Agoda data reveals food is the new frontier in Asian tourism
Agoda’s latest data shows that food is fast becoming the main course of travel in Asia, with culinary activities ranking among the top five most-searched experiences by travellers. Japan tops the list of foodie destinations, followed by Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Interestingly, Japanese travellers themselves are not just exploring domestic hotspots but also seeking food adventures in Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to Agoda’s Top Foodie Destinations survey, nearly half of respondents across South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia say food is their primary reason to travel.
For hoteliers, this presents an opportunity to stand out by leaning into food culture. Agoda suggests properties can boost guest experiences by showcasing local flavors through in-house dining, partnering with neighborhood restaurants and street food vendors, or creating hyper-local food guides. Senior VP Andrew Smith noted that hoteliers who embrace food-focused tourism can strengthen guest connections and encourage repeat visits.
Frasers Hospitality and SIT launch innovation think tank to raise industry standards
Frasers Hospitality and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) have signed an MoU to establish a hospitality innovation think tank aimed at raising industry standards and strengthening Singapore’s position as a premier tourism hub. The collaboration will bring together academic expertise and industry insights to drive applied research, define key hospitality standards, and publish findings that guide the sector’s evolution. Both partners see this initiative as a way to blend real-world application with forward-looking strategies that enhance guest experiences while promoting digital and sustainable innovation.
Beyond research, the partnership will focus on talent development through the co-design of Pre-Employment Training for students and Continuing Education and Training programs for Frasers Hospitality employees. By nurturing future-ready skills in hospitality and tourism management, the initiative seeks to prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Why hackers see flights as easy prey
This summer has seen a wave of cyberattacks hit major airlines including Qantas, Hawaiian, WestJet, Air France-KLM, and Aeroflot, exposing sensitive passenger data and, in some cases, disrupting operations. Experts say airlines are prime targets because they hold vast amounts of critical personal information while relying on sprawling, outdated IT systems often managed by third-party providers. Hackers have stolen millions of records ranging from passports to frequent flyer numbers while pro-Ukrainian groups went further by crippling Aeroflot’s operations. The FBI even issued a warning that groups are now focusing on the airline industry, with phishing and social engineering attacks accounting for roughly 80% of breaches.
Cybersecurity specialists warn that airlines’ vulnerabilities stem not only from legacy systems but also from a lack of stringent regulations compared to industries like finance or healthcare. While airlines are beginning to invest in stronger defenses, experts caution that shoring up protection will take time, leaving an open window for hackers. State-sponsored espionage adds another layer of risk, with governments targeting travel data for intelligence purposes. As IEEE’s Kayne McGladrey notes, “statecraft is a feature of the landscape.”
Source: Travel Weekly
Singapore hotels get tech, talent and sustainability boost
Singapore is rolling out fresh support measures to help its hotel industry stay competitive under the Tourism 2040 vision, with a focus on technology adoption, sustainability, and workforce development. Hotels will now have easier access to pre-approved solutions and training through IMDA’s Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service platform, covering five key areas: Smart Rooms, Robotics, Digital Concierge, Digital Check-in/Check-out, and Asset Management Systems. On the sustainability front, the country has already surpassed its 2025 goal, with 61% of room stock – 42,700 rooms across 100 hotels – now certified under international green standards. Minister of State Alvin Tan said support will continue for hotels still working toward certification.
The government is also placing stronger emphasis on hospitality careers. Later this year, the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) will launch the first Career Health Workshop for the industry, designed to help managers and HR professionals better guide staff on career pathways and skills development. The initiative comes at a pivotal time, following the July closure of SHATEC, the country’s main hospitality training institute.
Dubai’s Seraya secures $1.8M, focusing on serviced stays
Dubai-based hospitality startup Seraya has raised $1.8 million in seed funding, led by a Saudi family office and German family office DLL, bringing total funding to $2.15 million. Founded in 2024 by Ibrahim Shami and Pepijn Haima, Seraya reimagines serviced accommodation by leasing, renovating, and furnishing long-term properties across prime Dubai neighborhoods like Downtown, Business Bay, and Marina. With a design-focused, wellness-driven approach that includes amenities such as saunas and water filtration systems, the startup plans to expand to 50 properties by year-end and grow its team. Backers say Seraya’s control of the full value chain gives it a competitive edge in one of the world’s toughest hospitality markets.