Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has appointed Tim Churchmack as resort manager, where he will oversee the property’s operations.
He joins following a series of leadership roles across the Four Seasons portfolio and will focus on operations and guest experience as the resort enters its next phase.
He most recently served as hotel manager in Chicago.
The Sri Lanka government on November 29 declared state of emergency as cyclone Ditwah swept through the country, and appealed to foreign leaders and Sri Lankans living abroad for financial aid.
While the rain has started to ease today, cyclone Ditwah has left behind a trail of destruction to public infrastructure and homes.
Local news reported many FITs being stranded and helped to safer locations by rescue services operated by armed forces, police and emergency rescue teams.
Severe disruption in mobile communications in many areas also hampered rescue efforts.
An executive of a travel company told TTG Asia on Saturday that he struggled to contact a group of tourists organised by his company.
The natural disaster has left many incoming tourists anxious for updates. They are relying on social media for information to help them decide if their trip should be postponed.
“We got several cancellations and postponed travel plans,” said the general manager of a hotel in the flooded hill town of Kandy.
Nishad Wijetunga, managing director at Wayfarers and former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Operators, said DMCs did not suffer any cancellations but had to deal with itinerary rescheduling as national parks and many other tourist sites were closed.
Wijetunga said one of his groups would arrive as planned today.
Tourism industry players are critical of the management of the crisis by state-owned Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), which issued a statement on Friday declaring that it was safe to travel to Sri Lanka. It failed to explain the extent of the crisis and disruption.
“They (SLTDA) said everything was fine when it was not, with parks and tourist sites closed,” said an angry executive of a local travel agency.
SLTDA followed up on November 30 with information on teams operating round the clock to assist tourists and industry stakeholders affected by cyclone Ditwah. It also urged tourists to remain vigilant regarding weather updates and strictly follow government guidelines.
SriLankan Airlines has cancelled several flights since Nov 28 while some arriving flights are rerouted to nearby South Indian airports. Affected tourists are allowed free visa extensions, full waivers on flight cancellation and date-change fees, and flexible rebooking at hotels.
Sri Lanka is targeting 2.3 million to 2.5 million tourists this year, but may fall short due to disrupted travel in December.
Winds and incessant rain sweeping across Sri Lanka, causing widespread disruption and loss of life, have also disrupted tourism movement and activities in popular scenic spots, reported industry operators.
According to Nalin Jayasundera, chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, movement has been affected particularly in the hill country and some parts of the North-Central region, which is dealing with floods.
The most affected areas owing to floods and landslides are Kandy, a popular hill country resort, and Nuwara Eliya further up in the hills that is also popular with tourists.
A hotel manager in Kandy, who declined to be named, said flooded rooms have forced at least 35 guests to be housed in the bar area.
The country is battling what is said to be its worst-ever natural disaster, as incessant rain and strong winds lashed across the island in the past few days, resulting in extensive destruction, disrupted businesses, displaced residents, and fatalities.
However, local authorities said on November 28 that Sri Lanka remains safe for tourists. The situation is being closely monitored, and major tourist destinations are operating as usual, with hotels, transport services, and attractions continuing without disruption.
Agoda has released its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, highlighting trends set to influence travel across Asia in the coming year. The report identifies shifts including the rising popularity of secondary destinations, increasing demand for experiential travel, and growing expectations for seamless, technology-driven journeys – providing guidance for hotels, destination marketing organisations (DMOs) and travel industry partners.
The report draws on a survey of 3,353 Agoda customers from nine key Asia-Pacific markets (India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam) conducted in October 2025.
A rising middle class, streamlined visa processes, and expanding flight networks are shaping travel choices across Asia, with travellers increasingly looking beyond familiar hotspots. Recent Agoda data shows searches for accommodation in secondary cities across Asia have grown 15% faster than in traditional tourism hubs over the last two years. Secondary destinations accounted for 34% of total accommodation searches on Agoda in the first half of 2025. 43% of travellers cited lower costs as their top reason to explore these destinations, while unique local culture, special promotions, and outdoor activities were also key motivations.
Ease of access is an important factor for travellers considering new destinations, particularly in India (91%), the Philippines (89%) and Indonesia (80%). Governments in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and India are expanding access to more destinations through targeted campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Agoda works with DMOs to leverage data insights and marketing channels to highlight lesser-known destinations and enable rural properties to reach wider audiences through digital platforms.
Diversifying accommodation supply is also important to meet traveller preferences and create new economic opportunities. Non-hotel options such as villas, apartments and boutique guesthouses on Agoda have increased steadily from 2022 to 2025, supporting immersive stays while allowing local property owners to enter the digital economy.
The report also highlights key strategies for industry partners in 2026: enhancing digital visibility with updated listings and reviews, using data insights for targeted marketing, and expanding offerings to include authentic cultural, culinary and outdoor experiences. By adopting these approaches, accommodation providers, local experience providers, DMOs and travel brands can diversify revenue, strengthen resilience, and deliver high-value experiences to travellers.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply, Agoda said: “Secondary cities are no longer hidden gems. They’re becoming the engine of travel growth across Asia. Travellers want authenticity, value and a sense of discovery that the major hotspots cannot always deliver. This shift unlocks real opportunity for local communities and for the partners who move early. At Agoda, our focus is straightforward – we equip our partners with the data, insights and digital tools they need to capture this demand and win in these emerging markets.”
View the full report here.
Philippine Airlines resumes Manila-Sapporo seasonal flights
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed seasonal non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo, operating from November 24, 2025, to March 27, 2026. The service runs three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using the airline’s Airbus A321neo.
The route strengthens PAL’s network in Japan, which includes non-stop services to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, as well as direct flights from Cebu to Osaka and Tokyo Narita.
The Airbus A321neo used on the route has 12 business-class and 156 economy seats, with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Vietjet expands Vietnam-Con Dao and Manila-Ho Chi Minh routes
Vietjet has strengthened its network with two new routes in Vietnam and the Philippines.
From December 3, 2025, the airline will resume direct flights to Con Dao, offering daily round trips from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From December 15, the frequency will increase to two round trips per day.
Separately, Vietjet has launched its first route to the Philippines with a direct service between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, operating five times weekly. The inaugural flights were celebrated at both Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, with special guests welcoming the first passengers. Ho Chi Minh City serves as a hub with onward connections to Hanoi, Danang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hue, and other major cities in the region.
Vietjet’s fleet provides complimentary checked baggage, in-flight meals, and eSIM options for international travellers.
TransNusa commences Jakarta-Penang route
TransNusa has launched a new Jakarta-Penang route, expanding its regional network and enhancing connectivity between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The service initially operates three times weekly, moving to daily flights from December 1, with plans to increase frequency in 2026.
Penang becomes TransNusa’s third route to Malaysia, alongside its Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur.
The airline offers bundled fare options including Seat, Seat-Plus and Flexi-Pro, providing additional baggage, seat selection, meals and flexible schedule changes. Aircraft are configured with 174 seats, offering around 30 inches of legroom.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has expanded its Considerate Collection, adding 24 properties in the last 12 months.
Launched in 2021 with 25 hotels, the Considerate Collection identifies the most sustainable and regenerative hotels in the SLH portfolio. The collection, which marked its fourth anniversary in October 2025, now includes 82 properties in 41 countries to help travellers find more sustainable options.
SLH has encouraged travellers to stay small and considerate since its founding. As the brand marks its 35th anniversary in 2025, the newly launched SLH Call-to-Action Report outlines the brand’s sustainability initiatives to date, highlights developments in the Considerate Collection, and details portfolio-wide commitments and partnerships. The report aims to showcase impact within the SLH portfolio and the wider hotel industry.
The report also details the evolution of the Considerate Collection, including a video covering the first SLH Considerate Connections Retreat. To mark the fourth anniversary, SLH gathered Considerate Collection hoteliers at Dar Ahlam in Morocco to discuss regenerative hospitality and the role of small hotels in advancing sustainability.
Entry to the Considerate Collection remains merit-based. Each property must meet three core criteria: environmentally conscious, community minded, and cultural custodianship. Properties must also meet the highest categories of the SLH Sustainability Criteria, developed in line with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council framework and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The result is a portfolio of diverse hotels that combine sustainability with small-scale operation.
Recent additions to the collection include Lilløy Lindenberg in Norway, Quinta Da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort in Portugal, and The Retreat Koh Chang in Thailand.
New hotels joining in 2025 include Laguna Coast Resort in Naxos, Greece, which opened in May 2025, and Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam, which opened in December 2024. Other additions include Calcot & Spa in the UK’s Cotswolds, and Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort in Mendoza, Argentina.
Fufu Tokyo Ginza, Japan
Fufu Tokyo Ginza is located at the iconic Ginza 1-chome intersection, directly connected to Tokyo Metro Ginza-itchome Station.
The property has 34 guestrooms, each featuring a private garden and natural hot spring bath. Select rooms provide views of the city lights and seasonal flora reflecting traditional Japanese gardens.
Facilities include Yusora, a rooftop lounge and garden retreat with private footbaths and open-air seating, and two dining venues: a Japanese restaurant with seasonal ingredients and private rooms, and an eight-seat omakase sushi counter.
The hotel offers curated experiences around Ginza, including traditional crafts, private cruises, sumo training visits, and helicopter tours, combining central-city convenience with Japanese culture and wellness.
Pan Pacific Dalian, China
Pan Pacific Dalian is situated on Youting Road, offering easy access to Xinghai Square, Dalian World Expo Centre, and Dalian Xinghai Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The 52-storey hotel has 216 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Yellow Sea and surrounding hills, featuring interiors inspired by Dalian’s maritime and trade heritage.
Facilities include a rooftop bar and helipad, a fitness centre, spa, as well as meeting and event spaces.
Four Points by Sheraton Pontianak, Indonesia
Four Points by Sheraton Pontianak is Marriott International’s first property in West Kalimantan and the brand’s debut in the city. Located on Jalan Arteri Supadio, it is 12 kilometres, or a 30-minute drive, from Supadio International Airport and close to Pontianak’s commercial districts, shopping areas, and historical sites.
The hotel has 196 rooms and suites, including Family Suites and a Presidential Suite with a living area, dining table for 10, and a bathroom with a separate shower and deep soaking tub overlooking the city. Facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, spa, kids pool, and kids club. Dining options include Lumina, an all-day restaurant; Ārana in the lobby; the open-air Sunken Bar; and 24-hour in-room dining.
The hotel offers eight meeting rooms and, from 2026, a 1,507m² pillarless Grand Ballroom with audiovisual technology and VIP lounges.
Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay, China
Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay sits between hills and the South China Sea, overlooking the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Zhuhai Grand Theatre. The resort shares its grounds with Angsana Zhuhai Phoenix Bay and is close to Gongbei Port and city landmarks.
The property has 83 guestrooms and suites, including oceanfront layouts and suites with onsen-style hot springs or private pools.
Facilities include an infinity pool, ocean-view spa with seven treatment rooms, hot spring, sauna, gym, yoga room, and outdoor wellness activities. Dining options include regional and Chinese cuisine, breakfast, a whisky and grill bar, desserts, and a lobby lounge.
Event spaces include the 863m² pillarless Phoenix Ballroom, pre-function foyer, open lawns, terraces, and a sky lawn with sea views.
Kindly share new developments in your travel agency? What are your focus areas for the upcoming new year?
We are constantly working on enhancing our services and creating unforgettable experiences for our clients as a travel agent. We have been working to offer customised travel packages for families and leisure segments. Some of these itineraries of duration eight to 10 nights combine destinations located in two countries for example Almaty and Baku or Baku and Georgia or Almaty and Bishkek. We are noticing that many of our clients are interested in combining two countries when they are travelling overseas.
Our focus areas for the upcoming new year are to strengthen our ground transportation services and offer new models of vehicles like Mercedes and luxury coaches to our guests. We also want to add more Indian restaurants to our network as food is an important criteria for the Indian outbound tourism market. Guides who can speak Hindi are also a requirement we want to expand so that the communication process improves for our non-English speaking clients. In the year 2026, we want to focus extensively on the MICE segment as non-metro cities in India are witnessing a lot of growth in businesses and have a good presence of the corporate segment interested in traveling internationally. Female group travel is another market which is growing, and we want to tap opportunities there as well.
As a travel agency based in Rajasthan, what are the travel trends you are noticing in your market?
We are seeing that for the last three years, travellers from Rajasthan are becoming more interested in exploring new destinations. Destinations like Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan are very hot destinations among people in Rajasthan. Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota and Jodhpur have clients that can spend on luxury and always book five-star branded hotels for stay and luxury vehicles for transportation. There is a growing segment of young travellers in Rajasthan who are interested in activities like adventure, gastronomy and luxury travel. Also, travellers in the state are making multiple holidays trips overseas even if for short periods. South-east Asia and the Middle East are also some other popular outbound choices.
How do you view social media’s role in influencing travel decisions of Indian outbound travellers?
In the present era, social media is playing a very important role in customers choosing outbound destinations, and the same is true in our market. Through the reels and videos on Instagram and Facebook, people, especially the younger generation, are watching the places and deciding on their wish list. As we are a B2B company we are not focusing on promotions through B2C platforms. We provide flyers, videos and photographs to our travel partners so they can do promotion on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
We connect with our B2B travel partners through emailers and follow up with one-to-one interactions, which are very important in our business. We regularly organise fam trips for travel agents to promote various destinations. Recently, we organised two fam trips to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
How do you see the current focus of NTOs on non-metro Indian cities?
I think that a growing number of NTOs have realised the importance of non-metro Indian cities which are a very important source of outbound travel. There are regular roadshows happening in these markets which help travel agencies to network with their international counterparts and update their knowledge too.
Going forward, how do you see the Indian outbound travel market shaping up in the next five years?
The Indian outbound travel market is expected to grow significantly in the next five years driven by increasing disposable incomes, a growing middle class and improved air connectivity. We expect an increase in demand for experiential travel as more and more Indians are seeking unique experiences, cultural immersion and adventure activities. There is going to be a rise in niche travel like special interest travel such as wellness, food and luxury. Digital platforms will become increasingly popular for planning and booking travel. I expect more expansion by budget carriers as this makes travel more affordable. The CIS countries will make further inroads in the Indian outbound tourism market thanks to their history, natural beauty and cultural richness.
Agoda has released its latest research report, Tailored to Win: Capturing Asia’s Tourism Boom, showing that nearly all hotels adopting deeper localisation have recorded stronger guest satisfaction and loyalty, with 99 per cent reporting higher satisfaction scores and 91 per cent noting guests are willing to pay more per room.
As Asia strengthens its position as the world’s fastest-growing travel region, driven by more than two billion middle-class consumers, the report outlines how tailoring experiences to cultural, linguistic, and behavioural preferences is becoming essential for hotels competing in a crowded market.
Asia’s share of global international arrivals has risen from nine per cent in 2022 to nearly 28 per cent by early 2025, with intra-Asia trips leading the expansion. Improved connectivity, rising incomes, and tourism initiatives have created new openings for hoteliers, but expectations have become more varied. Travellers across Asia differ widely in culture, cuisine, language, and payment preferences, prompting hotels to localise not just their marketing and booking platforms but also on-site services.
The report notes that hotels offering stronger cultural and linguistic adaptation are seeing increased demand from China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Localisation maturity, however, varies significantly. While many hotels have introduced basic measures such as multilingual support and alternative payment methods, only around one-third have implemented integrated tailoring across marketing, booking, and guest experience. Hotels with more advanced localisation report stronger RevPAR impact, increased repeat stays, and greater guest willingness to pay.
Data limitations remain a barrier, with 55 per cent of hoteliers citing limited insight into cultural preferences and 44 per cent unsure of expected returns. OTAs are helping bridge capability gaps, with nearly 80 per cent of advanced adopters relying on partners for guest analytics, cultural data, and digital tools that support multi-currency and multilingual engagement.
To support partners, Agoda combines multilingual access, local payment solutions, and data-driven programmes to help properties connect more effectively with travellers. The report encourages hoteliers to assess their guest mix, invest in culturally trained staff, and collaborate with digital platforms that can help deliver personalised, data-led experiences at scale.
“Asia’s travel landscape is incredibly diverse, and true success comes from understanding the nuances of each market,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda.
“Our report shows that hotels advancing their localisation strategies see up to 95 per cent higher repeat bookings and stronger guest satisfaction.
“From multi-currency payments to localised marketing and traveller insights, we help our partners turn these cultural nuances into measurable impact empowering them to grow by being as local as their guests expect.”
Mondrian Singapore Duxton has appointed Damien Marchenay as general manager. He returns to Singapore after earlier work in the city, including a period at Raffles Hotel Singapore two decades ago.
His recent role was general manager of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, where he led operations and programming and worked closely with local partners.
Marchenay’s career spans roles in Belgium, England, France, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In his new role, Marchenay will oversee the next phase of Mondrian Singapore Duxton. His priorities include strengthening the hotel’s identity, shaping its position within the Duxton area, and refining how its venues operate. He plans to build partnerships that reflect the surrounding community and support the hotel’s role as a gathering place for residents and visitors.
