Rosanna Law Shuk-pui has replaced Kevin Yeung as Hong Kong’s tourism chief.
A civil servant since 1989, Law has served in various bureaux and departments, including deputy commissioner for tourism from 2010 to 2016.
Prior to this role, she was the permanent secretary for housing/director of housing from August 2023.
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has warned of enhanced security checks and delays at all checkpoints from now until January 22. The move is ordered “in view of heightened security situation in the region”, said authorities.
Detailed checks will be carried out on arriving travellers and conveyances at the land, air and sea checkpoints across Singapore, it said in a Facebook post.
Travellers are advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance due to delays at the checkpoints.
Novotel Geelong has named Scott Bear as its new general manager.
He brings a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across a diverse range of departments and hotels, from midscale to luxury.
In his new role, Bear will focus on enhancing service to create exceptional experiences for visitors to Geelong. He is also passionate about building local connections, supporting charities, and promoting volunteer initiatives that benefit the community.
Starting today, January 8, 2025, travellers from many countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.
This digital travel permit, similar to the US ESTA programme, aims to enhance border security while streamlining entry procedures. The ETA is not a visa, it is a visa waiver for those who currently don’t require a visa to enter the UK.
Citizens of the European Union are temporarily exempt from the ETA requirement until April 2, 2025.
Applying for an ETA is a straightforward online process, though business travellers should apply at least a few days before their intended travel date. Approval typically takes 72 hours. The ETA costs £10 (US$12.50) per person, regardless of age, and is valid for two years, allowing for multiple entries into the UK within that timeframe. Visitors will also have permission to stay in the UK for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.
To apply, travellers will need a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the application fee.
The Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) has recently completed extensive renovations to its facilities.
For instance, BICC’s largest venue, Mangupura Hall, has undergone significant upgrades to its modern wall panels, as well as the stage. Cutting-edge LEDs on both sides of the existing stage have also been installed, while the carpet has also been replaced.
Nusantara Hall, BICC’s second-largest venue, now features premium tiled flooring, and a new carpet and lighting system, while Jakarta Hall has received similar upgrades to ensure a consistent experience of luxury and comfort.
Renovations extend beyond the halls, with the entire venue now featuring artistic enhancements such as the Ramayana epic depicted in intricate wall reliefs, offering guests an authentic Balinese cultural experience. LED signage throughout the BICC ensures smooth navigation for attendees, while practical improvements like anti-slip flooring in the loading dock area provide a safer and more efficient environment for event organisers.
The venue, which is located adjacent to the 432-key Westin Resort Nusa Dua, has also incorporated eco-friendly features such as LED lighting solutions and electric vehicle charging stations.
As part of its transformation, BICC has also launched a newly updated website, providing clients easy access to venue details, floor plans, and booking options.
Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, and China West Airport Group, have been selected to host the 22nd edition of Routes Asia in 2026.
This air service development event, organised by Routes and part of the Aviation Week Network, will bring together key aviation industry players to advance air connectivity across the Asia Pacific region.
Xi’an, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Terracotta Army, serves as a crucial transport hub for northern China. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, handling over 47 million passengers annually, is poised for significant growth. The passenger throughput of 2024 has returned to the pre-epidemic level which has reached over 47 million.
Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “Routes Asia will attract even more international tourists to Xi’an, and promote trade and investment development. The event will comprehensively strengthen the airport’s existing network in Southeast and North Asia, while also further expanding the route network in Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.”
Small emphasised the positive impact of hosting Routes Asia, stating that previous host airports have witnessed a 5.7 per cent increase in network growth within three years. With the attendance of over 100 leading airlines, the event provides a platform for Xi’an to showcase its infrastructure development and investment opportunities to key decision-makers.
Yang Ou, chairman of China West Airport Group, shared that in December 2024, the third expansion phase of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport – where another runway will be added – was put into motion. In the future, the aviation hub will be capable of serving 83 million passengers, and handling one million tons of cargo, annually.
China West Airport Group is the second largest large-scale airport management group operating across provinces in China, and currently operates 18 airports in Shaanxi, Ningxia and Qinghai provinces.
The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) welcomes Nicolette Ann P Cruz as its new general manager, replacing Renato Padilla who retired after 20 years of service.
Like her predecessor, Cruz is also a lawyer with expertise in government contracts and public procurement. She has also worked with the Office of the Chief Justice of the Philippines, Office of the Court Administrator of the Supreme Court, Office of the Philippines vice president, the Philippine House of Representatives and the Senate.
Her appointment comes at a time when PICC, the country’s first convention centre, prepares for its 50th anniversary next year (2026) which coincides with its hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
Australia-headquartered Travel Beyond Group (TBG), has appointed Michelle Sargent as the managing director of Events Beyond.
With over 30 years of expertise in corporate travel and events, Sargent brings a wealth of experience and a reputation as a transformative leader to the organisation.
In this new role, Sargent will focus on driving growth, diversifying service offerings, and strengthening client and supplier relationships, ensuring Events Beyond continues to exceed expectations both locally and globally.
Javier Gimeno, a hospitality veteran with 30 years of experience across Asia and Europe, has been appointed general manager of the new Meliá Pattaya Hotel, set to open in 1Q2025.
He joins Meliá Pattaya after a decade in senior roles at Marriott International, most recently as cluster general manager at Marriott & Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Centre in China.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is strengthening its operations and expanding its presence in key markets with two recent appointments.
Damian Borg has been promoted to senior director of sales strategy & operations for Asia Pacific, where he will support Ben Angell, vice president and managing director of NCL APAC, in focusing on the fly-cruise market to key destinations such as Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. He will also provide strategic leadership to the region’s four country managers: Manoj Singh (India), Takahiko Yajima (Japan), Crystal Wong (Greater China and South Korea) and William Tay (South-east Asia).
Jason Montague has been appointed chief luxury officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), where he will oversee both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Montague brings extensive industry experience, having previously led these brands as president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and president and COO of both Oceania and Regent.
