Thomas B. Meier has been named as Jumeirah’s new CEO, where he will lead the brand’s plans to double its portfolio by 2030, with a focus on international expansion and strengthening its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality.
Having most recently served as interim CEO, Meier played a key role in guiding Jumeirah through several important milestones and will now oversee the next phase of the brand’s sustainable growth under its Mission 2030 strategy.
Veteran Tommy Tam has been elected chairman of the Travel Industry Council for a three-year term (2024-2027).
Starting his tourism career with various airlines in 1974, Tam founded Arrow Travel in 1990 and has since been actively involved in several trade associations, including the Hong Kong Association of China Travel Organisers, Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents, and most recently, as chairman of the Society of IATA Passenger Agents.
Rosanna Law Shuk-pui has replaced Kevin Yeung as Hong Kong’s tourism chief.
A civil servant since 1989, Law has served in various bureaux and departments, including deputy commissioner for tourism from 2010 to 2016.
Prior to this role, she was the permanent secretary for housing/director of housing from August 2023.
Starting January 8, 2025, travellers from many countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.
This digital travel permit, similar to the US ESTA programme, aims to enhance border security while streamlining entry procedures. The ETA is not a visa; it is a visa waiver for those who currently do not require a visa to enter the UK.
Citizens of the EU are temporarily exempt from the ETA requirement until April 2 this year.
Applying for an ETA is a straightforward online process, though business travellers should apply at least a few days before their intended travel date. Approval typically takes 72 hours. The ETA costs 10 pounds (US$12.50) per person, regardless of age, and is valid for two years, allowing for multiple entries into the UK within that timeframe.
Visitors will also be permitted to stay in the UK for six months, whether for business or tourism purposes.
To apply, travellers will need a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the application fee.
Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu, China
Hilton Garden Inn Beihai Jiafu features 199 rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, 24-hour retail store, fitness centre, and a self-service laundry room.
Nearby attractions like Beihai Silver Beach, Qiaogang Customs Area, and Beihai Old Street, the hotel is just two kilometres from Beihai High-Speed Railway Station, six kilometres from Beihai Fucheng Airport, and a 20-minute drive from the Beihai International Passenger Port.
TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast, Australia
TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast, located in the heart of Southport, features 225 apartments that come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations.
On-site facilities include a gym, sauna, steam room, rooftop infinity pool, day spa, and an in-house Italian restaurant. The hotel also has versatile meeting and event spaces available.
Guests can easily explore local attractions, with hotel staff helping to uncover the best spots in the city.
Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang, Vietnam
Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang offers 151 guestrooms and suites, ranging from 36m² to 177m², with a selection of Family Suites, Executive Suites, and a Presidential Suite.
The hotel also features dining venues, a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and a 515m² Grand Ballroom which can be divided into two sections for smaller gatherings.
The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, Thailand
The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit is located in Bangkok’s historic district, immersing guests in the vibrant local art scene with a rotating gallery and murals by local artists Gongkan and MRKREME.
The hotel features 62 rooms, rooftop pool and bar, all-day Thai restaurant, and a curated local goods and essentials retail shop. The hotel also champions sustainability, partnering with local coffee growers in Nan Province.
SKAL International India is set to host the SKAL India National Congress 2025 in Mumbai from September 12-14 this year.
The event will bring together travel and tourism professionals to foster collaboration, share insights, and address industry challenges under the theme Future Forward: Tourism in an Evolving World.
The Congress will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions, and cultural performances, focusing on sustainability, technology, and resilience. Delegates can explore Mumbai’s iconic landmarks, experience its rich culture, and engage in workshops designed for young professionals.
Mukesh Batra, president of SKAL International, Mumbai South said: “It is an honour for our city to host the prestigious SKAL India National Congress 2025. This event is a testament to Mumbai’s unique ability to blend tradition with modernity, offering an inspiring platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the country and the globe to experience the warmth, energy, and hospitality that define our great city.”
Early bird registrations begin in February 2025, with exclusive packages for delegates.
More details will be released soon.
Novotel Geelong has named Scott Bear as its new general manager.
He brings a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across a diverse range of departments and hotels, from midscale to luxury.
In his new role, Bear will focus on enhancing service to create exceptional experiences for visitors to Geelong. He is also passionate about building local connections, supporting charities, and promoting volunteer initiatives that benefit the community.
Javier Gimeno, a hospitality veteran with 30 years of experience across Asia and Europe, has been appointed general manager of the new Meliá Pattaya Hotel, set to open in 1Q2025.
He joins Meliá Pattaya after a decade in senior roles at Marriott International, most recently as cluster general manager at Marriott & Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Centre in China.
Vietjet is celebrating the New Year by offering free hot air balloon rides at the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, India’s largest event of its kind, to passengers who book Vietjet flights between Vietnam and India (including connecting flights) by January 19 on the airline’s official website or mobile app.
The 10th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival will be held across three cities in Tamil Nadu: Chennai (January 10-12), Pollachi (January 14-16), and Madurai (January 18-19). The event will feature hot air balloons from over eight countries, showcasing an array of shapes and colours.
Passengers can claim a free hot air balloon ride by presenting their flight ticket or boarding pass at the Vietjet booth at the festival. This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, travellers can enjoy Vietjet’s special Friday promotion, with tickets starting at just US$0. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, visit Vietjet.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is strengthening its operations and expanding its presence in key markets with two recent appointments.
Damian Borg has been promoted to senior director of sales strategy & operations for Asia Pacific, where he will support Ben Angell, vice president and managing director of NCL APAC, in focusing on the fly-cruise market to key destinations such as Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. He will also provide strategic leadership to the region’s four country managers: Manoj Singh (India), Takahiko Yajima (Japan), Crystal Wong (Greater China and South Korea) and William Tay (South-east Asia).
Jason Montague has been appointed chief luxury officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), where he will oversee both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Montague brings extensive industry experience, having previously led these brands as president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and president and COO of both Oceania and Regent.
