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.
Oceania Cruises will soon introduce Oceania Sonata, the first of four 1,390-guest ships in its new Sonata Class, scheduled to debut in August 2027.
The vessel will be the ninth in the fleet and the most spacious to date, with 30 per cent of accommodation as suites, including two new suite types and updated Owner’s Suites, all with private verandas.
The first of four Sonata Class ships will carry 1,390 guests and feature new suite categories and 10 dining venues, including the Grand Dining Room, pictured; photo by Oceania Cruises
The ship combines open social areas with quieter spaces for relaxation and will continue the line’s focus on dining, offering 10 venues including the Grand Dining Room, Jacques French restaurant, Red Ginger, Polo Grill steakhouse, and Toscana Italian restaurant. Additional dining options unique to Oceania Sonata will be announced later.
Under construction by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Oceania Sonata will measure around 86,000 gross registered tons, with 1,390 guest berths and 855 crew.
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, said: “We are delighted to unveil Oceania Sonata, the start of our next chapter. As the inaugural vessel of our Sonata Class, Oceania Sonata embodies our vision for the future – one defined by a passion for cuisine, service, and immersive travel experiences.”
Pre-registration for updates and early booking is available at Oceania Cruises’s website.
Marriott International has launched Series by Marriott, a new collection brand making its global debut in India through a partnership with The Fern Hotels & Resorts.
The first phase brings 26 hotels across 23 cities into Marriott’s portfolio, adding more than 1,900 rooms and marking a significant expansion in the company’s mid-scale presence.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts become the first collection under Series by Marriott, adding over 1,900 rooms across 23 Indian cities; The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, Series by Marriott, pictured
Series by Marriott is positioned as a regionally rooted, globally connected collection designed to offer dependable stays with local character. The Fern Hotels & Resorts becomes the first group to join the brand, adding properties ranging from business hotels to leisure resorts.
The first phase covers properties in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bodhgaya, Daman, Dapoli, Dharampur, Ekta Nagar, Gandhinagar, Hatgad, Jaipur, Jambughoda, Jamnagar, Jim Corbett, Kochi, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Pune, Rajkot, Solapur, Surat and Vadodara. All hotels will participate in Marriott Bonvoy. Standardised services include a packed breakfast option for early departures, amenities for single female guests, evening turndown treats and a nightly lamp-lighting ritual.
Series by Marriott launches through a founding agreement with Concept Hospitality, backed by majority stakeholder CG Hospitality of CG Corp Global.
“Kiran Andicot, senior vice president, South Asia, Marriott International, said: ‘We are delighted to introduce Series by Marriott in India through our strategic agreement with The Fern Hotels & Resorts. India’s domestic travel market and the demand for dependable, affordable stays make it an ideal launchpad. These 26 openings mark the beginning of a broader rollout, with more than 100 planned launches in the coming year.”
Suhail Kannampilly, managing director of Concept Hospitality, added: ‘The response for The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott has surpassed expectations. With our focus on sustainable hospitality and Marriott’s strong distribution, we look forward to expanding the Series footprint across the country.”
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G has appointed Pierre Betourne as its new general manager.
In his new role, Betourne aims to elevate the guest experience, strengthen team culture, and refine the hotel’s lifestyle-driven market positioning.
He joins with over 20 years of international hospitality experience, most recently leading the recovery of four Accor properties in Phuket and Hua Hin following an 18-month Covid-19 closure.
Thomas Cook (India) and its group company, SOTC Travel, have introduced their Europe Summer 2026 holidays. The programme covers group escorted tours with guaranteed departures and a choice of premium, value or lower-cost options designed for different budgets.
Early bird discounts of 70,000 rupees (US$785) per couple are available for bookings made until December 5, 2025, along with additional offers such as a Holiday pe Holiday to selected destinations or a complimentary cruise.
Prague’s historic architecture, vibrant culture, and charming streets make it a top destination for Indian travellers
The companies have organised their tours around five regions to encourage repeat visits across Europe’s varied cultures, food and landscapes. Western Europe features France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium. Eastern Europe and the Balkans include Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Scandinavia and the Baltics cover Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, while Spain and its surrounding destinations include Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Mono-destination trips cover the UK, Russia, Switzerland, Italy and Greece.
Launch offers include a Holiday pe Holiday with additional nights in destinations such as the Balkans, Morocco, the French Riviera and the Baltics when booking selected tours. Complimentary cruises on Cunard or Costa itineraries are also available on specific bookings. Additional bank offers include an instant discount of up to 15,000 rupees for HDFC Bank credit card users and Easyemi options.
Travellers seeking tailored arrangements can opt for customised holidays based on individual preferences. The companies aim to provide itineraries that offer a sense of place through local experiences, selected destinations and food-focused stops.
“Europe continues to hold a timeless appeal for Indian consumers, and with our new Summer 2026 tours, we’ve focused on making it both attractive and affordable. We’ve strategically introduced five distinctive regions, inspiring Indians to explore Europe multiple times, and discover each regions uniquely different facets. What truly sets us apart is our expertise in designing exceptional experiences courtesy of our extensive partnerships, insider access, and at unbeatable pricing,” said Rajeev Kale, President & country head – holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).
“Every aspect of our portfolio, from the itineraries and inclusions to the tiered pricing, has been designed to appeal to today’s aspirational Indian consumer,” added S D Nandakumar, president and country head – holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel.
Marriott International has appointed Silvio Rosenberger as market vice president for Maldives, effective January 1, 2026.
He will oversee the company’s portfolio and strategic operations in the Maldives while continuing in his current role as vice president of operations, Asia-Pacific excluding China, based in Singapore.
In his most recent role, Rosenberger has supported multi-market operations and regional performance across Asia-Pacific, strengthening cross-brand execution.
His experience includes leading properties such as JW Marriott Hong Kong, JW Marriott Seoul, The Shanghai Edition, W Shanghai – The Bund and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square.
Travellers in 2026 are expected to embrace highly personalised trips that reflect their quirks, goals, and passions. Booking.com’s 10th Travel Predictions report highlights 10 trends showing Asia-Pacific travellers seeking experiences that prioritise individuality and technology-driven convenience.
The report shows that 2026 travel will centre on personal expression, combining technology, creativity, and immersive experiences to allow travellers to define their own journeys.
Top travel trends for 2026 show Asia-Pacific travellers seeking personalised, immersive, and memorable experiences
The research, based on responses from over 29,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, shows that vacations are becoming more experimental, immersive, and unapologetically personal. Asia-Pacific travellers are open to innovative experiences: 86% would consider staying in robotic-enhanced homes, with 48% influenced by cleaning bots, 37% by robotic chefs, and 26% by robots managing sustainability. Road trips are also evolving, with 85% open to carpooling, 63% willing to use apps to connect with fellow travellers, and 72% considering AI to map scenic routes.
Wellness travel is transforming, with 82% interested in glow-cations focused on skin-specific treatments, AI-guided destination choices, hydration stations, smart mirrors, and sleep-enhancing suites. Nostalgia travel is rising, with 75% willing to recreate memories using AI-powered location mapping, while 79% are intrigued by fantasy- and “romantasy”-inspired immersive retreats.
Souvenir trends are also changing, with 74% considering design-led kitchenware and pantry items as cultural keepsakes. Travellers are using trips to test relationships, with 72% open to travel as a compatibility check, and exploring astrology, with 60% considering travel plans based on spiritual guidance. Quiet, nature-focused hobbies will be sought by 46% of travellers, including birdwatching, foraging, and insect spotting, supported by technology for guidance and tracking.
Finally, milestones are being redefined: 66% of travellers book trips without a traditional reason, 75% travel to reward themselves, and others mark achievements such as a promotion (26%), tax refund (14%), breakup closure (14%), new outfit (9%), or health milestones like sobriety or fitness transformations (24%).
Laura Houldsworth, managing director, Asia-Pacific, at Booking.com, shared: “Travel continues to be a top priority for Asia-Pacific travellers, as journeys increasingly reflect their identities and interests. They are eager to pursue their passions and embrace new adventures, from immersive fantasy worlds to technology-enhanced rentals.
Google is developing hotel and flight booking through AI Mode, building on the agentic tools it introduced two weeks ago for restaurant, event and wellness reservations. The company is working with partners including Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Details on booking flow and payments are still being finalised, and Google has not given a launch date. Partner companies will manage transactions and service bookings made in AI Mode.
Google will soon add hotel and flight booking to its AI Mode travel tools; photo by Subh Naskar
The update follows Google’s recent AI shopping rollout ahead of the holidays. The company has also been expanding its agentic payments work, including a partnership with PayPal in October and the launch of an Agent Payments Protocol in September. Google is exploring how to use information previously provided by users, with permission, and said advertising is likely to follow only after establishing product-market fit.
Investor concerns emerged about potential risk to online travel agencies following the announcement, but BTIG described those concerns as overstated.
Google has added trip-planning tools to Google Canvas, allowing users in AI Mode to request recommendations and create itineraries that can be saved in Canvas. The feature is available to desktop users in the US who have opted into the AI Mode experiment in Google Labs.
The company has also widened access to its AI-powered Flight Deals tool within Google Flights. Previously available in the US, Canada and India, it is being rolled out to more than 200 countries and territories, including Germany, the UK, France, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, and now supports more than 60 languages.
Other companies are also developing agentic booking and commerce tools. OpenAI launched ChatGPT apps last month with Expedia and Booking.com as early partners. Perplexity partnered with SelfBook in the spring to offer hotel booking. Stripe and OpenAI launched Instant Checkout in ChatGPT in September, and Visa and Mastercard have introduced tools to support agentic commerce.
Julie Farago, Google’s vice president of engineering for travel and local search, said: “Our goal is that you’ll be able to also book flights and hotels directly in AI Mode. We’re not going to rush this out the door because we want to make sure that it’s a seamless experience and that people have all the control that they need and expect.”
“We’re committed to partnering with travel companies of every size, so you have all the best options at your fingertips.”
Aman Group is expanding its Janu brand with a new property in Ras Al Khaimah: Janu Al Marjan Island. The hotel and exclusive Janu Residences will join the forthcoming Janu Dubai, furthering the brand’s global footprint.
The opening follows the debut of Janu Tokyo in 2024 and underscores the brand’s expansion in Dubai, Turks and Caicos and Saudi Arabia, highlighting Janu’s focus on purposeful connections in exceptional locations.
Rendering of Janu Al Marjan Island, which will feature a 132-key hotel, exclusive residences, wellness facilities and beachfront amenities
Set on a collection of islands in the Arabian Gulf, the resort reflects Janu’s focus on collective joy, design-led spaces and meaningful connection.
The 132-key hotel will offer expansive sea views and amenities including a wellness centre with yoga studio, gym, banya and hammam, two restaurants, a Mixology Bar, a nightlife venue, a kids’ club, a private beach, a Beach Club and pool. Adjacent residential towers will house one- to five-bedroom Janu Residences and a limited number of standalone villas, with full access to the resort’s facilities. The property is near Wynn Al Marjan Island and the Marina, with mooring nearby.
Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said: “Janu Ras Al Marjan Island will offer a vibrant setting where like-minded individuals can connect through shared experiences, immerse themselves in the region’s striking natural beauty, and embrace the brand’s spirited approach to contemporary, connected living.”
Hilton is expanding its Hilton Honors loyalty programme with the introduction of a new top-tier status, Diamond Reserve, debuting in January 2026. The tier offers enhanced benefits including Confirmable Upgrade Rewards at the time of booking, guaranteed late checkout, and exclusive 24/7 customer service.
Gold and Diamond statuses will also become more accessible. Gold can now be earned with 25 nights per year, down from 40, while Diamond requires 50 nights instead of 60. Members retain benefits such as early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits or continental breakfast, executive lounge access for Diamond, and increased Points earnings.
Hilton’s revamped loyalty programme gives members faster elite status, premium upgrades, and exclusive benefits across its properties worldwide; Waldorf Astoria New York, pictured
Diamond Reserve is designed for Hilton’s most loyal travellers, achievable with 80 nights and US$18,000 annual eligible spend. The Confirmable Upgrade Reward allows members to secure premium room upgrades, including one-bedroom suites, for stays of up to seven nights at eligible properties, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR, and Signia by Hilton. Other perks include priority access to executive lounges and Premium Clubs, 120 per cent Points bonus on stays, and personalised support through dedicated service teams.
Hilton Honors continues to offer flexible redemption options, no blackout dates, no resort fees on reward stays, and the Fifth Night Free benefit. Members can also combine Points and money for reward bookings across Hilton’s portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels, including over 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties and more than 450 boutique hotels through the partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Chris Nassetta, Hilton president and CEO, said: “Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their travel journey. Hilton Honors (delivers) what matters most to our members: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world.”
He joins with over 20 years of international hospitality experience, most recently leading the recovery of four Accor properties in Phuket and Hua Hin following an 18-month Covid-19 closure.
In his most recent role, Rosenberger has supported multi-market operations and regional performance across Asia-Pacific, strengthening cross-brand execution.
