TFE Hotels has expanded its leadership team across New Zealand and its Rendezvous Hotels in Perth and Queenstown.
Stuti Kumar has been appointed director of people and capability, New Zealand. Kumar previously served as general manager of people and culture at Ezi Car Rental in Auckland and has over a decade of human resources experience across New Zealand.
From left: Stuti Kumar, Lindsay David, and Joseph Stipo
Lindsay David joins as director of sales, New Zealand. She brings more than 20 years of hotel sales and business development experience, including senior roles with Millennium Hotels, IHG, and Rendezvous Hotel.
In Queenstown, Joseph Stipo has been named general manager of Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown. Stipo has spent 18 years with TFE Hotels, most recently as general manager of Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, where he led a major refurbishment and rebranding.
In Perth, Thiva Kesavan has been appointed general manager of Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough. Kesavan most recently served as general manager of Hyatt Regency Perth and has more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Supporting him, Lucy Ockleston has been named hotel manager. Ockleston has been with TFE Hotels for 14 years and previously held leadership roles across the Travelodge and Adina portfolios.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries, a global campaign promoting safe travel with mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices.
Running across IATA’s website and social media platforms, the campaign offers seven simple rules for handling these items safely when flying. Airlines, airports, and travel partners can also access white-label materials for use across their own channels.
IATA’s animated video demonstrates safe travel practices for lithium-powered devices
Recent IATA passenger survey results show that travellers are increasingly carrying multiple electronic devices – 83 per cent bring a phone, 60 per cent a laptop, and 44 per cent a power bank. Yet, despite 93 per cent claiming to know the rules, many misunderstand key regulations. Half incorrectly believe small lithium-powered devices can be checked in, while 45 per cent think power banks can go in checked luggage. A third are unaware of power limits for batteries or spares.
To address this, the campaign highlights seven key guidelines: carry all battery-powered items in hand luggage, never pack them in checked bags, protect loose batteries, check airline rules and battery watt-hours, and immediately alert crew if a device is hot or damaged.
The multilingual campaign will be rolled out industry-wide, with airlines and airports encouraged to share its digital assets. A short animated video has also been produced to communicate the rules in a clear and engaging format.
Common items powered by lithium batteries include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-readers, smartwatches, headphones, portable speakers, grooming tools, e-cigarettes, hearing aids, and small power tools.
“Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly. As more travellers fly with these devices, our Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries campaign will help airlines educate their passengers on the simple rules they must keep in mind when travelling with the electronic devices that have become an essential part of their daily lives,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security.
Spiritual tourism coupled with monuments like Taj Mahal in Agra are driving tourism growth in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh. As per industry stakeholders, the domestic arrivals have exponentially grown due to a huge surge of spiritual tourism.
“Three mega projects that became a game changer for tourism in Uttar Pradesh are Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Ayodhya Development Project and Vindhyachal Corridor. All these are examples of urban planning with tourism in focus, proving that the Uttar Pradesh government sees tourism as an economic driver,” said Prateek Hira, president and CEO of Tornos.
Varanasi’s riverfront ghats draw growing numbers of pilgrims and travellers, reflecting the rise of spiritual tourism across Uttar Pradesh
Hira added that the recent Maha Kumbh (a religious gathering held every 12 years) in Prayagraj recorded a footfall of 660 million visitors in just 45 days adding to the remarkable tally of tourist footfall in the state.
As per statistics available with India’s ministry of tourism, Uttar Pradesh recorded 478.53 million domestic tourist arrivals in 2023. The Taj Mahal remained the top visited Archaeological Survey of India ticketed monument, attracting 6.10 million domestic and 0.68 million foreign tourists in the same year,
“The state has consistently retained the top position in domestic tourist footfall, driven by its rich cultural heritage, pilgrimage circuits and large events like the Kumbh Mela. This growing inflow of tourists is also pushing demand for better infrastructure, including roads, airports, hospitality and urban facilities,” said Subhash Goyal, chairman, STIC Travel & Air Charter Group.
Agra and Varanasi remain the biggest magnets for inbound travellers while Ayodhya has emerged as a strong growth destination in recent months, attracting a surge in pilgrim tourism according to Akshay Thusoo, senior vice president, commercial, Sarovar Hotel.
“Domestic travel is also on the rise in Prayagraj, Mathura, Vrindavan and Lucknow, which are gaining popularity for their blend of heritage, cuisine and religious experiences. We are seeing a healthy uptick in occupancy and forward bookings across our properties in the state with strong interest from both leisure and MICE segments,” added Thusoo.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism is also showcasing its prominent sacred Buddhist sites like Sarnath, Kapilvastu, Sankisa, Kaushambi, Shravasti and Kushinagar in international travel trade events like the recently concluded PATA Travel Mart 2025. Post PATA Travel Mart, the Embassy of India in Bangkok also hosted a roadshow where the department of tourism, government of Uttar Pradesh delivered a presentation on the Buddhist circuit and the state’s diverse tourism experiences.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, principal secretary, tourism and culture added: “The enthusiastic response at PATA has reaffirmed our vision to establish Uttar Pradesh as the global hub of Buddhist tourism. We expect that the partnerships created by our 20 co-exhibitors will strengthen itineraries, extend visitor stays and create shared opportunities for local communities and service providers.”
According to Goyal, Agra still draws many international tourists for the Taj Mahal, and places like Kushinagar and Kapilvastu are now becoming well-known as part of the Buddhist circuit.
“Gorakhpur is also seeing more pilgrims, especially at the Gorakhnath Temple. Together, these places are making Uttar Pradesh one of the fastest-growing tourism spots in India,” noted Goyal.
Hira: the Uttar Pradesh government sees tourism as an economic driver
The Uttar Pradesh government is also looking to develop rural tourism and home stays in the state. It recently unveiled Anand Bhawan Palace in Kannauj, which has been positioned as the state’s first luxury heritage home stay.
“With Anand Bhawan Palace opening as a heritage home stay, we are adding a new dimension to the tourism appeal,” added Meshram.
Sarbendra Sarkar, managing director and founder of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, shared that the Uttar Pradesh government is actively enabling hotel expansion through high-impact measures in its tourism policy.
“The policy offers capital investment subsidies, stamp duty exemptions and waivers on land-use conversion charges for setting up or expanding hotels, especially in heritage or religious destinations. It also promotes adaptive reuse of pre-1950 properties, allowing forts, palaces and havelis to be converted into boutique hotels with financial incentives. Additionally, projects in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities enjoy extra subsidies, encouraging hotels to move beyond metros. In my view, these targeted incentives are directly reducing costs and accelerating expansion,” said Sarkar.
Agreeing with Sarkar, Hira recalled that in 2018 and later in 2022, the Uttar Pradesh government came up with a forward-looking tourism policy that has attracted huge investments in the state.
“The policy not only incentivises tourism projects but also pays huge attention to quantifiable employment generation, participation of women in tourism and skilling youth for entering the sector,” said Hira.
Thusoo agreed, saying that the Uttar Pradesh government has been proactive in positioning the state as a leading tourism hub. “Infrastructure development – be it road connectivity, new airports or improved rail links – has been a game-changer for the hospitality industry. Initiatives such as developing tourism circuits (Ramayana, Buddhist and Braj circuits), heritage conservation and the promotion of cultural festivals are creating new demand drivers,” he added.
Industry stakeholders are also seeing new trends in the state’s tourism sector like religious travellers also exploring leisure activities.
“Visitors now look to extend pilgrimages with experiences like exploring heritage sites, indulging in local cuisine or visiting natural sites such as Dudhwa National Park which is steadily gaining visibility,” said Sarkar.
“This growth pattern is encouraging hospitality players to expand. We are strengthening our footprint in Uttar Pradesh with new signings in Kanpur and Vrindavan, adding to the existing presence in key destinations like Ayodhya.”
“There is also rising interest in experiential tourism with travellers eager to explore local culture, food and crafts beyond traditional landmarks. Short-stay travel and weekend getaways from nearby metros like Delhi and Lucknow are also on the rise, driving demand in Agra, Mathura, and Vrindavan,” concluded Thusoo.
The Okura Tokyo, Japan The Okura Tokyo has reopened following a major transformation, offering 508 rooms across two wings: the 41-storey Okura Prestige Tower with 368 rooms and panoramic city views, and the 17-storey Okura Heritage Wing with 140 rooms overlooking the Okura Garden.
The hotel features banquet and convention facilities, spa and fitness amenities including a 25m indoor pool, and five restaurants serving Japanese, French, teppanyaki, and Chinese cuisine, including the hotel’s own Wagyu, Okura Beef.
Located in Minato-ku, the hotel is close to landmarks such as the National Art Centre, Roppongi, and historic Akasaka, offering access to Tokyo’s cultural, political, and entertainment hubs while providing a tranquil retreat. Guests can enjoy cultural experiences including private Noh theatre performances, artisan craft workshops, tea ceremonies, and guided architectural tours.
Brij Sone Bagh
Brij Sone Bagh, India Brij Sone Bagh, a new luxury retreat by Brij Hotels, has opened in the Vindhya Hills, Madhya Pradesh, set across around 13 hectares. of forest near Bandhavgarh National Park. The property comprises five villas, each offering private plunge pools, expansive verandas, and forest views.
Located five minutes from the main gate of Bandhavgarh National Park and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Jabalpur Airport, the retreat provides direct access to tiger safaris, walking trails, tribal villages, and the 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort.
Onsite facilities include a pool, the Elephant Bar, and dining experiences featuring locally sourced and seasonal cuisine. Guests can participate in guided safaris, nature walks, cultural workshops, and immersive slow-travel experiences that highlight the region’s wildlife, heritage, and crafts.
Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo
Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo, Japan Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo. The 195-room hotel is steps from Kayabacho and Nihonbashi subway stations, with easy access to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Ginza, and both Haneda and Narita airports.
Guestrooms range from 22m² to 54m², with suites including in-room washers and dryers, and the hotel features a fitness centre.
At the heart of the hotel is Talk Shop, an all-day social space serving craft burgers, salads, desserts, coffee, beer, and cocktails, while also hosting cultural programmes and workshops open to guests and locals. A 24/7 grab-and-go Market offers ready-to-eat items and curated products from Nihonbashi heritage brands.
The hotel provides self-service check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and TV streaming.
The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel
The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Australia The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, has opened in Launceston, Tasmania, within a National Trust-listed building dating to 1847. The four-storey property offers 38 rooms, including self-contained apartments and king suites, and is located near the CBD, with easy access to Cataract Gorge, Seaport precinct, UTAS Stadium, City Park, and the Tamar Valley wine region.
The hotel combines sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, double glazing, full insulation, and solar technology. Guest amenities include a fitness centre, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, onsite parking, elevators, and an EV charging station.
InterContinental Bali Resort has appointed Abdul Hafid bin Mohamed Gaus as resort manager.
A Singapore native with over 20 years of experience across Asia, Hafid has held leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Shangri-La Jakarta, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, and Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa.
He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
Marriott International has appointed Gautam Bhandari as chief development officer for Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), effective January 1, 2026.
Bhandari, who joined Marriott in 2007, brings over two decades of leadership experience across revenue management, operations, sales, marketing, and development. He currently serves as senior vice president, development and operations, overseeing Marriott’s Premium and Select brands in Singapore and the Maldives.
In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Based in Singapore, Bhandari succeeds Shawn Hill, who will assume the role of executive vice president and chief development officer, global, for Marriott International in early 2026.
Railbookers Group, a specialist in independent rail holidays worldwide, has brought two flagship brands – Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations – to Asia, where it has also hired Singapore-based staff in the sales and business development departments.
The latest development reflects progress in the company’s global growth, and will make access to curated, independent holidays by rail available to Asian travellers and travel advisors.
Seasoned travellers are said to regard the California Zephyr as one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America
Railbookers Group allow travellers and travel advisors to book rail holidays in Europe, the US, Canada and beyond, with the convenience of adding hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more to their itinerary. It also promises dedicated on-trip customer care.
Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group, said in a press statement: “We are delighted to bring Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations to Singapore and the South-east Asia market with a local, Singapore-based staff. Travellers here have a deep passion for exploring the world, and we are proud to offer them unforgettable rail holidays across six continents as independent travellers or perhaps in small unescorted groups.”
Rail products available through Railbookers include Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rocky Mountaineer, and Glacier Express. Amtrak Vacations rail adventures cover popular destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Glacier as well as major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Seattle.
With the addition of Singapore as its Asian hub, Railbookers Group is now serving customers in six global source markets – the others being the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and travel experiences to Asia-Pacific travellers.
Launched during Web in Travel Singapore 2025, the first campaign of the partnership, Spectacular Saudi, will use immersive storytelling, curated cultural experiences, and exclusive offers to drive inbound travel from 11 key Asian markets.
The Spectacular Saudi campaign showcases Saudi Arabia’s heritage and experiences to travellers from 11 key Asian markets; Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, pictured
Running until February 28, 2026, the campaign targets travellers from Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.
The Saudi Tourism Authority will leverage Agoda’s Media Solutions to reach active travellers, deploying a marketing campaign across Agoda’s platforms and external channels. Dedicated landing pages will showcase Saudi’s hidden gems and iconic destinations, while selected hotels gain premium positioning to reach travel-ready users.
The four-year partnership, running until the end of 2029, will combine onsite banners, social media amplification, and booking incentives to maximise Agoda’s online presence and drive conversions.
Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, said: “By combining our experience in engaging travellers from Asia with their vision for the Kingdom, we aim to foster new connections and inspire more visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations. We look forward to supporting our partners throughout this campaign and contributing to the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.”
Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC at Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “By leveraging Agoda’s extensive reach, we are driving direct conversion, ensuring that Saudi is positioned as the top choice for millions of travellers. This campaign is important for accelerating the country’s tourism growth.”
Fans are increasingly travelling across Asia to see live performances, prompting Trip.com Group and Live Nation Asia to launch a multi-year partnership integrating travel and concert experiences in major regional markets.
Launching across Hong Kong/Macau, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and China, the collaboration will allow fans to plan concert-focused trips, combining exclusive pre-sale access to shows with flights, hotels, and curated local experiences through Trip.com Group’s platform.
Trip.com and Live Nation Asia team up to offer concert-focused travel experiences across key Asian markets
This joint venture marks Trip.com Group’s first step into the live entertainment travel space, reflecting how tourism, hospitality and live entertainment are coming together. As live music becomes a growing driver of travel, the collaboration is designed to empower fans to follow the artists they love while supporting regional tourism and elevating destination appeal in Asia.
According to Trip.com’s Momentum consumer survey, nearly 66 per cent of Asia-Pacific travellers are willing to travel internationally for concerts, with Gen Z and millennials leading the trend. In Singapore, hotel bookings tripled during Lady Gaga’s Asia-exclusive show, while in Hong Kong, over half of concertgoers extended their stay for leisure, driving revenue across tourism sectors. Artists are also adding shows in cities such as Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul, establishing these locations as music hubs.
The collaboration also creates opportunities to work with local hotels, attractions and tourism stakeholders, building concert-driven products and experiences that encourage more bookings, longer stays, and greater destination appeal.
The first launch under this partnership featured exclusive bundled experiences for K-pop group Twice’s tour in Hong Kong. As the official travel partner of the Twice World Tour in Hong Kong, Trip.com is offering fans presale access, bundled hotel packages, and transport options. Similar bundles and early access will roll out across five Asian markets, featuring global and regional artists. Bundles may include concert tickets paired with attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Rainforest Wild Asia, sightseeing buses, and hotel rooms, enhancing the overall trip experience.
Building on its role as Blackpink’s Official Sponsor in Bangkok and Hong Kong, Trip.com will also provide presale access for the upcoming Blackpink World Tour in Singapore and Hong Kong.
“Today’s music lovers are embracing immersive experiences that extend far beyond the concert itself,” said Bo Sun, chief marketing officer, Trip.com Group. “Through partnerships like this, we are enhancing the travel journey, adding value for fans and unlocking new cultural and economic value for destinations and the wider industry in Asia. Together, we’re proud to pioneer the future of tourism through entertainment.”
“Concert travel is redefining tourism across Asia,” said James Dick, executive vice president of partnerships and media, Live Nation Asia. “Together with Trip.com, we’re helping fans turn concerts into unforgettable trips that shape the culture of entire cities.”
Bourachi joins from The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman, where she held the same role.
He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
