TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Page 84

Sri Lanka hosts second consecutive year of Bohra religious convention

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A religious gathering involving approximately 15,000 members of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community concluded in Colombo on July 5, following a nine-day retreat that began on June 27. Participants travelled from 20 countries, marking the largest single group of overseas visitors to attend an event in Sri Lanka.

The programme was held simultaneously in India and Sri Lanka, with sermons delivered by the Dawoodi Bohra leader, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, from Chennai, India. In Colombo, community members attended live telecasts at designated venues.

15,000 Dawoodi Bohras from 20 countries gathered in Colombo for a nine-day religious retreat

Tourism and government authorities in Sri Lanka facilitated the event, which was hosted in both countries for the second consecutive year.

Many Dawoodi Bohras are engaged in trade in their respective countries. The community has established populations in India, the Middle East, East Africa, and other regions.

“We’re fortunate that Syedna Saifuddin has chosen our city as an overseas venue,” said Mufaddal Zainuddin, a member of the project management team in Colombo. “As we open our homes and hearts to welcome approximately 15,000 Dawoodi Bohras from different parts of the world, we are grateful to government authorities and local bodies for their extraordinary support and permissions in hosting attendees,” he added.

Attendees were accommodated in hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes, contributing to tourism numbers for June and July. Tourist arrivals in June reached 138,241, a 21.8 per cent increase from 113,470 in June 2024. Sri Lanka is targeting 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025, compared to two million last year.

The daily sermons focused on personal reflection, community unity, and ethical conduct, covering themes such as patriotism, compassion, discipline, environmental sustainability, and social service.

Meliá Hotels International targets Asia-Pacific expansion with luxury focus

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Meliá Hotels International (MHI) is increasing its presence in Asia-Pacific, with one in every three new properties planned for the luxury segment. This includes the regional debut of its Paradisus by Meliá and The Meliá Collection brands, starting with Paradisus Bali — the group’s first all-inclusive resort in Asia, scheduled to open in December 2025.

Paradisus Bali will introduce the brand’s Destination-Inclusive concept, which emphasises local engagement and wellness. The resort will offer daily on- and off-site experiences aimed at connecting guests with Balinese culture and surroundings. Facilities will include eight restaurants, twelve venues, wellness activities, and family-friendly programming.

Meliá brings its Destination-Inclusive concept to Asia with Paradisus Bali

With 485 rooms and suites and seven private villas, Paradisus Bali will also include The Reserve, an adults-only area with exclusive services, and Family Concierge, a programme tailored for families.

The Meliá Collection will debut in Asia in 2026. Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat is located in the Vietnamese highlands. In Laos, Grand Luang Prabang reflects colonial-era architecture with views of the Mekong River. In Inner Mongolia, The Meliá Collection Arxan will be set in forested mountains, intended as a quiet location that integrates natural surroundings and local traditions.

MHI is also expanding its F&B portfolio in the region. In Vietnam, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel, located on the coast of Nha Trang, includes the restaurant Hispania, which showcases Spanish cuisine using local produce. Originally developed by Spanish chef Marcos Morán, the kitchen is now led by chef Azizskandar Awang.

In Indonesia, ERRE & Urrechu Jakarta – Asia’s first Basque fire-grilled dining concept by chef Iñigo Urrechu – has opened at Gran Meliá Jakarta.

Meliá Hotels International’s luxury developments extend beyond Asia-Pacific, with new properties planned in global locations. The ME by Meliá brand continues to expand in urban centres.

ME Malta, which opened in April 2025, is located in Mercury Towers in St Julian’s, marking the brand’s entry into the country. ME Marbella opened on July 1, 2025, bringing the brand to the Spanish coastal city.

Additional openings include ME Lisbon (expected 3Q2025) and ME Málaga (4Q2025), the latter marking the brand’s return to the Costa del Sol with a property owned by former footballer Gerard Piqué.

Elsewhere, the group’s luxury portfolio includes Paradisus Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands (opening August 1, 2025), which will be the island’s first high-end resort. It will offer an all-inclusive experience incorporating wellness and local culture along Sotavento Beach. In Italy, Residenza Cardinale, Member of Meliá Collection (opening 4Q2025), will offer accommodation in a restored historical building.

“Asia-Pacific is one of the most dynamic and promising regions for luxury travel,” said Ignacio Martin, regional managing director, Asia-Pacific, MHI. “As traveller preferences evolve and demand for high-end, culturally resonant experiences grows, Meliá is uniquely positioned to lead… creating not just exceptional hotels, but flagship destinations that reflect the future of luxury in Asia.”

Six Senses to launch Bangkok property within Hatai mixed-use project

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Six Senses has signed a hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to open Six Senses Bangkok in 2028 as part of Hatai, a new mixed-use development on the site of the former Narai Hotel in Silom, coinciding with the property’s 60th anniversary.

Opened in 1968, Narai Hotel played a formative role in Thailand’s hospitality sector, establishing itself as a key part of Silom’s business and social district. The site is now being redeveloped into Hatai, with Six Senses Bangkok forming part of the project.

Rendering of Six Senses Bangkok, opening 2028 in Silom’s Hatai development

Foundation work has commenced, with architectural design led by Heatherwick Studio. Inspired by traditional lantern craft, the design aims to reflect Bangkok’s cultural heritage while incorporating sustainable elements.

Six Senses Bangkok will feature around 100 rooms and suites, alongside wellness facilities and hospitality services consistent with the brand’s existing approach. The property is targeting LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications. Materials from the original Narai Hotel, including its wooden foundations, will be reused in the design, aligning with the brand’s focus on local and sustainable sourcing.

The hotel will include a 700m² suite and a signature restaurant by Joyce Wang. The main restaurant will be connected to a sky lobby via a sky garden with biophilic elements. Facilities will include a rooftop pool and Six Senses Spa Bangkok, which will offer wellness treatments, sleep support programmes and health-focused cuisine.

Six Senses Bangkok is the third Six Senses hotel in Thailand, joining properties in Samui and Yao Noi. The project represents an extension of the brand’s urban strategy following openings in Rome and Kyoto. Additional properties have been announced in London, Milan, Lisbon, Dubai and Tel Aviv.

Hatai will include a second hotel, along with retail and dining outlets and public gathering areas covering nearly 6,000m². Located on Silom Road, the development is accessible via the BTS and MRT networks and is close to local landmarks including the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and King Power Mahanakhon, and in proximity to the Chao Phraya River.

Neil Palmer, COO of Six Senses, commented: “Together with Narai Hospitality Group, we’re creating something truly special, a place that respects its history while embracing signature wellness, crafted experiences, and sustainable design and operations, all defining characteristics of the Six Senses core ethos.”

Narai Hospitality Group CEO Nathee Nithivasin added: “This development continues our longstanding care for the community and reinforces our commitment to building thoughtfully for future generations.”

Aviation roundup: Juneyao Airlines, Scoot and more

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The inaugural Juneyao Airlines Shanghai-Kuala Lumpur flight was greeted with a water cannon salute

Juneyao Airlines launches direct Shanghai-Kuala Lumpur flight
Juneyao Airlines has started a new direct service between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), operating four times weekly. The route uses Airbus A320neo aircraft, each with 162 seats.

The inaugural flight was welcomed at KLIA by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, deputy director general of Tourism Malaysia, alongside representatives from Juneyao Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings, and Pos Aviation.

Scoot

Scoot adds Danang, Nha Trang and Kota Bharu routes from October 2025
Scoot will launch new flights to Danang and Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Kota Bharu in Malaysia, starting between October and November 2025.

Flights to Danang will begin on October 20, 2025, initially three times weekly with Airbus A320 aircraft, increasing to daily by December 2025. Services to Nha Trang will start on November 21, 2025, twice weekly with Embraer E190-E2 planes, rising to five times weekly by January 2026.

Scoot will also begin two weekly flights to Kota Bharu from October 26, 2025 using the E190-E2 aircraft.

With these additions, Scoot will operate 115 weekly flights to 12 cities in Malaysia and 44 weekly flights to five cities in Vietnam.

Subject to approvals, Scoot plans to start flights to Medan and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, and Okinawa in Japan, during Northern Winter 2025.

Scoot is also increasing flight frequencies across South-east Asia and Australia from July 2025 onwards. Jakarta flights will rise from 25 to 28 weekly, Clark from five to seven, Davao from 10 to 12, and Manila from 13 to 14 weekly, with some services operated by Boeing 787 aircraft. Hat Yai flights will increase from 10 to 11 weekly.

In Australia, flights to Perth will increase from 12 to 14 weekly from August 2025, while Sydney flights will rise from 10 to 14 weekly starting July 2025.

Oman Air; photo by Soos Jozsef

Oman Air becomes 15th alliance member
Oman Air has joined oneworld as its 15th member airline, strengthening the alliance’s presence in the Middle East and expanding global travel options.

oneworld customers can now access Oman Air’s growing network, including a new non-stop service between Muscat and Amsterdam.

As a full oneworld member, Oman Air will offer Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers benefits such as earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding, and lounge access. Oman Air’s top tier customers will also receive oneworld priority benefits, including access to nearly 700 premium airport lounges worldwide, as well as oneworld branded lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol and Seoul Incheon airports.

Oman Air, based at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations in 22 countries and territories, including key oneworld hubs. The airline operates three cabins, including Business Studio with private suites on select longhaul flights.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines adds new routes and increases flights to key destinations
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched several new routes and expanded services to meet growing demand.

The airline has started a direct Manila to Danang route with three weekly flights. PAL plans to increase this service to four weekly flights by November 2025. The route is operated using Airbus A321 aircraft with business and economy classes.

PAL will also increase its Manila to Seattle flights from three to five times weekly starting November 25, 2025. The route is operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which seat 370 passengers across business and economy classes.

In addition, PAL has commenced daily flights between Manila and Doha in partnership with Qatar Airways. This route uses Airbus A330-300 aircraft with business and economy cabins, and offers seamless connections via Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport.

Legoland Malaysia’s Splash Carnival returns for 2025 edition

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Legoland Malaysia is turning up the tempo this summer as its signature Splash Carnival returns for a third year, promising its biggest celebration yet. Running from July 3 to August 3, the five-week festival transforms the resort’s water park into a high-energy playground with a new Music Fiesta theme, combining beachy vibes, family fun and live music.

Positioned as South-east Asia’s largest Lego-themed water festival, Splash Carnival 2025 is designed to drive summer attendance and reinforce Legoland Malaysia’s appeal as a go-to destination for families seeking a fun, music-filled escape.

Legoland Malaysia makes a splash this summer with live music, games and family fun at its biggest-ever Splash Carnival

This year’s carnival takes the celebration up a notch with weekend performances by some of Malaysia’s top emerging artists.

Concerts at the wave pool will take place every Saturday starting July 5, featuring a line-up of popular and rising Malaysian artists, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage.

Throughout the festival, guests can expect non-stop entertainment across the park. Highlights include a musical-themed treasure hunt, fast-paced water games, Lego boat races, dunk tanks, fitness sessions and interactive live shows led by the resort’s iconic mascots. Roaming performers and weekend carnival parades add to the vibrant atmosphere, while a live DJ spins beach-ready anthems to keep the party going.

Timed to coincide with peak school holiday travel, the Splash Carnival is supported by an annual pass campaign offering Singapore residents unlimited year-round access to Legoland Malaysia Resort for the price of a single-day ticket, valid until July 15, 2025. Existing passholders enjoy up to 30 per cent off renewals, while those whose passes expired in 2025 can renew with 20 per cent savings for a limited time. One-day water park tickets remain available for guests seeking a shorter visit.

For more information, visit Legoland Malaysia.

Vietjet welcomes new MD

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Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company has appointed Nguyen Thanh Son as its new managing director, succeeding Dinh Viet Phuong.

Having been with Vietjet since its inception, Nguyen will play a key role in shaping the airline’s innovative business and marketing strategies, while contributing significantly to the growth of the aviation industry.

He is expected to lead Vietjet on a new journey toward greener, smarter growth – fostering deeper global connectivity and delivering meaningful value to passengers and communities around the world.

Hyatt Regency Sydney names new senior sales manager – international markets

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Hyatt Regency Sydney has appointed Margoba Abuduaini as senior sales manager – international markets.

A seasoned international sales professional with a strong background in strategic sales, account management, and business development across luxury hospitality, Margoba will lead sales efforts across the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Sydney, she held roles at L’Oréal Paris and Trippas White Group, where she developed expertise in brand strategy, trade relations, and market expansion.

Luxury cruising at its finest: Inside the Uniworld experience

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Embark on an eight-day Enchanting Danube cruise from Hungarian capital, Budapest

Brought to you by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

From medieval towns and enchanting castles to majestic palaces and scenic valleys, Europe offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences for all types of travellers. And one of the most luxurious and convenient ways to take it all in is through a river cruise.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises allows travellers to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the continent in ultimate luxury. More than just a cruise, each Uniworld journey blends culture, elegance and immersion through carefully curated excursions, world-class dining inspired by regional cuisine, and highly personalised service – connecting guests with the heart of each destination.

Complete package
Uniworld’s all-inclusive offering is what makes each trip a memorable experience. From free-flowing fine wines and premium liquors to regionally inspired cuisine and daily excursions, the complete package will leave travellers well satisfied to explore what Europe has to offer each day. 

Uniworld also prides itself on its culinary excellence. Fresh, local ingredients and a talented culinary team ensure that every meal is memorable – from sumptuous buffet breakfasts and lunches to four-course gourmet dinners and farm-to-table specialities. 

Unique ships

Each Uniworld ship is a floating boutique hotel, individually designed to reflect the character of the destinations it sails through. With distinctive themes, colour palettes, custom-made fabrics, curated original artwork, antiques, and lavish furnishings, each vessel is a grand piece of art.

Suites offer butler service, spacious all-marble bathrooms with double vanities, Asprey bath amenities, handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, fully stocked bars, and daily deliveries of fresh cookies and fruit.

For example, the S.S. Maria Theresa, which cruises the Danube, features ultra-luxurious accommodations, a grand Baroque-style lobby, and a portrait of the Habsburg queen herself.

The S.S. Elisabeth, sailing the Rhine, offers contemporary elegance with velvet and marble touches, and showcases original artwork in line with Uniworld’s boutique style. It also features the largest suites on Europe’s rivers, including two Royal Suites at 47m² each. Guests may combine a Royal Suite with the adjoining suite to create a two-bedroom accommodation with a private living room. All suites and Signature French Balconies provide significantly more space than industry standards, with water-facing beds dressed in Uniworld’s custom linens.

Immersive destination experiences
Every itinerary includes curated excursions designed to deliver cultural immersion. On the eight-day Castles Along the Rhine journey from Amsterdam to Basel, guests enjoy exclusive experiences such as wine tastings in the Rheingau, scenic cycling routes along the Rhine, and visits to the medieval village of Braubach.

Private, guest-only experiences further elevate the exclusivity, such as a visit to the Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate for tasting, as well as an exclusive wine-tasting session at a family-owned castle in the Rheingau.

The Enchanting Danube itinerary, another eight-day cruise, takes travellers through storied Central European villages with activities such as a private Mozart and Strauss concert, guided walking tours, a short hike to Bratislava Castle, and an in-depth art immersion at the Vienna Art History Museum with an art historian.

Making good for people, planet and wildlife
Uniworld is committed to responsible travel through its #MakeTravelMatter initiative, aiming to generate a positive impact on people, wildlife and the planet. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, the company is part of a global coalition of travel businesses working to achieve essential carbon emission goals.

The cruise line partners with local artisans and small businesses to offer authentic guest experiences while supporting local communities. It also aims for net zero emissions by 2050 and is actively reducing food waste onboard.

Each itinerary features a Make Travel Matter experience, selected for its positive environmental or social impact. These are aligned with one or more of the United Nations’ Global Goals, ensuring that travel benefits both the destination and its people.

Bigger and better
Expanding its fleet, Uniworld has announced the debut of three new Super Ships: the S.S. Victoria, launched in 2024; the S.S. Elisabeth, launching in 2025; and the S.S. Emilie, a newly built ship, scheduled to make its debut in 2026. Together, all three increase the line’s capacity by more than 10 per cent since 2020.

As with the rest of the fleet, these ships are inspired by notable figures tied to the regions they sail. The S.S. Emilie, for instance, is named after Emilie Flöge, life partner and muse of famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.

Ready to explore Europe in ultimate luxury? Visit Uniworld to start planning your journey.

Voting for TTG Travel Awards is open! Vote for Uniworld as the Best River Cruise now. 

Chan Brothers-Drukair partnership opens more doors to Bhutan, Uzbekistan

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Singapore-headquartered travel agency Chan Brothers inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Drukair Corporation, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, earlier this morning.

This MoU will expand direct charter operations not only between Bhutan and Singapore, but also between Singapore and Uzbekistan. It is also the first time Drukair is operating flights into Uzbekistan.

From left: Chan Brother’s Chan Guat Cheng, and Drukair Corporation’s Tandi Wangchuk signing the MoU; photo by Rachel AJ Lee

Chan Guat Cheng, executive director, Chan Brothers, said: “We are expanding our charter flights from six last year, to 30 across this year and the next year. Today’s partnership represents more than new flight routes, and reflects a shared commitment to elevating travel experiences and fostering people cultural understanding as the global travel landscape continues to evolve.”

Damcho Rinzin, director of tourism for Bhutan, stressed the importance of the Singapore outbound market for the Kingdom.

“There were 2,000 Singaporeans who visited Bhutan in 2024, and in 1H2025, the number currently stands at 1,200. The projected number for this year is 3,000. Singapore is currently the fourth highest inbound market for Bhutan, just 1,000 travellers behind third-placed China,” he shared with TTG Asia.

For 2026, Rinzin indicated that the overall target for the total number of visitors is pegged at 300,000, with no more than 50 per cent from India, the Kingdom’s top market at the moment.

Similarly, Alisher Kayumov, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Singapore, also expressed his gratitude to Chan Brothers and Drukair Corporation, for this “long-awaited” initiative.

“This direct flight (between Singapore and Uzbekistan) will significantly reduce travel time and make trips more comfortable. I hope that the charter flights, which are set to begin in December, will make Uzbekistan more accessible and convenient for travellers from Singapore and neighbouring countries.”

Citizens of nearly 100 countries, including Singapore, can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days. Around 3,000 Singaporeans travel to Uzbekistan yearly, which Kayumov is hopeful will increase in light of the chartered services.

In addition to this MoU, Kayumov added that they are currently working on re-establishing direct flights to Singapore with other airlines. Prior to Covid, direct flights between Singapore and Uzbekistan existed.

Tandi Wangchuk, CEO of Drukair Corporation, stated: “With the signing of the MoU, this marks the beginning of a new strategic partnership. The world of travel and tourism is changing, and people are looking for authentic and exclusive destinations, but are faced with time constraint and lack of direct flights to these places.”

He added that Singapore was not “just another destination”, but instead, an “aviation hub” and “gateway to a wider world”.

Tourism Australia highlights Asia focus with record presence at ILTM Asia Pacific

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Tourism Australia leads its largest delegation ever to ILTM Asia Pacific this week, fielding 13 exhibitors specialising in bespoke and exclusive experiences that best cater to high-yield travellers. The move underscores Australia’s high regard for the Asian source market and reflects intention to grow its network of luxury partners in the region.

Jennifer Doig, regional general manager, South and South East Asia, Tourism Australia, told TTG Asia that the region here “is a highly valuable market for Australia’s luxury travel industry”.

From left: Tourism Australia’s Ann Lim, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore Allaster Cox, and Tourism Australia’s Jennifer Doig

She noted a market research that identified Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing luxury travel market, with an expected CAGR of 9.6 per cent from 2025 to 2030.

“This holds a huge growth opportunity for Australia’s travel industry, and Tourism Australia continues to focus on high-yield markets in this region including China, India and Singapore,” Doig stated.

Doig regards the annual luxury travel trade show, which connects luxury tourism specialists with advisors representing high net-worth travellers based in Asia-Pacific, as a “good opportunity for Tourism Australia and our partners to meet more buyers in this ever-growing traveller segment”.

“ILTM Asia Pacific enables us to connect with the expanding luxury travel trade in Asia, introduce Australia’s newest premium tourism offerings, and showcase Australia’s unique style of luxury – where the brilliance of nature, culture, hospitality and exclusivity meet,” she added.

She shared that a diverse range of luxury experiences are represented at the Australia pavilion this year, comprising Tourism Australia, Signature Experiences of Australia, State Tourism Organisations, Australian luxury travel providers, and luxury lodges across the country.

“With China representing a significant segment of growth in luxury travel out of Asia and a large delegation at ILTM Asia Pacific, we also present two Tourism Australia booths at our pavilion this year – Tourism Australia South East Asia as well as Tourism Australia China, for dedicated engagement with Chinese luxury buyers at the event,” she said.

Tourism Australia’s cultivation of the Asian luxury source market extends beyond ILTM Asia Pacific.

“Tourism Australia offices in Asia are strategically placed to engage our luxury partners through hosted fam trips, as well as the dedicated annual Australian Tourism Exchange Luxe Programme. Through our partners, we are able to build more premium offerings into bespoke itineraries for the affluent travellers of Asia,” detailed Doig, adding that “unparalleled experiences in Australia’s incredible landscapes and attractions” are conveniently highlighted in the organisation’s Signature Experiences of Australia programme.

Signature Experiences of Australia features seven bespoke collectives: Luxury Lodges of Australia, Great Golf Courses of Australia, Ultimate Winery Experiences, Discover Aboriginal Experiences, Cultural Attractions of Australia, Great Walks of Australia, and Australian Wildlife Journeys.

Doig believes that destination Australia is in a position of power as affluent travellers today prioritise well-being and wellness experiences. The latest luxury travel trends unveiled by Visa Business and Economic Insights at the Opening Forum for ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 on June 30 stated that 65 per cent of travellers book spontaneous wellness treatments on holidays while 54 per cent rate immersion in nature as a new type of wellness travel.

“What luxury travellers are looking for aligns with the experiences that Australia prides itself on offering – safe travel, wellness retreats, and stunning natural landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else in the world,” she said.