Rachael Nicholson joins Accor’s regional commercial leadership team as director, commercial – New Zealand and Fiji.
Based in Auckland, she has over 20 years of international experience in the hotel, airline and cruise industries. She has held roles in sales, customer experience, commercial leadership and strategic transformation across New Zealand, the UK, Australia, North America and Europe.
She most recently served as group general manager of operations at Heritage Hotel Management.
Health tourism is growing worldwide, and Asia is no exception. The Global Wellness Institute reported a 26.4 per cent leap in demand between 2022 and 2023, valuing the segment at US$41 billion.
Industry players predict that the medical tourism segment is slated to boom as the world becomes increasingly health conscious amid mounting air pollution and congested urban hubs – and the movement is being driven by Gen Zs in search of authentic and holistic holidays, with Asian countries chasing a slice of the US$63 trillion global pie.
Oluwamodupe Oduyoye, research associate at Deggendorf Institute of Technology, attributed the surge in demand down to the pandemic. “It affected the way Gen Z thinks. We came to realise that life is short; it’s important we enjoy every moment we have and our health.”
According to research by Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Gen Zs are looking for holistic getaways that combine health, sustainability and authentic experiences. Additionally, stress and health prevention and mental health wellness ranked high.
“What emerged as important is prevention. People are looking to be safe and not sick. We also noticed that this generation is looking to avoid burnouts,” noted Anke-Andrea Sponer of the International Competence Centre Health Tourism at Deggendorf Institute of Technology.
Aman Amola, inbound manager at Explore Bharat, noted an uptick in increasingly younger people investing in medical tourism in India.
“They are now seeking healthier lifestyles. They are health conscious, and this health trend is increasingly bringing them to India.”
Interest is strong among travellers from Asia, in particular Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea.
With Gen Z at the forefront, medical and wellness tourism has evolved to become more than a spa retreat or medical check-up. Today, the industry has to deliver a holistic experience, including developing destinations into attractive health hubs.
Vincent Beckmann, international account manager at Outdooractive, said: “The definition of Gen Z health tourism is active tourism. Wellness itself won’t fill every day (in a travel itinerary), maybe one day in the whole week, but it’s not a thing by itself anymore.”
Iztok Altbauer, CEO, Association of Slovenian Natural Spas, noted that the future of the wellness tourism industry needs to see destinations develop into health-oriented hubs. He gave an example of Slovakia, where green cycle routes have been designed to connect health resorts.
“There are a lot of machines in wellness tourism, but Gen Z life is outdoors and we have to think about that. Sustainability is also one of the hot topics, so we need to develop offerings like this and integrate them into products,” he added.
Vy Hoang, a Master’s student in International Tourism Management at Deggendorf Institute of Technology, said for a destination to truly capture the market, public and private stakeholders need to collaborate to create more facilities for the younger generation.
“Be flexible with opening hours, for example, and add more value and entertainment for the younger generation – a thermal spa isn’t enough,” she said.
Hoang said changing the way the industry communicates with Gen Z about health tourism is important.
“Often, when we think of medical tourism, we think of luxury products that are not affordable for Gen Z,” she said, noting that spas often come at a much higher price point than city hotels.
However, Altbauer pointed out that spa-oriented resorts are shifting from all-inclusive to selective models to lower prices, allowing guests to choose which pool, wellness, and medical services they want.
“You can offer different types of accommodation, or self-catering options, or even build camp sites. These are all chances for guests to get cheaper options,” he commented.
With India emerging as one of the top three source markets and registering 0.5 million visitor arrivals between January and May 2025, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is intensifying its travel trade and consumer engagement efforts to sustain the growth momentum.
The tourism board recently concluded its two-city roadshow in India kicking off in New Delhi on July 15 and moving to Kochi on July 17. The event brought together over 60 Singaporean tourism partners who showcased the destination’s latest offerings through an innovative format. A key highlight was the dedicated Experience Zone, where Singapore’s leading attractions, cruise operators and the Changi Airport Group were presented in a dynamic and interactive setting.
“We have a strong start to the year with the Indian market recording a 5.1 per cent increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year (January–May 2024). We see India as having the potential to become our second-largest source market. As we celebrate 60 years of India-Singapore friendship, a series of marketing initiatives and joint promotions are planned to attract more Indian travellers to Singapore,” said Markus Tan, regional director for India, Middle East and South Africa at STB during a media roundtable held on the sidelines of the Delhi roadshow.
This year, STB introduced the Just Between Us Friends campaign in association with a number of partners including MakeMyTrip, Akbar Travels, Yatra, Singapore Airlines and IndiGo among others to offer deals and discounts to end consumers.
“We are also sending at least 20 to 25 content creators from India to Singapore to capture and share compelling stories about the destination. The first batch of these influencers visited Singapore a few weeks ago and have been showcasing new things to do across the city. Our goal is to inspire evolved, sophisticated and discerning Indian travellers to explore all that Singapore has to offer,” added Tan.
STB will introduce the Singapore DMC Trade Partner Fam Support Scheme on August 1, 2025. This pilot programme supports Singapore-based DMCs in hosting customised familiarisation trips for Indian travel agents.
“We are encouraging our Singapore-based DMCs to invite their network, bringing in one buyer each from cities like Kolkata, New Delhi and others to experience a unique itinerary that is not currently available in the market. This initiative launches on August 1 and is valid for travel until August 20. We will be offering support ranging from S$1,000 to S$10,000 (US$740 to US$7,400) for each group,” concluded Tan.
Philippine Airlines restarts seasonal Manila-Sapporo route
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume seasonal direct flights between Manila and Sapporo from November 24, 2025 to March 27, 2026. The service will reconnect the Philippine capital with northern Japan during the winter travel season.
Flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday using the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft. PAL intends for this route to operate during every subsequent winter season from November to March.
The 168-seat Airbus A321neo is configured with 12 business class and 156 economy class seats, and is equipped with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.
PAL operates an extensive network between the Philippines and Japan, offering direct services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, as well as flights from Cebu to Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.
Loong Air adds Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur flights
Loong Air has launched its new Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur service, with the inaugural flight arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 today. The route marks a step forward in strengthening tourism and economic ties between Malaysia and China.
The launch was marked by a ceremony attended by senior officials from Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings and Loong Air.
The route is operated using a 174-seat Airbus A320 and runs three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Vietjet to launch daily Danang-Kuala Lumpur service in October
Vietjet will introduce a new direct route between Danang and Kuala Lumpur, beginning October 26, 2025. The daily round-trip service will enhance connectivity between central Vietnam and Malaysia’s capital city.
This marks Vietjet’s third direct route linking Vietnam and Malaysia, and follows the airline’s continued network expansion across South-east Asia. The new service comes after the introduction of 12 international routes in 2025, including new destinations in China, India, Japan and Singapore.
Saudia, Vietnam Airlines sign codeshare agreement
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines to improve connectivity between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement allows passengers to travel on flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Jeddah and Riyadh, and to book itineraries through either airline, including flights operated by the partner carrier. The arrangement aims to offer greater flexibility and a more streamlined booking experience.
The partnership supports Saudia’s plans to expand its network and enhance passenger services, both on the ground and in the air. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s aim to connect with over 250 destinations and attract 150 million visits by 2030.
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, the Maldives
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort in the country, complementing Dusit Thani Maldives. The resort is set to soft open on July 27 on a natural island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Malé.
The resort offers 127 villas in seven categories, including beachfront and overwater options. Most villas feature private decks and plunge pools, designed for modern comfort and style.
Guests can enjoy à la carte dining at five venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and resort credits for personalised experiences. Facilities include a spa, beachfront yoga, rooftop bar, and recreational activities such as snorkelling, live DJ sets, floating breakfasts, and beach cinema nights.
For events, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a conference facility accommodating up to 240 guests, located near the capital.
Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore has completed a multi-year redevelopment, transforming the 54-year-old hotel into a wellness-focused destination with new facilities, including the reopened Grand Wing, relocated Grand Club Lounge, and refurbished 10|Scotts restaurant.
The hotel now offers 699 redesigned rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a wellness hub called Damai, and 16 event spaces.
Damai Wellness Hub features spa treatments, fitness facilities, and wellness memberships, including innovative therapies like the Mind Body Therapy Wall and Mind Body Wellness programmes, alongside group fitness classes. The Grand Club Lounge provides exclusive benefits such as daily breakfast, refreshments, and an evening cocktail hour for suite guests and World of Hyatt elites.
Sustainability remains a core focus, with the hotel operating on 100 per cent renewable electricity, running a closed-loop food waste aquaponics system, and reducing single-use plastics. Its restaurants emphasise zero-waste cooking, local sourcing, and sustainable seafood.
Fairmont Tokyo, Japan
Fairmont Tokyo occupies floors 35 to 43 of the new Blue Front Shibaura Tower South, offering easy access to Haneda Airport, Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, and nearby attractions such as Zojoji Temple.
The hotel features 217 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views, alongside premium services through its Fairmont Gold hotel-within-a-hotel experience.
Dining options include seven diverse venues offering a range of international and local cuisines. Wellness facilities comprise a spa, gym, indoor infinity pool, saunas, and outdoor relaxation areas, all overlooking Tokyo Tower and the city skyline.
The hotel also offers event spaces, including one of Tokyo’s largest ballrooms and unique venues on the 43rd floor with panoramic views, suitable for weddings and corporate gatherings.
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung, Indonesia
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung is a new hotel located on Jalan Dr Setiabudi in Bandung, West Java. It offers easy access to Bandung city centre, The Great Asia Africa cultural park, the floating market, and Tangkuban Perahu volcano.
The hotel has 63 rooms and suites, including Junior Suites with whirlpool baths. Facilities include a café with an outdoor terrace, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, 24-hour room service, five meeting rooms, and a fitness centre.
StarDream Cruises, the operator of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, will feature the Korean theatrical production Cookin’ NANTA aboard its ships later this year. Known for its mix of comedy, percussion and kitchen-themed performance, the show will run on Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream from August 26 to October 5, 2025, and on StarCruises’ Star Navigator from October 19 to November 28, 2025.
Performances will take place on selected two- and three-night sailings on the Genting Dream, departing from Singapore to South-east Asian destinations including Phuket, Penang and Melaka. The show will also be presented on the Star Navigator during two-, three- and five-night cruises departing from Keelung and Kaohsiung to destinations in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Staged in the Zodiac Theatre, Cookin’ NANTA has attracted over 15.5 million viewers in 326 cities across 61 countries. The onboard version retains the production’s signature percussion, physical comedy and kitchen choreography, adapted for a cruise ship audience. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Box Office on board, subject to availability.
In addition to the performance, passengers can take part in Korean-themed programming during the sailings. Activities include K-pop dance classes, Korean craft workshops, K-beauty demonstrations, cooking experiences, and hanbok photo sessions.
For more information, visit StarDream Cruises.
Accor has appointed Shaileen Jiwa as general manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel in Dubai. She will oversee all operations at the Queen Elizabeth 2, the former ocean liner now operating as a floating hotel.
With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Jiwa will lead the hotel’s next phase of development as one of Dubai’s prominent heritage destinations.
She was most recently general manager at MGallery Gem Forest Nairobi and has held senior roles at Tribe and Trademark Hotels in Nairobi, the Drake Hotel, and Canopy by Hilton in Toronto.
Tourism New Zealand has launched its new campaign, #BeyondTheFilter, featuring actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa. Set against the natural landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand, the campaign targets Indian travellers seeking more than a holiday, offering a sense of rejuvenation and discovery.
In an age where travel is often presented as carefully curated Instagram posts and heavily filtered images, #BeyondTheFilter presents an alternative. The campaign responds to growing fatigue among Indian travellers with staged Instagram-worthy moments by promoting genuine experiences that require no enhancement.
The campaign’s cinematic mini-series, filmed across New Zealand’s North Island, follows Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa on a journey that is both visually engaging and emotionally meaningful. The couple explore locations including Sanctuary Mountain, Auckland’s waters, and Taupō’s skies, while experiencing the Māori concepts of manaakitanga and whānaungatanga – expressions of hospitality and kinship – at The Haka Shop. The series presents New Zealand’s North Island in a natural and authentic way.
As Indian audiences increasingly seek relief from digital pressure and value authentic connections over staged content, New Zealand positions itself as an alternative. Ancient forests, coastlines and mountains are brought to life by the local people, offering experiences that social media cannot capture.
The mini-series will be released in phases on newzealand.com.in and on official channels, supported by advertising campaigns on digital platforms and social media.
“We’re seeing a strong shift among Indian travellers toward experiences that are personal, present, and emotionally meaningful, and New Zealand is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. #BeyondTheFilter is part of our continued commitment to showcase New Zealand as more than just a beautiful destination – it’s a place where culture, nature, and connection come together to offer something truly enriching,” said Gregg Wafelbakker, regional director asia, Tourism New Zealand.
“Rajkummar and Patralekhaa bring this message to life with their honesty and relatability. Their love for mindful travel and grounded presence make them the ideal voices for a campaign that encourages Indian travellers to embrace what’s real, heartfelt, and 100 per cent unfiltered.”
Visa policy relaxations across South-east Asia are driving a rise in outbound travel among Indian passport holders, according to data from Agoda.
Accommodation searches by Indian users between July and December 2024 for travel between January and May 2025 showed notable year-on-year increases in destinations offering eased entry.
Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, saw a 47 per cent increase in searches. Langkawi recorded the largest spike at 118 per cent, followed by Kuala Lumpur (28 per cent) and the Highlands (27 per cent).
Palau, which recently lifted visa requirements for Indian travellers, saw a 49 per cent rise in interest.
The Philippines, which began offering visa-free access in April 2025, recorded a 26 per cent increase. Manila searches rose by 43 per cent, Palawan by 30 per cent, and Cebu by 25 per cent.
Sri Lanka reported a nine per cent increase following its visa waiver for Indian citizens. Search volumes rose significantly for Mirissa (31 per cent) and Nuwara Eliya (16 per cent).
The figures point to a correlation between simplified visa processes and travel interest from India.
Gaurav Malik, country director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, commented: “The easing of visa restrictions across South-east Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we’re seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, but also hidden gems like Palau… we’re excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next.”
