SINGAPORE, 20 August 2025: Singapore has always been a vital gateway for Sarawak tourism, and in 2025, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) returned with renewed focus and ambition.
Making its fourth consecutive appearance at the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) Holidays, STB aimed to strengthen Sarawak’s position as a preferred short-haul destination, building on the 59,793 Singaporean arrivals recorded in 2024 and driving further growth in arrivals this year.
Sarawak’s representative engaged visitors at NATAS 2025 with stories and heritage displays showcasing the state’s rich Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) offerings.
Held from 15 to 17 August 2025 at the Singapore EXPO, the travel fair offered STB an impactful platform to connect directly with Singaporean families, millennial travellers, retirees, expatriates,
and travel industry professionals. Sarawak’s showcase centred on its five core tourism pillars, Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF), which continue to define its appeal as an authentic, immersive, and accessible Borneo destination.
These engagements also highlighted Sarawak’s strong air connectivity, with 26 direct flights weekly from Singapore, including 19 to Kuching, three to Sibu and four to Miri.
“Singapore continues to be one of Sarawak’s most important source markets,” said Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. “We are here not just to promote packages, but to share our living heritage, celebrate our diversity, and invite travellers to explore a Sarawak that is both culturally profound and naturally majestic.”
Visitors at NATAS were treated to live cultural performances reflecting Sarawak’s ethnic diversity and heritage, alongside a traditional tattoo demonstration featuring a Sarawakian tattoo artist offering temporary tribal body art, an interactive nod to the state’s Indigenous traditions. At the heart of the booth were Sarawak travel packages promoted by participating travel agents, with STB representatives offering destination briefings and product knowledge to guide consumer choices.
STB’s participation at NATAS forms part of a sustained engagement strategy in the Singapore market, which also includes Sarawak’s showcase at ITB Asia in October 2025 and the highly anticipated Sarawak Mega Fair from 16 to 19 October 2025. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen market presence, deepen partnerships, and boost visitor arrivals from Singapore.
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, these efforts also serve to elevate brand visibility and generate demand ahead of Malaysia’s most extensive tourism campaign. Through experiential promotions, targeted trade engagement and authentic cultural showcases, Sarawak continues to captivate the Singapore market and lay the groundwork for sustainable tourism growth in the years to come.
For more information on Sarawak tourism and attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism
MANILA, 20 August 2025: South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection opens as a bold new expression of design-led hospitality in the Philippines.
Located on a pristine stretch of beach in Bohol, the Philippines, the 88-room-and-suite beachfront resort reimagines tropical luxury through the lens of Boholano myth, artisanal design, and natural wellness.
(Left to Right) Phillip Pond, Founder of Atelier Pond, Patricia Ho Douven, Founder and Principal of White Jacket, Prasati Chenchin, Director of SCSY Studio, Pedro Angco Jr, Local Mosaic Artist, Chris Singer, Founder and Managing Director of SCSY Studio, Patrick Keane, Founder of Enter Projects Asia
Just 10 minutes from the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and near the famed Chocolate Hills, world-renowned dive sites, and forests, the resort offers front-row access to the island’s rich and tranquil beauty.
The resort is the vision of a globally renowned creative team: Interior designer Patricia Ho Douven of White Jacket, F&B and detailing specialist Phillip Pond of Atelier Pond, public space designer Patrick Keane of Enter Projects Asia, and master planners Chris Singer and Prasasti Chenchin of SCSY Studio. Together, they have created a property defined by tactility, sustainability, and a deep respect for local culture.
“By listening to local voices and weaving in cultural memory, we shaped a hotel that feels both discovered and dreamed,” said C9 Hotelworks’ Managing Director and the project’s lead consultant, Bill Barnett.
Events unfold across three key spaces: the 100-sqm Acqua Pavilion; the 200-sqm Marcela Ballroom; and a sweeping 500-sqm beachfront lawn, connected to a rooftop garden.
“We have created a place where Boholano culture comes alive, where nature and luxury exist in harmony, and where every guest forges meaningful connections that transform their stay into a personal story,” said South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao MGallery Collection General Manager Danish Khan.
A new flagship for MGallery in the Philippines, South Palms joins the Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery Collection as the brand’s second property in the Philippines and its first resort experience in the Visayas.
Guests can enjoy an exclusive “Elite Access” offer, which is available to book for stays until 31 October 2025. This rewarding promotion includes PHP3,000 in resort credit, which can be redeemed for dining experiences and leisure activities. ALL and Accor Plus members will receive additional benefits.
BANGKOK, 20 August 2025: Thailand’s journey forward is powered by tourism, not only as an economic engine but also as a cultural force.
At its heart lies Thainess — the warm hospitality, Buddhist values, language, and traditions that shape both inbound and domestic tourism.
Photo credit: AJW. Bangkok’s famous landmark, Wat Arun, the ‘Temple of Dawn’.
Campaigns such as “Thai Rak Thai” (Thai loves Thai), “Thai Tiew Thai” (Thai travel Thai), and “We Travel Together” have tapped deeply into this national identity, encouraging Thais to explore their own country while showcasing the kingdom’s soul to international audiences.
Tourism isn’t just an income stream; it’s the lifeblood of Thailand’s aspirations for the 21st century, funding infrastructure, transport, technology, education and a better quality of life for all Thais.
Under the stewardship of TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Thailand’s tourism sector is being reimagined with renewed energy, clarity, and unity. A famously fragmented industry, spanning planes, trains, hotels, catering, MICE, digital platforms, and cultural experiences, it is now moving in a common direction. Since assuming office, Governor Thapanee has brought not only creativity and cohesion, but also a pragmatic roadmap for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Bringing industry voices together
Skål International Bangkok President James Thurlby highlights the need for cohesion and bold innovation: “With so much global potential, the key is to focus on unity and collaboration. We must support each other and use our collective strength to diversify markets.”
Photo credit: AJW. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
Governor Thapanee’s blueprint for progress centres on the “New Thailand” strategy, a bold framework built around five pillars: new customers, new products, new partnerships, new marketing, and new performance metrics. This modernised model encourages creativity, inclusion, and resilience, positioning Thailand as a premium, future-facing destination.
She has also been a driving force behind sustainability and environmental integrity. In close partnership with KHATA (Khon Thai Against PM2.5 and Air Toxicity Alliance), TAT is tackling challenges such as agricultural burning, smog pollution, and harmful carbon emissions. KHATA’s influence has been profound—not just in spotlighting urgent environmental concerns, but in reshaping how tourism fits into the national conversation on sustainability.
This extends beyond green practices to economic sustainability as well. Thailand can no longer afford to rely on outdated models like zero-rated commissionable tours, particularly from markets where the bulk of revenue generated is immediately repatriated. These mass-tourism models offer little value to Thai service providers, local communities, or the economy.
Critics and commentators agree that the shift away from these unsustainable practices is overdue. Among them, I add my voice, as a long-time tourism professional, that tourism is not just a key economic driver, but it is essential to Thailand’s national development. With tourism contributing over 20% of GDP, the sector plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for Thai citizens and in enabling the government to sustainably reinvest in infrastructure, healthcare, transport, education, technology, and digital communications.
Thailand must now attract high-value, high-net-worth travellers who seek and can afford elevated, meaningful travel experiences. From bespoke wellness retreats and curated cultural programmes to fine dining and private heritage tours, Thailand is exceptionally well-positioned to cater to this segment.
One of the most exciting developments is the revival of luxury rail travel. With the importation of historic Japanese train carriages, TAT and the private sector have aligned on a shared dream, bringing royal-style rail journeys to Thai tracks. The Red Blossom and Blue Train concepts represent a significant step forward in delivering immersive, high-end travel that celebrates Thai elegance, history, and service culture. This is more than transport, it’s destination storytelling on rails.
TAT’s Village to the World initiative also exemplifies inclusive innovation. In partnership with the Stock Exchange of Thailand and leading corporations, rural communities are being transformed via ESG* towards modern tourism models. Seven prototype provinces are already benefitting from this approach, connecting local tradition to global trends while creating stable economic opportunities for rural populations. (*ESG Environmental, Social and Governance – is a set of standards measuring a business’s impact on society, the environment, and how transparent and accountable it is.)
Meanwhile, the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025 campaign fuses tradition with energy, highlighting five celebration-based themes: Festivity, Moment, Privilege, Invitation, and Celebration. These themes not only appeal to global travellers, but they also resonate with Thailand’s natural strength – Hospitality infused with joy. Bangkok exemplifies this kudos and has always been a magnet for tourists. It’s the no.1 attraction.
In 2024, Bangkok welcomed 47.20 million visitors, 32.40 million international tourists and 14.80 million domestic travellers, offering a mix of affordability, multiple attractions, vibrant culture and diversity.
A foodies paradise, the Thai capital offers affordable travel experiences focusing on history and culture (temples, palaces, museums), excellent shopping and dining, a lively nightlife and a warm tropical climate. Its two international airports ensure the city leads as a crucial aviation gateway to exploring Southeast Asia and beyond.
Movies on location
The Location Thailand programme is equally impactful, turning film locations into travel landmarks. Major international productions, such as The White Lotus Season 3 and Jurassic World: Rebirth, are being filmed in destinations like Phuket, Trang, and Krabi, generating visibility and economic activity. With up to 30% cash rebates, Thailand is positioning itself as a global film tourism hub.
TAT’s financial ambitions match its creative ones. With a target of THB3 trillion in tourism revenue by 2026, the plan is supported by integrated planning across international and domestic offices, strategic air connectivity expansion, and renewed digital engagement through AI and innovative tourism platforms.
Significantly, TAT is also leading the country’s Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Tourism framework, in collaboration with TSRI (Thailand Science Research and Innovation) and other research partners. This commitment aligns with national sustainability goals and represents Thailand’s growing role as a model for climate-smart travel.
Thailand’s tourism strategy under Governor Thapanee is not about patchwork fixes; it is about full-spectrum transformation. One leader. One vision. One united direction forward.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. A former general manager of several leading hotels in Thailand, Andrew arrived in Asia in 1991 at the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok and has remained in Thailand ever since. He has worked with the Royal Garden Resort Group (now Anantara), the Landmark Group, and was General Manager at the Royal Cliff Group and Chaophya Park Hotels & Resorts. A regular speaker at international tourism forums, he is a past president of Skål International Asia, Thailand’s National President, and a two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok.
MONTRÉAL, 20 August 2025: Air Canada confirmed on Tuesday that flights of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge remain suspended due to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) failing to direct its flight attendant members to resume the performance of their duties as directed by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
The CIRB has also directed flight attendants to resume the performance of their duties immediately.
Photo credit: Air Canada: Rolling cancellations extended.
Customers whose flights are cancelled are being notified of the cancellations and offered options that include a full refund, a future travel credit or rebooking on another airline. Those whose flights are cancelled are strongly advised not to go to the airport, unless they have a confirmed booking on a flight by another carrier.
In response to a labour disruption by CUPE that led to a strike on 16 August, Air Canada has been cancelling flights on a rolling basis. According to the latest announcement, all flights by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge remained cancelled throughout 19 August 2025. Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL continue to operate as usual.
The airline now estimates 500,000 customers have been disrupted as a result of the strike action.
Based on the latest updates, there is no confirmed date for when flights will resume. While the Canadian government and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) have issued multiple back-to-work orders, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has so far defied them.
Even if the strike were to end immediately, Air Canada has stated that it will take several days for operations to return to normal, as aircraft and crew are out of position. Some flight cancellations could continue for up to seven to 10 days after the strike concludes.
In conclusion, flights will resume when the strike ends. The earliest this could happen is if the union were to suddenly agree to the government’s order or reach a negotiated settlement. However, based on the union’s current position, this seems unlikely in the very short term.
About Air Canada Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally on six continents.
TAIPEI, Taiwan, 20 August 2025: Over 150 music performances in two weeks, 39 cross-industry music forums — Taipei launches Asia’s newest music platform and showcases its soft power.
The 2025 “Trendy Taiwan” will take place from 25 August to 7 September, delivering an international metropolitan music festival that showcases the city’s creative energy and charm to the world.
Three objectives
Concert Economy – activating consumption through music and connecting performance venues across Taipei.
Industry Trends – featuring expert forums discussing the trends and the future of the music industry.
Urban Actions – engaging cultural landmarks throughout the city.
Director of The Department of Cultural Affairs, Tsai Shih-ping, noted that, unlike last year’s pilot edition, this year’s edition focuses more deeply on the Concert Economy driven by music to boost tourism and consumption, with big concerts establishing the Trendy Taipei Boom.
Taipei Arena Series will feature top artists from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, from 5 to 7 September, with tickets already selling fast online.
Additionally, Taipei Very Live will take place in the lead-up to the main events, from 5 to 7 September, connecting 22 Live Houses and music restaurants with over 50 diverse performances, including rock, jazz, and pop.
Taipei Music Centre chairperson Sandy Huang emphasized that Taipei Music Centre is an administrative organisation dedicated to promoting pop music and also serves as one of the key venues representing the development of the pop music scene, This year’s Taipei Music Expo (TMEX) and Jam Jam AsiaA present 70 performances from 28 to 31 August with tickets now on sale.
Industry trends
The Industry Trends section enables Taipei to connect with the world and engage with the future through immersive exhibitions and global forums. The Trendy Fusion Forum will take place at Ambi Space One. It will host renowned guests like Sebastian Masuda (pioneer of Japanese Kawaii culture) and Cha Haley (K-pop industry strategist), who will offer global insights on pop culture and music and bring valuable international perspectives and industry insights to the forum.
TMEX, Asia’s leading music industry expo, will gather representatives from 10 APAC countries and 60 exhibitors, including major festivals like Busan Rock Festival, Zandari Festa (Seoul), Thailand’s Big Mountain Festival, and venues like Zepp and Duo Live House (JP). International delegates this year expanded from 25 to over 100, including top figures like the chairman of Busan Metropolitan City Festival Committee Nam Deok-hyun, the curator of SXSW Sydney Kartini Ludwig, the programme director of 988 FM Malaysia Hu Bi-Ai and Senior Programme Director of MY FM Chou Wei-Wen. New this year is an Industry Matchmaking Day, facilitating real collaborations between artists and professionals.
StartSphere Taipei, featuring startups from six countries, including Japan, Korea, the US, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries.
Taipei Film Academy focuses on “AI and the Future of Film”, inviting people in the movie industry in Taiwan and abroad to explore the possibilities of technology and filming.
Expanding into neighbourhoods this year, bringing music closer to everyday life and offering everyone more chances to take part in events and sense the charm of music and culture. With its blend of concerts, performances, forums, exhibitions, and marketplaces, Trendy Taipei welcomes music lovers, creatives, tech enthusiasts, and casual passersby to find inspiration and resonance in the city. Let’s walk into the town, listen to the rhythm of now, and witness how creativity redefines the power of the moment.
HONG KONG, 19 August 2025: Muslim leisure travellers have the same motivations as others: to explore new cultures, discover local experiences, and create meaningful memories.
The key difference lies in their need to do so in line with faith-based needs, such as access to Muslim-friendly food, prayer facilities, and privacy considerations.
Muslim travellers having a great time in Hong Kong.
“Travel planning to non-Muslim-majority destinations can be stressful when key information for our faith-based needs isn’t readily available,” says CrescentRating and HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen, a global authority on Muslim-friendly travel. “And navigating unfamiliar places among unfamiliar people can add to that anxiety.”
“These gaps create feelings of discomfort or exclusion, undermining the very purpose of leisure travel, which is to enjoy new experiences with peace of mind,” he adds.
Jelajah Hong Kong powered by Klook and HKTB.
It inspired “Jelajah Hong Kong”, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) ’s first-ever multi-market campaign to elevate Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination.
As part of this partnership, Klook brings to life a one-stop shop of Muslim-friendly activities and accommodations, as well as prayer-friendly day trips to family attractions and cultural highlights.
To bring these experiences to life, Klook taps into its Kreator network in key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to develop and share curated itineraries, offering firsthand recommendations that give Muslim travellers the comfort and confidence to explore Hong Kong freely.
Klook General Manager for Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand Kenny Sham says: “Working with HKTB, we can tighten the information gaps for Millennials and Gen Z Muslim travellers, thereby helping them to explore Hong Kong with confidence and comfort.”
For Klook, this campaign follows its partnership with CrescentRating and HalalTrip, which made it one of the first global experiences platforms to offer verified Muslim-friendly ratings, allowing users to easily identify activities and attractions that align with their faith-based needs.
As for Hong Kong, the city has been named the “Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year” at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025.
Hong Kong now ranks third among non-OIC (Non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations and second globally in the Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination category in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).
These accolades reflect growing recognition from the Muslim community for Hong Kong’s commitment to delivering inclusive and culturally respectful experiences for Muslim travellers.
Hong Kong Tourism Board Regional Director, Southeast Asia Liew Chian Jia says: “Since the launch of our Muslim-focused campaign, ‘Jelajah Hong Kong’, we’ve observed a growing level of interest and inquiries from Muslim travellers across our key source markets. Through this campaign, Hong Kong Tourism Board is strategically highlighting the city’s expanding range of Muslim-friendly offerings and experiences.”
“This partnership with Klook marks a timely and meaningful collaboration that further positions Hong Kong as an inclusive and welcoming destination for Muslim travellers. It also underscores our ongoing commitment to diversifying Hong Kong’s tourism appeal and meeting the evolving needs of global visitors,” says Chian Jia.
GMTI reported that international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 — up 25% from 2023 — and projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, travel spending is expected to reach USDD230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market.
Over the past 12 months, bookings to Hong Kong from the Muslim community have grown by 43.5%, with theme parks and attractions leading the way.
“We are delighted to see Hong Kong making significant strides towards becoming a more inclusive and welcoming destination for Muslim travellers. The partnership between Klook and HKTB is a good example of how collaborations can create meaningful, Muslim-friendly travel experiences to provide useful and relevant travel information for tourists,” says Fazal.
MELBOURNE, 20 August 2025: A new luxury riverboat will set sail on the Nile in 2026, due to be launched in Egypt by A&K Sanctuary.
Nile Seray is A&K Sanctuary’s fifth luxury riverboat and the most sophisticated and spacious to date, authentic to its name “Seray”, meaning palace. Designed for just 64 guests across 32 modern suites, Nile Seray offers spacious accommodations beginning with 33-sqm entry-level suites.
Photo credit: A&K Sanctuary.
Each suite features a seating area beside floor-to-ceiling windows, a waterside Juliet balcony, and a bathroom, whilst two magnificent suites boast full private balconies with outdoor spa pools overlooking the river.
Egypt’s Hidden Treasures
What truly distinguishes Nile Seray’s offering is the inclusion of Egypt’s most coveted archaeological sites as standard. Every booking features some of the most magnificent tombs on the West Bank of the Nile that are not on the usual sightseeing route: Nefertari, Seti I, Ramses VI, and King Tutankhamun.
These experiences offer encounters with Egypt’s most precious heritage sites and create the kind of extraordinary journey that has become A&K’s hallmark over nearly five decades of Egyptian exploration.
Nile Cruising
There are two restaurants, a spa and gym, and a top deck with canopied daybeds, a swimming pool, and an outdoor bar and lounge with wraparound views of the Nile valley. The wellness space features two spa treatment rooms alongside a well-equipped gymnasium, creating a sanctuary for rejuvenation between excursions.
A&K has historical links to the Nile dating back to 1977, when founder Geoffrey Kent was inspired by a chance encounter with actor David Niven on the set of “Death on the Nile” to lease the old steamship SS Memnon and launch A&K’s first Nile cruise. Since those pioneering days, A&K has continued to innovate and set new standards for luxury river cruising in Egypt.
Voyage highlights
Nile Seray sails between Aswan and Luxor on four-night voyages that transport guests back in time to ancient Egypt. The carefully curated itinerary includes visits to the magnificent temples of Luxor, Karnak and Aswan, alongside authentic cultural experiences such as felucca sailing around Elephantine Island, Egyptian cooking classes, traditional entertainment including costume parties and Dervish shows, alongside the opportunity for hot-air balloon rides over this awe-inspiring destination.
“Nile Seray represents the evolution of our nearly five decades of pioneering river cruising in Egypt,” said AKTG CEO Cristina Levis.
“This vessel embodies our understanding that luxury today is defined not by excess, but by space, authenticity, and the quality of experience.”
About Abercrombie & Kent Abercrombie & Kent pioneered luxury adventure travel with its first African safaris in 1962, founded on an ethos of adventure by day, luxury by night. Today, A&K’s award-winning travel services extend around the globe to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. A&K’s bespoke itineraries and escorted small-group tours offer one-of-a-kind, inspiring experiences, from expedition cruises and tailormade trips to exclusive villas, safari camps and private jet journeys, unlocking a world of possibilities for a life well-travelled. Behind every journey is an international network of more than 3,000 staff, in over 65 offices and 40 countries, ensuring invitation-only access to the people and places that make every destination unique.
About A&K Sanctuary A&K Sanctuary, part of the A&K Travel Group family, owns and operates luxury safari camps and lodges across Eastern and Southern Africa, riverboats in Egypt and Peru, with an expanding portfolio of exceptional properties planned across key destinations.
BANGKOK, 19 August 2025: WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, is bringing its signature style and sophistication to the pristine shores of Vietnam’s beloved “Pearl Island”, with the signing of the stunning WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, WorldHotels Distinctive.
WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc is set to open on 31 October 2025, with 465 stylish rooms and world-class facilities blending luxury, culture and coastal charm at its Tran Hung Dao Boulevard location just moments from the golden shores of Long Beach on the island’s radiant sunset coast.
This stunning beachfront sanctuary promises an unforgettable blend of elegance and genuine hospitality, perfect for romantic escapes, cherished family holidays, and inspiring corporate retreats, set against the mesmerising backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand.
Throughout their stay, guests can immerse themselves in nature-inspired recreation and relax in one of four inviting swimming pools — including a beachfront pool perfect for fun-filled family days, and a rooftop infinity pool offering tranquil ocean views. Younger guests can splash away in the children’s pool or enjoy hours of entertainment at the indoor kids’ club, while adults rejuvenate at the spa or stay energised at the fully equipped fitness centre.
Culinary journeys await all ages at two exceptional restaurants serving local and international cuisine, while two stylish bars provide the perfect setting for refreshing drinks or sunset cocktails. For event organisers, the resort’s state-of-the-art conference centre offers versatile spaces for everything from intimate team-building retreats to large-scale corporate gatherings.
“Phu Quoc has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s premier destinations, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences. With the debut of WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, WorldHotels Distinctive, we are proud to elevate the island’s hospitality scene by introducing world-class facilities tailored to both leisure and business travellers, all in line with the distinguished global standards of WorldHotels,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.
WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc will become the second WorldHotels member in Vietnam, complementing Caravelle Saigon, WorldHotels Elite.
About WorldHotels WorldHotels is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWH® Hotels global enterprise. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, WorldHotels offers one of the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts around the globe, expertly curated to inspire unique, life-enriching experiences that connect people and places.
WorldHotels comprises four collections, each with its personality and style to appeal to the needs of today’s traveller. The collections include: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Crafted and WorldHotels Distinctive.
SINGAPORE, 19 August 2025: The sights and sounds of Sabah took centre stage at Marina Square on 16 August, as the Sabah Fest Singapore Edition 2025 brought North Borneo’s culture to life through music, dance, food, and heritage.
For Singaporeans, it presented an opportunity for them to gain a snapshot of Sabah’s cultural richness and explore holiday bargains.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (standing 7th right) with Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Dato’ Indera Azfar Mohd Mustafa (standing 8th right) and STTOS Managing Director Wendy Clare Stephen (standing 5th left) at the launching of Sabah Fest Singapore Edition at the Marina Square in Singapore.
The event was jointly launched by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Dato’ Indera Azfar Mohd Mustafa.
Joniston commented: “With direct flights between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is more accessible than ever, and we want to leverage this connectivity to attract more visitors to explore Sabah,” he said, adding that more than 13,000 Singaporeans visited Sabah between January and May this year.
He invited both Singaporeans and international travellers to experience Sabah first-hand by visiting Sabah Fest 2025 in Kota Kinabalu next month, from 30 August to 30 September.
KHAO LAK, Thailand, 19 August 2025: Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa presents its brand-new meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities, putting the elegant beachside resort firmly on the events map.
Just a 90-minute transfer from Phuket International Airport, the resort blends southern Thai charm with contemporary design, setting it apart from its regional competitors. Its strongest selling points focus on a combination of purpose-built spaces, world-class technology, intuitive service, and the spectacular Andaman coastline as a natural backdrop for outdoor events.
Photo credit: Andrew J. Wood. Andaman Grand Ballroom can hold 530 in classroom style.
A venue without limits
The crown jewel is the Andaman Grand Ballroom — a pillarless 513-square-metre venue for up to 530 guests. Equipped with a 346-inch LED screen, it delivers the perfect venue for immersive presentations, gala dinners, and product launches. Configurable into three smaller rooms, it adapts effortlessly for breakout sessions or more intimate gatherings.
For mid-sized events, the Similan Meeting Rooms offer flexible capacity for 20–120 guests. These are ideal for strategy meetings, training workshops, or private functions, and come with the latest AV systems and abundant natural light.
Alfresco Elegance
The resort’s outdoor venues transform events into experiences. Imagine a conference welcome reception on the beachfront lawn with the Andaman sunset as your backdrop, or a team-building day for 1,200 guests on the oceanfront lawn. The garden lawn, accommodating up to 700, is perfect for starlit networking with cooking stations from the resort’s signature Goji Kitchen & Bar.
From boardroom to ballroom to ‘I do’
The property is as much about romance as business. Wedding couples can say their vows with toes in the sand or host a grand ballroom banquet curated down to the last flower arrangement. A dedicated wedding team handles every detail, from décor and music to bespoke menus, blending local flavours with international favourites.
Integrated luxury
The resort’s 283 rooms, suites, and pool villas offer a luxurious retreat between meetings. Delegates can recharge at Quan Spa, stay active in the 24-hour fitness centre, or take a yoga class before plunging into the infinity pool. Those with extra time can explore Khao Lak’s pristine beaches, waterfalls, and dive sites.
For planners seeking an alternative to Phuket, Khao Lak Marriott delivers a fresh, coastal MICE destination with world-class infrastructure, stunning natural scenery, and Marriott’s hallmark service.
About the author Andrew J. Wood is a veteran hotelier and travel writer with over four decades in Asia’s hospitality industry. A former general manager and past president of Skål International Asia, he writes regularly for leading travel publications.
