The post Celebrate your achievements at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Malaysia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Be amongst the nation’s finest travel and hospitality leaders.

Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry is experiencing strong growth, fuelled by a rich cultural heritage, premier destinations, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences. At the forefront of this progress are the country’s leading travel and hospitality companies, playing a vital role in shaping a more resilient and dynamic travel industry.

To celebrate the remarkable efforts of these key industry players, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Malaysia returns to honour the most transformative travel and hospitality leaders and companies in the country.

The prestigious awards programme recognises those who have demonstrated exceptional performance through groundbreaking innovations, sustainable practices, and customer service. It showcases industry leadership across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

Be part of Malaysia’s most prestigious travel awards programme. Submit your nominations until 10 October 2025 and be recognised for your contributions to Malaysia’s thriving travel and tourism industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Malaysia is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of last year’s winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at +(65) 3158 1386 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.

The post Celebrate your achievements at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Malaysia appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Tourism Malaysia successfully holds sales mission in Thailand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, successfully concluded its sales mission to Thailand.

The mission made its way through Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok from 22nd June to Thursday, 3rd July. 

The mission sought to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and lay the foundation for stronger ties ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Led by Malaysian tourism, arts, and culture minister Tiong King Sing, the mission brought together Malaysian delegation comprising 24 organisations, including travel agencies, product owners, hotels, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agents, and the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI).

Tiong declared: “Thailand and Malaysia are more than neighbours – we are partners in progress. This mission is a call to rise together as collaborators, driving shared prosperity and sustainable tourism growth throughout Southeast Asia.”

An important market

Southeast Asia remains a core pillar of Malaysia’s tourism strategy; indeed, ASEAN countries contributed 28.19 million visitor arrivals in the past year.

Travellers from ASEAN nations accounted for 74.3 percent of Malaysia’s international visitors, generating RM54.38 billion in receipts. 

Thailand, in particular, is viewed as a key market to attract higher-spending and longer-staying travellers due to its convenient transport connectivity and cultural familiarity. 

Thailand alone delivered 2.27 million visitors, and while there was a slight 1.4 percent dip in arrivals, Thai travellers spent RM3.99 billion, a 23.3 percent year-on-year increase, indicating a trend toward higher-quality tourism.

In addition, the MM2H programme continues to appeal to Thai families and retirees who seek affordable, comfortable long-stay options in Malaysia.

Pitching Surreal Experiences

The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign centres on the theme Surreal Experiences, positioning Malaysia as a destination for meaningful, culturally rich, and family-friendly travel. 

Key emphasis was placed on initiatives to expand air with land connectivity, promote twin-destination packages, support sectors including medical tourism, education mobility and Muslim-friendly travel. 

Both Malaysia and Thailand also expressed a shared commitment to simplifying border procedures, strengthening marketing partnerships, and championing sustainable tourism practices.

From January to April 2025, Malaysia welcomed 13.4 million international visitors, a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year. 

Of this total, arrivals from Thailand reached 833,610, reflecting a healthy year-on-year growth of 3.4 percent and underscoring Thailand’s continued importance as a key source market.

The post Tourism Malaysia successfully holds sales mission in Thailand appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Nguyen Than Son is Vietjet’s new managing director appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company formally announced the appointment of Nguyen Thanh Son as its new managing director.

He steps into the role previously held by Dinh Viet Phuong, and will lead the new-age carrier into its next phase of development.

Nguyen Thanh Son has been with Vietjet since its inception, playing a key role in shaping the airline’s innovative business and marketing strategies, and contributing significantly to the growth of the aviation industry.

Meet Nguyen Thanh Son 

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Economics.

With over three decades of experience in the aviation industry, he embodies a new generation of young, intelligent, and visionary leaders with a global mindset, balancing innovation with strategic discipline, and known for his humility and openness to learning. 

That said, Nguyen is set to lead Vietjet on a new journey toward greener, smarter growth, fostering deeper global connectivity, and delivering meaningful value to passengers and communities worldwide.

The post Nguyen Than Son is Vietjet’s new managing director appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Hwajing Travel & Tours enters partnership with Astro Ocean Cruise appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Malaysian travel firm Hwajing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd formally entered a strategic partnership with China’s Astro Ocean Cruise to bring the M/V Piano Land to Malaysia.

The signing ceremony held at the Penang Port Commission was witnessed by Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and signed by Hwajing Travel & Tours managing director Kenny Cheong and Astro Ocean Cruise president Jian-feng Tong.

This partnership is seen as a step towards making Malaysia a leading country in terms of the regional cruise industry.

Aligned with a vision

Yeoh said of the partnership: “In line with transport minister Anthony Loke’s vision to position Malaysia as a premier homeport destination, we are committed to driving the nation’s cruise tourism agenda forward. By encouraging travellers to begin and conclude their cruise itineraries in Malaysia, we aim to boost tourist arrivals, create local employment opportunities, and showcase Malaysia’s vibrant culture, heritage, and cuisine on the global stage. With the right strategy, cruise tourism holds tremendous potential to deliver sustained economic benefits and uplift communities across the country.” 

Cheong added: “Welcoming M/V Piano Land to Malaysia reinforces our commitment to making cruise holidays more accessible and enriching for both Malaysian and Southeast Asian travellers. This milestone comes at a special time for us, as Hwajing celebrates its 36th anniversary this year. We look forward to playing a key role in developing Malaysia into a thriving homeport hub for international cruises.”

This agreement is Hwajing’s second major international cruise collaboration, following last year’s successful homeporting of an Italian cruise ship.

First in Malaysia

The M/V Piano Land is set to sail on its maiden voyage on 30th November of this year, making it the first Chinese cruise ship to be homeported in Malaysia. 

The upcoming itineraries will include a 3-day, 2-night sailing (Penang – Port Klang – Penang) and a 4-day, 3-night voyage covering Penang, Langkawi, and Port Klang.

Passengers will be able to embark from either Penang or Port Klang, offering greater convenience and accessibility for Malaysian travellers, as well as those from neighbouring countries.

The introduction of M/V Piano Land homeport operation is expected to stimulate tourism, boost local economies, and offer Malaysians and neighbouring markets more seamless access to cruise holidays.

The post Hwajing Travel & Tours enters partnership with Astro Ocean Cruise appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post TV presenter Anthony Burke to host Luxury Escapes’ new Signature Series experience appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury Escapes announced that Grand Designs Australia presenter and professor of architecture Anthony Burke will be hosting its new Signature Series experience in Japan. 

As a tour through Japan, this experience combines design, art, architecture, and aburi (flame seared delicacies) in a unique 12-day, 11-night itinerary.

This Signature Series experience showcases Japan’s cultural highlights and aesthetic mastery, from ancient craftsmanship to contemporary creativity.

According to Luxury Escapes co-founder and CEO Adam Schwab: “Australian travellers have a voracious appetite for all things Japanese; it remains one of our most in-demand destinations and this new Japan Signature Series tour is designed for people with a curious mind and a love of travel, design, culture and cuisine, so pretty much everyone. The tour brings together Japan’s finest elements, from sumo and sushi to sensory art and stunning architecture, through Anthony’s unique lens. He’s done an amazing job of designing a really special tour for us.”

Burke himself said of the destination: “Japan is one of those rare places where every detail of the built environment has meaning. From the quiet serenity of traditional structures to the bold experimentation of modern design, this tour brings together the best of both worlds and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my fellow design and art loving travellers.”

A deep dive into Japanese culture

Taking in the cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and the renowned Naoshima and Teshima Art Islands, Burke will guide travellers through Japan’s most striking architectural landmarks, uncovering the inspiration, design philosophies, and stories that shape each space. 

The all-inclusive tour highlights the following experiences:

• Visits to more than 12 museums, castles, temples and galleries including Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, Teamlab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Pola Museum of Art (Hokone), Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple in Kyoto, Hokane’s Enoura Observatory, UNESCO World Heritage listed Himeji Castle, and the Honpukuji Water Temple and the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka;
• Tour through the neon-lit streets of Shinsekai and Dotonbori and cross the busiest intersection in the world, the famously chaotic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo;
• A Sumo practice experience with basic training included;
• Wander the Philosopher’s Path, starting at the Silver Pavilion, a prime example of Higashiyama culture in Kyoto;
• Travel on Japan’s famed Shinkansen Bullet Train at up to 300 km/hour;
• Visit a tea house and traditional Japanese dining experience that includes hotpot, sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu, as well as stops at traditional Japanese cake shops and street food experiences; and
• Four- and five-star accommodation across all cities including the Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa and ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama.

Bookings are now open via Luxury Escapes’ website and through travel agents, from $10,999 per person, inclusive of return flights with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth for the tour departing 9th March 2026.

The post TV presenter Anthony Burke to host Luxury Escapes’ new Signature Series experience appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Margoba Abuduaini is new senior sales manager at Hyatt Regency Sydney appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hyatt Regency Sydney announced the appointment of Margoba Abuduaini as their senior sales manager for international markets, and she officially stepped into the post on Monday, 30th June.

Abuduaini is a seasoned international sales professional with a strong background in strategic sales, account management, and business development across luxury hospitality.

In her new role, she will lead sales efforts across the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Attuned to local cultures

Abuduaini  brings a culturally attuned and relationship-driven approach to her work, with fluency in French, English, Mandarin, and Uyghur. 

Her ability to navigate diverse cultural landscapes and build meaningful client connections will be instrumental in driving revenue growth and expanding Hyatt Regency Sydney’s presence in global markets.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Sydney, Abuduaini held roles at L’Oréal Paris and the Trippas White Group, where she developed expertise in brand strategy, trade relations, and market expansion.

The post Margoba Abuduaini is new senior sales manager at Hyatt Regency Sydney appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Atmosphere Kanifushi marks sixth consecutive year as Maldives’ leading family resort appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives remains the undisputed destination of choice for family holidays thanks to its recent win at the World Travel Awards 2025.

The Maldivian resort came away with the title of Maldives’ Leading Family Resort for a sixth consecutive year.

Resort general manager Ram Bhoyroo declared: “This year’s World Travel Award is a great honour but it has to be said, we’re a very lucky island to have mass appeal to both romantic couples and adventurous families.  Whilst some quiet resorts here in the Maldives may appeal to some, and the more active party islands appeal to others, here at Atmosphere Kanifushi we are all about ‘equilibrium’ between peace and tranquillity seamlessly coupled with fun and adventure.”  

Bhoyroo added that his team is relentless when it comes to providing the best possible experience for both young and old.  

He said: “Winning the Maldives Leading Family Resort accolade for the sixth year takes a lot of hard work and passion.  By intuitively supporting each guest as an individual, we combine the highest levels of service, relaxation, fun activities along with the true experience of being a castaway here in paradise.”

Always innovating in paradise

With what is to be believed as one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the team at Atmosphere Kanifushi is continually looking at innovation on how to continue to ‘wow’ guests each return visit; from new menus, to live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.  

Most recently, as a demonstration of the team’s continual investment into the guest experience, a new spa concept was launched that takes relaxation and wellbeing to a whole new level.

The new Essens Spa offers a comprehensive wellness program with immersive spa journeys, yoga and detox sessions, healing rituals, and salon services, and by adopting Atmosphere Kanifushi’s unique family inclusion approach, for younger guests, the Kids Spa Experience offers playful treatments, while teen wellness rituals support youthful skin, growing bodies, and emotional balance.

Bhoyroo also pointed out that it isn’t just the amenities that have made the resort such a success, but the way it balances its operations with sustainable practices to preserve the area’s natural beauty has also gone a long way.

He said: “As a long natural island, we are balanced with our lush vegetation resting on the atoll fringe surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape. But the balancing act is not just the reserve of Mother Nature alone.”  

The post Atmosphere Kanifushi marks sixth consecutive year as Maldives’ leading family resort appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a cool retreat for the summer appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

This summer, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary invites travellers to discover a higher state of well-being in the cool, pristine air of the Himalayan mountains.  

Bhutan’s only all-inclusive wellness retreat offers a rare opportunity for healing, balance, and renewal with a special seasonal offer: stay six nights and pay for only four, plus receive a complimentary upgrade to a Terrace Room with sweeping mountain views.

In addition, both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are also offering 25 percent off flights for summer, so there is no better time to visit.

What’s included in this seasonal offer

• Stay 6 nights, pay for only 4 (savings of up to 30 percent);
• Complimentary upgrade to a Terrace Room;
• Valid for stays during  July, and August 2025 only; and
• All-inclusive wellness experience: accommodation, meals, treatments, consultations included.

Note that a non-refundable 20 deposit payment is due within seven days of making the booking, and this promotion cannot be combined with other offers.

The ultimate mountain retreat

Perched in Bhutan’s tranquil Neyphu Valley, just 15 minutes from Paro International Airport, the Sanctuary is a secluded haven dedicated to holistic wellness. 

Drawing from the centuries-old wisdom of Traditional Bhutanese Medicine, each guest’s journey begins with a personalised consultation, followed by a fully curated wellness experience. 

Daily activities include meditation, yoga, herbal treatments, hot stone baths, and therapeutic bodywork, all included in one’s stay.

The Sanctuary’s all-inclusive concept is thoughtfully curated to eliminate stress and encourage total immersion. 

Luxury accommodation, a nourishing daily four-course set lunch and six-course set dinner, wellness treatments, and activities are all seamlessly woven into the guest experience to provide a sense of flow, presence, and holistic care from arrival to departure.

Throughout their stay, guests are invited to slow down, breathe in the alpine air, and reconnect with themselves in an atmosphere of profound stillness and peace. 

With only 24 rooms, the Sanctuary also offers intimate luxury, personalised care, and a deep immersion into Bhutan’s sacred wellness traditions all set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.

The post Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a cool retreat for the summer appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia