KUCHING, 16 MAY 2025: Marking its debut at the Travel Malaysia Fair (TMF) 2025, held from 2 to 4 May at Singapore EXPO Halls 4 & 5, the event spotlighted Sarawak’s growing appeal as a sustainable, culturally rich, and easily accessible destination for Singaporean travellers.
With Singapore ranking among Sarawak’s top five international markets in 2024 and direct flight connections to Kuching, Miri, and Sibu, the Sarawak Pavilion featured five dedicated sellers, including established travel agencies: Meidi Travel Solutions, Singatour, and EU Holidays.
Offering specially curated packages highlighting Sarawak’s eco-tourism, culture, and adventure offerings, the pavilion served as a dynamic space for networking sessions with Singaporean travel agents to strengthen future collaborations and product development.
“Singapore has always been a vital market for us,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “Our presence and participation reaffirm our commitment to deepen engagement with Singapore’s travel community and reconnect with a mature market that values nature, heritage, and convenience. The significant turnout of Singaporean attendees at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024, supported by convenient direct flights, reflects the strength of this connection and the potential to grow it even further.”
STB is confident that renewed marketing efforts, stronger partnerships, and enhanced air connectivity — including 14 weekly flights operated by Scoot — will continue to drive momentum.
The event builds on the success of previous collaborative campaigns, including the 2024 Tripartite Campaign Agreement between STB, Scoot, and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), reinforcing Sarawak’s growing presence in Singapore as a bleisure (business + leisure) and eco-cultural destination.
SINGAPORE, 16 MAY 2025: Southeast Asia’s premier B2B travel trade show, Travel Meet Asia 2025, will bring together high-level decision-makers from the leisure, MICE and business travel sectors in Jakarta on 25 and 26 June to unlock the full potential of strategic source markets in the region.
This year’s edition, attracting top travel buyers and sellers for the two-day B2B show, will convene at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue in the Indonesian capital from 25 to 26 June.
The show facilitates targeted market access and empowers businesses to explore new growth opportunities through one-to-one meetings, curated networking, and expert-led conference sessions.
Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia, will attend as the Guest of Honour and officiate the opening ceremony of Travel Meet Asia 2025, underscoring the government’s strategic commitment to strengthening international tourism partnerships and stimulating economic growth across Southeast Asia.
Early-bird registration for trade visitors is now open through 20 June 2025. Trade visitors are encouraged to secure their tickets at preferential rates to guarantee access to one-to-one appointments and exclusive conference sessions designed to shape the future of the region’s travel industry.
Exhibitor Line-Up: Asia and Beyond Showcased
Leading travel companies have confirmed their participation as exhibitors, including: The Ascott Limited, Celyon Escapade, CN Travel Group, Crossing Vietnam, DidaTravel, DMC Asia Plus – Vietnam, Hoian Memories Land, Khiri Travel, Little Bhutan, Miki Travel, Nippon Travel Agency, SUNRATE, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Meliá Hotels International, Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, Gofan Safaris & Travel Africa, Resorts World Sentosa, Transsib Voyage, Ama Waterways, TUI Hotels & Resorts, and Wow India Travel & Tours.
Backed by Regional Associations
The event is proudly supported by five leading regional associations: the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), the Association of the Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASTINDO), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) and the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA). Their support underlines TMA’s credibility and its importance as a platform for market access across Southeast Asia.
Top Buyers Confirmed from Across the Region
More than 400 regional and international buyers have already confirmed their attendance, representing sectors such as incentive travel, corporate travel management, tour operation, and online distribution. The following renowned companies are among those sending their top buyers to participate:
Travel Meet Asia 2025 offers unmatched access to buyers, partners and fresh perspectives for professionals across the travel ecosystem.
Conference Programme: Expert Insights to Shape the Future of Travel
The Travel Meet Asia conference programme will feature a strong line-up of distinguished speakers who will share data-driven insights and practical strategies across six key themes — market overview and trends, travel and destination marketing, hotels & alternative accommodations, MICE & corporate travel, travel technology, transportation & logistics. Highlight speakers include:
Travel Meet Asia 2025 stands as the definitive platform for trade professionals seeking to forge new partnerships, discover emerging trends and unlock the full potential of Southeast Asia’s travel markets.
Early bird registration for trade visitors is now open until 20 June 2025. To learn more and register, visit: travelmeetasia.com/visitor
SINGAPORE, 16 MAY 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) as its newest Association Partner, marking a significant step in strengthening international collaboration across Travel & Tourism.
Based in Istanbul, TÜRSAB is one of the world’s most established and professional tourism organisations, representing nearly 16,000 member travel agencies across Türkiye.
Established in 1972, the Association has long played a leading role in shaping Türkiye’s tourism landscape and driving industry development through advocacy, professional training, and strategic representation.
Operating through 34 Regional Representative Boards and 15 Expert Committees encompassing all major tourism industry segments, TÜRSAB is dedicated to raising professional standards and enhancing global competitiveness.
Its core activities include protecting the rights of travel agencies, delivering industry-focused education programmes, and actively promoting the sector both nationally and internationally.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “We welcome TÜRSAB into our global network of leading Travel & Tourism voices. Türkiye is a vital part of the worldwide tourism economy, and TÜRSAB’s expertise makes it a valuable contributor to our shared vision.
“As we shape a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector, TÜRSAB’s insights and collaboration will help ensure inclusive growth and long-term resilience. We look forward to their active participation and to strengthening ties with Türkiye’s dynamic tourism industry.”
TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya commented: “As the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), which continues its way with determination as the world’s largest tourism professional organisation, it is very important for us to participate in an important international organisation such as the World Travel and Tourism Council.”
“We believe that WTTC will add value to TÜRSAB as an international organisation, and likewise, TÜRSAB will make significant contributions to WTTC with its experience and knowledge of more than half a century. With the mutual synergy of WTTC and TÜRSAB, world tourism will greatly benefit.”
The Association also plays a key role in international representation, ensuring Turkish tourism is effectively positioned globally. Through this partnership with WTTC, TÜRSAB is poised to contribute to broader sector-wide discussions on policy, sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.
DELHI, 16 MAY 2025: Thomas Cook India shattered its financial performance records, reporting its highest-ever consolidated profit before tax of INR3,784 million in its FY25
Total income from operations grew 12% year-on-year to INR82,815 million.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited Managing Director & CEO Mahesh Iyer.
Operating profit before tax (PBT) for FY25 grew 15% to INR3,821 million from INR3,337 million.
Operating PBT for Q4 FY25 grew 51% to INR917 million from INR608 million.
Standalone Operating PBT for FY25 grew 20% to INR1,650 million from INR1,377 million
Q4, typically an investment quarter, was profitable for a second consecutive year.
Travel Services EBIT grew by 29% in FY25, aided by a strong turnaround of the group’s global DMS companies; Forex grew by 21%
Cash and bank balances at the close of the fiscal year (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025) stood at INR20,739 million. In the group’s statement for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, the board recommended a dividend of INR0.45 per share.
Commenting on the results, Thomas Cook (India) Limited Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon said: “Thomas Cook India has delivered another robust performance to wrap up FY25, reporting its highest ever consolidated PBT of INR3,784 million. PBT grew an impressive 46% in Q4 FY25 and 10% for the FY25.
“The FY25 results were driven by strong all-round delivery — with Travel Services EBIT growing by 29%, aided by a strong turnaround of Global DMS Companies; Forex growing by 21%.”
Thomas Cook (India) Limited Managing Director & CEO Mahesh Iyer added: “I am proud of the strong all-round performance of the teams across businesses & geographies for FY25. Our focus will remain enhancing customer experience, digital transformation and cost optimisation. Going forward, we remain cautiously optimistic given recent geopolitical events, global trade wars and potential effects.”
How business sectors performed
Corporate Travel
• Turnover grew by 10% y-o-y for FY25; 2% for Q4 FY25
• 11 corporate accounts acquired across sectors like IT, Media, Pharma, FMCG, Manufacturing, BSFI
• 3 new large corporate accounts implemented for Q4 FY25
• 50% touchless transactions led by the adoption of the corporate self-booking tool in Q4 FY25
• Non-Air business has grown over 29% y-o-y; Hotel business grown by 52% y-o-y for FY25
• Managed over 150 groups, including mega groups of 500 to over 1000 delegates per group. Key international destinations: Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, UK, UAE, Azerbaijan, Malaysia; Domestic: Goa, Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata
• Successfully managed the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand as the exclusive partner for accommodation, catering and transport, managing a 20,000-member contingent, including 10,000+ athletes, 5,000 support staff and 3,000 dignitaries
o Championed the ‘Green Games’ initiative with the planting of over 1600 trees and sustainable practices
• Successfully managed the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in Delhi as the exclusive partner for accommodation, catering and transport for 1,300+ para-athletes and 1,000+ support staff across three venues, including provision of 8,000+ room nights with para-special accessibility requirements and 35,000+ meals served through live kitchens
o Delivered 2,000+ coaches and small vehicles with para-special accessibility, alongside 24×7 support through a dedicated control room and 11 city arrival points, ensuring seamless athlete experiences
Leisure Travel
• Sales growth of 20% y-o-y for FY25; 19% for Q4 FY25
• Operated significant volumes (group and personalised products) for Maha Kumbh; premium accommodation and exclusive guided darshans
• Successfully operated tours for the Japan Cherry Blossom season; Unique culinary experiences included Indian chefs flown down to the destination
• Expanded Domestic & Short-haul cruise portfolio; ocean and river cruises (international) continued to perform well
• Experiential travel witnessed high demand – including Northern Lights, events (Rio Carnival) and Polar cruises (Antarctica), Jan to March migration (Kenya)
Destination Management Services (DMS) Network
• India DMS: Turnover grew by 21% y-o-y for FY25; 17% for Q4 FY25, in line with the increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
Overseas DMS: Sales grew by 30% y-o-y for Q4 FY25 and 23% y-o-y in FY25
• Middle East – Desert Adventures: During the quarter, sales saw a healthy increase, led by strong performance in the MICE segment. FIT business in Q4 FY25 remained subdued, primarily due to lower contributions from CIS countries. However, this was more than offset by the MICE segment, led by Gulf Dunes, which secured significant bookings, including major events such as those for Amway (with a topline of INR1078 million) and BMW. Additionally, the entity’s luxury travel segment, Arabian Lux, and the OTA business showed encouraging growth, contributing positively to the quarter’s overall performance
• Asia Pacific – Asian Trails: Delivered positive growth in Q4 FY25, primarily driven by contributions from Thailand, Vietnam and Australia
• USA – Allied TPro: While sales were subdued during the quarter, however, it saw improved margins primarily driven by a mix change towards higher Groups and VIP segments.
• Private Safaris
o South Africa: Q4 FY25 showed steady y-o-y performance, with improved contribution margins driven by upselling efforts within the Groups and MICE segments
o East Africa: The performance in Q4 FY25 declined sharply, primarily due to the absence of business from FTI following its insolvency. The company continues to make progress on strengthening business from existing partners and by adding new business to compensate for the loss witnessed
ABU DHABI, 16 MAY 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways report the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme achieved 25,000 bookings in the first four months of 2025, representing a 47% growth in sales compared to the same period in 2024.
More significantly, the actual intake of visitors surged to 44,000 between January and April 2025, marking a substantial 76% increase over the 25,000 visitors recorded during the same period last year.
From left (flanked by Etihad Cabin Crew) Tiago Phillimore, Etihad Director Destinations, Products & Holidays; Aysha Al Kaabi, Etihad VP of Commercial Enablement & Engagement; Abdulla Yousuf, DCT Director International Operations; Haitham Al Khamis, DCT Section Head of Aviation, Cruise & Global Partnerships; and Nahla Al Shorbaji DCT Project Manager Aviation.
The success of the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme extends beyond initial visits, with many travellers who first experienced the emirate during a short stopover returning for longer, dedicated holidays.
This growth builds on the strong performance throughout 2024, which welcomed 85,000 international stopover visitors compared to 12,000 in 2023. Etihad Airways anticipates hosting more than 130,000 stopover guests in 2025, continuing to bring incremental visitors to Abu Dhabi at an accelerated pace.
The programme attracts visitors from across Etihad’s global network, with notable interest from the United States and Canada, where travellers are increasingly breaking their journey to experience Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions. European visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are discovering the emirate’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The programme also resonates with travellers from India, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s diverse appeal to international visitors.
The new Abu Dhabi Pass launched in March further enhanced the programme’s appeal, which provides additional benefits for travellers seeking to maximise their time in the emirate.
The digital Abu Dhabi Pass provides visitors with free airport transfers, a tourist SIM card with data connectivity, unlimited access to public buses, and 24-hour unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network. Pass holders also enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 15% at leading attractions, including Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island’s entertainment destinations such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “Our Stopover Programme continues to exceed expectations as more travellers choose to break their journey and discover Abu Dhabi. The 76% growth in visitors during the first four months of 2025 demonstrates the programme’s accelerating momentum. By offering up to two complimentary hotel nights, we’re giving visitors the perfect opportunity to experience our remarkable destination. The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass has further enhanced this experience, providing practical benefits and exclusive discounts that allow visitors to make the most of their time in the emirate.”
The average length of stay for stopover visitors has increased since 2024, with travellers exploring more attractions. This growth supports the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute AED 90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2030.
Looking ahead, DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways plan to further enhance the visitor experience through continued collaboration, with ambitious targets set for international visitor arrivals in the coming years.
SINGAPORE, 16 May 2025: Skyscanner confirms the appointment of Bryan Batista as its CEO, taking over the role from John Mangelaars.
Batista is currently the Chief Operating Officer and will assume the CEO role on 1 June 2025.
Departing CEO John Mangelaars commented: “After four and a half incredible years, I am stepping down as CEO and passing the baton to Bryan. The company is in a great position, and I feel that now is the right time for me personally to make this change and pursue new ventures. I have enormous confidence in Bryan’s leadership and determination to take Skyscanner forward in the next stage of its ambitious growth.”
In the last year, Skyscanner experienced record performances across its travel products, with double-digit growth in flights, car rental and accommodation and broke into high-growth markets, including India, where it expects to double its audience.
Batista joined Skyscanner in January 2024 as Chief Operating Officer. He previously held leadership positions at Tesla and at Booking.com as CEO of Rentalcars.com and SVP of their Trips business unit. Since joining, Bryan has been instrumental in building and implementing the company’s long-term strategic vision across the company, which sees Skyscanner search 100 billion prices every day to help travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence.
The incoming CEO, Bryan Batista, commented: “Stepping into this role is a dream. I get to lead a company on a mission to become the world’s number one travel ally. I am excited that we are now adding rail and package travel options to that mix, delivering the best deals and the widest selection of travel options to our travellers. We are breaking into new markets, adding new products and smarter tools to make travel planning part of the adventure, not the admin.”
Skyscanner connects over 160 million users in 180 countries and 37 languages to more than 1200 flight, hotel and car rental partners every month. Rail and package travel options are also available in select markets, giving travellers even more choices when planning their next trip.
SYDNEY, 16 MAY 2025: Qantas has announced two new routes will join its growing international network, with flights from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg set to take off from December 2025*.
These routes unlock more Australian connections across the airline’s international and domestic network, which now spans over 100 destinations worldwide.
Already open for bookings, the new services reinforce the growth of Qantas’ western hub, adding over 155,000 seats in and out of Perth each year. These flights have been made possible by funding allocated from the Federal Government to the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to deliver additional border services at airports.
The funding will enable Perth Airport to invest in additional staffing, equipment and facilities that increase border and biosecurity capacity and, in turn, allow the airport to host more international flights.
The routes will also enable further international connectivity for New Zealand and South Africa on the Qantas network and its comprehensive global airline partner network.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace commented: “By connecting Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg, we’re supporting the local economy by opening valuable inbound tourism opportunities for Western Australia and generating new jobs for the state. These routes also enable further growth throughout Australia with connections across our domestic network.
“Our new Perth to Auckland route offers connections for West Australians to New York via Auckland, while the new direct flight to Johannesburg provides a vital connection for customers in Perth to visit popular cities like Cape Town through our partnership with Airlink.
Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, Kate Holsgrove, added: “Perth is a dynamic, expanding hub with incredible growth opportunities, and we remain focused on working with our airline partners to grow aviation connectivity to create more opportunities for Western Australia’s tourism industry and provide more options for Western Australians to travel.
“Creating additional capacity within Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 will allow Qantas to add or expand its services to Western Australia and is an important interim measure as we build new terminal facilities at Airport Central so Qantas can relocate in 2031.”
Key information on the new routes
Fares are available now on Qantas.com. The inaugural Perth to Johannesburg service will take off on 7 December 2025* and the inaugural Perth to Auckland service will take off on 8 December 2025*.
Both routes will operate three times per week on a Qantas A330 aircraft. The aircraft has 27 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, each featuring direct aisle access and converting into a lie-flat bed, and 224 economy seats.
Perth to Auckland will operate as QF111 on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The flight time is six hours and 45 minutes.
Perth to Johannesburg will operate as QF65 on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The flight time is 11 hours and 15 minutes*.
*Subject to government and regulatory approval, schedule subject to change.
PATTAYA, 15 MAY 2025: The 3rd AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship concluded with resounding success at Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness, the premier luxury sports centre of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group.
Last week’s event welcomed over 170 young tennis talents and more than 400 family members and spectators who gathered for three action-packed days of competition, fun, and family bonding.
The tournament continues to grow in popularity each year, strengthening its reputation as a key fixture in Thailand’s youth sports calendar and reinforcing Fitz Club’s standing as a hub for nurturing young talent.
The tournament delivered challenging competitive matches across various age groups, showcasing the skill and sportsmanship of Thailand’s rising tennis stars.
Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, and Aratee Benchadhikul, AssetWise PLC Senior Vice President, celebrated with the players in the Under 6s Category.
Fitz Club’s world-class courts and facilities proved to be the perfect venue. The crowd’s energy was electric as families cheered on the players, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. Kids not only competed for national ranking points and prizes but also created lasting memories and friendships. Many players left with renewed motivation and aspirations.
This year’s tournament featured engaging off-court activities, including a food station with signature dishes prepared by Royal Cliff’s award-winning chefs, free ice cream sponsored by AssetWise, sports massages by Vitala, and fun zones to keep everyone entertained. One of the weekend’s highlights was the tennis clinic led by Fitz Club’s professional coaches and a chance to challenge the Royal Cliff’s CEO to win prizes.
The tournament was sponsored by AssetWise, Yonex Thailand, Tecnifibre, Ouayporn Supply Company Limited and Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom, who share the same value and vision of promoting sports and competition to the young generation.
Fitz Club, an elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for professional and recreational athletes. Renowned past ATP players such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke and Denis Istomin have trained at this facility, utilising its courts designed to mirror the conditions of the Australian Open. Fitz Club’s rich history includes hosting various sporting events, from Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash championships and Table Tennis competitions, further establishing its legacy in the world of sports. Fitz Club is excited to present new sports facilities in 2025, including pickleball, futsal, basketball and badminton.
KOTA KINABALU, 15 MAY 2025: Five Taiwanese universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four of Sabah’s tourism-related associations to enhance agro-and-community-based tourism efforts.
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister of Sabah, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, witnessed the signing ceremony that took place at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu last week.
Photo credit: Sabah Tourism Board. Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the signing of the MoU between universities from Taiwan and Sabah tourism associations. Also from front R-L) Deputy Permanent Secretary of Sabah Rural Development Ministry Patricia Vain, Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry Mary Malangking, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association Pang Thou Chong, acting on behalf of the Taiwanese representative.
Taiwanese signatories included Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association.
Sabah was represented by the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Kopi Tenom Sabah, and Persatuan Komuniti Wanita Kampung Tambatuon Kota Belud.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Johnson, also the STB Chair, said the partnership aligns with the state’s Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, which identifies agriculture and tourism as key pillars.
He stressed the importance of agro-tourism in creating meaningful visitor experiences while supporting rural communities directly.
He said the STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products statewide and is piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to improve rural tourism strategies.
Joniston noted that the collaboration with universities from Taiwan would build local capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and develop sustainable tourism projects rooted in local values.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry Mary Malangking, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Sabah Rural Development Ministry Patricia Vain, STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association Pang Thou Chong, acting on behalf of the Taiwanese representatives. For more information on agro-tourism and Sabah’s attractions, visit Sabah Tourism Board
PHUKET, 15 MAY 2025: Phuket’s property market continues to thrive despite global economic volatility as the sector moves increasingly towards condominiums as lifestyle becomes the new luxury on the island, the Asia Connect: Phuket Property Pulse event concluded.
Held last week at Andara Resort & Villas, in conjunction with Property Guru Thailand and C9 Hotelworks, the top-level industry gathering heard speakers suggest the market needs to focus on promoting the destination to a global audience, following the path of tourism, converting tourists, and indeed new markets such as the Middle East and India into buyers.
(Left) David Johnson, CEO of Delivering Asia (right) Dr Allan Zeman, Chairman, Lan Kwai Fong Group.
“We’re in a time of economic recalibration — volatility, yes, but also an opportunity for those who move with clarity,” said Dr Allan Zeman. “Thailand, and especially Phuket, has shown resilience — there’s a growing appetite from regional and global investors looking for lifestyle-led investments. The key is to stay focused on long-term fundamentals, not short-term noise.”
The iconic investor added that buyer sentiment had changed, and it was important for developers to respond to this. “The buyer today is more global, design-savvy, and values-driven — they don’t just want a property, they want a full experience. We’re seeing a shift toward wellness, privacy, sustainability, and branded service — all of which Phuket is now uniquely positioned to offer. We all have seen how post-pandemic Phuket has been moving from a holiday destination to a lifestyle home base for digital nomads, families, and those wanting a better lifestyle ahead. Phuket is headed towards even more expansion, with infrastructure projects becoming even more critical to its success.”
Dr Zeman’s views were supported by the latest market data from C9 Hotelworks’ Phuket Property Market Update for May 2025, which revealed that Phuket now has 40,600 units for sale across 343 active developments. Condominiums command a median price of THB 144,000 per sqm, compared to 70,000 per sqm for villas and landed properties, and the highest prices are in Cherngtalay, on the island’s sought-after sunset coast.
“Phuket needs to get back to fundamentals, back to showcasing the destination brand to a global market and converting tourists to buyers, while mitigating risk against external factors. Property developers need to open new markets instead of waiting for them to come to them,” said C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett
Sudara Residences Phuket
The key area of new development is Cherngtalay, particularly near Bangtao Beach, the location of the new project by LKF Group and its Thai partners, Sudara Residences, which is attracting lifestyle buyers. It offers 220 bright one- to three-bedroom residences ranging from 52 to 144 square metres in size, including options with private pools, plus a main clubhouse, The Pavilion, which features outdoor pools, an alfresco lounge with cabanas, a kids’ club, fitness centre, café, yoga space, and co-working areas, all supported by management and concierge services from Andara Resort & Villas. The project will be completed by 2027.
Other key issues, such as Thailand’s leasehold ownership structure, tax considerations for developers, and a data-driven market analysis, were covered by key speakers from Hughes Krupica, a law firm and consultancy company and HLB Thailand, a leading accounting and advisory firm.
The event was hosted by PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, the most respected awards programme for the real estate industry. “Two decades ago, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards set out to recognise quality real estate at a time when very few other awards existed”, said Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events. “Our inaugural gala event featured a limited number of categories, but this year, we will present more than 100 accolades, recognising the diverse elements in Thailand’s dynamic property sector.”
