Ocean Cruising

Colin Kerr: dynamism and diversity keys to engaging onboard entertainment

Marga Manlapig Mar 28,2025

Onboard entertainment is one of the hallmarks of a great cruise, and StarCruises' assistant vice-president Colin Kerr believes that energy and diversity are the key elements necessary for crafting and implementing exceptional programmes aboard ship.

Ocean Cruising

Michael Goh presents two different brands to meet every traveller’s cruise needs

Marga Manlapig Mar 28,2025

Michael Goh, president of both StarCruises and Dream Cruises, would like to give every traveller the experiences they want aboard either brand's vessels.

Adventure Tourism

StarCruises and Dream Cruises officially set sail

Marga Manlapig Mar 26,2025

Coinciding with the debut of the Star Voyager, StarCruises and Dream Cruises held a grand launch aboard the vessel today, 26th March, at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC).

Roadshow

Tourism Authority of Thailand launches Amazing Thailand Health and Beauty initiative

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially launched the Amazing Thailand Health and Beauty initiative.

Cultural Tourism

Decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel to become tourist attraction in the Southern Philippines

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

The decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel BRP Rizal (PS-74) is slated to become the newest tourist attraction in the Southern Philippines.

Reports

Malayan High Court confirms Capital A share reduction

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

Capital A Berhad reached another milestone on Friday, 21st March, as the High Court of Malaya confirmed its issued share capital reduction and repayment under Section 116 of the Companies Act 2016 as part of the Proposed Distribution.

Hotel Design

The Manila Hotel hailed the Philippines’ Best Heritage Hotel

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

The Manila Hotel, an icon of Philippine hospitality, again shone as a contemporary legend as it was hailed as the country’s Best Heritage Hotel at Tatler Best Philippines 2025. 

Spas & Treatments

FitwellX founder takes spring wellness residency at Amilla Maldives

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

Natural luxury island resort Amilla Maldives announced that FitwellX founder Sensei Karol Krauser Hasegawa will be in residence through April for their spring wellness residency.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Airbus delivers South Korea’s first ACH160

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

Airbus recently delivered South Korea’s first ACH160 to business aviation operator K-Aviation.

Interim Reports

Northeast Asia to break US$30 billion in online travel bookings by next year

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

In its latest market report, global travel marketing research firm Phocuswright declares that online is the way to success for Northeast Asia’s travel sector.

Hotels

New accommodation tax approved in 11 locations in Japan

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

The introduction of accommodation taxes in nine cities and two prefectures in Japan was approved by its government on Friday, 21st March.

Developmental Plans or Blueprints

World Bank shows how integrated tourism is boosting communities in Indonesia

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

The Indonesia Tourism Development Project (ITDP), a joint initiative between the Indonesian government and the World Bank, is enabling communities in Lombok and Lake Toba to improve their livelihoods.

Mergers & Acquisitions

MOL Cruises buys an additional vessel from Seabourn Cruises

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

MOL Cruises, operator of Japan’s Mitsui Ocean Cruises, announced that it has purchased another ship from Seabourn Cruises.

Ecotourism

IATA establishes Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) formally established the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO.)

Restaurant

Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes the first guests for Norwegian Aqua

Marga Manlapig Mar 25,2025

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) welcomed the first guests aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua before embarking on her maiden voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, England.

Payment Solutions

American Express and Singapore Airlines add new benefits to their joint business credit card

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

American Express and Singapore Airlines announced the introduction of new benefits to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card today, 24th March.

Hotel Management Company

Elite Havens announces exclusive partnership with Cohiba Villas Phuket

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Leading Asian luxury villa management and rental provider Elite Havens announced an exclusive partnership with Cohiba Villas Phuket,  a new villa development slated to open later this year in the serene hills of Layan, Phuket. 

Festivals

Tourism Malaysia’s Super Sale Campaign 2025 is now ongoing

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Mastercard and over 100 key players in the tourism industry kicked off its month-long Malaysia Super Sale Campaign 2025 last 1st March.

Ecotourism

SAii properties receive Event Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards certifications

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

S Hotels and Resorts PCL’s sustainable lifestyle resort brand SAii announced that SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives have received the prestigious Sustainable Event Standards GOLD certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC.)

Visa updates

VFS Global: Filipinos may still apply for Japan visas via travel agencies

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Filipino travellers applying for Japan visas may still submit their applications through an accredited travel agent even when VFS Global opens its Japanese visa application centre (JVAC) on 7th April.

Hotel Management Company

Novotel Jakarta Cikini introduces Legendary Room with Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Accor hospitality brand Novotel recently collaborated with iconic French football team Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to launch the Legendary Room celebrating Javier Pastore at Novotel Jakarta Cikini. 

Payment Solutions

Thailand introduces TAGTHAi EASY PAY for foreign travellers

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

International visitors in Thailand may now enjoy hassle-free, cashless transactions throughout the country with TAGTHAi EASY PAY.

Roadshow

Trip.com: Lady Gaga concert driving up hotel bookings in Singapore

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Trip.com reports a dramatic spike in hotel bookings in Singapore as fans from Asia and beyond secure accommodations for Lady Gaga’s highly-anticipated four-day sojourn in May.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Malaysia Aviation Group acquires 30 new Boeing aircraft

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced the acquisition of 30 new aircraft directly from The Boeing Company on Friday, 21st March.

Visa updates

Philippine government works to streamline travel practices

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) convened its Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) on Tuesday, 18th March, as the government boosts its efforts to streamline travel processes while addressing key challenges in the Philippine tourism industry.

Annual and Interim Reports

Phong Nha in Vietnam is Agoda’s most affordable Asian destination for spring 2025

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Digital travel platform Agoda revealed its list of the most affordable destinations in the Asia Pacific for spring 2025.

Roadshow

Tourism Malaysia holds its first consumer event in China

Marga Manlapig Mar 24,2025

Tourism Malaysia hosted its first-ever consumer event in China since the pandemic from 7th to 9th March.

Annual Reports

Agoda reveals the top five Asian forest destinations

Marga Manlapig Mar 21,2025

In commemoration of the International Day of Forests today, 21st March, digital travel platform Agoda revealed its list of the five most popular forest destinations across Asia.

Hotel Management Company

Langham Hospitality Group brings Ying’nFlo hotel brand to China

Marga Manlapig Mar 21,2025

Langham Hospitality Group’s select-service hotel brand Ying'nFlo officially debuted in China during an event held in Shanghai on Thursday, 20th March.

Cultural Tourism

Klook introduces its No Bloom No Gloom guarantee for sakura season

Marga Manlapig Mar 21,2025

As spring sets into East Asia and cherry blossoms are poised to bloom, Klook offers travellers peace of mind with an industry-first cherry blossom guarantee.