Urban Resort Concepts has appointed three senior executives to lead its corporate team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering handcrafted experiences through culturally immersive guest journeys while driving innovation and growth across its expanding portfolio in Asia.
Nicholas Liang, with over 22 years of luxury hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, is the new vice president of operations. He was recently general manager at Four Seasons.
From left: Nicholas Liang, Michael Faulkner and Andreas Zimmermann
Michael Faulkner takes on the vice president of brand and commercial role. He brings with him an extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having held senior commercial leadership roles with brands such as Swire Hotels, Park Hyatt, and Crown Resorts.
Named vice president of development, Andreas Zimmermann hails from a strong background in luxury hospitality project management. Formerly corporate director of development for Rosewood Hotel Group, he has led the development of luxury hospitality projects across Asia-Pacific, overseeing feasibility studies, financial management, and contract negotiations.
Business travellers within the Asia Pacific region (APAC) most frequently visited Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong in 2024, while Frankfurt, London, and San Francisco were the top intercontinental destinations.
These insights come from BCD Travel’s Cities & Trends 2025 Asia Pacific report, which analysed BCD clients’ flight and rail data from various APAC markets during the past year.
Singapore’s (pictured) popularity as a business hub in APAC continues to increase
Singapore’s strategic location and vibrant economy play no small part in the city-state’s popularity among business travellers. Reciprocal visa-free policies with other countries in South-east Asia, an increase in flight seat capacity throughout the region, and an overall reduction in flight fares have contributed to Singapore’s steady growth. These attractive reforms and overall pro-business infrastructure are a win-win for both business travellers and those attending meetings and events in Singapore. It remains unchallenged in the top spot within APAC cities, with a 20% increase from the previous year.
Top 10 cities in both APAC and globally
Tokyo moved up to take the second spot with a 38% increase, followed by Hong Kong and Bangkok. Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei and Jakarta remained unchanged in their positions from the previous year, but welcomed the addition of Sydney into the 10th spot.
According to the Global Business Travel Association’s first Business Travel Outlook Poll of 2025, APAC led global business travel spend growth last year, with more than three in four (78%) buyers from that region reporting a higher volume of trips compared to 2023 – including 30% who saw a significant increase.
The list of intercontinental cities is split between five cities in Europe and five in North America, and led by Frankfurt, London and San Francisco.
Top five countries According to BCD flight data, Singapore was once again the most visited APAC country. China and Japan closely follow Singapore’s lead. The top five intercontinental countries remained the same from the previous year, with the US leading the way.
Top 10 flight routes in APAC and globally
According to BCD flight data, the most frequently travelled routes for APAC flights primarily depart from Singapore, which accounts for five positions in the top 10 city pairs.
Interestingly, in intercontinental routes Shanghai to San Francisco placed in the 10th place, moving up from its previous position at 17. Notably, three of the top 10 intercontinental routes originate from Bengaluru (to Frankfurt, London and Seattle). For intercontinental city pairs, Bengaluru to Frankfurt tops the chart.
For APAC flights, most travellers (84%) booked economy and roughly only 15% booked business class. For intercontinental flights, the figures are split down the middle, with 45% booking business class and 45% booking economy.
Connecting segments, direct flights and layover cities Direct routes are often the most sought-after due to convenience and comfort factors. Travellers increasingly demand value from in-flight service, and many seek premium travel options. Most APAC flights are direct (89%), largely due to the well-connected route networks within countries.
In contrast, only 25% of intercontinental travel from APAC is direct. This could be due to flight times, high costs or the lack of direct flights.
The top three layover cities in APAC are Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. The top three intercontinental layovers are Dubai, Doha and Frankfurt. No doubt, all these bustling aviation hubs provide unparalleled airport facilities, shorter layovers, and convenient regional and international flight networks to business travellers worldwide.
Rail travel Business travellers from any part of the world are sure to marvel at China and Japan’s extensive rail networks.
In Japan, the reliability and punctuality of trains are well known; rarely are trains ever late. Efficiency and speed are hallmarks of the Shinkansen bullet trains which allow for fast travel between major cities, saving valuable time. Rail environments are clean, and easily accessible as they are often stationed in major business districts; while seats are known to be comfortable, with high connectivity. Additionally, private luggage shipping services make business travel easier. These services pick up a traveller’s luggage from a hotel or even a convenience store, and deliver at various drop-off points.
Business travel on the Chinese railway high-speed system is similar in quality, with extensive routes and economical fares, especially for medium-to-long distance journeys. The most popular routes are Changsha-Shenzhen, Shanghai – Suzhou, and Shanghai-Beijing.
Sustainability imperatives are a significant driver in business travel-related decisions. With lower carbon emissions per passenger compared to air travel, seamless city-centre connections, and reliable scheduling, high-speed rail enables business travellers to maximise productivity while reducing their environmental impact. As businesses prioritise sustainability, encouraging rail-based business travel aligns with corporate environmental, social, and governance goals without sacrificing speed or convenience.
The full Cities & Trends APAC 2025 Report with insights about APAC business travellers can be found here.
The inaugural three-day Connect Marketplace Hong Kong concluded on a high note, having facilitated over 1,500 pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings, and attracting more than 5,000 buyers to its networking events and conferences.
A key highlight of the event was the signing ceremony for the Better Stands Program by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA). This programme, initiated by Informa Markets Asia in 2023, aims to establish a new benchmark for environmentally-responsible practices within the industry.
Connect Marketplace’s opening ceremony
Margaret Ma Connolly, president and CEO of Informa Markets Asia, told TTGmice: “Following its launch in Europe in 2022, we brought this programme to Asia a year later. We are piloting this idea across all our shows, where our booths are entirely reusable.
“HKECIA is our first partner, and we intend to get all industry associations to sign up and help promote this initiative. This is just the beginning. Our goal for next year is to roll it out in many more countries.”
Connolly also highlighted that Connect Marketplace, the inaugural Asian edition that followed a successful run in the US, was achieved with a rapid three-month turnaround.
“Over 600 hosted buyers arrived with a strong commitment to participate in numerous meetings. We are confident that the show will be significantly larger in 2026,” said Connolly
She further elaborated on the show’s growth potential: “With this proven concept, we can scale it further. There’s an opportunity for deeper engagement within each segment of meetings, conventions, incentives, and exhibitions. The region needs a dedicated platform like this. For us, it’s also crucial to connect with more ecosystem partners, especially given the many changes in the post-Covid period.”
Charles Ng, associate director-general of investment promotion at Invest Hong Kong and the event’s guest-of-honour, emphasised the timely nature of Connect Marketplace. He noted its effectiveness in bringing corporate travel managers and travel product and service providers together in one place.
Sven Cheng from the sales department of the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center also spoke highly of the event: “It’s a splendid platform for us to connect with new clients and promote exchange with international stakeholders, allowing us to explore further collaboration and new opportunities.”
Meanwhile, hosted buyer Stephen Thomas, chief financial officer with Australia-headquartered Sanzar, shared that achieved his goal of discovering new ideas and suppliers at the event.
“While our primary focus is on rugby teams, we also handle a smaller volume of FIT travel and plan to expand this segment,” Thomas said.
Perth aims to attract even more incentive groups from China
Perth is experiencing a resurgence in its Chinese corporate incentive travel market, fuelled by strengthened air links and targeted initiatives.
“It looks fantastic in terms of projections for the corporate incentive market for this year,” Gareth Martin, CEO of Business Events Perth, told TTGmice. “We’ve seen a really strong rebound for this sector across our key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, and especially China; China is currently our number one market.”
Perth aims to attract even more incentive groups from China
This surge is exemplified by Perfect (China), a global health and beauty direct seller, which rewarded 2,040 of its top performers with a meticulously planned incentive programme in Western Australia in June 2024. The event, coinciding with the company’s 30th anniversary, involved 51 flights, 6,915 room nights, and 55 tour charters, generating an estimated A$12 million (US$7.4 million) for the local economy. This also marked the first time a Chinese direct sales company hosted a mega seminar in Western Australia.
The return of China Southern Airlines’ thrice-weekly Guangzhou-Perth service in November, adding 41,000 inbound seats annually, has significantly boosted accessibility.
“China Eastern Airlines also offers seasonal flights over the peak Chinese New Year season further enhancing direct air access to Perth from China,” Martin added.
Enhanced flight connectivity has translated into increased business opportunities, according to Shihan Abdeen, director of sales & marketing at Pan Pacific Perth.
“With enhanced flight connectivity between Perth and China, our business opportunities have expanded significantly,” he said. The hotel, boasting the largest business events space in Perth’s CBD, is investing heavily in the Chinese market, utilising platforms like WeChat and collaborating with Business Events Australia to increase its reach.
Business Events Perth is also actively promoting Western Australia as a compelling business events destination in China, partnering with Business Events Australia, Tourism Western Australia, airlines, and media. These collaborations include enhanced presence at tradeshows, destination showcases, and training seminars.
To further attract Chinese groups, Business Events Perth offers a “friendly and attractive subvention scheme” with easily achievable criteria, requiring a minimum delegation size of 10 adults and a two-night stay.
“This is further supported by a strong network of local partners who understand the habits and needs of Chinese MICE delegates,” Martin emphasised.
The symbolic tying of the 10 pillars flag at the Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference & Expo 2025 press conference on March 18, 2025
Global experts, wellness practitioners, and sustainability advocates are set to converge in Sabah, Malaysia, for the Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference & Expo (SWWICE) 2025 from June 24 to July 3, 2025.
Themed Sustainable Wholistic Wellness Tourism, the event will explore integrated approaches to wellness tourism, emphasising sustainability, cultural heritage, and cutting-edge health and wellness solutions.
The symbolic tying of the 10 pillars flag at the Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference & Expo 2025 press conference on March 18, 2025
The conference and expo will feature a programme including keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive masterclasses, and an exhibition showcasing wellness products, sustainable innovations, and holistic health practices.
It will commence with a conference at Magellan Sutera Harbour (June 24-26), followed by a Wellness & Lifestyle Expo at the Sabah International Convention Centre (June 27-29), and conclude with a restorative retreat (July 1-3).
Organisers are inviting businesses aligned with wellness to participate in the expo, which will showcase a wide range of products and services, from mental and emotional well-being consultations to fitness equipment, healthy food options, and sustainable living solutions.
Panglima Christina Liew, Sabah’s minister of tourism, culture, and environment, underscored the suitability of Sabah as the host location, citing its “rich biodiversity and cultural heritage” which aligns perfectly with the conference’s themes of sustainable tourism and well-being. She also highlighted Sabah’s growing potential as a medical tourism destination, offering a unique blend of quality healthcare and serene natural landscapes.
In addition to the Sabah event, SWWICE2025 will also have a European edition taking place in Munich, Germany, from May 10-12, 2025. The German event will focus on Sustainable Wholistic Wellness in Workplaces,” exploring the application of the 10 Wholistic Wellness Pillars within organisations to foster healthier and more balanced work environments.
Laguna Golf Lang Co (pictured) will use AGTC as a springboard to expand its market presence in Australia and New Zealand
Central Vietnam’s status as one of the world’s premier golf destinations is set to receive a boost when Danang hosts the 12th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) from April 2-4, 2025.
Organised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the event will bring together leading figures from the global golf tourism industry, shining an international spotlight on the region’s courses, including Laguna Golf Lang Co, Montgomerie Links, and Ba Na Hills Golf Club – the core members of the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) collective.
Laguna Golf Lang Co (pictured) will use AGTC as a springboard to expand its market presence in Australia and New Zealand
Hosting AGTC 2025 is expected to deliver substantial benefits to Central Vietnam’s economy, reinforcing Danang’s position as a leading golf tourism hub. The event will bring increased visibility, attract more inbound golf travellers, and generate business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related sectors. Additionally, AGTC will highlight the support of local authorities and tourism boards in advancing Danang’s golf industry, ensuring sustained growth and international recognition in the years to come.
“AGTC 2025 in Danang is a game-changer for golf tourism in Central Vietnam. It provides a platform to showcase our exceptional courses, hospitality, and the cultural richness of the region,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links.
Montgomerie Links is preparing extensively for AGTC 2025, focusing on hosting fam trips for international tour operators and media, and ensuring the course and hospitality offerings showcase the best of Vietnam. The club is also refining its partnership strategies and expanding its outreach through digital platforms and exclusive Stay & Play package offers.
Meanwhile, Ba Na Hills Golf Club will leverage its long-standing relationship with IAGTO to strengthen ties with leading golf tour operators, host site inspections, and promote its award-winning layout.
“AGTC provides an extraordinary platform to showcase the diversity and world-class quality of golf in Central Vietnam,” said Simon Mees, general manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “With our mountainous setting, exceptional design, and commitment to bringing international tournaments to the region, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is excited to contribute to Danang’s rising status on the global golf stage.”
Just a short distance north, Laguna Golf Lang Co will also leverage AGTC as a springboard to expand its market presence, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and other longhaul destinations. This April, the club will launch a new online booking platform, offering direct tee time reservations and stay-and-play packages, while a dedicated B2B portal will streamline industry partnerships and enhance collaboration.
The investment and partnership is part of Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy to expand its lounge network across APAC
Airport Dimensions, specialists in airport lounges and experiences and part of the Collinson Group, has expanded into Indonesia through a strategic investment in Blue Sky Group, the owner of the Blue Sky Lounge network.
The move sees Airport Dimensions acquire a 45 per cent stake in Bumi Liputan Angkasa, a subsidiary of Blue Sky Group, granting them a substantial foothold in the world’s second-fastest-growing aviation market.
The investment and partnership is part of Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy to expand its lounge network across APAC
This partnership marks a key milestone in Airport Dimensions’ expansion across the Asia-Pacific (APAC). Blue Sky Lounge currently operates premium lounges in major hubs such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.
The collaboration will immediately bolster Airport Dimensions’ network by adding 11 existing Blue Sky Lounges across Indonesia, located in airports located in Jakarta (Terminals 1, 2, and 3), Balikpapan, Samarinda, Batam, Bali, Pontianak, Palembang, Pekanbaru, and Surabaya.
The partnership has also yielded its first joint project, the upcoming launch of a brand-new airport lounge at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport later this year.
This strategic investment aligns with Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy to expand its lounge network across APAC, building on recent successful ventures into Hong Kong with Kyra Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, and a flagship partnership with SASCO in Vietnam.
Dorchester Collection has appointed Philippe Leboeuf as CEO, effective June 2025.
A seasoned hotelier, Leboeuf joins from Raffles London, where he served as managing director.
With extensive experience in the luxury sector across multiple continents, he has held senior leadership roles, including director general of Concorde Hotels, owned by Taittinger, overseeing 19 owned and 70 affiliated hotels. He also served as a Board director of Leading Hotels of the World.
IMBA Theatre, Singapore’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive experiences, will open at Gardens by the Bay in December 2025. Presented by the new entity IMBA (Immersive Media Based Arts), created by local edutainment group H&B, the theatre aims to engage audiences with immersive storytelling and big ideas in emotional ways.
IMBA Theatre will offer year-round arts and culture events at Gardens by the Bay, featuring a versatile space that blends technology and creativity. It will showcase local and global exhibitions, performances, and more, encouraging audiences to engage with art in new ways.
IMBA Theatre’s Gallery Space is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases; photo by IMBA
In collaboration with ACRE Design, Arina International Holdings, DP Architects, and Kaizen Architecture, the new venue uses digital and media technology to host interactive exhibitions, live performances, and cultural showcases by local and global artists.
IMBA Theatre will feature a 1,858m² Black Box Theatre with a 12.5m-high projection wall, designed for exhibitions and events. The 1,161m² Gallery Space, with a height of 6.5m, will host media showcases. Retail and dining experiences will also be available.
IMBA Theatre will provide a platform for artistic exchange, bringing together local and international creatives through immersive storytelling. It will showcase Singapore’s diverse arts scene and offer an evolving selection of programmes. Partnering with London-based Lightroom, a leader in immersive storytelling, IMBA will deliver world-class experiences. The Theatre will open in December with The Botero Show, an immersive exhibition featuring works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, including his iconic sculptures displayed across indoor and outdoor spaces.
IMBA Theatre will highlight Singapore’s cultural heritage, showcasing the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques to portray South-east Asian themes, along with murals reflecting the city’s past.
In collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, IMBA will develop local and global IP content, supporting the growth of talent and innovation to enrich Singapore’s cultural and creative industries.
Michael Lee, CEO of H&B, said: “IMBA Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a space designed for scale and adaptability to inspire wonder and allow audiences to foster deeper connections with the arts and the world around us. Conceptualised by IMBA, the Theatre will be a portal to immersive encounters to create moments of wonder and a lifetime of inspiration. It will merge technology, creativity and impactful storytelling in the way we showcase local talent and global artistry. This is a testament to our commitment to creating transformative experiences that bridge tradition and innovation, and cement Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.”
Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, added: “Gardens by the Bay constantly refreshes our offerings so that there is always something novel for our visitors… IMBA Theatre will reach out to both regular and new audiences by offering innovative immersive experiences amid the iconic setting of the gardens.”
Function space at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Millennium Hotels & Resorts is reinforcing its commitment to Northland and the Bay of Islands, aiming to drive increased visitation, corporate conferences, and events during the winter season.
To entice event organisers, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is offering exclusive corporate and conference packages for events held between May 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025. These packages include premium accommodation, meeting space offers, and tailored itineraries featuring cultural experiences, adventure tourism, and gourmet dining.
Function space at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Accommodation rates start at NZ$179 per night, with breakfast included. Free venue hire for 50+ attendees and a minimum of 10 rooms per night. Terms and conditions apply.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts has also launched targeted marketing campaigns showcasing Northland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse activities to audiences across New Zealand and key international markets, including Australia.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
With extensive experience in the luxury sector across multiple continents, he has held senior leadership roles, including director general of Concorde Hotels, owned by Taittinger, overseeing 19 owned and 70 affiliated hotels. He also served as a Board director of Leading Hotels of the World.
