Aiden is a collection of contemporary hotels that capture the essence of their destination. Situated on Surawong Road, Aiden Surawong Bangkok lets guests discover an historic urban area which has evolved into a thriving heritage district where culture, creativity and commerce converge. The century-old Neilson Hays Library, the Bangkok Folk Museum, and the flagship store of Jim Thompson, the iconic silk merchant, are all located along the same street as the hotel. Neighbouring Silom, with its vibrant night market, Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown and street food haven, and the Bang Rak riverside district are also just a short commute away. Sala Daeng BTS skytrain station and Sam Yan MRT subway station put the entire city within easy reach.

Aiden Surawong Bangkok pays homage to the area’s heritage and evolution. The hotel has been transformed from a former jewellery workshop, and its interiors sparkle with the imagery of precious gemstones. Evoking the spirit of the 1920s, travellers are immersed in the glamour of old Hollywood, with a Gatsby-like Art Deco design, connected social areas, and plenty of Instagrammable spaces.

“The debut of Aiden in Thailand and Southeast Asia demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of a new generation of savvy travellers. They are seeking more than a gateway; they are looking for connection and lifestyle in dynamic destinations—it’s about meaningful moments in local neighbourhoods. With its blend of historical charm and modern creativity, Bangkok is the perfect place to introduce Aiden to the region. I am confident that our discerning guests, including our Best Western Rewards® members, will be inspired by the hotel’s striking design, social vibe, seamless connectivity, and intuitive amenities,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

The 77 rooms and suites are refined sanctuaries with modern amenities intuitively suited to the needs of digital nomads and urban explorers. Guests can unwind at the Gems Pool with skyline views, work out at the fitness centre, or dine in style at Club Ruby, an elegant restaurant which transitions from a casual morning café to an all-day dining venue and a bar for after-work drinks. The Garden by Aiden is a laid-back social space for post-work hangouts and private gatherings, featuring signature drinks.

With the opening of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, BWH Hotels now operates 17 properties in the Greater Bangkok region, making it one of the city’s leading hotel operators. It also marks the group’s 28th property in Thailand. In line with the company’s five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels is targeting around 200 hotels across the Asia Pacific over the next five years.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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Created through a landmark partnership between luxury powerhouse LVMH and global hospitality leader Accor, the spectacular new vessel represents one of the most ambitious and glamorous hospitality projects launched in recent years.

Blending the romance and prestige of the legendary Orient Express brand with cutting-edge naval engineering, refined design and exceptional gastronomy.

The Orient Express Corinthian is being positioned as a floating sanctuary of elegance and exclusivity for a new generation of affluent travellers.

At an extraordinary 220 metres in length and weighing 16,000 metric tons, the Corinthian dramatically redefines luxury ocean travel. The vessel accommodates just 110 guests in 54 ultra-luxury suites, including six exceptional penthouse residences, ensuring a highly personalised, intimate onboard experience rarely found at sea.

Interiors reflect a refined blend of Art Deco sophistication and contemporary French luxury, with private butler service adding another layer of exclusivity.

Orient Express executives describe the Corinthian not as a cruise ship, but as an entirely new category of “ultra-luxury experiential travel,” positioned somewhere between a private superyacht and a six-star boutique hotel.

The maiden itineraries will explore some of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting destinations before the vessel later transitions to Caribbean voyages.

One of the defining features of the Corinthian is its revolutionary sailing technology.

The yacht features three enormous “Solid Sails,” each measuring approximately 1,500 square metres. Constructed using carbon fibre reinforced glass panels rather than traditional woven sailcloth, the innovative sail system was developed after conventional sailmakers reportedly abandoned the concept due to the immense engineering challenges involved.

Engineers at Chantiers de l’Atlantique ultimately succeeded in creating a patented solution that combines advanced sustainability with remarkable open-sea performance.

The vessel’s sleek hull design and towering sail structure create one of the most striking silhouettes ever seen in modern maritime travel.

Sustainability also sits at the heart of the project. The yacht combines wind propulsion with advanced hybrid technologies and future-ready engineering designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining exceptional luxury standards significantly.

The onboard lifestyle offering is equally extraordinary. Guests will have access to five restaurants, private dining venues, eight bars and lounges, a marina, swimming pools, a cabaret-style entertainment venue, a recording studio and an exclusive Guerlain spa.

The culinary programme will be overseen by legendary French chef Yannick Alléno, holder of an extraordinary 18 Michelin stars across his global restaurant empire. His signature venue, “La Table de l’Orient Express,” is expected to become one of the most exclusive dining experiences at sea.

Each restaurant aboard the vessel will feature its own distinct culinary identity inspired by the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions visited during the voyages.

Industry analysts believe the launch of the Corinthian may fundamentally reshape the future of luxury travel by merging the privacy and intimacy of yacht culture with the service standards of the world’s finest luxury hotels.

The Orient Express brand itself continues to expand far beyond its historic rail heritage, evolving into a complete luxury hospitality universe spanning iconic trains, hotels and now revolutionary sailing yachts.

A second vessel, the Orient Express Olympian, is already scheduled to follow in 2027.

For the global luxury travel industry, the launch of Orient Express Corinthian signals far more than the arrival of another high-end ship. It represents the rebirth of glamorous ocean travel, combining timeless elegance, visionary engineering and highly personalised experiences for travellers seeking the very best the world has to offer.

Vessel highlights

• World’s largest sailing yacht

• Maiden voyages begin May 2026

• 220 metres / 721 feet in length

• 16,000 metric tons

• Three revolutionary “Solid Sails”

• 1,500 square metres of sail area per mast

• 54 luxury suites

• Six penthouse residences

• Maximum capacity of just 110 guests

• Five restaurants and multiple private dining venues

• Culinary programme by 18 Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno

• Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries

• Advanced hybrid and wind-powered technology

• Built in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique

About the Author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive specialising in Asian tourism. A resident of Thailand since 1991, he brings over four decades of international hospitality experience, including senior roles with leading hotel groups such as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels and the Royal Cliff Hotels Group. A former Director of Skål International, he also served as President of Skål Asia and National President of Skål Thailand, and twice as President of Skål International Bangkok. He writes widely on tourism and aviation trends across Asia.

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MTF last convened in Myanmar in 2002, more than two decades ago. Sedona Hotel in Yangon hosted the 7^th edition of the regional event that represents six country members (Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam).

Myanmar was scheduled to host the forum in Bagan in 2020 and 2021. Those plans repeatedly failed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regional travel restrictions following the military coup in February 2021.

This time round, MTF 2026 will be hosted at the Pan Pacific Yangon, adopting the theme ‘Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose’.

Whatever happened to?

As they plan their trip to Yangon to attend MTF’s 28th edition, faithful followers might raise the question: Whatever happened to the Mekong Minis and Moments or Mekong Heroes and Experience Mekong Showcases? 

Between 2017 and 2021, MTFs earned a reputation for introducing innovative marketing campaigns. The nine initiatives recognised Mekong tourism companies, individuals residing in the six-country region and startup tourism and hospitality ventures. 

The Mekong-themed awards and campaigns had an appealing ring to them that resonated with delegates. MTF delegates welcomed Mekong Heroes, voted on the best 60-second Mekong Mini videos and encouraged startup travel enterprises to gain priceless assistance from technology experts on how to make a breakthrough and succeed. Annually, MTF earned a reputation for being a busy platform spotlighting SMEs in the Mekong region and honouring them with awards.

For several years, before the forum’s two-year pause (2020 and 2021) due to the COVID-19 crisis, the MTCO office rolled out nine “Mekong”-branded campaigns or awards. They caught our attention, earning prime-time slots on the MTF programme. They revitalised the forum’s content and recognised people who make Mekong Region travel succeed. 

Since 2021, asking the question “Whatever happened to the nine Mekong campaigns and award schemes?” prompted a bland, almost disinterested response from both the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and the founders of Destination Mekong.  

What we do know confirms that the nine Mekong campaigns were successfully established by the MTCO from 2017 to 2021 and premiered at various MTFs with stage presentations curated by the marketing agency Destination Mekong. 

But in 2021, they were unceremoniously parked on the Destination Mekong website and, from that point on, ceased to exist as MTCO activities. All nine popular projects failed to resurface at MTFs since 2019.  

The only references to the nine campaigns are on the inactive Destination Mekong homepage, headlined  “Projects”. That brings us back to the first question: Whatever happened? 

Question time

TTRW filed questions with Jens Thraenhart, the former MTCO executive director and founder of Destination Mekong, regarding the future of Destination Mekong.

His response: To clarify, Destination Mekong (DM) is currently dormant with no ongoing activities or financial transactions. Regarding the “nine projects”, we are evaluating whether relocating them to MTCO would be the best way to preserve and activate them to guarantee stakeholder and shareholder value.

“At this stage, we have not been approached by MTCO with either an intention to start discussions or a plan to successfully operate some or all of the projects. 

“MTCO has not signalled any interest in operating or cooperating on any of these or other projects. Our focus remains on assessing how best to proceed with these initiatives once the GMTO is formally established to ensure the most value for the tourism industry in the GMS, and we remain open to any suggestions either from the public or private sectors”.

A word from MTCO

In response to TTRW questions, the MTCO Executive Director, Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij said: “From MTCO’s perspective, tourism marketing initiatives and campaigns naturally evolve over time depending on organisational priorities, available resources, partnerships, and broader regional directions, including the priorities agreed by the six GMS member countries under the recently adopted GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, which now serves as the key roadmap for regional tourism cooperation. While some earlier initiatives are no longer active, MTCO continues to support and develop new programmes aligned with the strategy and the evolving needs of the region.”

She added: “In particular, we continue to place strong emphasis on storytelling, local voices, and people-centred tourism development. One example is our ‘Mekong Voices. interview series, which has featured nearly 100 stories highlighting tourism champions, local innovators, and community leaders across the Greater Mekong Subregion.”

Meanwhile, a check of Destination Mekong’s registration status in Singapore shows the company registered on 22 January 2022 and, as of 25 April 2026, is “gazetted to be struck off.” (Source: ACRA — Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).

Nine forgotten campaigns

Experience Mekong Collection
The “Experience Mekong Collection” presented small, responsible, and sustainable travel businesses in the Mekong Region. 

Experience Mekong Showcase
Every year, six members of the Experience Mekong Collection are awarded the Experience Mekong Showcase recognition.

Mekong Deals
Mekong Deals was a collaborative campaign to support business recovery in the Mekong Region, with the portal providing SME’s with a channel to offer non-refundable travel and stay vouchers.

Mekong Heroes
Annually, the campaign selects a tourism leader who has made a significant contribution to developing tourism sustainability in the Mekong Region. It honours them as a Mekong Hero. Three tourism entrepreneurs have won the award.

MIST
The Mekong Innovations in Sustainable Tourism (MIST) programme seeks innovative initiatives and projects from anyone, including students, startups, social enterprises, SMEs, corporates, and governments, to strengthen sustainability and resilience in travel. Four annual editions from 2017 to 2020, with winners declared at MTF

Mekong Memories
Mekong Memories is a collaborative social media tourism recovery campaign. It addresses past guests and visitors and asks them to share their memorable experiences in video and photo formats, tagging #MekongMemories.

Mekong Minis
The Mekong Minis is a social media campaign that celebrates the many faces and experiences of the Mekong Region and promotes the region as a single tourism destination through 60-second videos, with the best effort winning an award presented at the MTF.

Mekong Moments
Mekong Moments is a visual consumer marketing campaign and travel inspirational platform that collaboratively promotes the Mekong Region as a single tourism destination and drives direct business to individual businesses through social commerce.

Mekong Stories
The initial edition of Mekong Stories, released in 2021, reflects four years’ work telling the stories of many individuals and organisations working in the GMS’s tourism industry. 

MTCO to legalise structure

Meanwhile, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office faces challenging times as it grapples with the need to legalise its structure. This process failed under the tenure of various executive directors and members of the Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group over the last decade. It is now on the cusp of rebranding the MTCO as the Greater Mekong Tourism Office (GMTO) as it embarks once more on the complicated path to legalise its structure. 

Oversight of MTCO’s operations and budgets is with the governments of the six Mekong countries — Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China (Yunnan and Guangxi) — through the GMS Tourism Working Group. However, since the MTCO was formed in 1997, the fundamental challenge has always been how to recruit financial support from the tourism and hospitality sectors in the six-country region, specifically to launch marketing campaigns.

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Ho Chi Minh City – Colombo route

The new Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo service marks Vietjet’s entry into the Sri Lankan market and represents a further step to growing its South Asia network. 

Scheduled to commence in August 2026, the route will operate four return flights per week, creating a new air bridge between Vietnam and Sri Lanka while supporting greater tourism, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchange.

Vietjet, First Vice Chairman Dinh Viet Phuong said: “The Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo route opens a new air connection between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, creating new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

Colombo, a key economic and trading hub in the Indian Ocean, and Ho Chi Minh City, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic metropolitan centres, are expected to form a new bridge for regional growth and cooperation.

Expanding partnerships in India

In India, Vietjet has also signed strategic cooperation agreements with GMR Airports Limited and Bird Group, two of the country’s leading enterprises.

The agreements pave the way for broader collaboration between Vietnam and India across aviation infrastructure, logistics, airport services, technology, tourism, and hospitality. 

Over the years, Vietjet has been a pioneer in connecting Vietnam with India, developing an extensive flight network to India’s major economic, cultural, and tourism hubs, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. 

(Source: Vietjet)

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The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance will retain the remaining 10% of the share capital.

Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2027, subject to approval by the relevant authorities, including the European Commission and the US Department of Justice.

The company is now preparing to enter a new phase of growth within the Lufthansa Group, thereby improving its exposure to the European and international air transport markets.

ITA Airways will continue to operate under its own brand, which will be maintained and enhanced within the group’s structure. Closer integration into the Lufthansa Group will enable ITA Airways to develop further industrial and commercial synergies with the group’s airlines, while preserving its Italian identity. 

For the company, this represents an opportunity to consolidate its role as Italy’s reference carrier, contributing to the growth of the country’s connectivity and to the promotion of Made in Italy around the world.

Italy represents a strategic market in the European and international landscape: it is the third-largest economy in the European Union and the Lufthansa Group’s largest catchment area outside the United States and its home markets. In this context, ITA Airways confirms its central role in connecting the country with the rest of the world, supporting tourism, businesses, trade flows and international mobility.

ITA Airways’ integration path as the Lufthansa Group’s fifth network airline will also continue, building on the progress already made and the major customer milestones achieved. 

“This new phase represents a step of major industrial and strategic significance for ITA Airways. Over the past few years, we have built a solid, recognisable company focused on quality, thanks to the contribution of our people and the trust of our customers, and Deutsche Lufthansa’s decision is a clear demonstration of the good work carried out so far,” said ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart. “We look to the future with ambition and responsibility: full integration into the Lufthansa Group will allow us to compete more strongly in international markets, while continuing to bring to the world the value of Italy, its connectivity and its capacity for innovation.”

(Source: ITA Airways)

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Qatar Airways flights to Helsinki (HEL)

As part of its commitment to further connectivity to Europe, Qatar Airways will operate four weekly flights to Helsinki from 15 July and increase its frequency to daily from 1 August. Travellers from Australia, Kenya, and Southeast Asia will benefit from the airline’s extensive global network.

Flights will depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Doha (DOH) to Helsinki (HEL) – Flight QR301: Departure 0840; arrival 1530.
Helsinki (HEL) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR302: Departure 1705; arrival 0005.

From 1 August, additional flights will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Doha (DOH) to Helsinki (HEL) – Flight QR303: Departure 0130; arrival 0820.
Helsinki (HEL) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR304: Departure 09:50; arrival 16:50.

Qatar Airways flights to Tokyo Haneda (HND)

Qatar Airways is complementing its service to Tokyo Narita (NRT), returning to Tokyo Haneda (HND) with four weekly flights from 15 July. Facilitating onward transfers in Japan for travellers from Europe and the Middle East, the airline will increase its operations to daily flights from 1 August.

From 15 July, the schedule below will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and will increase to daily operations from 1 August.

Doha (DOH) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Flight QR812: Departure 0750; arrival 0005.
Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR813: Departure 01:35; arrival 0645.

Qatar Airways is improving global connectivity by rebuilding its network to cover over 160 destinations across six continents this summer.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

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Bolt, a leading global ride-hailing platform, recently met with relevant regulatory authorities in Thailand to provide updates on its ongoing efforts to enhance industry standards for app-based ride-hailing services. 

The discussions focused on fostering a fair and competitive ecosystem while continually strengthening public safety standards. 

Following discussions with government stakeholders, Bolt took on board valuable recommendations to improve its services. The company also confirmed that it continues to operate and serve passengers as usual while the electronic platform certification process is under review, ensuring that people across Thailand can continue to access safe and convenient transportation services. 

As part of these efforts, Bolt shared updates on several proactive safety measures.

Enhanced driver selfie verification: Bolt has enhanced its driver selfie checks using facial recognition technology to reduce instances of driver impersonation, including a shorter time window, meaning drivers will be verified more often.

Zero-tolerance enforcement: Bolt has further tightened its policy against account sharing and impersonation, with drivers who violate it being terminated from the platform. 

Supporting Driver Compliance: Bolt continues to support drivers in obtaining public driving licences and public vehicle registrations (RY.17 and RY.18) to help ensure compliance with Thai regulatory requirements.

Passenger Support and Assistance: Following the unfortunate incident involving a passenger in late April, Bolt acted immediately to provide support and assistance to the affected individual, including coverage for medical treatment and mental health support, in line with the company’s responsibility and care for those impacted.

Bolt Thailand General Manager Nathadon Suksiritarnan said: “Safety remains our highest priority, alongside supporting a fair and competitive ecosystem across the industry. We remain committed to serving passengers in Thailand while continuously improving a transparent and reliable platform. Bolt will continue investing in initiatives that help reduce barriers for drivers entering the platform and contribute to improving mobility standards for people across Thailand under internationally aligned regulatory practices.”

(Source: Bolt Thailand)

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The project focuses on refining the onboard experience through updates to the Aquamarine Classic Suite category and several key public spaces.

The drydock will see a complete refit of the Aquamarine Classic Suites’ living area and bathrooms on Deck 10. While preserving their existing layout and spacious bathrooms featuring separate bathtub and shower configurations, these suites will be outfitted with new furnishings, aligning with the design style introduced during the ship’s 2023 transformation. 

In addition to the suite enhancements, several public spaces will be updated, with improvements designed to elevate the onboard experience.

New Pool Bar: Located on Deck 12 mid-ship, the heart of the ship’s outdoor space, the addition allows for greater ease and efficiency of service, ensuring guests can enjoy refreshment without leaving the Seahorse Pool area. 

Atrium and Crystal Cove: The ship’s central gathering space will be transformed to provide a modern layout with additional seating. Key updates include a new marble dance floor, a new stage for live entertainment and a De Castelli mosaic, echoing the design installed aboard Crystal Symphony during her 2025 drydock. The reception area will have an elevated space with a new desk, a marble top, and a backlit panel.  

“These enhancements underscore our commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests at every touchpoint, while ensuring that Crystal Serenity continues to feel as welcoming and enriching as the journeys themselves,” said Crystal Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Bernie Leypold. 

In parallel to the enhancements across guest-facing spaces, Crystal Serenity will undergo a series of technical upgrades designed to optimise performance, efficiency and environmental responsibility. 

Work along the propulsion line will support the vessel’s operational reliability, while the fin stabilisers will undergo a mechanical overhaul to ensure continued comfort at sea. The ship will also undergo extensive hull cleaning and repainting, along with a range of electrical and automation upgrades to modernise onboard systems. New sound and entertainment systems will be installed in the ship’s main public areas, further elevating the onboard experience. 

Crystal Serenity is expected to resume its sailings on 8 November, beginning with a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale, where she will begin her Caribbean season. 

(Source: Crystal)

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Established through a partnership between camp operator YAANA Ventures, Minor Group and Wildlife Alliance, the 12-tent award-winning eco-retreat continues to protect an 18,073-hectare concession within Botum Sakor National Park in southwest Cambodia. Its model channels a percentage of guest stays directly into conservation activities, reinforcing its founding principle: “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing.”

In 2025, the camp supported 620 ranger patrols, including more than 7,700 kilometres on foot through lowland indigenous forest. These efforts led to the removal of 819 snares, 15 illegal incursion camps, and 22 chainsaws. Two endangered Sunda pangolins were rescued during the year.

Wildlife

Wildlife monitoring by Cardamom Tented Camp has increased. With 72 camera traps deployed, including 25 newly installed units, the camp recorded several significant sightings, including the rare marbled cat and the critically endangered white-eared night heron. These findings indicate continued wildlife recovery in the protected area.

The report reflects the camp’s adoption of the 4Cs framework of The Long Run — conservation, community, culture and commerce. Conservation remains the camp’s raison d’etre, supported by community engagement, cultural respect and financial sustainability.

In 2025, Cardamom Tented Camp generated 13,816 kWh of solar energy, up from 9,960 kWh in 2024. This contributed to a 35% reduction in diesel use, falling from 1,400 litres to 915 litres year-on-year. Waste management initiatives progressed, with 882 kg of recyclable materials processed and a staff incentive scheme generating additional income.

Community initiatives expanded beyond the camp. A pilot waste management programme launched in Chi Phat and supported by Cardamom Tented Camp, engaged 20 households in waste separation practices and reduced landfill impact.

Artist- in-residence plans

In 2026/27, Cardamom Tented Camp plans to enhance community and cultural commitments. There will be an artist-in-residence programme inspired by Cambodian culture and traditions.

Camp manager Allan Michaud, who is also a conservationist and wildlife photographer, said: “While we are proud of the measurable progress made in protecting the forest, we aim to embrace the local community more in the camp’s operations and outreach. We want conservation and local wellbeing to grow together.”

The camp’s 18 staff members mostly come from nearby villages and townships.

The latest full impact report for Cardamom Tented Camp can be downloaded here.

(Source Cardamon Tented Camp)

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The recovery, alongside rising branded residence momentum in Bali, took centre stage at the inaugural Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026), held on Tuesday at The Langham, Jakarta, in front of an audience of more than 400 industry leaders from hospitality, tourism, investment, data, sustainability and branded real estate.

As host venue and partner, The Langham, Jakarta provided the setting for the inaugural forum, placing the discussion within one of the capital’s leading luxury hospitality addresses and connecting the event to wider conversations around premium travel, mixed-use development and branded hospitality.

“Luxury travellers coming to Indonesia are not looking for replicas of global hotels,” said Langham Hospitality Group Regional Vice President – Operations, Asia, Sherona Shng. “They are seeking meaning, context, and a sense of place. The brands that succeed here will be those that understand Indonesia’s cultural complexity and deliver experiences that feel deeply personal, not standardised.”

According to STR, the hotel analytics division of CoStar Group, luxury hotel occupancy in Indonesia for the 12 months ending March 2026 has returned to pre-pandemic levels, outperforming all other hotel classes, which remain 5.5 percentage points below their previous highs. Indonesia’s hotel rates have also risen by more than 40% since 2019, supported by market maturation and new high-end hotel supply.

The data points to a more confident outlook for premium hospitality in Indonesia. Building on this, luxury hotels have led average daily rate growth since 2023, while Bali’s luxury segment continues to record strong rate growth, driven by international demand and a diverse set of source markets.

Indonesia’s luxury hotel occupancy returned to pre-pandemic levels for the 12 months ending March 2026, outpacing other hotel classes and underlining the resilience of high-end travel demand. Source: STR / CoStar.

Alongside the luxury travel rebound, ITX 2026 also spotlighted the rise of branded residences in Bali. According to C9 Hotelworks research, Asia’s branded residences pipeline has reached IDR707 trillion (about USD40 billion) across 50,025 units, representing 30.3% year-on-year growth. Indonesia accounts for IDR24.7 trillion, or about USD1.4 billion, across 1,145 launched units, highlighting the country’s regional importance.

Bali has emerged as one of Indonesia’s key branded residence markets, accounting for 25% of the country’s branded residence market value. The island now has more than 70 active hospitality-managed developments, with branded residences accounting for around 10% of active supply. Canggu/Berawa is the largest cluster, with 1,703 units across 25 properties, followed by Uluwatu, Seseh/Pererenan/Nyany, Seminyak and Sanur.

Organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group, ITX 2026 is a new annual platform for market intelligence, industry dialogue and commercial connections across Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The event is supported by the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI), the Jakarta Hotels Association (JHA), and the Bali Hotels Association (BHA).

Under the theme “Reimagining Journeys”, ITX 2026 addressed how Indonesia’s tourism sector is evolving in response to luxury demand, hotel performance, branded residences, investment trends, design, technology and sustainability.

Branded residences have grown rapidly across Asia, with Bali now accounting for 25% of Indonesia’s branded residences market value. (Source: C9 Hotelworks Market Research, 2026).

The ITX 2026 programme opened with a session on Indonesia’s investment climate and 2026 outlook, led by Bower Group Asia Indonesia Managing Director Douglas E Ramage.

The forum covered key forces shaping the sector, including luxury hospitality, hotel performance trends, technology, branded residences, leadership, culturally grounded design, ownership strategy and sustainability.

“Indonesia’s opportunity is not simply growth. It is smart growth,” said Horwath HTL Director – Pacific Asia Matt Gebbie. “Luxury hotels, in particular, face higher expectations on performance, capital returns and differentiation. Understanding which destinations, segments and concepts will truly perform in 2026 and beyond is now critical for investors and operators alike.”

Branded residences were examined in a dedicated session moderated by C9 Hotelworks  Managing Director, Bill Barnett, featuring speakers from Harmoni Bali, Marriott International and Langham Hospitality Group.

“Branded residences are no longer a secondary product in Indonesia. They are becoming a primary driver of luxury real estate demand,” said Barnett. “What makes Indonesia compelling is the combination of brand trust, destination appeal and lifestyle aspiration. The challenge is aligning those elements in markets that are diverse, fragmented and culturally nuanced.”

About Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026
Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 is a new annual industry platform that connects senior leaders and decision-makers across Indonesia’s tourism, hospitality, and destination development sectors. The inaugural edition took place on 12 May 2026 at The Langham, Jakarta, bringing together market intelligence, industry insight and commercial networking across hospitality, investment, sustainability, technology, branding, design and branded real estate.

Organisers
ITX 2026 is organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group. The event was further supported by the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI), Jakarta Hotels Association (JHA), and Bali Hotels Association (BHA). Media partners: Kompas ID, TDM and National Geography Indonesia.

(Source: Delivering Asia)

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