Relaxation, family travel, and new destinations lead the way in 2025: Agoda

December 10, 2024

Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends report, highlighting the key factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the discovery of new destinations as primary motivations for travellers.

Conducted in October, Agoda surveyed 1,081 respondents from 11 markets – Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Theme parks continue to be a major draw for travellers in Asia

The findings reveal that travellers are prioritising quality time with loved ones and seeking a break from daily routines. The survey also highlights a growing interest in exploring new destinations, with theme parks standing out as a popular choice – one in eight respondents plans to visit a theme park on their next trip.

Here are seven key insights from the survey.

1. Travelling with family tops the list
For many travellers, family time equals quality time. More than a third of travellers (34%) plan to travel with family in 2025. Indonesians are the most fervent family travellers of all, with no less than 58% expecting to go on a multi-generational trip with loved ones. Indians follow closely with 30% opting for family trips. This trend is followed by couples (23%), and solo travellers (19%) in terms of most popular travel groupings across Asian travellers.

2. Relaxation is the top travel motivation
Relaxation is the top travel motivation for many, with 75% of survey respondents citing it as their primary reason for traveling. The desire to escape the daily grind is the leading motivation across regions, followed by visiting family and friends (38%) and cultural exploration (35%).

3. Tech assisting in travel planning
Technology is increasingly shaping travel plans, with 80% of travellers planning to use travel apps and 12% expressing interest in virtual reality tours. While tech-savvy travellers globally are embracing these tools, a notable percentage, particularly in India, report high usage of travel apps for booking trips.

4. Journey more, spend smart
Budget remains a key factor in travel planning, with 65% of travellers intending to spend less than US$250 per night on accommodation. While budget considerations are particularly important for Indian travellers, 87% of travellers globally expect to take the same number or more trips in 2024, with more than half (52%) planning international journeys.

5. Travelling on and off the clock
In addition to traditional business trips, which 28% of respondents expect to take, the survey highlights the rise of digital nomads – borderless workers who work remotely. One in 25 respondents plans to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. In the region, the Philippines leads, with one in 14 travellers expecting to work while travelling.

6. Many ways to discover new destinations
More travellers (84%) expect to visit new destinations in 2025, with travel inspiration coming from a variety of sources, including personal interests and hobbies (71%), great value deals (56%), and recommendations from friends and family (33%). Social media also plays a role, with 20% of travellers drawing inspiration from online platforms. Loyalty programmes and value deals are becoming increasingly important when planning trips, reflecting the growing partnerships between banks, credit card companies, and travel platforms to offer better deals.

7. Theme parks are a reason to travel
Asia’s theme parks, including Disneyland in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal Studios in Osaka and Singapore, and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, are major year-round tourism draws. Over one in eight travellers (13%) expect to travel specifically to visit a theme park in 2025. The UAE and Singapore are among the most popular destinations for those seeking thrilling theme park experiences, with many travellers planning trips centred around attractions like rollercoasters and amusement rides.

Silk Road Express launches luxury train cruise across China

By TTG India

December 10, 2024

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Starting December 18, the Silk Road Express, operated by Train of Glamour, will launch its exclusive four-month Train Cruise of China. This luxurious international tourist train will depart from Xining, taking passengers on a journey to some of China’s most iconic destinations, including Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Huangshan, Wuyishan, Kunming, Chongzuo, Xingyi, and Chengdu.

The highly anticipated route offers a unique opportunity for train enthusiasts and travellers alike to explore the rich cultural and natural wonders of China in comfort and style.

Embark on a four-month scenic adventure to iconic destinations across China

The Train Cruise of China offers two experiences: a two-day, one-night micro-vacation and a four-day, three-night shorthaul series. With the slogan The Train Is The Destination, the micro-vacation lets travellers stay onboard for the duration, enjoying a gourmet dinner, private cabins, and special activities like afternoon tea, cabaret shows, cocktail parties, and spa treatments. Onboard amenities include karaoke and mahjong rooms, with dedicated train butlers providing 24/7 service.

Special holiday-themed menus are already planned for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners.

The four-day, three-night shorthaul offers immersive tours, including the Double Cultural Heritage journey from Shanghai to Wuyishan and Huangshan, and the Scenic Spots tour from Shenzhen or Guangzhou to Chongzuo, Xingyi, and Kunming.

For more information, visit Train of Glamour.

Club Med resorts flex their sports, wellness events muscle once more

By Karen Yue

December 9, 2024

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Sports and wellness events are making a post-lockdown comeback to Club Med resorts around the world, with some organised by a professional community or club and others led by friends sharing a wellness hobby.

Rachael Harding, chief executive officer of East, South Asia and Pacific, Club Med, said the group’s resorts have always benefitted from a “reputation for being all about sports and wellness”. Club Med resorts also typically boast vast spaces and a plethora of wellness facilities, which organisers of sporting events as well as guests seeking an active holiday appreciate.

Zico 10 Camp football camp for children will be hosted at Club Med Kiroro Grand in Japan next year

In an interview with TTG Asia, Harding said her resorts in Asia have hosted various sports and wellness events throughout the years, such as golf and tennis tournaments.

“We had many of these sports and wellness groups and events before the pandemic, including frequent Body & Soul wellness festivals at various resorts throughout the year. Our Body & Soul wellness retreats are special in that nutritionists and wellness specialists are brought in to conduct guest programmes,” she said.

At Club Med Bintan’s Body & Soul wellness retreat in May 2023, for example, guests had access to three weeks of curated programmes that included fitness classes, wellness workshops, and mindful culinary indulgence.

“We also get private groups organised by yoga or Pilates teachers, designed for 10 or 20 people who would come for classes in the day and enjoy our facilities afterwards,” Harding added.

Soon to come in 2025, Club Med Kiroro Grand in Japan will kick off the popular Zico 10 Camp from July 17 to August 31. This is a collaboration with soccer icon, Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico, and follows on from successful editions at Club Med Lake Paradise and Rio das Pedras in Brazil.

This summer soccer training programme will be offered as part of the all-inclusive Club Med experience, and is available to young football enthusiasts aged six to 17. The camp will run weekly from Thursday to Sunday, combining morning and afternoon sessions, and feature expert coaching and friendly matches. Coaches trained by Zico himself will lead the sessions.

Harding said the Zico 10 Camp was a “natural partnership addition to our existing sports activities and family-friendly offerings”.

Sri Lanka to develop new nation branding tourism strategy

By Feizal Samath

December 6, 2024

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Sri Lankan authorities are bringing together all stakeholders in tourism at a conference in January to finalise a nation branding strategy to propel the industry which is enjoying a period of growth, officials said.

The campaign tagline You will come back for more devised some time back, will be discontinued and instead a nation branding strategy developed, Sri Lanka Tourism chairman Buddhika Hewawasam told TTG Asia this week. Hewawasam took over as chairman of the NTO a few weeks after a new government was installed in power following parliamentary elections on November 14.

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka surged to 1.8 million from January to November 2024

“With input from the industry at this meeting in January, we want to develop one national brand (while) also piggybacking on the success and the popularity of Ceylon tea and Sri Lanka in the cricket field,” he said. In the future, tourism in Sri Lanka will focus on promoting cricket and its tea, two things which Sri Lanka is famous for.

The tagline You will come back for more was developed in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in 2022, both of which affected tourism. Hewawasam noted: “This tagline was created to woo back tourists and is not relevant today as Sri Lanka has won a lot of recognition in recent times internationally. We need to look afresh and come up with a strategy that attracts all markets.”

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka surged to 1.8 million from January to November 2024, up from 1.3 million last year. With a target of over two million visitors, the country’s top source markets include India, Russia, the UK, Germany, and China.

He added that a PR company will be appointed in January to launch the promotion campaign.

The You will come back for more tagline was developed in 2022 but only launched earlier this year after delays in approval. It was introduced as part of a single campaign, rather than a nation branding effort.

Aviation roundup: Peach Aviation, AirAsia and more

By TTG India

December 6, 2024

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Peach Aviation; photo by Changi Airport Group

Peach Aviation starts service from Singapore to Osaka
Peach Aviation became the only Japanese airline to offer services from Changi Airport to Osaka, with its inaugural flight taking off on December 5.

The airline will offer daily seven-hour flights between the two destinations, operated on the Airbus A321LR.

AirAsia adds flights for upcoming Lunar New Year
As AirAsia prepares to welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, the airline will add seasonal flights for Chinese New Year, reconnecting families and friends between Singapore and East Malaysia.

From January 24 to February 5, customers can enjoy late-night flights from Singapore to Kuching, along with limited-time services to Sibu, Miri, and Tawau. With 22 extra flights to selected East Malaysia destinations, AirAsia will operate 43 flights during the festive season, offering over 7,900 seats.

Vietjet Thailand launches new Mumbai-Bangkok route
Vietjet Thailand has introduced its inaugural Mumbai-Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) service on December 3.

The new service will operate daily in the early stage.

Hong Kong Airlines restarts Vancouver service
Hong Kong Airlines will be resuming direct flights to Vancouver, Canada from January 18, 2025.

The twice-weekly services will provide additional travel options for passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Vancouver, and those connecting via Hong Kong.

5 Questions with Mayur Patel

By TTG

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New hotels: Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, dusitD2 Fagu and more

By TTG India

December 5, 2024

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Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, Japan
Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono is set to open on December 15, and will offer 234 rooms across three categories, from Superior to Studio Suite. A highlight is the Nikko Style Suite, which comes equipped with a hot spring bath, and directly connected to the Rooftop Lounge. Rooms on the seventh and eighth floors are equipped with their own natural hot spring baths.

The L-shaped complex boasts a prime location directly facing the ski slopes of Niseko Hanazono Resort. Facilities include a restaurant, café and bar, club lounge, gym, dry sauna, open-air bath, and more.

dusitD2 Fagu, India
dusitD2 Fagu is set amid the majestic Himalayan landscape of Fagu, near Shimla. The property features 80 guestrooms boasting views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Located just 80 minutes from Shimla Airport and four-and-a-half hours from Chandigarh Airport, dusitD2 Fagu is also easily accessible from Kalka Railway Station, which provides access to the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. Other nearby attractions include Kufri, Mashobra, Narkanda, and Mahasu Peak.

The hotel will feature a spa, swimming pool, F&B, an amphitheatre, event venues, and an EV charging station.

Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, the Maldives
The 50-key private villa Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection is situated on the Kudafunafaru island, just 45 minutes by seaplane ride from Male International Airport.

It features 30 overwater villas and 20 beachfront villas, most of which have a private pool.

Facilities include two restaurants and bars, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, retail outlet and a diving and water sports centre.

Habyt Kada at Maxwell, Singapore
Located at Tanjong Pagar in Singapore, the new Habyt Kada at Maxwell provides guests with flexible accommodation for all lengths of stays in a preserved heritage building dating back to the 1920s colonial period.

Featuring 18 rooms ranging from ensuite to studio, two-bedroom and three-bedroom, each comes with a kitchenette and a view of the city’s urban landscape. Facilities comprise a gym, wellness centre, and a co-working space.

Nearby for guests to explore are Maxwell Food Centre, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown, and nearby MRT stations for easy access to the rest of the garden city.

Amadeus shares five travel trends for 2025

By TTG India

December 5, 2024

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Amadeus’ Travel Trends for 2025 report has highlighted five trends poised to shape the future of global travel, with Asia playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in the tourism sector.

The report was created in collaboration with the travel forecasting agency Globetrender.

Travellers are embarking on journeys driven by nostalgia, and living out their childhood dreams, like a Polly Pocket-inspired Airbnb rental, pictured

Asia set to lead global tourism revival
After years of restricted travel, travellers are excited to rediscover Asia’s cultural treasures. China is opening its doors to millions by expanding visa-free travel, while Thailand’s new digital nomad visas and broader visa-free programme for 93 countries are set to attract a global audience. Pop culture is also driving interest, with the upcoming season of The White Lotus set in Thailand, Squid Game season two expected to boost travel to South Korea, and renewed curiosity about Japan’s history inspired by the TV series Shōgun. Adding to this momentum, Iberia has recently launched direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo, making it easier than ever for travellers to explore Japan.

Over the next 15 years, IATA predicts that Asia-Pacific will record the fastest rise in passenger numbers and contribute to more than half of the net increase in global passenger numbers by 2043. Amadeus data reflects this momentum as outbound travel from Chengdu, China, surged 66% to 35.2 million passengers from 2016 to 2023, while Guangzhou grew 20%. Delhi also saw a 31% rise with over 30 million outbound passengers in 2023.

New heydays
Nostalgia is fuelling the rise of “new heydays,” with the past taking centre stage. From the comeback of 90s films and CDs to Gen Z’s love for digital cameras, culture is embracing the retro everywhere you look.

In travel, adults are seeking to relive gap years, distant honeymoons and childhood dreams – for example, Airbnb listed a Polly Pocket-inspired rental – and travellers from the US are flocking back to Miami, a Miami Vice era hotspot.

As millennials enter middle age, we will see the revival of the classic caravan and camping holiday. Eurocamp is seeing a huge rise in bookings, with 2024 shaping up to be its best year in five decades. In the US, adult summer camps are also booming, with Club Getaway reporting a 9% jump in revenue from its adult segments in 2024 compared to 2023.

Personalised flying
In 2025, air travel will reach new heights of personalisation, blending smart tech with customised in-flight experiences. Although many passengers consume content on their own devices, airlines are upping the ante by combining algorithmic entertainment with hyper-personalised in-flight systems that deliver box-fresh content – from movies and TV series to advertisements and things to buy – that are tailored to the individual flyer, based on their historic preferences (as loyalty scheme members). With high-speed Wi-Fi from providers like SpaceX’s Starlink now available, passengers can stream their favourite content mid-flight just as effortlessly as they would at home. We may also see airlines increasingly loaning VR headsets to passengers in first and business class – in 2024, premium airline start-up Beond began handing out Apple Vision Pros to people flying its Maldives route.

Trailblazer hotels
In 2025, hotels are set to make headlines by evolving into destinations in their own right, such as immersing guests in the local culture, history, and natural beauty of their surroundings. In Asia-Pacific, trailblazing properties like Capella Ubud in Bali, with its rainforest luxury tents, and The Temple House in Chengdu, which fuses Qing dynasty architecture with modern design, are leading the way. Hoshinoya Tokyo reinterprets the traditional Japanese ryokan experience with tatami rooms and tea ceremonies, while heritage gems like Neemrana Fort Palace in India, a 15th-century fortress turned luxury retreat and the colonial Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, Malaysia offer authentic cultural and historical experiences in breath-taking settings. These unique stays are redefining what it means to travel.

Real-life connections
Facing digital fatigue, travellers are closing their apps and opening their passports, using travel to make new friends and even find romance in real life. According to Amadeus booking data, solo leisure travel soared by 15.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a further 9.2% rise so far in 2024.

The 2025 trends report predicts a wave of group and solo adventures designed to spark genuine connections. This is prompting the rise of apps such as Hello Strangers, which organises dinners with five strangers, carefully selected through personality-matching algorithms, and PlateCulture, which offers travellers the chance to savour authentic local cuisine in the homes of local hosts.

Festival tourism is on the rise in Asia-Pacific, offering travellers opportunities to connect over shared cultural and social interests. Events like the Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia and the Holi Festival in India attract both locals and international visitors, fostering communal experiences and cultural exchange.

Daniel Batchelor, vice president, global corporate marketing and communications at Amadeus, commented: “Asia is set for a tourism revival, while we are also seeing a rise in spontaneous solo travel, as people seek more off-screen, authentic experiences.

“Asia isn’t just recovering; it’s redefining itself. Travellers are drawn to the region’s unique ability to balance timeless cultural traditions with modern innovation. In 2025, Asia won’t just be a destination; it will be a global trendsetter. After a year where change has become the backdrop to daily life, travellers are seeking a deeper connection to people and places more than ever.”

Contiki unveils four new trips in Asia

By TTG India

December 4, 2024

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Global youth travel experiences provider Contiki has introduced four new trips in Asia, namely Borneo Adventure, Philippines Island Hopping East, China Adventure, and Eternal India Express.

The brand’s inaugural trip to the Malaysian part of Borneo offers wildlife enthusiasts a chance to see rare species, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys, all unique to the region. This nine-day journey explores Bako National Park, spends a day on Selingan Turtle Island to witness turtles nesting on the beach, and includes a cruise along the Kinabatangan River for more wildlife encounters.

Contiki’s Eternal India Express lets travellers explore Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore in just over a week

An increasing number of young travellers are now seeking destinations where they can experience wildlife in its natural habitat while supporting ethical practices. According to a recent Contiki survey, 29 per cent of travellers aged 18-35 actively look for sustainable travel experiences with eco-conscious brands. By visiting sanctuaries for endangered species like orangutans and sun bears, the trip also supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Following its launch in early 2024, Contiki’s Philippines Island Hopping has already seen an unprecedented surge in bookings. In response to this demand, the brand has introduced a new trip covering four additional islands in the eastern Philippines. For those looking to explore both the eastern and western parts of the country, the 22-day Ultimate Philippines Island Hopping trip offers the complete experience.

Kicking off in Cebu City, travellers will have the opportunity to see dolphins in the wild and experience a rare sardine run – one of the few mass migrations of its kind in the world – during a snorkelling adventure. The journey also features an authentic Filipino eight-course meal in Bohol. The trip includes flights and boat transfers between islands for a seamless experience.

Contiki has reintroduced its popular China Adventure trip, a 12-day journey designed for travellers who find it challenging to navigate China due to language barriers and its vast size, making it ideal for those who prefer a guided group tour. Highlights include a guided tour of Beijing, a visit to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, sampling local street food, exploring a panda sanctuary, and, of course, seeing the Great Wall of China.

Contiki’s new Eternal India Express offers an affordable way for travellers to explore India’s top destinations in just over a week. The trip covers Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore. Highlights include entry to the Taj Mahal, a tiger safari in Ranthambore, and a tuk-tuk tour through the streets of Old Delhi.

Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong commented: “Keeping in mind the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve focused on making these trips budget-friendly for our young travellers. We’ve also lowered our base prices, and our upcoming Cyber Sale will give young travellers the chance to book their trips for the most affordable price.”

Disney magic blooms at Gardens by the Bay

By TTG India

December 4, 2024

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The Disney Garden of Wonder has debuted at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay in the Floral Fantasy exhibit. Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, this floral spectacle transforms Disney and Pixar characters such as Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., and more into eight stunning topiary sets.

The exhibit, which took 17,000 man-hours to create by hand, will run until March 31, 2025.

To create Ariel’s iconic look, Amaranthus caudatus formed her flowing red hair, Ruscus hypoglossum shaped her glossy tail, and blue-magenta hydrangeas crafted her seashell top, photo by Gardens by the Bay

Highlights include The Little Mermaid with Flounder, Ariel, and Sebastian; a three-metre-tall Mickey Mouse sculpture; Steamboat Willie; Winnie the Pooh; Snow White; Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc.; Carl, Russell, Dug, and Kevin from Up; and Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the Aliens from Toy Story.

A special Flavours of Singapore zone celebrates the city’s culinary delights with Disney characters reimagined in vibrant floral displays, including Donald Duck with Chilli Crab, Stitch with Durian, as well as Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck with Ice Kachang.

As an extra treat for Disney fans, Hidden Mickeys will appear on the rain curtains in Floral Fantasy. Visitors can also explore the Floral Fantasy gift shop, now Disney-themed, and discover exclusive merchandise such as Mickey-shaped bak kwa (Chinese BBQ pork), plush toys, bags, keychains, and more, in collaboration with local brands.

Additionally, Mickey and Minnie Mouse have unveiled brand-new outfits inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Fans can meet these special Disney characters in their Singapore-inspired designs on select dates in 2025.

Tickets are priced at S$24 ($18) for adults and S$16 for children or senior citizens, and include a round-trip shuttle service between Bayfront Plaza (location of Floral Fantasy) and Flower Dome.

For more details, visit Gardens by the Bay.

Relaxation, family travel, and new destinations lead the way in 2025: Agoda

Silk Road Express launches luxury train cruise across China

Club Med resorts flex their sports, wellness events muscle once more

Sri Lanka to develop new nation branding tourism strategy

Aviation roundup: Peach Aviation, AirAsia and more

5 Questions with Mayur Patel

New hotels: Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, dusitD2 Fagu and more

Amadeus shares five travel trends for 2025

Contiki unveils four new trips in Asia

Disney magic blooms at Gardens by the Bay

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