Ayala Land and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) have teamed up to bring back the hospitality brand to Makati City, the commercial heart of the Philippines, with the unveiling of the new Mandarin Oriental, slated to open in 2026.
The new hotel, located in Ayala Triangle Gardens at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, will have 276 rooms with a range of amenities including restaurants and spa.
Ayala Land and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group representatives at the site of the Mandarin Oriental Makati, which opens in 2026
The original Mandarin Oriental was a defining part of the Makati City skyline from 1976 through 2014. The new property will be at the forefront of the evolving landscape of Makati City, with the city’s new 25-year plan geared at enhancing its liveability, diversity and sustainability.
Christoph Mares, chief operating officer, MOHG, said: “As a brand that was born in Asia, Mandarin Oriental has always been at the heart of the region’s development and evolving culture. We’re optimistic about the future prospects of the Philippines, and are happy to be returning to the country now.”
“We’re excited to welcome Mandarin Oriental back to the Philippines, and to Makati City specifically. More than just a physical landmark, the brand was also a cultural landmark, with the hotel hosting celebrations and special events,” added Mariana Zobel de Ayala, senior vice-president, leasing and hospitality head, Ayala.
Air Astana will restart its services from Astana, Kazakhstan to Seoul, South Korea on June 15, flying twice weekly on the Airbus A321LR.
Air Astana will fly twice a week from Astana to Seoul from June 15
The new services from Astana to Seoul will be in addition to the daily flights from Almaty to Seoul, with all services operated on a codeshare basis with Asiana Airlines.
One of India’s popular tourist states, Goa is working towards promoting its diverse tourism experiences and growing the sector in a sustainable manner. Traditionally, the destination has been majorly popular for its sun, sand and beaches, however, the state’s tourism department is now focusing on segments like rural, adventure, nature trails, wellness, festivals, history and culture to name a few.
“Goan beaches are very famous but we are keen to showcase different tourism aspects of the destination. We want tourists to explore the hidden gems of Goa. From hinterlands to natural splendours like Caranzol Talyar waterfall, Goa offers diverse tourism experiences. In fact, we want to create different tourist circuits in the state,” said Suneel Anchipaka, director, department of tourism, government of Goa.
At the opening ceremony of Goa International Travel Mart 2024
The department of tourism, government of Goa organised the fourth edition of Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2024 from April 3 to 4 at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium to showcase to both domestic and international buyers its diverse offerings and sustainability efforts. The event recorded a turnout of 65 international buyers and 80 domestic buyers. The international buyers represented both key and emerging markets including Germany, the UAE, Italy, Norway, Thailand, Czech Republic, the UK, the US, Zimbabwe, Finland, Nepal, Kuwait, South Africa, Spain, France, Turkey, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Russian Federation, Vietnam, Kenya, Oman, Bahrain, Hungary, Australia, South Korea and Singapore. Through a panel discussion at the event, the state highlighted its regenerative tourism efforts.
“We are the first Indian state to come-up with a ‘regenerative tourism’ model wherein we are implementing sustainable practices at “Ekadasha Teertha” (11 spiritual sites). The idea is not only to preserve cultural heritage of these sites and promote them, but also involve communities in sustainability efforts,” said Anchipaka.
The tourism department on the sidelines of the GITM signed MoUs with companies like Agoda and Mastercard to highlight its lesser explored tourism products. Goa will be utilising Mastercard’s ‘priceless’ platform to craft unique travel experiences for travellers coming to the state. As per the partnership with Agoda, the digital platform will showcase Goa’s diverse holiday offerings and attractions to its global network of travellers.
“Post Covid, we have seen a strong demand for experiential travel. It is good to see that Goa’s government is working towards promoting aspects like home stays, adventure, heritage etc. Tour operators in the state have already come up with packages that allow travellers to immerse themselves in unique experiences. Also, awareness about new products and experiences will translate into tourists staying for a longer duration,” said Nilesh Shah, president, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa.
As per Goa’s government statistics, the tourism arrivals in the state surpassed pre-pandemic levels last year with around 8.4 million tourist arrivals overall, recording a growth of 17.9 per cent over the previous level.
“Goa has experienced a robust surge in demand from the domestic market. Both airports in the region are bustling with domestic travellers, reflecting a significant uptick in internal tourism. This growth has played a crucial role in offsetting the slower recovery of international tourism to the area,” added Shah.
In fact, there has been a decline in international air charter business to Goa in the past due to global scenarios like the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia has been a key market for air charter international tourist arrivals in Goa. As per industry players, pre-pandemic Goa used to receive six charter flights a day. The state is presently receiving five to six charter flights a week.
“The positive thing is that there is an increase in air charter business from the UK to Goa. Last year we had two flights a week. This year we are seeing four charter flights a week from the UK. There is one operator who is looking to tie up with Air India to operate charter flights from the UK to Goa. We have tied up with a company in Poland, which is going to come up with charters to Goa once a week from Warsaw from the coming inbound season beginning from October right up to the end of March,” said Ernest Dias, chief operating officer, SITA.
Goa government is also talking to airlines in South-east Asian markets to operate direct flights to Goa so as to increase international tourist arrivals from the neighbouring markets.
“Direct air connectivity is key to increasing international tourist arrivals. We recently held discussion with Malaysia-based Batik Air to operate direct flights to Goa. We are also looking to have some joint promotions with Malaysia tourism,” said Mark Mendes, member of the Goa Tourism Board.
A huge barrier to block views of Mount Fuji will be installed at a popular photo spot by Japanese authorities as a last resort, a decision brought about by crowds of badly-behaved foreign tourists who disobeyed rules and left litter behind.
An official from Fujikawaguchiko town said that a mesh net of about 2.4 metres high and 20 metres long will be constructed next week.
A barrier will be erected in front of the Lawson store to deter tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji there (Photo: YAO23)
While the famous mountain can be photographed from many spots in Fujikawaguchiko, this viewpoint is particularly popular on social media because Mount Fuji appears behind a Lawson store, which are ubiquitous in Japan. This attracts tourists who overcrowd a stretch of pavement next to the convenience store, and ignore traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards.
The official shared that the current plan was for the screen to stay up until the situation improves.
This barrier at Mount Fuji is the latest direct action in Japan against overtourism after residents of Kyoto’s geisha district banned visitors from small private alleys this year due to tourists who harassed the city’s geishas and took photographs of them without permission.
In addition, Japan has announced a series of new measures that will take effect from 2024 for the safety of Mount Fuji hikers, such as charging a fee of 2,000 yen (US$13), which will go towards supporting Mount Fuji’s conservation efforts. Night-time climbers will also be required to make reservations at mountain huts for their ascent.
River cruising has a lot more potential to grow among Asian travellers, said Henry Yu, managing director, Asia, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
In an interview with TTG Asia, he added that there was increasing awareness of river cruising and the Uniworld brand.
Uniworld’s S.S. Victoria features 55 suites and staterooms and can accommodate up to 110 pax
“If they travel with us this year, 70 per cent of our customers will return within the next three years, and bring more customers back,” he said.
He observed that customers are also making bookings earlier. Meanwhile, its Rhine and Danube river cruises remain the most popular cruises, although there is growing interest in its southern France and Bordeaux itineraries.
This year, Uniworld’s new Super Ship, the S.S. Victoria, set sail in March, starting from Amsterdam on an eight-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time cruise, then on to an eight-day Castles Along the Rhine trip from Basel to Amsterdam, before cruising along the Magnificent Moselle and Rhine itinerary for 10 days.
The ship, with 55 suites and staterooms, can accommodate up to 110 guests. The biggest Royal Suite is a sizeable 47m2, while the suites range from 22m2 to 23.5m2.
Launching in 2025 will be the S.S. Elisabeth, the sister ship to S.S. Victoria, which boasts two Royal Suites at 47m2 that can be combined with an adjoining suite next door to create an even bigger 70.5m2.
Uniworld has also launched new themed cruises this year, which includes sailing with Michelin-star celebrity chefs, Robert van Rijsbergen, Uniworld’s own culinary director, and Taiwanese chef Thomas Chien.
There is also a Pearl Wedding Anniversary sailing with Chinese news anchor, Ho Rong, in November on an eight-day Enchanting Danube itinerary from Budapest to Passau.
Holiday season cruises are also open for booking, with seven itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers, taking passengers to various Christmas markets across Western and Central Europe.
Yu emphasised that Uniworld can provide all the necessary logistical arrangements, including transfers, food and beverage, and activities for charters.
For corporate charters, venues and function rooms are also available, with places such as the lounge, bar, restaurant and sun deck that can be utilised as meeting venues.
Go City has expanded its offerings through a partnership with Merlin Entertainments, adding seven of the iconic city’s top experiences to its London Pass, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
These attractions include The Lastminute.com London Eye, also celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, Madame Tussauds London, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Shrek’s Adventure! London, The London Dungeon, Sea Life London Aquarium and Legoland Windsor Resort.
From left: Merlin Entertainments’ Sunny Jouhal, Jennifer Dardis, and Hywel Mathias; Go City’s Jon Owen, Judy Gauthier, and Daryl Bennett
These new additions expand Go City’s London-based attractions to more than 100 offerings found on the Explorer and All-Inclusive passes.
“Our customers love using our app to discover an amazing blend of iconic landmarks and hidden treasures – plus they enjoy up to 50 per cent savings on walk-up rates. We’re thrilled to build on our global partnership with Merlin Entertainments, by including, for the first time, seven of Merlin’s iconic London attractions in our London pass line-ups” shared Jon Owen, CEO of Go City.
“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that opens us up to new audiences while providing Go City with premium experiences to complement their passes in London,” said Dominique Sidley, global trade strategy director of Merlin Entertainments.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has awarded OUE Limited (OUE) the tender for the lease and development of a new hotel to be located at Changi Airport Terminal 2 (T2).
Hotel Indigo Changi Airport will boast 255 keys, a rooftop day club, bar and infinity pool when completed in 2028.
Hotel Indigo Changi Airport will be Singapore’s first zero-energy hotel when it opens in 2028
The new hotel will complement the existing hotels on Changi Airport’s landside including YotelAir at Jewel Changi Airport and Crowne Plaza Changi Airport located at Terminal 3, which is also owned and leased by OUE Group.
With sustainability as a core component, Hotel Indigo Changi Airport aims to achieve operational energy neutrality by incorporating sustainability features such as solar photovoltaic panels, hybrid cooling systems, naturally ventilated corridors and rainwater-harvesting technology aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing overall guest comfort and well-being.
CAG CEO Lee Seow Hiang said: “The hotel concept proposed by OUE was the most compelling and promises to be the first zero-energy hotel in Singapore, and possibly the first for an airport hotel in the world. (The new hotel) will serve our visitors well with its differentiated facilities and convenient access to T2.”
“We are very honoured to be awarded this opportunity to develop a new hotel at Changi Airport,” added Brian Riady, deputy CEO and executive director of OUE. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with CAG, and to introducing fresh and innovative hospitality concepts to visitors of Changi Airport.”
World of Hyatt is offering members new access to earn and redeem at a collection of more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas around the globe with Mr & Mrs Smith, the luxury travel platform Hyatt acquired in 2023, now available for booking today.
From glamping stays and boutique wellness retreats to grand palazzos, world-class ski resorts and more, members can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in hundreds of destinations when they book through Hyatt channels.
World of Hyatt members now have more travel options, such as cosying up in the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Finland, pictured
The addition of the hotels and villas curated by Mr & Mrs Smith complements the recently announced pipeline of more than 35 new luxury properties across Hyatt’s Timeless, Boundless, Independent and Inclusive Collection brands.
The participating properties from the Mr & Mrs Smith portfolio adds more than 20 new, sought-after countries to World of Hyatt such as Namibia, Fiji and the British Virgin Islands. From the remote tented hideouts of Zannier Hotels Sonop in Namibia to sustainability focused retreats at Hotel Aguas Claras in Costa Rica, or lofty lodgings at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Finland, every Mr & Mrs Smith property available through World of Hyatt has been carefully chosen for its inspiring decor, personalised touches and above-and-beyond attention to detail.
Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, brand, loyalty and data, Hyatt, said: “True to our Be More Here platform, the addition of hundreds of hotels and villas, hand-selected by Mr & Mrs Smith, helps Hyatt welcome even more members in new destinations and deliver on our guests’ desires to have truly meaningful experiences when they travel.”
“The integration of so many Mr & Mrs Smith hotels into the World of Hyatt gives us the opportunity to expand our reach to new audiences while sustaining our thoughtful curation standards,” shared Tamara Lohan, co-founder and CEO, Mr & Mrs Smith.
Galaxy Entertainment Group has tied-up with Capella Hotels and Resorts and will house the first Capella property in The Greater Bay Area, slated to open mid-2025.
Standing at 17-storeys high, Capella at Galaxy Macau will offer 36 Sky Villas and 57 suites, designed by the renowned Paris-based firm Moinard Bētaille. Each Sky Villa features a balcony with a transparent infinity-edge pool, outdoor lounge, sunroom, and hidden winter garden, as well as amenities such as a butler pantry, a karaoke room with a cigar butler, a private cocktail bar, and a games lounge. Suites come with private plunge pools and balconies with panoramic views of Macau’s architecture.
Capella at Galaxy Macau features an infinity-edge pool in each of the 36 Sky Villas
Other facilities at the Capella property will be the brand’s signature Living Room, a members-only lounge, whiskey bar, and an array of dining options.
“This collaboration aligns with our strategic growth plan to establish unique flagship properties within the Galaxy Macau integrated resort and beyond. As the newest addition to our integrated luxury destination, Capella at Galaxy Macau represents our continued commitment to delivering unparalleled experiential luxury to our international guests in Macau,” said Francis Lui, vice chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Evan Kwee, vice chairman of Capella Hotel Group, commented: “Through our partnership with Galaxy Entertainment Group, we are excited to introduce travellers to Macau’s rich cultural heritage, delivering thoughtful and enriching experiences while fostering meaningful connections with the local community.”
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has appointed John Girard as general manager operations for Hong Kong, where he will oversee PPG’s operations at its hometown, Hong Kong International Airport, in his new role.
A veteran global hotel executive with deep experience in Hong Kong, Girard has an extensive hospitality career, including over three decades in leadership positions at Hong Kong hotels, most recently as area general manager and vice president of development at Regal Hotels International where he managed the 1,200-room Regal Airport Hotel.
A veteran global hotel executive with deep experience in Hong Kong, Girard has an extensive hospitality career, including over three decades in leadership positions at Hong Kong hotels, most recently as area general manager and vice president of development at Regal Hotels International where he managed the 1,200-room Regal Airport Hotel.
River cruising has a lot more potential to grow among Asian travellers, said Henry Yu, managing director, Asia, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
In an interview with TTG Asia, he added that there was increasing awareness of river cruising and the Uniworld brand.
“If they travel with us this year, 70 per cent of our customers will return within the next three years, and bring more customers back,” he said.
He observed that customers are also making bookings earlier. Meanwhile, its Rhine and Danube river cruises remain the most popular cruises, although there is growing interest in its southern France and Bordeaux itineraries.
This year, Uniworld’s new Super Ship, the S.S. Victoria, set sail in March, starting from Amsterdam on an eight-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time cruise, then on to an eight-day Castles Along the Rhine trip from Basel to Amsterdam, before cruising along the Magnificent Moselle and Rhine itinerary for 10 days.
The ship, with 55 suites and staterooms, can accommodate up to 110 guests. The biggest Royal Suite is a sizeable 47m2, while the suites range from 22m2 to 23.5m2.
Launching in 2025 will be the S.S. Elisabeth, the sister ship to S.S. Victoria, which boasts two Royal Suites at 47m2 that can be combined with an adjoining suite next door to create an even bigger 70.5m2.
Uniworld has also launched new themed cruises this year, which includes sailing with Michelin-star celebrity chefs, Robert van Rijsbergen, Uniworld’s own culinary director, and Taiwanese chef Thomas Chien.
There is also a Pearl Wedding Anniversary sailing with Chinese news anchor, Ho Rong, in November on an eight-day Enchanting Danube itinerary from Budapest to Passau.
Holiday season cruises are also open for booking, with seven itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers, taking passengers to various Christmas markets across Western and Central Europe.
Yu emphasised that Uniworld can provide all the necessary logistical arrangements, including transfers, food and beverage, and activities for charters.
For corporate charters, venues and function rooms are also available, with places such as the lounge, bar, restaurant and sun deck that can be utilised as meeting venues.