For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off.

But what is unique to the event’s third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond.

SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: “Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We’d like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them.”

Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts.

As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025.

Lessons from the field

Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind

The beauty of this year’s SMF was how the majority of panellists weren’t from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things.

Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today’s world.

Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly.

While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important

When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity.

Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con.

But people tend to forget that these events weren’t exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work.

So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable?

MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage.

This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall.

Leverage the power of technology

Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE?

AI’s applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts.

At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca.

Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants.

Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity

The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting.

Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker’s presentation, today’s events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time.

This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person.

On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity.

Make the most of your online presence

I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised.

Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak.

However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event.

Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening.

At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels.

Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event’s engagement stands to grow at a significant rate.

On to the next one…

The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass.

This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better.

Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.

METT Singapore officially opened its doors yesterday, welcoming guests to discover a fresh new chapter at the iconic property in the heart of nature at Fort Canning Park.

The new property joins METT’s roster in Marbella, Bodrum, and Barcelona as the Singapore debut marks Sunset Hospitality Group’s hotel bold expansion into Asia Pacific and lays the foundation for future openings across the region. 

Sunset Hospitality Group executive director for hotels and resorts Christophe Hobeika said of the METT Singapore: “As we open our doors today, we wanted to capture the special energy, warmth and magnetic draw of our METT brand for its arrival into Singapore and Asia. METT Singapore is bringing a laid-back luxury hotel experience to the city, and this film reflects the spirit of connection, effortless style and the vibrant soul that defines METT.”

A storied property

Blending colonial charm with contemporary soul, METT Singapore brings together world-class dining, social connection and state-of-the-art wellness to create an alluring new rhythm at the historic site. 

At METT Singapore, heritage meets high energy, social connections are celebrated, and next generation wellness is embraced.  

Every detail is designed to inspire meaningful moments and inject a spirit of relaxed modern luxury and fresh energy to frame a new way of living. 

The heritage-listed property has been transformed through a contemporary lens, with 84 light-filled suites and rooms that offer the luxury of space. 

Guests flow effortlessly from a sunrise padel match or spa ritual to sun-drenched hours by the pool, to evenings of inspired dining and buzzing conversation.

Soon, guests of METT Singapore will also have access to Madison House, a private members’ club dedicated to social vitality and lifestyle living and The Longevity Suite, a cutting-edge wellness haven where biohacking meets holistic indulgence. 

A whimsical welcome

To mark the occasion, the hotel regaled guests with a short film built around a charming story starring a sunbed and pool umbrella as central characters in the most surprising and unexpected ways. 

For this whimsical introduction to the property, METT Singapore partnered with creative agency Forsman & Bodenfors Singapore on the campaign film.

To capture a feeling of authenticity and real-world charm, the film features human-powered technological craft, with the custom-built motorised sunbed and umbrella taking to the streets, no driving license required.

Taking to the streets of the Lion City and through the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park, they are irresistibly pulled towards the lure of the Simply Magnetic METT Singapore. 

As they wander through the transformed heritage property, the film reveals glimpses of what to expect at METT Singapore. 

The curious sunbed finds itself casually cruising past L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, METT’s ode to premium Italian coastal dining; meanwhile an excitable pool umbrella, a twirl in its step, can’t seem to decide where to go next, while surprising staff along the way. 

The two friends at last reunite in their natural habitat: the poolside, against the backdrop of the dynamic Singapore skyline. 

Together, they claim the film’s narrative Some Places You Discover, Others Draw You In.

Global travel technology firm Sabre Corporation and Japan’s All Nippon Airways jointly announced the global launch of the latter’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace today, 30th October. 

Through this collaboration, All Nippon Airways is now the first carrier in Japan to activate NDC content on Sabre’s platform. 

According to ANA executive vice-president of customer experience Keiji Omae: “ANA is dedicated to enhancing the overall customer experience, including the purchasing journey. Our partnership with Sabre enables ANA’s NDC initiative to deliver greater reach and more diverse distribution channels to meet customer needs. We are delighted to offer broader choices and more enriching experiences through SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace ” 

Sabre’s senior vice-president for airline distribution Chris Wilding likewise enthused: “We’re thrilled to activate NDC content distribution for All Nippon Airways. This achievement represents both Sabre and All Nippon Airways’ commitment to creating new value for the travel industry by innovating how air travel is retailed. NDC is a key pillar of our strategy to provide the content, capabilities and expertise airlines need to create and distribute their offers consistently across channels, and to help agencies access multiple types of content efficiently, at scale.” 

Sabre makes the difference

Sabre continues to lead the industry on NDC, with All Nippon Airways joining the industry’s leading NDC portfolio on SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace, alongside traditional content, more than 150 low-cost carriers, two million lodging options, and leading rail and car providers. 

The launch further strengthens the two companies’ decades-long relationship, with ANA already distributing its traditional content through Sabre, as well as using its Network Planning and Optimisation technology.  

Sabre-connected agencies in more than 40 countries around the world can now shop, book, and service the Skytrax five-star airline’s NDC offers within a single cloud-native workflow that can scale with business needs. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its global air cargo market data for September 2025, showing a seventh consecutive month of growth for the sector.

Based on the latest findings, global air cargo demand in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) was up 2.9 percent from September 2024.

Capacity in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), on the other hand, was up three percent from where it was last year.

As IATA director general Willie Walsh reports: “Buried in that growth is a significant alteration of trade patterns as US tariff policies, including the ending of de minimis exemptions, kick in. On one side of the equation, a decline in North America-Asia demand has set in over the last five months. But this has been more than compensated for with strong growth within Asia and on routes linking Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands.”

IATA’s monthly report took several factors into consideration; namely:

• How the global goods trade grew by 3.7 percent year-on-year in August;
• An increase of 5.4 percent in jet fuel prices in September despite lower oil prices, driven by a tighter diesel market, which doubled the crack spread year-on-year; and
• Renewed strength in the global manufacturing sentiment as the PMI rose for a second straight month to reach 51.3; likewise, new export orders improved slightly to 49.6 but remained below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid tariff uncertainty.

Global air cargo market performance in September

• Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 6.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in September. Capacity increased by 4.8 percent year-on-year;
• North American carriers saw a 1.2 percent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in September. Capacity decreased by 1.5 percent year-on-year;
• European carriers saw a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September. Capacity increased 4.4 percent year-on-year;
• Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.6 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September. Capacity increased by 5.5 percent year-on-year.
• Latin American carriers saw a 2.2 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in September, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 3.1 percent year-on-year; and
• African airlines saw a 14.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 7.4 percent year-on-year. 

With regard to trade lane growth, air freight volumes in September 2025 increased across most major trade corridors. Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains. 

In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.

The theme park is a collaborative effort between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Thailand-based Amazon Falls.

Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, the first fully themed Columbia Pictures water park, was named Theme Park of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Thailand, a recognition of its status as a groundbreaking entertainment destination in the country. The awards programme is a renowned event that highlights the best in the travel and entertainment industry.

Situated in the vibrant coastal region of Sattahip, a short drive from Pattaya, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse offers a unique blend of movie-inspired rides and attractions. These include water rides, land-based thrill attractions, and live entertainment, all designed to immerse guests in their favourite Hollywood blockbusters and spark intrigue and excitement.

Opened on 12 October 2022, the park is a collaborative effort between Sony Pictures Entertainment and attractions developer Amazon Falls.

Strategically positioned within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, a region slated for significant development into a global destination with enhanced infrastructure, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse is easily accessible for visitors of all ages. This emphasis on convenience and accessibility will make the audience feel at ease and more likely to consider a visit.

Visitors can enjoy themed zones that bring various movie universes to life, including “Ghostbusters,” “Jumanji,” “Hotel Transylvania,” and “Zombieland.”

“The Beast” zone features Asia’s tallest water park attractions, boasting an 18-meter vertical drop. Land attractions include the “Bad Boys Race Club” go-kart track and “The Emoji Movie” mini golf. The park also features a mega wave pool that transforms into a cinematic experience, hosting music events, movie screenings on giant LED screens, and live shows with concert-grade Dolby DTS surround sound.

“The Aquaverse is not just a theme park; it’s a testament to the power of immersive storytelling, inviting visitors to ‘experience adventures beyond the screen’,” Columbia Pictures Aquaverse stated.

Despite being relatively new, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse has already garnered international attention and recognition. It was named one of the world’s best new theme parks by CNN Travel and served as the venue for significant events, including LEO SUPREME Presents Aqua Fest and Miss Grand Chon Buri 2025. It is also Thailand’s first theme park to offer add-on experiences like Onsen and cooking classes.

Looking to the future, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse has ambitious plans. It aims to attract one million visitors annually, utilising Sony’s vast global network for promotion. This exciting vision for the future will make the audience feel hopeful and eager to see what’s next.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand highlights the exemplary hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, travel technology projects, and initiatives that elevate standards in the travel industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Marni Marco at +65 3158 1386 or marni@traveldailymedia.com.

New AI Co-pilot is already driving a 30% revenue increase and saving hoteliers 2 hours per day.

ZUZU Hospitality Solutions secured the AI Initiative of the Year category at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Thailand, highlighting its efficient effort in empowering independent hotels.

The company’s RevMate is an AI-powered revenue co-pilot built to equip independent hotels with smarter pricing, faster decisions, and full transparency. RevMate is unlike the traditional “black box” revenue tools, as it shows the “why” behind every price recommendation. Early users of RevMate have reported a 25 to 30 percent increase in revenue, 40 percent improvement in efficiency, and up to 2 hours saved per day on manual analysis and pricing adjustments.

RevMate was born after ZUZU’s revenue management team, which handled pricing for over 3,000 hotels in seven Asian countries, found themselves overwhelmed by data and decision delays. They built this as a tool to solve their own workflow bottlenecks, although it quickly turned into a mission to level the playing field for independent hotels.

In terms of advancements, RevMate clearly explains why a rate change is recommended. This way, hoteliers can make fast and informed decisions.

RevMate relies on data drawn from ZUZU’s 3,000+ hotel partners’ booking patterns and market shifts and combines it with external demand indicators such as competitive prices, travel demand data. It leverages AI and Machine Learning techniques to analyse these data points and generate pricing recommendations, explaining the rationale behind the recommendations in simple language. This allows hotels to eliminate the hours of work and delays between data analysis, strategy formulation, and execution in a matter of minutes.

This intuitive approach helps independent hotels, even those without data science degrees, drive revenue growth whilst saving time.

RevMate is setting a new standard for AI in hospitality as it is built on transparency, speed, and local relevance. It is a smarter way of working to help independent hotels thrive in a competitive digital landscape.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand highlights the exemplary hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives that elevate the standards in the travel industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Marni Marco at +65 3158 1386 or marni@traveldailymedia.com.

As one of the world’s leading river cruise providers, Avalon Waterways has given global travellers the opportunity to experience some of Europe’s most beautiful locations whilst travelling in grand style.

Travel Daily Media’s very own Gary Marshall is currently aboard the Avalon Envision on its Romantic Rhine voyage which takes travellers from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

Over the course of the eight-day voyage, Gary will be sharing sights as well as insights from some of Western Europe’s most amazing destinations.

Good beginnings

From Bangkok, Gary flew via Thai Airways from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Zurich Airport for the first leg of the journey.

Spending the first night of the trip at the Radisson Blu Zurich Airport, members of the Avalon Waterways team were on hand at the lobby to help travellers check into the voyage well before making their way to Basel.

The bus transfer to Basel from Zurich took about an hour and a half, and guests were welcomed with a good lunch before traversing the Swiss city’s storied streets for a walking tour.

Wilkommen in Basel

Gary shared his initial thoughts on Basel, saying: “It is an intriguing city: a mixture of the incredibly old and the startlingly new. You can feel the history with every step you take, but it’s also well-rooted in the modern world and very cosmopolitan thanks to the immigrants who made their way here over the centuries.”

That is not surprising, given how the earliest recorded mention of Basel dates way back to the year 786AD and its original Latin name of Willa hints at its origins as a Roman encampment.

In the earliest stage of its history, Basel’s economy was primarily agricultural, but this changed by the 19th century when the city’s extensive transport connections brought in industrialisation and a surge in economic growth.

This began early in the 20th century with the construction of a railway marshalling yard linking Basel with the town of Weil am Rhein in 1913, leading to the development of both communities into significant cities; and this growth was pushed further along by the establishment of the city harbour in 1934.

Following the Second World War, the influx of refugees and stateless persons enabled Basel to grow into the culturally diverse metropolis it is today. 

Likewise, the merger of the communities of Ötlingen, Haltingen, and Märkt between 1971 and 1975 significantly increased the city’s scope.

All aboard the Avalon Envision

Come evening, Gary and other guests for the Rhine adventure made their way to the Avalon Envision  for dinner as well as a safety briefing before the vessel makes its way down the Rhine.

Throughout this week, the Avalon Envision will be visiting several ports in Germany and France before its guests disembark in Amsterdam.

The Avalon Envision is part of the youngest fleet of ships on Europe’s waterways, offering panoramic views of the surrounding environment whilst immersing its guests in the richness of the continent’s heritage and traditions.

Here, relaxed luxury is paired with the ultimate in service excellence to create a truly unforgettable voyage. 

The vessel boasts two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites sporting wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the space into one’s own personal balcony and viewing deck.

Around 30 percent larger than standard staterooms throughout the industry, Avalon’s Panorama Suites are fitted with the line’s signature window-facing Beds with a View, enabling guests to wake up to spectacular views of the sunrise or wind down with exquisite sunsets.

The Envision also offers numerous options with regard to dining and leisure, ensuring that its guests are thoroughly engaged and enjoying themselves on and off shore.

With everyone on board, glasses were raised as the Envision set sail for its next port of call.

Some things you need to experience when in Basel

As one of the most attractive cities in Switzerland, Basel is home to numerous attractions that draw in history buffs, art lovers, and gourmets to its doorstep.

No visit to Basel would be complete without a trip to the Old Town or, as it’s known locally, the Alstadt, as this is the heart of the city’s history and heritage.

Among the Altstadt’s key attractions are the Rathaus [Town Hall] with its striking brick-red facade and impressive watch tower, along with frescoes depicting local saints and figures from Swiss history; the Basler Münster cathedral with its Gothic / Romanesque architecture, spellbinding stained glass windows, and intriguing history; as well as the Tinguely Fountain in the Theaterplatz which combines water and kinetic energy to create a dynamic spectacle.

Basel is also where the famed Art Basel exhibitions began, and the city is a Mecca for both traditional and contemporary art as seen in the profusion of museums within the vicinity.

Make it a point to visit the Kunstmuseum Basel, the oldest collection of public art in the world, as it covers a broad spectrum of movements from Hans Holbein and other Renaissance masters, to Impressionism and Expressionism, to Cubism by way of fine examples of the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Brach.

If you find yourself famished from your explorations, keep in mind that Basel is also famous for its food which is at its best when sampled this season at the Basel Herbstmesse [autumn fair].

The fair offers a wide range of specialities including Basler Leckerli [frosted honey and spice cakes], Wäie [savoury cheese and onion tarts], and the local take on cured salmon, all serving up a taste of a most appealing city.

Marking 17 years at Atlantis, The Palm, one of the region’s most recognised and visited attractions has undergone a major transformation, reopening as the Lost World Aquarium — Dubai’s only marine-themed entertainment destination of its scale. The reimagined experience honours the aquarium’s legacy while introducing a new era of immersive storytelling, advanced audiovisual technology and enhanced educational content designed to deepen public understanding of marine life and conservation. Inspired by the mythology of Atlantis and its guardian Poseidon, the narrative-driven journey highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.

Spanning 14 themed rooms powered by 1,900 LED panels, 55 projectors and 140 synchronised speakers, the Lost World Aquarium delivers a multisensory experience that integrates technology, design and education. The journey begins at a cave-like entrance where a large-scale LED wall introduces guests to the underwater world ahead through dynamic visual sequences featuring Atlantean characters. Within the cylindrical chamber known as Medusa’s Cave, guests encounter a sculptural representation of an Atlantean guardian, surrounded by marine species such as moray eels. Motion sensors respond to visitors’ movements, activating interactive light patterns that create a responsive aquatic environment.

At the heart of the experience lies a room called the Lost Chamber, a tribute to where the story first began 17 years ago. Overlooking the Ambassador Lagoon — a 10-metre-deep marine environment containing 11 million litres of water and one of the largest open-air aquariums in the Middle East and Africa — the space has been designed to encourage both observation and reflection. Several times a day, the hall transforms through a five-minute projection show that showcases the diversity of marine life within the ecosystem.

The Lost Chamber also serves as the stage for ‘Return of the Trident’, a live mermaid performance featuring a team of five professional underwater artists. The show incorporates choreography, music and visual effects to narrate a story rooted in the mythology of Poseidon and his underwater realm, enhancing guest engagement through performance-based storytelling.

Guests can further enhance their experience with the interactive Trident, a digital activation device created exclusively for the Lost World Aquarium. Available as an optional upgrade, it unlocks 25 hidden effects across the attraction. Each activation triggers synchronised lighting, sound, projection, fog and blacklight effects, providing an additional layer of interactivity and personal engagement throughout the journey. Throughout the attraction, the Trident elicits distinct responses: within the Atlantean Artefacts section, blacklight reveals previously hidden symbols; in the Fish Nursery, it triggers a sequence of lighting, mist and spatial audio; and inside the Storm Room Pod, a central sphere reacts with programmed light transitions. Each activation reinforces the sense of interaction and discovery throughout the journey.

All technological elements introduced across the attraction serve a broader educational purpose: making marine learning accessible, interactive and engaging. Each habitat now features digital displays with multiple layers of content, encouraging guests to explore facts about marine species, ecosystems and conservation initiatives. This mission is further realised through redesigned behind-the-scenes tours, where marine experts guide visitors beyond the windows of the aquariums to demonstrate how different species are cared for, and how each of us can become ocean ambassadors at home.

Following the transformation, the Lost World Aquarium is home to more than 285 species and 65,000 marine animals, including the Striated Frogfish, Giant Pacific Octopus, Moon Jellies, Eagle Rays and Arabian Carpetsharks.

All animals are cared for by a dedicated team of marine biologists and an onsite veterinary team, reflecting Atlantis Dubai’s ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest standards of animal welfare. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lost World Aquarium aligns with internationally recognised best practices in animal care, conservation and professional standards. Visitors will also gain more insight into the Atlantis Atlas Project, the cornerstone of sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, and learn about ongoing efforts and collaborations with partners dedicated to environmental conservation. For every marine experience booked, USD 1 is contributed to initiatives supporting conservation, sustainability and environmental education.

Dubai’s only marine-themed entertainment destination, the Lost World Aquarium forms part of the wider Aquaventure World — a comprehensive aquatic theme park experience. At its core is the world’s largest waterpark, officially recognised by Guinness World Records™, featuring 105 record-breaking slides and attractions. The destination also includes one kilometre of private beach, a range of motorised and non-motorised watersports, and 26 marine experiences, including Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point and Shark Lagoon.

Guests staying at Atlantis, The Palm or Atlantis The Royal enjoy complimentary access to both the Lost World Aquarium and the waterpark as part of their stay. Day visitors are also welcomed, with standalone tickets to the Lost World Aquarium available online starting from AED 85 for children and AED 105 for adults. Combined tickets, including access to the waterpark, are available from AED 330 for children and AED 380 for adults.

The Lost World Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Japanese hospitality firm Hoshino Resorts announced the opening of two new properties under its KAI brand in 2026.

KAI, one of Hoshino Resorts’ flagships, is a brand focused on traditional onsen ryokan [hot spring inn] hospitality.

The two properties are located in Japan’s leading destinations for soothing relaxation thanks to the numerous hot springs within the area.

KAI Kusatsu in Gunma  

KAI Kusatsu, the brand’s 24th property, opens on 7th June 2026 and will be located in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture.

The facility’s concept is “a forest hot spring inn connected by a tunnel to the Kusatsu onsen landscape.” 

Nestled on a hillside overlooking Mt Kusatsu-Shirane, the expansive, nature-rich retreat will feature multiple buildings, including guest room wings, a dedicated bathhouse, and a separate lounge.

A private tunnel will provide direct access to the Kusatsu Onsen town and be exclusive for guests to enjoy the contrast of a nature-rich retreat and the vibrant atmosphere of the historic town.

A historic location

Recognised as one of Japan’s top onsen destinations, Kusatsu Onsen has a long history believed to date back to the Kofun period (ca 3rd to 6th century AD). 

Revered for its healing waters, it has long been cherished as a place of therapeutic bathing.

Situated at the base of Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, this natural hot spring boasts an impressive flow of over 32,000 litres per minute, making it the highest naturally discharged volume of any hot spring in Japan[1].

Kusatsu Onsen is valued for its iconic Yubatake, a picturesque water field that functions as the town’s main hot spring source, and for Yumomi, a traditional method of cooling the mineral-rich waters without dilution. 

This distinctive culture, along with its communal baths, is beloved by locals and continues to draw visitors year-round.

In the heart of Setouchi

KAI Miyajima, on the other hand, will open its doors to guests by summer 2026.

Strategically located with views of the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, all guest rooms will offer spectacular ocean views of the Seto Inland Sea. 

The public hot spring is designed to provide an experience akin to being immersed in the sea.

In addition to arranging direct access from the hotel to Itsukushima Shrine, KAI Miyajima will reintroduce the Setouchi Ancient Sauna, a traditional bathing method long practiced in the Setouchi region, offering a unique stay that deeply connects guests with the local culture and history.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): Sustainability is a key driver in hospitality today. How is your organisation advancing its sustainability initiatives, and what does the pending certification signify for your operations?

Olivier Berrivin (OB): We are proud to announce that in September 2025, our Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan achieved certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—a major milestone in our ongoing sustainability journey.

This achievement reflects how BWH® Hotels is integrating eco-friendly and community-focused practices into every aspect of our operations, in line with our global “Earth, People, and Community” (EPC) commitment. The GSTC certification also reinforces trust among our environmentally conscious guests and corporate partners, assuring them that their hotel provider is committed to responsible and sustainable practices.

TDM: What challenges do you see in embedding sustainability across properties in different markets, and how are you addressing them?

OB: Sustainability positively impacts every aspect of our business. By reducing waste, we can also lower unnecessary costs. Additionally, by protecting the environment and collaborating with our local partners, we can create long-term benefits for the entire destination. The main challenge lies in implementation, whether it’s adopting new work processes or sourcing eco-friendly products. While there may be short-term costs or minor disruptions behind the scenes, these are always outweighed by the long-term benefits.

In some cases, we rely on our guests to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as choosing not to have their towels washed every day. However, we find that the vast majority of our guests have an eco-conscious mindset and are understanding of these changes.

TDM: How do you balance rapid expansion with maintaining consistency in brand standards and guest experience?

OB: We are fortunate to have a robust set of brand standards that all our hotels, whether franchised or managed, must follow. Our in-house training team is very active, and we have developed a series of comprehensive courses for new hotels. These include “I Care Every Guest Every Time,” “Because We Care,” and “BWH Heritage,” all designed to ensure that every guest receives our heartfelt service philosophy from the very first day the hotel opens.

TDM: From your perspective, what are the most significant hospitality trends shaping the industry in APAC today?

OB: Sustainability, as I previously mentioned, is one of the most significant factors impacting the hospitality industry today. It is no longer just a trend; it has become an integral part of our operations. Another key factor is technology, particularly the rise of AI. This development has the potential to reshape every aspect of our business, from driving bookings and enhancing in-stay guest services to managing post-stay follow-up. However, as the world becomes more automated, guests will increasingly value the personal touch of human interaction, so we must find the right balance.

One notable trend that BWH Hotels is leading is the rise of “soft brands.” Although these have been around for many years, we have recently seen a significant increase in their popularity among both owners and guests, who appreciate the combination of independence and support they offer. At BWH Hotels, our collection features seven soft brands that span three distinct hotel groups — WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels — covering every segment of the market, from economy to luxury.

TDM: Technology is transforming hospitality experiences. How is your brand leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction?

OB: Technology plays a vital role in our operations, encompassing everything from searching and booking to in-stay services, guest communications, back-office solutions, and post-stay feedback. The Best Western To Go® app is quite popular, allowing guests to manage their entire reservation and handle their Best Western Rewards® points conveniently. We are also embracing artificial intelligence by integrating tools like Microsoft Copilot into our operations to boost productivity.

To enhance the guest experience, our brands are tailored to meet the needs of modern, digitally connected travellers. We offer automated solutions, seamless high-speed Wi-Fi, easily accessible USB and power ports, smart TVs for content streaming, and much more. We consistently innovate and strive to remain at the forefront of hospitality technology.

TDM: How do you see personalisation shaping the future of guest experiences in APAC?

OB: Personalisation is essential for effective hospitality today. We need to anticipate, understand, and meet the needs of our guests, particularly our most loyal customers. The key to achieving this is through our dual loyalty programs: Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards℠. These programs allow us to provide tailored experiences to our 64 million members and elite travellers.