DISCOVERING
     HOSPITALITY

Sydney Airport is set for a major transformation after the Australian Government approved its Master Plan 2045, paving the way for a 20-year expansion programme designed to accommodate soaring passenger demand and strengthen the country's busiest aviation gateway.

Taiwan is introducing a new package of tourism incentives from September to encourage international visitors to return, while strengthening support for corporate incentive groups, conference delegates and major entertainment events.

Singapore’s appetite for travel remains strong, with travellers showing greater confidence in venturing further afield and exploring a wider range of destinations, according to trends emerging at NATAS Holidays 2026, held last weekend at the Singapore Expo..

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is offering eligible event ticket holders an additional 5% discount at more than 100 participating hotels and attractions across the city through 31 August 2026.

The acquisition is part of CLAS’ portfolio reconstitution strategy and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. Following completion, CLAS will enter into a 10-year triple-net master lease agreement with Coliwoo Midtown Pte. Ltd., providing a long-term operating structure for the asset.

Research highlights the growing convergence of business and leisure travel, creating new opportunities for hotels, resorts and destinations

Proposed facility expected to welcome large cruise vessels and handle up to 400,000 passengers annually, with operations targeted for 2032

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will significantly expand its services to Adelaide by increasing flight frequencies to a record 12 flights per week beginning 25 October 2026, marking the highest year-round frequency ever operated by an international airline to South Australia's capital.

Japan is preparing for an extended period of extreme summer heat, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warning that above-average temperatures are expected to persist through October due to the continuing effects of El Niño across the region.

Tourism ministers from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam will convene in Ho Chi Minh City in late August to review progress on the ambitious “Three Countries, One Destination” initiative, a regional tourism programme designed to strengthen cross-border travel, enhance visitor experiences and position the three neighbouring nations as a single, integrated travel destination.

At the 2026 JGFP College Series held at the Isao Aoki Course of Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in General Trias, Cavite, Enderun delivered a dominant performance in the Women's College Division, sweeping the individual podium and securing the Overall Women's Team Championship.

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown is ushering in a new chapter of growth with the appointment of a seasoned hospitality executive and the recognition of employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and leadership.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) announces the appointment of Melissa J. Carlos as Vice President for Commercial, further strengthening its senior leadership team as the company continues to expand its portfolio and strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading hospitality groups.

Nine European countries have jointly urged the European Union to extend temporary measures that allow border authorities to ease biometric checks under the Entry/Exit System (EES), citing persistent congestion at border crossings and continued disruption to travelers and the transport sector.

Hospitality entrepreneur Luke Johnson has emerged as the leading contender to acquire Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca, according to reports, following an auction process for the business.

Situated within the airport's airfield, the 200-square-meter, air-conditioned satellite gate features two aerobridges that allow passengers to board and disembark directly from aircraft under shelter, regardless of weather conditions. Passengers will be transported by bus between the terminal and the satellite gate before accessing their aircraft.

Oman Air has officially resumed operations in Singapore with the launch of a new non-stop service between Muscat and Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the airline's regional expansion strategy.

Known for its convenient central location and efficient passenger services, London City Airport offers travelers a seamless journey from arrival to departure. The airport is recognized for its streamlined check-in, bag-drop, security, and passport control processes, with consistently shorter waiting times compared with many other London airports.

Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has strengthened its U.S. global sales organization with the appointment of two experienced hospitality professionals, Reena Shanahan and Jillian Cauvin, as directors of global sales.

The State of Hospitality 2026: Sydney Edition, released by Bertoni Hospitality, found that 54% of hospitality businesses were either breaking even or operating at a loss over the past three months despite maintaining customer demand.

Under the new arrangement, guests embarking from Singapore and Malaysia will benefit from a complete waiver of fuel surcharges, while passengers sailing from Taiwan and Hong Kong will receive a 50 percent reduction from the current surcharge level.

European rail destinations dominate bookings as demand for luxury and immersive train travel accelerates across Southeast Asia.

The leadership appointments follow the tenure of Sonal Sinha, who helped guide the company through a critical period of integration and stabilization and will continue to support the business during a transition period before remaining involved in an advisory capacity.

Known to millions online as the internet’s “Lumpia Queen,” Abi has built a global community by turning Filipino food into joyful, accessible, and highly shareable content. Now, she is bringing that same love for Filipino cuisine into a kitchen essential made for home cooks, creators, and food lovers around the world.

Air New Zealand is expanding its Asia-Pacific network with the launch of a new non-stop Christchurch-Singapore service on October 28.

This exclusive culinary gala brought together renowned chefs from Vietnam and across Asia for an extraordinary fine dining experience

The new restaurant will accommodate approximately 60 diners and will continue HOP’s established format of combining quick service with fresh, made-to-order Vietnamese cuisine. The menu will feature a selection of signature dishes, including rice boxes, pho, noodle salads and bánh mì, alongside a variety of small plates and beverages inspired by Vietnamese street food culture.

At the center of the debate is a fundamental question: Can the Government raise additional revenue from tourism without undermining one of the country's most important economic sectors?

Across Asia, a profound transformation is underway in aviation. Premium carriers are doubling down on luxury, low-cost airlines are aggressively expanding into secondary cities, and governments are investing billions in airport infrastructure to stimulate tourism growth. These shifts are doing far more than changing how people fly. They are influencing where hotels are built, which destinations attract investment, and how travelers experience hospitality across the region.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant shift as operators increasingly embrace connected technology to create seamless guest journeys, improve operational efficiency and strengthen customer loyalty.

The results further highlight a notable shift in how travelers are organizing their trips: many are deliberately steering clear of crowded locations (42%) and opting for off-peak travel (40%), while others are seeking cooler destinations in response to rising temperatures.

Formerly operating as Hotel AKA Brickell, the 201-key hotel now enters a new chapter as part of Marriott’s growing global luxury ecosystem, reinforcing Miami’s position as one of the most competitive and internationally connected hospitality markets in the United States.

Designed to meet international standards of excellence, the school offers hands-on training led by internationally trained chefs, combining French culinary philosophy with practical industry application.

The new venue, Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers, will be a refined all-day dining destination overlooking the River Thames. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, showcasing the group’s signature culinary precision tailored to a contemporary South Bank setting.

Minor Hotels confirmed that the 70-room resort ceased operations on April 10, 2026, following a joint decision with property owner Seven Tides after what the company described as “a combination of external factors.”

The global hotel company announced the promotion of Adam Rohman to Head of Americas, effective following the company’s leadership transition on June 30.

According to Actabl, its newly patented technology can take messy, inconsistent hotel data from hundreds of disconnected systems and automatically transform it into something hotel operators can finally compare and understand.

Enderun App Founder Joey Tuason on building a rewards-driven ecosystem for better campus life

Beneath the deck lights and the champagne toasts lies a question the industry would rather not answer too loudly: what happens when a virus breaks out on board, and just how safe are you when it does?

Housed inside a restored 19th-century Italianate building, The Monarch Hotel New Orleans blends classic Southern charm with modern luxury amenities. The four-story property has undergone an extensive renovation that preserves the building’s historic character while introducing sophisticated interiors tailored for today’s luxury travelers.

The appointment comes at a defining moment for the newly reopened hotel, which welcomed guests again in September 2024 after an ambitious redevelopment that transformed the legendary property into a modern luxury landmark in the heart of Bangkok.

Venetian Society points are called ‘VS Days’, and starting from July, members will receive 1 VS Day per cruise day sailed, inclusive of land programmes and city stays. An additional VS Day per cruise day is also awarded to qualifying solo travellers.

A heartfelt celebration for mothers unfolds at Seven Corners and Xin Tian Di, where chefs bring together a thoughtfully curated buffet and set menu inspired by their own mothers’ favorite dishes.

Since 15 April 2026, all international travelers entering Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport must submit essential personal and travel information via an official online platform before departure.

For years, most of it—spent coffee grounds—has quietly ended up in landfill, out of sight and largely out of mind. But across New South Wales, that pattern is beginning to shift in a way that says something much bigger about where hospitality is heading.

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hospitality group, has announced a major strategic evolution centered on a new ultra-luxury brand philosophy, “The Good Life,” as it seeks to redefine its global positioning for the modern luxury traveller.

The 3-day event was held at the Baguio Convention Center from March 26-28,

The launch comes at a time when travelers, particularly younger, experience-driven audiences, are increasingly prioritizing journeys that offer more than traditional leisure.

Patel’s leadership theme, “Strong Roots, Stronger AAHOA,” emphasizes strengthening the association’s foundation through deeper member engagement and shared experiences.

The multi-day event united general managers, directors of sales and marketing, human resources leaders, finance directors and corporate executives to celebrate the company’s 2025 achievements, strengthen alignment around its core values and invest in the future of its people and communities.