Phillipa Harrison has been appointed as the new CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). She will lead RAKTDA’s efforts to position the emirate as a Destination of the Future and is expected to advance its growth targets, including attracting over 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030.
Harrison previously served as managing director of Tourism Australia, a role she held from 2019. She succeeds Raki Phillips, who stepped down in October 2024.
Her leadership is expected to be integral to strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a sustainable and adventure-focused tourism destination. Harrison brings decades of international tourism experience, with expertise in global markets, to her new role.
Marriott Bonvoy, the travel platform of Marriott International, has partnered with Flipkart SuperCoins, India’s loyalty programme, to launch the country’s first dual loyalty integration.
The partnership allows members to earn and redeem points across both platforms, combining hotel stays, travel bookings, and everyday shopping rewards.
From left: Flipkart Travel’s Manjari Singhal and Marriott International’s John Toomey
Under the collaboration, members can link their accounts to enjoy Marriott Bonvoy benefits, earn points while shopping on Flipkart, and access deals on Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel. Members can also transfer Flipkart SuperCoins to Marriott Bonvoy points and vice versa, with an exchange rate of two Marriott Bonvoy points to one SuperCoin and two SuperCoins to one Marriott Bonvoy point. The integration aims to make it easier for consumers in India to shop, earn, and travel, turning everyday transactions into rewards and experiences.
Commenting on the partnership, Manjari Singhal, head of Flipkart Travel, said: “Bringing Flipkart SuperCoins and Marriott Bonvoy points together means we’re not just rewarding transactions; we’re enriching lifestyles through shopping, travel, and stays. This collaboration strengthens our vision of creating a truly integrated, cross-category rewards ecosystem. Whether it’s shopping on Flipkart, booking a Marriott stay, or planning a trip on Flipkart Travel or Cleartrip, customers can now earn and redeem rewards in more meaningful ways.”
“By teaming up with one of the local leaders like Flipkart, we’re making it easier for millions of consumers to enjoy the benefits of travel and everyday rewards. With 159 hotels across 40 plus cities in India, we’re thrilled to bring our global travel programme closer to Flipkart’s users,” shared John Toomey, chief commercial officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, adding that in the coming months, the partnership is expected to expand to include international destinations and Marriott’s wider portfolio of hotels, further enhancing members’ travel experiences.
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled the dining options for its new ship Disney Adventure, which will home port in Singapore from December 15 this year. The ship will offer more than 20 restaurants and lounges, serving a mix of international and Asian-inspired cuisines.
Guests can choose from table-service restaurants, buffets, quick-service locations, specialty cafés, grab-and-go outlets, and 24-hour room service. Many dining experiences are included in the cruise fare, while premium options carry an additional charge.
Guests onboard the Disney Adventure can enjoy a range of international and Asian-inspired dishes, drinks and desserts across more than 20 restaurants and lounges
Menus will feature South-east Asian dishes such as Laksa Lemak and Hainanese Chicken Rice, Indian cuisine at Mowgli’s Eatery, and Japanese offerings at Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia. Specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks will incorporate traditional Asian ingredients. Guests can also enjoy bubble tea at Bewitching Boba and Brews. Dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, Jain, halal and allergen-specific meals, will be accommodated at no extra cost.
The Disney Adventure will also feature Bacha Coffee and TWG Tea, offering a wide range of coffees and teas across the ship. Adult guests will have access to a variety of bars and lounges, including Spellbound, Palo Café, Garden Bar, Tiana’s Bayou Lounge, Buccaneer Bar, Market Bar and Taverna Portorosso.
Classic Disney favourites such as Mickey waffles and soft-serve ice cream will be available alongside rotational dining, which allows guests to experience different themed restaurants each night with personalised service. Family-friendly venues will feature Disney characters and interactive experiences inspired by Disney and Pixar films.
The ship’s voyages are primarily three- and four-night trips, designed to include days at sea and a variety of activities for guests.
New sailing dates between October and December 2026 have also been released for bookings.
Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West will mark the end of 2025 with a four-day journey from Phnom Penh to the Cambodian coastline. Beginning on December 28, guests will travel on a privately chartered train through the countryside, with onboard meals and wine service, before spending three nights at Knai Bang Chatt, a coastal resort in Kep.
Upon arrival, guests will transfer by tuk-tuk to the resort, where the evening includes cocktails at the rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, followed by dinner at Crab & Co. The next day begins with optional yoga and guided meditation at sunrise, followed by a dolphin-spotting cruise with breakfast served at sea. Guests will visit a remote island with Marine Conservation Cambodia for an exploration of marine ecosystems and restoration efforts, followed by a beach barbecue before returning to Kep for the afternoon.
Guests will travel by private train and stay three nights at Knai Bang Chatt, with cultural tours, wellness activities, and coastal excursions included
On the third day, a guided cultural tour will take guests to colonial-era villas, hilltop pagodas, pepper plantations, and the Crab Market. Lunch is served at The Wave, the resort’s cliffside restaurant, and the afternoon includes spa treatments, sailing lessons, or time by the pool. The day concludes with a sunset cruise along the coast with canapés and champagne, and an optional wine-paired Chef’s Table dinner.
Return transfers to Phnom Penh are available by car or train. Guests may extend their stay to join Kep West’s End-of-Year Party and New Year’s Brunch, featuring live music and refreshments.
The journey is priced at US$1,500 per person, with a 50 per cent discount for children under 12. The package includes the one-way private train journey, onboard lunch with wine, three nights’ seafront accommodation at Knai Bang Chatt, all meals, excursions, wellness sessions, internal transfers, the private island experience, and live music, sunset cruises, and cultural activities. Optional upgrades include a return train or car transfer, wine-paired Chef’s Table dinner, spa sessions, and the End-of-Year Party and New Year’s Brunch with an additional night stay.
PATA will hold the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, August 25, ahead of the PATA Travel Mart 2025. The event is hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies at Srinakharinwirot University (SWUIC), in collaboration with Bangkok University International.
The symposium will include panel discussions, student-led dialogues and opportunities to meet leaders from across the Asia-Pacific tourism sector. It is designed to provide young professionals with practical knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in the industry.
The symposium in Bangkok aims to prepare young professionals for careers in the evolving tourism industry; photo by PATA
The event will begin with keynote speeches from Sophia Montgomery, a Physics student at Harvard University and Paris 2024 Olympian in Women’s Dinghy Sailing, and Jonathan Low, CEO of Global Success Learning Academy. This will be followed by a panel with graduates who have successfully entered the tourism workforce, giving students a chance to engage with experienced professionals.
Two additional panels will focus on career guidance. Uncovering the Unseen: Discovering Hidden Careers in Tourism will feature experts from the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, Intrepid Travel and iSanook Hotels & Resorts, highlighting lesser-known career paths. Career-Ready: How to Impress Recruiters will include human resources professionals from Dusit International and other companies, offering advice on preparing for the job market.
The day will conclude with a Student Chapter workshop, co-organised by the PATA Thailand SWUIC Student Chapter and the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter.
The symposium aims to connect students with industry insights, develop career skills and encourage engagement with the Asia Pacific tourism sector.
SWUIC will welcome participants to its campus. The college aims to develop students with an understanding of sustainability and diversity while providing skills for the modern workplace. The campus will be the venue for discussions on career paths and trends in travel and tourism.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “Empowering youth is not just an investment in their future, it is an investment in the future of the tourism industry. Together, as an industry, we must build the bridges that lead them from aspiration to achievement.
“PATA is, of course, grateful to our host, the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, and all participating organisations for joining us in supporting the rising stars of our industry. Without them, this event would not be possible.”
Thanakorn Thongprayoon, dean of the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, commented: “The PATA Youth Symposium 2025 aligns closely with our mission to foster globally minded graduates who are not only career-ready, but also committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future for the tourism industry. We believe in the power of youth, and by connecting them with industry leaders, we can ignite new ideas and drive meaningful change in our shared future.”
Korean Air introduces Premium Class on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER
Korean Air has unveiled Premium Class on its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, with the first flights on short- and mid-haul routes from mid-September. The airline has invested around 300 billion won (US$230.77) to upgrade 11 aircraft with redesigned cabins and new onboard technology.
Premium Class, positioned between Prestige (business) and Economy, features 40 seats in a 2-4-2 layout with 50 per cent more space than Economy, a seat pitch of 39 to 41 inches, 19.5-inch-wide seats, up to 130-degree recline, leg and footrests, ergonomic headrests, and winged sides for privacy. In-flight entertainment includes 15.6-inch 4K screens.
Meals on international routes comprise a main course, appetiser, and dessert from the Prestige menu, with beverages including wine, coffee, and tea. Premium Class passengers also enjoy priority ground services, Morning Calm check-in counters, priority baggage handling, and Sky Priority boarding.
The launch coincides with a full interior overhaul of the Boeing 777-300ER fleet, featuring Prestige Suites 2.0 in 1-2-1 configuration, New Economy in 3-4-3 layout, upgraded Wi-Fi, and improved in-flight entertainment across all cabins.
Qantas
Qantas to offer daily Sydney-New York flights via Auckland
Qantas will increase its Sydney-New York flights via Auckland from five per week to daily from June to October 2026. This will be the first daily Sydney-Auckland-New York service since the route launched in June 2023 and Qantas’ first daily flights to New York since pre-Covid Sydney-Los Angeles-New York services.
The airline’s A380 has returned to Sydney-Dallas on August 11, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner resumed Brisbane-Los Angeles services on August 13, part of an international network update announced in October 2024.
Scoot
Scoot adds flights to Chiang Rai, Okinawa and Tokyo
Scoot will launch new flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, and Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda) in Japan between December 2025 and March 2026. Flights to Chiang Rai will operate five times weekly from January 1, 2026, on the Embraer E190-E2. Services to Okinawa will start three times weekly from December 15, 2025, on the Airbus A320 family, while daily flights to Tokyo (Haneda) begin March 1, 2026, on Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
With these additions, Scoot will operate 111 weekly flights to Thailand and 45 to Japan, serving 76 destinations across 18 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.
The airline will also increase frequencies on existing routes. In South-east Asia, Bangkok flights rise from 35 to 39 weekly from August 2025, Ipoh from 17 to 21 weekly from November 2025, and Chiang Mai progressively to 14 weekly by December 2025. In North Asia, Tokyo (Narita via Taipei) increases to 14 weekly from October 2025, Sapporo (Hokkaido via Taipei) from four to seven weekly from December 2025, and Singapore-Taipei from 23 to 25 weekly in October and 25 to 28 from December 2025. Flights to Jeju will increase from five to seven weekly from January 2026. In Europe, Vienna services rise from three to four weekly from March 2026.
AirAsia X
AirAsia X launches Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route
AirAsia X (AAX) will introduce a new route between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul, Türkiye, from November 14, 2025, with four weekly flights.
The service operates from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which connects to more than 117 international and 40 domestic destinations. The route expands AAX’s network to Europe, linking South-east Asia to one of the world’s most historically and geographically unique cities.
The launch also enables an affordable Umrah Plus Istanbul package through Your Companion, the Islamic lifestyle arm of Capital A, allowing travellers to combine a spiritual journey with a visit to Istanbul. Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur provide one-stop connections for passengers without baggage recheck, while giving travellers from Türkiye access to AirAsia’s 130 destinations in South-east Asia.
Gurney Bay Hotel, a Parkroyal Partner Hotel, has appointed five seasoned hospitality professionals to its executive team ahead of its upcoming brand transformation.
Winnie Low, formerly director of F&B and operations leader across Pan Pacific, Millennium, InterContinental, Shangri-La, and Ritz-Carlton, joins as director of operations.
From left: Winnie Low, Ng Soo Chuan, and Tom Toh
Ng Soo Chuan, most recently overseeing financial operations at Lexis Suites Penang and Iconic Hotel, is appointed director of finance.
Tom Toh, previously cluster director of human resources at Forest City, Johor Bahru, takes on the role of director of people and culture.
Lee Ai Leng, formerly senior sales and marketing leader at Lexis Suites Penang, joins as director of sales and marketing.
Clarissa Lim, most recently cluster revenue manager for three Shangri-La properties in Penang, is named revenue manager, while Rochesder Hillary, previously involved in Parkroyal Langkawi Resort’s pre-opening, becomes marketing and communications manager.
PATA has lined up three days of knowledge exchange, B2B meetings, youth development discussions, board meetings and social functions for its PATA Travel Mart 2025 taking place in Bangkok next week from August 26 to 28.
The three-day event, to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, is expected to host professionals from more than 500 organisations. The programme includes a one-day Knowledge Forum, the PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, and business networking opportunities.
Delegates will gather at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok for PATA Travel Mart 2025 from August 26 to 28
Leading up to it is the Youth Symposium 2025 on August 25 and the Executive Board Meeting that afternoon, followed by the full-day Board Meeting on August 26.
The Knowledge Forum 2025, under the theme Designing Meaningful Tourism for a Changing World, will run alongside the first day of PATA Travel Mart on August 26. The forum will feature presentations, panels, and interactive sessions on emerging markets, young tourism professionals, inclusivity, travel technology, and industry trends. Speakers include PATA executives, tourism authorities, and leaders from organisations such as Google, MGM, Jim Thompson, Hotel ICON, BBC Studios Asia, Simplenight, OAG, Intrepid, Holafly, Booking.com, and the China Chamber of Tourism. Young tourism professionals and the 2024 and 2025 PATA Faces of the Future will also take part.
Event attendees will also hear from Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, who will introduce Sarawak as the host of PATA Travel Mart 2026.
Thai hospitality will shine at the Welcome Reception, hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office, will take place on August 27.
“PATA Travel Mart is designed to bring together the heart of the Asia-Pacific tourism industry, but it is only through the united efforts of industry leaders from both the private and public sectors that meaningful connections can be created – connections that inspire growth and collaboration among buyers, exhibitors, and all participants,” stated PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
“I look forward to welcoming delegates from across the region and beyond to what promises to be a productive business event here in Thailand.”
Cathay Pacific has reopened its flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport as part of its ongoing investment in mainland China. The redesign focuses on a human-centred approach to enhance the lounge experience.
This reopening is part of the airline’s wider lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and other destinations, following the reopening of The Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport in May.
The redesigned lounge features new dining areas, private spaces, and an art collection for passengers
In addition to the redesigned Beijing lounge, Cathay Pacific operates an airport lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and a ferry port lounge at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen, its first facility for intermodal travellers.
In Hong Kong, the airline has reopened The Bridge and converted The Deck into an interim First class lounge while The Wing, First is under renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business. Customers may also access The Pier, First and The Pier, Business lounges at the airline’s home hub. Cathay Pacific plans to launch new flagship lounges in Hong Kong and, for the first time, in New York, as part of the Cathay Group’s investment of over HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) in aircraft, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovations.
The Beijing lounge is designed to work with its surroundings, using windows and roofing to provide natural light and views while keeping a comfortable temperature. Cherry wood and limestone are used throughout, and the reception has been updated from a counter to a podium format. It is also the first lounge outside Hong Kong to feature Cathay Pacific’s Lounge Ambassadors.
The Main Lounge offers a home-like atmosphere with furniture and lighting arranged for comfort, including private spaces. There are three dining venues: Noodle Bar, Food Hall and Teahouse, which offers Chinese teas brewed to order by the airline’s tea specialists.
The Terrace is a light-filled verandah with Solo Chairs for relaxation. An art collection throughout the lounge includes contemporary calligraphy and drawings on boarding passes by a variety of artists, developed with a curator from Cathay Pacific’s Gallery in the Skies concept.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said: “The redesigned lounge complements Cathay Pacific’s seven daily return flights between Hong Kong and Beijing this summer, as we strive to offer customers greater choice and convenience – both in the air and on the ground – when they travel with us. We remain committed to providing customers with a seamless and elevated travel experience through our Hong Kong hub.”
Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong, China
Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong is set to welcome guests in September with 495 rooms, including 25 suites. The hotel is located at 11 Middle Road, within walking distance of Victoria Harbour and key cultural landmarks in Tsim Sha Tsui.
All rooms and suites offer views of Victoria Harbour. Facilities include a 20-metre heated rooftop pool, a fitness centre, and spa. There are five dining venues: an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop bar, café and bar, and a small speakeasy, with a signature restaurant set to open later in the year.
The property also includes a ballroom and flexible meeting spaces, all with harbour views.
Mercure Berau
Mercure Berau, Indonesia
Mercure Berau, the first international hotel in Berau, is 20 minutes from Kalimarau Airport in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It has 153 rooms, suites, and villas, and offers facilities such as an indoor swimming pool with children’s area, a fitness centre, and in-room spa services. Dining options are Sanggam Bistro, the Lobby Lounge, and the Pool Bar, with Le 360° Rooftop Bar opening soon. The hotel also offers five meeting rooms and a ballroom for up to 400 guests with Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment.
Mama Shelter Singapore
Mama Shelter Singapore, Singapore
Mama Shelter will open its first Asian property on Killiney Road, Singapore, in September 2025. Located near Orchard Road and New Bahru, and minutes from Somerset MRT, the 115-room hotel features Peranakan-inspired interiors, murals by Parisian artist Beniloys, and a rooftop with two pools and skyline views.
The ground-floor restaurant and bar will serve brasserie-style dishes by chef Eugene Tan, while the rooftop restaurant offers Mediterranean sharing plates.
Rooms include terraces in nearly half the property, five-star bedding, on-demand films, and amenities by Ink & Water. The hotel also debuts the brand’s first bunk bedroom for families and groups.
The Yukawa
The Yukawa, Japan
The Yukawa will open on September 2 on the Ichijoh family’s ancestral land near the mountains and rivers of Kamasaki Onsen. The hotel blends a 500-year tradition of hospitality with modern design to provide guests with a sense of renewal.
It has 11 guestrooms, all with terraces and private open-air hot spring baths, including one River View Yukawa Suite, one River View Panorama Suite, three River View Villa Suites, and six River View Suites. All rooms are non-smoking, with a separate smoking room available.
Facilities include a private dining room with terrace, lobby lounge, bar, spa treatment room, and in-room dining overlooking the river.
The hotel features historical elements, such as original doors from the former Ichijoh Branch, which operated for over 100 years. Meals are prepared on-site, combining the property’s heritage with modern comfort.
Her leadership is expected to be integral to strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a sustainable and adventure-focused tourism destination. Harrison brings decades of international tourism experience, with expertise in global markets, to her new role.
