TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 31st December 2025
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Page 83

Hwajing brings Piano Land to Malaysia in first Chinese cruise homeporting initiative

By TTG Asia
0

Hwajing Travel & Tours has partnered with Astro Ocean Cruise to bring the MV Piano Land to Malaysia. The vessel will make her maiden voyage on November 30, becoming the first Chinese cruise ship to be homeported in Malaysia.

The deployment will run from November 30 to December 16, and marks Hwajing’s second major international cruise collaboration, following the homeporting of an Italian cruise ship last year.

From left: Astro Ocean Cruise’s Jian-feng Tong, Tourism Malaysia’s Yeoh Soon Hin, and Hwajing Travel & Tours’s Kenny Cheong

Itineraries will include a three-day, two-night return sailing from Penang to Port Klang, and a four-day, three-night voyage visiting Penang, Langkawi, and Port Klang. Passengers can embark from either Penang or Port Klang, offering more flexibility for Malaysian and regional travellers.

A special six-night New Year Countdown Cruise is also planned, sailing from Port Klang to Singapore, Nha Trang, and Hong Kong. The itinerary will feature a New Year celebration at sea, with passengers viewing fireworks over Hong Kong’s skyline from the ship as she welcomes 2026.

The signing ceremony took place at the Penang Port Commission and was witnessed by Yeoh Soon Hin, chairman of the Penang Port Commission and deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia. The agreement was signed by Kenny Cheong, managing director of Hwajing Travel & Tours, and Jian-feng Tong, vice president of Astro Ocean Cruise.

Yeoh said in a press release issued by Hwajing Travel: “In line with transport minister, Anthony Loke’s vision to position Malaysia as a premier homeport destination, we are committed to driving the nation’s cruise tourism agenda forward.

“By encouraging travellers to begin and conclude their cruise itineraries in Malaysia, we aim to boost tourist arrivals, create local employment opportunities, and showcase Malaysia’s vibrant culture, heritage, and cuisine on the global stage. With the right strategy, cruise tourism holds tremendous potential to deliver sustained economic benefits and uplift communities across the country.”

Cheong added: “Welcoming MV Piano Land to Malaysia reinforces our commitment in making cruise holidays more accessible and enriching for both Malaysian and South-east Asian travellers. This milestone comes at a special time for us, as Hwajing celebrates its 36th anniversary this year. We look forward to playing a key role in developing Malaysia into a thriving homeport hub for international cruises.”

“The deployment of MV Piano Land is a key milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across Asia. We believe its unique culture and cruise model will effectively stimulate cruise travel demand in Malaysia and surrounding markets,” stated Tong.

Singapore Food Festival returns for 32nd edition with focus on heritage and innovation

By TTG Asia
0

The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) will return for its 32nd edition from September 4 to 24, 2025, marking more than 30 years of events highlighting the country’s food culture. Ahead of the festival, a series of activities will offer previews of what visitors can expect.

The 2025 theme, Have You Eaten Yet?, reflects the role of food in connecting people, especially in Asian cultures where care is often shown through sharing meals rather than words. The festival will feature over 15 events, including three Signature Events, three Pop-up Events, seven Unique Events, SG60 Specials, and online activities. Its central hub, Mise en Place at Dempsey Hill, will be open to the public and showcase a range of experiences combining food, culture and lifestyle.

The Long Table offers a communal dining experience blending food and storytelling

Mise en Place will also host Zumbo Desserts, led by celebrity chef Adriano Zumbo, marking the brand’s debut in Asia. The festival will focus on Singapore’s food heritage and innovation in celebration of SG60. Fashion curator Daniel Boey will contribute by integrating fashion and food in one of the festival’s showcases.

The Signature Events include Long Table, a communal dining experience combining food with storytelling and theatre; Food Is Art, which pairs dessert chefs, mixologists and artists to explore food as visual art; and Future Food, highlighting food innovation through tastings and demonstrations.

Pop-up Events will bring food experiences to various parts of Singapore, including food truck tours and heritage walks. Unique Events aim to create immersive food experiences by combining culinary arts with other creative fields.

SG60 Specials will honour Singapore’s culinary history with contemporary interpretations. The festival will also engage international audiences through online and social media content. Over 50 affiliate partners will offer additional curated experiences across the city.

In July, the Singapore Food Stories digital series will share personal accounts and recipes from Singaporeans, emphasising the cultural and emotional significance of food.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre will be the festival’s Heritage Hawker Partner. The centre, located in central Singapore, houses 226 stalls and is known for its traditional dishes passed down through generations. From September 4 to 24, it will host events under the banner of SFF 2025, highlighting the role of hawkers in preserving local food culture through the concept A Taste of Time, which focuses on craft, community and continuity.

For more information, visit Singapore Food Festival 2025.

Japan expands rural destination development project to broaden luxury tourism potential

By Karen Yue
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Three more destinations – the foothills of Mount Fuji, Niigata, and Yamagata – have been added to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and Japan National Tourism Organization’s (JNTO) project to develop model destinations aimed at spreading the consumption of high-yield inbound travellers. This brings the total number of beneficiary destinations to 14.

The commitment to intensively support the development of rural destinations for quality tourism was initiated last year. The project aims to address challenges in tourism product offerings, accommodation supply, human resources, and connections with overseas trade partners, with support provided by both JTA and JNTO.

The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial turns rural landscapes into a global stage for art and nature, attracting travellers seeking unique cultural and outdoor experiences

Ryo Ito, manager, luxury travel promotion office, global projects department with JNTO, told TTG Asia during ILTM Asia Pacific last week that Mount Fuji, Niigata, and Yamagata were selected for the project based on their strong potential for further tourism development, which will create more reasons for travellers to visit and return.

Niigata, while renowned for its top quality rice and sake, also boast a rich arts movement. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, held once every three years, is Niigata Prefecture’s signature modern art event, with installations displayed across various sites, including town centres and rice fields.

Ito noted that the Triennial could elevate Niigata’s appeal as an art destination, similar to how the Setouchi Triennale has raised the profile of the Seto Inland Sea islands.

The focus on Niigata will also highlight Sado city, known as the habitat of the Japanese crested ibis.

Yamagata’s natural landscapes and mountain scenery will be promoted in overseas markets where the prefecture remains relatively under the radar compared to other parts of Japan.

For the Mount Fuji foothills, the focus will be on developing and showcasing alternative tourism experiences, aiming to broaden international perceptions of the area beyond hiking.

Asked about the project’s progress with the initial 11 destinations, Ito said there had been “great progress,” particularly in improving accommodation, developing experiences, and strengthening DMCs.

He added that several destinations have participated in international trade shows with JNTO, with Kyushu and Tottori joining ILTM Asia Pacific for the first time this year.

“The response from travel advisors at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 has been encouraging. Many overseas agencies are looking for new destinations in Japan, not just the popular ones,” reflected Ito.

“We are promoting high quality destinations across Japan so that travel agencies can build itineraries that combine the big and popular cities with lesser-known ones,” he said, adding that travellers can easily access off-the-beaten-track destinations via major transport hubs.

New PATA series offers insights into travel shifts across Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia
0

PATA has released the first edition of Tourism in Focus, a new monthly publication highlighting key tourism trends and developments across the Asia-Pacific region in a concise, accessible format.

Published under the tagline Insights for a Meaningful Pacific Asia Tourism Economy, the series delivers timely, data-driven intelligence on how travel and tourism is shaping national economies and industry priorities. It will inspect a wide range of tourism segments, including activity-based, cultural, experiential, health and wellness, special interest, and purpose-driven tourism.

Tourism in Focus offers monthly insights on emerging travel trends across the Asia-Pacific region

The debut edition, titled The Future of Travel is Personal, Playful, and Profound: What Marketers Must Embrace Next for Travel, was produced in partnership with Tripadvisor.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “This initiative, crafted in alignment with the Association’s Strategy 2030, enhances PATA’s commitment to equipping members and the wider industry with knowledge of emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities that will shape the future of travel and tourism.”

He added that each edition would share insights from different PATA partners and experts, helping the industry stay informed and ready for what’s next.

The complimentary publication is now available on the PATA Catalog and can be accessed here.

Digital technologies drive changes in airport traveller behaviour and spending

By TTG Asia
0

Airports worldwide are increasingly adopting digital technologies that are changing how travellers move through terminals and how much they spend.

A recent global survey by Priority Pass, which included over 12,000 travellers from key Asia-Pacific markets such as Hong Kong, Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, highlights the growing impact of automation on passenger behaviour and airport commerce.

The survey finds airport automation is changing traveller behaviour and increasing spending across the Asia-Pacific region

The global airport automation market is expected to grow from US$55.05 billion in 2025 to USD$85.12 billion by 2033. The increase is attributed to changing passenger expectations and investment in digital infrastructure. Technologies such as biometric identification, real-time updates, and automated check-in and baggage handling are influencing traveller preferences and expenditure.

In the Asia-Pacific region, fast-track security (78%) and digital boarding passes (77%) were the most widely cited technologies impacting travel. Automated baggage drops (74%) and advanced security scanners (72%) also featured prominently.

68% of travellers in Asia-Pacific – including 77% of Gen Z and 73% of millennials – reported spending more at airports as a result of automation. This compares to a global average of 60%. Nearly half (48%) of travellers in the region said automation gives them an additional 10 to 30 minutes per journey, while 21% reported gaining up to an hour. This extra time is commonly spent on dining (58%), shopping (51%), or using airport lounges (46%). Around 31% of respondents said automation made them feel more relaxed, leading to greater discretionary spending.

Airport lounges and spending patterns
Lounge access remains a significant aspect of the airport experience in Asia-Pacific, where 80% of respondents said they had used a lounge at least once. Among lounge users, 73% said automation increased their airport spending, compared to 45% of non-users.

A separate study by analytics firm Fonto, commissioned by Collinson, found that Australian payment cardholders with Priority Pass spend 19% more annually than cardholders with access through other providers or without lounge access.

Travellers identified three preferred future developments in lounges: tech-enabled environments with tailored food, entertainment and workspaces (46%), seamless app-based bookings (42%), and sustainable lounge and wellness area design (41%). 67% of Asia-Pacific respondents said that lounge access through payment cards improved their airport experience.

Balancing automation and human support
While automation is generally viewed positively, travellers continue to value human interaction at key points. In Asia-Pacific, 69% of respondents believe the pace of AI and technology adoption in airports is appropriate. However, the study notes that human presence remains important during customer service interactions (66%), security procedures (53%), and lost property assistance (52%), where reassurance and clarity are often needed.

Looking ahead, travellers in Asia-Pacific expressed interest in standardised global security processes (45%), fully biometric travel (44%), and smart baggage tracking (43%).

As airports incorporate more technology, opportunities are increasing for service providers and brands to engage travellers. According to Priority Pass, aligning loyalty benefits with traveller preferences may enhance customer engagement within a changing airport environment.

Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans stated: “Automation is freeing up valuable time, lowering stress levels and providing better information, in real time to the traveller. When the experience delivers, travellers are more inclined to explore places to relax, sample dining options or retail stores. By integrating digital access to lounges and new airport experiences into the Priority Pass app, we’re creating more choice and opportunities for enhanced moments throughout the journey.”

“The dynamic Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the world’s busiest international airport hubs, with several airports investing significantly in expansion and modernisation of infrastructure to meet growing demand. The region is also leading the charge in adopting airport technology; in turn, setting new global standards for efficiency and traveller experience,” added Todd Handcock, global chief commercial officer and Asia Pacific executive chair at Collinson International.

He added that their research showed travellers in Asia-Pacific also place high value on “connection, trust and service alongside these innovations”.

The full report can be viewed here.

The Anam Group introduces AI chat function across hospitality websites

By TTG Asia
0

The Anam Group has introduced an AI chat function on its websites, providing real-time responses to user queries in around 150 languages. The technology operates 24/7, offering information quickly and comprehensively.

The group, which owns The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne resorts and the Axi Plaza convention centre, has partnered with a US-based company to deploy technology combining innovations from OpenAI and Google.

The Anam Group introduces AI to handle customer questions 24/7, reducing staff workload and response times

The chat function, located in the bottom right corner of each website page, connects directly to The Anam Group’s property management system. Users can ask questions about accommodation availability, dining options, pool sizes, and other aspects of a potential stay.

Martin Koerner, commercial director of The Anam Group, said the independently owned group was the first in Vietnam to implement this technology, which he said performed better than typical chatbot functions.

He explained that travellers no longer need to browse accommodation categories or check availability manually, as the chat function provides all necessary information instantly. Koerner added that the chat delivers responses in a warm and friendly manner, offering helpful suggestions and polite greetings, including phrases in Vietnamese with translations.

Regarding concerns about AI replacing human roles, Koerner said staff remain responsible for monitoring the system and updating the property management database to ensure accurate responses.

The technology also frees staff from handling routine phone and email enquiries, allowing them to focus on guest services. Currently, the AI manages messages received via Facebook, Instagram, and the group’s website.

The Anam Group plans to extend AI support within the next few months to answer in-house guest queries via WhatsApp in multiple languages.

“We are using the latest in AI to deliver good ol’ fashioned Vietnamese hospitality; in this case, providing accurate and comprehensive information to serve the needs of our potential guests, and guests too, on our website,” said Koerner, adding that the AI’s ability to communicate in around 150 languages removes potential communication barriers between staff and customers worldwide.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Maritim Hotels expand guest benefits through loyalty collaboration

By TTG Asia
0

Millennium Hotels & Resorts (MHR) and Germany-based hotel group Maritim Hotels have announced a cross-brand loyalty partnership, allowing members of their respective loyalty programmes – MyMillennium and MyMaritim – to access benefits when staying at participating properties in both groups.

The agreement was signed at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa in London by Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer of Millennium Hotels & Resorts, and Roland Elter, chief commercial officer of Maritim Hotels.

Millennium and Maritim have launched a joint loyalty scheme, expanding member benefits across international hotel networks; M Social Singapore, pictured

As part of the partnership, MyMillennium members will receive discounts on Best Available Rates, including Room Only and Bed & Breakfast options, at selected Maritim Hotels. MyMaritim members will gain access to similar discounts on Flexible Rates at participating Millennium Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. These benefits are intended to provide additional booking flexibility while preserving the individual features of each programme.

The collaboration expands the number of destinations available to members. MyMaritim members can now access Millennium properties in cities such as Singapore, London, New York City and Dubai, as well as resort locations including Phuket and Penang. In turn, MyMillennium members will now have access to hotels in Germany, located in Dresden, Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin and other cities.

Millennium and Maritim will also take part in joint trade show appearances and roadshows, combining their market presence to attract both corporate and leisure clients. The partnership includes joint sales activity and reciprocal employee privileges, such as access to friends and family rate programmes.

Both companies stated that the agreement reflects a broader shift toward collaboration in the hospitality sector, aimed at enhancing loyalty offerings and improving operational efficiency across brands.

“Our collaboration with Maritim Hotels is a strategic step to expand our access to Germany and the larger European Union, an important travel and business region. It will enhance travel and strengthen our shared vision to cross borders with quality hospitality experiences,” said Kwek Leng Beng, chairman of MHR.

Globus unveils South Africa itinerary with wine, wildlife and national parks

By TTG Asia
0

Globus has introduced a new 13-day Small Group Discovery tour in South Africa, designed for a limited number of participants, with group sizes averaging 18 and capped at 24. The tour runs from Cape Town to Johannesburg and includes a range of experiences across cultural, natural and conservation-focused settings.

The itinerary features guided travel through several locations across South Africa, with transportation, domestic flights, and accommodation arranged in advance. The tour includes visits to wine estates, nature reserves, and coastal towns, as well as safari experiences at private game reserves.

The small group tour explores South Africa from Cape Town to Kariega, with stops including Tsitsikamma National Park, pictured

Highlights include a cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain, a private garden tour and dinner at a historic estate, and a picnic at Boschendal Wine Estate. In Hermanus, participants can walk along the cliffs of Walker Bay or take a boat excursion for whale watching, depending on the season.

The trip continues with a river safari to Kariega Private Game Reserve, game drives with opportunities to see wildlife such as lions and rhinos, and a guided walk through coastal caves in Knysna’s Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Accommodation includes a range of hotels and lodges selected for location and access to local attractions. These include The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town, the Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, The Marine in Hermanus, The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, and Settlers Drift Lodge in Kariega Game Reserve.

Travellers also have the option to extend their trip with a four-day visit to Victoria Falls.

For more information, visit Globus Tours.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption disrupts air travel once more

By Mimi Hudoyo
0

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption on July 7 has again caused flight delays and cancellations. While operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport have resumed by late afternoon on the same day, 26 flights were impacted.

Ahmas Syaugi, general manager of the Bali airport said in a statement that 24 flights serving Labuan Bajo, Australia, Singapore and South Korea were cancelled while two flights to Australia and South Korea were delayed on Monday evening.

Operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport were disrupted for several hours on July 7

Ahmas said airlines were able to coordinate flight arrangements, cancellations and refunds via email, allowing affected passengers to avoid having to report to the airport.

Affected passengers that were already at the airport had onsite assistance.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post (PGA) reported that the height of the observed ash column on July 7 reached 18,000m above the peak, approximately 19,584m above sea level.

Half-Half Thailand Travel campaign kicks off with mixed reception

By Anne Somanas
0

Thailand’s Half-Half Thailand Travel campaign officially launched on July 1, generating strong interest from the domestic hospitality sector.

While demand from both travellers and suppliers has been high, the campaign has faced technical difficulties, with citizens and hotel operators reporting glitches and bottlenecks during registration.

The campaign aims to stimulate domestic travel during Thailand’s low season, which coincides with heavy rains and fewer foreign arrivals; Ao Nang bay, Thailand, pictured; photo by Nextvoyage

“Everyone is willing to support the campaign. We want to see it succeed,” shared Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, marketing chair for the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

“As the campaign coincides with the low season, hotels are eager for it to be fully operational. They’re eager to go live, knowing the campaign will attract strong demand,” she added.

The stimulus has a budget of 1.75 billion baht (US$54 million), aiming to generate up to 35 billion baht in revenue. It offers Thai citizens subsidies of 40 to 50 per cent on hotel stays, capped at 3,000 baht per night for up to five nights, plus a 500 baht cash voucher for food and attractions.

One key concern from hoteliers is the pricing requirement. Participating hotels must submit fixed weekday and weekend rates for the entire campaign period.

“Many hotels prefer dynamic pricing. If OTAs pull a cheaper Best Available Rate, it could make the Half-Half rate appear costly and discourage travellers,” Prachoom explained.

The campaign structure mirrors its Covid-era predecessor but is now fully hosted on Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) own infrastructure, managed with support from Krungthai Bank.

“TAT has stepped up to manage the system directly for the first time. It’s a learning curve, but they’re working hard to resolve issues swiftly,” Prachoom noted.

Meanwhile, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool apologised for the technical difficulties on her Facebook page and promised to ease registration problems for citizens.

The campaign launched with 500,000 entitlements – 300,000 for major destinations and 200,000 for secondary cities.

Bookings opened on July 1 and will continue until October 27, 2025. Stays can be made from July 4 to October 30, with final check-out on October 31. Business operators have until July 31, 2025, to register.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Productivity in tourism economy takes centre stage at 11th GTEF
TTG Asia | Macau shows off stronger festive winter vibes
TTG Asia | Strong baht weighs on Thai tourism