Innholdsfortegnelse for January - February 2026 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

AS THE NEW editor of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific, I join at a time when business travel in our region is changing in meaningful ways. The idea of who qualifies as a business traveller is broader than ever, reflecting a wider range of people who now move around the region for work. From financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore to emerging markets like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand, a younger demographic is increasingly mobile – from bootstrapping founders of tech start-ups to young entrepreneurs running small businesses or creative studios. Their background may vary, but they share a common drive: to travel smarter, learn quickly and make sure each trip serves its purpose. This shift is energising, and it will shape the direction of the magazine that readers have…

TRENDS Where travel is heading in 2026 SUSTAINABILITY Airports shaped by nature HOTELS The best stays for gaming fanatics AVIATION Qantas unveils new long-haul aircraft INDONESIA’S BOLD EXPERIMENT in citybuilding has reached a defining milestone. In East Kalimantan, the country’s future capital – Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) – is taking shape amid Borneo’s rainforest. And at its heart stands the new five-star Swissôtel Nusantara, so far the only property to open in this emerging seat of government. Built to host dignitaries, ministers and visiting executives, the hotel sets the tone for what this eco-conscious city aims to be – sustainable, forward-looking and rooted in local culture. Guests are welcomed by Dayak performers in traditional dress, a nod to the region’s indigenous heritage, before stepping into cool, contemporary interiors of marble,…

CHINA IS MAKING big changes to its visa rules to boost travel and bring in more talented people from overseas. 1 Beijing has extended its visafree entry scheme – first introduced in late 2023 – until December 31, 2026 for 45 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The extension of the 30day visa for tourism, business or family visits also covers Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and Spain. It is part of a broader effort to boost international arrivals after years of Covid-19 disruptions. 2 China also launched the ASEAN Business Visa last June, offering business travellers from Southeast Asia – along with their spouses and children – multiple entries over five years, with each visit lasting up to 180 days. 3 Striking while the iron is hot, China introduced the…

International Container Terminal Services A gateway to Asia, Manila contains a host of major shipping businesses. ICTS is a global port company and a leader in container handling. Ayala Land The largest property developer in the Philippines dates to 1834, during the period of Spanish colonial rule. The company has diverse interests, including real estate, banking and education. San Miguel This food and beverage giant specialises in meat and poultry, dominating the local food market. The first San Miguel beer brewery was founded in 1890.…

A LITTLE CLUNKIER than standard frames, Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses still retain the brand’s classic Wayfarer look – and make up for any style snags with a range of high-tech touches. We snapped photos and video without reaching for a phone, answered calls while wheeling a suitcase, and listened to podcasts with openear audio that still lets you hear what’s going on around you. The original Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer glasses start from US$299, making them a relatively affordable entry point into wearable tech. For those willing to splash out, the Gen 2 version at US$459 has a host of upgraded features – including live translation in six languages, a better camera with improved 3K Ultra HD video resolution and double the battery life (up to eight hours).…

MARISA CHEARAVANONT: KHAO YAI ART FOREST, THAILAND A member of Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group and founder of Bangkok Kunsthalle, Chearavanont opened this 65hectare art site three hours from Bangkok, featuring works by Elmgreen & Dragset, Martin Kippenberger and Fujiko Nakaya. QIAO ZHIBING: TANK SHANGHAI A nightclub and real estate entrepreneur, Qiao converted former aviation fuel tanks along the Huangpu River into Tank Shanghai, one of the country’s leading private contemporary art museums. His collection includes rising Chinese artists. ALAN GIBBS: GIBBS FARM, NEW ZEALAND The businessman behind Gibbs Technologies transformed a 400-hectare property 47km north of Auckland into one of the world’s largest private sculpture parks in 1991. See works by Anish Kapoor, Richard Serra and Andy Goldsworthy.…

Q&A Air Astana was founded in 2001 as a joint venture between the Kazakhstan government and BAE Systems of the UK, with just US$17 million. It operates out of the twin hubs of Almaty and Astana. The carrier went public in 2024 and now serves 56 domestic and international destinations with a young fleet of 62 aircraft – nearly all of which belong to the Airbus A320 family. The company also operates the low-cost regional carrier, FlyArystan. Air Astana’s CEO, Peter Foster, has had a long and successful career in aviation – including 16 years at Cathay Pacific. He has been with the carrier since 2005 and is retiring early this year. Can you tell us more about Air Astana? Air Astana has been in operation now for 23-plus years.…

ON A SHORT flight from Manila to Iloilo, a question presents itself: could an ordinary economy seat be among the most environmentally efficient spots in commercial aviation? The reasoning is plain. The most climate-efficient seat today is not in a hydrogen prototype or behind a closed curtain. It is in an economy row on a full aircraft flown with a strict eye on fuel burn and maintaining a modern fleet – the operating model Cebu Pacific follows every day. The practical side of low-carbon flying The industry puts great hope in alternative fuels, new propulsion systems and innovative aircraft designs. Yet the most immediate reductions are coming from the more pragmatic work of running fleets more efficiently. A younger fleet helps. Cebu Pacific’s aircraft are 72 per cent Airbus A320neo…

The key rule of effective leadership is clear and concise communication. The clearer, simpler and more repeatable your advice is, the more likely it is to stick and be used effectively. There are three fundamental forms of leadership. Leadership from the front: let me show you how it’s done. Leadership alongside: let’s do it together. Leadership from behind: show me how good you can be. At any given point when decisions have to be made, you as a leader have to determine your place in the process. An effective leader is an effective teacher, coach and communicator who helps people get better at what they do. Then you as a leader can take more time to help others or do whatever it is you do better. For example, as you start…

A significant recent development in Hong Kong has been the transformation of the former Kai Tak airport. Those of a certain age will recall the nail-biting approach to the finger of land sticking out into Victoria Harbour, which required flying between buildings, providing passengers with views inside apartments. The Kai Tak Sports Park sits in the area once occupied by the terminal and includes the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium, which has a Pearl of the Orient façade in a nod to the city’s old moniker. It opened in March last year and hosted the iconic Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament. Architects Populous presided over the design, with James Pearce at the helm; the global firm is also responsible for the Las Vegas Sands Arena in Singapore, set to open in…

PARISA PICHITMARN Parisa Pichitmarn is a Bangkok-based lifestyle journalist known for her sharp cultural coverage and long-form storytelling. With more than a decade in media, she writes on travel, luxury and contemporary life for leading regional publications. She wrote our cover story, on page 52. ANDRÉ WEE André Wee is a Singapore-based artist whose work spans illustration, 3D world-building and mixed-media experimentation. His clients include Apple and Singapore Airlines. This issue features his cover art and illustrations for our report on how mascots boost business revenues. MARK C ÓFLAHERTY Mark C. O’Flaherty is a Londonbased design journalist, writer and photographer. He contributes to outlets including the Financial Times, New York Times and the Sunday Times, and also authors books on fashion and culture. On page 70 he writes about Hong…

KAMPONG GLAM, SINGAPORE Best for: Luxury that feels like home Set in the vibrant heart of Kampong Glam, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, Singapore offers a refined sanctuary for discerning business travellers the world over. Its 180 elegantly appointed suites combine the comforts of a fully equipped residence with premium Jo Loves bathing amenities for high-end personal pampering. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool with panoramic city views spanning the sea and skyscrapers, maintain their routine at the 24-hour fitness centre and stay seamlessly connected to those at home with high-speed Wi-Fi. Moments from the cultural enclaves of Haji Lane, Bugis and Marina Bay, this property blends cultural charm with urban convenience. Here, you can feel the buzz of the central business district, whilst also having the space…

Starting October 1, 2026, passengers departing Singapore will be charged a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy ranging from S$1 (US$0.77) to S$41.60 (US$32), depending on destination and cabin class. Announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the levy will apply to tickets sold from April 1, 2026. Transit passengers are exempt. United Airlines is deepening its Asia-Pacific footprint in 2026, rolling out “fifth freedom” flights from Hong Kong to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. There’s also a new Newark-Seoul route from September. Last October, it added a second daily San Francisco-Manila flight. Singapore-based low-cost carrier Scoot strengthened its Indonesia network with new routes to Labuan Bajo (Flores), Medan (Sumatra), Palembang (Sumatra) and Semarang (Java). Services began progressively in December 2025 and will continue through February 2026. Vietnam’s Sun…

ORCHARD ROAD,SINGAPORE Goodwood Park Hotel Best for: Extended stays Nestled in Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road district, Goodwood Park Hotel delivers immersive hospitality like nowhere else. Bringing together more than a century of heritage, attentive service and contemporary luxury, it promises memorable stays for all occasions. Specially designed for travellers that like to stay a while, the Parklane Suites feature a splitlevel apartment-style layout that offers a comfortable ‘home away from home’ experience. Create treasured family moments in this familiar setting. Each spacious unit features a separate bedroom, living room, wellequipped kitchenette and a large balcony. Augmented with thoughtful service, Goodwood Park blends privacy and comfort with impeccable resort features. Take advantage of a full suite of best-in-class hotel facilities including in-room dining, access to a swimming pool, state-of-theart fitness centre…

TO CRUISE LINES and their distinct culinary experiences can please the same adventurous traveller. Recently, a journey on the Atlas World Traveller allowed me to visit Malta, Sicily, Civitavecchia and Nice. I enjoyed the food at each destination and aboard ship, where the kitchen team created special menus highlighting the various destinations. With fewer than 200 explorers onboard, conversation and making new friends was easy. On our trip,visiting gastronomic guest, author and chef David Shalleck shared his Mediterranean expertise and simple trade tricks with fellow passengers. Meals were paired with wines from Attimo winery, the CEO of which, Jon Schlegel, founded the Denver-based breakfast empire Snooze before he was 30. Shoreside excursions included Lipari Island sights and pizza; a pasta workshop in a farmhouse in Tarquinia, near Rome; and a…

SINGAPORE Into the Modern: Impressionism Until March 1 The National Gallery Singapore hosts a major exhibition featuring masterpieces by French impressionists, including Monet’s The Water Lily Pond and Renoir’s Dance at Bougival. The show has been developed by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. MELBOURNE AIME 2026 February 9-11 The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) returns to Melbourne as the region’s premier business events exhibition. Aimed at industry suppliers, buyers and professionals, AIME facilitates critical one-on-one meetings and offers strategic networking. It remains the essential platform for MICE and corporate travel professionals across Asia-Pacific. SYDNEY IMM Australia February 26-27 To be held at ICC Sydney, the International Media Marketplace is a must-attend for travel PRs, editors and executives. It features pre-scheduled meetings connecting travel brands with top Australian and New Zealand…

FOR MOST OF my career, I worked in digital publishing and production, far from anything related to F&B in the Philippines. Matcha was simply a personal interest. I drank it, learned about it and documented it during the quiet months of the pandemic. When travel resumed, my trips to Japan would always include activities related to tea. ‘Personal branding begins with clarity. When you understand your values and point of view, you can navigate noise with purpose’ Friends in Manila began calling me the “Matcha Queen”. Strangers asked for recommendations. In 2023, I launched @jacqueandmatcha_ to separate my hobby from my personal account. The response was immediate. People started recognising me online and offline as the “matcha girl” – even though I had never set out to build a brand.…

Define its purpose A mascot must exist for a reason. Decide whether it’s meant to make your brand more approachable, simplify complex ideas or offer comfort and encouragement. Give it a real personality Treat your character like a person. Define its age, gender, quirks and emotions. Know how it would react to tripping, or what it loves to eat – these details make it come alive. Make it instantly recognisable Even its silhouette should stand out. The best designs are simple, clear and easy to remember. Create an emotional hook If there’s no elaborate backstory, make sure the visual impact is strong. Whether through charm, humour or expression, give audiences a reason to connect emotionally. Manage it with consistency Sustain the mascot’s identity by maintaining a clear voice, tone and…

LOUNGE REVIEW Centurion Lounge Tokyo HOTEL REVIEW Fraser Suites Le Claridge CABIN REVIEW Etihad First Suites IN A CAPITAL city like Tokyo, where skyscrapers shimmer and crowds flow like rivers, finding a moment of stillness can feel impossible. Yet just a few minutes’ walk from the chaos of Shibuya Crossing, Trunk (Hotel) offers a different rhythm. Conceived as a “socialising hotel”, it’s where Tokyo’s creative class comes to stay, work and gather. What's it like? The neighbourhood is famous for the Shibuya Scramble Crossing – a hectic pedestrian intersection known as the world’s busiest, thronged with more than 3,000 people at peak hours. But there are still peaceful pockets to be found here: turn a corner and you’ll find pin-drop quiet streets lined with small shops and shuttered houses. You’ll…

FOR TRAVELLERS SEEKING CULTURE - RICH EXPLORATION FAR FROM THE ORDINARY, Nicaragua’s iconic cities — Granada and León — offer an inspiring journey through the region’s colonial story. Granada, established in 1524, stands as the oldest colonial city on the American mainland. Nicknamed La Gran Sultana for its elegant architecture and Moorish heritage, it charms visitors with pastel-hued buildings, historic churches and a walkable city centre filled with character. The Cathedral of Granada provides unforgettable views from its bell tower, while Calle La Calzada tempts with local flavours, music and evening gatherings under tropical skies. A short drive leads to León, a historic and cultural powerhouse. This is Nicaragua’s university city — bold,creative and full of life. León’s monumental Cathedral of the Assumption is a World Heritage Site. Museums dedicated…

GAMING IS NO longer an activity confined to dark rooms and glowing screens – but a hobby you can take on the road. Since high-definition and online multiplayer games launched in the early 2000s, the industry has seen almost unstoppable growth, generating US$182.7 billion in global revenue in 2024. Today, its influence extends far beyond consoles, with games including Tomb Raider, The Last of Us, Tetris and Minecraft all being adapted into blockbuster films. Now, hotel brands are jumping on the trend, with themed accommodation and experiences catering to roughly 3.4 billion gamers worldwide. We take a look at some of the best set-ups. THE GAMING CAVE, NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA, TOKYO This Gaming Cave frankly looks nothing like a cave. Sleek, minimalist design offers the quintessential Japanese feel – but…

BUSTLING MANILA IS a far cry from the tropical beaches that lure most travellers to the Philippines. The capital city sits within Metro Manila, a metropolis composed of 16 highly urbanised cities and one municipality, each vying for attention and boasting a unique character. The centre of cultural and economic life in the Philippines is densely populated, with food markets, bars and coffee shops spilling onto crowded streets. A chaotic but cool blend of culture, heritage and urban buzz gives it an intense flavour that hits most visitors like a double espresso. Conrad Manila This five-star bayfront hotel on Roxas Boulevard sits above S Maison, giving guests easy access to dining, boutiques and cinemas, with the Mall of Asia a short walk away. Its contemporary design mirrors the curve of…

ON YOUR NEXT visit to Bangkok, pencil in a stop at Dib Bangkok, Thailand’s first museum dedicated to global contemporary art. The space opened in December in Phra Khanong, a district that has drawn a steady stream of creative operators and small studios in recent years. Dib Bangkok is anchored by the collection of the late businessman Petch Osathanugrah, former CEO of Osotspa, the company behind M-150 and the Shark energy drink. The Osathanugrah family, which also founded Bangkok University, ranks 13 on Forbes’s 2025 list of Thailand’s 50 Richest. The 6,500 sqm museum occupies a renovated 1980s warehouse and features 11 galleries, an inner courtyard and an outdoor sculpture garden. The collection includes more than 1,000 works by over 200 artists, including Montien Boonma, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Damien Hirst, Frank…

Huracan Sterrato A low-slung supercar designed for off-road use, the 2023 Sterrato featured extra ground clearance and chunky tires. Just 1,499 were built, complete with roof rails and spotlights. Murcielago In 2001 Lamborghini stabilised under Audi ownership,but that didn’t stop the Italians from building outrageous supercars. The Murcielago revved to 8,000 rpm and was ferociously fast. Diablo Another V12-powered supercar, the 5.7-litre, rear-wheel-drive Diablo was a difficult car to master and the first Lamborghini to top 200mph (322km/h). Scissor doors added to the 1990s appeal. 400 GT Beautifully styled, the 1966 400 GT was essentially an updated 350 GT – the first Lamborghini production car. Svelte lines make this the ultimate grand tourer for a classic Alpine adventure.…

YOU ARE AT a beautifully designed Melbourne restaurant with pitch-perfect acoustics and low lighting, sitting at the bar chatting to a bartender who knows their way around a martini. In front of you, the kitchen is grilling with charcoal, and the smell is intoxicating. The attentive waiter drops off your dishes, and they taste just as good as they look. The food, the vibe, the service… it’s all spot on. So, here’s the question: if a point-of-sale screen flashing “10%? 12%? 15%?” pops up as you tap your card, are you leaving a tip? Because in Australia, this small moment at the payment terminal has unexpectedly become the spiciest bite of the night. Historically, Australia hasn’t had a tipping culture, mostly because hospitality workers earn fair wages. In the United…

VETERAN SINGAPOREAN FOOD writer Evelyn Chen helms Bibik’s Supper Club, her pop-up dining platform known for intimate, chef-driven experiences. She also curates Asia’s Finest Tables, a dining initiative by UOB Cards that gives members access to some of the region’s most sought-after restaurants. Ahead of next season’s launch in March, she reflects on the routines that support her work, how she eats on the move and why she doubts her own influence. When does your day start? Between 7:10am and 7.30am. It is the quietest part of my day. What is the first thing you reach for? Coffee. Always. Twice a week that comes after a run, otherwise it is straight to the French press or Bialetti. You taste for a living. How do you keep that from taking over…