Search Results forAsia Pacific
Three Centara properties recognised at 2025 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific
Thai hospitality management company Centara Hotels & Resorts announced that three of its properties won awards at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. These latest citations reaffirm the brand’s growing global presence and reputation for delivering distinctive guest experiences. Centara Hotels & Resorts’ chief operating officer Michael Henssler declared: “We are honoured to be recognised by Travel + Leisure’s readers and the global travel community. These accolades are a reflection of our team’s passion, the evolving strength of our luxury and boutique offerings, and our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful stays that connect guests with the heart of each destination.” Voted by Travel + Leisure’s discerning international readers, the annual awards honour the finest in luxury travel, celebrating destinations, resorts, and travel experiences that set the benchmark across the region. Award-winning properties This year, Centara received accolades for the following properties: Centara Reserve Samui Rose two positions to 7th place in Thailand’s Beach + Island Resorts category, highlighting its bespoke luxury, curated wellness offerings, and immersive oceanfront setting on Chaweng Beach. Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection Named 2nd best House Reef in the Maldives, praised for its pristine marine ecosystem and effortless reef access that captivates snorkellers and divers alike. Roukh Khiri Khaoyai, The Centara Collection Awarded 8th best Upcountry Hotel in Thailand, recognised for its serene hilltop setting, personalised hospitality, and barn-house inspired contemporary design. These achievements mark another milestone in Centara’s mission to share the warmth of Thai hospitality with the world, while evolving to meet the needs of today’s luxury travellers. As the group continues its international expansion, Centara remains dedicated to crafting meaningful stays inspired by culture, connection, and care: hallmarks of the Centara experience.
Solaire Resort North takes Leisure Architecture Award at 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards
Philippine integrated resort Solaire Resort North was the recipient of the Leisure Architecture Award at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2025 at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Hotel in Thailand. The Leisure Architecture Award reinforces Solaire Resort North’s status as a landmark development of global standards, celebrating its distinguished design and architectural excellence. The resort’s structure, conceptualised by global architectural and design firm Aedas embodies sophistication, opulence, and innovation. The Asia Pacific Property Awards, a distinguished arm of the International Property Awards, is the region’s most revered real estate awards program, recognising the industry’s leading visionaries and exemplary developments across architecture, design, and real estate. The awards are judged by an independent panel of industry experts who assess each entry based on design, construction quality, and sustainability. Raising the bar for luxury hospitality in the Philippines and beyond Thanks to this latest accolade, the resort has raised the bar for luxury destinations in the region. Indeed, it further solidifies Solaire Resort North’s reputation as a premier luxury destination, committed to crafting exceptional experiences for every guest. The second Solaire-branded property in the Philippines, Solaire Resort North stands as a beacon of refinement and exclusivity. The 1.5-hectare development, strategically located in Quezon City, redefines grandeur, hospitality, and entertainment. Its 38-story tower offers an unparalleled urban retreat, seamlessly blending world-class culinary experiences, immersive leisure activities, and sophisticated architectural design.
Agoda: Long weekends are boosting travel in the Asia Pacific
Digital travel platform Agoda reports that Asia's diverse and regular stream of public holidays is proving to be a boost to the Asia Pacific (APAC) travel industry as Asian tourists look to maximize their leisure time. Per the platform’s latest report, Asian travelers looking to travel long weekends are largely opting to stay in the APAC region, highlighting an opportunity for hoteliers to capture rising demand for more frequent, short stays. Senior vice-president for supply Andrew Smith opined that the opportunity for hotels and airlines to secure bookings and incentivize travelers to extend their trips and add ancillary items to boost revenue over long weekends has never been greater. Smith said: "Hotels should ensure they are using the right data to target the hottest consumers from across the Asia Pacific region and ensure that their service offerings are tailored to their regional tastes. For example, catering for visitors with large families by ensuring they are able to access larger and joined rooms for family travel." Long weekends are for travelling Agoda saw an 80 percent month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore ahead of the Eid long weekend. Destinations of choice for the period were Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea and Taiwan. There was a similar trend during the Songkran long weekend in Thailand, with Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Seoul proving to be top choices. The recent long weekend in Vietnam, which covered Liberation Day and Labour Day, saw Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul being the most searched destinations. How can hotels make the most out of long weekends? By proactively offering packages that cater to long weekend stays and micro-vacations, hotels can capitalize on these trends. Among the strategies proposed by Agoda are: Focus on Content Marketing: Publish blog posts or guides about "Top Things to Do in [Your City] Over the Long Weekend." Highlight local events, hidden gems, and places that are within easy reach. Use SEO best practices to ensure content ranks for relevant long weekend searches. Launch long Weekend and "maxi-break" packages: Partner with travel platforms like Agoda and loyalty platforms to promote extended stay offers such as "Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3". This aligns with the growing trend of consumers turning public holidays into mini vacations. Push Ancillary items that help guests maximize shorter trips: Include value-adds like late check-out, complimentary breakfast, or tickets to local attractions. Design wellness and immersive local packages - With Asia's wellness tourism market projected to hit US$156.85 billion this year, hoteliers can attract high-value guests by offering digital detox retreats, spa-and-stay bundles, and locally sourced culinary experiences that can be enjoyed over a three day stay.
‘Tru by Hilton’ Debuts in Asia Pacific with 14 New Hotels Opening in Vietnam in 2025
Experience modern comfort and vibrant design at Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station, where style meets functionality in the heart of Vietnams bustling capital city Hilton announced the opening of the first four of 14 Tru by Hilton properties in Vietnam, in partnership with ROX Group (formerly TNG Holdings Vietnam). The new hotels herald the entry of Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific and build upon Hilton’s growth momentum in South East Asia. Slated to open before the end of 2025, the new Tru by Hilton properties will bring Hilton’s total pipeline of hotels under development in Vietnam to 28. Hilton currently operates six properties across three brands – Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. The much-anticipated arrival of Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific further reinforces Vietnam as one of Hilton’s largest markets in South East Asia. “The arrival of Tru by Hilton in Vietnam reflects our robust growth momentum in South East Asia and the wider Asia Pacific region.” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s premier travel destinations, underpinned by rapidly growing domestic demand, and rising international arrivals. Tru by Hilton addresses a gap in the market - bringing an energetic and playful brand to 14 cities in Vietnam – and will appeal to guests seeking a vibrant and practical hotel stay.” Launching Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific With Vietnam’s growing tourism arrivals and a rising middle class fuelling domestic travel, the new Tru by Hilton hotels will be strategically located in both popular and emerging destinations to cater to business and leisure travelers. The brand’s arrival in Asia Pacific follows successful ventures in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, further solidifying its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America. Designed for business and leisure travelers across generations, the brand delivers a young-at-heart experience centred on value. From functional lobby spaces for work and play, to thoughtfully designed, spacious guest rooms, Tru by Hilton blends modern aesthetics with practical features and locally inspired elements for a seamless and comfortable stay. “Since the brand was created, Tru by Hilton has won over travelers who are young at heart with its innovative value proposition and energetic voice. The Vietnam properties will redefine the hospitality experience in their locales, blending game-changing amenities with a truly lively atmosphere,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. The first four Tru by Hilton hotels in Vietnam includes the Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station, bringing a fresh, vibrant stay to the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Designed with inspiration from Hanoi Railway Station, which has been the city’s key transit hub for over 120 years, the hotel blends contemporary comfort with the city’s rich local heritage. With 129 thoughtfully designed rooms, including king, twin, king with sofa, and Accessible options, guests can expect a relaxed and seamless stay. Located just across from Hanoi Railway Station, the property offers easy access to the city’s most iconic attractions, from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, to Hanoi’s renowned street food scene. Whether exploring historic landmarks or enjoying a taste of local flavours, guests will find everything they need just moments away. Tru by Hilton Ha Long Hon Gai City Centre offers the best of both worlds – stunning views of Ha Long Bay and the energy of the city’s bustling centre. With 90 well-appointed rooms, including king, twin, and accessible options, the hotel provides everything guests need for a comfortable and convenient stay. Just steps away from boat tours and cruises that explore the UNESCO-listed bay, guests can immerse themselves in Ha Long’s breathtaking natural beauty. The property’s central location also places them close to the city’s best local seafood restaurants, cultural attractions, and lively markets, making it the ideal base for relaxation and adventure. Each Tru by Hilton property in Vietnam will feature the signature “Top It” complimentary breakfast bar - offering a customizable morning meal with a variety of delicious dumplings, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. Open 24/7, the Eat. & Sip. market offers local gourmet snacks, refreshments, beer and wine, and complimentary fresh herbal-infused water made from local ingredients. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a well-equipped fitness centre and inviting social spaces for games and gatherings, or explore top dining, shopping, and entertainment with local recommendations from the Tru-ly Local wall. Select properties feature versatile function rooms for work or social gatherings. “Our partnership with Hilton to bring 14 Tru by Hilton hotels to Vietnam is a testament to the country's vibrant tourism market and immense potential. This milestone marks the transformation of the SOJO Hotels chain into Tru by Hilton, introducing a new international brand standard to our properties. With Hilton’s global expertise guiding these 14 hotels, we are set to elevate our offerings to world-class benchmarks and are confident that this partnership between Hilton and ROX Group will pave the way for even greater opportunities in the years ahead,” said Xuan Quang Tran, vice president and CEO of ROX Group. Following the first openings in Hanoi, Ha Long, Lang Son and Nam Dinh, additional planned openings include cities such as Da Nang, Thai Binh, Bac Giang, Hoa Binh, Hau Giang, Lao Cai, Dak Lak, Viet Tri, Can Tho, and Tam Ký. Each hotel will embody the vibrant and fun spirit of Tru by Hilton, offering guests a dynamic and memorable stay in these diverse and culturally rich locations. Tru by Hilton in Vietnam is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 24 world-class brands. Members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app. Members also have access to contactless technology through the Hilton Honors mobile app, where members can book direct, check-in or choose their room using Digital Key.
Arabian Travel Market emphasises the role of the Asia Pacific in the future of tourism
A new report following this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) shows that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth. APAC spending on international travel is poised to hit US$2.5 trillion while domestic travel may reach US$4.3 trillion by 2029. The data was released by Euromonitor International. The report also shows that outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of seven percent, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61 percent of all trips by the end of this year. By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75 percent of bookings set to be made online. A key point for discussion A high-impact panel discussion at ATM 2025 brought together top industry minds to explore the future of travel in the APAC region. Moderated by Mingie Wang, Chief Correspondent at China Daily, the panel discussed traveller behaviour, digital transformation, and the resurgence of outbound travel, particularly from China, providing fascinating insights into this key global market. Panelists included Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority; Gary Bowerman, founder of Check-in Asia; Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice-president of international markets at Trip.com Group; and Shahab Shayan, regional director for the Asia Pacific at the Department of Economy and Tourism. During the session they highlighted a shift in purchasing decisions across the APAC region, driven by experiential travel, digitisation, and a growing desire for cultural immersion. Sports and media are key influences According to ATM’s exhibition director in the Middle East Danielle Curtis: “More than 60 percent of travellers are booking trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40 percent are influenced by digital platforms such as TikTok. Interestingly, film and television are also playing a significant role, evidenced by a rise in bookings to Thailand following the popularity of The White Lotus.” According to a recent report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of ATM, tourism nights from Asia Pacific and Africa are on track to more than double between 2025 and 2030. The number of tourism nights, specifically from China to the Middle East, is expected to grow by 189 percent through 2030, and APAC source markets are set to account for the largest share of business nights in the region, with India, in particular, gaining importance. In addition, travellers from APAC record the highest spend per person per day globally, at a rate of US$300, across various tourism sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, and retail. This high level of expenditure is mainly driven by Chinese travellers whose strong purchasing power continues to shape global travel trends. How to ensure success in an increasingly prominent market The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, is key to ensuring the emirate’s strategic success in APAC markets, with a focus on market segmentation and storytelling. By tailoring messaging for platforms such as the video-sharing website Bilibili and the social networking and e-commerce platform Red Note, and leveraging strong air links through carriers like Emirates and flydubai, Dubai’s tourism authorities continue to position the city as a relevant, accessible, and aspirational destination for travellers across Asia. As a newcomer to APAC tourism markets, Saudi Arabia has adopted a highly localised approach, as outlined during the discussion. Recognising the diversity of the region, which comprises 49 distinct countries, tourism authorities in the Kingdom study each source market closely, from dietary preferences to cultural nuances, tailoring travel experiences accordingly. This strategy is supported by partnerships with media, trade, and research bodies to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s offerings resonate authentically with travellers across the region. Curtis added: “Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in travel decision-making across the APAC region, with consumers relying heavily on digital tools, social media, and AI. Mobile-first planning is transforming how travellers research and book trips, although the digital landscape varies significantly from country to country. One constant across the region is the importance of trust, particularly in peer-generated content, which continues to influence traveller choices at every stage of the journey.” Panellists also cited sustainability as a key consideration for younger generations in the APAC region, with research from Trip.com indicating that 30 to 40 percent of Gen Y and millennial travellers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel. For these consumers, sustainability extends beyond carbon offsets and environmental protection, encompassing support for local culture and heritage.
Amari Colombo lauded for exceptional interiors at the Asia Pacific Property and Hotel Awards
ONYX Hospitality Group’s Amari Colombo was recently honoured at the Asia Pacific Property and Hotel Awards 2025–2026. The hotel, together with the acclaimed interior design firm FBEYE International PTE LTD, took home the win in the category of Hotel Interior–Sri Lanka which honours hotels with outstanding achievements in interior design and innovation. Amari Colombo’s recognition is a testament to ONYX Hospitality Group’s vision to become Southeast Asia’s leading medium-sized hospitality management company and underscores a commitment to design innovation and exceptional guest experiences. The Asia Pacific Property and Hotel Awards honour excellence in architecture, interior design, and real estate across the region. This accolade likewise highlights the successful collaboration between ONYX Hospitality Group and FBEYE International PTE LTD, reflecting their shared vision for design-led hospitality that continues to set new benchmarks in the industry. Hotel manager Indika Jayawardena said of the distinction: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. The collaboration with FBEYE International has resulted in a truly breathtaking design that enhances our guests’ experience, and this award is a testament to that success.” A milestone in hospitality design Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s bustling commercial district, Amari Colombo embodies modern upscale living while staying true to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel’s interiors, envisioned by award-winning design firm FBEYE International, draw inspiration from Sri Lanka’s identity as the “Gem Island,” reflecting the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty. This concept is reflected in the sophisticated use of gemstone-inspired tones woven into carpets, wall panels, and beautiful detailing throughout the property. A highlight is the dramatic semi-circular reception on the sixth floor, which flows into the ocean-facing Mira Lounge and the intimate Chancellor, where colonial vintage motifs meet contemporary elegance. Every element of the design thoughtfully celebrates Sri Lankan heritage through a modern lens, making Amari Colombo a standout destination in the city’s skyline. Each of the hotel’s 167 spacious rooms and suites offers a refined blend of contemporary comfort and traditional aesthetics, catering seamlessly to both business and leisure travellers.
Maneesh Jaikrishna is Sabre’s new VP for airline IT solutions in the Asia Pacific
Global travel technologies firm Sabre Corporation announced the appointment of Maneesh Jaikrishna as its new vice-president and general manager for airline IT solutions in the Asia Pacific. Jaikrishna’s appointment was announced earlier today, 2nd June. An industry veteran with close to 30 years of experience in the field, Jaikrishna will leverage his extensive knowledge of the Asia Pacific aviation sector in his new role. This latest appointment reflects Sabre’s strong commitment to accelerating growth and innovation in Asia Pacific which is a key strategic market for the company. Proven leadership At the same time, Jaikrishna also brings a valuable wider perspective into regional operations, having led operations across the Middle East and Africa. According to senior vice-president for commercial and services in airline IT Darran Rickey: “Maneesh joins Sabre at a pivotal time for the aviation industry. His deep regional expertise, customer focus, leadership experience and passion for innovation will play a key role in helping our airline partners across Asia Pacific transform their operations and deliver better outcomes for travellers and businesses alike.” For his part, Jaikrishna was moved to remark: “I am honoured to take on this role and lead Sabre’s airline business in Asia Pacific. The region represents a powerful combination of growth, innovation, and diversity. I look forward to working closely with our customers and partners to help them thrive in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.” Meet Maneesh Jaikrishna Jaikrishna is a respected thought leader in the travel and transport technology space, known for championing collaboration, digital transformation, and customer excellence. He has held senior leadership roles at companies including SITA and, most recently, biometrics business Vision-Box, leading high-growth initiatives and building strong customer ecosystems by aligning technology and innovation with commercial value. He is recognised as a strategic people-centric leader who delivers results and builds long-term value.
‘Asia Pacific for Asia Pacific’
L-R: Gary Bowerman, Director, High-Yield Tourism; Patee Sarasin, CEO, Really Cool Airlines; Deepshikha Sehgal, Head of LGS (Lodging, Ground & Sea) - APAC, Sabre Corporation and Marga Manlapig, Editor, Travel Daily Media At the recently held TDM C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit 2025, at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, Thailand, there was an engaging panel discussion on the topic ‘Rethinking the ASEAN & APAC Travel Markets in 2025 and Beyond” Moderated by Gary Bowerman, Director, High-Yield Tourism, panelists included Patee Sarasin, CEO, Really Cool Airlines; Deepshikha Sehgal, Head of LGS (Lodging, Ground & Sea) - APAC, Sabre Corporation and our Editor at Travel Daily Media, Marga Manlapig. In the first part of the article, we dwell on Q1 travel results, airline source crunch, India, China outbound markets and more… Catering to the ‘silver hairs’ Keeping in mind the demographics of future travellers within APAC, Bowerman started by saying: “We do live in a region of ageing populations, some of our key visitor markets, China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea are ageing, and China has more than 100 million active silver travellers. People are over 50 years.” Post Covid the recovery for travel has been Asia Pacific for Asia Pacific We have already seen that Asian travellers have reignited and revitalised travelling and tourism in our region, whether that's for business, leisure or MICE. Sharing statistics, he said: “In Southeast Asia in April, there was 16.9 million outbound flight seats, 39 % of those were to destinations in Southeast Asia, 49% were destinations in the rest of Asia Pacific. So, 87% of the international flight seats from Southeast Asia, were to within the APAC region the next market after that was the Middle East, which was 7%. Bowerman stated that 2023 and 2024 were strong for rebound recovery growth markets across the region. However, the first quarter was slightly mixed in this region. Q1 growth across hotel chains in APAC Elaborating on the same Deepshikha Sehgal said: “In the last couple of days, a lot of global hotel chains have released their Q1 results, and it's all put looking positive. The growth is driven by this region, Asia Pacific, and when you're looking at that RevPAR growth, what's exciting about that is it's not just rate driven. It's driven by both occupancy, as well as rate. So, for instance, Japan has grown I think around 4% in occupancy, the rate has grown by about more than 15%. Vietnam has grown around 5% in occupancy and nearly 10% in rate, so that RevPAR growth is sustained and balanced. It's not like in 2023 and 2024 where there were the spurs of this pent-up demand it seems more balanced, the only city where there is a decline in rate is Singapore. There is a reason for that, let’s not forget about the Taylor Swift effect last year, so you know, when you compare a quarter one from last year compared with this quarter, you will see that impact the rate dipping. If I talk about the corporate side of things, it’s looking very strong, especially for APAC.” Thailand and Southeast Asia is the magnet for safe travel On being queried about his startup airlines Patee Sarasin touched on the supply chain. He said: “The key problems that we have is the supply chain of the aircrafts, the maintenance and, we are just being able to finalise our first aircraft after two years. But what you're going to see is a demand will continue to grow. We are planning to focus on the APAC region. Now with these conflicts and all uncertainty going on globally, Thailand and Southeast Asia seems to be magnet, whether there's a safe zone. Whereby everyone wants to travel. Further adding on about the high demand, he said: “The aircraft leasing price has been moving upwards very quickly, so there has been a summer crunch, everybody is chasing for an aircraft. Doing airlines at this stage with regards to the opportunities I would say, both logistics and the passenger wise is it's really in high demand. Prices of air tickets are not cheap as you know, right now. It is going to be quite a good market for the next 3 to 5 years.” Bowerman queried Marga Manlapig on the region, asking about what has been happening in the first three months of the year 2025. Revenues are just rolling in Q1, 2025 Sharing projections based on current figures, Marga Manlapig stated that: “The travel market within Southeast Asia alone, is going to be worth around USD 13.28 billion by the end of this year, that's provided we can sustain the growth of 5.43%, well into 2029. And by that, the market value alone is going to hit 16.41 billion USD by 2029, and if we're going to be talking about how much value the hospitality sector is getting from individual clients, we're already looking at 158 dollars and 23 cents per person per day so think about the thousands of travellers within this region. Thailand domestic is already at 15 per cent, Malaysia’s at 10% and let's not forget places like Indonesia and the Philippines, thanks to Bali and Boracay, you're seeing a resurgence of people post pandemic, so the revenues are just rolling in in Q1.” She added: “Also going back to what Deepshika said Singapore is in for a resurgence, because in the second or 3rd Quarter, I think Lady Gaga is exclusively performing in Singapore, that's the only Asian leg of her world tour, we're going to be seeing hospitality Jumping up. We're going to see inbound flights to Singapore, jumping up, and it's an exciting time for the region. Bowerman then queried Deepshikha Sehgal on how important did she that the interactions between NE Asia and Southeast Asia across-the-board for leisure, for business for MICE were? Based in Hng Kong, Sehgal feels that these are critically important. She adds: “Some of the largest economies of the world, our housed in this region, you know, we talk about China. We talk about India; we talk about Japan. They are the largest source markets to the world, and they are the largest source markets through the intra region travel, so you want to give some context. China for 2025 is forecasting to have 115 million international trips.” Intra-regional growing outbound from India and China Elaborating on the demographics she stated: “Going outbound from China now, the interesting thing is from that 115 million outbound trips. 68% of the travellers are under the age of 30, and we were just talking about Gen Z, so what's important here is how we capture that market or how we learn to capture that demographic talking about India, 29 million trips are forecasted for outbound internationally this year, and that number is expected to grow 5 folds By 2040 and actually there is a there is a study that was done, which showed that India, at some point, will surpass the number of international trips more than China by 2040.” Bowerman reiterated that when we quote 115 million international trips attributed to the Chinese, we must remember around about 50% of that goes to Hong Kong and Macao. Obviously, we chose India and China because they remain important. 'Domestic' remains the most important market “China, we know we had a slow regrowth, since it reopened in 2023. Everyone is for Thailand domestic because of course, your domestic market is your most important market, particularly in a country of 7580 million nightlife, like Thailand. Malaysia for two years for 2022- 2023 was the largest inbound market to Thailand before China engine started to regrow.” Concluded Bowerman.
Trip.Biz takes Business Travel Innovator Award at the Business Travel Show Asia Pacific
Trip.com Group’s corporate travel management brand Trip.Biz brought home the Business Travel Innovator Award 2025 at the first-ever Business Travel Show Asia Pacific held last month in Singapore. In a faceoff presentation on stage against four other industry players, Trip.Biz impressed judges with its revolutionary approach to redefining business travel mobility through seamless business-leisure integration, automated cost-splitting technology, and user-centric tools that balance policy compliance with traveller flexibility, outshining competitors to clinch the award. Trip.Biz chief executive Tao Song declared: “This award highlights our commitment to delivering one consistent experience for global teams, eliminating unmanaged business travel spending by keeping every booking within one managed platform.” The Business Travel Innovator Award celebrates exceptional contributions that redefine excellence in business travel. A distinguished panel of corporate travel experts selected Trip.Biz as the winner after evaluating all entries on technical innovation, business innovation, competitive differentiation, concept presentation, industry impact potential, and advancement of travel management practices. The Business Travel Show Asia Pacific brought together corporate travel buyers from Asia Pacific, the US, and Europe, with over 50 premier exhibitors. Successfully dealing with challenges The award recognises Trip.Biz’s success in tackling one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: leakage caused by fragmented systems. Traditionally, travellers seeking upgrades, add-ons, or even ground transportation were forced to book outside managed platforms, creating compliance gaps and financial blind spots. Trip.Biz eliminates this friction with complete end-to-end trip management, integrating flights, hotels, ride-hailing, and rail bookings into a single platform to ensure that all travel components, including ground transportation, remain on-channel. Judges likewise highlighted Trip.Biz’s cutting-edge co-payment feature as transformative. By enabling employees to pay out-of-pocket for upgrades directly within the Trip.Biz platform, the innovation keeps all bookings on-channel, a first for business travel management. \ Automatic excess calculation at the point of booking, personal payment integration, and clear spend separation in reporting eradicates manual reconciliation, accelerates approvals, and maintains full spend oversight to empower travellers to personalise trips in real-time without deviating from policy. Combined with 24/7 full-service support via the platform and dedicated call centre agents, Trip.Biz offers "immediate implement ability" for organisations seeking a future-ready solution. This translates to savings of up to 30 percent on travel costs, while enabling a 45 percent increase in efficiency. Trip.Biz’s comprehensive all-in-one platform delivers global consistency and exceptional experiences across every travel stage: Pre-trip: Extensive booking options through multi-GDS, LCC, NDC, and direct API integrations, instant upgrades, and custom approval workflows; On-trip: Intelligent support, multi-modal accessibility, intuitive self-service modifications, and real-time traveller tracking; and Post-trip: Leisure travel integration, automated expense reconciliation, comprehensive reporting, and customised carbon emission management.
Traveloka reports increased travel demand throughout Asia Pacific
Asian online travel platform Traveloka reports that travel demand is on the rise across Asia-Pacific based on figures from its recent EPIC Sale. Per recent platform data, more travelers are eager to explore new destinations and seek meaningful experiences. Traveloka noted that Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam emerged as the top three most-searched destinations by millions of APAC travelers during its recent EPIC Sale 2025 which ran between 22nd April and 5th May, offering discounts of up to 60 percent on flights, accommodations, and experiences. Launched simultaneously across seven key APAC markets; namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, the EPIC Sale not only delivered unbeatable deals but also provided insights into shifting travel preferences. Beyond the numbers, the campaign reflects a larger trend: travelers are looking to make the most of long weekends and holidays, with a growing interest in cultural exploration, nature escapes, and family-friendly experiences. To make the most of upcoming holidays, Traveloka encourages travelers to stay smart and save more by keeping an eye out for ongoing promotions, which offer significant discounts on flights, hotels, and attractions. Whether exploring nearby cities, discovering hidden gems within the country, or traveling to international destinations, these deals provide the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences every step of the way. Where APAC travellers want to go Thailand ranked first among the top 10 most popular destinations for travelers from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. On the domestic front, Udon Thani, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat emerged as the top favorites among Thai travelers, reaffirming their appeal as top local destinations. This reflects a clear enthusiasm for both global adventures and local escapes. According to Nok Air chief commercial officer Ranon Viputsiri: “It has been a great pleasure for Nok Air to collaborate with Traveloka on this campaign. The results have been remarkable, reflecting the strong synergy between both parties. We look forward to continuing this close partnership and achieving even greater milestones together.” Leisure travel and staycations continue to rise, indicating a growing preference for nearby travel with a more flexible itinerary. Based on accommodation searches, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Sukhumvit were favored by Thai travelers for short getaways, typically three day / two night stays to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and explore family-friendly experiences. This aligns with a larger shift toward more conscious travel, where convenience and affordability play a greater role. Making every experience count Meanwhile, Traveloka vice-president for commercial travel activities Baidi Li said: “Today’s travellers are increasingly focused on value, measured not just in price, but in relevance, flexibility, and the quality of experience. Through initiatives like EPIC Sale, we help partners respond to these evolving expectations by connecting them with the right customers through timely and personalized offerings. This campaign not only drove strong engagement across key markets, but also strengthened our role as a trusted partner in helping brands grow their visibility and reach through data-driven, customer-centric solutions.” During the EPIC Sale, there was a clear shift in traveler behavior: users were no longer just booking trips, they were curating experiences. In Thailand, this was reflected in the surge of interest for activities such as Aquaria Phuket, Safari World Bangkok, Pattaya Dolphinarium, Dream World Bangkok, and Baiyoke Sky Restaurant. In addition, cruise travel gained notable traction, with more users exploring unique seafaring getaways that combine leisure, exploration, and cultural enrichment. For his part, Royal Caribbean International’s vice-president and managing director in APAC Chad Grospe opined: “Today’s travelers are placing greater value on meaningful vacation experiences and seeking out journeys that create lasting memories. That’s why they turn to trusted platforms like Traveloka - partners who offer quality, curated travel experiences with seamless convenience. Our collaboration with Traveloka has allowed us to reach more travelers across the region, inspiring them to explore Royal Caribbean’s unique vacations both close to home and around the world. We’re proud to be part of their travel stories, helping to make every trip more exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.”
Asia Pacific Tourism & Cultural Council Pte. Ltd.
Bangkok, Thailand
Asia Pacific International Mice & Travel Centre Pte. Ltd.
Bangkok, Thailand
Asia Pacific Group
Melbourne VIC, Australia
MPG Asia Pacific
MPG Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore
November 2017 – Wi-Fi World Congress Asia Pacific
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ITB Asia, Asia's Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed to be the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin.
August 2023 – Digital Travel Asia
Digital Travel APAC is the region's travel event where the ambitious and digitally savvy business leaders and marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and eCommerce heads meet.
ITB Asia 2023: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 25 – 27 October 2023
ITB Asia, Asia's Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed to be the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin.
ITB Asia 2022: 19-21 October Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
ITB Asia 2022 is co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia covering the key verticals in the travel industry such as Leisure, MICE, Corporate, and Travel Technology. With three shows in one event, it has become Asia's largest travel showcase.
March: Resorts & Attractions Asia (RAA)
Asia has exceeded North America to become the world’s largest theme park market in attendance, and the region is expected
PATA Travel Mart 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand
PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision-makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships.
PATA Annual Summit 2025 – Turkiye
This PATA Flagship event embraces a global tourism forum, a technical tour to explore the hosting destination, and the Association’s annual meetings. The event brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers, and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacific region.
AIME 2025 – 10 – 12 February 2025 • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2025 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 10 – 12 February.
2024 PATA Travel Mart Final Call: Last Chance to Join as an Exhibitor!
Join the 47th edition of #PTM2024, one of Asia Pacific's longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. This is your moment to engage with over 260 international organisations from more than 40 destinations across the Asia Pacific region.
3rd Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2024
3rd Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2024 is scheduled for October 8-9 at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, stands as a pivotal part of Hospitality Asia Media's expansive Hospitality Asia Event Series, spanning across the Asia Pacific region. This comprehensive conference encompasses three pivotal summits: Hotel Investment Summit Japan #HISJ, Hotel Design Summit Japan #HDSJ, and Hotel Revenue Summit Japan #HRSJ, each tailored to address key facets of the hospitality industry in Japan.
AIME 2024 – 19 – 21 February 2024 • Melbourne, Australia
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19 – 21 February.
AIME 2023: 13-15 February 2023, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. AIME 2023 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 13 – 15 February and will see the industry coming together to celebrate AIME’s 30th Anniversary.
Live Online Event – Unchartered Antarctica onboard Le Commandant-Charcot PONANT’s world-first hybrid luxury exploration vessel
Join your host Craig Farrell and special guests Nicolas Dubreuil, PONANT's Head of Expeditions & Sustainability, and Mick Fogg, Head of Expeditions for Asia Pacific, to hear all about these exciting new Expeditions to the farthest reaches of Antarctica, and what you can expect from a journey onboard this revolutionary new ship.
AIME 2026: 9–11 February 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
Where the business events world meets in Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event – AIME – is
Hoskar Night – Phnom Penh
Kicking off the proceedings on June 4th at Rosewood Phnom Penh will be a private Developers’ seminar from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. This session will explore Cambodia’s hospitality market, including branded residences, design innovation and real estate opportunities.
ITB India 2025, Mumbai India
What is ITB India ITB India is an annual 3-day business-to-business trade show and convention curated to connect you to the