Singapore’s 2026 slowdown is being misread, Blackpink’s Lisa is the new Thailand tourism ambassador and more...

Singapore’s 2026 slowdown is being misread
Wednesday, 14th January 2026

There is a growing narrative that Singapore’s economy will cool in 2026, particularly across trade and manufacturing, I think that interpretation is too simplistic and, in some cases, misleading.

Yes, analysts expect softer growth. Global demand is uneven, financing conditions remain tight, and parts of manufacturing are adjusting after several volatile years.

But a slowdown does not equal weakness. What we are seeing is a shift from expansion at any cost to more disciplined, selective growth >>

Blackpink’s Lisa appointed as the new Thailand tourism ambassador
14 Jan 2026 : The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on announced that K-pop icon Lisa has officially been appointed as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, representing Thailand’s tourism brand to the world >>

Blackstone solidifies investments in Indian hospitality
14 Jan 2026 : Blackstone acquired a 50% stake in Taj Aravali Udaipur for $100 million from Ishaan Group, with plans to upgrade the 180-key property to Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Aravali and add 75 new suite-category rooms >>

Hilton drives further lifestyle hotel growth across Türkiye
14 Jan 2026 : Hilton will introduce its Canopy by Hilton brand to Türkiye with two openings this month in Istanbul and Izmir >>

HIGHLIGHT ARTICLE

Google Changing How We Book Everything from Hotel Rooms to Tours to Flights
Wednesday, 14th January 2026

Google and a group of major retailers launched a new tool (Universal Commerce Protocol), the takeaway is shopping will no longer depend on clicking through a website >>

Hotel AI Deployment Planning from the Framework of a Switchboard Operator
It seems every day there’s another announcement surrounding some preternatural feat that artificial intelligence (AI) has accomplished >>

In case you've missed it: Global eNewsletter of January 13, 2026
Soho House: Major investment deal falls through, Thailand to introduce a tourism tax and more >>