Friday, December 19, 2025
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Changi Airport declares Q3 performance

SINGAPORE, 24 October 2025: Singapore Changi Airport handled 17.3 million passenger movements from July to September 2025 (Q3), registering an increase of 3.1% year-on-year. 

Aircraft movements, including landings and take-offs, totalled 91,600 for the quarter, comparable to the same period last year.  

 Changi Airport’s top five markets for the quarter were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and India. Among Changi’s top 10 markets, China and Vietnam recorded the strongest growth, at 9.7% and 11.3% respectively. The top five city links for the quarter were Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Denpasar (Bali) and Shanghai, with the Singapore–Jakarta route posting double-digit growth.

In the third quarter, Changi Airport registered 531,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, marking a 3.7% increase year-on-year. 

Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development, Lim Ching Kiat, said: “Changi Airport continues to build on the positive momentum in travel demand this quarter, particularly on Asia routes. We are expanding our network with new airlines and destinations that further reinforce Changi’s connectivity to the region. As we gear up for the year-end travel season, travellers can look forward to greater convenience and more ways to explore both new and familiar destinations.”

New and reinstated services

New Indonesian carrier Pelita Air commenced operations at Changi Airport on 11 August, operating daily flights between Singapore and Jakarta, and joins Changi’s network of some 100 airlines.

Travellers can look forward to discovering new destinations across the region, as Changi Airport’s network continues to expand with new flights added. 

Hainan Airlines launched four-times-weekly Singapore–Haikou–Changchun services on 22 September, while Loong Air began three-times-weekly flights to Zhangjiajie on 9 October — both new city links for Changi. This addition further expands Changi’s current network of 35 cities in China. Batik Air Malaysia, part of the Lion Group, will be adding new daily flights to Ipoh, Penang and Subang from 8 December 2025. To support Lion Group’s continued growth and meet rising regional travel demand, its airlines will operate at Terminal 4 from 11 November 2025.

Scoot has also announced new routes to four Indonesian cities – Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang and Semarang – offering travellers more travel options across the archipelago. Semarang and Palembang are new-to-Changi city links.

On the cargo front, Changi welcomed JD Airlines’ thrice weekly scheduled Shenzhen freighter services, facilitating more options for shippers and freight forwarders between Southeast Asia and China.

As of 1 October, some 100 airlines operate about 7,000 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to over 160 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide.

(Source: Changi Airport)

Holiday Inn Clarke Quay gains low-carbon status

SINGAPORE, 23 October 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has reached a milestone in its sustainability journey, with Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay becoming the first IHG hotel in Asia to join IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneer hotel programme.

IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneers is a growing global community of IHG properties that are energy efficient, have no fossil fuels combusted on-site* and are backed by renewable energy.

From left to right: Kishin RK, Founder and CEO of RB Capital Group, and Vivek Bhalla, Managing Director, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Since its opening in 2014, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay has been recognised for its sustainability-focused design, which includes a fully electric kitchen, hot water heat pumps, high-efficiency water fixtures, and an intelligent building management system that optimises energy usage without compromising guest comfort. It also features solar glazing and advanced lighting controls, ensuring efficient use of daylight and electricity throughout the day. 

The hotel has been accredited with GSTC certification, a global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Recently, the hotel celebrated winning the 2025 Singapore Hotel Sustainability Award, presented by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and achieved a Water Efficient Building Certification from PUB in recognition of its continued sustainability efforts.

In Singapore, the Singapore Hotel Association and the Singapore Tourism Board have launched the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap in support of Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. This initiative targets 60% of hotels to achieve internationally recognised sustainability certification by 2025 and aims for the industry to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 

In addition to Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay joining IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneers programme, the company has also announced that Hotel Indigo Changi Airport, which will open in 2028, aims to attain a “zero-energy” certification level under the Green Mark Scheme of the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

(Source: IHG)

Travellers demand smarter planning tools

SINGAPORE, 23 October 2025: Qlik, a specialist in data integration, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), released findings on Wednesday from a new YouGov survey of travellers across Singapore, Japan, Australia and India. 

The results reveal a fault line: While people in these markets embrace tools that cut costs and sharpen planning, they push back hard against automation that seizes control and data demands that cross the line into the personal. 

The research found that only 11% of residents surveyed in these markets actually trust AI more than people, and only one in four travellers want personalisation but refuse to share data.

For companies serving travellers and for businesses adopting AI more broadly, the mandate is clear: deliver visible value, safeguard user control, and build trust by handling data transparently and in line with tightening regulations.

What travellers across Asia want

When it comes to diverse needs, Singapore and India stand at opposite ends. Singapore travellers want robust planning tools, but almost two-thirds (63%) reject auto-rebooking (the automated process where a travel platform or airline changes a customer’s reservation without requiring confirmation from the traveller), signalling a desire for control. India, meanwhile, shows the highest openness to sharing planning data and optimism on AI, with one in five saying AI is more trustworthy than people. Yet Indian travellers still prefer a human recommendation in the final step, revealing a hybrid trust model.

The research found that Japan represents the most privacy-protective market. The gap between desired features and willingness to share data is wider in Japan than anywhere else, with only 31% willing to share data, underscoring deep cultural caution about digital tracking.

Australia, while not as extreme, shows a pragmatic stance. The country’s prolific travellers are price-driven and will share search data, but they remain sceptical about suggested destinations and cautious about automation such as rebooking.

“APAC travellers just gave every C-suite the AI playbook: Reward people with prediction and savings, and never remove their agency,” said Qlik CEO Mike Capone. 

“Travellers will share searches and budgets when the benefit is clear, but they shy away from anything that edits plans without consent. Trust only comes when systems are explainable, auditable and tied directly to measurable value. Companies that respect trust and choice will earn loyalty at scale.”

The journey ahead

  • Businesses across the region will gain trust by demonstrating utility before requesting data.
  • Lead with prediction and budgeting features that surface clear savings, then layer in permissions.
  • Design consent as a first-class experience: Notify, show the exact change, ask before execution and offer a one-tap undo.

Explain every recommendation in plain language, including the key inputs and confidence behind it, so customers understand the “why,” not just the “what.”

Research methodology
The findings in this report are based on a research study conducted by YouGov on behalf of Qlik. The survey gathered responses from nationally representative samples of adults aged 18+ across four Asia Pacific markets: Singapore, Australia, India, and Japan. The study was conducted via a quantitative online survey with YouGov panel members, administered from 25 to 28 August 2025.

In total, responses were weighted by age, gender, and geography to ensure representation within each market. The results for Singapore reflect a cross-section of the adult population, providing insights into consumer attitudes toward data sharing, AI adoption, and travel personalisation features.

(Source: Qlik)

The MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 October 2025: The MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam, held from 13 to 19 October at Pikabol, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia’s pickleball powerhouse, presented a total cash prize pool of up to MYR100,000 to the winners.

On 18 October 2025, MPG 2025 held a special “Meet & Dink” appreciation session attended by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, Sarawak. 

His presence and strong support reflect a shared commitment to positioning Malaysia — and Sarawak in particular — as a vibrant sports tourism hub where the passion for travel meets the spirit of play.

The MPG2025 attracted more than 800 players and 26 teams from both Peninsular and East Malaysia, as well as international participants representing 10 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, India, Vietnam, and the United States.

MATTA recognises that sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering substantial potential for boosting local economies, promoting destinations, and enabling cultural exchange.

MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“The MPG 2025 was envisioned to harness the power of sports tourism and position Malaysia as a vibrant hub for wellness and active living. We identified Pickleball as more than just a sport. It is a bridge between generations, a celebration of movement, and a drive of community through travel,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

Through this event, MATTA showcases Sarawak’s strength as a host for both competitive and leisure sports, unites communities, promotes active living, and enhances Malaysia’s image as an exciting and welcoming destination for sports lovers worldwide.

MPG2025 acknowledged the support of Ministry of Tourism, Arts, And Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Ministry of Youth Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED), Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB), BE Sarawak, WAK Festival, The Podium Project, Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA), Sarawak Pickleball Association (SPA) and Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA).

MPG2025 also thanked Umobile as the Official Platinum Sponsor, RHB Bank Berhad, WTK Holdings Berhad and HotelPlanner as the Gold Sponsors; Grab, Zeitgeist Inspira Technologies and Selkirk Sports Malaysia as the Silver Sponsors; Facolos as the Official Pickleball Ball Sponsor and Somersby, F&N, Sportsdeal, Pikabol, Meritin Hotel and BW Cleaning Services as the Supporting Sponsors.

“As the event took shape, it became evident that MPG 2025 marks the birth of a new tradition, one that champions healthy competition and embodies the unity and spirit that define our nation. This is just the beginning of something truly special. We look forward to another MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam next year,” Wong added.

(Source: MATTA)

IHG makes Bangkok breakthrough

BANGKOK, 23 October 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is accelerating its global growth with another milestone signing — the first standalone branded residences property for its InterContinental brand.

InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke is scheduled for completion in 2029, offering buyers 88 residential units in a new-build property situated in the heart of Thailand’s capital city.

Bangkok’s skyline at dusk.

IHG is working together with private investment fund CG Capital, a subsidiary of Central Group – one of the largest real estate and retail conglomerates in the country, on this exciting development. This landmark collaboration marks the global entry of InterContinental in the standalone branded residential market. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts, SVP & Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific (EAPAC), Rajit Sukumaran said: “This is a momentous signing for IHG, introducing our world-renowned InterContinental brand into both the global standalone branded residential market and the branded residential space in Bangkok.

“Through it, we’re continuing to establish our business as a diversified player in the region and around the world, where we’re seeking and seizing new growth opportunities. It will add to the portfolio of InterContinental-branded residences in the area, including those in Phu Quoc and Halong Bay, Vietnam, and Hua Hin, Thailand.”

Situated on Soi Sukhumvit 16 in the Asoke neighbourhood, the property will feature a selection of two, three and four-bedroom units ranging from approximately 139 to 547 square metres, as well as facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pool, fully equipped fitness centre, pilates and yoga studio, private function room with full pantry, co-working space, meeting rooms, game room, art room and residents’ lounge.

(Source: IHG)

BE@Penang returns this December

PENANG, 23 October 2025: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) confirms the 9th edition of BE@Penang, themed ‘BE at Penang: BE THE WAVE’, will take place from 11 to 12 December 2025.

This year’s conference brings together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to create the next wave of progress in Malaysia’s business events and creative economy.

More than just a year-end conference, BE@Penang 2025 is positioned as a catalyst and benchmark for future conferences in 2026 and beyond. It seeks to inspire new thinking, foster collaboration across industries, and spark momentum that drives Penang and Malaysia toward greater innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth. 

Hiroshi Tamura, the father of the modern Nissan GT-R, will deliver the keynote address to explore visionary leadership, the courage to challenge the status quo, and the power of a single individual’s passion to transform an entire industry. It’s a story that mirrors the very spirit of BE@Penang 2025: Bold, innovative, and forward-looking.

BE@Penang 2025 also continues its commitment to empowering the next generation. By opening doors for students and young professionals, the conference offers opportunities to learn directly from industry leaders, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build networks that can shape their career journeys. Nurturing future talent ensures that the wave of progress continues to grow stronger, keeping Penang a fertile ground for innovation, creativity, and leadership.

Adding to the experience is a pre-conference activity, “WAVE MAKERS: A Penang Discovery Adventure,” which takes place on 10 and 11 December 2025. Participants will explore Penang through creative photo challenges, clue hunts, and team-based problem-solving — an engaging introduction that builds camaraderie and connection ahead of the leading conference.

In alignment with the Penang 2030 Vision of creating a family-focused, green, and bright state that inspires the nation, BE@Penang 2025 strengthens Penang’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and people-centric growth.

Registration for BE@Penang 2025 is now open. Interested participants can secure their seats early and be part of Penang’s most anticipated business events conference. Visit https://beatpenang.com/registration  to register and BE THE WAVE this December.
For more information about the event, visit: https://beatpenang.com

Qatar inaugurates Red Sea flights

DOHA, 23 October 2025: Qatar Airways landed its inaugural flight at The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, scheduling three weekly direct flights from its home base at Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha, Qatar.

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 130 weekly flights across 12 Saudi gateways, showcasing its commitment to enhancing connectivity in Saudi Arabia.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways. Red Sea connection from Doha, Qatar.

The Red Sea is the 12th destination in Saudi Arabia to be serviced by Qatar Airways, following operations in Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. This expansion reinforces Qatar Airways’ position in the Saudi market and demonstrates the airline’s long-term commitment to enhancing connectivity across the Kingdom.

The RSI service adds to the airline’s global network of more than 170 destinations, offering seamless connections for travellers from across six continents, including Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, to the Kingdom’s west coast through Doha.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commented: “The importance of the Saudi market, and our commitment to it, is proven by the growing reach of our services in the Kingdom. This new route is a testament to the close ties between the two countries.”

RSG Group Chief Executive Officer John Pagano said: “Welcoming Qatar Airways to Red Sea International Airport is a key step in giving more travellers from around the world easy access to the Red Sea destination. With the opening of Shura Island last month and our second destination, AMAALA, welcoming guests in the coming months, enhanced international connectivity means even more people can now experience the best of Saudi culture and hospitality.”

Red Sea International Airport CEO Andrew Tyler-Smith noted: “This new service introduces an efficient gateway to a wide range of European destinations, unlocking critical access to key target source markets for the first time. As we continue to grow our airline portfolio, each new route reinforces our role as a strategic hub for tourism. We look forward to welcoming more travellers from around the world to enjoy the unparalleled luxury of the Red Sea destination.”  

The Red Sea is a pioneering destination on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, inviting guests to experience a place of extraordinary natural beauty.

Located on Saudi Arabia’s western coastline between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh, the Red Sea is one of the emerging tourism destinations encompassing more than 90 islands, coral-fringed waters, sweeping desert landscapes, volcanic mountain ranges, and one of the largest reef systems in the world.

Currently, the Red Sea welcomes international visitors with six luxury resorts. Shura Island, the heart of the Red Sea, began welcoming guests in 2025 and will be home to 11 resorts alongside the Shura Links golf course, a marina, and retail and dining experiences.

Qatar Airways flights to The Red Sea (RSI)

(Source: Qatar Airways)

AirAsia flies to Banjarmasin

BANJARMASIN, Indonesia, 22 October 2025: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) celebrated its inaugural service earlier this week, connecting Kuala Lumpur and Banjarmasin (BDJ). This marks the first scheduled international link between Malaysia and South Kalimantan, Indonesia. 

AirAsia serves 18 destinations across Indonesia, and this latest route will boost travel and trade. It will also showcase Banjarmasin’s unique river culture and growing potential as a must-visit halal-friendly destination.

(Sixth from the left) Zamani Bin Mohd Rafique, Director of Government Relations at AirAsia and Muhammad Syarifuddin, Regional Secretary of South Kalimantan Province, together with the authorities of Syamsudin Noor Airport, during the press conference for the inaugural Kuala Lumpur–Banjarmasin flight earlier this week.

This new route will also expand travel options for AirAsia guests from Banjarmasin via the airline’s extensive check-through network, which spans over 130 global destinations.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “Indonesia has always been an important market for us, and this move to provide direct connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Banjarmasin reinforces our goal to boost regional connectivity.”

In October 2024 alone, South Kalimantan recorded nearly 100,000 domestic tourist entries, reflecting a robustly expanding tourism market. Known as the City of a Thousand Rivers, Banjarmasin is a living tapestry shaped by the waterways that have long connected its people, culture, and community. Rooted in the rich heritage of the Banjar people and surrounded by the natural beauty of South Kalimantan, it is a place where tradition thrives and journeys can feel timeless.

With the launch of a direct international route to Kuala Lumpur, these numbers are expected to increase exponentially in 2025, boosting both inbound and outbound tourism. This new service will also provide travellers with more affordable options to visit other destinations in the country, complementing efforts for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Banjarmasin (BDJ)

(Source: AirAsia)

Webinar lecture: Dark days for global tourism

BANGKOK, 22 October 2025: A leading travel & tourism historian and researcher, Imtiaz Muqbil, invites tourism and hospitality stakeholders worldwide to join a special webinar lecture on 4 November 2025 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the assassination of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

The webinar will “revisit the hopes and aspirations for peace and rethink how the ‘Industry of Peace’ can create a new normal in the second quarter of the 21st century.”

On 2 November 1995, Muqbil was the sole travel industry journalist from Asia sitting in a Tel Aviv convention centre amid the world’s leading hoteliers listening with rapt attention to a powerful keynote speech by the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

The co-winner of a 1994 Nobel Peace Prize spearheaded negotiations with the Palestinians in pursuit of a just and durable peace in the Middle East. In his inspiring speech to the 33rd annual congress of the International Hotel Association, he talked about saving the young generation from the scourge of war. He flagged travel and tourism as a primary economic beneficiary of peace.

Muqbil notes in a preamble to the webinar lecture how the late Israeli PM envisioned a “Holy Land criss-crossed with tourists, pilgrims and visitors from across the Abrahamic faiths” — precisely in line with the congress’s circular theme of ‘Peace Promotes Tourism Promotes Peace’. A mere 48 hours later, PM Rabin was assassinated.

Muqbil notes that “the first quarter of this century began with a devastating act of terrorism and has ended with two years of brutal, barbaric genocide. The Israel-Palestine conflict was at the heart of both.

“In each of the past 25 years, Travel & Tourism has been impacted in multiple ways — ethnic conflicts, visa restrictions, heightened security, intrusive surveillance, curbs on freedom of speech and human rights, religious and cultural discrimination, civilisational confrontations.

The core conflict remains unsettled. Which means the next 25 years are likely to be even worse.

“It’s time to rewind the clock 30 years and resurrect the dreams and vision of an Israeli political leader who was genuinely trying to convert swords into ploughshares, save the young generation from the scourge of war and usher in an era of economic prosperity and civilisational harmony for the entire Middle East — with Travel & Tourism at the heart of both.”

Click here to register

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuvTXvIuKmpEtnUYRCpuxw9i1qTkoH7sBh122pD_VUAyi6Nw/viewform.

(Source: Travel Impact Newswire. Visit: Travel Impact Newswire)

Emirates and AC Milan extend partnership

DUBAI, UAE, 22 October 2025: Emirates and AC Milan are proud to announce the extension of their iconic partnership. The landmark renewal reinforces one of football’s longest and most successful collaborations, with Emirates continuing as the Principal Partner, Official Airline Partner, and Official Men’s Jersey Partner of the prestigious Italian club.

As part of the renewal, Emirates’ signature ‘fly better’ logo will remain emblazoned on the front of AC Milan’s Men’s First Team shirts across all major competitions, including Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA, FIFA fixtures, and international friendlies. Emirates’ iconic logo will also extend to the jerseys of AC Milan Academy youth players, enabling the partnership to cultivate not only sporting excellence but also the next generation of footballing talent from grassroots to the global stage.

Emirates will also benefit from extensive activation rights, including LED displays of its brand in stadiums and training centres for all home matches, exclusive digital content, fan engagement experiences, and premium hospitality. The extended partnership will feature innovative initiatives to engage fans, such as global watch parties hosted at select international locations.

Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with AC Milan. This collaboration, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to excellence, has created unforgettable experiences for millions of fans worldwide. Our deep-rooted relationship with Italy makes this extension a natural next step, as we continue to connect Milan and other Italian cities to the world through Dubai, while bringing Rossoneri fans across our global network closer to their favourite club and players.”

AC Milan, Chief Commercial Officer Maikel Oettle stated: “The renewal of our partnership with Emirates stands as testimony to one of the most historic and admired collaborations in football, a shared journey that looks to the future with ambition and vision. Emirates will continue to stand by our side, helping us strengthen the Club’s solid foundations and, together, connect new generations of fans around the world while creating unique experiences that go far beyond the pitch.”

This renewed partnership reaffirms Emirates’ position as a leader in global sports sponsorship and AC Milan’s status as the Italian club with the largest global fanbase. Together, these two iconic brands will continue to create unmatched experiences for fans both in Italy and worldwide, forging powerful synergies between aviation and sports.

Emirates first began its sponsorship of AC Milan in September 2007. In 2008, the relationship was elevated to Top Institutional Sponsor, and the airline became the official jersey sponsor in the 2010/2011 season. In celebration of AC Milan’s 125th anniversary, Emirates unveiled a bespoke A380 livery last year, featuring the club’s iconic colours and official crest, symbolising the deep-rooted and enduring nature of this partnership. AC Milan has also opened its new office in Dubai, serving as a key hub for the Club to expand its commercial and communication strategies throughout the region.

Emirates’ ongoing commitment to football enables it to connect with fans worldwide, forging prestigious partnerships with top football clubs and major tournaments. The airline’s ‘fly better’ logo is proudly displayed on the jerseys of prominent European clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Benfica SL and Olympique Lyonnais. The airline has also recently expanded its football portfolio with a new partnership with FC Bayern Munich, becoming the Platinum Partner of its first team from the 2025-26 season through to 2031-32. Emirates has been the Title Partner of The FA Cup for nearly a decade, with the tournament officially known as The Emirates FA Cup. While in the UAE, Emirates continues to support the UAE Pro League, and the airline’s logo will appear on the sleeve and back of Al Ain FC’s training jerseys throughout the 2025/2026 season. 

For information on flights and to make a booking, visit: www.emirates.com

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)