Singapore’s integrated resort Marina Bay Sands has laid claims to being the first in the travel and tourism industry to deploy a fleet of 12 Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for back-of-house deliveries to optimise operations across the hotel and the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
Similar AMRs are typically deployed for supply chain deliveries in factories around the world.
Five more Autonomous Mobile Robots will join the current fleet of 12 to further boost delivery operations
At Marina Bay Sands, these robots perform a critical but manpower-laborious task of round-the-clock deliveries. Prior to adoption, the integrated resort saw over 200 manual deliveries across 80 routes each day. Between 2019 and 2023, delivery volumes surged by around 35 per cent as operations expanded, leading to the property to explore the use of automation.
The AMRs have helped Marina Bay Sands to cut labour dependency by up to 30 per cent. Procurement and supply chain team members have been re-assigned to higher value tasks, upskilling in areas such as inventory management as well as operating and dispatching the AMRs, ensuring the smooth integration of robots into daily operations.
With close to 20 pre-programmed routes, each AMR can transport a maximum load of 300kg and travel at a top speed of up to 84 metres per minute. Safety laser scanners allow for intelligent wayfinding and obstacle detecting, enabling them to come to a halt in front of obstacles and safely navigate around objects in their path.
Another five AMRs will be programmed and rolled out in the second half of 2025.
Shijith Prathapan, vice president of procurement and supply chain at Marina Bay Sands, said: “Running a large-scale integrated resort like Marina Bay Sands requires effective workforce planning, and since day one, we have fostered a culture of productivity by investing in innovation.
“As we continue to invest in Singapore, we will pursue even more innovative tools to elevate workplace processes together with our suppliers, who have been instrumental in enhancing our productivity.”
Amari Bangsaen, Thailand
Located directly across from the iconic Bangsaen Beach, Amari Bangsaen offers easy beach access and a vibrant seaside experience ideal for families, friends, couples, and business travellers. The hotel features 154 rooms, ranging from deluxe accommodation to spacious suites.
It has 15 function rooms capable of hosting up to 1,000 pax, along with dining options such as Amaya Food Gallery, serving Asian and Western cuisines throughout the day; Maitree Bar with signature Thai cocktails; Aqua Eatery & Bar by the pool featuring daily Happy Hour; and the beachfront Aloha Beach Cafe.
The property is located just over an hour from Bangkok.
Courtyard by Marriott Pyeongtaek
Courtyard by Marriott Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Courtyard by Marriott has launched in Pyeongtaek, marking the city’s first international branded hotel. Located near Samsung Electronics, Camp Humphreys, and Osan Air Base, it caters to business and leisure travellers.
The hotel offers 230 rooms, including four suites, with options for long stays. Facilities include a ballroom for up to 180 guests, a gym, and an indoor pool.
The property incorporates eco-friendly design elements, including a landscaped garden and air purification system.
Modena by Fraser Shenzhen
Modena by Fraser Shenzhen, China
Modena by Fraser Shenzhen has soft-opened in the Luohu District of the Greater Bay Area, and is part of the architecturally distinctive Shennan 1001 tower.
The residence offers 325 fully furnished apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Facilities include a gym, yoga studio, pickleball court, and an outdoor barbecue area, catering to both cross-border professionals and leisure travellers.
Its location offers convenient access to Hong Kong and multiple border crossings, supporting its appeal to the growing number of business travellers in the region.
The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam
The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam, Indonesia
The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam has opened on a private island in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, offering a wellness-focused retreat just 20 minutes by ferry from Singapore’s Harbourfront Terminal.
Accessible via on-site customs and a private marina, the resort spans the entire island, offering a seamless arrival experience for guests.
The resort features 94 guestrooms and suites, along with 52 private villas, many with outdoor spaces and views of the Singapore skyline. Facilities include a rooftop pool bar with panoramic views, a gym, spa, wellness spaces, kids’ club, and outdoor recreation such as nature treks and water sports. It also has meeting venues and a 450m² ballroom.
Dining options include an all-day restaurant, seafood grill, rooftop bar, and a lounge that transitions from café to cocktail bar.
Following its April 2025 petition, Thai Airways International Public Company (THAI) has officially exited its court-supervised business rehabilitation programme after a June 16 ruling by Thailand’s Central Bankruptcy Court. The decision marks the end of a four-year restructuring journey for the Star Alliance member, which was forced into rehabilitation in 2020 due to pandemic-induced losses.
Reflecting on the ruling, Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI board member and former chief of the rehabilitation plan administrators, underscored the scale of the turnaround.
From left: Thai Airways’ Chai Eamsiri and Piyasvasti Amranand
“It has been over four years since Thai Airways entered the business rehabilitation process. Before rehabilitation, our equity was a staggering negative 140 billion baht (US$4.29 billion). Today, it stands at a positive 55 billion baht, a clear demonstration of a true organisational recovery,” he stated in a news report published in The Nation.
The airline’s successful petition to the court follows strong financial performance and full compliance with all four conditions set forth in its restructuring plan. These include registered capital increase, implementation of the recovery plan without default, achieving a 12-month EBITDA of 40.3 billion baht – excluding aircraft lease expenses – well above the 20 billion baht target, and the appointment of a new board of directors on April 18.
The company’s shareholders’ equity has turned positive – rebounding to 55.2 billion baht as of March 31, 2025, from a negative 127.2 billion baht at the end of 2020.
The exit sets the stage for THAI to resume trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, with regulatory approvals expected to be completed by early August.
According to THAI chief executive officer Chai Eamsiri, the successful turnaround reflects the “commitment, sacrifice, and collaboration” of all stakeholders – creditors, shareholders, customers, partners, and staff alike.
He added: “The company’s current financial strength, as well as the developments that the company has made through the rehabilitation process, will be a good foundation for building on the success to create sustainable growth in terms of business, society, and the environment in the future.”
From a debt burden exceeding 400 billion baht, the airline now has a remaining repayment obligation of 95.5 billion baht through 2036.
Roughly 94.1 billion baht has already been repaid under final court orders as of 1Q2025.
Enjoy a bird's eye view of Lake Eyre in South Australia with a scenic helicopter ride
AAT Kings has launched a series of Small Group Tours to give travellers a more intimate and personalised experience as they access remote regions and enjoy premium service.
Group sizes are limited to 24, and tours start in South Australia this September, heading to places such as South Australia’s outback, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, and Eyre Peninsula.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Lake Eyre in South Australia with a scenic helicopter ride
A selection of small group departures will also be available on 2025/2026 such as the Perfect Tasmania, a two week exploration of the great outdoors from stunning beaches to glacial lakes, and New Zealand’s Southern Spirit tours across its scenic south island including a Dark Sky experience, views of Franz Josef Glacier, and Milford Sound cruise..
The full suite of Small Group products will then roll out across the AAT Kings’ 2026/2027 season, available to book from July 2025. Additional destinations including Northern Territory and Western Australia will be included at a later date.
Each Small Group tour will include unique accommodation options, such as Wilpena Pound Resort nestled within the heart of South Australia’s breathtaking Flinders Ranges. A range of optional activities will also be available, and can be added to itineraries such as a charter flight over Tasmania’s pristine South West Wilderness, or authentic culinary experiences at Dunedin Craft Distiller.
Each of these tours will provide access to remote destinations and integrate AAT King’s Make Travel Matter ethos, to contribute sustainability and positively impact local communities.
Examples of additional itineraries which will be added to the Small Group Tours product as part of the 2026/27 season include the Tasmania & Flinders Island Explorer, Untamed New Zealand, and an Outback Icons tour.
AAT Kings is offering savings of up to A$2,000 (US$1,298) per couple on select Small Group tours booked July 8. For more information, visit AAT Kings.
A new direct flight between Dubai in the UAE and Vietnam’s Danang, operated by Emirates, is expected to boost luxury visitation from the affluent Middle East region – as well as Europe and the Americas where the airline connects with – to the Asian coastal city.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Danang, there were more than 13,000 visitors from the Middle East as of April 2025. This figure represents 0.73 per cent of Danang’s total international visitors.
Sun World Ba Na Hills offers a diverse range of performances and attractions throughout the year
With the new Emirates route now in operation, Middle Eastern arrivals are expected to rise sharply, potentially adding trillions of Vietnamese dong in tourism revenue to the local economy.
Tran Chi Cuong, vice chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, said the new Emirates service will reduce the travel gap between Danang and major global markets such as the Middle East, Europe, North America and Africa. It also helps to strengthen tourism development and opens new avenues for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Danang is ready to welcome affluent travellers – it has 111 four and five-star hotels, many of which carry international labels that are favoured by Middle Eastern elites. There are also 16 tourist sites to provide visitors with varied entertainment.
Danang also has an advantage in golf tourism, thanks to three international-standard golf courses, and in halal tourism, as the city has nearly 30 restaurants and eateries offering Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly cuisine.
Sun Group believes it can contribute to Danang’s appeal among affluent Middle Eastern visitors. Its tourism portfolio includes top destinations like Sun World Ba Na Hills and its iconic Golden Bridge as well as the renowned Ba Na Hills Golf Club, which was designed by golf legend Luke Donald. Two restaurants at Sun World Ba Na Hills – Halal Indrapura and Bharata Restaurant – are also halal-certified.
Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, deputy CEO of Sun Group and CEO of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment Group, said: “In addition to high-end services, it is the understanding of culture and the ability to offer culturally refined experiences that allow us to fully meet the needs of these highly discerning guests.”
Three content creators specialising in Muslim travel and lifestyle have become the first beneficiaries of a new project that facilitates collaboration between NTOs and travel influencers and contributes to more Muslim travel content.
The Halaltrip Content Creator Tank provides a platform for relevant content creators to pitch their storytelling ideas to a select group of destination marketers, with the best contenders winning an all-expense-paid trip that will enable them to produce their next set of content about Muslim-friendly travel.
Content creator Nur Amira Rahmat makes her pitch at the Halaltrip Content Creator Tank
For the first edition, applicants were invited to submit an online application showcasing their work and audience demographics as well as a short video pitch outlining their proposed content idea, unique narrative style, relevance to Muslim-friendly travel, and destination showcase should they be selected. Submissions were then reviewed by a committee of five industry experts who considered creativity, storytelling, audience engagement, and alignment with HalalTrip’s values.
The exercise attracted over 20 submissions, and six top content creators were eventually shortlisted. Two were selected to pitch to one sponsor destination in the finals.
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Sarawak Trade & Tourism Office Singapore, and Spain Tourism Board were sponsor destinations. Celest Quek, Putrie Rozana and Irene Valencia – representatives from the NTOs respectively played judges in the finals.
Nurul Amira Rahmat, who manages the Instagram and Tiktok channels @asingaporeanabroad, won the pitch to Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore.
Zakky Hirza Aulia, who manages the Instagram and Tiktok channels @hirzq, won the pitch to Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Siti Nur Sabrina Yusri, who manages the Instagram and Tiktok channels @snsby, won the pitch to Spain Tourism Board.
Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, said NTO interest in the inaugural Halaltrip Content Creator Tank was encouraging.
“I see a possibility of us conducting the Halaltrip Content Creator Tank twice a year, instead of just once,” he said, adding that support can be drawn from the many NTOs that CrescentRating is working with on developing halal tourism.
He added that the three NTO representatives supporting the first edition were very enthusiastic. Due to the high quality of contenders, the representatives had hoped to award both contenders an all-expense-paid trip.
“It is a tough choice, but there must only be one winner for each sponsor destination. I am sure the NTO will look at other ways to collaborate with the other contender,” he said.
Fazal recalled that the winner selected by Spain Tourism Board had donned a traje de flamenca – a dress traditionally worn by flamenco dancers – while Sarawak Trade & Tourism Office Singapore’s top choice had performed a Sarawakian dance during her pitch.
A spokesperson from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Southeast Asia office told TTG Asia that there is “strong value in partnering with halal tourism influencers to authentically engage Muslim travellers — a key and growing market”.
The spokesperson said: “These influencers help showcase Hong Kong’s growing range of Muslim-friendly experiences through culturally relevant and trusted storytelling. Our support for the HalalTrip Content Creator Tank reinforces our commitment to inclusive tourism, enabling us to extend our reach, deepen community trust, and further establish Hong Kong as a welcoming and vibrant destination for Muslim travellers.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Southeast Asia office is no stranger to engagements with regional travel influencers. It conducts “continuous engagement and meaningful connections all year round”, shared the spokesperson.
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Southeast Asia office intends to invite more influencers to Hong Kong to showcase the city and “expand our reach to their audiences”.
Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025, held from June 4-6, has achieved Carbon Neutral Event Self Declaration status, marking a major milestone in Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility.
To achieve this status, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority to monitor and calculate carbon emissions generated at the event’s venue, the Royal Park Rajapruek. All emissions were fully offset through the Carbon Knox Declaration platform, positioning TTM+ 2025 as a leading example of low-impact tourism events in the region.
Cooked meals that were not served at TTM+ 2025300 were donated to the Wat Don Chan Orphanage and the Northern School for the Blind in Chiang Mai
The event succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 669.84 kgCO₂eq – equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 47 trees – and diverted 1,080.63kg of waste from landfill through a comprehensive sorting and recycling system. Waste was categorised into 555kg of general waste, 425kg of food scraps, and 100.63kg of recyclable materials.
TAT also collaborated with Central Tham and Recycle Day to manage waste responsibly. Organic waste was sent to Chiang Mai University for biogas production, while PET plastics and other recyclables were delivered to appropriate processing centres.
In support of the event’s zero food waste strategy, surplus cooked meals that had not been served were distributed to nearby communities. A total of 300 food and water packages were delivered to the Wat Don Chan Orphanage and the Northern School for the Blind in Chiang Mai, extending the positive impact of the event beyond its environmental goals.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated that sustainability is the foundation of all TAT initiatives.
“TTM+ is not only a vital international tourism business platform but also a direct reflection of TAT’s mission to drive responsible tourism that benefits both people and the planet. The Carbon Neutral Event Self Declaration at TTM+ 2025 is a clear demonstration of that vision in action,” she stated.
Guides are excellently versed and weave tales of Cambodian history and culture, as well as modern-day life, into each stop
Graze through the capital city
Snack on deep-fried bugs
It is often said that food sits at the heart of culture and serves as a gateway to truly discovering a destination. Urban Forage’s tours certainly embody this philosophy, offering a variety of adventures that take guests way off the well-trodden trail, introducing local life in the Cambodian capital through food. And there’s no better way to get to scratch beneath the surface and get a true taste of Cambodia than through its cuisine.
We opted for a tour that combines foraging for both street food and art, offering an immersive experience that goes far beyond sampling street snacks and hitting tourist-centric galleries. We started off at a community on the outskirts of Boeung Kak Lake, home to a web of back alleys flanked by tin-roofed homes, mom and pop shops and small communities: a great introduction to local life away from the hum of the capital.
This nondescript area also comes with a lot of recent history, as told in the pieces of urban art that adorn the sides of buildings and walls. As we ambled along the narrow streets, our guide – the extremely informative and entertaining Jackson – pointed to colourful wall memorials depicting Khmer characters, while others paid a subtle nod to the area’s turbulent past. In the early 2010s, the lake – once Phnom Penh’s largest – was filled in, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
Having worked up an appetite, we jumped in our tuk tuks – complete with free flow soft drinks, water and beer, to begin our grazing tour of the capital. The next three hours saw us navigate the capital’s bustling main streets to sample some classic – and some not-so-classic – flavours.
We savoured flavoursome freshly-cooked noodles at a street-side restaurant, where Jackson introduced us to the owner and the age-old techniques used to make the steaming hot dish, before stopping at street carts spilling over with deep-fried bugs; think tarantulas, crickets and scorpions.
We perched on small plastic chairs gathered around roadside tables and joined groups of locals savouring made-on-the-spot coconut cakes before exploring local markets, passing stalls selling coils of live snakes and writhing eels. We were introduced to what was dubbed the best street food stall for skewered meats, made all the more mouth-watering when combined with a blend of Khmer herbs.
Finally, stuffed, we rounded out the tour at a typical Cambodian night spot for more food – red ant and beef salad, fish amok, papaya salad and heaps of seasoned veg. Then, we had beer and karaoke – the only way to cap a truly Cambodian experience.
Verdict This is an excellent immersion into daily life in Phnom Penh through food and art. Each of the vendors and eateries have been carefully selected, and each show a different side to Cambodia’s cuisine and culture.
The guides are excellently versed and weave tales of Cambodian history and culture, as well as modern-day life, into each of the stops. The group size is also purposely kept to about six to ensure an intimate experience, with different tour options available.
Rate: Tours start from US$35 per person Website: www.urbanforage.co
Amari Bangkok has appointed Michel Scheffers as its new general manager.
Scheffers has been a key leader within ONYX Hospitality Group, most recently serving as area general manager Southern Thailand, overseeing Amari Phuket and Amari Vogue Krabi.
He has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Yen Dang has been appointed Alma Resort Cam Ranh’s director of sales and marketing (DOSM).
In her new role with Alma, Yen will oversee sales and marketing strategy and initiatives for the resort’s key segments, and report to Alma’s chief commercial officer Frederic Savoye.
The Vietnamese national joins from Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, where she was also DOSM.
Her other roles include DOSM at Movenpick Resort Cam Ranh, the cluster director of sales at Mercure Vung Tau and ibis Styles Vung Tau, the DOSM during the pre-opening of Melia Cam Ranh Bay, and director of sales (wholesales) at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.
