Tokyo-based hospitality group Trunk has appointed Toni Hinterstoisser as president – international, as the brand enters a new phase of global expansion. He will lead strategic planning and business development.
Hinterstoisser brings more than 30 years of experience in the development, operations and management of luxury and lifestyle hotels across Europe, North America and Asia. He was most recently vice president – Asia at citizenM Hotels, where he oversaw operations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has appointed Mia Jaafar as its new hotel manager.
Jaafar has over 17 years of experience in hospitality, with leadership roles across Asia, including ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong and InterContinental Singapore. She is recognised for her people-focused leadership, customer-centric approach and innovative mindset.
Her vision for Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium emphasises enhancing guest experiences and creating an inclusive environment for both leisure and business travellers.
Domestic travel to the Union Territory of Puducherry is climbing steadily. The destination is particularly popular for weekend getaways, with strong demand coming from three major South Indian cities including Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Domestic travellers are also drawn to Puducherry – historically known as Pondicherry – for spiritual tourism, heritage, and weddings.
Subramanian Srinivasan, deputy director, Department of Tourism, Puducherry, told TTG India: “Being home to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, we see a large number of devotees visiting from markets like Odisha, West Bengal and Gujarat. We have been also working closely with event planners to promote Puducherry as a wedding destination. Going forward we are expecting a surge in the number of beach weddings.”
The government of Puducherry is working to develop four Blue Flag beaches in the destination
Gaurav Malik, country director for the Indian subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda shared that the majority of domestic searches for Puducherry come from Tamil Nadu followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra, a pattern consistent with last year.
“However, searches from Telangana have shown a significant year-on-year increase between January and June 2025, pointing to a broader geographic spread in domestic interest,” added Malik.
The department of tourism is working towards creating tourist facilities – one such project aims to develop four blue flag beaches in Puducherry and one in Karaikal, one of the districts in the Union Territory. This endeavour is supported by the World Bank Shore programme, which also involves local communities.
“Puducherry has demonstrated a robust growth in domestic travel post-pandemic. Its French colonial essence, seaside calm, and spiritual getaways have made it popular among millennials and wellness seekers alike. Long weekends and workcations have led to increased short-haul traffic from metros such as Chennai and Bengaluru,” observed Louis D’Souza, managing partner, Tamarind Global.
White Town is known for having French colonial-era villas and leafy streets
White Town, the historic heart of the city that reflects Puducherry’s French colonial heritage, is certainly a hot draw. However, the carrying capacity of this popular area has come under scrutiny.
Srinivasan highlighted the need to spread tourism flow to suburban areas, and shared that private sector collaboration is sought to develop a vibrant nightlife and calendar of entertainment events that tourists can enjoy elsewhere in Puducherry.
Although tourism demand for Puducherry is predominantly domestic, industry stakeholders say interest from international markets is budding.
D’Souza is noticing more enquiries specifically from France, Sri Lanka, and South-east Asia for heritage and cultural trips to Puducherry.
“There is also growing demand for boutique hotels and experiential stays with clear evidence of a shift towards slow travel. We have seen a growth in MICE and wedding enqueries as well,” added D’Souza.
According to Agoda’s Malik, international interest is growing, with South Korea leading as the top origin market searching for the destination.
“This growth may align with broader regional travel momentum and improving accessibility to South India. Taken together, these trends underscore Puducherry’s growing visibility and appeal within the evolving landscape of Indian tourism, reflecting both local demand and increasing global curiosity,” he added.
Puducherry Department of Tourism’s Subramanian Srinivasan says Puducherry is being promoted for destination weddings
The government of Puducherry has set its eyes on business events development, and will erect a 2,500-pax convention centre in Manapet as wel as a five-star beach resort with 150 keys.
This is timely, as Trishal Rao, chief sales officer at SKIL, is seeing an “uptick in corporate and MICE interest, where clients are considering Puducherry for their intimate off-sites and team retreats”.
“With better airlift, curated experiences and sustainability initiatives from the local government, Puducherry is well and truly returning to India’s leisure and lifestyle travel map post-pandemic, both as a destination for domestic travellers and international travellers,” he stated.
Puducherry’s growing demand is matched by a modest increase in room inventory over the past few years, noted Charles VK, senior general manager, sales and distribution, CGH Earth.
“There is still room for more quality accommodation, particularly in the premium segment, to cater to evolving traveller expectations,” he added.
Puducherry’s limited room inventory, especially in the premium and business-class segment, have resulted in inflated prices and limited availability during peak times, shared Rao.
“Our clients have even experienced difficulty securing bookings in Puducherry during shoulder periods. There is an obvious need for targeted investment in hospitality-related infrastructure here. If the balance is struck, Puducherry can be a sustainable, high-value destination for leisure and business tourism,” he added.
Accor Plus, a travel loyalty subscription programme in the Asia-Pacific region, will rebrand and transition all existing memberships to a new format under the ALL Accor+ Explorer subscription from October 1, 2025.
The updated subscription will include guaranteed ALL Accor Gold status or higher within Accor’s global loyalty programme, two complimentary nights per year, and wider global discounts. Existing members will automatically be upgraded to the ALL Accor+ Explorer membership.
The new ALL Accor+ Explorer offers expanded discounts and guaranteed loyalty status for members; Pullman New Delhi Aerocity India, pictured
The shift aligns with the broader growth of subscription models globally. ALL Accor+ Explorer will provide members with access to two free nights annually across Asia-Pacific, hotel stays at up to 50 per cent off under the Red Hot Rooms offer, and a 15 per cent discount off public rates at over 4,500 hotels worldwide under more than 30 hotel brands.
Dining discounts include 30 per cent off food and 15 per cent off drinks at more than 1,600 restaurants and 1,200 bars across the region. Members will also receive 30 Status Nights annually, securing ALL Accor Gold status, which includes benefits such as room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, where available. Additional benefits include priority access to limited-time offers and member-only events.
Accor Plus stated that the upgraded membership benefits were informed by research conducted with more than 7,000 members and 200 hotels across 12 countries in October 2024. CEO Emilie Couton said the company reviewed data and feedback over the past 18 months to align the subscription with current member expectations.
The rebranded subscription will be integrated into the wider ALL Accor global loyalty platform, allowing members to use benefits while earning and redeeming ALL Accor Reward points and Status Nights through a single booking system and app.
In 2024, Accor Plus members stayed five times more nights than non-members, with more than 3.1 million room nights booked. They also redeemed over one billion reward points and accessed more than 2,300 exclusive offers.
ALL Accor+ Explorer will apply across more than 25 Accor hotel brands in Asia-Pacific, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, ibis and others. It also offers a 15 per cent discount on stays at over 30 brands globally and includes ALL Accor Gold status or above.
All active Accor Plus members will be automatically upgraded from October 1. New members can subscribe at S$299 (US$222) per year.
The Westin Yokohama has appointed Allen Howden as general manager.
Howden brings more than 25 years of international hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. A long-standing member of Marriott International, he has held senior commercial roles at properties including W Bangkok, Swissôtel in London and Bangkok, and The Cadogan in London.
He most recently served as general manager of The St Regis Singapore.
Originally from the UK, Howden is recognised in the industry for his leadership and commitment to service.
Novotel Sydney Cabramatta has made two key leadership appointments ahead of its planned opening in November: Sam Fakih as general manager, and Anthony Hoang as director of sales.
With more than 23 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Fakih previously held senior roles at IHG-branded properties, most recently serving as cluster general manager for Crowne Plaza Burwood and Holiday Inn & Suites Parramatta Marsden Street. His knowledge of the local market will support the hotel’s development in Western Sydney.
From left: Sam Fakih and Anthony Hoang
Hoang brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, having held senior positions at InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort, Holiday Inn Parramatta, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Eastin Grand Hotel, Hanoi Hotel, Paddington Hotel Halong Bayview and Merperle Hotels & Resort. His background in revenue generation and partnership development will support the hotel as it prepares to open.
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has promoted Cavin Loh as regional general manager for Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand.
With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and airport services, Loh will oversee and drive the strategic growth, operational excellence, and commercial performance of PPG in his new role.
His previous roles include area general manager and regional commercial director of Southeast Asia, which highlights his deep understanding of regional operations and commitment to customer service excellence.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and IndiGo have signed a year-long agreement to promote Singapore as a key leisure and business destination for Indian travellers and drive bookings via IndiGo’s network.
India remains one of Singapore’s top three tourism source markets, with more than 500,000 Indian visitors arriving in the first half of 2025, supported by strong air connectivity. Over 270 weekly flights currently link Singapore to 15 Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, and Visakhapatnam – through Changi Airport.
Singapore and IndiGo team up to boost Indian arrivals with new year-long tourism drive
Singapore consistently ranks among IndiGo’s top three international destinations. To meet rising demand, IndiGo will introduce IndiGoStretch – its business product – on Singapore-Delhi and Singapore-Mumbai routes from August 9, 2025, coinciding with Singapore’s National Day. IndiGo also offers direct flights from nine Indian cities and connections across its network.
The latest partnership builds on the earlier Untold Singapore campaign and aims to highlight Singapore’s mix of iconic attractions and lesser-known experiences. The year-long campaign will include special travel deals, influencer content, trade roadshows, training, and familiarisation trips. Both parties will also share data insights to tailor marketing efforts and better engage Indian travellers.
“As we celebrate 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations in 2025, our expanded collaboration with IndiGo and the launch of the year-long Untold Singapore campaign positions us to harness the potential of India’s dynamic travel market. This partnership will inspire both first-time and returning Indian visitors, further strengthening the enduring tourism ties between our nations” said STB CEO Melissa Ow.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers added: “We are delighted to partner with Singapore Tourism Board to boost tourism and travel between the two countries. With our recent introduction of IndiGoStretch, tailor-made business class product to Singapore, we are even more confident that our customers will enjoy the premium travel experience to this vibrant destination.”
South Asia’s first integrated resort, which opened over the weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka, aims to attract high rollers from India, China and South-east Asia to its casino and other offerings, officials said.
“We are attracting not only Indians, with a large neighbouring booming economy, but also travellers from China and South-east Asia where Melco has its operations,” John Keells Holding chairman Krishan Balendra told TTG Asia.
From left: Lawrence Ho and Krishan Balendra
The Sri Lankan conglomerate’s US$1.2 billion City of Dreams officially opened on August 2 with two nights of events attended by Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and a line-up of international and local performers.
City of Dreams is a brand of Macau-based Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which also operates similar properties in Manila, Macau and Cyprus, each with gaming facilities and a Nuwa hotel.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho, speaking at a media conference in Colombo on Saturday, said the new facility can be positioned as “Sri Lanka to India similar to what Macau is to China”.
“Sri Lanka is also perfectly positioned as a gateway to key feeder markets, including India, China, and Russia, with India in particular showing tremendous growth in its affluent middle and upper classes. By leveraging our global network of properties and expertise, we aim to attract high-value international travellers who are seeking world-class experiences in an authentic and unique destination like Sri Lanka,” said Ho, adding that the global gaming market is estimated at approximately US$30 billion a year.
The casino received around 500 overseas visitors from India and China over the weekend.
The complex’s Cinnamon Life hotel, with 687 rooms and 418,000m² of event space, opened last November. City of Dreams has been described as the largest venue in Sri Lanka for MICE traffic, both domestic and international. Melco has separately invested US$123 million in the casino and a 113-room Nuwa hotel.
Rotorua, a familiar destination on the New Zealand circuit, is rolling out the welcome mat for even more Asian visitors, especially those from emerging source markets like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Motivation to visit – and revisit – will come from Rotorua’s wide variety of products across adventure, culture, wellness and scenic categories, as well as new activities and refreshed accommodation options.
Ohinemutu is a living Māori village set on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua; photo by Paul Michael
Speaking to TTG Asia during TRENZ 2025, a travel trade show dedicated to raising the profile of New Zealand destinations, Andrew Wilson, chief executive for RotoruaNZ, said destination reach is already well established in Singapore, China, and India, and RotoruaNZ’s strategy has been to “ensure products and operators are ready for those markets”.
For the China market, RotoruaNZ recently inked an MoU with Air China that will result in joint activity to raise destination awareness and drive higher Chinese arrivals to the Sulphur City – a nickname Rotorua earned for its active geothermal system and abundant hot springs.
RotoruaNZ shared that in 2024, Asian arrivals spent NZ$15.3 million (US$9 million) in the destination on card alone, excluding pre-paid tours, cash or online spend.
“We’re really fortunate that a number of established operators have some great resource, some really key people who visit these Asian markets pretty regularly to sell the best that Rotorua has to offer,” he said.
And, Rotorua’s best tourism options are expanding.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa elevates Rotorua’s premium wellness offerings
Come September, Redwoods Treewalk and Nightlights will unveil Redwoods Glowworms, a 70-metre eco cave featuring rock formations, cascading waterfalls, a cool environment that is home to over 5,000 glow-worms. The experience combines conservation, education, and adventure.
Bruce Thomasen, co-founder of Redwoods Treewalk and Nightlights, said Redwoods Glowworms is a result of a partnership with Expedition Earth duo Bridget Thackwray and Topher Richwhite, who have developed the bio-integrative designs and the eco-environment that allows glow-worms to thrive.
Also new is the high-end Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa that sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This facility combines Mãori culture and Ngãti Whakaue water healing practices, with its star attraction being the two-hour, seven-step Restorative Journey, which takes rejuvenation seekers from the Te Hihiri Blessing Stone ritual through Te Tukinga Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves, Te Pae Paru Geothermal Mud Lounge, and more.
Several hotels in the destination have undergone recent refurbishment.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua has completed the first phase of major renovations of its guestrooms and facilities. It has been almost 20 years since the last full remodel was ordered.
Refreshed guestrooms at the hotel now boast updated bathrooms with geothermally heated water systems, luxurious comforts, a vibrant colour palette inspired by Rotorua’s volcanic and lake tones, and a floor-to-ceiling photo panel that showcases images ofunique events, attractions, and landscapes of Rotorua.
Deluxe rooms offer guests a relaxing soak in locally made cedar hot tubs.
The second phase of renovation is expected to finish by 4Q2025.
The 130-year-old On The Point Lake Rotorua luxury lodge also unveiled refurbished rooms in September, with final rounds works to complete this December.
According to Ann Gregor, general manager of On The Point Lake Rotorua luxury lodge, and a veteran who has served Rotorua’s tourism industry for the past 30 years, Rotorua is being rejuvenated “in the good hands of our mayor Tania Tapsell, who understands tourism and backs us”.
Gregor shared that Rotorua’s community spirited approach to tourism business and development meant that travel trade buyers and their guests would benefit from the warmest of hospitality.
“There’s a lot of mums and dads, daughters and sons working together within the tourism industry here. If somebody came to me and I didn’t have what they needed, I would more than likely know of someone else who could help.
She explained: “So, instead of just leaving the problem, I would take them or introduce them (to the alternative). That’s how we do things in Rotorua.”
Meanwhile, Wilson sees strong potential in Rotorua’s Mãori culture to draw Asian visitors.
He observes that travellers are increasingly drawn to connections with the place they are visiting. Learning and interacting with the indigenous tribes in Rotorua can provide that desired experience.
Te Puia is a major attraction in Rotorua, offering travellers a single gateway to the destination’s Mãori heritage and arts, geothermal features, and kiwi conservation efforts through informative guided tours. It is home to the world-renowned Põhutu Geyser in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, as well as the New Zealand Mãori Arts and Crafts Institute, where students develop traditional skills in weaving, and wood, stone, and bone carving – playing a vital role in preserving Mãori culture.
Guided tours at Te Puia include visits to the institute, with opportunities to observe and engage with artists at work.
Affluent Asians may also increasingly feel at home in Rotorua, as the destination has several top-end experiences to offer, from “world-class spa experiences” offered by Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa and Polynesian Spa to “spectacular tours” conducted by the likes of Volcanic Air, which operates scenic flights and air tours of the region.
Rotorua’s luxury accomodation options will continue to grow with a future five-star hotel set to rise on the banks of Lake Rotorua and a new luxury lodge that may be announced in the next 12 to 18 months, revealed Wilson.
According to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa’s general manager, Debbie Robertson, the hotel by Lake Rotorua shares the same owner and the search for a suitable operator is underway.
Once opened, the luxury hotel will enhance the experience of geothermal water wellness retreats with the convenience of connected access.
Robertson told TTG Asia that Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa acts as a catalyst to the elevation of Rotorua’s cultural offerings into the premium travel space.
“What we do gives other Mãori business owners the inspiration that they, too, can offer a product at a luxury or premium price point. Te Puia is another great example of a successful Mãori operator in the premium travel space,” she explained, adding that affluent travellers can benefit from a finer form of storytelling and experiences that connect them with Rotorua’s tribes, land, waterways and mountains.
Hinterstoisser brings more than 30 years of experience in the development, operations and management of luxury and lifestyle hotels across Europe, North America and Asia. He was most recently vice president – Asia at citizenM Hotels, where he oversaw operations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Her vision for Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium emphasises enhancing guest experiences and creating an inclusive environment for both leisure and business travellers.
He most recently served as general manager of The St Regis Singapore.
His previous roles include area general manager and regional commercial director of Southeast Asia, which highlights his deep understanding of regional operations and commitment to customer service excellence.
