Wharf Hotels has announced the appointments of Jürgen Dörr as vice president, operations; Eva Wong as group director, digital marketing; and Vireo Yeung as group director, global sales. All three will be based at the company’s headquarters in Hong Kong.
Dörr joins from Vinpearl Holding Company in Vietnam, where he served as CEO overseeing a large portfolio of hotels and leisure assets. He brings extensive operational experience from previous roles at Regent, Hyatt Hotels, Shangri-La Group and Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, and will lead Wharf Hotels’ operations across rooms, food and beverage, events and technical services.
From left: Jürgen Dörr, Eva Wong and Vireo Yeung
Wong brings experience from previous leadership roles at Christian Dior Couture, Ralph Lauren and various beauty brands. She will oversee digital strategy across all group brands and work closely with the commercial and IT departments to enhance digital engagement and drive online-to-offline integration.
Yeung has been promoted from his prior role as regional director sales – Hong Kong and Taiwan. With over 20 years of experience, including at Hyatt Hotels and Miramar International Hotel Management, he will now lead global sales strategy across key international markets.
Japan is focusing on India as a major growth market for tourism following a record number of arrivals from the country in 2024, driven by increased air connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and the depreciation of the yen against the Indian rupee.
The uptick in Indian visitors, for both leisure and business travel, is expected to continue through 2025, supported by promotion from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), more direct flights, and expanded code-sharing arrangements.
Japan aims to attract more Indian travellers by enhancing connectivity, promotions, and addressing local culinary needs; Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, pictured
However, trade experts note that the market’s full potential may remain unrealised without a greater availability of Indian cuisine in Japan, citing a shortage of chefs and authentic options, particularly for vegetarians.
Indian visitors to Japan reached 233,000 in 2024, marking a 40 per cent year-on-year increase. The growth was supported by expanded air services, including the Bengaluru to Haneda and Bengaluru to Narita routes, both increased to five flights weekly, along with a daily service between Haneda and Delhi.
In 2025, code-sharing is playing a growing role in broadening access to Japan for a larger share of India’s population. Japan Airlines’ codeshare partnership with IndiGo, launched in December 2024, covers 18 domestic routes in India that connect to Japan Airlines-operated flights to and from Delhi and Bengaluru.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Air India expanded their code-sharing agreement in March 2025 to include seven domestic routes in India and six within Japan, covering services to Itami (Osaka), Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa and Hokkaido.
Katsuya Goto, executive vice president of alliances and international affairs at ANA, described the move as “a significant step in our ongoing efforts to provide a superior travel experience for customers flying between Japan and India”.
“We’re creating a stronger bridge between our two nations,” added Nipun Aggarwal, chief commercial officer of Air India.
In its promotions, the JNTO Delhi office is working “to position Japan as the most coveted getaway for Indian experiential travellers”, said Ryo Bunno, executive director of JNTO Delhi.
The organisation is targeting families and couples in their late 20s to 40s with an annual disposable income of at least four million yen (US$27,545), focusing on tourism content centred on Japan’s nature, traditional culture, and performing arts.
JNTO’s efforts also include providing online resources to help Indian visitors “enjoy their meals with peace of mind”, but experts say more needs to be done on the ground.
“Indian food is more widely available than before, and awareness among hospitality providers is growing,” shared Nitin Sachdeva, CEO of India-based Venture Marketing, a specialist in tourism and hospitality.
“But truly authentic Indian cuisine – especially for corporate groups seeking a familiar food experiences – is still limited. While Indian restaurants exist in major Japanese cities, there’s still a gap when it comes to delivering diverse regional Indian food in hotels, conference venues, or incentive programmes,” he added.
David Rakhit, owner of Ady, a fusion Indian/Japanese restaurant in Tokyo’s Ginza district, agreed, noting that outside Tokyo and Osaka, there is a “relative scarcity” of restaurants serving dishes for strict vegetarians or followers of the Jain religion.
Ady has seen a “significant uptick” in customers from India this year, which Rakhit attributes to its large kitchen that allows it to cater to groups of up to 75 (seated) and 100 (standing).
Utilising Indian restaurants for events, hiring Indian chefs at international chain hotels and training Japan’s private sector on Indian market nuances are among the ways Japan can better accommodate the culinary needs of Indian travellers, opined Sachdeva.
By doing so, Japan can attract more of the Indian market, one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets, which is projected to be worth US$55.4 billion by 2034, according to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.
The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport
Cathay Pacific unveils redesigned The Bridge lounge Cathay Pacific has officially reopened The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), offering an enhanced experience for passengers. The lounge has been redesigned with a combination of new features and familiar elements to create a refined pre-flight environment. It marks the first phase of the airline’s broader lounge improvement plan, which will continue with renovations at The Wing and other lounges in the coming years.
Located near Departure Gate 35 in Terminal 1, The Bridge’s interior features cherry wood, framed screens, black granite, and travertine, along with original artworks from the airline’s Gallery in the Skies initiative.
The lounge offers two dining sections: one serving Chinese favourites like wonton and dan dan noodles, dim sum, and new regional dishes, while the other features international options including casseroles, fresh pastries, and salads. The lounge also introduces The Nook, a new space offering regional Chinese small plates, and a Food Hall with oven-prepared meals.
Additionally, The Bridge will soon implement a biometric check-in system, making it the first Cathay Pacific lounge to offer this feature, alongside a traditional check-in desk. Customers can also enjoy panoramic runway views from the Bar while relaxing in Solo Chairs in the dedicated lounge areas.
Hunnu Air
Hunnu Air launches Ulaanbaatar-Beijing flights Hunnu Air has launched scheduled services using Embraer’s E195-E2 aircraft, with the inaugural flight from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport marking the first time the E2 has flown into the Chinese mainland.
The flight was operated by one of two new E195-E2 aircraft delivered to Hunnu Air in April. The airline plans to use these planes to expand services to destinations like Haikou, Sanya, Phu Quoc, and Tashkent, as well as increase flights to Japan, China, Vietnam, India, and South Korea. The aircraft features 136 seats in a two-by-two layout, with no middle seat.
Air Astana
Air Astana commences direct flights from Astana to Danang Air Astana has expanded its route network to Vietnam with the launch of direct flights from Astana to Danang on May 14.
The airline will operate direct scheduled flights to Danang twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays.
As part of its summer schedule, Air Astana has increased its weekly flights to Vietnam to 11. The airline operates flights to Nha Trang four times a week from Almaty and three times a week from Astana. Flights to Danang are available twice weekly from Astana and, starting June 4, will also operate twice weekly from Almaty. Kazakhstan citizens are eligible for a visa-free stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines
Korean Air, Delta Air Lines invest in WestJet to strengthen partnerships Korean Air and Delta Air Lines will strengthen their partnerships with WestJet by purchasing minority equity stakes in the Canadian airline from Onex Partners, a private equity platform of Onex, a Canadian investor. These investments will enhance the airlines’ existing relationships with WestJet, benefiting customers across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines will each acquire a total 25 per cent stake in WestJet. Delta Air Lines will invest US$330 million for a 15 per cent share, while Korean Air will invest US$220 million for a 10 per cent stake.
After the transaction closes, Delta plans to sell 2.3 per cent of its stake in WestJet to its joint venture partner, Air France-KLM, for US$50 million, pending approvals from Air France-KLM. The Onex Group will remain the majority owner of Calgary-based WestJet.
Korean Air and Delta have been codeshare partners with WestJet for several years. These new investments will further enhance travel experiences for customers, offering a seamless and elevated service worldwide.
Korean Air and WestJet have partnered since 2012, expanding transpacific connectivity between Seoul Incheon and Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, with connections to both airlines’ networks. Delta and WestJet have been partners since 2011, strengthening their U-Canada border services and global network options for customers.
The Westin Singapore has introduced a limited-time package offering guests the chance to explore the city through a self-guided immersive game experience.
A Westin Adventure: Unravelling the Hidden Singapore is available for stays from May 31 to August 31, 2025. The package is priced from US$305 per night for two people.
Experience a fun-filled stay at The Westin Singapore while discovering lesser-known facts about Singapore
In partnership with Hidden, a creative studio that transforms cities into interactive playgrounds, the package includes access to Marvels of Marina Bay Sands – an immersive multiplayer experience delivered via WhatsApp. Guided by the Void Deck Cat, a fictional mascot, participants will explore the Marina Bay Sands area through puzzles and storytelling designed to highlight lesser-known historical and cultural details.
The package includes daily breakfast for two, two game tickets, a complimentary guaranteed room upgrade, and an exclusive Void Deck Cat mascot. Guests also receive access to the hotel’s wellness facilities on level 35, including the Heavenly Spa by Westin, yoga sessions, Reformer Pilates, and guided runs with the in-house Run Concierge.
To play, guests scan a QR code provided by the hotel after check-in. A team leader then receives a link via WhatsApp to share with others. A mobile device is required to participate. After completing the game, guests can redeem a complimentary drink. Additional games in areas such as Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown can be purchased by tapping the mascot in-room.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel has appointed Torsten Richter as its new general manager. With more than 30 years of international experience in hospitality, he brings a background in operations and leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Richter joins from his most recent position as Minor Hotels’ area general manager for Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as general manager of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. His career has included management roles at several hotel brands, with a focus on guest experience, operational performance, and brand development.
He has held several general manager positions at a number of hotels, including The Sarasvati in Bali, The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin, The JAFFA in Tel Aviv, and SO/Bangkok.
Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah has named Shanmugam Thangavelu as its new general manager. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shan has held senior roles at renowned hotel brands, including Four Seasons, Raffles, Westin, and most recently, Fairfield by Marriott, where he was general manager of the Bintulu Paragon property.
Shan’s background includes leading successful pre-openings, achieving strong business results, and bringing expertise in operations and leadership to support the property’s growth. His passion for hospitality, along with his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, positions him to effectively lead the hotel into its next phase of development.
The Standard, Singapore has appointed Amy Lu as general manager. She brings 19 years of regional hospitality experience and previously served as director of operations at Andaz Singapore for five years.
Originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan, Lu’s experience spans a range of properties, from resorts in Saipan to hotels in Shanghai. She now brings that international background to her new role in Singapore, where she will focus on team collaboration, guest experience, and operational improvement, drawing on a leadership style shaped by curiosity, resilience and a strong commitment to the industry.
Asia-Pacific accounts for eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations, according to Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven Journeys, the annual Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report on consumer spending in the travel sector.
While exchange rates and geopolitical dynamics influence behaviour, the report notes that personal interests and purpose-driven travel remain key factors shaping travel decisions. Drawing on aggregated and anonymised transaction data and third-party sources, the report outlines current influences on travel choices.
Nha Trang makes its debut as a top summer hot spot
Destination shifts and travel drivers
Japan leads the list, with Vietnam’s Nha Trang rising rapidly. Tokyo and Osaka are the top two trending destinations for summer travel (June-September 2025), reflecting the largest increases in tourism demand compared to previous years. In 2024, Tokyo moved from second to first place globally. Nha Trang entered the list for the first time, growing in popularity.
China and India continue to dominate Asia’s outbound travel. The Chinese mainland remained the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024. Travellers from China are prioritising destinations offering value and relaxed visa policies, including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also rising.
India recorded its highest number of outbound travellers to date in 2024. The most visited destinations included Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali. Growth is supported by expanded direct flight routes and a growing middle class. These two markets continue to influence global travel flows significantly.
Across Asia-Pacific, travellers are focusing on dining, nature, and wellness rather than traditional sightseeing. Locations such as Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, and Queenstown, New Zealand, have seen increased attention. MEI’s Wellness Trend Index (WTI) indicates that Thailand remains a leading destination for wellness-focused travel, with activities such as eco lodges and meditation retreats. New Zealand’s rising WTI score indicates increasing interest in this segment.
Sports tourism is also expanding. Events such as the Australian Open and the Baseball World Series in Los Angeles generated significant international spending. During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors increased by 91%, highlighting the influence of sporting events on travel.
Currency sensitivity and travel patterns
Travellers from Asia-Pacific are particularly sensitive to exchange rate changes. A weaker yen throughout 2024 contributed to increased inbound tourism to Japan. A 1% depreciation of the Japanese yen against the Chinese yuan corresponded with a 1.5% increase in Chinese visitors. By contrast, similar currency movements led to only a 0.2% increase in visitors from New Zealand and the US.
The number of Singaporean visitors to Japan reached record levels in 2024, driven by a 40% rise in the Singapore dollar against the yen, despite higher prices for airfares and accommodation.
In relation to the US, MEI found that tourists from India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are highly responsive to exchange rate movements. A 1% depreciation of the US dollar against these currencies was linked to a 0.6-0.8% rise in tourist numbers. These patterns mirror those observed in Japan, suggesting currency value plays a strong role in travel decisions.
Business travel and security concerns
Business travel patterns are also changing. Companies are reducing global travel in favour of regional trips. Although fewer trips are being taken, they tend to last longer. For example, the average duration of US-based travellers’ trips to Asia-Pacific increased from 8.8 to 10.2 days.
Fraud remains a concern, especially during peak travel seasons. MEI reports that fraudulent activity in popular destinations can rise by up to 28% during these times. Common scams include overcharging in restaurants and taxis, fake tour operators, and fraudulent property listings.
David Mann, chief economist, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said: “This report is designed to offer a clearer view of how consumer behaviours are evolving – and what that means for tourism growth.
“The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travellers around the world. Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot, driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences.”
Resorts World Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium will open its Research and Learning Centre in May 2025. The facility aims to support marine biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection and restoration, and contribute to education, research, and community engagement.
Serving as a hub for marine research, education, and global conservation dialogue, the new facility builds on more than a decade of foundational work under S.E.A. Aquarium, where education, research, and conservation have been core to its mission. Previous efforts have included breeding programmes, behavioural studies, and collaborations with both regional and international organisations. The establishment of a dedicated centre will allow Singapore Oceanarium to expand these activities, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and serve as the focal point of its education and conservation initiatives.
The new centre will drive and further boost marine research, education and conservation efforts; photo by Resorts World Sentosa
Certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, the building is designed for energy efficiency. Its concrete façade and aluminium shading reduce heat and cooling demands, while natural lighting helps limit the use of artificial lighting. The facility’s energy needs are met entirely through solar power.
The centre includes laboratories, seminar rooms, collaborative spaces, and a rooftop event area. Among the key facilities are flexible classrooms that can be configured to suit various learning needs, a stepped seating area to support informal discussion, a multi-use space equipped for digital learning and events, and a rooftop venue suitable for public or private functions. The Marine Lab comprises three sections: a teaching lab for marine science education, a research lab for visiting scientists, and a wet lab designed for practical, hands-on experiments.
Research activities will focus on areas such as ex-situ coral reproduction, breeding and culturing methods for threatened marine species, and the study of genetic diversity in animals under care. The centre will also support public engagement through citizen science programmes and training workshops.
In addition, the centre will host regional and international events through partnerships with global associations, including a workshop on May 28 for the upcoming CITES Global Youth Summit (May 27-31), which will bring together youth from more than 50 countries to promote collaboration and raise awareness of marine wildlife trade issues.
“As the ocean faces mounting challenges, Singapore Oceanarium’s Research and Learning Centre aims to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders by demonstrating the power of knowledge, collaboration and shared purpose in driving meaningful change. The Research and Learning Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to create a collaborative ecosystem that brings together like-minded partners to turn science into action and advance our efforts in marine conservation, research and education,” said Lam Xue Ying, vice president of Singapore Oceanarium.
“We hope for this to be a space that combines forces across the ocean community – and beyond – to restore vital marine habitats towards a thriving future for our oceans.”
Airbnb has expanded its platform to include professional services, curated local experiences, and a redesigned app that brings together homes, services, and activities in one place.
The move marks a shift for the company, which has been known primarily for short-term accommodation since its founding in 2007. With this update, Airbnb is positioning itself as a broader travel platform offering more than just a place to stay.
Airbnb’s new platform allows travellers to book experiences, such as crafting noodles and broth with a ramen legend in Setagaya City, Japan, pictured; photo by Saeka Shimada
Airbnb Services, now available in 260 cities, allows users to book offerings such as in-home chefs, massages, spa treatments, fitness sessions, and beauty services. These are open to anyone – regardless of whether they are staying at an Airbnb – and provided by verified professionals with relevant licences and an average of ten years’ experience. Prices start under US$$50, and bookings are made directly through the app.
Airbnb has also relaunched its Experiences product, now focused on locally-led activities in over 650 cities worldwide. These include food tours, cultural outings, outdoor experiences, and creative sessions. All offerings are reviewed for quality, and a new category, Airbnb Originals, features events hosted by public figures and recognised professionals. Social features such as guest messaging and group visibility will be added later this year.
The app has been rebuilt to support these updates, with a redesigned Explore tab to browse listings and a Trips tab showing booking details and itineraries. The new Messages feature includes photo and video sharing, as well as integrated payments for customising services. Airbnb profiles have also been updated, allowing users to share where they’ve travelled, connect with others they have met through the platform, and see verification details for over 200 million guests and hosts.
The app has also been redesigned for hosts, with tools to manage homes, services, and experiences more efficiently. A simplified Airbnb Setup process helps hosts create listings with ease. The Today tab gives an overview of upcoming reservations, while the updated Calendar includes a daily view with hour-by-hour scheduling and Google Calendar integration. The Listings tab has been improved to allow hosts to manage all aspects of their offering, from location to pricing.
“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb.”
He added: “People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space. Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds – amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
All new features are available globally from today, and applications are open for professionals interested in hosting homes, services, or experiences.
He has held several general manager positions at a number of hotels, including The Sarasvati in Bali, The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin, The JAFFA in Tel Aviv, and SO/Bangkok.
Shan’s background includes leading successful pre-openings, achieving strong business results, and bringing expertise in operations and leadership to support the property’s growth. His passion for hospitality, along with his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, positions him to effectively lead the hotel into its next phase of development.
Originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan, Lu’s experience spans a range of properties, from resorts in Saipan to hotels in Shanghai. She now brings that international background to her new role in Singapore, where she will focus on team collaboration, guest experience, and operational improvement, drawing on a leadership style shaped by curiosity, resilience and a strong commitment to the industry.
