Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition – January-February 2026

Summary

Mascots are surprising revenue drivers in Asia — the January-February 2026 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific cover story reveals how companies from Hello Kitty to Singapore's "Merli" are turning character licensing into serious business.

The cover story (p.52) examines how Asia leads the world in mascot-driven revenue, from Japan's $5 billion character licensing industry to airports and airlines that use mascots to drive merchandise sales and brand loyalty. The Estee Lauder Companies chairman discusses life, legacy, and leadership (p.58). Hong Kong's new wave of design (p.70) traces the city's architectural narrative as it is quietly rewritten. Show rooms (p.64) features the best penthouse suites for high-flying executives in Asia. Air Astana CEO Peter Foster gives an interview on p.43.

Nusantara is the hot ticket. Manila gets an extra day's guide, and the Explore section covers open-water swimming, Bangkok's newest museum, and Lamborghini's museum. Trunk (Hotel) Cat Street Tokyo, Centurion Lounge Tokyo Haneda, and Etihad First Suites are reviewed.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Features

p.52 · Asia's Cutest Capitalists
The cover story reveals how companies in Asia use mascots as revenue drivers. Japan's character market is worth $5 billion annually, and airports from Singapore to Incheon now have official mascots that drive merchandise sales. Takeaway: Changi Airport's mascot "Changi" has its own Instagram account with 120,000 followers — hotels near Changi that sell plush versions at reception report a 7 percent increase in foot traffic from families.

p.58 · Paying It Forward
The chairman of The Estee Lauder Companies on life, legacy, and leadership. The interview covers his travel habits, how he manages a global portfolio of brands, and his perspective on the Asia-Pacific luxury market. Takeaway: Estee Lauder's travel-retail division accounts for 28 percent of global revenue — the chairman says airport duty-free counters are the brand's most important retail real estate.

p.64 · Show Rooms
The best penthouse suites for high-flying executives in Asia. The article covers 12 suites across Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Bangkok, with pricing and booking recommendations. Takeaway: the Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong costs $8,000 per night but includes a personal butler, a private gym, and a harbour-view boardroom — book it for your next investor meeting.

p.70 · Hong Kong's New Wave of Design
The city's architectural narrative is being quietly rewritten. The new M+ museum, the Tai Kwun cultural centre, and the revitalised Central Market are covered as catalysts for business event growth. Takeaway: Tai Kwun's "Boardroom in the Prison" — a converted prison cell repurposed as a meeting room for 8 people — costs $400 per hour and is available for private hire.

▸ Insight

p.43 · Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana
The CEO discusses Air Astana's growth strategy, its new routes to Southeast Asia, and how the carrier competes with Gulf airlines. Takeaway: Air Astana's "Economy Sleeper" — a row of three seats with a divider — costs an extra $80 on the Almaty-Bangkok route and is available for booking up to 24 hours before departure.

p.43 · Is Technology Hurting Australia's Service Culture?
An op-ed that examines whether automation in Australian hotels and restaurants is diminishing the country's famous friendliness. Takeaway: the op-ed concludes that automated check-in kiosks save 3 minutes per guest but reduce upselling revenue by 12 percent — a trade-off every hotel should calculate.

▸ Reviews

p.75 · Trunk (Hotel) Cat Street, Tokyo
A review of the second Trunk property in Tokyo, located in the Shibuya Cat Street area. The social lobby and co-working cafe are evaluated. Takeaway: Trunk's "Social Hour" from 5-6pm daily is open to non-guests for $15 — effective for informal client meetings in a design-forward setting.

p.75 · Centurion Lounge Tokyo Haneda
American Express's Centurion Lounge at Haneda is reviewed. The lounge features a Japanese whisky bar and a sushi counter. Takeaway: the lounge's private phone booths book out quickly — arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to secure one.

▸ Regulars

p.11 · Hot Ticket: Nusantara
Indonesia's new capital city is progressing toward its 2027 opening. The feature covers the business opportunities in construction, logistics, and hospitality. Takeaway: the Nusantara Investment Portal allows foreign investors to register interest in hospitality projects with a minimum commitment of $500,000 — applications are processed in 14 days.

p.27 · An Extra Day in Manila
A 24-hour guide covering the Bonifacio Global City business district, the new National Museum of Natural History, and the Poblacion night market. Takeaway: the BGC bus network is free for all passengers and covers the entire business district — the most efficient way to navigate between meetings.

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Editor's Take

The "cute sells" cover story is the most memorable concept of any Business Traveller Asia-Pacific issue this year. The mascot-revenue connection is a genuinely insightful piece of business analysis, backed by specific revenue figures from Japan's character market. The Estee Lauder chairman interview is a rare piece of executive access. Weaknesses: the Hong Kong design piece covers buildings that have been open for years — the M+ museum opened in 2021. The "Show Rooms" penthouse feature is essentially a luxury real estate brochure. The Australia service-culture op-ed is a single opinion, not a researched article. Best suited for Asia-Pacific executives interested in brand strategy, urban development, and luxury hospitality.

Strengths
• Mascot-revenue cover story with $5 billion Japan character market data
• Estee Lauder chairman interview with travel-retail revenue share
• Air Astana Economy Sleeper product with pricing

Weaknesses
• Hong Kong design feature covers venues that are years old
• Show Rooms penthouse list is essentially advertorial content

Verdict: Recommended — The mascot cover is worth the price of admission; the rest is background reading.