Visa has joined hands with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to bring a new set of curated benefits for Indian travellers planning a trip to Singapore. The campaign is designed to make travel more rewarding by offering exclusive deals across experiences, dining, transport, and accommodation, all accessible through Visa card payments.

Running from 18 February to 30 May 2026, the initiative allows travellers to explore and redeem offers through Visa’s Singapore destination platform as well as its partner booking channels. The idea is to add more value to every step of the journey, from planning to on-ground experiences.

The partnership comes at a time when Singapore continues to see strong interest from Indian travellers. In 2025 alone, the destination welcomed over 1.2 million visitors from India, highlighting its popularity as a preferred short-haul international getaway.

Along with enhancing travel experiences, the campaign also encourages the use of digital payments. By promoting card-based transactions for bookings and spending within Singapore, the initiative supports smoother and more convenient travel for visitors.

Sridhar Keppurengan, Head of Cross-Border Payments, India and South Asia, Visa, added “Affluent Indian travellers are increasingly choosing Singapore for curated, experience-led getaways and expect journeys that feel seamless and friction free. Through Visa’s partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, we’re unlocking greater value, choice and convenience across iconic experiences when travellers pay with Visa, making it effortless to tap, explore and enjoy one of the world’s most contactless-ready destinations.”

Markus Tan, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa (IMESA), Singapore Tourism Board, said “Singapore is a destination where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, whether it's discovering a hidden dining gem, wandering through vibrant neighbourhoods, or enjoying a spontaneous night out. For Indian travellers, it's these everyday moments that create truly memorable trips. Through our partnership with Visa, we're making it easier for visitors to embrace these experiences while enjoying additional rewards along the way.”

Singapore’s strong digital payment network further supports such efforts. As per Visa’s Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, card usage in the country has reached 97%, going beyond cash usage at 82%. Contactless payments alone account for over 95% of Visa transactions, making it easy for travellers to pay across airports, public transport, retail outlets, restaurants, and attractions.

With this collaboration, Singapore continues to strengthen its appeal for Indian travellers by combining rich experiences with added benefits, while also making travel smoother through easy and widely accepted digital payments.

Garner hotels, the midscale conversion brand from IHG Hotels & Resorts, has reached a major milestone by opening 100 hotels globally since its launch in August 2023. With this, Garner has become the fastest scaling brand in IHG’s history, reflecting strong demand from both owners and travellers.

The brand’s growth has been driven by its flexible and conversion-friendly model, which allows properties to open quickly while maintaining quality standards. Garner is focused on delivering value through essential stay experiences, making it a practical choice for guests looking for comfort and affordability.

Looking ahead, the brand has a pipeline of nearly 80 hotels, which is expected to significantly expand its global presence. Currently, Garner has open or pipeline properties across 12 countries, including key markets such as the US, Mexico, Italy, and Japan.

A key factor behind this growth is the rising demand for conversion properties, which accounted for 52 percent of all IHG room openings in 2025. Garner’s model offers benefits such as lower costs, flexible design standards, and faster turnaround times, with some hotels opening just over a month after signing.

The brand is built around the idea of offering “easy going stays that get you on your way,” focusing on what matters most to guests. This includes comfortable rooms, quality sleep, and a good breakfast, along with practical features like workspaces for business and leisure travellers.

Karen Gilbride, Global Vice President for Garner hotels at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:

“Garner’s initial global success reflects IHG’s proven expertise in building and scaling conversion-ready brands that owners and guests trust. Beyond offering a high-quality alternative for value-conscious travelers, Garner’s flexible development model allows the brand to more quickly enter new global markets and deliver returns for owners. Even as we’ve reached some amazing initial milestones, we’re just starting to tap into Garner’s full growth potential and look forward to introducing its unique offering to more owners and travelers in the years ahead.”

In the Americas, Garner recorded strong momentum with multiple signings and openings in 2025, including its first property in Mexico and new hotels across the United States. The brand has also entered suburban Boston and the greater New York City area in 2026.

Across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Garner opened 43 hotels in 2025, making it the most active IHG brand in the region. A large part of this growth came from a partnership with NOVUM Hospitality in Germany. The brand also expanded into Italy, Türkiye, and the UK, while making its debut in Japan with multiple openings in Osaka and Kyoto.

Further expansion included its entry into Southeast Asia with a launch in Thailand, along with its first five signings in India. Garner is also set to expand into Greater China later this year, continuing its global growth journey.

With a strong pipeline and growing presence across regions, Garner is set to further strengthen its position as a fast-growing brand in the global hospitality market.

Etihad Guest has announced a 25% reduction in tier qualification requirements across all membership levels, making it easier for members to retain or upgrade their status within the programme.

Effective from 18 March, the revised thresholds are automatically applied to all Etihad Guest members worldwide. There is no need for registration or additional steps, and members can continue to progress within their existing 12-month qualification period under the updated criteria.

With this change, members can maintain their current tier or move to a higher level by earning fewer Tier Miles than before. The reduced qualification levels will remain applicable until 31 March 2027.

The move comes as part of the programme’s effort to offer more flexibility, especially for travellers whose plans may have been impacted in recent weeks. By lowering the requirements, Etihad Guest aims to support members in continuing their journey within the loyalty programme without added pressure.

Etihad Guest Tier Miles can be earned on flights operated by Etihad as well as select partner airlines across global networks. Members can redeem their Etihad Guest Miles for flight bookings, hotel stays, holiday packages, and products available through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

With this update, Etihad Guest continues to focus on making its loyalty programme more accessible and rewarding, while ensuring members can enjoy benefits even as travel plans evolve.