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JLL names hospitality chief in India

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MUMBAI, 5 November 2025: JLL, a leading real estate professional services firm in India, has appointed Gaurav Sharma as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director Hotel Capital Markets, Asia. 

Photo credit: JLL. Gaurav Sharma, Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Asia.

In this strategic role, Sharma will lead the company’s hospitality practice across the Indian market, leveraging his extensive experience to capitalise on emerging opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving hotel and hospitality sector. 

Sharma will be based in Delhi and will report to JLL’s Hotel & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific CEO Nihat Ercan.

Sharma’s appointment marks his return to JLL India, where he previously led the capital markets team for North India from 2006 to 2012, and comes at a pivotal time as India’s hospitality sector demonstrates exceptional growth momentum.

According to JLL analysis, the hotel sector in India has delivered outstanding performance with Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) surging 10.5% year-over-year as of YTD September 2025, building on 2024’s record-breaking achievements that included over 42,071 new keys and approximately 25 significant investment transactions. This robust trajectory is evidenced by unprecedented development activity, with 182 hotel signings totalling 22,469 keys in the first half of 2025, a jump of 16% from the same time last year, reinforcing the sector’s strategic expansion beyond traditional urban centres as more than 70% of new signings concentrate in tier 2 and 3 cities.

(Source: JLL)

Therme Group wins wellness tender

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SINGAPORE, 5 November 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has awarded the Concept and Price Revenue Tender to Therme Group Singapore Pte Ltd to develop and operate a wellness attraction at the Marina South Coastal site. 

This project aligns with STB’s Tourism 2040 vision to develop Singapore as a compelling destination, with wellness identified as a key growth opportunity.

An artist’s impression of the Wellness Attraction and surrounding landscape. Image courtesy of Therme Singapore and DP Architects.

Spanning four hectares along the Marina South waterfront, which is approximately the size of six football fields, the winning proposal by Therme Group Singapore could attract around 2 million visitors annually at full operational capacity, with nearly half being international visitors. 

Located alongside iconic neighbours including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage, the enhanced Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, and the upcoming Founders’ Memorial, the attraction will add to the variety of experiences that will enliven the Marina Bay precinct and enhance Singapore’s destination appeal. Surrounding the facility, Therme Group Singapore will also develop a public park of almost four hectares, linking Marina Barrage to the wellness attraction.

Submissions were first assessed on the quality of development concept and design, with shortlisted proposals then evaluated on price. The evaluation focused on the strength of the wellness concept, how the design would complement the coastal site, and the company’s

track record. Therme Group Singapore’s proposal stood out as its proposed concept offers experiences to address different aspects of wellbeing, from active engagement to restorative healing and ultimate relaxation. 

The project’s parent company, Therme Group, is a global leader in the development and management of large-scale spa and wellness facilities, including the two most visited wellness destinations in Europe: Bucharest, Romania, and Erding, Germany.

Tapping on the group’s strengths, the wellness attraction at Marina South Coast will feature thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, and water slides, designed to appeal to multiple demographics, including families with children, seniors and working adults. 

Slated to open by 2030, the project will mark a milestone as Singapore’s first dedicated wellness attraction, elevating the quality of our visitor experiences and tourism offerings, supporting Singapore’s tourism goal of achieving SGD47 billion to SGD50 billion tourism receipts by 2040.

This development capitalises on the robust growth of wellness tourism, with the global market expected to grow by 10.2% and reach USD1.35 trillion by 2028. Wellness trips accounted for 8% of all tourism trips. Still, they represented almost 18% of all tourism expenditure in 20231, showing that wellness travellers tend to spend much more per trip than the average traveller.

The tender was launched on 5 July 2024, with the deadline initially extended to 15 November 2024 following requests from potential tenderers. The closing date was subsequently extended to 17 April 2025 to address comprehensive site-related queries.

(Source: STB)

Qatar codeshares with Air Algérie

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DOHA, Qatar, 5 November 2025: Qatar Airways and Air Algérie have signed a codeshare partnership that will improve connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through Hamad International Airport. 

Travellers can now book codeshare flights for travel starting on 15 November 2025.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Building on their existing interline partnership, the codeshare provides Qatar Airways customers easier access to Algiers as well as six other key destinations in Air Algérie’s domestic network, including Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will also earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie.

Similarly, through codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, the Algerian national flag carrier offers more travel options for its passengers travelling to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat via Hamad International Airport. This codeshare agreement will soon be expanded to include additional destinations.

Qatar Airways currently has 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, and operates 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries.

Air Algérie is the flag carrier of Algeria, wholly owned by the Algerian government. The airline operates on four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, using Algiers International Airport as a hub to build bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. It serves more than 80 destinations on regular and charter bases and currently operates an average of 300 flights per day. 

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Dida Holdings adopts new group structure

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SHENZHEN, 5 November 2025: Dida Holdings, a distributor of global and travel content, has introduced its new group structure, bringing together its portfolio of companies and brands under the Dida Holdings umbrella.

The new structure reflects Dida’s evolution from a leading travel distribution platform into a diversified global travel tech ecosystem spanning three pillars — travel, technology, and new ventures.

Photo credit: DIDA.

Following the appointment of Daryl Lee as Group CEO in October, Dida Holdings has confirmed the next phase of its transformation to ensure its status as one of the world’s leading AI-driven travel technology groups.

The new group identity — now live at didaholdings.com — unites Dida’s family of companies and brands under a single vision to become the partner of choice in the travel ecosystem through AI, automation, and next-generation connectivity.

Dida Holdings, Founder and Chairman Rikin Wu said: “We’ve built one of the world’s most advanced B2B travel distribution platforms. With the creation of Dida Holdings, we’re scaling that technology across every part of the travel value chain – enabling partners to share in the growth of an AI-first global platform.”

Under the new entity, Dida’s core travel divisions — Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go, and Dida Experiences — will continue to expand their reach globally, powered by AI-enabled technology and deep data insights. Supporting these initiatives are Dida’s dedicated technology and innovation units, which focus on AI applications in dynamic pricing, connectivity, content automation, and sustainability.

Dida Holdings Group CEO  Daryl Lee added: “Under Dida Holdings, the group’s key divisions — Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go, and Dida Experiences — are positioned to drive sustained global expansion. These business units are supported by dedicated technology and innovation hubs focused on AI applications in dynamic pricing, connectivity, content automation, and sustainable operations”, Lee concluded.

About Dida
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Dida is a global AI-first travel technology group that combines the scale and innovation of China with the diverse needs of international travel partners. Through its core business lines — Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go and Dida Experiences — the company connects high-quality travel content from hotels, airlines, and ancillary providers to the world’s travel agencies, TMCs, tour operators, OTAs, and wholesalers.

(Source: DIDA Holdings Group)

Sarawak wins hosting rights for ICA 2027  

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 4 November 2025: Sarawak has officially received the hosting rights for the International Council on Archives (ICA) Conference 2027, marking a proud milestone for Malaysia and a historic first for Sarawak as the host destination.

The official handover ceremony took place last week in Barcelona, Spain, during the closing ceremony of the ICA Congress 2025, where Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, formally received the hosting rights on behalf of Sarawak.

“ICA’s mission is about carrying legacies forward, and as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, Sarawak is proud to carry the torch for 2027. We hope this conference will open new opportunities to develop more national and local collaborations on archives, so that the legacies we preserve today continue to inspire generations to come,” stated the minister during the handover ceremony.

This marks the second time Malaysia has hosted an ICA event and the first time for Sarawak. The ICA 2027 conference is set to highlight Sarawak’s commitment to heritage preservation, cultural diversity, and digital transformation, aligning with the post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“The Ministry of National Unity Malaysia is dedicated to integrating the conference into our national vision, ensuring the platform powerfully showcases Malaysia’s rich, diverse heritage and reinforces our cultural and historical connections with the international archival community. In Malaysia, the importance of preserving our heritage, our documents, our stories, our digital records is an act of national unity,” said Ministry of National Unity Malaysia Secretary General Dato Haslina binti Abdul Hamid.

The International Council on Archives (ICA) is the leading global organisation dedicated to advancing archival and records management. Every four years, the ICA Congress brings together thousands of professionals for a comprehensive programme of workshops, sessions, and keynotes. In alternate years, ICA hosts its biennial conference focused on current challenges and innovations in archival science.

ICA’s legacy is the safeguarding of humanity’s memory built on continuity, trust, and connection.

“We are proud of the strong teamwork between federal and state partners that made ICA 2027 possible in Sarawak. It’s a privilege to be part of ICA’s legacy, and we hope it will inspire national and local archive professionals to create enduring legacies for the community and country,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman, who was also present at the handover.

Malaysia’s successful bid to host the conference in Kuching, initiated in 2024, was the result of a strong multi-agency collaboration led by the Sarawak State Library and the National Archives of Malaysia, with the firm backing of both Federal and Sarawak Government agencies and universities:

  • Office of the Premier of Sarawak
  • Ministry of National Unity, Malaysia
  • Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak
  • Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak)
  • Sarawak Tourism Board;
  • Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)
  • Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch
  • Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
  • University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
  • Sabah State Archives

The upcoming ICA Conference 2027 will be held from 1 to 5 November 2027 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and is expected to draw more than 1,000 delegates from around the world, including government agencies, archival institutions, associations, policymakers, and academic leaders.

The prestigious international event will be co-organised by the Sarawak State Library, the National Archives of Malaysia, and the International Council on Archives (ICA).

For more information on events in Sarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: BESarawak)

Sarawak taps China travel market

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Your Stories
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BEIJING, 4 November 2025: Leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), reignited its presence in the China market through the Sarawak Business Networking Seminar held in Beijing and Taiyuan from 28 to 30 October 2025.

The programme, held in Beijing and extended to Taiyuan — a key hub in Shanxi Province — broadened STB’s outreach to new audiences in northern China. The seminar achieved strong outcomes, including closer trade partnerships, greater product awareness, and initial opportunities for collaborative tour development. 

It underscored STB’s commitment to strengthening its presence and partnerships in China’s outbound travel market.

“This mission is more than a seminar, it’s a reconnection,” said STB’s Marketing Director (North Asia & New Market) Dylan Redas Noel.

“China remains a key market for us, and with Beijing and Taiyuan, it is an important gateway; we are rebuilding strong, lasting relationships with our partners.”

He also extended gratitude to Royal Brunei Airlines for their pivotal role in reviving accessibility to Sarawak. 

“This collaboration goes beyond connectivity — it’s a bridge between our cultures, our people, and our shared ambitions.”

Designed as a strategic B2B platform, the seminar brought together Sarawak’s tourism operators, Chinese travel agents, airline partners, and media representatives to strengthen the industry relationships and create new opportunities for collaboration. Participants exchanged ideas, developed potential travel packages, and explored Sarawak’s unique offerings across its five tourism pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals.

The Beijing – Bandar Seri Begawan – Kuching route operated by Royal Brunei Airlines was highlighted as a vital dual-destination connection that enhances travel access between China and Sarawak. To further encourage participation, RBA sponsored return tickets to Kuching for lucky draw winners, offering them the opportunity to experience Sarawak’s hospitality firsthand. This initiative also marked the first collaboration between STB and RBA’s team in China.

The programme featured presentations by STB and Royal Brunei Airlines, followed by sessions where Sarawak operators introduced new itineraries and engaged in productive discussions with Chinese partners. STB also conducted courtesy visits to C-Trip, Qunar, and Malaysia Airlines’ Beijing Office, strengthening its ties with major online travel platforms and aviation partners to enhance Sarawak’s visibility among Chinese consumers.

For more information on Sarawak’s tourism, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: STB)

Minor Hotels expands Tivoli brand

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MADRID, 4 November 2025: Minor Hotels announces the launch of a new Tivoli Hotels & Resorts property in Italy, located in the heart of Puglia, following extensive renovations to the hotel.

Situated in Lecce’s historic centre, on Via Imperatore Augusto, between Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazzetta Santa Chiara, the Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce is set to open in April 2026.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels. City of Lecce.

Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce will feature 45 guest rooms, a restaurant on the ground floor and a lounge bar at the rooftop with breathtaking views of the Cathedral Bell Tower. Guests will also enjoy a wellness area with a pool, treatment rooms, Turkish bath, and a fully equipped gym.

Located within walking distance of key attractions, including the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Lecce Cathedral, the new Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce offers easy access to beautiful beaches just 20 minutes away by car. The city is well-connected via Brindisi Airport (35-minute drive) and high-speed rail from major Italian cities.

With a journey that dates back to 1933 in Lisbon, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts has expanded from Portugal to Brazil, Qatar, and China, and continues to grow its footprint further in Europe with recent openings in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. 

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Sales open for Explora III preview cruise

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SINGAPORE, 4 November 2025: MSC Group’s Explora Journeys travel brand has confirmed its ship, Explora III, will embark on a preview sailing in the Mediterranean from 24 to 29 July 2026, ahead of its official maiden voyage departing Barcelona on 3 August.

Sailing from Genoa and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome), ‘A Mediterranean Prelude to Explora III’ will follow the coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras. In Marseille, guests will explore the Vieux-Port before continuing to Saint-Tropez, home to beaches and boutique-lined streets that capture the Côte d’Azur’s signature glamour. The pastel harbourfront of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a quieter charm, serving as the perfect starting point for discovering Nice’s palm-shaded avenues and Belle Époque elegance. Crossing back into Italy, Livorno serves as a gateway to Tuscany’s rolling landscapes and the Renaissance treasures of Florence, before the Eternal City, Rome, beckons as the final port of call.

Explora Journeys is an MSC travel brand.

Explora III is the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, representing the next step in MSC Group`s commitment to sustainable ocean travel. 

With 463 ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences — all with private terraces — the ship will offer seven restaurants, 13 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, as well as generous outdoor decks. 

(Source: MSC)

Vietjet flies to Manila

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HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 November 2025: To celebrate the launch of its first-ever route to the Philippines, set to commence on 22 November, Vietjet is offering a seven-day promotion on the new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Manila, the capital of the Philippines. 

From 4 to 10 November 2025, Vietjet will offer zero-cost tickets (you pay just the taxes and fees). The deal also includes an additional 20kg of free checked baggage for passengers who buy Eco tickets on the Ho Chi Minh City – Manila route via the airline’s website and mobile app. The promotion is valid for flights from 22 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet rolls out perks on its new route SGN-MNL.

Vietjet’s Ho Chi Minh City – Manila route launches on 22 November, with five flights weekly departing HCMC on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The airline deploys an A321 with 213 seats in a single-class configuration.

Flight schedule

VJ858 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2305 and arrives in Manila (MNL) at 0250, plus a day.
VJ859 departs Manila (MNL) at 0345 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 0530.

(Source: Vietjet)

Vietjet boosts flights to Australia

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 November 2025: Welcoming the year-end travel and festival season, Vietjet has increased flights on routes to  Australia’s gateway cities.

On routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam) With Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, the number of round-trip flights will increase to seven weekly. 

Photo credit: Vietjet. Sydney

Vietjet will increase its weekly round-trip flights to Brisbane to five and its weekly round-trip flights to Perth to three.

The increase in flights took effect on 1 November 2025.

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