Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc. (TRLEI), operator of Okada Manila, has appointed Nobuki Sato as its new president and chief operating officer, effective September 15, 2025.
Sato currently serves as senior executive officer and chief financial officer of Universal Entertainment Corporation and has been a member of the TRLEI Board of Directors since March 2023. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, finance and strategic operations.
Byron Yip, who has held the president and chief operating officer roles for seven years, will continue overseeing daily operations and support the leadership transition through September 2025.
Shangri-La Singapore has named Yusuf Yaran as resident manager. With over 20 years of international experience in hotel operations and F&B management, he brings extensive expertise to the hotel.
In his new role, Yusuf will oversee daily operations across the hotel’s dining outlets, banquet services and three wings, leading a team of over 1,000 staff.
He joins from Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, where he led operations and a team of over 700 colleagues. A member of the Shangri-La group since 2006, Yusuf has held leadership roles across Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila and Singapore.
The inaugural Awakening Song Wat festival, running from August 8 to 17, aims to boost night-time activity in one of Bangkok’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Song Wat has become known for its cafés, galleries and creative businesses that draw steady crowds during the day. However, local entrepreneurs report that the area loses energy after dark, with bars and night-time venues struggling and visitors left disappointed by the lack of nightlife.
The Awakening Song Wat festival uses light, sound and storytelling to revitalise Bangkok’s riverside district at night; photo by Friday Originals
The festival uses light, sound and storytelling installations to extend the district’s appeal into the evening and position it as a cultural destination after sunset.
Under the theme Culturalight, 14 installations by Thai and international artists span 12 locations along Song Wat Road, showcasing the district’s shophouse architecture and riverside heritage, with highlights including Please Pray, My Child, a colourful display at Charoenwattana Warehouse; Light Supplies, a glowing historic hub; and Song Wat Song Dance, an interactive floor reacting to visitors’ steps.
Festival director Pongsiri Hetrakul – also behind the flagship Awakening Bangkok, founded in 2018, which now attracts some 200,000 visitors annually – believes lighting festivals can help rebalance day-night visitor flows.
“Light brings people in. When they come, foot traffic increases, shops sell more, and there’s renewed interest in the area’s stories,” he said.
His site selection process can take years, involving historical research, conversations with residents, and mapping walkable routes.
“I’ve always believed in making people walk – sometimes five kilometres or more – so they pass through shops, food stalls, and everyday life. That’s when the local economy comes alive again,” he explained, recalling fried bun vendors setting up to meet demand, 7-Elevens selling out of bottled water, and residents offering pop-up tabletop activities such as tarot reading during past festivals.
The festival is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, along with MINI Thailand, GrabTaxi (Thailand) Co., ThaiBev Marketing Co., Boon Rawd Trading Co., and various private-sector partners along Song Wat Road, with installations lighting up 18.00 to 23.00 nightly.
As the Indian outbound tourism market continues to grow for Tourism Australia, the NTO is devising its strategies to sustain and build on the momentum. Moving forward, Tourism Australia will prioritise high-yield travellers as well as the leisure and business events segments in India.
It also remains committed to investing in travel trade partnerships and consumer engagement initiatives to further boost Indian arrivals to Australia.
Tourism Australia is targeting high-yield Indian travellers as visitor numbers and travel interest continue to grow
“India remains the fastest-growing inbound market for Tourism Australia. Prior to Covid-19, it ranked as our seventh-largest market. Today, it stands at number five and continues to be one of the most promising markets for the future. With India’s accelerating economic growth, we are witnessing a rise in the high-net-worth population, which will significantly contribute to outbound travel from the country,” said Nishant Kashikar, country manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, during a media roundtable held on the sidelines of Australia Marketplace India (AMI) from August 3 to 6 in Jaipur.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), visitor arrivals data for the year ended (YE) May 2025 confirms Australia welcomed 453,000 visitors from India, up by 10 per cent. The annual B2B event brought together more than 100 Indian travel agents and 82 Australian tourism operators. While 30 per cent of the sellers were visiting India for the first time, 20 per cent of all participating buyers were new to the platform.
According to Tourism Australia, Indian travellers are extending their stays, with the total number of nights spent in Australia reaching nearly 29 million – a 21 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
“The reason we are seeing this trend is because Indian travellers are no longer limiting themselves to just three or four cities; they are now exploring new states, territories and lesser-known regions across Australia,” added Kashikar.
According to Chennai-based Sriharan Balan, managing director, Madura Travel Service, the outbound demand for Australia in India has taken a great leap post-lockdown.
“We are opening an office in Sydney to catch up with the demand. We are hiring Tamil speaking drivers and guides to cater to our guests. We have student groups who are visiting Australia in November and January. Destinations like Tasmania and Cairns and Canberra are now also climbing up the popularity charts of the Indian outbound traveller.”
Presently, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales are key popular destinations among Indian tourists. The ease of visa processing has played a vital role in promoting travel to Australia in India. The entire process is digitised with no interviews or biometrics needed.
“Visitors get up to a three-year multiple entry visa if they are travelling for the purpose of leisure or for a holiday and one gets up to a five-year multiple entry visa if travelling for MICE or business events. So, we are seeing a very high increase in terms of repeat visitation into Australia not just for leisure but also for business events,” said Kashikar.
Luxury cruise specialist Silversea is gearing up for the opening of its hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – The Cormorant at 55 South – with the unveiling of land offerings that will present guests with an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remote and ecologically rich destinations.
The Cormorant at 55 South hotel is set to welcome first guests in January 2026, and will be a key component in Silversea’s seamless six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise programme. It will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to Antarctica, where guests can fly over the Drake Passage and lead into their expedition from the comfort of the hotel.
The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams will offer guests a seamless and immersive gateway to Antarctica when it opens January 2026
Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, said in a release: “Our vision for The Cormorant at 55 South has always been to transform a journey that had to be endured, into one our guests truly enjoy.
“The Cormorant will be more than just a place to stay – it will become a new point for discovery at the edge of the world while also making the journey to Antarctica more comfortable and enjoyable for our guests. Our teams have created an enriching offering for guests to explore during their stay, giving them the opportunity to engage with the natural and historical heritage of Puerto Williams, all while enjoying the elevated comfort and service that is synonymous with Silversea.”
A variety of guided excursions and activities are available for different activity levels. These experiences will provide intimate access to the subpolar landscapes, from the Magellanic subpolar forests such as those in Parque Municipal Ukika to panoramic vistas, and more.
The Cormorant at 55 South itself is a haven for birdwatching and ecological discovery. The surrounding area is home to an array of bird species, including the cormorant – which serves as inspiration for the hotel’s name – dolphin gull, upland goose, and the yellow-billed pintail. Guests may also admire native horses and guanacos, as well as marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals in the nearby Beagle Channel.
In an earlier interview with TTG Asia, Conrad Combrink, senior vice president, Silversea Expeditions, said: “Our expeditions are designed to not just take our guests to the world’s remote destinations, but place them at the heart of these phenomena, supported by elevated comfort. From our enriching excursions led by industry experts onboard and onshore, to guest-first innovations like our Antarctica Fly Cruise programme and our new hotel in Puerto Williams that provide an effortless journey to Antarctica, we continue to unlock the best in luxury travel that blends enriching discoveries with thoughtful design.”
Combrink added that Silversea is the only cruise line to homeport from Puerto Williams, and The Cormorant at 55 South will provide adventurers with a luxurious pre-departure experience, allowing them to “begin their journey with comfort and ease, topped with Silversea’s personalised service and warm hospitality”.
AmaWaterways has rolled out 42 new river cruise departures for 2027 in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution.
Two new itineraries include cruises on the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers in France, and a journey along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. These trips feature experts from the Smithsonian and offer cultural and educational experiences.
The new itineraries include cultural explorations along the rivers of France, South-east Asia, and Europe, combining expert-led excursions with immersive local experiences
Eleven itineraries along Europe’s major rivers – such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône – will run in 2026 and 2027. Each includes excursions and talks by specialists, with optional pre- and post-cruise packages hosted by AmaWaterways staff.
AmaWaterways cruises provide dining in multiple venues, unlimited drinks with meals, daily cocktail hours, small group excursions, high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness classes, airport transfers, and more, with trips lasting from eight to 15 days.
The new France itinerary covers Normandy, Burgundy and Provence in 15 days, starting in Paris and travelling along three rivers, with visits to sites such as Omaha Beach and Monet’s home. The Mekong journey lasts 17 days, combining a seven-night river cruise with visits to cities and villages in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Other cruises include an eight-day tulip season cruise through Holland and Belgium, and Danube cruises covering parts of Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans. Guests can also take Christmas market cruises along the Danube and Rhine, as well as trips through Portugal’s Douro River Valley, the Rhône River in Provence, and the waterways of Bordeaux.
“At AmaWaterways, our mission is to create travel experiences that uncover the heart of each destination,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We are delighted to partner with Smithsonian Journeys and together offer guests voyages that inspire curiosity, deepen the connection with the places they visit and provide the exceptional comfort and service our guests expect, all the while creating shared and lasting memories.”
Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys, added: “With interest continuing to build, we are excited to introduce the 2027 programme, featuring sailings along Europe’s most iconic rivers and, new for 2027, a chance to venture farther, delving into the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on the culturally rich Mekong River.
“As always, these voyages will include the distinctive touches of the Smithsonian – two Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard each voyage and thoughtfully curated shore excursions – and will open the door to new opportunities for curious explorers to more deeply engage with the vibrant history and rich cultures of these extraordinary destinations.”
Full details and booking options are available on AmaWaterways’ website.
Emirates’ inaugural flight to Hangzhou was welcomed with a water cannon salute on July 30
Emirates boosts connections across China with new daily flights to Hangzhou
Emirates has launched a daily service to Hangzhou, its fifth destination in mainland China and the second new route added within a month after Shenzhen.
Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, flight EK310 arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30, welcomed by local officials and a water cannon salute. Passengers on the inaugural flight from Dubai received commemorative items including keychains, certificates and Chinese tea tasting sets.
The Boeing 777-300ER features eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats and 304 Economy seats, with Emirates’ entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels in more than 40 languages, including Chinese, alongside regionally inspired menus.
Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to five Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The airline has extended its complimentary chauffeur-drive service to Hangzhou, offering transfers within 80 kilometres of the airport in Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles for First and Business Class passengers.
Emirates’ schedule offers connections from 40 European destinations, 21 in Africa, 13 in the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina, to Hangzhou via Dubai. The airline also provides convenient two-way connections from Hangzhou to cities including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo and Johannesburg.
Korean Air
Korean Air expands Seoul Incheon-Kobe service with enhanced connections
Korean Air has expanded its Japan network with the launch of a twice-daily service between Seoul Incheon and Kobe.
The Seoul Incheon-Kobe route, which began in April, is operated by Airbus A321neo aircraft and is the only service on the route by a South Korean carrier. The service connects with Korean Air’s three daily flights from Singapore, enabling efficient transfers through Seoul Incheon International Airport without the need to change terminals.
The airline has coordinated schedules to provide both short and extended layover options in Seoul. Passengers arriving from Singapore on the overnight KE644 flight, for example, can connect to KE731 to Kobe after a 145-minute transit. Alternatively, travellers on KE646 can make a longer stop before boarding KE733 in the afternoon.
For return journeys, passengers on KE732 from Kobe can connect to Singapore-bound KE643 with a 105-minute layover, while those on KE734 in the evening can catch the overnight KE647 flight.
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines
Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines to expand codeshare and lounge access
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will enhance their commercial cooperation in August 2025 with joint fare sales, expanded codeshare destinations and reciprocal lounge access.
From August, customers can book flights operated by both airlines between Singapore and Indonesia on a single itinerary, providing more fare options and convenience.
The codeshare expansion will add four SIA destinations for Garuda passengers: Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi and Male. SIA customers will gain new connections on Garuda Indonesia flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo, and Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, Lombok and Manado. Existing codeshare routes between Singapore and Denpasar, Jakarta and Surabaya, as well as SIA flights to London and Mumbai, remain in place.
From mid-August, GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members travelling between Singapore and the three Indonesian cities will have reciprocal lounge access, including Garuda Executive, KrisFlyer Gold and Business Class SilverKris lounges. Members will also be able to earn and redeem miles on the new codeshare routes under their frequent flyer partnership launched in February 2025.
SIA increased Singapore-Jakarta flights to nine daily in May 2025. Subject to approvals, Garuda Indonesia plans to raise Jakarta-Singapore frequency to seven daily flights in 4Q2025, up from six, with further increases expected.
Air Astana joins forces with China Southern Airlines on codeshare deal
Air Astana, China Southern Airlines sign codeshare agreement
Air Astana and China Southern Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement to enhance cooperation on key routes between Kazakhstan and China, offering travellers more flight options.
The agreement covers Air Astana flights from Almaty to Beijing Capital, Urumqi and Guangzhou, as well as from Astana to Beijing. China Southern Airlines’ codeshare routes include regular services from Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Urumqi and Xi’an to Almaty, plus flights from Guangzhou and Urumqi to Astana.
Hilton has been making incremental investments in talent development and management systems to better support the company’s business goals, with money being poured into more efficient recruitment processes, improved recruitment marketing, and upgraded learning platforms.
In Asia-Pacific, Hilton has almost 1,000 pipeline hotels – managed and franchised – based on signed deals, and more than 700 of these will launch in the next five years.
Ng: we are constantly investing in renewing our learning partners and refreshing our resources
Patsy Ng, senior vice president, human resources – Asia-Pacific at Hilton, told TTG India that following the deployment of Hirevue to allow job applicants to quickly and conveniently book their interview slots and record a pre-screening presentation on their smartphones years ago, the company will soon roll out a new AI recruitment system for all its hotels in China by the end of this year and the rest of Asia-Pacific in 2026.
She said the new system will modernise and improve the end-to-end candidate experience, allowing job seekers to upload their CV with “a touch of a few buttons”.
Hilton has also sharpened its recruitment marketing, with investments in different social media platforms and with different messaging to reach a varied audience for its various brands and roles.
Investments in modern recruitment technology and new-age recruitment marketing will allow Hilton to be “more agile” with its talent management efforts.
“We are not only making incremental investments in recruitment processes, but also in scaling up our learning technology,” stated Ng.
The company encourages a “lifelong learning culture for all team members”. The Hilton University learning platform offers “tens of thousands of courses that are made available to all team members”, ensuring that all are empowered to be their own chief learning officer.
By the end of this year, Hilton will elevate learning accessibility through a partnership with Cornerstone, which will better serve an expanding population of team members.
It is also working with partners on AI-driven matching, coaching and mentoring initiatives.
“We are constantly investing in renewing our learning partners and refreshing our resources. And once these efforts touch technology, there will be upfront capital investment. Hence, we are committed to incremental financial investments in talent management and development,” she added.
Hilton was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work in 2023 – the first time it has achieved the top spot on the list globally. In 2024, Hilton was ranked the No. 2 World’s Best Workplace, marking the company’s eighth consecutive year as the top hospitality company on the list.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, the Philippines
The renovated Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has reopened, offering views of the sea and sunset on the west coast of Luzon Island.
Part of the BWH Hotels portfolio since 2018, the hotel underwent revitalisation to re-establish itself as a destination in Subic, a free port zone and resort located 2.5 hours from Manila.
The redesigned property features guest rooms with king and twin beds and complimentary Wi-Fi. Facilities include a sea-facing rooftop pool and deck, a fitness centre, and two restaurants serving local and international cuisine. A dedicated events hall is available for business meetings and social functions, including weddings.
Wink Hotel Hai Phong
Wink Hotel Hai Phong, Vietnam
Wink Hotel Hai Phong offers guests a modern, tech-friendly stay in the city. It is located at near key landmarks like Hai Phong Cathedral and the Opera House, and is 15 minutes from Cat Bi International Airport.
The hotel features 225 rooms and 77 suites with kitchens and workspaces. Guests can check in digitally and use keyless room entry through the Wink App. The hotel offers a 24-hour stay option, meaning guests can stay for a full day from their check-in time.
Rooms include smart TVs, power showers, blackout blinds, and quality bedding. There are co-working spaces, a gym, self-service laundry, meeting rooms, and a convenience store. Public areas include a lobby with coffee and cocktails, an outdoor bar with craft beers and live events, and a rooftop pool that is heated in winter.
The hotel holds LEED Gold certification and uses eco-friendly products and recycled furniture as part of its commitment to sustainability.
Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road
Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road, India
Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Tonk Road is situated in the centre of Jaipur, accessible to landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and City Palace, with bazaars and local eateries within easy reach. It is located six kilometres from Jaipur International Airport and eight kilometres from Jaipur Railway Station.
The hotel has 115 rooms featuring workspaces and high-speed Wi-Fi. Rooms offer views of the cityscape. Public areas have open layouts with natural light. Vista 20, the all-day dining restaurant on the 20th floor, serves international and local dishes with views of Jaipur. A bar is available for drinks.
Facilities include a fitness centre and a 279m² pillar-less ballroom with a 93m² pre-function area. The event spaces can accommodate corporate meetings, weddings and other occasions.
St Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru
St Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, India
Located centrally, St Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru provides easy access to key areas including Vittal Mallya Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, Richmond Road, and Cubbon Park. It is near several consulates and business centres, making it suitable for international and business travellers. The property has been a known landmark in Bengaluru for over 30 years and now operates under Radisson Individuals.
The hotel offers 96 soundproof rooms, restaurants, bar, spa, fitness centre as well as event venues.
The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ETS India, the Indian arm of Educational Testing Service (ETS), to set English communication benchmarks for the hospitality sector using the TOEIC Link assessment.
Combining FHRAI’s industry expertise with ETS’s global assessment capabilities, the partnership aims to improve workforce readiness by integrating English proficiency as a measurable standard for hiring and training.
The collaboration aims to improve workforce readiness through role-specific English communication benchmarks using the TOEIC Link assessment; photo by FHRAI
The TOEIC Link test assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing skills through practical hospitality scenarios. It is delivered online with AI proctoring, making it accessible even in remote areas.
FHRAI will select hotels and Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) for a pilot study. ETS India will assess hotel staff, new recruits and final-year students to define minimum communication requirements for roles like front office, housekeeping and F&B.
The pilot will include diagnostic testing, input from HR managers and data analysis to set role-specific benchmarks. ETS India will also train faculty through a Train-the-Trainer programme to ensure sustainability.
After the pilot, the initiative plans to scale nationally, establishing TOEIC Link as the hospitality sector’s standard English test. This will assist employers in hiring decisions and help candidates align their skills with industry needs.
The partnership highlights FHRAI’s commitment to raising service standards and employability, while positioning ETS India as a key player in hospitality skill development.
FHRAI president K Syama Raju commented: “With ETS India’s support, we aim to establish clear benchmarks that will help our industry meet global service expectations. It’s time we equip our workforce not just with technical know-how, but with the ability to communicate confidently and clearly.”
Sachin Jain, country manager India and South Asia, ETS, added: “By working with FHRAI, we hope to not only bridge the English communication gap but also help create a standardised, scalable framework for talent development in hospitality sector. This collaboration has the potential to become a model for sector-wide adoption not just in India but globally.”
Byron Yip, who has held the president and chief operating officer roles for seven years, will continue overseeing daily operations and support the leadership transition through September 2025.
He joins from Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, where he led operations and a team of over 700 colleagues. A member of the Shangri-La group since 2006, Yusuf has held leadership roles across Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila and Singapore.
