TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 10th April 2026
Page 92

New hotels: Angsana Zhoushan, Shilla Monogram Gangneung and more

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Angsana Zhoushan

Angsana Zhoushan, China
Angsana Zhoushan is located at the foothills of Wujian Mountain in Putuo District, next to Wuling Wetland Park and overlooking the Thousand Island Coast east of Shanghai. It is about 15 minutes from the ferry terminals, with direct boat links to Putuo Mountain and Dongji Island.

The hotel has 222 guestrooms and villas, some with private onsen pools or courtyards. Facilities include the Angsana Spa, an onsen with 16 outdoor pools and a children’s pool, a gym, an indoor heated pool, as well as yoga and meditation areas.

Dining includes Cantonese dishes at Chun Feng, international and local food at Market Place, light meals at Lingbo, and afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, while the Angsana 101 programme offers workshops in local crafts and the Terra Kids Club provides indoor and outdoor spaces for children aged three to six.

Shilla Monogram Gangneung

Shilla Monogram Gangneung, South Korea
Shilla Monogram Gangneung has opened on Songjeong Beach in Gangneung, about two hours from Seoul by train.

It has 917 rooms, including 315 rooms and 602 residence units, with most offering ocean views. The fifth floor is designed for families, with children’s rooms fitted with bunk and family beds. Signature Suites feature Jacuzzis with sea views, and Terrace Suites include private terraces and pools.

Facilities include a children’s play area, party and media rooms, a screen golf facility, a library and business corner, a wine shop, convenience store, and laundry.

The hotel’s location gives access to Anmok Coffee Street, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, Jungang Market, and Arte Museum Gangneung within a 10-minute drive.

Hannah St Hotel

Hannah St Hotel, Australia
Hannah St Hotel has opened as part of the Queensbridge precinct in Southbank, Melbourne.

The hotel has 188 rooms featuring custom furniture, collectable art, and bold finishes, reflecting the studio’s residential design background applied to a commercial setting.

Facilities include The Clubhouse, which spans several floors and houses a 25-metre lap pool, steam room, sauna, and gym. There are co-working studios, meeting rooms, and lounges, as well as spaces for private dining and rooftop gatherings. A podcast recording studio is available on request.

The property sits within the podium of the 65-storey Queensbridge Building, near Melbourne’s arts and cultural district. The location places guests within easy reach of Southbank attractions, including the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Aerotel Shanghai

Aerotel Shanghai, China
Aerotel Shanghai is located on the sixth and seventh floors of Terminal 2 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a three-minute walk from domestic and international security checkpoints.

The hotel has 82 rooms with flexible hourly booking options for transit, arrival, and departure passengers. Rooms accommodate solo travellers, couples, and families, with some offering runway views. Each room has Wi-Fi, mattresses and pillows, hot showers, and complimentary amenities.

Facilities include a rooftop garden lounge, dining options with buffet and à la carte meals, a Grab and Go area with 24-hour snacks, a co-working space, resting room, and luggage storage. The hotel also provides direct access to the terminal.

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, Agoda launch digital training for Mekong grassroots tourism

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The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and Agoda have partnered to strengthen the digital capabilities of micro, small and medium-scale accommodation providers across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

The initiative is expected to strengthen digitally enabled tourism businesses, supporting sustainable growth and regional competitiveness.

Rural and small-scale accommodation across the Mekong region are set to benefit from enhanced digital training and support for local tourism; Kampong Pluk Floating Village Houses, pictured

The regional E-commerce Training for MSME Accommodation Providers in the Greater Mekong Subregion will begin on September 18, 2025, with the Thailand session, and run through November, expanding to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and China (Yunnan and Guangxi). The programme targets home stays, ecolodges and guesthouses in rural and secondary destinations, enterprises that are vital to inclusive and community-based tourism in the GMS. By enhancing digital engagement, the training aims to help accommodation providers improve online presence, competitiveness and business sustainability in preparation for rising visitor numbers.

This marks the first collaboration between MTCO, Agoda and the GMS National Tourism Organisations of Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Delivered online in local languages and tailored to each location, the workshops provide practical skills for managing listings on platforms such as Agoda. Training includes uploading room inventory and images, managing availability and pricing, implementing promotions, and engaging effectively with customer reviews.

MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij said: “By working together across borders, we can ensure that small operators in our region are equipped with the digital tools they need to connect with global travelers and share the unique experiences of the Mekong.” Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, added: “We expect this initiative to help bring global visibility to these accommodation and help distribute economic benefits across the GMS.”

NATAS Fair draws Singaporean travellers seeking new destinations and experiences

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High-end Singaporean travellers are finding inspiration at the NATAS Travel Fair by visiting the “separate counters” run by major outbound agents to plan customised programmes.

According to NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) president Steven Ler, these travellers are clear about their expectations and are drawn to the fair by the large number of tourist boards represented. Papua New Guinea was the destination partner for the end-February/early-March fair this year, he added, with other tourism boards participating to provide fresh insights.

Ler observed that high-end Singaporean travellers are seeking new ideas and engaging with tourism boards from destinations such as Taiwan and South Korea

“Papua New Guinea, for example, offers new options for travellers looking for adventure and the culture is very different,” Ler said.

He observed that high-end Singaporean travellers are also seeking new ideas and are highly engaged with tourism boards from popular destinations such as Taiwan and South Korea, which come with new content, partners and products.

While the fair does not have a dedicated luxury segment, Ler said well-known brands such as Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel and EU Holidays “have a presence” and operate “separate counters” onsite to engage customers who do not find group series programmes suitable.

Despite the softer economy, Singaporeans are not resisting overall cost increases of between 20 and 30 per cent, he noted. To mitigate higher costs, some travellers are shortening trip durations while others are planning longer, back-to-back holidays.

“Some retirees are combining two holidays into one to save on longhaul air fares and this is trending for some programmes to Latin America, Europe and cruises,” he added.

Dusit Thani College to offer direct pathway into Japan’s hospitality sector

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Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s institute for hospitality education under Dusit International, has been certified to administer Japan’s Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test in Thailand, providing direct pathways for Thai talent as well as those from ASEAN member states to secure positions in Japan’s hospitality sector.

The certification follows the signing of an agreement on September 2, 2025, between Dusit Thani College, the General Incorporated Association Center for Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test, and the All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, with support from the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau and Jeducation language school in Bangkok.

Dusit Thani College will become Thailand’s first certified testing centre for Japanese hospitality skills, paving the way for graduates to pursue careers in Japan’s hospitality sector

As Thailand’s first certified testing centre, Dusit Thani College can now recruit and train Thai and candidates from ASEAN member countries through its hospitality and culinary arts programmes and facilitate their official skills certification locally.

Successful graduates will qualify for employment in Japan via the government’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in 2019 to address labour shortages in sectors including F&B and hospitality.

Aligned with Dusit Thani College’s Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP), which prepares participants for entry-level roles in six months, the new pathway allows aspiring professionals to train, gain certification, and access employment in Japan.

The All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, representing more than 15,000 traditional inns and hotels across Japan, will promote certified candidates to member employers through job fairs in Bangkok. Dusit Hotels and Resorts will also welcome graduates to its properties in Japan, including Dusit Thani Kyoto and Asai Kyoto Shijo, providing further opportunities for international placement.

Jeducation, a Japanese language school in Bangkok, will provide essential language training to ensure participants meet SSW visa requirements and are equipped for life and work in Japan.

John Lohr, executive director of external affairs at Dusit Thani College, said: “This collaboration directly addresses the hospitality skills shortage in Japan while creating exciting career opportunities for our students. By combining world-class training at Dusit Thani College with official certification and a clear pathway to employment, we are building a strong pipeline of talent that benefits both Thailand and Japan.”

Makoto Yamashita, area general manager – Kyoto, Dusit Hotels and Resorts, added: “This partnership underscores our commitment to developing future leaders in hospitality and giving them access to life-changing opportunities abroad. It is a win-win for our students, our partners, and the wider industry.”

Dusit Thani College will begin recruiting candidates for its TOP Japan Pathway programme in October 2025. The first examinations and employer recruitment fairs are scheduled for February 2026.

Vietjet adds Airbus A330 to fleet as international expansion continues

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Vietjet has welcomed an Airbus A330 widebody, registered VN-A820, bringing its total fleet to 121 aircraft, including those operated by Vietjet Thailand and Vietjet Kazakhstan.

The addition reflects the airline’s ongoing growth strategy and readiness to meet rising travel and trade demand during the year-end peak season.

Vietjet introduces an Airbus A330, expanding its fleet and international services to Australia, India, Japan and Kazakhstan

The A330, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, delivers improved fuel efficiency and performance. Vietjet plans to deploy the aircraft on services to Australia, India, Japan and Kazakhstan, offering passengers enhanced comfort and a modern inflight experience.

The aircraft features Vietjet’s signature red and yellow livery, with a flowing golden silk ribbon symbolising connectivity, cultural exchange and global integration.

With a modern fleet and more than 400 new aircraft on order from Airbus and Boeing through 2030, Vietjet continues to expand its international network, adopt advanced technologies, improve operational efficiency and provide safe, reliable travel while supporting long-term sustainable value.

New Bhutan travel series focuses on flexible, small-group experiences

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Druk Asia is rolling out a new approach to visiting Bhutan with the launch of the Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low, a series of small-group journeys designed to replace conventional sightseeing with more flexible, meaningful encounters.

The itineraries are curated to align with the country’s High Value, Low Volume tourism policy, which emphasises cultural preservation, environmental protection and sustainable development.

The Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, Gasa showcases tradition and culture against Bhutan’s mountain backdrop

Each trip is accompanied by Low, a hospitality veteran who spent nearly a decade in Bhutan as general manager of an international five-star hotel. Low, together with a licensed local guide and driver, leads participants through a programme where accommodation, transport and access are arranged, but space remains for spontaneous discovery, such as shared meals, artisan visits and conversations with spiritual leaders.

Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan, with all visitors required to travel with licensed guides. This ensures safety in high-altitude terrain while also providing access to sacred sites and local communities.

Druk Asia, which has hosted more than 20,000 travellers to Bhutan and is the official representative of Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines), will also continue to offer special interest journeys such as the Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, Gasa, held in October 2025 at 4,000 metres above sea level.

Prices are based on twin-sharing accommodation and include return economy airfare with Druk Air to Paro from Singapore.

For more information, visit Druk Asia.

Thai Airways reveals key outbound travel trends for 2025 at THAI Talk event

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Thai outbound travel has shaped up dynamically in 2025, with Tokyo, Singapore, and Shanghai emerging as the top destinations for Thai travellers.

“Based on Thai passenger statistics from January to July 2024, the top five routes were Tokyo (Narita), Hong Kong, Osaka, Singapore, and Seoul,” noted Kittiphong Sansomboon, chief commercial officer of Thai Airways International (THAI).

THAI and Mastercard hosted the THAI Talk: Travel Trend and Priceless Experience event on September 3, 2025, in Bangkok at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

“In 2025, Tokyo remains the champion while Singapore and Shanghai climbed to second and third place, replacing Hong Kong and Osaka,” he stated.

Seoul still ranks in the top 10.

He added that new hotspots are emerging, with China’s visa-free policy fuelling demand among Thais seeking alternatives to Japan and South Korea: “The rising star is Guangzhou, China… Thais don’t just go shopping there, but are also interested in museums, history, sightseeing, and trying diverse street food.”

Growth in secondary routes is equally striking.

“Colombo saw over 100 per cent increase in Thai travellers, while Shanghai experienced over 80 per cent passenger growth,” Kittiphong said, noting that THAI has increased flights to match demand on routes to Shanghai, Colombo, and Denpasar (Bali).

Beyond destinations, behaviour is also shifting to what Juthasree Kuvinichkul, founding partner of the YouTrip Thailand multi-currency wallet, called a “cut the cost, not the holiday” mindset.

She observed: “In the first half of 2025, international travel among Thais grew by 45 per cent compared to last year. But travellers are adopting a smarter approach by opting for Asia destinations that offer the same luxury experience as longhaul trips at a fraction of the price.”

“We’re also seeing Thais become more financially savvy, with a 25 per cent increase in travellers monitoring exchange rates and pre-exchanging currencies to lock in favourable rates and stretch their budgets further,” she added.

She underlined the rise of the digital-first traveller, calling smartphones “the new passport” that powers every journey”.

Kittiphong noted that Thai travellers are increasingly prioritising convenience, with a growing preference for full-service flights where a single payment covers all their travel needs, rather than low-cost flights and piecemeal add-ons.

THAI underscored its response to these evolving demands with new service upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and a Mastercard promotion offering a discount of 2,000 baht (US$63) per seat on Asian routes booked by September 30 for travel through the end of 2025.

Explora Journeys unveils 2027-2028 collection with debut Asian itineraries

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Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has revealed its 2027–2028 Journeys Collection, featuring itineraries across five continents and introducing the brand’s first voyages through Asia.

The season also marks the debut of Explora V, the fleet’s fifth ship, which will begin with Mediterranean itineraries before continuing to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.

Explora III will dock in Hong Kong as part of the brand’s first Asian voyages in the 2027–2028 collection

From September 2027 to May 2028, the collection includes nearly 100 journeys visiting 59 countries and almost 200 destinations. The itineraries focus on deeper regional immersion, overnight stays in key cities, and opportunities to explore local culture at a measured pace.

Asia will feature prominently with Explora III, which will undertake 28 journeys covering 47 destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. The itineraries include maiden calls, overnight stays in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Naha, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali, and coincide with seasonal highlights including Japan’s cherry blossoms and maple leaves, Chinese Golden Week, and onboard Chinese New Year celebrations.

Explora V will launch in December 2027 with a series of Mediterranean itineraries during the region’s quiet season, visiting 27 destinations in nine countries. The inaugural voyages include maiden calls such as Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, overnight stays in Istanbul, and a New Year’s Eve celebration in Naples. Following the Mediterranean, Explora V will travel to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula alongside Explora I, covering Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Guests will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Petra, Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza and AlUla, with multiple overnight stays enabling extended exploration.

Explora II and Explora IV will operate in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, visiting 51 destinations across 30 countries and territories. Highlights include maiden calls in Port Antonio (Jamaica), remote Amazonian communities, and opportunities to explore Mayan ruins, rainforests and Caribbean islands. Both ships will celebrate New Year’s Eve off San Juan, Puerto Rico, with views of the city’s fireworks from the ship.

Cathay, Hong Kong Disneyland to boost Hong Kong tourism

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Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen inbound tourism and create new travel offerings.

The agreement aims to explore synergies between the two brands, enhance Hong Kong’s appeal as a global travel destination, and support its role as a regional transit hub.

The MoU between Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland aims to create new travel experiences and attract more visitors to Hong Kong

A product for travellers transiting in Hong Kong is targeted for launch in 2026.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, attended by Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam and Hong Kong Disneyland managing director Michael Moriarty, with Mickey Mouse present to mark the occasion.

Lam commented: “By combining world-class air travel with Disney experiences, we will create unforgettable journeys that celebrate the very best of Hong Kong. Together, we aim to inspire travellers from around the world to come to our home city and experience all that it has to offer.”

Moriarty added: “As we mark Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, this strategic collaboration with Cathay exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal. Together, we aim to drive inbound visitation and solidify Hong Kong’s position as a world-class tourism and transit hub. We look forward to enchanting more tourists with immersive, experiential experiences that reflect the evolving aspirations of today’s travellers.”

Fairfield by Marriott celebrates milestone of 150 hotels in China

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Marriott International’s Fairfield by Marriott brand has reached a milestone of 150 combined open and pipeline hotels in China, reflecting strong growth in the region’s select service segment.

The brand, which entered China in 2017, now spans more than 50 destinations and has expanded rapidly since celebrating its 50th hotel in 2024. In just over a year, Fairfield has grown by more than 50 per cent, with another 50 hotels expected to open within the next two years.

From left: Marriott International’s David Marriott and Yibing Mao

In the first seven months of 2025, newly signed projects increased 75 per cent year-on-year, targeting key locations including Shanghai’s Xuhui District, Beijing Capital Airport and Shenzhen’s Qianhai area.

Fairfield by Marriott has extended its presence across transportation hubs, emerging urban districts and leisure destinations, with recent openings in Yangshuo (Guangxi), Xinzhou (Shanxi) and Qiandao Lake (Hangzhou). To support this growth, the brand introduced a regional product upgrade, including a new Chinese name, refreshed design, and updated guest experience focusing on four core travel needs: working, sleeping, bathing and service.

Globally, Fairfield by Marriott operates over 1,350 hotels in 20 countries and territories, with more than 460 additional properties in the pipeline, making it Marriott’s largest brand worldwide by combined open and pipeline hotels.

Marriott International chairman of the board David Marriott commented: “What started with inspiration from our family’s Fairfield Farm has grown into one of Marriott’s largest and most trusted brands. I’m extremely proud of the teams who continue to carry Fairfield’s legacy forward and deliver exceptional hospitality to guests across China and around the world.”

“Since entering China eight years ago, Fairfield has unlocked new opportunities for growth, bringing the Beauty of Simplicity to more destinations and more guests across the region,” added Yibing Mao, president, Greater China, Marriott International. “The brand’s accelerated expansion reflects our broader strategy to meet evolving traveller needs in China, and with localised product enhancements, Fairfield continues to drive fresh momentum in the select service segment.”