Asia/Singapore Sunday, 5th April 2026
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InnKey and Marriott elevate guest journeys with Series by Marriott rollout

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InnKey, India’s enterprise hospitality technology platform, has partnered with Marriott International to support its new brand, Series by Marriott, across India.

The phased rollout covers 84 operational hotels and 31 in the pipeline, with expansion planned into other emerging markets.

The cloud‑based platform delivers seamless operations and personalised experiences across India’s newest hotel collection; Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa Jambughoda, Series by Marriott, pictured

InnKey’s cloud‑native enterprise platform unifies front‑of‑house operations. Through this partnership, its mobile‑first Property Management System will extend capabilities across the guest journey, integrating seamlessly with Marriott Bonvoy, the Central Reservation System and other brand‑level platforms.

InnKey’s platform will provide real‑time data connectivity, operational agility and chain‑level intelligence, ensuring brand consistency while allowing each property to retain its regional character.

“This partnership is a powerful reflection of InnKey’s vision – to reimagine how hospitality and technology work together,” shared Viral Shah, founder & CEO of InnKey. “It reinforces our belief that Indian‑built technology can power global hospitality at scale, delivering intelligence, reliability and human warmth at every level of operation.”

Ashish Kale, vice president IT – Asia Pacific (excluding China), global technology, Marriott International, added: “By integrating a seamless, cloud‑based platform across our Series by Marriott hotels, we are equipping teams with smarter tools and real‑time insights that ultimately elevate the guest experience.”

“This partnership reflects our vision to create intelligent and secure technology from India that’s ready for the world. Together, we built secure, fully encrypted integrations that meet global standards while keeping privacy at the core,” added Rohan Shah, co‑founder of InnKey. “Together, we built secure, fully encrypted integrations that meet global standards while keeping privacy at the core.”

Oceania Cruises unveils two all-new culinary concepts aboard Oceania Sonata

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Oceania Cruises has revealed two new dining concepts aboard Oceania Sonata, the first ship in its Sonata Class, set to launch in August 2027.

La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France will be the only restaurant at sea endorsed by the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, seating 18 guests with menus created by executive culinary directors Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale alongside invited Master Chefs of France. The venue will also host the Dom Pérignon Experience, a six-course tasting menu paired with vintage champagnes.

Nikkei Kitchen aboard Oceania Sonata blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques in a contemporary setting; photo by Oceania Cruises

Nikkei Kitchen will join La Table as a new culinary experience, introducing cuisine that blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques, developed with chef Gustavo Sugay. The menu will highlight seafood, citrus, soy-based sauces and peppers, reflecting the origins of Nikkei cuisine in the late 19th century. Nikkei Kitchen will be part of the ship’s included speciality dining options, available without reservations.

Oceania Sonata will also feature 10 established dining venues, including Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana. The ship will accommodate 1,390 guests, with 30 per cent of suites, and will be the ninth vessel in the fleet.

“Oceania Sonata represents an incredible opportunity to reimagine the future of our culinary programme, while still offering the culinary concepts our guests know and love,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. “La Table and Nikkei Kitchen are emblematic of what sets Oceania Cruises apart… these new culinary concepts reflect our continued commitment to innovation, and our commitment to serve The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”

Quaretti added: “These restaurants are not just simply new onboard venues; they are the embodiment of chef Barale’s and my shared dedication to our culinary craft, and we are excited to share more about these special experiences in the coming months. La Table has allowed us to create a dining experience that honours the heritage of French gastronomy, a cuisine that we are passionate about, and propels it forward. With the addition of Nikkei Kitchen, we’re able to celebrate bold, global flavours in unexpected, fresh ways.”

New hotels: Visama Explorer Nan, Risonare Shimonoseki and more

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Visama Explorer Nan

Visama Explorer Nan, Thailand
The eco-luxury Visama Explorer Nan tented camp has opened in northern Thailand, offering eight air-conditioned tented suites with ensuite bathrooms, king-sized beds, hot water rain showers, private decks and verandas, available in Mountain View or Creek View categories.

At the heart of the camp is the Ambalama, a communal space for evening gatherings or open-air cinema shows by the fireplace. The Monmanee creek-side restaurant serves Northern Thai specialties and Western classics alongside wine and cocktails.

Guests can enjoy tree planting, artisan workshops, hiking, cycling, and visits to local temples and waterfalls. The camp is an 80-minute flight from Bangkok plus a two-hour drive, with daily Air Asia and Nok Air flights from Don Muang International Airport.

Risonare Shimonoseki; photo by Hoshino Resorts

Risonare Shimonoseki, Japan
The 187-room Risonare Shimonoseki overlooks the Kanmon Strait, connecting Honshu and Kyushu, and reflects the region’s maritime culture and Shimonoseki’s reputation as Japan’s fugu capital. All rooms face the sea, with some pet-friendly, while the Strait Cabana Suites feature indoor “beaches” with telescopes and seashell accents.

The resort offers an infinity pool merging with the strait, a 30-metre water slide, a shallow toddler pool, and children’s play areas. Dining options include an Italian restaurant and a buffet-style venue. Public spaces such as the Naminami Terrace feature wave-like lawns and seating, and programmes include a Captain Academy for children.

The resort is five minutes by car from JR Shimonoseki Station and 90 minutes by train from Fukuoka Airport, providing a seaside base for exploring the city and its maritime surroundings.

Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk

Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk, Indonesia
Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk has opened in one of Jakarta’s rapidly developing lifestyle and commercial districts. The hotel features 150 rooms, ranging from 27m² Aloft Sky King & Twin layouts to 52m² Sky Suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bedding, 55-inch LED Smart TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy the rooftop W xyz Bar with city views, Chio Chio all-day dining, a 33rd-floor infinity pool, and the fitness centre. Meeting and event facilities cover over 1,600m², including seven rooms and a pillarless grand ballroom with a pre-function area.

Located on Jalan Panjang in Kebon Jeruk, the hotel is directly connected to Museum MACAN and within five kilometres of Central Park, Neo Soho, and Mall Taman Anggrek. Local street food, hospitals, and schools are nearby. Aloft Jakarta Kebon Jeruk is part of Marriott Bonvoy.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo, Japan
Park Hyatt Tokyo will reopen on December 9, 2025, following a major refurbishment. It occupies the 39th to 52nd floors of Shinjuku Park Tower in western Tokyo, offering views of Harajuku, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and Mount Fuji, and is close to the city’s shopping, cultural, and entertainment districts.

The hotel has 171 guestrooms and suites, including a new Park Suite category. Rooms feature king or double beds, walk-in closets, Japanese-style wet bathrooms with marble and wood finishes, Frette linens, Aesop amenities, Nespresso machines, and LG TVs. Specialty suites include soaking tubs, saunas, kitchens, and entertainment areas.

Dining includes Girandole by Alain Ducasse, the Peak Lounge & Bar, New York Grill & Bar, and Kozue Japanese restaurant. The Library, spa, fitness centre and event venues have also been refreshed.

Sri Lanka urges tourists not to cancel visits

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Sri Lanka tourism players are rushing to restore normalcy across the country after Cyclone Dilwah’s impact last week. This task is particularly urgent, as November and December are peak months for inbound tourism.

An official at the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said a PR campaign is in the works “to tell the world that Sri Lanka is recovering and safe for travel”.

Sri Lanka remains open and welcoming to tourists as the country recovers from Cyclone Dilwah; Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya, pictured

The country relies heavily on tourism revenue and is targeting 2.3 million to 2.5 million arrivals this year. However, arrival numbers may fall short of targets due to the latest natural calamity.

Asoka Hettigoda, president of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, told TTG Asia that tourism sellers are resuming operations quickly.

“More than 75 per cent of our hotels are unaffected, and national parks are open. Also, 90 per cent of activities for tourists are up and running, like dolphin- and whale-watching on the south and western coastline,” Hettigoda said, adding that the industry has requested loans from the authorities to refurbish affected hotels and to also delay loan repayments.

“Tourism is a key sector that benefits communities through the trickle-down effect and as such, we need tourists to visit our country,” he added.

Nishad Wijetunga, managing director at Wayfarers and former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Operators, said roads to tourist sites are being cleared, particularly in the hill stations of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, two popular resorts.

Wijetunga added that tourism authorities have interviewed travellers in Sri Lanka and will be using those videos to encourage other travellers to maintain their travel plans.

In a positive turn of events, Sri Lanka welcomed luxury cruise liner Mein Schiff 06, operated by TUI Cruises, on December 2. It brought 2,300 passengers to the country through Colombo Port.

Air India appoints TAM Group’s The Aviation Management as GSA in China

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Air India has appointed The Aviation Management (a TAM Group company) as its general sales agent (GSA) for passenger sales in China, effective December 1.

The Aviation Management will handle reservations and ticketing, marketing initiatives, and provide full passenger sales services across China on behalf of Air India. The appointment strengthens Air India’s presence in the China market and ensures seamless access for travel agents and customers to its global network.

Air India strengthens its presence in China with The Aviation Management appointed as GSA for passenger services

Air India recently announced the resumption of non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai from February 1, 2026, after nearly six years, and plans to begin non-stop flights from Mumbai to Shanghai later in 2026, subject to approvals.

With Air India’s expanding fleet and upgraded onboard experience, combined with TAM Group’s market expertise, passengers can expect a seamless travel experience. Air India operates non-stop flights between India and multiple destinations across Asia, with convenient one-stop connections to Europe, the US, and Canada via its Delhi and Mumbai hubs.

“We are happy to extend our partnership with the TAM Group into China, which will help us to tap into opportunities in one of the world’s most important travel markets. Their strong market knowledge and established distribution capabilities will support our growth plans, deepen customer outreach, and help us serve our customers and trade partners with greater convenience and confidence,” said Manish Puri, head of global sales, Air India.

Exo Travel welcomes new director of commercial

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Exo Travel has appointed Chris Morley as director of commercial, strengthening the company’s commercial leadership under chief commercial officer Nick Ghosh. He will oversee commercial strategy across all destinations, with a focus on supplier relationships, contracting performance and value for trade partners.

Morley joins from UK tour operator Trailfinders, where he spent more than 20 years in senior destination roles, most recently as divisional destination manager for key longhaul regions.

Based at Exo’s Bangkok head office, he will work with leadership and country teams to refine supplier collaboration and support long-term growth and product consistency.

India-China travel finds new momentum post direct flights resumption

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With India and China recently restoring direct air connectivity after the pandemic and periods of border tension, tourism industry stakeholders are beginning to observe a positive impact on travel demand.

Beginning October 26, 2025, Indian LCC IndiGo introduced daily direct flights from Delhi and Kolkata to Guangzhou. China Eastern Airlines began its Shanghai-Delhi service on November 9, 2025, making it the first Chinese carrier to resume direct air connectivity to India after a gap of five years.

Zhangjiajie, pictured, draws rising interest following the return of India-China flights

“The restoration of direct air connectivity between India and China is already driving a noticeable rise in two-way travel demand. As more seats and frequencies gradually return, we anticipate sustained growth in inbound travellers exploring India’s commercial centres and tourism routes alongside a steady rise in outbound movement from India to China for trade, academic exchange, events, and shorthaul leisure,” said Sandeep Arora, director, Brightsun Travel.

Thomas Cook India has expanded China portfolio, launched for 2026-27 to showcase the destination’s diversity from the historical treasures of Beijing and Xi’an to the contemporary vibrancy of Shanghai and the scenic landscapes of Zhangjiajie and Guilin. The company has also introduced high-speed train experiences and curated culinary journeys to China.

“China has made a strong comeback on the travel map, emerging once again as a destination of high interest among Indian travellers. Its seamless blend of tradition and innovation offers compelling experiences that appeal across traveller segments,” said Rajeev Kale – president & country head, holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India).

According to S D Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel, the resumption of travel to China has reignited demand across leisure, business and MICE segments.

He shared: “The positive response from travellers highlights the growing appetite for rediscovering China in fresh and meaningful ways. We have designed an extensive range of China holidays that go beyond the conventional – combining marquee destinations such as Shanghai and Beijing with newer and experiential locales like Chengdu, Chongqing and the Avatar-inspired Zhangjiajie mountains.”

TFE Hotels appoints new leadership team in Melbourne

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TFE Hotels has appointed Grant Fleet, Michael Gibson, and Angelo Di Marco to key leadership roles in its Victorian operations team, reinforcing its focus on operational excellence and guest experience across its Melbourne portfolio.

Fleet joins Rendezvous Melbourne as hotel general manager. He brings more than 15 years of hospitality leadership, including senior roles at Yarra Valley Lodge, Mercure Resort Great Keppel Island, Towers of Chevron Renaissance, and several Rydges properties. He will oversee the hotel’s 340 guestrooms, event spaces, and dining venues.

From left: Grant Fleet, Michael Gibson and Angelo Di Marco

Gibson has been named general manager at Quincy Melbourne, with over 20 years of hospitality leadership across Accor, Ultiqa, Marriott, and Mantra Group.

Angelo Di Marco joins Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands as hotel general manager, bringing more than a decade of experience, including his previous role as general manager at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Central and a secondment at Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart in New Zealand.

Wong Hong takes helm as director general of AAPA

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The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has appointed Wong Hong as director general, effective April 1, 2026, following the decision of current director general Subhas Menon to step down after leading the Association since 2020.

Wong brings over 22 years of international aviation experience, having held senior roles in network planning, revenue management and sales at Singapore Airlines and Delta Air Lines. He most recently served as Delta Air Lines’ president – China, based in Shanghai, leading growth in the Chinese market through a partnership with China Eastern Airlines.

Reporting to the executive committee and the AAPA Assembly of Presidents, Wong will represent the interests of member airlines on aviation policy issues and work closely with industry stakeholders.

Hannah St Hotel expands leadership team ahead of opening

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Hannah St Hotel has made three senior executive appointments ahead of its opening later this month in Melbourne’s arts precinct.

Lindsay Guy joins as executive assistant manager, bringing extensive experience in guest experience and operational leadership. He has held senior roles at Crown Resorts, Accor Hotels, Ennismore Group, and Marriott International, including at the Hyde Melbourne Place, Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Sheraton Melbourne, Crown Metropol, and W Melbourne.

From left: Lindsay Guy, Bernard Glaude and Sergio Morales

Bernard Glaude has been appointed food & beverage manager, bringing 20 years of international hospitality experience, including Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and consulting on openings with Massimo Bottura and the Gramercy Park Hotel. He will oversee food and beverage operations across the hotel and Queensbridge precinct.

Sergio Morales joins as experience director, responsible for premium concierge services and lifestyle programmes within the mixed-use precinct.