SYDNEY, 14 August 2025: Tourism Australia kicked off the next chapter of its global ‘Come and say G’day’ campaign in the West Bund lifestyle district in Shanghai last week.
The campaign is ready to roll out across key international markets over the next few months, timed to align with localised peak booking periods.
Photo credit: Tourism Australia.
Last month, during his visit to China, Australia’s Prime Minister provided a sneak preview, confirming that Chinese actor Yosh Yu would star in the latest chapter released in Shanghai. Yosh has visited Australia several times, and his role in the campaign will help showcase the romance and lasting impact an Australian holiday has on its visitors.
China continues to be one of Australia’s most important inbound tourism markets. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, from June 2024 to May 2025, Chinese traveller arrivals reached 947,600, representing a year-on-year increase of 21%. This growth makes China the fastest-growing international source market for inbound tourism to Australia.
Tourism Australia is working with around 200 commercial partners, including major Chinese airlines and distribution platforms like Trip.com Group, to support recovery, and the ‘Come and say G’day’ campaign aims to accelerate that recovery through emotionally resonant storytelling and market-specific content.
Watch this video update from Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, live from the launch pop-up event in the West Bund lifestyle district in Shanghai.
BANGKOK, 14 August 2025: Thailand’s decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, just three years after legalising it, has been broadly welcomed by senior tourism leaders, who believe the move will strengthen the country’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination.
Cannabis was removed from the narcotics list in June 2022, positioning Thailand as the first Asian Nation to permit its use. While the policy aimed to promote medical research and wellness tourism, lax regulation quickly turned it into a booming recreational market. Dispensaries sprang up in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Koh Samui, and the smell of marijuana became a common feature of busy tourist zones.
Cannabis shop signs: A common sight in Thailand’s popular tourist resorts.
As I observed earlier this year in a report posted by Travel Daily News, “the pervasive smell of drug odour throughout key tourist spots had a negative effect and was a concern, particularly for family tourism.” Families, especially from conservative Asian markets, began expressing discomfort, while several governments issued travel warnings or cautions to citizens.
Positive response from tourism leaders
In a Nation Online report, Thai Hotels Association President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said the policy reversal “had a positive impact” on Thailand’s core markets. “Tourists who do not use cannabis often feel unsafe in environments where its smell is pervasive. This discourages families with children from visiting urban areas”.
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Secretary-General Adith Chairattananon noted in the same Nation report that the Asia–Pacific region accounts for 70% of Thailand’s inbound visitors. He added that travellers from South Korea and China have faced random drug tests upon returning home after visiting Thailand, a practice he warned could undermine tourism partnerships and discourage future travel.
ATTA President Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn agreed, pointing out that major source markets, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and Taiwan, have little tolerance for recreational cannabis. Restricting use to medical purposes, he argued, will restore Thailand’s image and align it with the preferences of its largest visitor geo-markets.
Balancing Risks and Opportunities
The Association of Thai Tourism Marketing (ATTM) president, Kitti Pornsiwakit, acknowledged that the new rules could result in closures or costly adjustments for over 20,000 cannabis-related businesses. However, he emphasised the potential to reposition Thailand as a premium medical cannabis wellness hub.
Blending controlled cannabis use into spa, rehabilitation, and health retreat tourism. “It aligns with the original medical-use intention and addresses concerns over cannabis contamination in food while supporting family tourism,” he said.
This measured approach, industry leaders believe, could allow Thailand to preserve a limited cannabis tourism niche without compromising its broader market appeal.
A step towards a tourism blueprint
The policy change mirrors priorities set out in my earlier article, Thailand Tourism 2025–2030: Strategic Pathways to Growth and Sustainability, which called for greater focus on quality tourism, sustainable growth, and protecting the country’s family-friendly image. Limiting street-level cannabis sales reduces deterrents for premium and long-stay travellers while still leaving room for specialised, licensed cannabis experiences in a medical context.
Looking Ahead
The government now faces the challenge of enforcing the new rules, supporting affected entrepreneurs, and communicating the change clearly to international markets. The tourism sector hopes that by restoring a cleaner, safer atmosphere in key destinations, Thailand can capitalise on rising family and wellness travel demand, both critical to its long-term competitiveness.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is an internationally recognised travel writer, consultant, and former hotel general manager with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Based in Thailand since 1991, he is an international hospitality commentator for various online travel publications and a past President of Skål International Bangkok, Thailand and Skål Asia.
JAKARTA, 14 August 2025: The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) unveiled two regional initiatives: the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award and a new digital travel platform, the “Discover ASEAN” Microsite.
The launch event was held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on the 58th ASEAN Day, Friday, 8 August, officiated by Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Nararya S Soeprapto.
Photo credit: ASEANTA.
These initiatives highlight ASEAN’s united commitment to boost regional tourism recovery, digital innovation, and cross-border collaboration, aligning with the region’s broader post-pandemic development agenda.
“These initiatives symbolise our collective ambition to recover, to grow, and to lead. The ASEANTA Tourism Award raises the bar for our industry, while Discover ASEAN brings the stories
of Southeast Asia to life through the power of digital travel. We thank AirAsia MOVE for turning this vision into reality and call on tourism players from all sectors to be part of this momentum,” said ASEANTA president Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga.
The 39th ASEANTA Tourism Award covers 12 categories, spotlighting a wide range of contributions from digital campaigns to sustainability efforts, cultural heritage, and travel content.
Award categories
1. Best Travel Article: Outstanding storytelling that promotes ASEAN tourism through written features or blog content.
2. Best Airline Programme: Innovative air travel campaigns that improve regional connectivity or customer experience.
3. Best Tourism Photo: Captivating photography that visually represents the spirit of ASEAN destinations.
4. Best Cruise Programme: Exceptional cruise experiences highlighting ASEAN’s coastal and island tourism.
5. Best Hotel Package: Creative and value-packed accommodation offerings designed for intra-ASEAN travellers.
6. Best Sustainability Programme: Green initiatives that promote responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
7. Best New Tourism Attraction: Newly launched or significantly upgraded attractions enhancing local tourism.
8. Best Marketing & Promotional Programme: Creative campaigns that boost destination visibility and appeal.
9. Best Cultural Preservation: Efforts to safeguard and promote ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage.
10. Best Eco-Lodge: Unique and sustainable accommodations set in nature, offering authentic local experiences.
11. Best Convention Centre: Venues that lead in service, technology, and sustainability for business events.
12. Best Tour Operator: Exceptional travel organisers delivering high-quality, immersive regional experiences.
Submissions are open until 31 October 2025, and winners will be celebrated at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, Philippines, this coming January. ASEANTA welcomes entries from across the region, tourism boards, travel operators, media, local communities, and private-sector players.
Discover ASEAN Microsite
Alongside the award launch, ASEANTA introduced the Discover ASEAN Microsite, an initiative co-developed by MOVE in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat.
The microsite is accessible via the MOVE app’s homepage. It features curated recommendations on food, culture, and destinations across ASEAN countries, verified travel requirements, links to each country’s official immigration websites, and up-to-date health and safety guidelines.
The content is drawn from ASEAN’s official tourism website and verified by the respective National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), ensuring accuracy and reliability for travellers. By consolidating this information and integrating access to book flights, hotels, and other travel services within the MOVE app, the microsite significantly lowers barriers to intra-ASEAN travel.
GURUGRAM, India, 14 August 2025: Air India will suspend its services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective 1 September 2025, due to a combination of operational factors, including a shortfall of aircraft in the airline’s long-haul fleet.
The suspension is primarily driven by Air India commencing a retrofit programme on 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month.
Photo credit: Air India. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
This extensive retrofit will cause a prolonged shortfall of operational aircraft at any given time until at least the end of 2026. That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity.
Customers with Air India bookings to or from Washington, D.C. beyond 1 September 2025 will be offered alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their individual preferences.
Air India customers will continue to have the options of one-stop flights to Washington, D.C. via four US gateways — New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco — with the airline’s interline partners, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, allowing customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination.
Air India will continue to operate non-stop flights between India and six destinations in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 AUGUST 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) has designated Sabah as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the 57th MATTA Fair in September 2025.
The biannual MATTA Fair is scheduled from 5 to 7 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
Photo credit: MATTA press conference. From left to right: Phua Tai Neng, MATTA Secretary General, Borneo Amazing Journeys; Sheikh Awadh Bin Abdullah, MATTA Deputy President, Gotz Travel & Tours; Bobby Alex, Marketing Manager, Sabah Tourism Board.
Malaysia’s largest international travel fair returns and is pulling out all the stops through a record-breaking 2,040 booths, building on the success of its previous fair with 1,754 booths. With exhibitors from national and state tourism organisations, the fair promises a broader range of travel packages from various airlines, hotels, and licensed tour and travel agents.
As the fair’s spotlighted destination, Sabah remains a firm favourite among both domestic and international visitors. At the 56th edition of the MATTA Fair held in April 2025, Sabah recorded an impressive MYR4.5 million in sales, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period last year.
“Sabah’s rise as a top travel destination reflects the growing demand for authentic, immersive, and responsible tourism,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong. Its success is not just about sales figures, but about how Sabah has embraced sustainable and community-based tourism, giving visitors meaningful experiences while uplifting local communities. We are proud to recognise Sabah as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination at the MATTA Fair this September,” he added.
This recognition aligns with the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), which champions cultural preservation, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Sabah’s participation will feature travel offerings aligned with responsible and sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to explore with purpose while contributing to the preservation of local heritage and traditions.
MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday, 5 to 7 September.
Fair visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. For those driving, parking facilities are available at the south entrance basement in MITEC, MITI basement, and the MATRADE open parking.
SINGAPORE, 14 August 2025: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), confirmed the launch of three new destinations — Chiang Rai in Thailand, and Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda) in Japan — with flights commencing progressively between December 2025 and March 2026.
With the launch of these routes, Scoot will operate 111 weekly flights to Thailand and 45 weekly flights to Japan.
Photo credit: Scoot. Embraer E190-E2.
Phasing in new routes
Okinawa: Three weekly flights from 15 December 2025 using an A321neo. Chiang Rai: Five weekly flights from 1 January 2026 using the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft configured in a single economy class cabin with 112 seats. Tokyo (Haneda): Daily flights from 1 March 2026 using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Singapore – Okinawa
TR834 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0215 and arrive in Okinawa (OKA) at 0820 on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. TR835 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0920 and arrive in Okinawa (OKA) at 1345 on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.
Singapore – Chiang Rai
TR670 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0550 and arrive in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0800 on Tuesday and Saturday. TR670 will depart Singapore at 1640 and arrive in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1850 on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Chiang Rai – Singapore
TR671 will depart Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0835 and arrive in Singapore (SIN) at 1255 on Tuesday and Saturday. TR671 will depart Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1925 and arrive in Singapore (SIN) at 2345 on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Singapore -Tokyo Haneda
TR800 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 1730 and arrive in Haneda (HND) at 0100 plus a day. Daily flights. TR801 will depart Haneda (HND) at 0315 and arrive in Singapore (SIN) at 0830.
The new flights are open for booking with one-way economy class fares starting from SGD190 to Okinawa, SGD128 to Chiang Rai and SGD190 to Tokyo (Haneda), inclusive of taxes.
Scoot will also increase flights to support stronger demand for air travel during holiday periods. From August 2025, the airline will increase flight frequencies to cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, Ipoh in Malaysia, Tokyo (Narita) (via Taipei) and Sapporo (Hokkaido) (via Taipei) in Japan, Jeju in Korea, Taipei in Taiwan and Vienna in Austria.
In Southeast Asia, flights to Bangkok increased from 35 to 39 times weekly as of this month. Ipoh will see improved services from 17 to 21 times weekly from November 2025. Chiang Mai will also see a progressive increase in frequencies to 14 times weekly by December 2025, up from the current daily service.
In North Asia, services to Tokyo (Narita) (via Taipei) will progressively increase to 14 times weekly from October 2025, up from 12 weekly. Services to Sapporo (Hokkaido) (via Taipei) will also increase from four to seven weekly from December 2025.
Between Singapore and Taipei, flights will gradually increase from 23 to 25 times from October 2025 and from 25 to 28 times from December 2025. Additionally, flights to Jeju will increase from five to seven weekly from January 2026.
In Europe, frequencies to Vienna will increase from three to five weekly from March 2026.
Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng commented: “We are thrilled to expand Scoot’s network in Asia with new routes to Chiang Rai, Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda), offering our customers even more travel options. In addition, the upcoming increase in services to some cities will support stronger demand for air travel during the year-end and the new year holiday periods. We will continue to look for opportunities to connect our customers to new travel experiences and memorable journeys with Scoot.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 August 2025: Sarawak has once again made waves in Malaysia’s business events scene by returning to EventXpo 2025 with bigger goals and a more substantial presence, reaffirming its role as Malaysia’s capital of legacy-driven business events.
Building on the success of last year’s theme, Tribe Legacy Sarawak, Sarawak took the lead at this year’s expo with impactful initiatives under the Sarawak Pavilion, showcasing how business events can benefit not just the economy but also society and the environment.
Photo credit BESarawak. With its biggest delegation of 13 co-exhibitors, Sarawak proudly demonstrated a united belief in the legacy vision.
“Being Malaysia’s legacy capital of business events means driving impactful programmes and ensuring stakeholders have the tools, support, and opportunities needed to contribute to national progress,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman.
Sarawak’s participation at EventXpo served as a platform to spotlight initiatives that align with the country’s priorities, especially in social, economic, and environmental development.
This October, Sarawak will host LEGACY360, Malaysia’s first and only business event legacy forum. As one of three transformative initiatives, LEGACY360 will focus on five key legacy objectives: Advocate, Educate, Advance, Recognise, and Support.
Each of these objectives is matched with a dedicated initiative: the LEAP Summit to advocate for legacy thinking, LEGACY360 to educate industry stakeholders, and AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System to advance innovation in legacy creation, Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) and the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) to recognise impactful contributions, and a suite of incentives to support event planners fully committed to long-term impact.
“Advocacy at the policymaking level is crucial in legacy-building, which is why we’re hosting the LEAP Summit during LEGACY360,” Roziman added. “It will bring together government leaders and industry players from around the globe to explore how business events can be used to support social growth, economic progress, and environmental responsibility.”
Sarawak’s commitment to inclusive development was also reflected during EventXpo, when BESarawak signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with Borneo Business Connect to launch Kind Borneo — a community-focused expo taking place alongside LEGACY360 on 2–3 October in Kuching.
Kind Borneo is designed to bring together corporations, non-profits, and philanthropies to share ideas and collaborate on projects that promote kindness and positive social impact.
In another significant milestone, Sarawak introduced the I AM LEGACY movement to Peninsular Malaysia for the first time. The movement celebrates individual and united efforts in creating positive change through business events. This was demonstrated by Sarawak’s delegation of 13 co-exhibitors, representing a wide range of expertise from event planning and tourism to hospitality and venues:
Event Management
Absolute Cool Event (Event Management)
Place Borneo (Professional Conference Organiser)
Techno Expo (Exhibition Management)
Destination Management
Cat City Holidays
Greatown Travel
Hotels & Venues
Hilton Kuching
Pullman Kuching & Miri Waterfront
Imperial Hotel Miri
RH Hotel Sibu
Sheraton Kuching Hotel
Miri & Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
The Waterfront Hotel Kuching
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
“EventXpo was a success for Sarawak. The legacy vision received firm support from stakeholders, which shows that legacy-building is no longer a concept but a shared direction for the future. Collaboration is the key to value creation,” Roziman concluded.
EventXpo 2025 is organised by the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and will feature over 90 companies, two state pavilions, and international exhibitors from Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Singapore, under the theme’ Business Events Build Nations’.
About Business Events Sarawak BESarawak was established in 2006 by the Sarawak Government as a non-profit destination marketing organisation to promote Sarawak for national and international business events. Support and services include, but are not limited to, bidding services, developing business events of interest, delegate marketing, financial support and developing incentive itineraries. BESarawak is a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Union of International Associations (UIA), and Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Visit www.businesseventssarawak.com for more information.
About Business Events’ Legacy Impact Legacy Impact refers to the long-term, positive benefits that business events bring to sectors, communities, trade and investment, the environment, and governance. Sarawak is the first in Malaysia and one of the few in the world to focus on legacy Impact as a sustainable method of measuring the value of business events. The sector is listed as one of six in the Sarawak Government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability by 2030.
OSAKA, 13 August 2025: Following its launch in Kuala Lumpur, Serumpun Sarawak made its international debut in Osaka, Japan, with a four-day showcase of culture, cuisine, and creative leadership at Seaside Studio CASO.
Held from 5 to 8 August 2025 in conjunction with Sarawak Week at the Malaysia Pavilion, the programme brought the rainforest to the city through a compelling blend of Indigenous storytelling, culinary innovation, and cultural exchange.
Chef James Won explaining the details of each course, inspired by the flavours, philosophies, and culinary heritage of Sarawak’s 34 diverse Indigenous communities, at Serumpun Sarawak in Osaka.
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP Sarawak) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), it marks the first overseas chapter of the Serumpun Sarawak movement. This cultural gastronomy initiative blends ancestral wisdom with modern storytelling and sensory innovation.
The event was attended by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the State Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman bin Wan Omar and other dignitaries.
YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, enjoying a seven-course degustation dinner curated by Chef James Won during the dinner reception at Seaside Studio CASO, Osaka.
“Serumpun Sarawak represented more than a cultural showcase — it was an affirmation of who we are as Sarawakians. By bringing our stories, our flavours, and our Indigenous wisdom to Japan, we are building bridges of understanding and appreciation that go beyond tourism. This is how we share Sarawak with the world: through genuine connections that celebrate diversity while deepening respect for our shared humanity,” said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak.
At the heart of the programme was a seven-course degustation dinner curated by Chef James Won, each course inspired by the flavours, philosophies, and food knowledge of Sarawak’s 34 diverse indigenous communities. Using ingredients foraged from Sarawak’s forests and rooted in ancestral fermentation techniques, the culinary showcase was not just a meal — it was a narrative in motion. Courses were presented with evolving soundscapes, visuals, and contextual storytelling to immerse guests in the journey of Sarawak’s edible heritage.
“Serumpun Sarawak in Osaka was not just about Sarawakian cuisine; it was about reintroducing our culture to the world through meaningful exchange. It shows how our rainforest, our heritage, and our people can inspire a global journey that transcends borders. This is Sarawak’s soft power at its most authentic,” said STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.
The experience was further deepened by Prof Gerard Bodeker, who narrated the courses through the lens of traditional medicine, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of the rainforest ingredients.
A defining moment of the evening was the premiere of “Ilun Kuai”, the official anthem of Serumpun Sarawak, co-created and performed by Zee Avi, Adrian Jo Milang (The Tuyang Initiative), Raja Farouk, Yuswa Ansari, and the Atlas Collective, with original lyrics by Aren Lirai and Rose Belare.
As the Sunrise of Sarawak ritual unfolded, the music anchored guests in a powerful atmosphere of reflection and renewal, calling them to rise and reconnect with the values of rootedness, resilience, and reverence for nature.
Through multi-sensory experiences, live performances, and curated conversations, Serumpun Sarawak bridged traditional and contemporary expressions of culture. More than a showcase, it served as a living archive of memory, resilience, and Indigenous identity, inviting audiences to experience Sarawak not as a destination but as a worldview.
The next chapter of Serumpun Sarawak will unfold in Mulu, home to Sarawak’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. This finale brings the journey full circle, returning to the forests, rivers, and communities that first inspired it.
To learn more about Serumpun Sarawak and upcoming chapters, visit serumpunsarawak.com and follow @serumpunsarawak and @sarawaktravel on Instagram for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes stories.
SINGAPORE, 13 August 2025: Shangri-La Singapore has confirmed the appointment of Yusuf Yaran as the hotel’s Resident Manager.
Shangri-La Singapore, the brand’s first hotel globally, features 792 rooms and suites across three distinctive wings, set amidst 15 acres of lush tropical gardens in the heart of Singapore.
Yusuf Yaran, Shangri-La Singapore Resident Manager.
Yaran joins the hotel after successfully leading Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu as Resident Manager. During his tenure, he oversaw the resort’s full operations,
A longstanding member of the Shangri-La team since 2006, Yaran has held a series of progressive leadership roles across the Group, including key postings in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Manila, and Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 13 August 2025: Club Med and PT Grahatama Kreasibaru (GKB) have signed a hotel management agreement (HMA) that sets the stage for the opening of Club Med Manado in North Sulawesi by 2028.
In a press statement, Club Med said it was poised to significantly strengthen its presence in Indonesia with the upcoming Club Med Manado, which will be the group’s third resort in the Indonesian archipelago.
The agreement for Club Med Manado was signed at Club Med Bali, Indonesia, in the presence of Gregory Lanter, Deputy CEO of Club Med, Sebastien Favre, Vice President Development Construction Project Southeast Asia and Pacific of Club Med, Harris Gozali, CEO of GKB, Patrick S Rendradjaja, Chief Development Officer of GKB and Karel Patipeilohy, Commissioner of GKB.
“This exciting new project underscores Club Med’s pioneering spirit and growth strategy within Southeast Asia. It follows the iconic Club Med Bali, established in 1984, and Club Med Bintan since 1997, further committing to offering even more diverse and premium holiday experiences in highly sought-after destinations.
“Reinforcing this long-term dedication to Indonesia, Club Med has also renewed the Land Use Development Agreement for Club Med Bali and planned renovations for Club Med Bintan. These strategic investments highlight Club Med’s commitment to showcasing more of Indonesia’s stunning destinations and continuously enhancing the guest experience.”
The agreement for Club Med Manado was signed in Club Med Bali, Indonesia, in the presence of Gregory Lanter, Deputy CEO of Club Med, Sebastien Favre, Vice President Development Construction Project Southeast Asia and Pacific of Club Med, Harris Gozali, CEO of GKB, Patrick S Rendradjaja, Chief Development Officer of GKB and Karel Patipeilohy, Commissioner of GKB.
The latest endeavour is located in Manado on the northern coast of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, just a 70-minute drive from Sam Ratulangi International Airport. Manado is particularly known for its natural attractions and vibrant marine life. It’s a hub for eco-tourism, with Bunaken National Marine Park being a major draw for divers and snorkelers.
Club Med Manado will feature 250 rooms that offer breathtaking, direct views of the Molucca Sea and the majestic Mount Klabat, North Sulawesi’s highest peak. The project, along with existing operations, is projected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for Indonesians across Club Med’s offices and resorts worldwide. This considerable investment is strategically designed to invigorate the local economy in Manado and provide a substantial, long-term boost to the job market within the destination.
