SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: JLL has retained its top ranking as the Asia Pacific region’s leading hotel investment advisory firm, based on data analysed and published by MSCI Real Capital Analytics (rca).
As measured by dollar value, the firm has been named the top advisor in Asia Pacific for 13 of the past 14 years. In 2024, JLL advised on 40 properties representing over USD2.4 billion in transactions or a 43.4% market share. Over the past 14 years, JLL completed approximately 770 hotel and resort transactions in the Asia Pacific region valued at over USD28.4 billion and a market share of roughly 47%.
“We have dominated this highly competitive market in the 14 years since the respected ranking’s inception, which indicates the global connectivity and insights we bring to every transaction. We share this esteemed and valued recognition with our clients and JLL’s global network of hotel professionals,” said JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific CEO Nihat Ercan.
Asia Pacific’s hotel market continued its broad recovery in 2024, building on momentum in the previous year. JLL data and analysis conclude that the regional hotel investment market in 2024 represented USD12.2 billion in transactions, up 15% year-on-year and the most active year since 2019. JLL projects that inbound investment into Asia Pacific will rise by 10% year-on-year in 2025.
“The Asia Pacific hotel industry continues to perform solidly and display resilience with 2024 investment volumes again confirming our evergreen conviction that investors see the asset class is an opportunistic and long-term play. High-quality assets will remain in hot demand in 2025, reinforced by major transactions including the InterContinental Auckland and sales processes for significant assets such as the Park Hyatt Melbourne, Fairfield by Marriot Seoul and Duxton Singapore,” said Ercan.
DENPASAR Bali, 10 March 2025: The Bali Hotels Association (BHA) reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability by continuing its support for Sungai Watch in the fight against plastic pollution.
In a press statement addressing the island’s plastic waste crisis, BHA says it “has played a crucial role in the installation of a second trash barrier at a river on Jl Pendawa Kekeran, Mengwi, Badung, further strengthening efforts to protect Bali’s waterways.”
Bali Hotels Association supports plastic waste project.
At the installation launch, BHA members and the BHA Head of Sustainability joined the Sungai Watch team. This strategic location was selected due to numerous open dumps downstream, contributing significantly to plastic waste flowing into Bali’s rivers and the ocean.
The Bali Hotels Association quotes Sungai Watch founder Gary Bencheghib, underscoring the urgency of addressing plastic pollution.
“We’re destroying the planet at such a rate that in order to solve plastic pollution… we need to go a million per cent and give it our everything.”
BHA Board Member for Sustainability John Nielsen, added: “Protecting Bali’s environment is now a top priority for everyone, especially in the tourism sector. We are grateful for the support of BHA members and the extraordinary efforts of Sungai Watch to help safeguard Bali’s natural beauty.”
The launch of this second barrier in partnership with Sungai Watch is a key milestone in BHA’s sustainability vision. Through this initiative, BHA continues to lead efforts in reducing single-use plastics across its member hotels and educating employees on the importance of minimising plastic use at work and at home.
Vision for Sustainable Hospitality
In 2025, the association will continue to foster collaboration among its members and drive impactful sustainability initiatives that benefit the environment and the local community.
BHA Chairman Franklyn Kocek affirms this vision: “The association will focus on strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and enhancing Bali’s reputation as a world-class destination.”
Embodying this mission, BHA has introduced its new slogan for 2025: “Hospitality with Purpose” – a commitment to ensuring that every guest experience aligns with Bali’s cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability goals. BHA remains a trusted voice in the hospitality industry, leading the charge for meaningful change in sustainable tourism.
SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: The Air Astana Group fleet has grown to sixty aircraft following the arrival of a new Airbus A320neo in Almaty last week.
The full-service carrier Air Astana now has a fleet of 35 aircraft, and the low-cost carrier FlyArystan operates 25.
Photo credit: Air Astana.
Both carriers in the group have proliferated with an increasing number of the latest generation Airbus A321LR and Airbus A320neo aircraft at the forefront of Air Astana’s network expansion to destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
FlyArystan continues to boost low-cost services throughout Kazakhstan and Central Asia, as well as an increasing number of longer-range flights to Georgia, China, and the Middle East.
“Expanding our fleet to 60 aircraft is a significant milestone for Air Astana Group and an important step towards accomplishing our strategic plans,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster. “We will continue to invest in modern aircraft and expand our route network, offering passengers even more opportunities for convenient and affordable travel both within the region and beyond”.
The Air Astana Group fleet should reach 80 aircraft by 2028.
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 March 2025: AirAsia will relocate its domestic services from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2), effective 7 April 2025.
Consolidating all flights at the KLIA hub will optimise operations amidst growing demand and enhance the overall guest experience after experimenting with a second hub in Subbang since August 2024.
Photo credit: AirAsia.Tony Fernandes at Subang Airport Departure Hall after the airline established its Subang hub with flights to Sabah and Sarawak last August.
With passenger volumes between Kuala Lumpur and key destinations such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuching increasing significantly — +16% year-on-year — consolidating operations at KLIA T2 will allow the airline to accommodate rising traffic better.
Since resuming operations out of Subang in August last year, AirAsia has assessed passenger trends and operational needs. The conclusion is that KLIA T2 “offers the best platform to enhance efficiency and service quality.”
Subang Airport was touted as more convenient for city-bound travellers. Given the increasing demand for Kota Kinabalu and Kuching routes, consolidating services at KLIA T2 is the “optimal way forward,” according to the airline’s statement.
“While Subang Airport has provided valuable proximity and easier access for city dwellers, KLIA T2’s infrastructure supports connectivity and also offers the capacity required for continued growth and to mount more flights to serve the rising demand across East Malaysia routes.”
SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: Airline scheduling databases indicate Vietnam Airlines plans to introduce two new routes to India serving Bengaluru and Hyderabad from the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, effective May 2025.
Online airline schedule data sources show the airline posting four weekly flights on the Hanoi – Bengaluru route starting 1 May. Using A321 aircraft, flights will depart Hanoi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
On 7 May, the airline will introduce a Hanoi – Hyderabad route using an A321 for three weekly flights departing Hanoi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
However, it’s mums the word from the airline that keeps the lid firmly shut on sales and hasn’t opened bookings for the two destinations on any of its inhouse channels, including its direct-sell socials.
Skyscanner saves the day with flights on sale for both routes.
Hanoi – Bengaluru route
The roundtrip fare on the Hanoi (HAN) – Bengaluru (BLR) route, scheduled to start on 1 May, is USD368 on Trip.com.
Flight VN983 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1900 and arrives in Bengaluru (BLR) at 2200. Flight VN982 depart Bengaluru (BLR) at 2330 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0525 (plus a day).
Hanoi – Hyderabad route
The roundtrip fare on the Hanoi – Hyderabad route, which will start on 7 May, is USD366 via Trip.com.
Flight VN985 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1915 and arrives in Hyderabad (HYD) at 2215. Flight VN984 departs Hyderabad (HYD) at 2345 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0525 (plus a day)
VN flies to Beijing on 30 March
Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines will launch a new direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Beijing Daxing International Airport, starting 30 March 2025, offering five weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
VN516 Ho Chi Minh – Beijing Daxing 0045-0630 VN517 Beijing Daxing – Ho Chi Minh 0830-1225
SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: Visit Maldives confirms that the country’s national airline, Maldivian, will establish direct flights from Male’s Valena International Airport (MLE) to Germany this October.
Describing it as an “exciting announcement” during last week’s ITB Berlin seminar, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) confirmed Maldivian will launch a direct route between the Maldives and Germany following the delivery of the airline’s second A330-200 aircraft.
MMPRC ( Visit Maldives) updated the travel trade during ITB Berlin last week.
MMPRC said the development would significantly boost tourism between the two countries. “The new route will provide greater convenience for German travellers with the growing demand for travel to the Maldives and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the Maldives and Germany.”
Condor, owned by Attestor, a British investment firm, and Lufthansa Group’s Discover, are already scheduling weekly direct flights between Frankfurt and the Maldives. If Frankfurt is the choice for Maldivian, the airline will need to conclude interline agreements with German carriers to cover connecting flights to and from other major cities in Germany and neighbouring countries. Flight details have yet to be posted, but the airline will likely introduce twice-weekly flights using an A330-200 with 270 seats due for delivery in October.
Munich International Airport is another option the airline might consider, as no competing airlines currently serve direct routes to the Maldives.
The airline’s first A330-200, delivered in January 2025, now serves flights to three cities in China: Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Each of the three cities has a single weekly flight scheduled — Shanghai on Monday, Chengdu on Wednesday, and Beijing on Thursday.
The Maldivian expansion announcement headlined the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) seminar “The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism, held at ITB Berlin 2025 last week.
Representatives from the German and global travel trade community attended the seminar, which featured prominent speakers from the Maldives tourism sector. The speakers delivered insights on government initiatives, sustainable practices, and marketing strategies.
The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, noted: “The government is committed to facilitating a conducive investment and operating environment for the tourism industry. We also recognise that our guests today differ from those who visited us decades ago. We need to harness developments in technology not just to improve efficiency but to build a tourism industry that is resilient, competitive, and future-proof.”
MMPRC’s CEO & Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, discussed MMPRC’s marketing initiatives that align with national goals and the work undertaken by Visit Maldives to attract new types of travellers.
He stated, “The Maldives has been the World’s Leading Destination for five consecutive years, and our goal is to maintain and strengthen this position. With our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and cultural tourism, MMPRC will continue to elevate the Maldives globally.”
MMPRC fielded a delegation of 200 tourism stakeholders from 89 companies at ITB Berlin 2025, reinforcing its position as the most preferred holiday destination for German-speaking markets and global travellers.
BERLIN, 7 March 2025: Lufthansa City Center (LCC), a global travel agency franchiser based in Frankfurt, is expected to bring 45 travel agencies to Sabah for its Regional Meeting APAC (Asia-Pacific).
The agents from the Asia-Pacific region and Europe will gather for the meeting in May at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu. Registration is now open.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Lufthansa City Center (LCC) Managing Director Heiko Brix (2nd left) and Senior Business Development Manager Andrej Skraba (3rd right). Also pictured are STB Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang (right), the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion (left), and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit (2nd right).
This is the first time Sabah has been chosen as the meeting venue, following an earlier site visit that left a strong impression.
On Tuesday, LCC Managing Director Heiko Brix and Senior Business Development Manager Andrej Skraba met with Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin) to formally convey LCC’s decision to hold its APAC regional meeting in Kota Kinabalu.
Present were Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
Brix and Skraba admired Sabah’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, calling it an ideal meeting destination. “We had several options, but after visiting Sabah for a site inspection, we were completely blown away,” they said.
They requested that STB give a presentation on Sabah’s attractions, particularly its nature and community tourism, during their regional meeting.
LCC also expressed their appreciation for the support given by Sabah Tourism in facilitating this event.
Joniston suggested that LCC, during their stay in Kota Kinabalu, evaluate the State Capital as a potential host for its General Assembly, which gathers over 500 LCC entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and global visionaries.
Tan, who is also the President of the Malaysian Tourism Federation and the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations, was involved in efforts to bring the group to Sabah. “Sabah has so much to offer, and we look forward to working together to create meaningful opportunities for the tourism industry,” he said.
Founded in 1991, LCC operates as a global travel agency franchiser with a presence of around 600 locations in 110 countries. Its franchise model combines an international network with localised expertise, ensuring relevance across diverse markets.
Johnston led the Sabah Tourism Board delegation to the three-day ITB Berlin that convened from 4 to 6 March. For more information on Sabah, visit: https://sabahtourism.com
BERLIN, 7 MARCH 2025: Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state on the island of Borneo successfully launched its latest tourism initiatives during ITB Berlin 2025 this week.
Sarawak’s presentation at its stand in Hall 26 was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and witnessed by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, alongside industry leaders, tourism stakeholders, and the international media.
From left: Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board; Desmond Jerukan, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak; Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia; Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; Datuk Norhyati Mohd Ismail, Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board; Saniah Abdul Kadir, Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board; Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu Resident; and Dr Victor Luna Amin, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak—during the book launch of The Intimate and Ultimate Guide to Kuching Gastronomy.
In his keynote address, Datuk Sebastian highlighted the state’s unique tourism offerings centred around its culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. “Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, offers an unforgettable experience where Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and festivals come together to create a journey like no other,” said Datuk Sebastian.
Sarawak’s vibrant cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the traditions of 34 Indigenous ethnic groups, is a cornerstone of its tourism appeal. Datuk Sebastian emphasised that the state’s cultural diversity is brought to life at the Borneo Cultures Museum, Malaysia’s largest museum and Southeast Asia’s second-largest. The museum offers immersive exhibits celebrating the art, traditions, and histories of Borneo and all ethnicities.
For those seeking adventure, Sarawak offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the state. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Gunung Mulu and Niah National Park, where visitors can explore stunning cave systems, including the world’s largest cave chamber and the longest cave system in Southeast Asia. Niah National Park, renowned for its archaeological significance, offers a glimpse into human history with its 65,000-year-old human remains. Sarawak’s rugged landscapes provide excellent conditions for 4WD expeditions, cycling, and diving into vibrant coral reefs and historical shipwrecks.
As an eco-tourism destination, Sarawak has 67 protected areas offering stunning landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. The state’s ancient rainforests, which are over 140 million years old, shelter wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs and over 530 species of birds, including eight species of hornbills, with the Rhinoceros Hornbill as the state’s emblem. Sarawak’s mangroves and wetlands are home to Irrawaddy dolphins, Silver Leaf monkeys, and saltwater crocodiles, making it a dream destination for eco-conscious travellers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Sarawak’s culinary scene is also a major highlight. As Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, offering a rich food culture rooted in Indigenous traditions and sustainable practices. Famous dishes like Sarawak Laksa, dubbed “The Breakfast of the Gods” by the late Anthony Bourdain, and Kolo Mee, Malaysia’s national heritage food, showcase the region’s culinary prowess. Indigenous dishes like Umai (marinated raw fish) and Ayam Pansuh (chicken slow-cooked in bamboo) reflect the diverse heritage of Sarawak’s people.
The launch of The Intimate and Ultimate Guide to Kuching Gastronomy was showcased to further highlight Sarawak’s gastronomic appeal. This book, which received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Free Publication, explores the flavours and stories behind Sarawak’s culinary culture.
As part of Sarawak’s continued efforts to showcase its tourism offerings, a video was unveiled at ITB Berlin.
It offers a glimpse into the state’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and unique experiences. The video invites travellers worldwide to discover Sarawak’s diverse attractions and immerse themselves in its authentic, sustainable tourism experiences.
In closing, Datuk Sebastian expressed Sarawak’s excitement about the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
“Sarawak is ready to welcome the world to experience our pristine rainforests, vibrant cultural heritage, and exceptional gastronomy. We invite travellers to explore the heart of Borneo, where an unforgettable journey awaits,” he concluded.
Sarawak’s tourism performance in the European market has also been notable. In 2024, Sarawak welcomed 50,426 visitors from Europe, further demonstrating the region’s increasing interest in Sarawak’s unique tourism offerings.
Sarawak’s participation at ITB Berlin 2025 has further solidified its position as one of the key destinations in the global tourism market. With steady growth in European arrivals and a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, Sarawak is poised to continue attracting travellers who seek authentic and immersive experiences. For more information on Sarawak visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 2025: The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has won recognition as the recipient of Asia’s Premier Trade & Exhibition Hub Award 2025 in the MICE Category at the prestigious ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025.
The ceremony took place on 27 February at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, where industry leaders across the region gathered to honour outstanding contributions in the food, travel, and MICE industries.
The ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025 celebrate organisations demonstrating innovation, leadership, and exceptional service and setting new benchmarks for excellence in their respective fields.
Receiving the award on behalf of MITEC, Chief Executive Officer. Mala Dorasamy commented: “Recognition reflects our team’s relentless dedication to positioning MITEC as the venue of choice and the gateway to Southeast Asia for international trade and exhibitions.”
SINGAPORE, 7 March 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced on Wednesday that Bryan Chan has been appointed as its new Vice President of development for Southeast Asia and Korea.
He will oversee the strategic expansion of IHG’s brands across the region, build and strengthen stakeholder relationships, and lead a team of highly experienced developers based in the market.
Having joined IHG more than 10 years ago, Chan has worked in various increased leadership roles, moving from manager to senior director, and worked across many markets, including Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. He has worked in IHG’s Windsor headquarters for a year on large-scale complex projects, including the landmark Novum partnership in Germany.
IHG has 137 opened hotels and 86 hotels in the pipeline* across South East Asia and Korea across 11 brands. It plans to introduce new brands, including Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand, to key markets in the next few years.
