Travel Meet Asia 2025 countdown begins

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April 24, 2025

SINGAPORE, 24 April 2025: Travel Meet Asia (TMA) returns from 25 to 26 June at its new venue, Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, to welcome over 1,300 attendees, including more than 400 qualified local and international buyers.

The buyers list includes decision-makers from Bain & Co, Chan Brothers, Mitra Malaysia, MAVP Travel & Tours, and Asia MICE Planner. The B2B trade event will feature top exhibitors such as The Ascott Limited, Meliá Hotels International, Resorts World Sentosa, DidaTravel Technology, Miki Travel, SUNRATE, and more.

A New venue for TMA: Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, located at Jalan Pantai Indah Kapuk Kamal Muara Penjaringan North Jakarta.

With pre-scheduled meetings and a two-day conference highlighting key travel trends in Southeast Asia, TMA 2025 is a must-attend event for industry professionals.

Following the success of last year’s edition, the event will once again serve as an exclusive B2B platform for travel industry stakeholders to unlock new market potential, gain valuable insights, and explore the region’s dynamic landscape.

This year’s edition will take place at the Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue — a modern venue in a central location that complements the event’s evolving scale.

The event is backed by long-standing strategic partners such as the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (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). Over 1,300 travel professionals and more than 400 buyers from across Indonesia and selected international markets will join the event.

Buyers will represent key outbound segments across leisure, MICE, and corporate travel. Amongst them are the Group Managing Director of Mitra Malaysia, the President of MAVP Travel & Tours, the Managing Director of Asia MICE Planner, the Managing Director and Owner of MYDUTA TOUR, the Managing Director of CHACHA TOURS & TRAVEL, and the CEO of SMILE HOLIDAY. Their presence reinforces TMA’s status as a strategic meeting point for driving regional business opportunities and partnerships.

Travel Meet Asia offers exhibiting opportunities for national tourism organisations, convention bureaus, travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups, airlines, transportation services and travel technology companies. Through personalised business matching, the event guarantees 100% pre-scheduled meetings between top buyers and event attendees ahead of the event, ensuring meaningful connections.

Exhibitor line-up

Travel Meet Asia 2025 is set to host a dynamic line-up of regional and international exhibitors including The Ascott Limited, Meliá Hotels International, Resorts World Sentosa, DidaTravel Technology, Miki Travel, SUNRATE, Ceylon Escapade, CN Travel Group, Congress Rental Indonesia, Crossing Vietnam Tour, Day Trip Bali, DMC Asia Plus – Vietnam, Gofan Safaris & Travel Africa, Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, Hoian Memories Land, Khiri Travel, Little Bhutan, Nippon Travel Agency, Nomad Archipelago, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Wow India Travel & Tours and Yoowifi.

Booth packages for exhibitors start from USD2,250, with flexible options ranging from shell scheme to custom raw space.

For more information and to reserve a spot, visit travelmeetasia.com/exhibitor.

Travel Meet Asia Conference

A key highlight of Travel Meet Asia 2025 is its two-day conference programme, designed to provide insights into the travel market of key Southeast Asian destinations as well as the Indonesian and Southeast Asian outbound market.

Attendees will explore timely topics across five key themes:

Market Overview and Trends
Travel & Destination Marketing
Hotels & Alternative Accommodations
MICE & Corporate Travel
Travel Technology

Registration for trade visitors is now available. To register and learn more, please visit travelmeetasia.com/visitor. For more information on Travel Meet Asia, visit www.travelmeetasia.com.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts invite: ‘A Night on Us’

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

BANGKOK, 23 April 2025: Dusit Hotels and Resorts is inviting travellers to stay longer for less with the launch of A Night on Us – a limited-time global offer available exclusively on dusit.com.

Available until midnight on 27 April 2025, the campaign invites guests booking directly through Dusit’s website to enjoy a complimentary night with every night booked – for up to four free nights per stay – at participating Dusit Hotels & Resorts across Thailand, Japan, the Maldives, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Middle East, and beyond.

The offer is valid for stays until 20 December 2025.*

This year, exciting new destinations have joined the offer for the first time, including Dusit Princess Melaka in Malaysia, the brand-new dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, and the elegant Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi in Vietnam — giving travellers even more opportunities to experience Dusit’s signature gracious hospitality across the region.

In line with Dusit’s commitment to providing exceptional privileges to its most loyal guests, members of Dusit Gold – Dusit’s enhanced loyalty and lifestyle programme – will enjoy exclusive early access to this limited-time offer until 24 April, ahead of the general public launch from 25 to 27 April.

Joining Dusit Gold is free, and membership can be activated online at dusit.com/enrollment/. Members enjoy a host of year-round privileges, including exclusive member rates, dining and wellness discounts, and rewards points earned at participating hotels.

For more information about the A Night on Us offer and details on how to make a reservation, visit dusit.com/flash-sale/

*Terms and conditions apply.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuts brand campaign

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

SINGAPORE, 23 April 2025: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a luxury yachting experience, is unveiling its new global brand campaign, ‘Unlike the Rest,’ ahead of the launch of its third superyacht, Luminara, in July 2025.

“At the heart of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a vision to create truly extraordinary experiences that evoke wonder and enrich the traveller’s journey,” said The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection President and Chief Financial Officer Ernesto Fara. “As this campaign beautifully captures, travel is a deeply personal and inspirational journey, with boundless possibilities amplified on every voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.”

*Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.*

Following the unveiling of Evrima in October 2022 and Ilma in September 2024, the launch of its third superyacht, Luminara, in July 2025, continues the group’s growth in the ultra-luxury cruise space.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers voyages across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and Alaska.

The collection’s inaugural yacht, Evrima, launched in October 2022, measures 624 feet and features 149 airy suites with private ocean-view terraces, accommodating up to 298 guests.

The second superyacht, Ilma, debuted in September 2024. It spans 790 feet and offers 224 accommodations for up to 448 guests.

Luminara, slated to debut in July 2025, will continue this legacy, introducing new itineraries to both iconic cities and secluded harbours.

Agoda’s tips on stargazing in Asia

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

Fuji Japan in Spring — Fujiyoshida, Japan at Chureito Pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the spring with cherry blossoms.

SINGAPORE, 23 April 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda invites travellers to reach for the stars with its curated list of Asia’s most dazzling stargazing destinations.

With celestial events like the Lyrid meteor shower (peaking 23 April), the Eta Aquarids (5 to 6 May), and the Strawberry Moon (3 June), the night skies are putting on a show to remember this season.

Agoda handpicked the top spots across Asia, from volcanic islands to serene highlands that promise a celestial experience.

Jeju, South Korea

Jeju’s Hallasan National Park is a stargazer’s dream, offering crystal-clear skies and minimal light pollution. The volcanic island’s serene landscapes make it an ideal spot for camping under the stars. Guided stargazing tours are available to ensure travellers don’t miss a single shooting star. Beyond stargazing, Jeju offers breathtaking natural attractions like the Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and the Manjanggul Lava Tube, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Nestled at the base of Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko offers breathtaking views of the night sky. The area’s observatories and stargazing events make it a hotspot for astronomy enthusiasts. On clear nights, the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. During the day, visitors can explore the iconic Chureito Pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi, or enjoy the region’s onsens (hot springs) to unwind after a night of stargazing.

Dalat, Vietnam

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Dalat’s cool climate and high altitude provide perfect conditions for stargazing. The Langbiang Plateau is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, offering panoramic views of the constellations. Dalat’s charm extends beyond the stars, with its French colonial architecture, vibrant flower gardens, and the serene Tuyen Lam Lake. Adventure seekers can also enjoy canyoning and trekking in the surrounding hills.

Nantou, Taiwan

Home to Hehuanshan, one of Taiwan’s highest peaks, Nantou is a stargazing haven. The area’s low light pollution and high elevation make it a prime location for spotting constellations and even the occasional meteor shower. Visitors can also explore Sun Moon Lake, a picturesque destination perfect for cycling and boating, as well as Nantou’s charming tea plantations.

Khao Yai, Thailand

Khao Yai National Park is not just for wildlife enthusiasts—it’s also a stargazing paradise. The park’s remote location ensures dark skies, perfect for catching a glimpse of the Milky Way. During the day, visitors can explore the park’s waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, including elephants and gibbons. Nearby vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants make Khao Yai a well-rounded destination for nature and food lovers alike.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Famous for its tea plantations, Cameron Highlands also offers some of the best stargazing in Malaysia. The cool, clear nights are perfect for spotting constellations. Visitors can also enjoy strawberry picking, exploring mossy forests, and visiting the region’s vibrant markets. The highlands’ colonial-style accommodations add a touch of charm to any stay.

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan’s remote beaches provide an unparalleled stargazing experience. With little to no light pollution, the night sky comes alive with stars. El Nido and Coron are particularly popular for their breathtaking celestial views. By day, travellers can explore Palawan’s limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. The island’s laid-back vibe and fresh seafood make it a must-visit destination.

Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok’s Mount Rinjani is a favourite among stargazers, offering a unique vantage point for observing the night sky. The island’s clear skies and tranquil environment make it ideal for watching meteor showers or simply marvelling at the constellations. Beyond stargazing, Lombok boasts pristine beaches, traditional Sasak villages, and the stunning Gili Islands, perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Coorg, India

Known for its coffee plantations, Coorg also offers some of the darkest skies in India, making it a haven for stargazing enthusiasts. The region’s high altitude and clear nights provide an excellent opportunity to spot constellations and meteor showers like the Lyrids. During the day, visitors can explore Coorg’s lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.

(Source: Agoda)

Take a sip of Magical Taiwan

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

SINGAPORE, 23 April 2025: To tap Singapore’s summer outbound travel peak season, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is partnering with 31 organisations specialising in travel to Taiwan to host the Taiwan Travel Fair from 25 to 27 April at Marina Square in Singapore.

Participants include airlines, hotels, leisure farms, amusement parks, tourism associations, and seven major travel agencies — ASA Holiday, Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel, EU Holidays, Hong Thai Travel, Nam Ho Travel, and WTS Travel.

The event will showcase Taiwan’s trending travel attractions, including forest railways, island beaches, family-friendly theme parks, and leisure farms, encouraging Singaporean travellers to discover new ways to explore Taiwan year-round.

Building on the positive reception from the past three years, the Taiwan Travel Fair has received enthusiastic feedback, drawing thousands of local visitors seeking holiday bargains in Taiwan.

This year’s Taiwan Travel Fair brings even more exciting news — a special bonus offer under the “Taiwan the Lucky Land” campaign. In addition to the existing prizes, exclusive rewards have been introduced for Singaporean travellers. By registering their trip 1 to 7 days before arriving in Taiwan, they can win TWD5,000. With Taiwan’s user-friendly transportation system, visitors can travel around using the “TAIWAN PASS,” which integrates Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR), Railway, MRT systems, Tour Buses, Tourist Shuttle services, and take advantage of special “buy-one-get-one-free” HSR ticket offers, making travel across Taiwan more convenient than ever.

This year’s fair theme, “Take a Sip of Taiwan,” highlights the vibrant colours of Taiwan’s tourism branding 3.0 campaign. During the three-day event, the renowned Taiwanese circus troupe Eye Catching Circus will present live performances titled “Island Passages” blending acrobatics, juggling, dance, and theatre to bring Taiwan’s ecology, culture, cuisine, and lifestyle vividly to life, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for Singaporean audiences. Additionally, the fair will feature DIY workshops where visitors can paint beer glasses and craft leather OhBear cardholders, offering a fun, hands-on way to learn about Taiwan’s unique travel experiences—perfect for family travellers.

Following the fair, over 100 tourism industry representatives from Taiwan and Singapore will participate in a B2B Taiwan Tourism Workshop on 28 April at Hilton Orchard Singapore. The workshop will share Taiwan’s latest tourism updates and promotional offers, provide one-on-one business matchmaking opportunities, and feature a lucky draw for Singapore-Taiwan round-trip flight tickets to encourage Singaporean partners to visit Taiwan and develop new travel packages. This collaborative effort aims to boost visitor numbers from Singapore to Taiwan, reaching new peaks in 2025.

In addition to the Taiwan Travel Fair campaign at Marina Square, Singapore’s MRT, buses, and taxis will showcase Taiwan’s stunning scenery and culinary delights with eye-catching display ads.

Taiwan Travel Fair 2025
Date: 25 to 27 April 2025
Time: 1100 to 1900
Venue: Central Atrium, Marina Square
Target Audience: Free admission to the general public

Taiwan Tourism Workshop 2025
Date: 28 April 2025
Time: 1325 to 1630
Venue: Hilton Orchard Singapore
Target Audience: Taiwan and Singapore travel industry professionals (Invited only)

(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore Office)

MH content heads for APG’s NDC platform

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 April 2025: APG, a worldwide airline representation network with over 100 offices, is partnering with Malaysia Airlines, Malaysia’s national carrier and Oneworld alliance, to display Malaysia Airlines’ full content via the APG NDC platform.

“Malaysia Airlines is a respected global brand with a rich legacy, and we are honoured to welcome them soon to the APG Platform,”

*Photo credit: APG. Malaysia Airlines’ content will be displayed on the APG platform.*

APG NDC Executive Product Director Emilie Biggerstaff commented at the MoU signing ceremony with Malaysia Airlines, which was held on the sidelines of the MATTA Travel Fair on 18 April 2025.

She added: “This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of reshaping airline distribution by unlocking the full potential of the NDC — New Distribution Capability introduced by IATA. Together, we aim to offer unprecedented reach, commercial flexibility, and value to the global travel trade, from traditional agents to e-commerce players.”

APG Network APAC Regional Vice President Tunku Iskandar also witnessed the signing.

APG’s office in Malaysia posted on its Facebook page: “The signing of the agreement today marks a significant step in enhancing airline distribution across the travel trade. This partnership will give travel agents access to Malaysia Airlines’ full NDC content through the APG global portal.”

With 36 carriers available and offering the best fares, the APG Platform is a ticketing platform that can assist travel agents in generating additional revenue by enlarging their catalogue and selling air and non-air ancillaries combined. The APG Network promotes and supports the APG Platform in over 150 countries using the newest XML technology and follows all IATA standards.

Trip.com unveils 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 April 2025: Malaysians planning their next great getaway can now look to Trip.com’s newly-released 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings showcases the most-loved travel experiences based on verified traveller reviews and booking data.

From luxury stays and family hotels to unforgettable attractions and dining hotspots, the annual Trip.Best rankings offer travellers a curated guide to the region’s best — and Malaysia has scored big.

Trip.Best is Trip.com’s signature collection of curated travel rankings, updated annually and powered by an AI-driven analysis of verified user ratings, reviews, and booking trends. Covering categories such as stays, attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, Trip.Best helps travellers discover the top destinations and experiences globally and regionally. It presents a trusted, data-backed guide to help travellers plan meaningful and memorable trips.

Trip.Best 2025 features Malaysian establishments across multiple Asia-focused categories, highlighting how Malaysia continues to impress travellers with its vibrant hospitality, cultural richness and diverse culinary offerings.

Top-recognised Malaysian hotels in Trip.Best 2025

Trip.com Malaysia’s general Manager, Stephane Thong, said: “It’s truly exciting to see Malaysian establishments being recognised across so many categories in this year’s 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings. From family-friendly hotels and scenic resorts to local culinary gems and iconic attractions, this recognition reflects the richness and diversity of our travel offerings.”

Trip.Best Global Highlights

While Malaysian establishments dominate Asia-focused categories, the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings spotlight broader trends and key highlights from across the world:

Luxury and experiential stays dominate, with Paris, Tokyo and New York leading the Global 100 Luxury Hotels list. Paris’ Hôtel de Crillon tops the chart, joined by other icons like Raffles Singapore and Aman Tokyo.
Family travel is thriving, with world-class resorts like Atlantis Sanya (China), Tokyo Disneyland Hotel (Japan), and Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai) ranked among the best global family-friendly destinations.
Theme parks are top global attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Japan, and Shanghai Disney Resort. These destinations continue to dominate the Global Best Things to Do list.
Seasonal experiences such as autumn foliage viewing and water-themed fun are now featured in new categories like Fall Views and Water Fun, responding to travellers’ growing interest in nature and seasonal trips.
Dining becomes part of the journey, as global food capitals Paris, New York, Bangkok and Singapore top fine dining lists. Meanwhile, new experiences like sky-high dining in Dubai or riverside feasts in Seoul lead the Restaurants for Views & Experiences category.
The “Destinations for the Months” feature helps travellers plan the best seasonal itineraries, suggesting top spots to visit based on the time of year — like Kyoto in winter or Seoul in cherry blossom season.

Visa card data showcases Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 23, 2025

BANGKOK, 23 April 2025: Visa, a leader in digital payments, has shared cross-border data on consumer spending travel trends for both inbound and outbound travel during the first two months of this year.

Inbound travel to Thailand remains robust, driven by increased spending from travellers who are residents of the US, UK, France, and Australia. Visa observes the largest spending contribution in the top corridors, which include the US, UK, mainland China, France, and Japan.

*Photo credit: Visa Card. Visa Thailand, Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa.*

Inbound travel

Tourists travelling to Thailand spend most on accommodation, restaurants, retail goods, health care, and food and groceries. The top provinces that recorded the highest spending in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi (where Pattaya is located), Samut Prakan (driven by spending at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport), and Surat Thani (where Koh Samui and Koh Phanghan are located).

Across the provinces, spending at quick-service restaurants increased consistently year over year. Chonburi and Chiang Mai saw the strongest growth in this category. During the week of the Lunar New Year, these two provinces also showed the most significant year-over-year growth in spending.

Visa Thailand, Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa stated: “Thailand remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, and we are pleased to see continued growth in tourist visits. In the first two months of this year, we observed a 26% year-on-year increase in spending from tourists in our leading inbound markets – United Kingdom and France, highlighting Thailand’s ongoing appeal as a travel destination. However, we see softness in spending among Chinese and South Korean travellers.

When we look at outbound travel, Japan continues to be the preferred destination for Thai consumers. We are also witnessing strong triple-digit year-on-year growth in travel spending in Mainland China as its appeal as a travel destination rises. Our data insights enable us to collaborate with our partners to offer relevant benefits to our cardholders, ensuring a seamless and secure experience when they travel and pay with Visa.”

Outbound travel

Visa’s findings showed that Thai consumers travel to Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, South Korea, and France during the first two months of the year.

The top categories Thai consumers spend most when travelling this year included department stores, apparel & accessories, retail goods, restaurants and accommodation. In Japan, Thai cardholders spent almost 30% of their travel dollars at department stores, one of the highest compared to other top destination corridors. Travel spend at discount stores, restaurants and food & groceries also saw 20% and 18% year-on-year growth respectively.

Over 30% of Thai cardholders’ travel spend in France and Hong Kong was on apparel & accessories, while more than half of their travel spend in China was at department stores and on retail goods. China also saw the strongest year-on-year triple-digit growth in spend across all key categories compared to other travel corridors, especially at department stores, apparel and accessories, discount stores and entertainment. This showcases China’s increased appeal as a travel destination for Thai consumers.

*Visa shares cross-border data on consumer spending, showcasing Thailand’s inbound and outbound travel trends for January and February 2025.*

Affluent Segments Driving Growth in Domestic spend

The emerging affluent and affluent segments in Thailand are driving the growth in face-to-face spending domestically. These customer segments spend most on healthcare, retail goods, restaurants, home improvement & supplies, fuel, food and groceries.

In addition, there are some growth categories where cardholders are spending more, including professional services, which doubled in spending, and education and government services, which grew by close to 30% year-on-year.

Dusit Hospitality Services manages luxury condos

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 22, 2025

BANGKOK, 22 April 2025: Dusit Hospitality Services, a subsidiary of Dusit International, has been appointed by Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) to provide building management services at the super-luxury Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums.

The flagship residential component of the pioneering The Forestias mixed-use development in Bangkok is set across six acres of space by a newly planted 12-acre private forest in the city’s Bang Na district.

Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums comprises six low-rise buildings offering 269 residences — from one-bedroom units (63.33–69.15 sqm) to expansive penthouses exceeding 1,000 sqm.

Designed around Nurturing Multi-Generational Living and Connecting with Nature concepts, the project combines sustainable architecture, wellness-focused innovations, and elegant communal areas to foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging across generations.

Onsite facilities include a welcoming event space and coffee bar, a family dining area, a meeting room and co-working space, and a fully equipped fitness room. Outdoor highlights include, among others, a lap pool, children’s pool, putting green, climbing wall, waterfall zone, and onsen – all thoughtfully designed to enrich the living experience for residents of all ages.

As part of its appointment, DHS will manage the buildings and common areas of Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums following Dusit’s internationally recognised standards. This will bring the company’s five-star hotel expertise and signature brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the residential sphere.

“We are honoured to be selected by MQDC to manage Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums — a project that thoughtfully reimagines how families can live, connect, and thrive together,” said Dusit Hospitality Services Managing Director Supakit Tiyawatchalapong.

“At DHS, we believe true luxury lies in the details – and our approach to ‘hotel-inspired living’ ensures every resident enjoys personalised service, exceptional care, and a warm sense of community that endures.”

MQDC Senior Vice President Chakrit Hassarangsee said the collaboration with DHS reflects MQDC’s ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards of residential living.

“Dusit Hospitality Services brings Dusit’s decades of hospitality experience and international recognition to property management,” he said. “Their expertise, combined with dedicated services such as a professional concierge and access to wellness specialists, will elevate every aspect of the living experience – reaffirming our goal to make Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums a truly exceptional place to call home.”

For more information about Dusit Hospitality Services, visit dusit-international.com.
Or visit Mulberry Grove and The Forestias, mqdc.com.

Exploring Indigenous Tourism in Sarawak

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 22, 2025

KUCHING, 22 April 2025: Sarawak is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant Indigenous traditions, which can be experienced by staying in a traditional longhouse.

Indigenous tourism in Sarawak involves far more than staying in traditional longhouses. Visitors can engage with the village community and participate in cultural festivals depending on the season.

Beyond the village, expert guides help you explore the pristine landscapes that Indigenous people have cared for over generations. Come and connect with the local people and their age-old traditions. Learn from the diverse ethnic groups their history, beliefs, and way of life. They celebrate and preserve their cultural identity by sharing their heritage with visitors.

Here is an introduction to Sarawak’s indigenous tourism experiences through its longhouse stays.

Traditional Longhouse Visits

Stay with indigenous families in traditional longhouses to experience their daily routines, food and hospitality. Visitors can engage in time-honoured activities such as weaving and cooking. Learn how they navigate and survive in the rainforest. Try your hand at traditional methods of fishing or farming. You can check their homestay programmes, join a tour or engage a guide.

*A treat for visitors to watch a Bidayuh traditional dance at Annah Rais Longhouse Source: gokayu.com*

Annah Rais Longhouse is a large traditional Bidayuh longhouse, accommodating more than 80 families. It is over 150 years old and offers a unique insight into their lives, showcasing their customs, rituals and communal living. Visitors can enjoy their traditional cuisine and culture, including music, dance and handicrafts. You can also visit the hot springs and nearby waterfalls, go rafting and do jungle walks. The drive from Kuching city takes about 1 hour. You’ll see the beautiful rainforest and Padawan Mountain along the way.

The warm smiles and hospitality of the Ibans at Batang Ai longhouse awaits you. Source: Sarawak Tourism Board.

The longhouses at Batang Ai, Sri Aman division, are considered the oldest Iban settlements in Sarawak. Dive deep into the lively Iban culture through music, dancing and traditional dishes. Situated in the thick rainforest near Batang Ai National Park, these longhouses are accessible via a scenic four-hour drive from Kuching, where travellers pass through the charming countryside and small towns. When you arrive at Batang Ai Dam, you can board a native boat for an upriver expedition to the longhouses. This journey is an adventure, and you get to appreciate breathtaking natural landscapes.

Bawang Assan longhouses near Sibu town comprise a captivating group of nine Iban longhouses that date back to the 18th century. This collection showcases a unique mix of traditional and contemporary features, allowing visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Iban community. The drive from Sibu to Bawang Assan takes about 40 minutes.

For the full story visit Sarawak Tourism Board

Travel Meet Asia 2025 countdown begins

Dusit Hotels and Resorts invite: ‘A Night on Us’

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuts brand campaign

Agoda’s tips on stargazing in Asia

Take a sip of Magical Taiwan

MH content heads for APG’s NDC platform

Trip.com unveils 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings

Visa card data showcases Thailand

Dusit Hospitality Services manages luxury condos

Exploring Indigenous Tourism in Sarawak

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latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.