Vietjet welcomes new MD

July 7, 2025

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

By TTG Asia

July 7, 2025

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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

By TTG Asia

July 7, 2025

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UW-MT-Exterior-Budapest-9871 — Embark on an eight-day Enchanting Danube cruise from Hungarian capital, Budapest

Brought to you by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

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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

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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

By Rachel AJ Lee

July 4, 2025

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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

By Karen Yue

July 4, 2025

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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.

Shatec closure marks setback for Singapore’s hospitality workforce development

By Rachel AJ Lee

July 4, 2025

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Shatec, a Singapore institution that has trained hospitality professionals for over four decades, is winding down its operations, a local Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao has reported.

According to the report, operations have gradually ceased since April 2025, with courses expected to be discontinued by 1Q2026. At this point, TTG Asia understands that Shatec is no longer accepting new students. The institute’s main Bukit Batok campus building was put up for sale in May 2025 for S$18 million (US$14.1 million), while the Orchard campus – open for only a year – closed at the end of June 2025.

Shatec’s departure creates a gap in the hospitality industry; Shatec’s campus in Bukit Batok, pictured

The official statement shared with TTG Asia from Loh Lik Peng, chairman of the Shatec Board, stated: “Shatec is currently in the early stages of reviewing its long-term plans. The sale of the building is part of Shatec’s asset management strategy. As the review is still ongoing, we are unable to provide further comments.”

The closure of Shatec is a setback to Singapore’s tourism and hospitality industry, particularly given the country’s existing struggles to attract and retain talent.

When approached for a comment, Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) executive director, hospitality and tourism talent, Rachel Loh, told TTG Asia that STB is aware of Shatec’s plans, adding that the existing batch of pre-employment training students are currently completing the courses.

Loh pointed out: “Singapore’s tourism sector continues to be well-supported by numerous established training providers. These include Continuing Education Training Centres such as Republic Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic; and various Workforce Skills Qualifications-accredited training organisations such as NTUC LearningHub, and TMC Academy.

“STB remains committed to supporting the tourism sector’s training needs to ensure Singapore maintains its productivity and competitiveness as a leading destination.”

Established in 1983 by the Singapore Hotel Association, Shatec has graduated approximately 40,000 individuals.

Hyatt to introduce Thompson Brand and expand Park Hyatt, Andaz in Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

July 4, 2025

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation plans to expand its luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios across Asia-Pacific, with close to 90 properties expected to open in the region over the next five years. This includes the regional debut of the Thompson Hotels brand and further expansion of the Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt brands in destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia and Australia in 2025 and 2026.

Since 2017, Hyatt has doubled its global number of luxury rooms, tripled its resort rooms, and increased its lifestyle rooms fivefold. As one of the key regions driving global demand for high-end travel, Asia-Pacific continues to see strong growth, and Hyatt is expanding to meet this need. As of the first quarter of 2025, 64 per cent of Hyatt’s hotels and resorts in the region were in the luxury and upper-upscale segments.

Hyatt to open nearly 90 properties across Asia-Pacific, including Andaz Gold Coast, pictured, by 2029

The Thompson Hotels brand will enter Asia-Pacific with the opening of Thompson Shanghai Expo in 4Q2025. The hotel draws inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage and international character, with a focus on contemporary design, cultural programming and culinary events. Originally founded in Manhattan, the Thompson Hotels brand targets socially and culturally engaged travellers.

Hyatt will also expand the Andaz brand, with upcoming openings including Andaz Gold Coast in Australia and Andaz One Bangkok, located near Lumphini Park. Andaz Shanghai ITC will become the brand’s second hotel in the city. Following Hyatt’s acquisition of Standard International’s brands in 2024, new projects are underway across the region. This includes The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, set to open in 3Q2025 with a 1960s-themed beach club concept.

Park Hyatt will enter Malaysia with the opening of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in August 2025. The hotel will be located at the top of Merdeka 118, the tallest skyscraper in Asia-Pacific. The property will feature design elements inspired by local culture and include a cacao-themed bar, the first of its kind in the city. Meanwhile, Park Hyatt Tokyo will resume operations in 4Q2025 following a major refurbishment to mark its 30th anniversary. The renovation will update guestroom and dining concepts while preserving the brand’s minimalist aesthetic.

In Vietnam, Park Hyatt Phu Quoc is expected to open in 1Q2026. The resort will cover around 65 hectares along a one-mile stretch of beach on Phu Quoc island, with design elements focused on contemporary art and craftsmanship. Also planned is the opening of Andaz Gold Coast in 2Q2026, followed by The Barai, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, in 3Q2026. Two new residential properties under The Standard brand are scheduled to open in Hua Hin and Phuket Bang Tao in 4Q2026.

“Today, luxury is about authenticity and unique experiences. Our recently refined brand architecture and expansion in luxury and lifestyle portfolios allow us to cater to discerning travellers with focus and differentiation,” said Carina Chorengel, senior vice president, commercial, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “We are excited about offering enriching experiences that will further strengthen Hyatt’s position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality in the region.”

SLH expands as wealthy travellers turn experiences into dream hotels

By Karen Yue

July 4, 2025

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Well-heeled globetrotters who realise they can create hotels based on their own travel experiences are driving the growth of small, distinctive luxury properties worldwide, observed Mark Wong, senior vice-president, Asia Pacific, at Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).

Speaking to TTG Asia at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025, taking place this week in Singapore, Wong said: “These owners are world travellers themselves, and have the money to build hotels offering the kind of hospitality and experiences that they have sought for themselves on their trips. They know what customers are looking for.

The Townhouse in Islamabad, Pakistan, developed by young owners, is one of the latest additions to the SLH portfolio

“And they are choosing to develop their own brand instead of going with a major brand, so as to retain a local touch and avoid having to follow somebody else’s rules.”

With such a mindset, these new-generation hotel owners are approaching SLH to be part of the independent hotel community.

“We are often their first point of contact, as they have stayed with SLH hotels before and are familiar with what we do. Now, they want to build a hotel that is in line with SLH criteria,” Wong said.

He added that many of these hotel owners are also choosing to promote their home town through their hotel – and this is happening often in emerging destinations across India and China.

“They are very involved in hiring and training locals to be part of the hotel operations, and they invest in efforts to revitalise their own hometown, such as beautifying the environment and rebuilding roads and the surroundings,” he said.

Citing an example, Wong said the owners of Amaya in Himachal Pradesh, India have hired and trained local villagers to be part of the staff, “giving the whole village a second life”, where people no longer have to leave the village to look for jobs in the big cities and local families can support themselves through tourism.

As these owners – often young, well-educated and worldly-wise – develop luxury hotels in lesser-known parts of the world, they are also creating more authentic experiences and encouraging travellers to venture deeper into the country.

“These owners provide an answer to overtourism concerns,” reflected Wong.

While affluent travellers are eager to explore lesser-known destinations and new-generation owners are helping to develop these alternatives, Wong said governments must also play their part.

“Luxury travellers won’t want to travel too long or go through too much trouble to get to a destination. So, infrastructure needs to step up. Roads and railways have to be built, and accessibility to second- and third-tier cities must exist. You cannot expect hotel owners to do all that because there are federal rules,” he stated.

SLH now has 620 hotels in 90 countries, and the numbers will continue to grow as “more and more smaller properties emerge”. Recent additions to the SLH portfolio in Asia-Pacific include the historic Hotel Chourakukan in Kyoto’s Higashiyama ward; the all-suite Takanawa Hanakohro ryokan in Tokyo; the Baale Resort Goa, set amid rice paddies and swaying palms in India; and The Townhouse in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ant International expands Alipay+ with AI travel integration

By TTG Asia

July 4, 2025

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Ant International has launched Alipay+ Voyager, an AI travel companion integrated into digital wallets, in partnership with Agoda, Fliggy and Trip.com.

The tool combines Ant International’s AI technology with cross-border travel services from OTA partners and more than 100 million merchants within the Alipay+ ecosystem.

Alipay+ Voyager assists travellers with planning, booking and in-destination services through mobile wallets

Accessible through a single AI interface embedded in mobile wallets and super apps, Alipay+ Voyager enables travellers to plan itineraries, make bookings and purchase local services using text or voice in their native language. The service has been introduced on Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China) and GCash (the Philippines), with further rollout to additional Alipay+ partners expected throughout 2025.

Originally launched as a cross-border payment platform, Alipay+ now connects 36 mobile wallets and payment apps with 1.7 billion consumer accounts and more than 100 million merchants worldwide. Since 2015, Ant International’s Wallet Tech team has worked with partners in emerging markets to build payment, security and growth solutions. The team now plans to extend its agentic AI capabilities through Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, the company’s core AI platform for fintech applications.

The introduction of Alipay+ Voyager comes as the global online travel market is projected to grow by 10 per cent annually through 2032, with mobile devices accounting for two-thirds of user traffic. Travellers, particularly from Generation Z, are increasingly turning to mobile-first, all-in-one platforms to access local experiences and manage travel plans.

Alipay+ Voyager provides end-to-end assistance within familiar wallet apps, enabling users to research, decide and act on travel options throughout their journey. The tool facilitates real-time access to local services, including transport, shopping and dining. It also adapts to individual preferences, proactively offering solutions in response to issues such as flight delays or bad weather, without requiring user prompts. For merchants and OTAs, the system offers a streamlined way to reach consumers across multiple key markets through a single deployment within the Alipay+ network.

Gil Hazan, senior vice president of strategic partnerships at Agoda, said the collaboration would help the company reach a wider audience and offer travel solutions tailored to the varied needs of modern travellers.

Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International, shared: “Travellers today are using more tech to enhance their trips, and there is a need for the industry to adapt and meet these new and emerging expectations.

“By integrating a proactive, always-on AI travel companion within digital wallets that consumers already use frequently, we’re empowering travel and wallet partners with new opportunities to engage travellers in a more relevant, personalised way, through every step of their journey.”

Fish and feast like a local at Azerai Resorts in Vietnam

By TTG Asia

July 4, 2025

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Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a coastal resort in southern Vietnam, is offering new guest experiences focused on local traditions. The resort sits on a five-kilometre beach near a fishing village known for its seafood.

The Fish Like a Local activity teaches guests to cast traditional Vietnamese nets from the shore. Another option allows guests to fish from a circular basket boat, commonly used in the region.

Guests can experience catching fish with traditional local-style nets at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

A cooking class is also available, using local herbs and seafood. While guests do not cook their own catch, the class complements the fishing experience. Alternatively, guests can order a Vietnamese barbecue with local seafood.

The resort is around 2.5 hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City and is located between Hon Ba Island and nearby sand dunes.

In central Vietnam, Azerai La Residence, Hue has launched cultural and culinary experiences. The 122-room hotel, set in a 1930s colonial mansion, now offers updated cooking classes led by executive chef Nguyen Dong Hai, who was recognised in April as a Master Culinary Artisan of Vietnam.

Guests can prepare dishes such as bánh khoái, a traditional pancake from Hue, filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, served with a peanut sauce.

The hotel also offers an Imperial Feast at its Le Parfum restaurant, featuring dishes from the Nguyen dynasty period, with live traditional music. Costumes are provided for those wishing to dress in royal style.

A new two-night Ancient Capital Pilgrimage package includes visits to local religious sites and participation in spiritual rituals.

For more information, visit Azerai Ke Ga Bay.

Vietjet welcomes new MD

Hyatt Regency Sydney names new senior sales manager – international markets

Luxury cruising at its finest: Inside the Uniworld experience

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

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

Shatec closure marks setback for Singapore’s hospitality workforce development

Hyatt to introduce Thompson Brand and expand Park Hyatt, Andaz in Asia-Pacific

SLH expands as wealthy travellers turn experiences into dream hotels

Ant International expands Alipay+ with AI travel integration

Fish and feast like a local at Azerai Resorts in Vietnam

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