SITA has named Nathalie Altwegg as senior vice president of SITA’s Airports business unit.
She will spearhead SITA’s further growth in the airports market, building on the company’s presence in more than 1,000 airports globally, as well as its drive to reinvent and digitalise operations and journeys across the world through technology and innovation.
With over two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg previously served as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people, and portfolio.
Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong The 373-room Dorsett Kai Tak offers upscale living with views of Victoria Harbour, and is adjacent to the 50,000-seat stadium, just four MTR stops from Tsim Sha Tsui and four stops from the Exhibition Centre.
The hotel features over 30 per cent greenery in its design, a central seawater cooling system for air conditioning and energy efficiency, and electric vehicle chargers in 40 per cent of parking spaces.
Onsite are an infinity pool, gym, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, and a grand ballroom.
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, the Philippines
The seven-hectare Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort in Mactan, Cebu celebrates its 35th year of operation with the launch of a six-storey building that adds 65 keys to its existing 190 keys.
Called Sidlakan – the Cebuano word for east, the building’s 60 guestrooms and five junior suites are inspired by Filipino homes with all the modern amenities.
JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon
JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, Vietnam
The dual-tower JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon is located at the junction of Hai Ba Trung Street and Le Duan Boulevard in Ho Chi Minh City, with a direct connection to mPlaza Saigon.
The hotel comprises two separate towers – the 21-storey hotel tower features 305 rooms and suites, while the 31-storey residential tower houses 260 one- to three-bedroom residential suites, all of which offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline and Saigon River.
Facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, five dining venues, and 1,200m² of event spaces.
Penang Marriott Hotel
Penang Marriott Hotel, Malaysia Penang Marriott Hotel is one of three properties in the Penang Marriott Complex, along with Marriott Residences Penang and Marriott Executive Apartments, Penang.
Penang Marriott Hotel boasts 223 rooms and a variety of dining experiences, a fitness centre, steam room and an outdoor infinity swimming pool, while Marriott Executive Apartments Penang offers hotel services for long stays with its 90 suites, where each unit comes with separate sleeping and living areas, and gourmet kitchens.
Facilities include fitness and business centres, and 24-hour security.
Israel has urged its citizens holidaying in coastal areas in Sri Lanka to leave immediately owing to a possible terrorist attack linked to the Middle East crisis.
Its National Security Council made the call on Israelis on Wednesday saying the warning was based on “current information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches”.
Tourists are advised to avoid Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka due to intelligence reports of a potential terror attack linked to the Middle East crisis
Sri Lankan newspapers said security has been tightened in parts of the eastern coast and also the southern coast, frequented by Israeli tourists.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US, the UK and Canadian missions in Sri Lanka urged their nationals to avoid the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay on the country’s eastern coast following intelligence reports of a possible terror attack connected to the Middle East crisis.
Police confirmed the reports saying security has been strengthened in the area, adding that they had received reports of a possible attack a few weeks ago.
No details were given but police sources said this was connected to tensions between Arugam Bay area residents, mostly minority Muslims, and Israeli nationals who have set up a few businesses in the area to cater to Israeli surfers.
Sri Lanka is supporting the Palestine cause and backing international pleas for Israeli to suspend attacks on the Gaza strip which has suffered for more than a year under an onslaught by Israeli forces. Muslims in Sri Lanka form the second largest minority group after the Tamil minority community.
However the country also has cordial and diplomatic ties with Israel.
Israel ranks as Sri Lanka’s 18th source market for tourist arrivals, while Sri Lanka has long been working to attract support from affluent nationals in the Middle East.
While the UK is a key source market, Sri Lanka aims to achieve 2.3 million tourist arrivals this year, matching the record high set in 2018.
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and STIC Travel Group (STIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen Sentosa’s positioning as a sustainable destination for leisure, business and education in the Indian market.
This one-year partnership will seek to create innovative educational experiences targeted at students in India, highlighting Sentosa’s sustainable practices and diverse ecosystems.
The collaboration aims to boost tourism arrivals from India by offering immersive sustainability-focused educational experiences
The MoU signifies a joint effort to design immersive learning experiences that utilise Sentosa’s unique environment as a living classroom to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability. These programmes will emphasise key concepts such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, carbon footprint reduction and biodiversity conservation.
This partnership builds upon STIC’s broader efforts to boost educational tourism in Singapore by offering Indian students an opportunity to explore Singapore’s heritage, sustainable development initiatives and interactive learning experiences.
Central to this partnership is the launch of the Unchartered Sentosa tour designed to inspire students to become advocates for positive environmental change in their own communities.
Slated to roll out in November, Unchartered Sentosa offers Indian students a hands-on exploration of sustainability principles through a diverse range of activities.
These include intertidal exploration of the Southern Shores to learn about marine conservation and coastal ecology, guided nature walks along Serapong and Imbiah Trail to discover native flora and fauna in Sentosa, an Amazing Race adventure on Sentosa and St John’s Island to educate participants on the importance and relevance of responsible consumption, interactive workshops that equip participants with ocean survival skills at Lazarus Island, visits to Sentosa’s sustainable attractions such as the Cable Car and Skyline Luge, and an Eco Tour of Siloso Beach Resort demonstrating real-world applications of sustainable design and green technology
SDC CEO Thien Kwee Eng said: “By leveraging Sentosa’s ecological diversity, we’re creating a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. We look forward to creating unique Sentosa-based itineraries and experiences with STIC that showcase Sentosa’s commitment to sustainability and provide invaluable educational opportunities for students.”
“This initiative not only enhances (the) global perspective (of Indian students) but also equips them with practical knowledge about sustainability that they can bring back to their communities,” added Isha Goyal, CEO, STIC Travel Group.
The cruise industry is experiencing a renaissance, and 2024 is proving to be a record-breaking year, as observed by Trip.com Group.
With a remarkable surge in global cruise bookings of a 344% year-on-year growth from January to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, this rise reflects a global trend of travellers rediscovering the appeal of cruise vacations as they seek diverse destinations and experiences in a single journey.
Cruise vacations are becoming increasingly appealing to a broader audience
A standout trend is the substantial rise in fly-cruise bookings, with bookings from international tourists up by 520% year-on-year. The combination of air travel and cruising allows international travellers to start their voyages in exotic locations, contributing to the overall growth of the industry.
Additionally, younger travellers are at the forefront of this growth. Bookings from millennial travellers skyrocketed by 857%, while those of Gen Z travellers increased by 450%.
Older age groups too, saw significant growth, with a 112% rise in bookings from those born in the 1950s and over 400% among those born in the 1980s. These figures underscore the expanding appeal of cruise vacations across a broader demographic than ever before.
Cruise trips are also becoming longer, with the average cruise duration rising from 4.53 days in 2023 to 4.81 days in 2024, highlighting the increasing preference for extended travel experiences.
In addition, booking behaviours have evolved, with the average booking window lengthening by 10 days to 37 days in 2024, indicating that travellers are planning their cruise holidays further in advance. This reflects a shift towards making cruises a key part of family vacations and long-term holiday planning.
Cruise bookings are particularly popular across key global hubs, with Singapore ranking top in international cruise destinations, followed closely by Port Klang, Barcelona, Jakarta and Tokyo at fifth spot.
The upcoming launch of the Disney Adventure – set to sail from Singapore in December 2025 – has also generated significant interest, reflecting the strong demand for family-friendly cruising options. This will be the first Disney ship to homeport in Asia, offering three- and four-night voyages with immersive Disney, Pixar, and Marvel experiences. With bookings set to open on December 10, the Disney Adventure is expected to attract a wide range of families looking for unforgettable holiday experiences at sea.
Udon Thani, the third city in Thailand’s north-eastern region to be designated as a MICE City by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), after Korat and Khon Kaen, is quickly emerging as a key player in Thailand’s business events sector.
Designated as a MICE City in 2020, Udon Thani is currently undergoing extensive preparation for the five-month Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026.
An excavation site at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani
Based on TCEB statistics, the destination attracted around 4.6 million business events visitors, mostly for exhibitions, and brought in 15.7 million baht (US$461,344) as of 2Q2024.
“Udon Thani is evolving as a MICE destination, beyond just a location for government agency meetings. Locally, it has changed too – people are beginning to understand the concept of MICE,” said Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, vice president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association.
She shared that while previously Udon Thani attracted domestic groups and local government agency meetings, the destination is now garnering interest from corporate meetings and medical groups.
“While the international MICE sector is still very niche – most of them are ‘special interest groups’ following art or culture trails – we need to give the province some time. Khon Kaen started the same way, but look at what it is now as a destination,” Prachoom added.
Udon Thani’s status as a MICE City helps disperse business events activities within the Isan region, reducing overcrowding in other Isan cities, and also attracts markets from Laos and the broader CLMV region, shared Areerat Montreepreechachai, director of TCEB’s northeastern regional department.
“Udon Thani has the advantage of bordering Laos, so today incentives or corporate meetings and international meetings from Laos are increasingly organising their events in Udon Than,” she shared.
Both stakeholders highlighted Udon Thani’s numerous soft power elements.
For example, the province is famous for its focus on Thai herbs and traditional medicine, dharma retreats, and organic agriculture. It also promotes sustainable development through the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model and emphasises local conservation, such as the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site – designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 – and the Non Kok community’s unique red lotus weaving practices.
According to Prachoom, Udon Thani has a unique appeal when it comes to its local culture and food. She was impressed by the local cuisine and admired the way restaurants have creatively combined traditional Udon Thani dishes with modern elements.
“Udon Thani has surprised me (even as a Thai person). There are so many new dishes; many are made with organic vegetables, each with its own story. It is amazing how they’ve integrated storytelling into their culinary offerings. I’ve also become a huge fan of the local products. The craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in textiles, is incredible,” she enthused.
In 2023, Michelin Guide Thailand expanded its coverage to Thailand’s north-eastern region, where the four provincial cities – Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen – were selected to represent the region’s flavorful cuisine, as well as its natural and cultural heritage.
This is why Udon Thani has the potential to draw in both business events and leisure travellers seeking authentic Isan experiences, Areerat said.
“The focus on Thai medicine can also be leveraged to develop programmes for self-healing and mental wellness,” she added.
Earlier this year in July, Udon Thani showcased its potential as a cultural and business events hub by hosting the MICE City Summit 2024.
Next year, the Udon Thani Creative Festival 2025 will gather over 150 entrepreneurs, creators, and urban art groups to foster creative Isan lifestyles. The event also seeks to create a Udon Thani Festival Committee to develop new events that will boost the local economy in preparation for the International Horticultural Expo 2026 (November 1, 2026 to March 14, 2027).
As Udon Thani readies itself for the large-scale Expo that will span 100 days, the city will be getting a brand new exhibition hall which can be used for meetings and sports events post-Expo. At least nine seminars have been scheduled to take place concurrently as sub-events.
MICE Summit 2024 opened with an Isan Carnival performance showcasing the Phi Takhon (happy ghost parade), a dance native to the region
“We believe that community engagement is essential, and have taken every opportunity to involve the local people in our Expo, incorporating a sense of ownership,” Wanchai Kongsaem, Udon Thani governor stated during a progress report at the AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers) Expo Conference in Doha in March 2024.
Thai bureaus have also joined hands to host different seminars to upskill local operators and suppliers ahead of the Expo.For example, a seminar and workshop were held in August 2023 by TCEB, the Department of Tourism, SITE Thailand Chapter, and the Municipality of Udon Thani. The event provided local businesses with insights and guidance on how to leverage the upcoming Expo for economic growth.
Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research has revealed that instead of retreating, Asia-Pacific travellers are eager to redefine how they engage with the world by challenging conventional getaway norms and fostering deeper connections with themselves, others, and their destinations in 2025.
By breaking free from traditional expectations around age, gender, and travel styles, these emboldened adventurers are using their journeys to fuel and find long-lasting personal growth.
More travellers will turn to nocturnal escapes in 2025 to foster connections with the universe
To understand how people plan to defy the status quo, Booking.com commissioned research among more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, to present nine travel predictions which foresee 2025 being the year that ushers in new ways of experiencing the world for travellers in Asia-Pacific:
1. AI = Alternative Itineraries
New technologies are already helping travellers find experiences tailored to their needs, but 2025 will see innovations being leveraged to help tourists meet the needs of the destinations they hope to experience. 72% of Asia-Pacific travellers will use technology to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences, to not only respect the locations they visit but contribute positively to them.
AI-powered tools, like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner which was newly launched in Singapore, are set to shape these journeys, with nearly half (49%) interested in using AI to curate trips, opening the door to itineraries that encourage deeper, more positive connections with localities and communities. Travellers will also apply a more responsible lens to how they are using technology, with 38% not tagging locations on social media when visiting a lesser known destination to keep it under wraps. That said, technology will equally play a role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt of overburdening the usual hotspots, with 69% hoping to use technology to find less crowded areas.
2. Passport to Immortality
Amid the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, a vacation is more than just time to unwind. Driven by the desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, 60% are interested in a longevity retreat – a super-charged flex on traditional well-being itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in pursuit of a longer, healthier life. Deep revitalisation is a top priority, from body vibration (61%) and red light therapies (54%) to cryotherapy (51%) and stem cell treatment (51%). More than two thirds (70%) are looking for new wellness activities they can mix into their daily lives as they reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves, with 57% of Asia-Pacific travellers revealing they would pay for a vacation that’s sole purpose was to extend their lifespan and well-being.
3. Noctourism
Travellers will be focused on building connections with the universe as they turn to stargazing escapes in 2025. Ditching the daylight crowds for midnight magic, two thirds (67%) are considering visiting darker sky destinations with star-bathing experiences (76%), star guides (66%), constellation tracking (62%) and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (61%) top of the stellar adventure list. Concerns around climate change have also influenced this shift, with 57% planning to elevate their night-time pursuits to avoid rising day-time temperatures and 56% of travellers preferring to vacation in cooler locations. An appreciation for the nocturnal world is also deepening travellers’ connections with nature, as the majority of travellers (60%) would book an accommodation without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.
4. The Gate Escape
Gone are the days of arriving ‘just in time’ to avoid lingering in crowded lounges post-security, as travellers embrace a new era of airport entertainment. More than a third (44%) express an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport, with 71% curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities. Gen Z (50%) and millennials (51%) are set to fuel this trend, as they are keen to consider destinations based on their airport from sleep pods (38% Gen Z, 37% millennials) and spas (31% Gen Z, 33% millennials) to Michelin star restaurants (28% Gen Z, 31% millennials). With over two thirds (73%) suggesting they would feel more excited and stress-free about their trip if there were a wider array of facilities for use prior to their flight, vacations will start long before boarding the plane.
5. Vintage Voyaging
Vacation wardrobes will get a makeover in 2025, as trendy travellers turn vintage voyagers, hitting thrift stores while on holiday to curate a more sustainable suitcase. Over half (57%) said they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to 66% of Gen Z, while 57% would visit thrift stores on vacation with over three quarters (76%) having already bought vintage or second-hand products when abroad. With 57% intending to be thriftier on their trips and 71% tightening budget planning in order to maximise their experiences, finding bargain hidden gems in second-hand stores has become a pivotal part of the adventure. Flying in the face of fast fashion and mass consumerism, 36% say they find better quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home, while 37% say they buy vintage on vacation because they find better bargains. A thrift trip is now more than just shopping; it’s a way to bring cultural connections back home, all while making eco-conscious and wallet-friendly choices.
6. Neuroinclusive Navigation
Neurodivergent travellers will be putting their often invisible needs in the spotlight, using emerging and evolving technologies to revolutionise how they experience the world in 2025. Over half (54%) of Asia-Pacific travellers who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while travelling due to their neurodivergence, while 58% believe their travel options are limited because of their neurodivergence. Many would like to see technology play a greater part of their travel journey and help reduce theirs, or their travel companions’, anxiety. Nearly 72% are keen on AI tools that would provide them with up-to-date travel information, reports of delays and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are sought after by 70%, while 77% would like to see more ‘block out noise’ options across the travel experience. In fact, the call for progress in 2025 is loud and clear with 74% wanting an industry-wide initiative or programme that shares their needs and preferences seamlessly with airlines and accommodation providers, providing a closer connection between travellers, platforms and operators.
7. Boyz II Zen
With growing awareness around stereotypical social guidelines for men, ‘men-only’ vacations rooted in well-being, self-development and vulnerability are becoming popular. Over half (53%) confirm they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, jumping to 68% for Gen Z and 61% for millennials. Male travellers are also abandoning ‘bro culture’ clichés to switch off from the stresses of everyday life (34%), rest and rejuvenate (36%), in pursuit of mental health benefits (28%) and personal growth (28%). They wish to build connections, both old and new, with 29% looking to make new friendships and 26% looking to improve their relationship-building skills with friends and family. Interestingly, it is women persuading the men in their lives to go on a men-only trip, with 57% encouraging their partner, 40% their friends, 27% their brother and 22% their father to put themselves first.
8. Multigen Megatrips
Parents flip priorities by spending kids’ inheritance instead of squirrelling savings. 51% of Singapore travellers would rather spend money on a trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leaving inheritance to their children – with baby boomers coming in at 54%.
Next year, however, this trend will take on an increasingly altruistic approach as older relatives look to splash the cash among their families, helping the younger generations through the cost of living crisis by paying for their next vacation. While 65% of travellers admitted that their parents had already paid for their vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, boomers are likely to influence an uptick thanks to the 76% who are happy to pay for their children when booking their next trip.
9. Ageless Adventures
An emerging cohort of baby boomers will defy their years and conventional expectations in favour of thrill seeking in 2025, with 21% of this generation interested in vacations that involve adventure and 24% eager to push beyond their established comfort zones.
Easing their way into an era of adrenaline, close to a third (30%) are interested in horseriding and letting go of their inhibitions at a wine rave (28%). Venturing further, 20% would take to the water to canoe down the world’s largest rivers, 16% will hunt for glaciers and 14% may lace up their hiking boots to trek one of the highest mountain ranges.
Laura Houldsworth, managing director, Asia Pacific at Booking.com said: “In 2025, travellers in Asia-Pacific will be using their trips to transform themselves, their relationships and ultimately the world around them. It’s all about breaking travel norms to foster a deeper sense of connection. Technology and imagination are coming together to create a new era of traditions and ultimately make it easier for everyone to shape their own journeys in 2025 and beyond.”
Tasmanian Walking Company has introduced a new five-day fully-guided walk inside the grounds of the World-Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
The all-inclusive experience will unite two of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Tasmanian Walking Company’s new five-day walk unites two natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta; photo by Tasmanian Walking Company
Small groups of up to 14 will spend five days and four nights inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park learning about ancient Anangu culture and history, connecting with nature, and staying exclusively in environmentally sustainable accommodation.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk commences in April 2026 and marks the second offering in the Northern Territory for the Australian Walking Company, after the company launched the Larapinta Signature Walk in 2022.
25hours Hotels has appointed Jesper Soerensen as general manager of the upcoming 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird, set to open in November 2024.
With over 23 years of experience in lifestyle and luxury hospitality, Soerensen brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to this vibrant new addition in Jakarta’s landscape.
Fluent in German, Danish and English, he joins 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird from SO/ Maldives, where he also served as general manager.
The Japan Sports Agency is aiming for martial arts to become a greater tourism resource with the launch of new experiences and activities under its Budō Tourism programme.
Part of Japan Sport Tourism, which also promotes snow sports, outdoor pursuits like cycling and kayaking, and urban activities such as skateboarding and BWX biking, Budō Tourism aims to offer journeys into the heart of Japanese martial arts, budō, which translates to ‘martial way’.
Japan is inviting visitors to explore its world of martial arts through unique experiences and activities
Experiences are available across Japan, in martial arts as varied as judo, kendo, karate, sumo, aikido, kyudo (archery) and iaido (the art of swordsmanship). Some include tours in picturesque, cultural or historical places, and unique dining, to offer visitors “an increased sense of Japan”, according to Japan Sport Tourism.
The kendo experience, available in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa, features an introduction to samurai, a traditional ceremony, striking instruction, practice and a match. One two-hour session is available for up to 200 pax, at 18,000 yen (US$120) per person and includes a professional guide/instructor, rental of kendo armour and other equipment and a towel.
In Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, the Okinawa Karate Kaikan offers a 30-minute tile-splitting experience twice daily, either in front of the facility’s historic dojo or inside. For 3,000 yen per person, a tour of the Okinawa Karate Museum is included.
Visitors who prefer to watch can choose from several options including the Iai Shrine Samurai Show in Yamagata Prefecture. Up to 40 pax can enjoy a demonstration of iaido for 50,000 yen per person.
With over two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg previously served as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people, and portfolio.
Fluent in German, Danish and English, he joins 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird from SO/ Maldives, where he also served as general manager.
