Vinpearl Woos Indian Luxury Travelers with Strategic Two-Pronged Focus

Vinpearl Woos Indian Luxury Travelers with Strategic Two-Pronged Focus

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 10, 2024

Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty have made it an increasingly attractive destination for Indian travelers. Leading this appeal is Vinpearl, a premier resort brand that has strategically focused on luxury wedding tourism and high-end MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services, significantly enhancing its appeal to this growing market.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

Over the past decade, Vietnam has emerged as a prime travel destination for Indian tourists, offering a captivating blend of scenic beauty and a rapidly expanding luxury tourism market. Vinpearl stands at the forefront, catering to high-end travelers with a seamless mix of local culture and modern luxury.

With strategic investments in facilities designed for both business and leisure, Vinpearl has positioned itself as a top choice for affluent Indian tourists seeking memorable experiences and unique destinations for milestone events like weddings and MICE.

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Rising Interest from Indian Tourists

Data from Vietnam's National Tourism Administration indicates a striking increase in interest from India, with over 392,000 Indian tourists welcomed in 2023 alone—a number expected to continue climbing as global travel rebounds. Vietnam's appeal lies in its ample infrastructure and convenient direct flights (taking just 4-5 hours), making it a highly accessible getaway for Indian families and business travelers alike. The country’s diverse landscapes, temperate climate, and rich cultural heritage make it a compelling choice for all types of visitors.

Notably, there is a growing trend toward high-end, niche tourism services, especially in the realm of destination weddings. According to Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Deputy CEO of Vinpearl, “This year alone, Vinpearl has hosted over ten billionaire weddings from India, and this number is projected to double by 2025. Vietnam is fast becoming a prime destination for weddings, MICE, and golf tourism on the global stage.”

Custom Experiences for Indian Tourists

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Vinpearl, a subsidiary of the Vingroup conglomerate, is meeting this demand by creating custom, high-quality experiences. Recent high-profile events, such as the four-day wedding celebration of Pranay Karnawat and Sakshi Sanghvi at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, demonstrate this commitment. The wedding artfully blended Indian and Vietnamese cultural elements, showcasing traditional lanterns, lotus flowers, and conical hats, while ensuring that cuisine and decor are tailored to Indian preferences.

Shaping Vietnam's MICE Tourism

In addition to high-end leisure tourism, Vinpearl has made remarkable progress in the MICE sector. Properties like Vinpearl Nha Trang and Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An have earned prestigious ASEAN MICE Venue accolades, marking them as premier locations for international business events.

These resorts provide a comprehensive suite of services for events of all scales, from direct and online international meetings to team-building exercises and client conferences. Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, for instance, has become a favored destination for corporate events. It features a Grand Ballroom spanning 720 square meters, accommodating up to 600 guests, alongside six modern meeting rooms and four high-end conference spaces. Guests can also engage in team-building activities along the resort's 1,300-meter beachfront or explore the adjacent VinWonders amusement park for interactive cultural and entertainment experiences.

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A Premier Venue for Large-Scale Events

Another standout property, Vinpearl Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island, provides a unique venue for MICE tourism. This secluded resort ecosystem includes multiple Vinpearl hotels, an array of entertainment options at VinWonders, and Vinpearl Harbour, a world-class marina. The Vinpearl Convention Center, designed in European palace style, can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, making it ideal for high-profile, large-scale events.

The Future of MICE in Vietnam

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With global MICE tourism revenue projected to exceed $1.4 trillion by 2025, the World Tourism Organization has highlighted MICE as one of the most promising sectors in tourism. Recognizing this potential, Vietnam has made MICE development a strategic priority, with Vinpearl's stronghold in MICE tourism playing a vital role.

Vinpearl's dual focus on MICE and luxury wedding tourism has established it as a leader in Vietnam's high-end hospitality sector, drawing affluent Indian travelers seeking exceptional experiences. Through its presence, Vinpearl exemplifies the future of Vietnamese hospitality, promising unique and captivating experiences to travelers from India and beyond.


ANA and The Pokémon Company to Launch Three New Pokémon Jets in 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 28, 2026

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has teamed up once again with The Pokémon Company to introduce three brand-new Pokémon Jets in 2026. The move celebrates the 30th anniversary of the globally loved Pokémon brand and continues a partnership that has been running for nearly three decades.

The collaboration first took flight in 1998 with the launch of the world’s first Pokémon Jet. Since then, ANA has steadily expanded the concept through its Pokémon Air Adventures project, which focuses on bringing people and communities closer through travel. At present, ANA operates the “Pikachu Jet NH” and “Eevee Jet NH,” and with the upcoming additions, a total of eight aircraft will have featured special Pokémon-themed liveries.

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The three new aircrafts will be rolled out one after another throughout 2026, giving fans and passengers something new to look forward to across the year.

“This project goes beyond just a livery; it’s about creating an immersive world that sparks imagination, inspires curiosity and brings the joy of discovery to our passengers throughout their journey,” said Keiji Omae, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at ANA. “Whether you first began your journey on a Game Boy screen decades ago, or are currently exploring new regions through your mobile apps, we invite you to take your next 'adventure' into the real world with ANA. Many of our passengers flying with us today were the kids who marveled at our first Pokémon Jet in 1998. We are honored to be the wings that carry not just passengers, but also their cherished memories and future adventures.”

A Dual Celebration: Pokémon’s 30th and ANA’s 40th International Anniversary

The year 2026 holds special meaning for both partners. It marks 30 years since the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green on Feb. 27, 1996, and also celebrates the 40th anniversary of ANA’s first international flight.

ANA sees this shared milestone as a chance to thank fans around the world while creating fresh experiences for a new generation of travellers. The collaboration is guided by a simple idea: "Experience the Excitement and Fun of the Journey with Pokémon."

Aircraft Overview and Design

The three newly commissioned Pokémon Jets take inspiration from the original Pokémon Red, Green and Blue games. Each aircraft will play a part in a larger, connected story through its design.

・Pokémon Jet Red (Boeing 787-8): Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes
・Pokémon Jet Green (Boeing 787-9): Scheduled Service: International Routes
・Pokémon Jet Blue (Boeing 737-800): Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes

While each jet will carry its own theme, the designs are meant to come together as one cohesive narrative linked to the classic games. ANA has confirmed that detailed livery visuals and exact launch dates will be shared in May.

Beyond the aircraft designs, the project will also feature special campaigns aimed at letting passengers fully step into the combined world of ANA and Pokémon. Further updates will be made available on the ANA website.

With the return of the Pokémon Jets, the ANA Group says it will continue its mission of being “wings of the heart,” connecting people across the globe while sharing the joy and excitement of travel.


TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.


Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.

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