SINGAPORE, 17 June 2025: Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts in August 2025.
With her music inspiring generations of families, Diana Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Celebrations kick off in August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, where Star will deliver seven-night vacations to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including visits to Royal Caribbean’s top-rated exclusive destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
“I am truly honoured to join the Royal Caribbean family,” said Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”
The celebration will set the tone for what’s in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight onboard zones, including a Category 6 waterpark.
SINGAPORE, 17 June 2025: Vietjet rolls out an SGD86 promotional fare as part of its summer sale on routes between Singapore and holiday destinations in Vietnam.
For Singapore-based travellers, they can tap the cheap fare to visit Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
From now to 2400 on 22 June 2025 (GMT+8), Vietjet is offering promotional tickets from just SGD86 one-way (inclusive of taxes and fees) valid for all Singapore-Vietnam routes. These fares are available for booking via www.vietjetair.com or on the Vietjet Air mobile app for travel between 11 August 2025 and 28 March 2026.
As part of the limited-time campaign, passengers can also enjoy a 50% discount on inflight meals (terms and conditions apply) when pre-ordered during booking.
Additionally, eco-class flyers can enjoy 20kg of complimentary checked baggage (terms and conditions apply) on all Singapore-Vietnam flights and other Vietjet international flights to and from Vietnam — perfect for packing those extra shopping finds or souvenirs.
The fare deal applies to visiting Hanoi, famed for its bustling streets in the city’s Old Quarter. Hanoi is also the gateway when joining a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Other destinations are also featured, such as Danang, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City.
BANGKOK, 17 June 2025: Ten Khiri Travel staff, including ‘Green Team’ spokespeople across eight Asian countries, have earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. The endeavour is part of Khiri’s ambition to be a completely GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025.
The qualifications were announced in early June following a four-week online course and examination run by the Council. Those that passed include six of Khiri’s ‘Green Team’ spokespeople, two general managers, one office manager, and the sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core in head office.
Staff who earn the certification retain it as a personal qualification for their whole career.
The training course held between March and April 2025 provided participants with an in-depth understanding of global sustainability standards and how to apply them in day-to-day operations.
The course was led by experts Nia Klatte and Ayako Ezaki, with guest speakers contributing operational insights. Delivered via the TrainingAid platform, the programme featured live sessions, interactive modules and technical discussions. The instruction will help Khiri strengthen its internal sustainability management system in 18 offices in all the eight Asian countries where it operates.
“GSTC training has elevated technical understanding and Khiri’s readiness for certification across the company,” said Khiri Core Sustainability Coordinator Sukhum Jarangdej. “It also ensures our local Green Teams are equipped to lead sustainability efforts in meaningful and measurable ways, in practice, not just in theory.”
Each Khiri country office has its own Green Team consisting of volunteer staff who spearhead sustainability projects, support certification initiatives and foster a culture of eco-consciousness across departments.
To receive personal GSTC certification, participants must pass the exam with a minimum score of 80%. The certification is individual based. It can be retained by the recipient as a qualification for the rest of their career.
Khiri’s three remaining general managers and a newly appointed spokesperson for the green team from Vietnam are now participating in the training course.
Natalie van Ogtrop (pictured), the sustainability manager for Khiri’s parent company, YAANA Ventures, earned the certification earlier this year.
Khiri Travel CEO Willem Niemeijer said: “The training represents a key milestone as Khiri moves toward overall GSTC certification as a company. We are committed to the 4Cs of Conservation, Community, Culture and responsible Commerce. Khiri will continue to lead by example on positive-impact regenerative tourism throughout Asia.”
MANILA, 17 June 2025: Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the Philippines’ largest hotel developer and operator, wins the ‘Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain’ award at the CrescentRating, Halal in Travel Awards 2025 held in Singapore last week.
The recognition, which was awarded by CrescentRating for the first time, highlights the group’s initiatives in embracing diversity and promoting inclusive travel by creating safe spaces with services that cater to the evolving needs of Muslim guests.
In her acceptance speech, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the group’s vision of inclusive hospitality.
“This milestone is more than an award. It reflects the Philippines’ growing spirit of openness, learning, and cultural harmony. It is our heartfelt invitation to our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world — to make the Philippines, Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, your next home away from home.”
Every year, CrescentRating recognises organisations, individuals, and corporations that have focused on promoting and enriching halal travel as part of its broader mission to empower the global tourism industry to better understand and meet the needs of Muslim travellers through research, insights, and strategic guidance.
Beyond Halal in Travel
Under the leadership of Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the Department of Tourism (DOT) actively promoted Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism by issuing a Memorandum Circular 2024-003 in April on the amended guidelines governing the operations and recognition of Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments.
The DOT and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts also signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. In just nine months, all 13 MHR properties were officially recognised as 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE), making MHR the first hotel group in the Philippines to achieve this milestone in record time.
CHIANG MAI, 17 June 2025: Chiang Mai’s appeal lies not just in what can be seen but in what can be felt. Its living traditions are carried forward by real people — artists, gardeners, chefs, and craftspeople — who see heritage as something to be lived, not exhibited. In their hands, the city breathes.
A Boat That Floats on Story and Spirit
Gliding elegantly along the Mae Ping River, cradled in the sounds of live traditional music, the Dibba Yana Chitta—or “Heavenly Boat” — is one of northern Thailand’s most spectacular vessels. Designed by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, famed for Chiang Rai’s White Temple, the boat’s figurehead is hand-carved into a mythical creature representing the passage of humans along the river to heaven—an expression of the artist’s lifelong devotion to preserving Thai identity through visual storytelling. With just 18 seats, this exclusive cruise blends sacred artistry with fine Thai dining. Each season, a new tasting menu is curated by leading Michelin-starred chefs, beginning with Chef Piyachart “Boy” Phudtawong of Saneh Jaan. Operated by Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, the experience is an immersion in culture — a passage through Chiang Mai’s artistic, spiritual, and culinary heritage.
The Wisdom of Trees: Chiang Mai’s Natural Archive
Spanning 12 lush acres in Chiang Mai’s San Phi Suea Subdistrict, Changthong Heritage Park is more than a garden—it’s a living archive of Thailand’s rare and historic green heritage. Visitors explore serene waterfalls, shaded woodlands, and a pioneering landscape that blends moss-filled paths with sustainable design, where century-old trees continue to thrive. The park is the vision of Boonrak Thanacharoenroj, a leading landscape designer with over 30 years of experience in transplanting and curating Thailand’s grandest trees. Under his stewardship, the park has become a sanctuary for more than 400 rare plant species — many native to Northern Thailand.
Changthong Heritage Park invites families, students, and nature enthusiasts alike to engage with Thailand’s botanical heritage — rooted in history and growing toward a sustainable future.
Ban Kang Wat: A Sanctuary for Handmade Stories
Nestled against the slopes of Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai, Ban Kang Wat is a lively artist village where every doorway reveals a craft in motion. Artists display their work in colourful showrooms and craft markets, while workshops invite visitors to explore ceramics, accessories and jewellery, watercolour, woodcut printing, papermâché, and more. Within a vibrant space, Note A Book invites guests to try their hand at journal-making, with local bookmakers guiding them through choosing cover materials, hand-binding pages, stitching patterns, and adding personal touches like hand-lettered titles.
A gentle reminder from the workshop: “When you read, you’re reading the writer’s heart—but when you write, you’re reading your own.”
Wisdom and Wellness Experience
Located in the Tai Khern community of San Kamphaeng District, Sahrey Chanta offers visitors a meaningful connection to nature and Northern Thailand’s cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy the healing power of food with a variety of nourishing dishes, cold-pressed juices, kombucha, and organic teas—including locally grown Assam tea and fragrant rose tea. The space also offers workshops and sessions as part of the experience, such as flower tea blending, yoga, and therapeutic massages. On-site shops offer a curated selection of spa and organic wellness products.
A homestay programme invites deeper engagement with the local community, offering a slower, more reflective pace of life. Sahrey Chanta was founded by Chiang Mai natives and siblings, Jumpol and Anchan Chaiwong, who were inspired to give back to and nurture their hometown.
KUCHING, 16 June 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) continues to expand its presence in Northeast Asia markets with its participation at the recent Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) 2025 and its first-ever trade outreach in Busan.
This marks a significant milestone in STB’s broader regional strategy to strengthen its footprint across key market clusters, particularly within the Northeast Asia region. The ongoing efforts in South Korea also reflect STB’s growing momentum ahead of its participation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai — a global platform to further elevate Sarawak’s presence in the North East Asia market and beyond.
Held from 5 to 8 June at COEX Convention Centre in Seoul, SITF 2025 marked Sarawak’s third consecutive participation in South Korea’s largest tourism exhibition, which also celebrated its 40th anniversary. Sarawak’s colourful showcase featured cultural performances and interactive experiences that brought the state’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) pillars to life.
“Our focus goes beyond a single event – we’re building market clusters that make long-term sense for Sarawak,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “By deepening engagements in Korea while expanding collaborative networks across North East Asia, we’re shaping Sarawak’s visibility in line with global travel trends. Our goal is to ensure Sarawak resonates with travellers not just in Seoul but in Osaka and beyond.”
Product Updates in Seoul and Busan
Korean arrivals to Sarawak reached 12,972 in 2024, representing a 20% increase compared to 2019, before the Covid pandemic. This steady growth highlights the effectiveness of STB’s sustained marketing efforts and digital outreach in the Korean market. The momentum was further strengthened by Post-Event Product Updates held in Seoul and, for the first time, in Busan from 9 to 10 June.
The Busan session marked a historic first outreach in South Korea’s second-largest city, reinforcing STB’s commitment to expanding beyond capital-centric tourism promotion.
The Product Updates attracted top-tier outbound travel agents, providing firsthand insights into Sarawak’s latest offerings through presentations, destination briefings, and curated networking sessions. Sarawak’s delegation featured tourism players including Innosar Holiday, Grand Margherita Hotel & Riverside Majestic Hotels, and the Sarawak Golf Tourism Association, each presenting fresh travel packages tailored for Korean travellers.
Korean language Facebook
To amplify awareness, STB launched Korean-language Facebook and Instagram pages and collaborated with local influencers to extend digital reach. The Sarawak Pavilion at SITF buzzed with traditional dance, interactive displays, and live booth content, drawing thousands of Korean visitors over the four-day fair.
Beyond South Korea, STB is also ramping up preparations for its participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, aligning with Malaysia’s national branding and positioning Sarawak gastronomy. This initiative marks a key expansion of STB’s focus into Northeast Asia, with Japan identified as a high-value market for long-haul travellers seeking authentic experiences in Southeast Asia.
The recent initiatives are part of STB’s larger ASEAN-Northeast Asia cluster strategy, which connects multiple feeder markets to Sarawak under a cohesive regional framework. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, STB’s integrated approach aims to solidify Sarawak’s reputation as the Gateway to Borneo and a must-visit destination in Asia.
SINGAPORE, Through October 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line will boast the youngest fleet sailing to Alaska this summer, with five ships cruising to the region from departure ports in the US and Canada, including Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Three of NCL’s recently renovated Breakaway-Plus class ships, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, custom-built to cruise Alaska, join the fleet to boost summer sailings to Alaska.
Photo credit: NCL. Alaska – Norwegian Bliss – The Waterfront.
The vessels feature expansive observation lounges for sweeping vistas, as well as the Waterfront, an outdoor promenade designed to enhance guests’ connection to the sea, complete with al fresco dining, bars, and lounge spaces.
Additionally, just revitalised this year, Norwegian Bliss offers a brand-new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, a versatile gathering space providing a variety of experiences from lawn-style games such as cornhole to giant Jenga and reclining loungers for optimal views of the Last Frontier.
Sister ships, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, also feature refreshed spaces from recent dry docks, including the new addition of Spice H2O, an adults-only, complimentary outdoor area tucked away from the main pool deck, and a spacious and newly expanded Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, respectively.
Through October 2025, NCL offers guests round-trip, seven-day cruises every Saturday or Sunday aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, visiting some of the most beautiful locations in Alaska, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, British Columbia.
The sailings also include a stop in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the largest Native Tlingit village in the state, offering an authentic wilderness experience where the landscape is teeming with whales, bears and otters.
Aboard Norwegian Joy, guests can enjoy a variety of round-trip nine and 10-day itineraries from Seattle with six to seven days in port to truly immerse themselves in the lush landscape and wildlife of the Last Frontier.
SINGAPORE, 16 June 2025: The newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth arrived at the Port of Seattle last week to begin a season of Alaskan voyages.
Queen Elizabeth will homeport in Seattle for the first time, bringing Cunard’s renowned White Star Service to the region for two exclusive seasons of luxurious voyages of seven to 12 nights.
Photo credit: Cunard.Guests can book spectacular Alaskan voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth, ranging from seven to 11 nights.
Guests can book Alaskan voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth, ranging from seven to 11 nights.
Refreshed Experience Aboard Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth now boasts revitalised signature spaces and an elevated Princess and Queens Grills experience, offering expansive suites, added amenities, butler service and access to private spaces and restaurants on board.
Inaugural Alaska guests will also be among the first to enjoy The Pavilion Wellness Café and the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program onboard Queen Elizabeth, featuring three bespoke Journeys – packages that include a special curation of wellness treatments, nutritious smoothies, rejuvenating masterclasses and a selection of ELEMIS products.
Spectacular Alaskan Voyages
Guests can enjoy seven to 11-night Alaska voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth from June to September 2025, with rates starting from USD1,109 per person for a balcony stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Itineraries visit ports including Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia. Guests will soak in the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier, as well as scenic days viewing the Inside Passage, the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world.
Enriching Onboard Experiences
Onboard, guests will enjoy even more enriching experiences specially tailored to Queen Elizabeth’s Alaska season. First, Cunard continues its partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), offering a speaker series featuring experts who share insights into the region.
“The Port of Seattle is honoured to welcome Cunard and the iconic Queen Elizabeth for their first homeported season in Seattle,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “This partnership marks a major milestone in our work to expand economic activity and to support local jobs through cruise, and we look forward to advancing together our shared vision for sustainability and responsible tourism.”
Winter in the Caribbean
Following an Alaskan summer, Queen Elizabeth will continue her North American residency, repositioning to Miami this October, where she will homeport for a maiden season of Caribbean voyages. This season marks the first time Cunard will dedicate a ship to a full season in the Caribbean, coinciding with a new slate of onboard entertainment offerings that welcome Broadway and West End performers on every voyage.
About Cunard Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this year celebrates an incredible 185 years of operation. There are currently four Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and the new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024.
SINGAPORE, 16 June 2025: Marriott International launched Marriott Media last week, signalling a new chapter in how brands engage with consumers across the traveller journey.
Marriott Media is a network designed for travellers, connecting relevant brands with customers across digital and physical touchpoints with contextually relevant messages.
Photo credit: Marriott International. Marriott Move steps up direct engagement with consumers.
By utilising first-party data and over 200 targetable attributes across the nearly 237 million-member Marriott Bonvoy programme and from Marriott’s lodging portfolio, which comprises almost 9,500 properties globally, Marriott Media combines demographic information with guest behaviour, travel intent, and traveller passions.
“Today’s travellers expect personalisation and welcome thoughtful discovery. Marriott Media is designed to enrich, not interrupt, serving guests content, recommendations, and offers in ways that feel natural, relevant, and aligned with their travel experience,” said Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Peggy Roe. “I’m excited to announce Chris Norton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Data Activation & Personalization, will lead this bold initiative and serve as the General Manager for Marriott Media.”
Working with select brands, Marriott Media will curate brand experiences across Marriott-owned digital platforms such as Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy app, placement within the room and stay experience, third-party websites, and social platforms. Marriott Media collaborated with select brands for an initial pilot, including PepsiCo, Visa, United Airlines, Uber, Starbucks, F1 THE MOVIE, Audible, American Express and Resy.
BANGKOK, 16 June 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is celebrating the milestone of 100 open hotels for its Voco brand within just seven years.
Launched in 2018, Voco has quickly become the fastest-growing brand within IHG’s Premium collection, having achieved record development activity levels across openings and signings in 2024, with properties in over 25* countries and further market entries in Thailand, Malaysia, and Jamaica set for the next two years.
Voco Quang Binh Resort.
In 2023, it had 100 open and pipeline hotels. Since then, it has almost doubled both its system and pipeline, reflecting the strength of IHG’s enterprise platform and in line with its strategy to accelerate IHG’s ability to capture conversion opportunities. Voco now has 100 hotels open across 25* countries, with a further 95 properties in the pipeline.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Korea Vivek Bhalla said: “The brand’s fast expansion to 100 hotels in less than seven years is a fantastic achievement. In Southeast Asia & Korea, our first Voco hotel opened along Singapore’s prime shopping district Orchard Road in 2022, and since then has grown to six open hotels, including Voco Orchard Singapore, Voco Seoul Gangnam, Voco Seoul Myeongdong, Voco Bali Seminyak, Voco Ma Belle Danang – By IHG and voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG, and eight in the pipeline.”
“We want to create brands that our guests and owners love, and as a premium hotel brand, Voco is not only achieving consistently high guest satisfaction scores but also perfectly placed to capture conversion opportunities, enabling our owners to benefit from fast access to IHG’s global scale and enterprise platform.”
Recent and upcoming openings
Voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG, Dong Hoi, Vietnam
Opened in May 2025, Voco Quang Binh Resort – by IHG is the world’s first Voco resort, set along Bao Ninh Beach in Dong Hoi. With 68 suites and beachfront villas, as well as a spa, it offers a peaceful and personalised escape. Beyond the resort, discover the breathtaking beauty of Quang Binh — from the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha, Ke Bang National Park.
Voco Seoul Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea
Located near cultural landmarks such as Gyeongbokgong Palace and Namsan Tower, Voco Seoul Myeongdong offers 576 rooms and suites with views of Seoul’s contemporary cityscape and the Namsan Mountain.
Voco Bandung Setiabudi, Bandung, Indonesia
Located in the heart of Setiabudi, one of Bandung’s most sought-after districts, Voco Bandung Setiabudi will open soon with 162 rooms, along with an all-day dining restaurant, a ballroom and six meeting rooms, a heated swimming pool, a fitness centre and wellness treatment rooms.
Voco Bangkok Surawong by IHG Thailand
The 242-room Voco Bangkok Surawong will rebrand from the former Tawanna Bangkok hotel following a complete renovation and reopen in late 2025, ready to introduce travellers to the Voco distinctive stay experience. Situated in the heart of Surawong, a bustling district near Silom and Sathorn. This will be the first Voco property to open in Thailand and is located near popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment attractions.
Voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG Vietnam
The Voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – by IHG will be situated at the heart of the coastal city of Nha Trang upon its opening near the end of this year. The 250-key property will offer panoramic sea views across its 28 floors once it is completed and will meet the increasing demand for great stay experiences in the city, best known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood.
Voco Kuching Malaysia
Slated to open in late 2026, the 321-room Voco Kuching will be the first Voco property in Malaysia. Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and five minutes from Kuching International Airport, the hotel provides guests with a comfortable and relaxing base to explore the wonders of Sarawak.
