chris Hall, managing director Asia Pacific, Globus family of brands. “The record demand we’re seeing is more than cruising’s popularity. It’s about Avalon’s difference: Suite Ships with a view, passion-filled excursions and the freedom to cruise your way.”
Conrad Hotels & Resorts has launched Conrad 1/3/5, a new programme offering immersive experiences lasting one, three, or five hours. The initiative aims to provide modern travellers with time-based itineraries that highlight local culture, design, and connections, inspired by founder Barron Hilton’s legacy.
The programme offers tailored activities suited to the guest’s available time and interests, simplifying planning for travellers who seek authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences. With 56 per cent of these travellers working with travel advisors and 43 per cent using the concierge, Conrad 1/3/5 provides a convenient and personalised way to explore without compromising comfort or quality.
The new time-tailored itineraries will be introduced across Conrad properties globally
According to Hilton’s recent trends report, nearly 70 per cent of global travellers prefer active trips, and over 75 per cent value hotels offering diverse and immersive adventures. Each itinerary can be booked through the Conrad Concierge and features localised activities designed to leave a lasting impression.
In Tokyo, one-hour options include a coffee tasting with rare beans or a premium sake pairing with seasonal dishes. Three-hour experiences feature a Ukiyo-e masterclass and an onigiri workshop at a historic shop. Five-hour experiences include a tea tasting evening and a sword-making workshop with a master smith.
At Conrad Bali, one-hour sessions offer a weighted blanket relaxation and crystal sound healing. Three-hour activities include a full moon celebration with traditional rituals and art therapy sessions. Five-hour options feature a guided forest bathing tour and a cooking journey involving local farms and traditional dishes.
Conrad Singapore Orchard offers a one-hour Negroni cocktail and cheese infusion workshop. Three-hour experiences include a cocktail tasting at one of the world’s top bars and a chocolate-making workshop. Five-hour options feature guided edible garden walks and a visit to a private Peranakan home museum.
In Beijing, one-hour tours cover the Temple of Heaven and an art walk through the CBD. Three-hour options include shopping at Panjiayuan Market and dining on Peking duck at a renowned restaurant. Five-hour experiences involve tours of the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, exploring historic sites and gardens.
Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said: “With the launch of Conrad 1/3/5, we’re empowering our guests to discover new perspectives through curated, time-tailored experiences that go beyond the expected. Whether guests want to enjoy a quick tour or embark on a full afternoon of local discovery, this programme reflects our commitment to offering meaningful, memorable experiences that connect them more deeply to the world around them.”
Conrad 1/3/5 will be available worldwide at Conrad properties and will be customised by each hotel to reflect local culture.
Sunshine Coast operator Saltwater Eco Tours has introduced new guided canoe tours, including equipment designed to support participation by wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility.
The 90-minute tours take place twice a week and use six double canoes, each featuring a distinct Aboriginal design. Departing from The Wharf Mooloolaba, the tours follow a route along the Mooloolah River and are led by a First Nations guide. Cultural storytelling is incorporated throughout the journey, which takes place in a calm water environment suitable for all abilities.
Participants canoeing on the Mooloolah River in Indigenous-themed canoes
Founder Simon Thornalley, a Saltwater Eco Tours director of Indigenous heritage, said the initiative aims to make nature-based experiences more accessible. The route includes stops at points of ecological interest, with morning tea provided.
Tours operate on Thursdays and Sundays from 08.00 to 10.00 and are priced at A$120 (US$80) per person, including equipment and refreshments. The minimum age is 12.
Private group sessions are available on Wednesdays during the same time slot.
International visitors to Japan reached a record high of 36.9 million in 2024, a 47.1 per cent increase year-on-year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The growth was welcomed by the trade, but much of the country did not benefit, as approximately 70 per cent of visitors stayed in the three major metropolitan areas, according to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), fuelling concerns of overtourism in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Regional landmarks like Miyajidake Shrine, pictured, benefit from Japan’s tourism shift beyond major cities; photo by cowardlion
Still, there are signs that tourism is being redirected to lesser-known areas, supporting more sustainable tourism development.
JTA data indicates that inbound visitors are increasingly interested in regional destinations, with 5.8 million guest nights recorded in January 2025 – a 49 per cent increase year-on-year, representing 31 per cent of all international visitor stays. This follows December 2024, which saw a 33 per cent year-on-year rise, equating to 34 per cent of all international guest nights.
These results follow years of efforts, including collaboration among the JTA, Japan Sports Agency and Agency for Cultural Affairs to promote regional destinations with sporting, cultural and artistic assets. Examples include Hokkaido, with its winter sports, Ainu culture and heritage sites.
The JTA has also been expanding gastronomy tourism through food tours and experiences, such as those in Nara – a heartland for sake and matcha – which trialled guided tours in 2023 and 2024 with JTA support.
The private sector is also working to drive more traffic to rural areas. In 2024, Japan Airlines and Hoshino Resorts launched a joint campaign to promote hidden gems via a themed search website, featuring categories such as “winter wonderland” and “festive fun”. DMCs have also developed off-season regional activities, including sake brewery tours and culinary experiences.
Public and private sectors are investing in Japan’s adventure travel segment, which is largely rural, with new projects and training to build human resources.
In 2024, prefectures outside major metropolitan areas that saw the sharpest increase in total bed nights compared to 2019 included Ishikawa (up 29 per cent), Tochigi (25 per cent), Fukuoka (14 per cent), and Hokkaido (13 per cent).
Hiroyuki Sato, a 30-year travel industry veteran, attributes rising interest in Ishikawa and neighbouring Gifu to their “authentic cultural experiences”, which are especially popular with Western visitors, and the “convenient transport links” from Tokyo and Kyoto.
Fukuoka, meanwhile, is becoming more popular with Asian markets, “thanks to both its geographic proximity and diverse food culture and nightlife”, he said.
Tochigi’s growth is supported by the arrival of international hotel brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Fairfield by Marriott, and Hoshino Resorts. Hokkaido has gained momentum from several new Ainu-related attractions; new ski slopes, gondolas and luxury accommodation in Niseko; a new national park; and Japan’s newest long-distance trail.
These high-performing regions are seeing further investment. Fukuoka Airport, for instance, added a second runway in March and will open a large-scale commercial complex in 2027.
Sébastien Duval, business development manager at Japan Travel, predicts rural destinations will continue to grow in popularity, partly due to overcrowding and rising hotel prices in major cities. He noted that luxury travellers may seek countryside stays for tranquillity and spend fewer nights in Kyoto.
However, “travel agencies lack skilled guides to dispatch as full-time assistants serving as an interface at such destinations”.
Should popular destinations worry about losing travellers to emerging parts of Japan?
Duval believes that “well-established destinations” have nothing to fear.
Sato agreed, adding: “Redistribution of visitor flow (from Kyoto) to neighbouring areas such as Shiga and Nara may reduce pressure on Kyoto and, in turn, enhance the overall quality of the visitor experience. Rather than acting as competitors, these emerging destinations may be seen as complementary to existing ones.”
Hiroshi Kurosu, chief researcher at JTB Tourism Research and Consulting expects direct flights and proximity to more quickly attract Asian visitors deeper into Japan.
Sato added that lesser-known regions would likely rely on an increase in repeat visitors than Westerners who “still regard Japan as a once-in-a-lifetime destination”.
Amara Sanctuary Sentosa has partnered with German luxury fashion and lifestyle label MCM to offer a curated series of experiences in celebration of the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection launch.
Running from now to August 10, the collaboration features a themed villa stay and a weekend-only afternoon tea, both set within the resort’s tranquil Sentosa grounds.
Discover the exclusive MCM-inspired villa stay at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa
For the duration of the campaign, one of Amara Sanctuary’s Two-Bedroom Villas will be converted into an MCM-inspired space, featuring select items from the brand’s home and pet accessory lines. The setup includes designer poufs, pet bowls and a full display of the latest MCM Parfum collection.
Guests staying in the villa will be transported via a customised MCM-decorated buggy and receive an exclusive MCM gift set valued at S$150 (US$111), which includes two 30ml bottles from the new fragrance line.
In addition to the stay experience, the partnership also includes an afternoon tea service themed around MCM’s latest scents. Held on Saturdays and Sundays from 14.00 to 17.00, the tea service will run throughout the campaign period and is priced at S$88++ for two guests. The menu includes a range of savoury and sweet items served alongside a welcome drink and free-flow coffee and tea. Highlights include lobster mayo salad in choux pastry, abalone cold green tea soba with truffle-sesame dressing, black sesame Swiss roll, and pineapple mousse with basil.
She was most recently general manager at MGallery Gem Forest Nairobi and has held senior roles at Tribe and Trademark Hotels in Nairobi, the Drake Hotel, and Canopy by Hilton in Toronto.
