The post ‘The purpose-driven traveller’ arrives as per Asia Pacific luxury travel trends appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Luxury Group by Marriott International launches ‘The Intentional Traveler’ report, unveiling evolving behaviors among high-net-worth travellers across seven markets.  A new era of luxury travel is taking shape across Asia Pacific, defined by purpose, personalization, and profound lifestyle shifts. According to a new study from the Luxury Group by Marriott International, high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in the region are recalibrating how, where, and why they travel – prioritizing wellbeing, immersive experiences, emotional value, and intentional design over volume and extravagance.

The new report surveyed 1,750 of Asia Pacific’s most affluent travellers across Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, revealing a luxury travel mindset marked by deeper cultural engagement, increased precision in itinerary planning, and rising expectations from brands and experiences.

“Luxury travelers are now more intentional than ever before,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “They are seeking journeys that align with their values, enhance wellbeing, and deliver deep personal meaning. For Marriott International, this represents an opportunity to evolve luxury hospitality into something more transformational, curated, and emotionally resonant.”

Wellness Takes Center Stage

Wellbeing has become a cornerstone of luxury travel. In 2025, 90% of travelers cite wellness experiences as a key factor in their booking decisions, up from 80% the year prior. Beyond traditional spa retreats, luxury travelers are embracing holistic wellness experiences – from forest immersions and nutrition programs to sound healing and sleep therapies. Asia is the top destination for wellness journeys (67%), where 26% of travelers are planning a dedicated wellness or spa retreat.

Spending More, Expecting More

Luxury travelers are approaching their journeys with both confidence and discernment, as 72% plan to increase their spending on high-end travel in the coming year. This growth is led by travelers in Australia (85%), Indonesia (81%), and Singapore (80%), who are showing the strongest intent to invest more in premium experiences. Among all travel types, family travel stands out as the top priority for spending, with 47% of affluent travelers most willing to splurge when journeying with their immediate families.

Brand trust is also on the rise – recognized luxury hotel brands now rank higher than independent villas or private retreats, reflecting a desire for consistency, curated experiences, and elevated service.

A Return to Familiarity – Plus a New Luxury Trail

A striking 93% of high-net-worth travelers in the region prefer to return to destinations they already love, with 89% saying they’re more likely to revisit places where they feel a meaningful connection. These aren’t just repeat trips – they’re purposeful returns, often planned to delve deeper into a destination, reconnect with local communities, or relive special moments with family and friends.

At the same time, while many HNW travelers continue to favor familiar destinations, new markets with convenient regional access are rapidly gaining traction: Bangladesh (26%), New Zealand (24%), and Cambodia (23%) are emerging as top choices for 2025, rising alongside established travel favorites such as Australia, Japan, and Mainland China to secure spots in the year’s top 10 most planned destinations.

 The Rise of the Intentional Itinerary

Today’s luxury travelers are booking fewer trips but with greater depth and deliberation. The average short stay has increased from 3 to 4 nights, and itineraries are meticulously planned, often months in advance. For longer trips, bookings are typically made 2-3 months ahead, while short trips are locked in 1-2 months in advance. 93% expect a personalized travel experience, while 62% plan every detail ahead of time.

Nature is an Emerging Travel Priority

While gastronomy remains the top driver of travel, nature-driven experiences are now an emerging pillar of luxury travel. Countryside getaways are gaining momentum, with 28% of high-net-worth travelers planning rural escapes – up from 19% last year – while 30% are booking wildlife safaris. A remarkable 92% say being close to nature is a key travel priority, reflecting a growing desire for immersive, outdoor experiences. Further, these travelers are planners at heart, with the majority booking their long trips 2 to 6 months in advance, with some booking as far as 9 to 12 months out.

Changing Travel Dynamics: Who We Travel With

HNW travellers are redefining traditional travel groups, as new dynamics emerge.

i)               Guardian Trailsetters

Once a niche category, solo parents traveling with their kid(s) has grown from 15% to 24% in just a year. When traveling as a solo parent, they show a preference for enriching itineraries that offer invaluable experiences for their children, including religious events (41%), educational trips (38%), and safaris or extreme adventures (both at 35%).

 

ii)              Impact Explorers

Gen Z travellers are gravitating toward destinations like Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – choices that reflect their strong appetite for nature, culture, and adventure. Far from the leisure-seeker stereotype, this generation is driven by purposeful, active experiences: 47% prioritize being close to nature, 45% are eager to encounter wildlife, and 43% are drawn to active sporting holidays. Solo travel appeals to 31% as a means of independence and self-discovery, though small group trips of fewer than five people remain their preferred way to explore.

 

iii)            Venture Travelist

First introduced in the 2024 New Luxe Landscapes report, the Venture Travelist segment has seen significant growth in 2025. 86% of HNW travelers now say they explore business or investment opportunities while traveling – up from 69% the previous year.

 

 

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The post Four Australian cruise firms join Ecotourism Hall of Fame appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) announced that four of its members have joined the Ecotourism Hall of Fame.

Their inclusion in the Hall of Fame marks 20 years of continued commitment to global best practice sustainability standards.

TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen congratulated Big Cat Green Island Cruises, Calypso Reef Cruises, Passions of Paradise, and Sunlover Reef Cruises on joining 59 other businesses Australia-wide previously admitted to the Hall of Fame.

Olsen said: “Our region continues to have a strong commitment to sustainability with 240 experiences holding certification or accreditation. This includes 196 Eco-certified experiences and 44 experiences with Sustainable Tourism Accreditation. In addition, there are two businesses and four experiences that are Earth Check certified in Tropical North Queensland.”

Safeguarding biodiversity

Tropical North Queensland is the only place in the world where two UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest rainforest on the planet, the Wet Tropics Rainforest, both of which are home to unique biodiversity and ancient ways of life.

That said, sustainable travel in Tropical North Queensland invites visitors to connect with the land, the sea and the region’s people, offering a deeper understanding of a way of life that has thrived in harmony with nature for tens of thousands of years.  

For his part, Passions of Paradise CEO Scotty Garden said the boutique family-owned business had been educating people about the Great Barrier Reef for 36 years with the vision of offering sustainable and immersive experiences that inspire a deep connection with the ocean.

Garden said: “Our ocean-loving team wants to give visitors a front row seat in the conservation activities we undertake which include planting more than 9000 corals on Hastings Reef off Cairns and undertaking more than 1000 surveys for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Eye on the Reef program in 17 years. Passions of Paradise is proud to be a tourism product involved in conservation.”

Sunlover Reef Cruises’ chief operating officer Andre MacLaughlin likewise remarked that it was an honour to be recognised for 20 years of continuous membership with Ecotourism Australia.

MacLaughlin said: “Since our inception in 1990, we’ve had the privilege of showcasing the stunning Moore Reef to over two million visitors. At Sunlover Reef Cruises, we take our responsibility as reef custodians seriously – through education, training and sustainable practices. We are proud to stand alongside Ecotourism Australia in preserving the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty for generations to come.”

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The post Traveloka: Thailand responsible for 80 percent of the top 100 F&B experiences in APAC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Traveloka reports that Thailand is cementing its place as Asia Pacific’s culinary capital, attracting traveling epicureans from around the region and beyond.

Based on the online travel platform’s latest search rankings, approximately 80 percent of the top 100 food and drink experiences may be found in Thailand.

That said, the country has certainly become a regional hub for gastronomic tourism, further driving it to its goal of becoming a global hub for gastronomy by next year.

The beating heart of a gastronomic wonderland

The Traveloka report shows that Bangkok is the beating heart of what is now Southeast Asia’s culinary epicentre, as 60 percent of top dining experiences may be found there.

Bangkok’s most attractive aspects are as follows:

Dining Experiences: A Blend of Luxury, Artistry, and Variety

Travelers are increasingly seeking elevated and unique dining moments, with a strong preference for buffets, omakase experiences, and afternoon tea. These include the Miracle Lounge at Don Mueang Airport, W Omakase Pradit Manutham, YOU&I Premium Shabu Buffet Central World, Wisdom International Buffet, and Copper Aquarium Restaurant.

Dinner Cruises 

Bangkok’s iconic river transforms into a romantic culinary route by night, with travelers drawn to luxurious dinner cruises that pair gourmet meals with city views and live entertainment, such as the Meridian Dinner Cruise, Royal Princess Cruise at ASIATIQUE The Riverfront Pier, Chaophraya Cruise at ASIATIQUE The Riverfront Pier, White Orchid Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise, and Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise.

Rooftop Bars & Sky Dining

Bangkok’s skyline offers a dramatic backdrop for some of the region’s most stunning rooftop bars and sky dining experiences. These venues pair panoramic views with craft cocktails and curated menus, making them a hit for both locals and tourists, including Sky on 20, Vertigo at Banyan Tree, Sirocco at Lebua, Red Sky Rooftop, and Axis & Spin among others.

While Bangkok continues to stand out, Traveloka data also reveals strong search interest in dining experiences in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Phuket, and Hua Hin, showcasing Thailand’s depth and diversity in culinary tourism.

Presenting the runners-up

• Vietnam came second with cities like Hue and Ninh Binh noted for immersive dining and local buffet-style cuisine.
• Japan and Macau tied for third. Japan was searched for its upscale BBQ and yakiniku in Tokyo, while Macau earned recognition for its unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese culinary traditions.
• Indonesia, Laos, France, Guam, and Hong Kong rounded the list with distinctive niche food experiences that reflect growing regional and international interest in culinary travel.

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The post Archipelago hotels support Indonesian MSMEs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesian hotel operator Archipelago is doing its part to boost the national economy as it collaborates with local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through 29 of its properties.

MSMEs participating in this collaborative effort offer guests a variety of local products that include regional snacks that reflect authentic local flavours, traditional fabrics like batik and indigenous weaving, upcycled items that support sustainability and community empowerment initiatives; as well as locally produced leather goods of exceptional quality.

Archipelago chief executive John Flood said of the initiative: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to making hotels more than just a place to stay: they serve as a bridge between guests and local culture, as well as a way to support MSMEs in each region.”

Where to experience the best of Indonesia with Archipelago 

This collaboration is available at selected hotels within the Archipelago network located across various regions in Indonesia, including:

Sumatera

1. Harper Wahid Hasyim – Medan

Riau

1. favehotel Nagoya
2. Harper Premier Nagoya Batam

West Java

1. favehotel Braga
2. Grand Aston Puncak Hotel & Resort
3. Aston Cirebon Hotel & Convention Center
4. Harper Purwakarta
5. Aston Inn Tasikmalaya

Jakarta

1. favehotel PGC Cililitan

Central Java 

1. The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel & Convention Center
2. Aston Purwokerto Hotel & Convention Center
3. Aston Inn Pandanaran, Semarang
4. Quest Hotel Simpang Lima – Semarang
5. favehotel Manahan
6. favehotel Solo Baru
7. The Alana Hotel & Convention Center, Solo

East Java

1. Aston Gresik Hotel & Conference Center
2. Aston Sidoarjo City Hotel & Conference
3. favehotel Sidoarjo
4. Aston Madiun Hotel & Conference Center
5. favehotel Madiun
6. favehotel Tuban
7. Aston Banyuwangi Hotel & Conference Center

NTT

1. Harper Kupang

Kalimantan

1. Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center
2. favehotel Ahmad Yani, Banjarmasin
3. Hotel Neo Palma Palangkaraya

Sulawesi

1. favehotel Bitung
2. Harper Perintis Makassar

Each hotel offers a uniquely curated local experience that reflects the character and culture of the surrounding area. 

Guests can easily shop for a variety of regional specialties, from traditional snacks and handicrafts to local fashion, all conveniently available within the hotel, including in the lobby area or as regional snacks provided in the in-room minibar.

Through this collaboration, Archipelago hopes to continue strengthening its contribution to supporting the local economy, creating opportunities for MSMEs to grow, while also providing added value for staying guests.

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The post Banyan Group introduces Wisteria at the Residences at Garrya Phuket appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Banyan Group officially launched its new residential structure Wisteria at the Residences at Garrya Phuket today, 2nd July. 

Located within the iconic integrated resort Laguna Phuket and designed for year-round living, Wisteria offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers to experience the Garrya wellness lifestyle every day. 

Just steps from the pristine shores of Bang Tao Beach, on Phuket’s most sought-after central west coast, Wisteria promises to be a tropical sanctuary that seamlessly blends modern luxury with rejuvenation.

In tandem for wellness

The completion of Wisteria will coincide with the highly anticipated opening of the Garrya Hotel Phuket. 

The new hotel, the first to open in Laguna Phuket in a number of years, is uniquely dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing, offering state-of-the-art facilities such as rejuvenating spa treatments, fitness programs, tranquil relaxation areas, and curated experiences that emphasize mindfulness, wellbeing and vitality.

Those fortunate to live at the Wisteria will benefit from close proximity to this wellness haven, where every element is designed to nurture a sense of harmony with nature. 

The serene surroundings include lush greenery, flowing waterscapes, and thoughtfully designed spaces for relaxation, all steps away from the soft sands and turquoise waters of Bang Tao Beach. 

For leisure and entertainment, a beach club and bar complete with a lap pool and party pool await at the beachfront.

Organic elegance

Wisteria is a boutique residential building comprising a limited number of exclusive apartments, thoughtfully designed with one- and two-bedroom configurations, ranging from 57 square meters for one-bedroom units to 116 square meters for two-bedroom units.

The interiors are inspired by warm, organic hues and textures, blending natural forms with minimal modern aesthetics to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, while east-facing orientations ensure the living spaces are bathed in natural light. 

Unlike previous launches for the Residences at Garrya Phuket, Wisteria is designed exclusively for year-round living and so is not managed as part of the Garrya Hotel’s inventory. 

This provides owners with complete autonomy, while still offering the option to participate in the Banyan Living rental programme, should they wish to generate income when not in residence. 

Located within the world-renowned Laguna Phuket, Asia’s premier integrated resort, Wisteria offers a lifestyle of unparalleled convenience and luxury. 

Set against stunning Bang Tao Beach and surrounded by over 1,000 acres of lush parkland, Laguna Phuket provides a complete range of amenities, including world-class dining, vibrant social events, award-winning spas, and the iconic Laguna Golf Phuket, which has been voted “Thailand’s Best Golf Course” by the World Golf Awards. 

With its proximity to Phuket International Airport, just 30 minutes away, Wisteria combines convenience with the ultimate tropical lifestyle.

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The post AirAsia X marks first month of Karachi-Kuala Lumpur route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia’s medium-haul affiliate AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated the first full month of operations for its Karachi–Kuala Lumpur route on Monday, 30th June.

The route between Malaysia and Pakistan recorded an average load factor of 80 percent since the inaugural flight took off on 30th May.

The consistently strong demand from both Karachi and Kuala Lumpur reflects the robust air travel market between Pakistan and Malaysia. 

Indeed, forward bookings for the next quarter remain healthy, with solid load factors projected for the months to come, further affirming confidence in the route’s long-term potential.

AirAsia CEO Benyamin Ismail said of the route’s strong performance: “The response to this route has exceeded our expectations. We are not only connecting two vibrant cities but also enabling affordable access to more than 130 destinations across the AirAsia network. This aligns with our strategy of expanding into high-potential, underserved markets with strong demand for value-based medium-haul travel.”

Likewise, Malaysian high commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Azhar Bin Mazlan declared: “The launch of AAX direct flights between Karachi and Kuala Lumpur, and the strong momentum it has achieved in just one month, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the people-to-people, economic, and cultural ties between Malaysia and Pakistan. Enhanced air connectivity such as this opens new avenues for trade, tourism, education, and investment. We commend AAX for its commitment to improving regional connectivity and are proud to support its efforts in making Malaysia even more accessible to travellers from Pakistan, especially as we look ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026.”

A great way to connect with destinations throughout the Asia-Pacific

Beyond point-to-point traffic, more than half of Pakistani guests connect via Kuala Lumpur to other destinations across Asean and beyond through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service. 

Top connecting cities include Bali, Phuket, Singapore, Perth, Melbourne and more, representing an increasing appetite for multi-stop travel among Pakistani outbound passengers. 

Additionally, 90 percent of over 7,000 travellers in this sector thus far are non-Malaysians, highlighting the route’s role in strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub.

To celebrate the milestone, AAX is offering limited-time promotional all-in fares starting from only PKR59,999 one-way from Karachi to Kuala Lumpur and from RM759 one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Karachi. 

Bookings are available now through the AirAsia MOVE app, airasia.com, and authorised travel agents till 6 July for the travel period from 14th July 2025 to 30th June 2026.

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The post GBA to launch scheduled service from Hong Kong to Sapporo, Japan in Dec 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced the launch of a scheduled service to Sapporo, Hokkaido, further expanding its network coverage in Japan. This new route will operate six weekly flights between Hong Kong and Sapporo (New Chitose Airport), starting 17 December 2025.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. It is a popular ski and hot spring destination for many Hong Kong people, and the annual snow festival is one of the world-famous events the city has to offer. The city is best known for the beautiful scenery of urban parks, such as Nakajima Park and Odori Park. Sapporo is also a culinary centre where tourists’ taste buds will be indulged by the fresh agricultural produce and seafood.

The flight schedule of the Hong Kong – Sapporo service (subject to government approval) is as follows:

Hong Kong (HKG) – Sapporo (CTS) (New Chitose Airport)

Flight No.	From	To	Departure / Arrival	Days of Week
HB008	Hong Kong	Sapporo	0955/1540	Monday
			0710/1255	Tuesday
			0810/1355	Wednesday
			1015/1600	Friday, Saturday, Sunday
HB009	Sapporo	Hong Kong	1640/2150	Monday
			1600/2110	Tuesday
			1640/2150	Wednesday
			1700/2210	Friday, Sunday
			1800/2310	Saturday

A value carrier based in Hong Kong, GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022 and is currently operating flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Yonago, Tokushima, Sendai, Manila, Phu Quoc, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin and Zhangjiajie with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

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The post Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines launches digital safety reports portal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that its new digital safety reports portal is now live and ready for use.

As of yesterday, 1st July, the new portal is set to streamline the reporting of safety occurrences and support the timely identification and mitigation of aviation safety risks.

Likewise, CAAP officials pointed out that the use of the portal also promotes transparency and information sharing among relevant agencies.

Compliant with regulations

In a news release published today, 2nd July, the CAAP said the mandate for the portal is compliant with Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) and applies to all organisations, personnel, and individuals involved in reporting incidents related to aviation safety.

Per the statement: “CAAP’s safety enhancement measure is part of the broader effort to ensure that the Philippines remains aligned with global aviation safety standards and best practices.”

As such, it covers all certified and approved aviation entities, licensed aviation professionals, and any individual with direct knowledge of aviation safety occurrences.

The portal enables submissions under two forms: mandatory reporting and voluntary reporting.

Mandatory reporting covers aviation incidents, accidents, serious incidents, and other safety-related occurrences.

Voluntary reporting, on the other hand, covers observations of latent conditions, insights on human factors, operational anomalies, unsafe situations, suggestions for safety improvements, and self-disclosure of non-compliance.

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The post IndiGo Commences Operations on its First Long-Haul Route with Direct Flights between Mumbai and Manchester appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo inaugurated its first ever, direct long-haul service connecting Mumbai, India and Manchester, United Kingdom. This is a significant move that paves the way for IndiGo to become a global airline, while reinforcing its commitment to offering enhanced connectivity between India and key global markets, and also signifies successful execution of IndiGo’s internationalisation strategy – ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’. IndiGo will operate 3x weekly flights between Mumbai and Manchester, making it the only airline to offer connectivity between the two cities.

This new direct connection will significantly enhance accessibility between Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and Manchester, a major economic and cultural hub in Northern England. The service is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists, students, and the Indian diaspora residing in the United Kingdom, fostering stronger economic, educational, and cultural ties.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “As we embark on our long-haul journey with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Manchester, this moment marks our transition from a successful regional carrier to one with growing global relevance. This new service, operated by our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, ensures greater comfort, seamless connectivity, and choice to our customers. We are also delighted to offer specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages to all passengers, with an elevated dining and service experience. This milestone is also a reflection of IndiGo’s growing global ambition and its contribution to India’s emergence as a global aviation hub. We are confident that this route will not only serve the large diaspora but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.” 

The Mumbai–Manchester route will be operated by IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft (on damp lease from Norse Atlantic Airways) featuring a two-class cabin configuration comprising 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats. All seats feature seatback screens for in-flight entertainment – around 300 hours of content with movies and TV shows across a balanced mix of comedy, romance, drama and action. Celebrating India and its unique cuisines, specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages, by iconic home-grown Indian brands, will be served to all customers on our long-haul routes.

 Flight Schedule:

Flight No.	Origin	Destination	Effective	Frequency	Departure	Arrival
6E 0031	Mumbai	Manchester	01-Jul-25	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	04:25	10:05
6E 0032	Manchester	Mumbai	01-Jul-25	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	12:05	01:55

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