TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Saturday, 4th April 2026
Page 85

TTG Travel Awards 2025 honours excellence across Asia-Pacific tourism

0
From left: TTG Asia Media's Darren Ng; Frasers Hospitality’s Eu Chin Fen; and TTG China's Chimmy Tsui

The 34th Annual TTG Travel Awards celebrated excellence across the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism sector, recognising 93 organisations for their leadership and innovation.

The awards ceremony was held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, coinciding with the IT&CM Asia and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific events.

From left: TTG Asia Media’s Darren Ng; Frasers Hospitality’s Eu Chin Fen; and TTG China’s Chimmy Tsui

Winners were determined by votes cast from April 1 to July 31, 2025, by travel professionals across different sectors. This year’s event introduced two new categories – Best Local Hotel Brand – Singapore and Best All-Inclusive Resort – reflecting evolving traveller demands. In total, 72 winners were recognised across various categories.

A highlight of the night was the induction of Frasers Hospitality into the TTG Travel Hall of Fame for winning the Best Serviced Residence Operator category for 10 consecutive year, joining 20 other prestigious inductees. The Outstanding Achievement Awards, chosen by TTG’s editorial team, recognised contributions in non-voting categories. This year’s recipients were South Korea (Destination of the Year), Disney Cruise Line (Best Travel Marketing Effort), and Khiri Travel (Most Sustainable Travel Company).

Meanwhile, returning champions included Pan Pacific Hotels Group (Best Regional Hotel Chain), Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Best Convention & Exhibition Centre – Malaysia), Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore (Best Serviced Residence – Property Level), and Scoot (Best Low-Cost Carrier).

Voting for the next awards will begin in 2026.

Helsinki retains lead in 2025 Global Destination Sustainability rankings

0

The 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has released its Top 40 rankings, marking a decade of benchmarking destination sustainability.

This year’s theme, Shifting Tides, highlights a period of global transition, with destinations showing resilience and accelerated action.

The 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index highlights global progress in sustainable tourism, with Helsinki, pictured, leading the way

The 2025 rankings show a 31 per cent rise in average performance across all participating destinations since the programme began, with the Top 10 improving by 46 per cent. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, destinations have maintained momentum in their sustainability initiatives.

Helsinki (Finland) leads the GDS-Index for the second consecutive year, scoring 93.52 per cent and maintaining its position as a sustainable tourism and events leader. The city has ended its coal era, earned Green Destinations certification, and ensured near-universal sustainability certification across hotels, convention centres, and top attractions. The Nordic trio of Helsinki, Gothenburg and Copenhagen continues to dominate, though the gap between the Top 10 and the overall GDS-Index average has narrowed from 23.2 per cent to 20.3 per cent, reflecting rising performance globally.

Adelaide is recognised as the most improved destination, climbing 23 places in its second year of participation. The city’s rise was driven by its Integrated Climate Strategy 2030 and sustainability roadmap, including Adelaide Airport achieving carbon neutrality for its direct emissions. Krakow and The Malverns also feature among the most improved destinations.

The 2025 GDS-Index highlights a more dynamic Top 40, with nine new destinations entering the rankings, accelerated climate action with 77 per cent of destinations reporting sector-level measures, and widespread adoption of third-party sustainability certification. In the Top 10 destinations, 81 per cent of hotels are now certified, up from 66 per cent in 2016, and 50 per cent of destination marketing organisations hold sustainability certification for their own operations. Regional leadership is also evident, with Lyon leading Central and Southern Europe, Melbourne topping Asia-Pacific, and Montreal retaining the North American lead.

Guy Bigwood, CEO and chief changemaker at GDS-Movement, said: “Every destination featured in the GDS-Index has demonstrated leadership and commitment – each one deserving recognition for its efforts to build a more regenerative future.

“As we mark the 10th year of the GDS-Index – with 626 benchmarking assessments completed across 35 countries since 2016 – one thing has remained constant: the courage of this community to lead with vision and to innovate with purpose.”

He added: “From shifting seasonality to changing governance and a pushback against sustainability, members of the movement meet each wave with intention, creativity, and a fierce resolve to do better, faster, together. It’s not just about riding the wave, it’s about learning how to read it, shape it, and surf it to make it count.”

The full 2025 GDS-Index report is available here.

Accor elevates culinary offerings with new in-house F&B group

0

Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, has launched Table For, an in-house food and beverage group aimed at elevating hotel dining across the Pacific. Its first restaurant, Flaminia, will open at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour this summer, with further concepts planned.

The group will bring together internal experts across culinary, operations, design and guest experience, supported by collaborators including Stefano Catino and Vince Lombardo of the Maybe Group and culture agency Example. Table For will oversee the development of new venues and the evolution of existing restaurants and bars, guided by guest insights, local relevance and global best practice.

Table For brings together Accor’s in-house culinary and hospitality teams with expert collaborators to develop new restaurants and bars across the Pacific

The leadership team includes Ben Creek as head of Table For, Chris O’Connor, Jenn Pride, and culinary director Rosy Scatigna. Catino and Lombardo will lead beverage innovation and hospitality across the portfolio, alongside winemaker and sommelier Shun Eto. Example will provide support on strategy, brand development, design, marketing and PR.

Table For is designed to service both Accor-managed properties and the group’s wider network of owners, developers and franchise partners, delivering scalable F&B concepts across different markets and asset types.

The initiative builds on Accor’s recent portfolio developments, including Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s transformation, and collaborations under its partnership with Ennismore, such as Hyde Melbourne Place, Mondrian Gold Coast, and 25hours Sydney The Olympia. Flaminia, developed in collaboration with chef Giovanni Pilu, is the first Table For venue scheduled to open later this year.

Catino and Lombardo described their collaboration with Accor on Table For as an opportunity to apply their hospitality expertise in creating bars that foster social connection, memorable experiences, and set new standards for innovation within the group.

Adrian Williams, chief operating officer, Accor Pacific, said: “We are redefining what it means to dine in a hotel, and treating our restaurants and bars as standalone heroes that locals and travellers actively seek out. This is about celebrating creativity, elevating our guest experience and delivering real value for our partners. Through Table For, we’re reimagining existing venues, developing entirely new concepts, and delivering experiences that guests and locals will seek out, enjoy and remember.”

“Table For gives us the platform to launch bold new concepts, reimagine existing venues and stay ahead of the evolving tastes of guests and locals alike. Importantly, it not only sharpens how we operate and deliver, but also celebrates the power of collaboration in bringing great ideas to life,” added Creek.

Radisson Hotel Group adds Sihanoukville property to growing portfolio

0

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has signed Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville, set to open in early 2029 within the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights mixed-use township on Cambodia’s southern coast.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s main deep-water port, is being developed into a Special Economic Zone by 2038, creating a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology alongside growing leisure demand.

The 176-key Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights will open in 2029, expanding the group’s presence in South-east Asia

The 176-key hotel will feature rooms and serviced apartments, most with ocean views, three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. It is a five-minute walk from a private beach and close to the CBD, 25 minutes from Sihanoukville International Airport and 20 minutes from Serendipity Pier.

The Bay of Lights development covers 934 hectares and includes residential, commercial, hospitality, and leisure facilities, including a marina and cultural attractions. RHG has secured a prime site in the International Convention Center district, near premium outlets and a golf course, benefiting from planned infrastructure upgrades and attracting an estimated 650,000 visitors annually.

RHG already has two hotels under development in Phnom Penh: Radisson Blu (160 keys) and Radisson Red (200 keys), both opening in 2027. The new Sihanoukville property will further strengthen its presence in Cambodia and the wider South-east Asia Pacific region.

With around five million visitors expected in 2024, Sihanoukville is emerging as a key tourism and business hub, offering beaches, cultural sites, markets, and natural attractions.

“Sihanoukville is a hidden gem of South-east Asia, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and fast-growing economic opportunities. The signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville underlines our commitment to expanding in Cambodia’s key destinations, complementing our pipeline in Phnom Penh,” said Ramzy Fenianos, chief development officer, APAC, RHG.

Trip.Biz expands tools for smarter and safer corporate travel

0

Trip.Biz, the business travel management brand of Trip.com Group, has launched Trip.Biz One, an all-in-one solution designed to simplify corporate business travel. The platform addresses challenges such as off-platform bookings, overspending, non-adherence to travel policies and inefficient reconciliation processes.

Trip.Biz One integrates booking, policy compliance, workflow automation and AI-driven business intelligence, with real-time desktop-to-mobile synchronisation. This allows companies to streamline business travel management and improve return on investment.

Trip.Biz’s Tao Song discusses the evolving role of the travel manager

Key features of Trip.Biz One include consolidated bookings and policy management through a single platform covering flights, hotels, airport transfers, ride-hailing and car rentals, with automated approval workflows. It offers extensive booking selections, including corporate negotiated rates, and real-time policy compliance monitoring.

The platform also includes AI-driven business intelligence via the Trip.Biz AI Chatbot, providing recommendations and traveller support, as well as rapidly customisable configurations and comprehensive duty-of-care capabilities. Reporting insights and analytics enable companies to make data-driven decisions and strengthen travel ROI.

In addition to launching Trip.Biz One, the company is reinforcing its presence in South-east Asia and expanding globally through partnerships with Saudia Airlines, Pan Pacific Hotels Group and Constellation Travels in the Philippines, enhancing inventory offerings and market reach. The platform’s digital-first architecture supports traditional business travel as well as emerging bleisure trends.

“Companies need to redefine expectations on how business travel can support revenue growth amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty and economic risks, and this has shifted from cost management to one that is smarter, safer and more sustainable,” said Tao Song, CEO, Trip.Biz.

“With Trip.Biz One, we are bringing together three critical pillars – People & Service, Technology & Inventory and Sustainability – into a single, intelligent platform that empowers companies to deliver greater efficiency, stronger compliance and a better travel experience for every business traveller.”

New hotels: Kai Hakone, Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi and more

0
Kai Hakone

Kai Hakone, Japan
Hoshino Resorts has reopened Kai Hakone – the 34-room onsen ryokan, located on the historic Hakone Kaido, features the brand’s Hakone Gokochi style, with Edo-period travel motifs. Two suites over 110m² include open-air baths, landscaped courtyards, and two bedrooms for multigenerational stays.

Public spaces include the Sawa-chaya Tea House, serving tea and dango, and a Cultural Discovery programme on yosegi-zaiku marquetry. Seasonal kaiseki meals reflect the area’s history as a Tokaido Road waystation.

The ryokan is a seven-minute drive from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi

Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, Indonesia
Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, Marriott International’s first hotel in the city, is a 242-room property located within Pakuwon Mall Bekasi Superblock, offering direct access to shops, dining, and entertainment. It is also nearby Bekasi Barat LRT Station for easy travel to Jakarta and West Java.

Rooms feature city views, high-speed Wi-Fi, workspaces, and modern amenities, with Executive and Premier Suites boasting extra space. Facilities include a rooftop pool with a kids’ pool, fitness centre, and a wellness centre with nine treatment rooms.

The property also has dining options as well as two floors of meeting facilities, including a 372m² ballroom, which can host up to 1,200 guests.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, Australia
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first dual-branded hotel in Australia with Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, both in the Melbourne Walk precinct next to Bourke Street Mall.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins has 179 rooms and suites, with design elements referencing Melbourne’s heritage and landmarks. Guests can dine at Fern Bar & Dining, which opens onto Fern’s Garden courtyard overlooking Melbourne Walk.

Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall features 273 rooms, including 92 double-double rooms for families, an open-plan lobby, and a 220m² private terrace with views of Bourke Street Mall and the city skyline. The Greenery offers buffet breakfast and all-day dining, with children aged 12 and under eating free.

Both hotels place guests within walking distance of Melbourne’s retail, dining, and cultural attractions, combining modern design with local character.

Lucy Ozehatomachi

Lucy Ozehatomachi , Japan
Lucy Ozehatomachi has recently opened and is Japan’s first hotel dedicated to mountain tourism. Located at Hatomachi Pass, the main trailhead into Oze National Park, the 25-room lodge includes 12 dormitories, 10 twin rooms, and three family rooms, with showers, bidet toilets, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour food and drink stations.

Guests have hiking support, luggage lockers, trail advice, and activities including a bear-bell workshop. Meals focus on hearty, practical fare such as pork miso soup with grilled mackerel and fried half-boiled eggs.

Lucy Ozehatomachi provides a base for exploring Oze’s seasonal landscapes and high-altitude trails, filling a gap in overnight mountain lodging for both domestic and international visitors.

Cordelia Cruises sets sail from Kochi on first international routes

0

Cordelia Cruises will operate new international itineraries for Empress from October 25, 2026, with direct sailings from Kochi to Malé, the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Kochi becomes the ship’s new homeport, giving Indian travellers access to key destinations across the Indian Ocean.

Cordelia Cruises offers direct sailings from Kochi to the Maldives and Sri Lanka starting October 2026; photo by Cordelia Cruises

The five-night itinerary sails Kochi to Malé, as well as to Colombo and Kochi, departing every Sunday and returning Friday, with two full days at sea. A two-night weekend cruise operates from and to Kochi with days at sea, departing every Friday and returning Sunday, providing a short-break option.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a range of dining options, entertainment, and activities. Shore excursions in the Maldives include lagoon visits, coral reef exploration, and island tours, while Sri Lanka offers historic forts, local markets, cultural landmarks, and beaches.

For more information, visit Cordelia Cruises.

JW Marriott Singapore South Beach welcomes new GM

0

JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has appointed Karl Hudson as general manager.

Hudson, who has overseen the opening of over 80 hotels with Marriott International and most recently served as regional vice president for Japan and Guam, brings extensive leadership experience to the hotel.

He will guide the property’s growth while maintaining its lifestyle identity and design focus, emphasising people, personalisation, and place-making to ensure it remains a leading destination for both business and leisure.

Soneva Group strengthens leadership team with new appointments

0

Soneva Group has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team, effective September 2025.

Joanna Flint joins as chief commercial officer, Chris Whitehouse as chief financial officer, and Abhishek Sharma has been promoted to chief operating officer.

From left: Chris Whitehouse, Joanna Flint and Abhishek Sharma

Flint brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and technology, with roles at Mandarin Oriental, Google, and Singapore Airlines. She will drive Soneva’s global commercial strategy, enhancing sales, digital capabilities, and customer experience across existing and new markets.

Whitehouse brings his expertise in financial strategy, risk, corporate financing, and asset management gained at The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC to his new role. He will strengthen Soneva’s financial foundations and support sustainable expansion.

With more than 25 years’ experience in luxury hospitality across the Maldives, India, Egypt, and Mauritius, Sharma will oversaw all three Soneva resorts.

The appointments coincide with the opening of Soneva’s global headquarters in Dubai, providing a strategic base to strengthen industry partnerships, attract talent, and connect with key feeder markets.

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort names new GM

0

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, operated by Minor Hotels, has appointed Michael Parker as general manager.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality, with senior roles across the UK, China, Cambodia, and the Maldives. He joined Minor Hotels in 2023 as complex general manager, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

In his new role, Parker will focus on a renovation of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s food and beverage outlets and enhancements to the Anantara Wellness programme. His goal is to elevate culinary offerings and expand wellness experiences.