HCMC promotes its MICE facilities at IMEX

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May 21, 2025

FRANKFURT, 21 MAY 2025: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism is embarking on its Tourism Promotion Programme in Germany this week as part of its presence at the IMEX Frankfurt 2025, which opened on 20 May.

The three-day show closing on 22 May allows the delegation to present the latest updates on Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism products and services, spotlighting business event facilities for European MICE professionals at its Pavilion B325 in Messe Frankfurt.

Team participants

Vietnam Airlines
Ben Thanh Tourist
Asian Trails
Terraverde Travel & Events
MakeYourAsia
Indochina Heritage
ASIA DMC
Trusted DMC
Vietravel
Bliss Hoi An

The promotions kicked off with the HCMC delegation hosting “Your Gateway to Vietnam – Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the opening day of the B2B business events trade show.

Asia leads Mastercard’s summer destinations

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 21, 2025

SINGAPORE, 21 MAY 2025: Asia is home to eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations, according to Travel Trends 2025, the annual Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report on consumer spending in the travel economy.

While exchange rates and geopolitical dynamics can influence behaviour, the report highlights that passions and purpose-driven motivations remain strong drivers shaping the travel industry. The report uncovers what is shaping travel choices today by drawing on a unique analysis of aggregated and anonymised transaction data and third-party data sources.

Highlights from the Asia-Pacific region: Japan leads the pack — with Vietnam’s Nha Trang rising fast.

Tokyo and Osaka are the world’s first and second top trending destinations for summer travel (June-September 2025), with the two most significant increases in tourism demand relative to previous levels.

In 2024, Japan’s capital city climbed from the number two spot held in 2023 to lead global travel demand heading into the peak summer season, reflecting its continued appeal. Meanwhile, Nha Trang in

Vietnam made a surprise entry into the list, climbing in popularity thanks to its beautiful beaches, enviable coastline and vibrant nightlife.

China and India are still Asia’s travel titans. The Chinese Mainland remained the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024. Chinese travellers increasingly prioritise value and visa-friendly destinations, including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also increasing.

India again posted the country’s highest number of outbound travellers on record in 2024. Indian tourists are exploring a broad mix of destinations—the top three being Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali—with growth supported by expanded direct flight connections and a rapidly growing middle class eager to travel. The two markets continue to play an outsized role in shaping global travel flows.

Experiences over itineraries: Across Asia-Pacific, travellers are prioritising dining, nature, and wellness as key motivators for travel, seeking meaningful moments over traditional sightseeing. Destinations like Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, known for its iconic Babi Guling spit-roasted pork, and Queenstown in New Zealand — where restaurants welcomed tourists from 44 countries in 2024 — stand out as globalised culinary hotspots.

Sports fandom fuels travel: The rise of sports tourism continues, with major events like the Australian Open tennis tournament and the Baseball World Series in Los Angeles drawing significant international spending. Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut saw spending by Japanese visitors surge by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost, highlighting how sporting events are proving to be powerful travel catalysts for fans.

Mastercard chief economist Asia Pacific David Mann said: “The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travellers worldwide. Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot — driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences. From exchange rates to regional accessibility, travellers are making smarter, more intentional choices about where they go and why, with a clear shift toward more personal, purposeful journeys.”

Travellers from Asia tend to be more sensitive to exchange rate shifts. A weaker yen throughout much of 2024 significantly boosted Japan’s inbound tourism, making the country a compelling destination for visitors searching for value. Notably, a 1% depreciation of the JPY against the RMB is associated with a 1.5% increase in tourists from the Chinese Mainland. However, visitors from New Zealand and the US rose only around 0.2% in response to the same degree of depreciation relative to their currencies.

In 2024, Singaporean visitors to Japan hit record highs — thanks to a 40% rise in the Singapore Dollar (SGD) vs. Japanese Yen (JPY), even as airfare and hotels got pricier.

Turning to the US, MEI’s analysis shows that tourists from India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are susceptible to exchange rate fluctuations after accounting for other factors. Specifically, a 1% depreciation of the United States Dollar (USD) against their local currencies corresponds to an approximate 0.6–0.8% increase in the number of tourists travelling to the US. These findings, consistent with our earlier analysis of tourism to Japan, suggest that these travellers are more responsive to exchange rate movements when selecting outbound destinations.

The shifting sands of business travel: Corporates today limit global travel in favour of regional trips. And while people take fewer business trips overall, the average duration is more prolonged, suggesting efforts to stretch travel budgets. For example, US-based travellers’ trips to Asia-Pacific increased from 8.8 days[3] to 10.2 days.

Travel fraud demands a safer, more intelligent travel ecosystem. According to MEI, fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28% during peak seasons. Common scams include inflated charges in restaurants and taxis, fake tour companies, and fraudulent property listings. To combat these, Mastercard employs advanced fraud prevention technologies, including digital wallets and AI-driven systems, to protect travellers. This ensures that travellers can focus on their journeys without worrying about security threats.

View the “Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven Journeys” report here and other insights from MEI, here.

Paddles Up: Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 21, 2025

HONG KONG, 21 MAY 2025: The boats are fierce, the drums are loud, and the energy is electric — Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Festival is back, 7 to 8 June, in spectacular style.

Each year, this high-adrenaline celebration draws elite paddlers worldwide to compete in one of the city’s most anticipated summer events. The 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races are jointly organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association at the iconic Victoria Harbour from 7 to 8 June.

*Experience the thrilling Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races in Tsim Sha Tsui — where strength meets tradition! (Photo Credit: ShotCourt).*

The race will transform the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade into a festival hotspot with over 190 teams from 12 countries and regions, including teams from Qatar and Egypt, competing for the first time.

Nine days and nights of festivities

HKTB is hosting nine days and nights of action-packed celebrations starting 31 May along the photogenic Avenue of Stars to build up momentum ahead of the boat races.

From 1300 to 2200 daily, visitors can look forward to festive foods, icy-cold beverages, summery sweets and photo opportunities galore with the dazzling harbour as a backdrop. The area will also include festive photo spots with displays of Ocean Park Hong Kong’s adorable Panda Friends – the giant pandas An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying, and Le Le, along with the twin cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother. A special pop-up store will offer a selection of panda-themed merchandise.

As the action peaks on 7 to 8 June, spectators can enjoy free entry and shaded viewing areas along the waterfront from Tsim Sha Tsui East to the Avenue of Stars. In the Urban Council Centenary Garden, refreshing beers will be available at a lively Beer Garden set up to beat the summer heat and Cirque du Soleil performers will delight attendees with surprise appearances during the event.

A month of tradition, craft and celebration

The Dragon Boat Festival was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. With its deep cultural roots, the Dragon Boat Festival aligns perfectly with the inaugural Hong Kong ICH Month—a celebration in June that invites visitors to experience Hong Kong’s cultural richness.

Visitors can participate in highlight tours to explore ICH-related traditional craftsmanship, such as bamboo steamer-making techniques. Travellers can sign up for the tour at the Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Centre or Kowloon Visitor Centre starting 9 June, or visit the Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 website for more details.

(Source: HKTB)

HKIA reports record passenger traffic in April

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 21, 2025

HONG KONG, 21 MAY 2025: Passenger traffic marked a new post-pandemic high on 20 April during the Easter holidays, when Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) welcomed approximately 197,000 passengers according to the latest data released last week by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK)

During April, HKIA handled 5.19 million passengers, experiencing a year-on-year growth of 23.2%. The robust growth was attributed to the extended Easter holidays, which began in mid-April and boosted traffic across all passenger segments. Flight movements increased by 12.5% year-on-year to 32,675.

Photo credit: HKIA. T1 Satellite Concourse.

Cargo volume grew to 404,000 tonnes, representing a 2.6% increase compared to the same month last year. The growth in cargo throughput was underpinned by a 13.9% increase in transshipments. Traffic to and from Europe and the Middle East remained the primary growth drivers, increasing significantly.

For the first four months of 2025, passenger volume saw 17.0% year-on-year growth to 19.8 million, while flight movements increased by 11.6% to 128,650. Cargo traffic experienced a year-on-year growth of 3% to 1.57 million tonnes.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume rose by 20.8% year-on-year to 55.9 million, while flight movements increased by 18.8% to 376,670. Cargo throughput grew by 9.3% to 4.98 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, a number of airlines added new flight routes, further expanding HKIA’s connectivity. During the month, Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Vietnam Airlines launched new flight routes to Dallas, Komatsu, Ishigaki, and Nha Trang, respectively.

IDV Travel hires Business Development Manager Europe

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 21, 2025

HANOI, 21 MAY 2025: IDV Travel, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam, has confirmed the appointment of Thuy Linh Ho as its new Regional Business Development Manager based in Europe, calling it a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the European market.

IDV Travel founder and managing director Trung Tran said the appointment of a new representative based in Switzerland “further strengthens our presence and partnerships in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). We believe this is a significant step in reinforcing our commitment to serving our European partners with greater proximity and efficiency.”

Linh will establish and expand partnerships with travel agents and tour operators across Europe. Originally from Vietnam and raised in Switzerland, she brings a unique perspective to her role, blending her Vietnamese heritage with a deep understanding of European culture.

With an extensive international travel trade background and a proven business development track record, she will represent IDV Travel in all major outbound markets in Europe. The role focuses on building new partnerships, supporting existing clients, and promoting the company’s signature travel experiences throughout Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

“We are excited to welcome Linh to the team. With a deep understanding of the European travel market and a passion for connecting people to authentic experiences in Indochina, she will play a vital role in our future growth,” Trung Tran concluded.

About IDV Travel
IDV Travel is a B2B destination management company specialising in tailor-made travel experiences in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. With over 25 years of industry expertise, the company works with tour operators and travel agencies worldwide to deliver authentic and responsible travel for discerning clients.

Emirates expands footprint to Eastern China

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 20, 2025

DUBAI, UAE, 20 MAY 2025: Emirates is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July*. The airline’s latest expansion into Hangzhou makes the city its fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

The new service will operate with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, with a total capacity of 2,478 weekly seats. Emirates flight EK310 will depart Dubai at 0940 and arrive in Hangzhou at 2200. The return flight, EK311, will depart Hangzhou at 0010, landing in Dubai at 0455.**

Boaters on West Lake at sunset, Hangzhou, China

The new flights are optimally timed to connect travellers to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East as well as Brazil and Argentina, offering convenient two-way connections to key cities including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo and Johannesburg.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, commented on the airline’s latest expansion into the Chinese mainland: “Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region. As an emerging global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, Hangzhou will open doors to new opportunities for our passenger and cargo operations, further strengthening the vital economic and technological exchanges between the Middle East and China.”

He added: “The fifth gateway in our Chinese mainland network will enhance connectivity for travellers and offer businesses efficient access to and from key East Asian markets. This expansion is part of our global growth strategy and positions Emirates as the preferred airline when linking the world to the Chinese mainland’s thriving economic corridors and beyond.”

A rising tech powerhouse

The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, is rapidly growing to become a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and technological advancements. Home to Alibaba Group, the city is a driving force in China’s digital economy, with cross-border e-commerce exports projected to exceed AED70 billion (140 billion Chinese yuan) by 2026 [1].

Its blend of historical heritage — including the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, the Imperial Street of the Southern Song Dynasty, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — as well as thriving tech industry will offer unique and diverse opportunities for Emirates’ travellers to visit and explore the city.

By embracing artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, Hangzhou attracts numerous tech start-ups and innovation centres worldwide. In 2024, the revenue generated by the city’s core digital economy industries exceeded AED 1 trillion (2 trillion Chinese yuan), accounting for 28.8% of the city’s GDP and highlighting its central role in driving local economic growth. [2]

Serving passengers and cargo

Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER will offer travellers eight First Class suites, 42 angle-flat Business Class seats and 304 ergonomically designed Economy Class seats. Travellers flying with Emirates to Hangzhou will also enjoy the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system ice, offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages.

With its extensive network and state-of-the-art facilities, Emirates SkyCargo will further strengthen economic and trade ties between China and the UAE, while reinforcing Hangzhou’s role as a major cargo hub and cross-border e-commerce gateway.

Emirates SkyCargo will leverage the new Hangzhou route to enhance its cargo footprint across East Asia, meeting rising demand for reliable air freight solutions. The service will also reduce transit times, enabling faster, more efficient movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including electronics, e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, and perishables, between the Chinese market and key regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

From 30 July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, daily flights to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and the new daily service to Hangzhou. The airline’s continued expansion into the Chinese mainland reflects the deepening UAE-China bilateral ties and underscores Emirates’ longstanding commitment to advancing the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative. As a vital link between China and emerging markets across Africa, the Middle East, and South America via Dubai, Emirates is well-positioned to connect tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from these high-growth regions to Hangzhou, a dynamic centre of technology and innovation.

For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. WeChat Pay is available on emirates.com for customers in China.

*Subject to government approvals
** Emirates summer schedule. All times are local.

1] Published by the General Office of the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government. https://www.hangzhou.gov.cn/art/2024/9/24/art_1229063382_1845987.html

[2] https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_30384682

Dusit executive leads TICA team.

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 20, 2025

BANGKOK, 20 MAY 2025: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, congratulates Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Vice President of operations (Central & Southern Thailand) and Government & Business Relations, who has been appointed President of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) for the 2025–2026 term.

TICA, a non-profit organisation established in 1984, is vital in promoting Thailand as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE).

With more than three decades of service to TICA, including her most recent role as the TICA Vice President and a distinguished track record in Thailand’s MICE sector, Prachoom brings deep industry insight, a firm commitment to sustainability, and a collaborative spirit to the role. Her appointment highlights Dusit International’s ongoing contribution to advancing Thailand’s tourism and hospitality landscape through strong leadership and values-driven engagement.

“I feel incredibly honoured to step up from Vice President of TICA and take on the President role,” she commented. “At Dusit, I’ve always felt proud to represent a Thai brand on the global stage. Now, as TICA President, I also have the privilege of leading efforts to promote our beautiful country as a world-class MICE destination. Together with our partners across government, private, and international sectors, I will work to ensure Thailand remains top-of-mind for organisers worldwide.”

Drawing on Dusit’s four core pillars of Dusit Graciousness — Service (personalised and gracious), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) — Prachoom intends to integrate these values into TICA’s national MICE strategy.

“My goal for TICA is the same as my goal for Dusit,” she said. “We won’t just keep up with competitors—we will lead them.”

Prachoom takes the helm from Sumate Sudasna Ayutthaya, who served as TICA President for 16 years. Inspired by his visionary leadership.

Her appointment adds to a growing list of Dusit executives making meaningful contributions to the industry at both regional and global levels.

Dusit International Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee Chanin Donavanik serves as an Honorary Advisor to the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and as President of the Thai Hotels Standard Foundation, which operates under THA.

Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun is a School International Advisory Board member at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Asia, a leading regional platform for hospitality investment, where she contributes strategic insights to help shape the future of hospitality across Asia-Pacific.

Dusit’s industry contributions extend through Dusit Hospitality Education, which has nurtured hospitality professionals for over 30 years. Beginning with the launch of Dusit Thani College in 1993, the company’s education portfolio now includes Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and The Food School — Bangkok-based institutions that equip students with internationally relevant skills.

Students from Dusit Thani College regularly participate in prestigious international events such as WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the Rising Star Hotelex China International Young Chefs Competition 2025, and the Startup Thailand League while also hosting global academic forums. Recently, the college welcomed the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) for a seminar on “Sustainable Transformations in the Asia Pacific — further reinforcing Dusit’s role as a thought leader in responsible tourism.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit dusit-international.com

PHAB supports local scholarships

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 20, 2025

PHUKET, 20 MAY 2025: Phuket Hotels Association, the non-profit organisation of hoteliers focused on creating a sustainable future for Phuket, has announced that its “Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale” is back with more prizes than ever, including luxury hotel stays and outstanding travel experiences worldwide.

The Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) annual online auction is a charitable initiative that donates all proceeds to the association’s education programme. The programme funds hospitality scholarships and internships for young people in Phuket. Talent development is a key pillar of the Phuket Hotels Association, which collaborates closely with local colleges, universities, and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals.

PHAB campaigns have raised funds to support more than 100 local students through professional development opportunities, including three- and four-year scholarships. Now in its seventh year, PHAB continues to rely on the generosity of its supporters to create life-changing opportunities for Phuket’s talented youth.

This year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale gives members of the public the chance to bid for multi-night stays at hotels and resorts in dream destinations worldwide, such as the Maldives, Phuket, Bali, Bangkok, London, Dubai, Japan, Fiji, Samui Island, Hong Kong and many others. With prizes donated by the world’s most desirable hotel brands, including Rosewood, Six Senses, COMO and InterContinental, the auction promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In addition to the hotel stays, other prizes include dining journeys and spa therapies, while the prestigious Cornell University is inviting bids for a place in its Online Certificate Programme, which is valued at USD3,750. For the complete list of prizes and to participate, visit phab.phukethotelsassociation.com/silent-auction.

Phuket Rajabhat University students are supported by the Phuket Hotels Association’s educational programme

Phuket Hotels Association President Bjorn Courage commented: “The PHAB is always one of the highlights of the year, as it creates priceless opportunities for local young people to embark on a rewarding career in the hospitality industry, potentially raising the standard of living for themselves and their families. I invite everyone to place their bids in this year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale. By participating, you could win the experience of a lifetime while also creating a brighter future for local people in Phuket.”

The Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale runs until 1400 (Bangkok time) on 16 June 2025. Click here to place your bids

Talent development is one of the key pillars of the Phuket Hotels Association, which works hand-in-hand with local educational institutions and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals.To learn more about the Phuket Hotels Association, call +66 (0) 896 452 576, email [email protected], or visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com

Duxton Reserve sold to Lotus One

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 20, 2025

SINGAPORE, 20 May 2025: The Garcha Group has concluded the sale of Duxton Reserve Singapore, a 49-key luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, to Lotus One Investment Pte Ltd for SGD80 million.

The property, which operates under the Marriott International Autograph Collection brand, was marketed by JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Singapore’s market-leading real estate advisory firm specialising in hospitality assets.

Global Investment Institution, Lighthouse Canton, which is headquartered in Singapore, acted as portfolio advisor to Lotus One Investment in acquiring the property for its broader hospitality and real estate portfolio strategy.

Duxton Reserve is housed within a row of conserved heritage shophouses and has become one of Singapore’s most architecturally distinctive boutique hotels. The Garcha Group, known for curating a portfolio of heritage-rich luxury properties, successfully repositioned the asset into a flagship hospitality destination. As part of the agreement with the new owners, the Garcha Group will continue to manage the hotel to provide a smooth operational transition.

The sale represents a strategic capital reallocation, allowing the group to focus on new development projects and expand the Garcha brand both locally and internationally.

Lotus One Investment Director Nirmal Singh commented: “Our group’s presence in Singapore spans over a decade, and we are proud to invest in a property that reflects the city’s heritage and character. Duxton Reserve is an iconic and rare asset that embodies cultural richness and architectural distinction, values that align closely with our long-term philosophy. This acquisition is not only a strategic investment but also a meaningful step in supporting the continued vitality of Singapore’s unique built environment. We also see this as the beginning of a long-term partnership strategy with the Garcha Group, built around shared values and a commitment to distinctive hospitality.”

JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group Senior Vice President of Investment Sales Singapore Ling Wei Tan said: The (Duxton Reserve) sale campaign attracted strong investor interest due to this asset’s high-quality and unique nature. The enthusiastic response underscores the growing appeal of boutique heritage properties – particularly those converted from shophouses – which are increasingly sought after for their strong capital appreciation and potential for stable returns.”

Traveloka identifies top EPIC Sale destinations

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 20, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 May 2025: Travel demand is rising across Asia-Pacific, with more travellers eager to explore new destinations and seek meaningful experiences.

According to Traveloka, a leading all-in-one travel platform specialising in Asia Pacific, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam emerged as the top three most-searched destinations by millions of APAC travellers during the EPIC Sale 2025, which ran from 11 April to 5 May and offered discounts of up to 60% on flights, accommodations, and experiences.

Launched simultaneously across seven key APAC markets, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, the EPIC Sale campaign showed travellers are looking to make the most of long weekends and school holidays, with a rising interest in destinations that offer cultural discovery, nature escapes, and family-friendly experiences.

Traveloka’s EPIC Sale Insights

In addition to Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Traveloka EPIC Sale recorded that international destinations like Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore remained popular choices for APAC travellers. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching and Langkawi continued to attract strong interest from Malaysian travellers as the top domestic destinations. This reflects a strong enthusiasm for both global adventures and local explorations. The highest searches for international destinations are Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam and China.

Leisure travel and staycations continue to rise, indicating a growing preference for nearby travel with a more flexible itinerary. Based on accommodation searches, Traveloka observed high interest among Malaysian travellers in destinations such as Melaka, Cameron Highlands, Johor Bahru, Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, with Kuantan also seeing an increase. These locations were favoured for short getaways, typically three-day and two-night stays, to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and explore family-friendly experiences. This aligns with a broader shift toward more conscious travel, where convenience and affordability play a greater role.

During the EPIC Sale, the top five accommodation types booked by Malaysian travellers were hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, and guesthouses. This mix indicates a rising preference for flexible lodging that can suit various travel styles, from solo travellers to couples, families and groups.

More Than Just a Trip

“Today’s travellers are increasingly focused on value, measured not just in price, but in relevance, flexibility, and the quality of experience,” Traveloka Vice President of Commercial, Travel Activities Baidi Li said. “This campaign not only drove strong engagement across key markets but also strengthened our role as a trusted partner in helping brands grow their visibility and reach through data-driven, customer-centric solutions.”

During the EPIC Sale, Traveloka also reported a clear shift in traveller behaviour. Users were no longer just booking trips; they were curating experiences. In Malaysia, this was reflected in the surge of interest in activities such as Genting Skyworlds, Discovery Park at Gamuda Cove, Wonderpark Melaka, KLCC Aquaria, and Berjaya Square Theme Park. In addition, cruise travel gained notable traction, with more users exploring unique seafaring getaways that combine leisure, exploration, and cultural enrichment.

HCMC promotes its MICE facilities at IMEX

Asia leads Mastercard’s summer destinations

Paddles Up: Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

HKIA reports record passenger traffic in April

IDV Travel hires Business Development Manager Europe

Emirates expands footprint to Eastern China

Dusit executive leads TICA team.

PHAB supports local scholarships

Duxton Reserve sold to Lotus One

Traveloka identifies top EPIC Sale destinations

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