AGP Executive Report

Singapore Retail Festival: The Singapore Retailers Association brings back the Singapore Retail Festival (SRF) for a second edition running till July 26, with in-store and online promotions, rewards and more “experience-led” shopping to draw locals and visitors back to physical stores. Aviation—Oman Air: Oman Air adds five new routes in July 2026, including new direct services to Singapore and Sochi, plus Tashkent and a first Dubai–Salalah link, as it pushes inbound tourism and connectivity. Travel & tech—Ho Chi Minh City: Ho Chi Minh City launches free bus rides from July 1, alongside upgrades to shelters, e-ticketing and service quality, aiming to shift more commuters onto public transport. Singapore & region—Transport policy: MPs will debate transport, AI-driven jobs and emerging tech in Parliament on July 7, with a focus on keeping Singapore’s role as a global transport hub and strengthening international links. Family travel—Singapore: A family-holiday push highlights new immersive options like IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay, positioning Singapore as a top pick for multi-generational trips. World mobility—Passports: A new global passport ranking places Afghanistan last, while Singapore tops the “extended mobility” category and ranks first for investment potential. F1—Singapore GP entertainment: Organisers unveil expanded entertainment for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, adding a waterfront Barge Stage and major music acts from Oct 9–11.

Aviation & Travel Demand: Qantas’ Project Sunrise flight-testing ramps up for an ultra-long Sydney–London A350-1000ULR, while China–Japan travel keeps wobbling as airlines axed all flights on 25 routes and cancelled 1,488 China–Japan flights in June amid weaker Chinese demand. Cruises: Windstar Cruises launches its 2028/2029 Asia season on the Star Seeker, with sailings through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, banking on strong regional interest. Singapore Tourism Development: The Greater Sentosa Master Plan is set to reshape the island getaway with new attractions expected from the early 2030s, and Jurong Lake District land sales continue to build Singapore’s second business hub. Regional Connectivity: Vietnam Airlines adds Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket service, pushing Vietnam–Thailand flights to nearly 70 per week. Shopping & Visas: China’s upgraded departure tax refund policy 2.0 is rolling out to speed up airport refunds for overseas shoppers. Health for Travellers: Hong Kong health authorities warn dengue and chikungunya risks are rising as mosquito breeding conditions improve.

Air Connectivity & Routes: TransNusa will launch twice-daily Jakarta–Bangkok flights from 6 Aug 2026, aiming to tap leisure demand between Indonesia and Thailand. Payments to Travel Planning: Visa Destinations goes live across 10 locations, letting Visa customers discover and book experience-led trips via a mobile-first platform. Airport Experience Upgrade: Emirates unveiled a next-generation lounge concept, with new designs rolling out across key cities this year after a multi-million investment. Sustainability Push: WTTC and UNEP signed a landmark MoU to drive a more sustainable, circular and resilient travel sector, including action on plastics and food waste. Local Travel Perks: Global Hotel Alliance expanded GHA DISCOVERY with personalised Local City Tours in 15 destinations, including Singapore. Singapore Travel Crime Watch: A Filipino tourist was jailed six weeks for filming upskirt videos of six women in Singapore. Regional Tourism & Policy: Singaporeans are also looking outward—coverage highlights investment and tourism links with Timor-Leste as PM Lawrence Wong visits. Scam Alert: A Palm Beach Gardens man lost about US$34,000 after a fake “work-from-home” travel job scam that impersonated Klook.

Cross-border Payments: Việt Nam and Singapore launched a cross-border QR payment service, letting Singapore visitors pay at VietQRGlobal points across Việt Nam with real-time currency conversion—aimed at boosting tourism and trade. Tourism & Culture: Pokémon Center Singapore reopened at Jewel Changi after a three-month revamp, with a redesigned heritage-inspired store and 20 Singapore-themed exclusive items. Travel Tech & Hotels: Traveloka signed a multi-year distribution deal with Marriott, giving travellers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia direct access to Marriott’s full portfolio via Traveloka. Aviation Disruption: Airlines are resuming some Middle East flights as diplomatic efforts continue, but many suspensions remain—so travellers should still expect disruptions. Regional Connectivity: West Kalimantan is seeking direct flights from Pontianak to China (Beijing or Guangzhou) to lift tourism and speed up exports like shrimp and crabs. Shipping Costs: Strait of Hormuz traffic is gradually picking up after recent US-Iran strikes, easing shipping costs though volumes remain below pre-war levels. Visa Update (Japan): Japan raised tourist visa fees from July 1, but visa-exempt travellers (including Singaporeans) are generally unaffected. Singapore Travel Talk: A UK tourist’s “worst country” comment sparked a clapback online, with netizens urging visitors to judge Singapore fairly and for short trips only.

New Routes for Singapore Flyers: Oman Air will launch five routes in July, including direct flights to Singapore starting 2 July, as it targets profitability by 2027. Premium Travel Watch: Hyatt confirms Alila Sengokuhara Hakone in Japan will open in 2028, bringing the Alila brand’s nature-and-wellbeing style to Hakone’s hot-spring region. Regional Tourism Deals: Tourism Malaysia plans Penang–Kedah joint packages by bringing Penang-based inbound agents to Kedah attractions via a B2B programme. Passport Power for Travellers: The Global Passport Index 2026 puts Singapore at 10th overall and 1st globally for investment, while Europe dominates the top spots. Aviation Updates: United adds nonstop Houston/Washington to Cartagena from 17 Dec, and Etihad launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi–Dhaka service (4x weekly). Security & Defence: US clears a $22.3m Hellfire missile sale to Singapore, expanding the country’s existing order. Science & Fun: NTU-developed cyborg cockroaches get diving suits for underwater rescue missions. Travel Disruption Case: A couple’s Singapore honeymoon was cancelled after passport loss in transit; an Indian consumer forum ordered refunds and compensation.

Indonesia Tourism & Travel Demand: Indonesia logged 1.38 million foreign tourist arrivals in May (+5.83% y/y), with Malaysia the top source and Singapore contributing 136,740 arrivals. Singapore-Indonesia Culture & Events: MASA Singapore 2026 runs 2 Jul–10 Aug across Takashimaya Square and Gardens by the Bay, spotlighting 80+ Indonesian brands and creators. Hotel & Accommodation Expansion: Hotel101 Global signed definitive binding agreements for Hotel101 Bangkok, targeting about 770 rooms near Don Mueang and a projected ~THB 1.925b sales revenue. Air Connectivity to Singapore: Oman Air launches a new nonstop Muscat–Singapore route (8 hours, four times weekly) and is eyeing more North Asia destinations. Family Travel in Singapore: Splash Tribe at The Palawan @ Sentosa opens as a family beach club with a sandcastle-themed water playground and reserved seating zones. Travel Safety & Smart Sharing: Experts warn against posting boarding passes or luggage tags online, since scammers can scrape QR/barcode data. Mount Fuji Climbing Update: Japan’s Fuji season starts 1 Jul with two main trails open and new payment kiosks to manage crowds. Middle East Transit Fees Watch: Oman and Iran move ahead with plans to collect Strait of Hormuz transit fees, despite US objections. Cross-border Payments for Travellers: NPCI partners with HSBC India and J.P. Morgan Payments to enable real-time FX settlement for overseas UPI transactions.

Cruise & Travel Retail: Disney Cruise Line unveiled its next Wish-class ship, Disney Believe, with new immersive worlds and plans to grow its fleet to 13 ships by 2031, including a Japan rollout in 2029; meanwhile, Disney also tightened rules on stateroom door decorations to curb damage and hallway clutter. Connectivity for Travellers: Singapore-based Travelgoogoo teamed up with Visa Destinations to give eligible Visa cardholders Thailand data benefits via its eSIM Travel Club. Regional Holiday Demand: Agoda data shows Malaysian families are still leading with domestic trips, but regional interest is rising fast—Vietnam (+85%), China (+51%), Singapore (+43%) and Japan (+43%). Singapore Hotel Pipeline: NoMad Hilton Singapore is set for late 2026 on Orchard Road, adding new dining concepts as Hilton pushes deeper into lifestyle luxury. Aviation & Premium Experience: Emirates rolled out a next-gen lounge concept globally, with major upgrades costing about $14M per lounge. Maritime Tensions Watch: In the Strait of Hormuz, the US and Iran agreed to stand down after recent exchanges, while shipping routes and safety concerns remain in focus.

Johor-Singapore Travel Boost: PH candidate Cheah Chee Hong wants Kukup upgraded into a Singaporean visitor magnet, banking on the RTS Link and proposing better roads, utilities and a night market near the ferry terminal. Local Tourism & Infrastructure: Bukit Batu’s Arthur Chiong pledges road widening (FT001 from two to four lanes) plus smarter traffic lights, while pushing tourism as a new growth driver for travellers coming via Changi. Cross-Border Commuting Upgrade: ICA says a new clearance hall at Woodlands Checkpoint has cut worker clearance time from 30 minutes to 10, easing peak-hour jams and shifting congestion earlier. Air Connectivity Shift: AirAsia will halt direct Singapore–Jakarta flights from July, with only Kuala Lumpur transit options still bookable. Payments for Travellers: India’s UPI is now live in Greece, expanding to 10 countries including Singapore, making cross-border spending easier for Indian visitors. Sustainable Tourism Training: Agoda and GSTC’s Sustainable Tourism Academy hit 3,000 registered users, supporting hospitality staff across Asia with practical sustainability know-how. Marine Tourism Spotlight: Labuan’s 2026 Diving Festival 4.0 showcased wreck sites and coral-rich waters, drawing divers and snorkellers including visitors from Singapore.

Sustainable Tourism: Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) marked the 1st anniversary of the Sustainable Tourism Academy, topping 3,000 registered users and reaching 3,500 hospitality professionals across Asia with training based on the GSTC Hotel Standard. Hotel Openings: Hilton is bringing Curio Collection by Hilton to Chiang Rai with Kahavadi Chiang Rai (opening 1 July), a renovated riverside property with 167 rooms and opening rates from THB3,800. Airline Alliance (SG–MY): Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines launched joint fare products on the Singapore–Kuala Lumpur route, with plans for more benefits like reciprocal lounge access and coordinated schedules. Tourism Payments (Thailand): Thailand rolled out cross-border QR payments under “Pay Like a Local,” letting tourists pay at participating outlets using compatible apps from markets including Singapore. Travel Deals (Philippines): The Philippines’ DOT launched “Discover More to Love,” offering 3,000+ discounted domestic travel offers (hotels, tours, flights and bundles) via its website. Aviation Connectivity: Philippine Airlines resumes nonstop Manila–Dubai flights from 2 Oct 2026 with four weekly services, aiming to restore direct links for overseas Filipinos. Local Travel Infrastructure (SG): Singapore opened its first dedicated bus driver accommodation near Sengkang West Depot, housing up to 234 drivers in 39 furnished apartments.

UAE Route Revival: Philippine Airlines will restart nonstop Manila–Dubai flights from Oct 2, initially four weekly services, aiming to restore direct connectivity for overseas Filipinos as Middle East conditions ease. Singapore–China Air Links: Singapore Airlines and Air China signed an MOU to deepen cooperation, including schedule coordination and expanded codeshare, with frequent-flyer synergies and tourism/business ties in focus. Local Deals Push: The Philippines’ DOT launched “Discover More to Love,” offering 3,000+ discounted travel offers (hotels, tours, flights and bundles) via its website—so popular it crashed on day one. Creator-Led Tourism Marketing: TikTok and the DOT kicked off “Wanderlust Week,” a creator mini-reality series promoting Philippine destinations through short-form videos. Airfare Watch: Airlines face higher costs from a carbon-credit crunch under Corsia, with analysts warning ticket prices could rise as permit prices spike. New Hotel for Orchard Road: The Hari Singapore will replace Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, opening in spring 2027 with 326 rooms and a rotating contemporary art collection. Payment Convenience Abroad: India’s UPI is set to expand to Seychelles via an MoU, letting Indian travellers pay with existing UPI apps using QR at participating merchants. Travel Support Operations: A travel-industry piece highlights why remote customer support is key for 24/7 help as bookings move online and issues can hit at any hour.

School Transport Update: Singapore MOE will let school bus operators add a temporary fuel surcharge of up to 20% on fares for July and August, with extra subsidies for families under the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme so they won’t pay more out of pocket. Night-Time Travel Trend: Singapore ranks 7th globally for “noctourism,” with demand up 29% in recent months as travellers chase cooler, less crowded experiences after dark. APEC Tourism Push: APEC tourism ministers in Macau urged digital innovation and collaboration to boost tourism across the region. UAE Entry Rules: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival access for travellers from more countries, offering 14- or 60-day options with specific residency conditions and AED overstay fines. New Hotel Opening: NoMad Singapore has revealed its dining lineup ahead of its 2026 opening, including NoMad Grill, The Tropicana Club and Sticky Fingers. Aviation & Travel Demand: Singapore Airlines shares rose on hopes of lower Middle East disruption, while premium economy continues to grow as airlines shift revenue focus. Local Travel Culture: Kampong Gelam’s evolving nightlife and retail scene is drawing debate over whether locals are being priced out as tourist-facing concepts expand.

Middle East Shipping & Air Travel: The US launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets after a drone attack hit a Panama-flagged oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM saying it targeted surveillance, communications, air defence and drone storage sites; Iran also reiterated it has the right to control shipping through the strait, keeping a fragile ceasefire in doubt. UAE Entry Rules: The UAE expanded visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, including citizens of about 70 countries who can enter without a visa and additional nationalities eligible for up to 60-day stays. Singapore Worker Support: Singapore’s Manpower Ministry said an employer linked to unpaid wages for 400+ migrant workers has returned, is assisting investigations, and his passport was impounded; MOM expects more job placements in the coming weeks. Local Travel Culture: Kampong Gelam’s evolving mix of heritage, crowds and retail churn is drawing debate about whether locals are being priced out as tourist-focused formats grow. Travel Trends: A Singapore-to-Foshan “furniture shopping holiday” trend is emerging as homeowners chase custom-made furnishings, with sourcing agents and shipping timelines shaping the trip. Sports Tourism: Marathon tourism keeps expanding, with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon joining Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2027, expected to boost international runner arrivals.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely was struck by an “unknown projectile” near Oman, with MPA saying only minor damage and all 21 crew safe—amid rising US-Iran tensions and renewed strikes that could keep shipping routes jittery for travellers and logistics. Aviation Long-Haul Watch: New route round-ups highlight ultra-long-haul Airbus A350 services (including Finnair’s MEL–BKK–HEL) and ongoing scrutiny of long-haul aircraft programmes like the Boeing 777X, a reminder that flight schedules can shift fast. UAE Travel Ease: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility from June 25, widening access for travellers from countries including India and the Philippines—good news for Singapore-based travellers planning Middle East trips. Singapore Events & Tourism: STB-backed Asia board game meet returns in July with 500+ enthusiasts, while Singapore continues to push “repeatable” visitor experiences beyond big one-off attractions. Local Life & Culture: A Teochew-language film “Dear You” sparks debate in Singapore over language screenings, and a Singapore bus etiquette piece argues for speaking up without turning it into social awkwardness. Family & Society: Stories on Singapore’s growing trend of larger families (five-plus kids) and how miscarriage journeys shape parenthood. Travel Safety/Compliance: A Filipino tourist jailed in Singapore for upskirt voyeurism underlines strict enforcement for visitors. Singapore Health Tech: CDA is exploring AI for infectious disease surveillance to speed up outbreak detection and response planning.

UAE Visa-on-Arrival Boost: The UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to eligible travellers from six more countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, with 14- or 60-day stays depending on passport and residence status. Changi World Cup Fun: Changi Airport is rolling out FIFA World Cup celebrations across terminals, with free match screenings, a new football-themed film and interactive fan activities. SIA Premium Upgrade: Singapore Airlines has started building a larger SilverKris Lounge at Melbourne Airport, promising more space, natural light and airfield views when it opens later this year. Johor-Singapore Border Readiness: Malaysia’s home minister says a task force is on standby to prevent travel disruptions at Johor’s border crossings on Jul 11 polling day, including dedicated lanes for Malaysian voters in Singapore. Migrant Workers Support: NTUC and MWC will provide S$200 emergency support to unpaid migrant workers in Singapore while MOM issues special passes to help them find new jobs. Health Alert for Summer Travel: Singapore’s health authorities urged travellers to check infectious disease updates and vaccination needs before heading out for summer holidays. Hormuz Tensions: US and Iran traded strikes after an attack on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns for shipping routes.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: The UN’s IMO has paused its ship-escort and evacuation efforts after another incident in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran insists only its approved routes are safe and the US says Iran violated a ceasefire with drone attacks on a Singapore-flagged vessel. Aviation Safety Watch: EASA has ordered urgent inspections of 16 Airbus A380s over wing crack concerns, a reminder that major aircraft can still face sudden grounding risks. Travel Deals & Premium Access: Airtripmaker is pitching more affordable business-class fares from major US cities to India, Europe, Asia and beyond. Singapore Travel & Lifestyle: A Singapore family’s pineapple-rolling housewarming mishap is going viral, while Singapore visitor arrivals dipped in recent months, with some areas like Robertson Quay seeing softer dining demand. Cross-Border Enforcement: ICA officers used cutters and crowbars to uncover duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in a Malaysia-registered tanker truck at Tuas. Big Tourism/Infrastructure Move: Adani Airports unveiled plans for integrated “airport cities” across multiple Indian states, aiming to blend hotels, retail and entertainment into airport districts.

City Skylines Watch: Radical Storage’s 2026 ranking puts Shenzhen top, with Dubai second and Hong Kong third—China dominates the list, while Singapore retains the top spot in the competitiveness-style table mentioned alongside Portugal’s mixed results. Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Iran insists it controls shipping and warns against “unauthorised” routes after an attack near Oman; the UN’s IMO temporarily paused its Strait evacuation/escort efforts, with a Singapore-flagged ship (Ever Lovely) reportedly involved. Singapore Travel & Leisure: El Chido at Pullman Singapore Hill Street reopens with a new all-weather rooftop cover and becomes the first Singapore venue to serve Barnes & Brown premium RTD non-alcoholic cocktails; Sentosa launches Disney Cruise Line’s “A Magical Island Adventure” running 24 Jun–20 Sep; and LTA invites the public to preview Circle Line Stage 6 stations on 4 Jul ahead of opening 12 Jul. Tourism Demand & Payments: Euromonitor says SEA travel recovery is pushing “experiential” spending and shifting payments toward cards for higher-value trips and digital wallets for mass-market travel. Local People & Jobs: NTUC will start job placement for 400+ migrant workers next week after alleged unpaid wages, with lodging relocation and dispute support underway. Aviation Links: Oman Air adds a daily Muscat–Abu Dhabi direct from 9 Jul, boosting GCC connectivity. Food Buzz: Singapore chilli crab lands at No. 9 (or No. 8 on the website) in TasteAtlas’ global best crab dishes list, keeping the national dish in the spotlight.