Oceania Cruises has taken delivery of Oceania Allura, its eighth vessel, from the Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa. The 1,200-guest ship is the second in the line’s Allura Class and follows Oceania Vista, launched in May 2023.
Oceania Allura introduces new dining venues and menu items, which will also be rolled out across the fleet through late 2025 and early 2026. Additions include the Crêperie, offering French crêpes, Belgian and bubble waffles, and Italian-style ice cream desserts.
Oceania Cruises has confirmed an existing ship order for two additional Sonata Class Vessels; photo by Oceania Cruises
The ship also features an updated version of Jacques, the line’s French restaurant named for chef Jacques Pépin, with new menus and tableside preparations. The pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger now includes 12 Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, reflecting the Nikkei cuisine style. These include tuna ceviche with leche de tigre, braised short rib with lomo saltado and miso sweet potato mousseline, and soft-shell crab tempura served in soft buns.
The Grand Dining Room offers more than 270 new dishes created by Oceania’s culinary team, including over 30 additions to the breakfast menu such as new variations of eggs Benedict.
A new wine pairing experience, the Gerard Bertrand Wine Pairing Luncheon, will debut with Oceania Allura, featuring curated pairings selected by sommeliers.
Oceania Allura will be followed by the launch of Oceania Sonata in summer 2027 and Oceania Arietta in 2029. Each Sonata Class ship will carry approximately 1,390 guests and measure around 86,000 gross tons.
“Oceania Allura is our most innovative and luxurious ship to date. She represents our bold vision for an entirely new generation of luxury travel experiences. As always, at the heart of this beautiful ship is an extraordinary crew dedicated to providing exceptional cuisine, personalized, intuitive service and immersive enrichment opportunities for our guests,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.
Oceania Cruises has also confirmed the addition of two further Sonata Class vessels, previously on option, scheduled for delivery in 2032 and 2035.
“I am delighted to confirm we will be adding two more Sonata Class vessels to our fleet. These four Sonata Class ships will herald the next stage in the evolution of the Oceania Cruises brand of exceptional small-ship luxury experiences,” he added.
Travel loyalty subscription programme Accor Plus has named Emilie Couton as its new CEO. With over 24 years of experience at Accor and D-Edge Hospitality Solutions, Couton brings deep expertise in loyalty, digital marketing, distribution, and commercial strategy.
Based in Asia for more than two decades, she has played a key role in expanding Accor’s regional footprint and driving innovation across the group. Most recently, she served as managing director, Asia Pacific, at D-Edge. In her new role, Couton will lead Accor Plus into its next phase of growth, focusing on enhanced personalisation, value, and member experiences.
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation is now known as Visit Maldives Corporation – a name change that reflects the importance of prioritising destination branding, tourism marketing, and global engagement under a unified identity.
At the same time, an updated logo and revised brand identity have been rolled out to create a more consistent and unified visual presence across all platforms.
The new brand guidelines prioritise clarity and destination-focused imagery
The revised logo features slight adjustments to colour tones and a more prominent logotype to improve visibility, particularly in high-exposure areas such as outdoor advertising. While the overall appearance remains familiar, the modifications aim to strengthen recognition and consistency.
Accompanying the logo update are revised brand guidelines, which include updated fonts and simplified design elements. Greater emphasis has been placed on destination-focused imagery, with reduced use of additional graphics to support a cleaner and more cohesive visual style.
The Luxury Group by Marriott International’s latest research into luxury travel motivations, titled The Intentional Traveler, will influence the company’s decisions on staff training, the curation of guest experiences, and strategic decisions on property development.
The Intentional Traveler details how high-net-worth (HNW) travellers in Asia-Pacific are recalibrating how, where, and why they travel – prioritising well-being, immersive experiences, emotional value, and intentional design over volume and extravagance.
Montal: we are responding with efforts to introduce holistic wellness at our JW Marriott hotels
Discussing the findings with TTG Asia, Oriol Montal, regional vice president, luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said: “Our report helps us understand these behavioural changes, allowing us to then make the shifts that are necessary to better anticipate guest needs.”
Montal acknowledges that responding to these trends can result in both immediate outcomes and a harvest that requires time to show.
He said Marriott International has been able to respond quickly to the invaluable wellness tourism trend. It will launch in September a wellness series that will be led by wellness practitioners, allowing guests to enjoy a wellness retreat for a number of days.
“We are responding with efforts to introduce holistic wellness at our JW Marriott hotels. The JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, for example, is exploring a Mindful Room concept designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit through calming design, wellness rituals, and sensory experiences,” he revealed.
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, opening this October, will be the first JW Marriott property to offer this concept.
Quick action has also been possible with F&B trends. Having earlier observed the influential power of dining experiences in travel, the Luxury Group by Marriott International launched the Luxury Dining Series last year. It is a regional culinary programme held across six destinations.
The Luxury Dining Series returns this year with seven destinations – the new addition being South Korea, where the event will be held at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa. The full series will run from July to September 2025.
Marriott International’s greater investments in F&B offerings are also in response to report findings that travellers are balancing high energy days with slow and relaxing nights.
The number of travellers who pack their days with activities has surged from 48 per cent to 61 per cent year-on-year. When evening arrives, more travellers now prefer to spend their time in their hotels – up from 19 per cent last year to 28 per cent in 2025.
“This encourages us to invest even more on F&B, particularly in creating phenomenal experiences with local chefs for our guests who are resting in our facilities,” he explained.
“Some decisions, however, can take years to materialise. One good example is the trend in multi-generational travel, which we saw years ago and reacted by planning new hotels with three- to five-bedroom options. That has allowed us to welcome multi-generational groups today,” he said.
Similar long-term development outcomes will be seen in the company’s move into the space of luxury lodges and camps – a reaction to the growing love for nature and wildlife among affluent travellers.
The report noted that luxury travellers in 2025 are increasingly prioritising meaningful connection to the outdoors. From vineyard retreats to remote safaris, nature-driven travel is evolving from a niche interest into a core pillar of the luxury experience. Twenty-eight per cent of respondents are planning such trips this year, up from just 19 per cent in 2024.
The appetite for natural beauty extends to safari travel, with 30 per cent of respondents planning a wildlife-focused adventure.
Montal said: “We extended our portfolio into tented camps and lodges, starting with JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Africa, a couple of years ago. This was followed by the signings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp earlier this year. We are super excited about getting the first tented camps in The Ritz-Carlton portfolio as well as developing great hotels in the middle of beautiful nature.”
He added that Asia-Pacific’s outdoor-loving travellers need not travel far to enjoy nature in luxury – the new Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo in Indonesia offers guests a chance to experience the traditions and culture of Flores island. Labuan Bajo is also a gateway to Komodo National Park.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group and Mandai Wildlife Group have launched a three-year strategic partnership to promote Singapore as a travel destination, create exclusive customer experiences, and support wildlife conservation efforts.
The collaboration aligns with Singapore’s vision as a City in Nature, using the Mandai Wildlife Reserve as a key attraction. SIA customers will have access to curated wildlife experiences, exclusive co-branded retail items, and special benefits at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which includes Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild Asia.
Conservation and travel connect in new SIA-Mandai collaboration; Fragile Forest in Singapore Zoo, pictured; photo by Mandai Wildlife Group
The partnership also includes collaboration on conservation initiatives. SIA will provide air travel sponsorships and logistical support, including animal transfers between wildlife parks and zoos worldwide, as well as repatriation of wildlife to native habitats.
Visitors can access privileges and promotions through Pelago, SIA’s travel experiences platform, and purchase co-branded merchandise on KrisShop and at Mandai Wildlife Reserve retail outlets.
KrisFlyer members will receive special promotions for two new indoor attractions, Curiosity Cove and Exploria, located in Mandai’s eastern cluster. Benefits include bonus miles on ticket purchases via Pelago and miles redemption options for experiences such as Colugo Camp, an all-inclusive camping experience launching in 3Q2025, which also includes a mystery gift.
Starting August 2025, SIA will feature Mandai Wildlife Group content on its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment. The programming includes The Great Migration: First Steps and New Eden, a two-part documentary about relocating Jurong Bird Park’s birds to Bird Paradise.
Vinod Kannan, senior vice president sales and marketing, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership strengthens our ability to offer our customers enhanced benefits, while supporting wildlife initiatives in Singapore and around the world. Combining the Singapore Airlines Group’s global reach with Mandai’s world-class wildlife attractions helps to enhance Singapore’s appeal as a leading global tourist destination.”
Belina Lee, deputy CEO, transformation and growth, Mandai Wildlife Group, added: “Two iconic Singapore brands have joined forces to create world class experiences for global travellers, that also champion conservation. Every visit supports conservation in our wildlife parks, across Singapore and the region. Together with Singapore Airlines, we are excited to create exceptional ‘Conservation Included’ journeys where travellers can fly, stay, play and explore – right here in Singapore, a true City in Nature.”
A new study conducted by the Luxury Group by Marriott International has found that high-net-worth (HNW) travellers in Asia-Pacific are prioritising well-being, immersive experiences, emotional value, and intentional design over volume and extravagance.
The Intentional Traveler report, which surveyed 1,750 affluent travellers from Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand over a period from March 14 to April 17, 2025, picked up a luxury travel mindset that is marked by deeper cultural engagement, increased precision in itinerary planning, and rising expectations from brands and experiences.
Luxury travel in 2025 centres on purpose, personalisation, and meaningful emotional connection
Demand for personalisation has surged, with 93% of respondents expecting every detail of their trip to be tailored, up from 83% in 2024.
Planning is also prioritised, where 62% of respondents say they plan every detail of their trip in advance, up from 53% the year before. Bookings for long trips are made two to three months ahead, while short trips are locked in one or two months in advance. Solo travellers are the most methodical, with 73% booking well in advance.
In line with this shift, travellers are increasingly doing their own research, placing more trust in official and trusted sources like hotel websites, and less in personal recommendations, which dropped from 34% to 26% year-on-year. Notably, one in five travellers now turn to AI to help craft their luxury travel plans.
HNW travellers plan six domestic and four international trips this year – fewer than 2024, but with deeper purpose
Overall, travel has declined year-on-year, with fewer trips planned and shorter international stays. The average traveller is now planning six domestic and four international leisure trips in the next 12 months – two fewer international trips than in 2024.
While domestic sojourns have increased from three to four nights, long international stays have dropped, from 2.5 weeks in 2024 to just 1.5 weeks in 2025.
Despite the pullback in quantity, variety in travel types remains strong. Beach holidays remain the most popular type of vacation, holding steady at 37%. Cruises have seen a notable resurgence, climbing 11 percentage points to secure a spot among the top five travel choices. Wellness and spa getaways have also gained momentum, rising to 26% from just 19% in 2024. Travel for religious events is on the rise as well, now accounting for 17% of trips. Meanwhile, safaris continue to capture the imagination of adventurers, with 30% of travellers planning a nature-focused journey.
The longest domestic holidays are now being driven by a desire for personal growth, with top themes including medical tourism, religious events, and educational travel. Internationally, the longest trips are linked to cultural and spiritual enrichment as well as relaxation, with religious events, cultural festivals, and beach holidays topping the list.
Affluent travellers are prioritising food experiences, emotional connections, and tailored itineraries when choosing where to go next
Changing dynamics
The report also notes that travel this year is being reshaped not just by where people go – but by who they go with and why they travel. Traditional groupings like family vacations continue to hold strong, but new dynamics are emerging, reflecting evolving lifestyles, priorities, and values among HNW travellers.
It identifies the Guardian Trailsetters segment – solo parents travelling with children. This group has grown from 15% to 24% in just one year, and is attracted to itineraries that offer opportunities to take their children out of their comfort zone, such as religious events (41%), educational trips (38%), and safaris or extreme adventures (both at 35%).
During these trips, HNW solo parents diverge from their usual habits when it comes to travel arrangements, seeking alternative accommodation including friends’ homes (37%), home stays (37%), and Airbnb (34%) over luxury hotels (27%).
Another notable segment is Impact Explorers – the Gen Z segment that pays attention to seamless tech integration, sustainability, experiential depth, and authenticity in their travel plans. Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are highly favoured by this group, reflecting a craving for nature, culture, and adventure. Gen Z travellers are more motivated by meaningful, active pursuits: 47% prioritise being close to nature; 45% are eager to see wildlife, and 43% are drawn to active sporting holidays.
Solo travel is embraced by 31% as a path to independence and self-discovery, while small group trips (under five people) remain their preferred format.
The third traveller grouping is the Venture Travelist, a breed of traveller who blends business acumen with wanderlust. The report notes a rapid expansion of this segment – 86% of respondents now say they research business or investment opportunities while abroad, up from 69% last year. This trend is particularly strong in South-east Asia, where cross-border connectivity and entrepreneurial energy create fertile ground for new ventures.
At the same time, 78% of respondents say they combine leisure with business when travelling internationally, up from 71% in 2024. This style of travel is even more pronounced in domestic trips, with 86% of travellers mixing business and leisure within their home destinations, often using work commitments as a springboard for personal travel or family time.
Wellness investment
Wellness has become central to the luxury hotel experience, with 90% of respondents citing wellness offerings as a key factor in their booking decisions, up from 80% in 2024. In fact, 76% say they are likely to book a treatment during their stay.
Asia is the top destination of choice, with 67% of wellness-minded travellers planning their trips within the region. 75% are also booking their retreats three to 12 month ahead.
Luxury travellers seek wellness as a multidimensional experience – one that includes physical vitality, emotional balance, and mental enrichment.
According to the report, the modern wellness traveller from Asia-Pacific is 34 years old, gender-diverse, and likely to be in a relationship or married. Wellness travel is increasingly becoming a shared experience, with 55% of respondents planning to take a wellness retreat with immediate family, and 54% intending to do so with a significant other.
Back to nature
Luxury travellers in 2025 are increasingly prioritising meaningful connection to the outdoors. From vineyard retreats to remote safaris, nature-driven travel is evolving from a niche interest into a core pillar of the luxury experience. 28% of respondents are planning such trips this year, up from just 19% in 2024.
The appetite for natural beauty extends to safari travel, with 30% of respondents planning a wildlife-focused adventure.
Nature-based travellers are planners at heart, with most booking long trips two to six months in advance – and some as far as nine to 12 months out.
Family remains a key unit of travel, with 21-22% preferring to explore nature with immediate family.
Australia, Japan, China, and Singapore are favoured, drawing affluent nature lovers with a blend of natural beauty, safety, and refined hospitality.
Respondents who prioritise nature and wildlife often look for destinations that offer vegetarian or vegan menus (49%), healthy food options (48%), and eco-conscious practices (47%). For them, the luxury of nature is not just in the view, but in the values behind the experience.
Higher spend, higher demand
The choices of today’s affluent travellers reflect a new kind of luxury: one driven by authenticity, excellence, and a desire to make every moment – and every dollar – count.
72% plan to spend more on travel over the next 12 months, with the strongest intention detected in Australia (85%), Indonesia (81%), and Singapore (80%).
Notably, India, which previously topped the list, has seen a shift – now at 72%, indicating a more measured approach this year. Japan remains more cautious: 45% of respondents plan to spend the same or less, with one in five actively reducing their travel budgets.
Not only are affluent travellers prioritising luxury hotel brands over secluded villas or ultra-private retreats, they are also putting family first while on trips. 47% are most willing to invest in premium travel experiences when travelling with their families, outpacing all other group types.
They are also increasingly drawn to full-board, all-inclusive packages that offer convenience, consistency, and a sense of ease – especially when travelling with loved ones. Interest in all-inclusive options is strongest from Indonesia (66%) and Australia (53%), where travellers appreciate the predictability and comprehensive service such packages offer.
Return to familiarity
After several years of destination experimentation, the pendulum is swinging back towards the comfort, connection, and emotional resonance of familiar locales.
An overwhelming 93% of HNW travellers in the region say they prefer to return to beloved destinations, and 89% agree they are more likely to revisit places where they feel a genuine sense of connection.
The Intentional Traveler report notes that the return to familiarity marks a maturing of the luxury travel mindset. It is no longer just about where one can go, but where one wants to return – places that feel emotionally rewarding, culturally enriching, and personally significant. For brands and destinations, this means a greater emphasis on personalisation, continuity of service, and relationship-building with returning guests.
Although there is a return to familiar destinations, “new” options have also entered the top 10 chart. Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Cambodia are now among the top 10 destinations to visit in 2025.
High-energy days, soulful nights
A new travel rhythm is emerging – affluent travellers are filling their days with excitement and exploration, while reserving their evenings for rest, reflection, and refined experiences.
The number of travellers who say they pack their days with activities has surged from 48% to 61% year-on-year. The desire to bring home memories and experiences has also risen, from 54% to 64%, underscoring a growing emotional investment in travel.
Adventure is at the heart of this shift. A remarkable 80% of travellers now engage in high-adrenaline or sporting pursuits, up from 72%, while 87% are seeking out high-profile events, from international festivals to major sporting spectacles – up from 72% in 2024.
Deeper connections matter too: 42% want new connections while travelling, including shopping locally (46%), participating in meaningful cultural activities (42%), and exploring historical narratives (36%).
Nature also plays a central role: 92% want to be close to nature, 86% plan to see wildlife, and 49% prioritise being in breath-taking locations.
When evening arrives, more travellers now prefer to spend their time in their hotels – up from 19% last year to 28% in 2025.
Epicurean escapes
Gastronomy is unshaken as the leading travel motivation. HNW travellers are seeking immersive, story-driven culinary experiences that elevate travel into art.
93% of respondents want to discover new food or culinary experiences, with 51% describing it as “very important”, a significant rise from 40% in 2024.
The same percentage (93%) want to visit a new restaurant they have heard about, highlighting the influence of reputation and digital word-of-mouth in shaping dining choices.
44% strongly agree that dining in award-winning restaurants defines the luxury experience, while 29% are willing to spend more on a top-ranked meal, even if it means adjusting other aspects of their trip.
Oriol Montal, regional vice president, luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, told TTG Asia that with affluent travellers cutting down on travel frequency, but intending to spend more on purpose-driven trips that truly count, Marriott International’s hotels will have a key role to play in helping their guests “get the most out of their trip through pre-arrival planning and customised arrangements”.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) recorded its highest single booking day on June 26, 2025, when reservations opened for its new ship, Seven Seas Prestige. Bookings were 26 per cent higher than the previous record set in 2018 with the launch of Seven Seas Splendor.
The Skyview Regent Suite, priced at US$25,000 per suite per night, sold out on six of the 13 sailings in the ship’s first season.
The Skyview Regent Suite, pictured, sold out on nearly half of Seven Seas Prestige’s inaugural sailings; photo by Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Seven Seas Prestige, built by Fincantieri and scheduled for delivery in late 2026, is the brand’s first new ship class in 10 years. The 77,000-ton ship is 40 per cent larger than previous vessels but accommodates 10 per cent more guests, with capacity for 822 passengers and 630 crew.
All suites have balconies and include 12 categories, with four new designs such as two-level Skyview Suites and the 815m² Skyview Regent Suite, the largest suite on the ship.
Included in the fare are shore excursions, wines and spirits, valet laundry, Starlink Wi-Fi, and dining across seven specialty restaurants and 11 total dining options, including a new Mediterranean restaurant, Azure.
The inaugural season includes 13 voyages to destinations in the Caribbean and Europe, visiting ports such as Cartagena and St Lucia, with several overnight stays.
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for RSSC, commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled, but not surprised, by the phenomenal results that Seven Seas Prestige has produced – we knew that luxury travellers were extremely eager to reserve their suite on this incredible ship.
“Seven Seas Prestige promises to begin a new legacy for the entire ultra-luxury cruise sector, and we cannot wait until she joins the fleet in December 2026.”
AirAsia has introduced a new aircraft livery to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The design appears on a Thai AirAsia Airbus A320 and was created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The livery features the official emblem of the anniversary, with a Chinese dragon and Thai naga symbolising strength and friendship. A greeting in both Thai and Chinese is displayed along the fuselage.
AirAsia rolls out commemorative livery to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China
The aircraft will operate on routes across Asia, including AirAsia’s 10 direct routes between Thailand and China. These include flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Changsha, Wuhan, Kunming, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said: “Thailand and China share a long-standing relationship across many dimensions, especially in tourism, where both countries are top destinations for each other’s travellers. With mutual visa exemptions now in place, travel between the two nations has become even more seamless. China remains one of AirAsia’s key markets, and we are proud to serve a wide network of routes covering both major and secondary cities.”
Banyan Tree Krabi is offering a new package, Jurassic Explorer, following the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, which premiered globally on July 2. The movie was filmed in Krabi, and several scenes were shot in areas surrounding the resort.
The Jurassic Explorer package is available until December 21, 2025, and requires a minimum three-night stay. It includes a themed welcome drink and snack, a boat trip to Hong Island and nearby locations, and a guided visit to Klong Root (Clear Water Canal), one of the film’s shooting sites. Guests also receive a printed guidebook identifying several filming locations, a 60-minute massage at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, and discounted tickets for two to the Jurassic World Experience exhibition in Bangkok.
Explore Phra Nang Cave Beach, a filming location from Jurassic World Rebirth, easily accessible from Banyan Tree Krabi
Opened in 2020, Banyan Tree Krabi is located on Tubkaek Beach, about 25km from Krabi town. The resort has 72 suites and villas, including two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and a seven-bedroom option. All rooms face the sea and are set beside a national park. Facilities include two restaurants, a beach bar, beach club, children’s club, fitness centre, spa, and meeting rooms.
Guests interested in exploring the filming locations independently can use the resort’s guidebook, which includes directions to Klong Root, Phra Nang Cave Beach, and Huay To Waterfall, each featured in the film.
In addition to the package, the resort has added several limited-time food and drink options inspired by the film. These include Jurassic Laab, a spicy minced meat salad linked to actress Scarlett Johansson’s reported food preferences, and the Fossil Egg, a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage and fried. The hotel bar has introduced two themed drinks: the Raptor Forest and T-Rex Rampage.
A related spa treatment, Rebirth in Tranquility, combines a one-hour massage with a 30-minute bath and is available to guests booking the package.
Three of your six properties in Australia have recently completed significant renovations. What motivated your asset enhancement initiative (AEI) in Australia?
The answer to this starts way back. Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is a baby when compared against the big boys (other global chains). Yet, this baby has grown over the years to own and manage over 50 properties across Asia Pacific, North America, Africa and Europe.
We constantly tell ourselves that each of our property must punch above its weight. How do we do that? Through asset enhancements. An opportunity came right in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic, when occupancy was lower. It was the best time to renovate.
It was then that we looked into version two of our brands and the required hardware to match. Pan Pacific London (in the UK), which opened in September 2021, become representative of the new Pan Pacific brand while the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay (in Singapore), which opened in December 2021, become representative of the new Parkroyal Collection brand. All openings that followed adopted our vision of brand version two.
Since then, we have renovated and opened about 14 Pan Pacific hotels, 10 Parkroyal hotels, and three Parkroyal Collection hotels.
The majority of our properties are in Singapore and this part of Asia. Once we were able to establish version two of these properties here, we knew it was time to look at Australia, where we have six owned and managed properties.
It is a no brainer that our next big AEI investment must be for Australia because the country has done so well in tourism after the pandemic. International arrivals into destinations like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne are great, and the state authorities are investing so much into tourism development.
According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, international tourist arrivals are expected to rise by 41 per cent between 2024 and 2028. Arrivals from Singapore alone have grown by over 40 per cent between 2022 and 2024.
How much was invested in your Australia AEI?
We pumped close to A$55 million (S$35.8 million) into completely transforming Pan Pacific Perth. That’s a huge price tag because Pan Pacific Perth is a big box project – with 488 guest rooms and suites, it is the largest of PPHG’s six properties in Australia.
Designed by renowned FDAT Architects, the hotel’s refreshed interiors, redesigned lobby, and elevated Pacific Club Lounge draw inspiration from Western Australia’s natural landscapes. Sustainable design was integrated into the transformed Pan Pacific Perth – decorative panels were made from repurposed denim, hand-pressed natural herbs, and 100 per cent recycled plastics.
Pan Pacific Perth now represents brand version two in Australia, just as how Pan Pacific London is for the brand in Europe, Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel is in Japan, and Pan Pacific Jakarta is in Indonesia.
Our AEI investment also covers Parkroyal Melbourne Airport – it recently completed a comprehensive enhancement of its 276 guestrooms, conference facilities, and public areas. Business at this hotel is booming, thanks to corporate meetings. It runs with an average room occupancy of 80 to 90 per cent most of the time.
We also took Parkroyal Parramatta, Sydney through significant upgrades, including the revitalisation of its 286 guestrooms and event spaces. The hotel stands in Sydney’s second CBD, which is absolutely buzzing.
Our AEI in Australia so far has cost us about A$100 million. It is necessary to ensure each property evolves in step with changing consumer expectations and elevated brand standards.
What was the most crucial change made in those three transformation projects?
It would have to be our transformation to make the most of the business events market.
Australia’s business events industry is forecast to grow at a robust 11.5 per cent from 2024 to 2032, reaching US$42.8 billion. Melbourne and Sydney continue to lead as key hubs for business events, presenting a strong opportunity for PPHG as it expands its offerings to meet the demands of both leisure and business travellers.
Pan Pacific Perth’s 2,500m2 convention floor, which is the largest in the city, has been upgraded with advanced LED screens and cutting-edge audiovisual technology. Those LED screens wrap around from wall to wall, and are able to move with the walls when the space is reconfigured. We have also invested in the best sound system available and engaged Encore (an Australian audiovisual specialist) to leverage its production expertise.
The hotel’s launch party in May put up a really great show on the convention floor, and the Lord Mayor of Perth City Council was impressed with what our venues and event technology could do.
We also put money into upgrading the function rooms at Parkroyal Melbourne Airport and Parkroyal Parramatta.
The business events market across the world is growing as well, which is why we intend to make every ballroom and events space in all our hotels top of the line through the ongoing global AEI.
What plans are there for the other three properties in Australia?
Well, we want every property to be representative of brand version two, but there are considerations to be made.
When we acquired the property that is now Pan Pacific Melbourne (opened in 2017), we invested in a multi-million-dollar refurbishment with the help of Chada, one of the world’s premier interior studios. The upgrade gave the property a stylish and comprehensive facelift, keeping in line with its location at Melbourne’s iconic South Wharf. The hardware still looks excellent today, so we will review the need for an AEI down the road.
We opened Parkroyal Monash Melbourne in 2021, so it is still new.
Our sixth hotel in Australia is the Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney (opened in 2011). I cannot say now, but watch out for some exciting news to come.
What other development plans does PPHG have for Australia?
We want to introduce our Parkroyal Collection brand to Australia. We believe that this brand, with its strong sustainability promise, will resonate very well with Australian owners and Australian travellers.
I aspire to have a Parkroyal Collection hotel in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Sydney and Melbourne are lively destinations, and I see huge tourism growth potential in Brisbane. Some people say Adelaide is a sleepy town, but to me, it is a hidden gem that has undergone an exciting revival.
I will have to work harder to get this brand into these cities.
What comes after PPHG lifts all properties into the next level of hardware and brand promise?
As we bring every product up to brand version two, they become testimony of our management ability.
We are very excited about the prospects of growing our management contracts. Now, owners call us up. In the past, we would call up owners, and they would not be familiar with our company.
Now, we can fly owners to anywhere with our properties and show them what we can do. They can choose what works best for them.
Based in Asia for more than two decades, she has played a key role in expanding Accor’s regional footprint and driving innovation across the group. Most recently, she served as managing director, Asia Pacific, at D-Edge. In her new role, Couton will lead Accor Plus into its next phase of growth, focusing on enhanced personalisation, value, and member experiences.
Three of your six properties in Australia have recently completed significant renovations. What motivated your asset enhancement initiative (AEI) in Australia?
