Luxury travel retailer DFS has confirmed that there will be no reduction in staffing levels at its Macau resort duty-free stores following their planned acquisition by a Chinese state-linked enterprise. The clarification aims to ease concerns among employees and industry observers as ownership of the retail operations transitions to new hands.
Japan welcomed more than 42 million foreign visitors in 2025, setting a new all-time record and underscoring the country’s powerful post-pandemic tourism resurgence. The milestone highlights Japan’s re-emergence as one of the world’s most attractive travel destinations, driven by a weak yen, expanded air connectivity and sustained global interest in Japanese culture, cuisine and urban experiences.
South Korea’s foreigner-only casino operator Grand Korea Leisure has reported a sharp rise in profitability for 2025, with net profit jumping 42.4% year-on-year, driven largely by a sustained rebound in overseas customer volumes. The performance reflects improving inbound tourism trends and stronger mass-market play as international travel flows across Northeast Asia continue to normalize.
Philippine property giant Megaworld Corporation, led by tycoon Kevin Tan, has officially opened Cebu’s first stand-alone convention centre within one of its township developments. The launch marks a significant milestone for Cebu as it strengthens its position as a key destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), while reinforcing Megaworld’s long-term township-centric growth strategy.
Philippines-based digital gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive is stepping up its push beyond traditional online gaming by expanding into lifestyle and entertainment-driven content, anchored by a high-profile partnership with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. The company’s latest strategy highlights how regulated gaming platforms are increasingly blending pop culture, storytelling and celebrity influence to deepen user engagement and widen appeal across younger demographics.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 22/01/2026
