The post SeaLink offers marine enthusiasts an excellent opportunity for whale-watching in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism invites nature enthusiasts to embark on extraordinary whale watching adventures across Australia’s iconic coastal destinations. 

From the wild coastlines of Bruny Island to the pristine waters of the Whitsundays, SeaLink offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the majestic migration of humpback and southern right whales.

SeaLink chief executive Donna Gauci said of the experience: “Watching whales in the wild is a truly moving experience: one that reminds us of the power and beauty of the natural world. At SeaLink, we’re proud to offer so many ways for guests to experience this firsthand, across some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal regions.”

Through whale-watching and related activities, SeaLink Marine & Tourism is dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible whale watching practices. 

By partnering with marine conservation groups and adhering to strict guidelines, SeaLink ensures minimal disturbance to the whales while providing educational and enriching experiences for guests.

Where the whales play

Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales travel along Australia’s eastern coastline in one of nature’s most spectacular migrations. 

Known as the “humpback highway,” this journey begins in Antarctica and stretches north to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef, offering prime viewing opportunities from May through November.

In Queensland, including around K’gari (Fraser Island), Townsville, and Magnetic Island, the calm, sheltered waters play a vital role in the whales’ life cycle. 

Here, mothers nurture their newborn calves, spending several weeks nurturing and helping them grow stronger before beginning the long journey back south. 

These northern encounters are often slower and more serene, allowing visitors to witness tail flukes, gentle breeches, and playful calf behaviour up close.

Alongside humpbacks, southern right whales can also be spotted in the cooler, more remote southern waters. 

Locations such as Encounter Bay near Kangaroo Island, Bruny Island in Tasmania, and Rottnest Island off Western Australia provide sheltered coastal environments where these gentle giants often rest, calve, and linger close to shore, offering exceptional land and sea-based viewing opportunities during the winter months.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism is proud to connect guests to these incredible moments in nature across Australia’s coastline, with a range of guided and cruise-based experiences tailored to each region’s unique marine environment.

The best areas for whale watching

• Sydney Harbour, New South Wales: From June to November, join Captain Cook Cruises for an unforgettable 2.5-hour whale watching adventure departing from Circular Quay. Cruise through Sydney Harbour past iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before heading through the Heads to see humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping, often just metres from the vessel. You might also see playful dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds along the way, making for fantastic photo opportunities. With spacious viewing decks, expert live commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee, it’s Sydney’s ultimate winter wildlife experience.
• K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland: Between July and October, the calm, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay off K’gari’s western coast, become a resting ground for humpback whales and their calves. The Quick Cat II offers eco-certified whale watching tours departing from Kingfisher Bay Resort daily, featuring expert commentary, light refreshments, and the opportunity to upgrade to a guided swim with whales experience. With some of the most intimate encounters in the migration, K’gari is widely regarded as one of the world’s best whale watching destinations.
• North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Queensland: Just a short SeaLink ferry ride from Cleveland, this island paradise is home to one of Australia’s most renowned land-based whale watching spots. From June to November, head to Point Lookout’s elevated headlands for sweeping views and unforgettable sightings of migrating humpbacks.
•  Magnetic Island & Townsville, North Queensland: Hop aboard a SeaLink whale watching cruise from Townsville during peak season from mid-July to August. These 3-hour tours on modern, air-conditioned catamarans feature spacious viewing decks and expert commentary—perfect for spotting humpbacks breaching in the warm tropical waters.
• Whitsundays, Queensland: From June to November, the Whitsundays comes alive with migrating humpback whales, and SeaLink offers multiple ways to experience the magic. Whether it’s cruising aboard the Purely Whitehaven Full Day Tour to iconic locations like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, venturing to the Great Barrier Reef on the Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure, exploring the islands with Red Cat Adventures’ Thundercat and Tongarra, or skimming across the water on a Whitsunday Jetski Tour, guests have the chance to encounter these gentle giants in one of the world’s most breathtaking marine playgrounds.
• Rottnest Island, Western Australia: From September to late November, humpback and southern right whales can often be seen during their southbound migration. Whales can be frequently spotted from the SeaLink ferry on the journey to and from the island. Once there, land-based viewing points like Cape Vlamingh and Cathedral Rocks at the West End offer excellent vantage points for sightings.
• Bruny Island, Tasmania: Accessible via SeaLink ferry, Bruny Island offers excellent land-based whale watching from May to July and September to November. Head to Truganini Lookout at The Neck or Adventure Bay for some of the best vantage points to spot humpback and southern right whales during their migration.
• Kangaroo Island, South Australia: From May to September, Kangaroo Island’s southern coastline offers excellent opportunities to spot migrating southern right whales, with occasional sightings of humpbacks. Accessible via SeaLink’s ferry service from Cape Jervis, the best land-based lookouts include Cape Willoughby, Cape du Couedic, Kingscote, and Penneshaw, offering clear views of these majestic creatures as they pass close to shore.

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The post Air Arabia unveils new route to Sochi in Russia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, inaugurated its new route to the Russian city of Sochi with a frequency six weekly flights. The new service marks the sixth Russian city to be served directly from Sharjah, alongside Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg, further expanding Air Arabia’s network in the country.

Commenting on the launch, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “We are glad to inaugurate our non-stop flights to Sochi, further strengthening our connectivity with Russia. This expansion not only provides our customers with a convenient and affordable air travel option between the UAE and Russia but also further strengthening tourism and trade ties between both nations. Sochi complements our growing network in the country and reflects our ongoing commitment to offering more travel opportunities to our customers.”

“Today, Sochi is actively developing as an international hub, attracting more and more foreign tourists and offering extensive travel opportunities for Russian citizens. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top destinations served by the airport. The Emirate of Sharjah will become the third city in the UAE connected to Sochi Airport’s route network, once again confirming the growth and strengthening of ties between our countries. Thanks to Air Arabia’s wide route network, travelers will benefit from convenient connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, significantly expanding their international travel options,” Alexey Starostin, CEO Aerod, managing company of Sochi airport.

With the addition of Sochi to its network, Air Arabia now serves Russia from three airports in the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. This expansion highlights the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, while promoting tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.

 

 

 

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The post May Air Cargo Demand Up 2.2% Despite Trade Disruptions: IATA  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May  2025 global air cargo markets showing:

• Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.2% compared to May  2024 levels (+3.0% for international operations).
• Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 2.0% compared  to May 2024 (+2.6% for international operations).

“Air cargo demand globally grew 2.2% in May. That is encouraging news as a 10.7% drop in traffic on  the Asia to North America trade lane illustrated the dampening effect of shifting US trade policies.  Even as these policies evolve, already we can see the air cargo sector’s well-tested resilience helping  shippers to accommodate supply chain needs to flexibly hold back, re-route or accelerate deliveries,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

• Year-on-year, world industrial production rose 2.6% in April 2025. Air cargo volumes grew  6.8% over the same period, outpacing global goods trade growth of 3.8%.
• Jet fuel prices in May 2025 were 18.8% lower than the previous year and 4.3% below the  previous month.
• Global manufacturing contracted in May, with the PMI falling to 49.1, below the 50 mark that  signals growth. New export orders also remained in negative territory at 48, reflecting pressure from  recent U.S. trade policy changes.

May Regional Performance 

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 8.3% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in May, the strongest  growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 5.7% year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a -5.8% year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in May, the  slowest growth of all regions. Capacity decreased by -3.2% year-on-year.

European carriers saw 1.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in May. Capacity increased  1.5% year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw 3.6% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in May. Capacity  increased by 4.2% year-on-year.

Latin American carriers saw a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in May. Capacity increased 3.5% year-on-year.

African airlines saw a 2.1% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in May. Capacity  increased by 2.7% year-on-year

Trade Lane Growth: A significant decrease in the Asia-North America trade lane was expected and  realized as the effect of front-loading faded (moving goods to market in advance of tariffs coming  into effect) and changes to the de-minimis exemption on small package shipments (particularly those  associated with e-commerce) were enforced. As cargo flows reorganized, several route areas  responded with surprising growth.

Trade Lane	YOY Growth	Notes	Market Share of Industry
Asia-North America	-10.7%	N/A	24.4%
Europe-Asia	+13.4%	27 consecutive months of growth	20.5%
Middle East-Europe	-0.9%	N/A	5.7%

 

May Air Cargo Demand Up 2.2% Despite Trade Disruptions 

Middle East-Asia	+10.8%	3 consecutive months  of growth	7.3%
Within Asia	+9.1%	19 consecutive months of growth	7.0%
North America Europe	+8.2%	16 consecutive months of growth	13.3%
Africa-Asia	-14.6%	N/A	1.4%

 

*Share is based on full-year 2024 CTKs.

 

 

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The post IATA: trade disruptions no bar to air cargo growth in May appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its global air cargo market report for May 2025.

In the fifth month of the year, total demand as measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) was up by 2.2 percent compared to May 2024 levels.

Capacity in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), on the other hand, rose by two percent from where it was in May of last year.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh said of these increases: “Air cargo demand globally grew 2.2 percent in May, and that is encouraging news as a 10.7 percent drop in traffic on the Asia to North America trade lane illustrated the dampening effect of shifting US trade policies. Even as these policies evolve, already we can see the air cargo sector’s well-tested resilience helping shippers to accommodate supply chain needs to flexibly hold back, re-route, or accelerate deliveries.”

Mitigating factors

IATA pointed out that the following factors in the global operating environment were taken into consideration for the report:

Year-on-year, world industrial production rose 2.6 percent in April 2025, while air cargo volumes grew 6.8 percent over the same period, outpacing global goods trade growth of 3.8 percent;

Jet fuel prices in May 2025 were 18.8 percent lower than the previous year and 4.3 percent below the previous month; and

Global manufacturing contracted in May, with the PMI falling to 49.1, below the 50 mark that signals growth. New export orders also remained in negative territory at 48, reflecting pressure from recent U.S. trade policy changes.

Performance by region in May 2025

• Asia-Pacific airlines saw 8.3% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in May, the strongest growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 5.7% year-on-year.
• North American carriers saw a -5.8% year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in May, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity decreased by -3.2% year-on-year.
• European carriers saw 1.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in May. Capacity increased 1.5% year-on-year.
• Middle Eastern carriers saw 3.6% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in May. Capacity increased by 4.2% year-on-year.
• Latin American carriers saw a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in May. Capacity increased 3.5% year-on-year.
• African airlines saw a 2.1% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in May. Capacity increased by 2.7% year-on-year 

With regard to trade lane growth, a significant decrease in the Asia-North America trade lane was expected and realised as the effect of front-loading faded (moving goods to market in advance of tariffs coming into effect) and changes to the de-minimis exemption on small package shipments (particularly those associated with e-commerce) were enforced. 

As cargo flows reorganised, several route areas responded with surprising growth.

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The post Global airline CEOs set to take stage at WAF 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

World Aviation Festival (WAF), the world’s largest aviation tech event, has unveiled its headline speaker line-up for 2025, featuring top executives from some of the world’s most influential airlines and airports. Taking place from 7-9 October at FIL in Lisbon, the 2025 edition will see the CEOs of IAG, TAP Air Portugal, RwandAir, IndiGo, Vueling, and others take to the stage – sharing exclusive insights into the strategies shaping the future of commercial aviation.

With 600 speakers and more than 4,500 aviation professionals expected to attend, WAF 2025 promises a packed agenda covering AI and machine learning, digital transformation, customer experience, airline retail, and sustainability.

Daniel Boyle, General Manager of Transport at WAF organiser Terrapinn, said: “From airline CEOs and airport visionaries to digital innovators and sustainability leaders, this year’s WAF programme is our most ambitious yet. It’s a rare opportunity to hear from the people leading the biggest shifts in aviation today – those driving strategy, deploying new tech, and setting the pace for global aviation.”

This year’s WAF speaker roster includes:

• Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA
• Luís Rodrigues, Chairman and CEO, TAP Air Portugal
• Yvonne Makolo, CEO, RwandAir
• Luis Gallego, CEO, IAG
• Ricky Smith, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO, Star Alliance
• Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports Company
• Carolina Martinoli, President and CEO, Vueling
• Vivian Cheung, CEO, Hong Kong International Airport

The event will feature sixteen conference tracks across three days, each designed to spotlight key innovations and actionable solutions for airlines, airports, and travel tech providers. With 400+ exhibitors, live demos, and dedicated networking spaces, attendees can expect meaningful engagement with decision-makers from across the industry.

 

 

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The post Abercrombie & Kent introduces five new Small Group Journeys for 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) just revealed its most expansive portfolio yet, with more than 80 Small Group Journeys designed to take travellers far off the beaten path and deep into the heart of compelling destinations well through 2026. 

From the spectacle of a Carnival in Rio to the sacred temples of Tibet and the Nabatean wonders of Petra and AlUla, these five new journeys offer rare opportunities for cultural immersion, exclusive insider access and A&K’s signature five-star service.

As A&K’s director of global group product Suzanne Teng puts it: “After introducing a range of new Small Group Journeys this year to both familiar and far-flung destinations, we challenged ourselves to venture even further for 2026. These new itineraries are designed to ignite curiosity and foster deeper connections, whether through intimate encounters with local communities, behind-the-scenes access to iconic celebrations or time spent in nature that’s still largely untouched.”

What makes these journeys different?

A&K’s Small Group Journeys are meticulously designed by destination experts and led by Resident Tour Directors who offer unmatched local insight. 

With most groups numbering fewer than 18 guests, these journeys offer exclusive access to sites and experiences often unavailable to independent travelers: from private viewings of historic landmarks to behind-the-scenes cultural encounters. 

Each itinerary blends fully guided exploration with ample time for independent discovery, all supported by A&K’s hallmark attention to detail. 

With logistics seamlessly managed from start to finish, guests can focus entirely on the journey, and return home with lasting memories and deeper cultural understanding.

Every A&K Small Group Journey includes award-winning accommodations, from five-star properties that combine first-rate comfort with a keen eye toward the locale, to intimate boutique camps and lodges in wilderness areas, available only to smaller groups.

New on the slate for 2026

Brazil: Ultimate Rio Carnival Experience (12th – 17th February 2026)

Step inside the vibrant world of Rio’s Carnival with exclusive access only A&K can provide.

• Go behind the scenes at a renowned samba school warehouses the day before the big parade.
• Take a private samba class, celebrate like a local at Rio’s street carnival and attend the exclusive Carnival Ball at Copacabana Palace, wearing a custom-made mask by a local artist
• Witness the world’s biggest parade from the comfort of a VIP box
•  Explore Guanabara Bay on a private cruise of Rio’s waterfront, complete with a DJ
• Beat the crowds with an exclusive before-hours tour of Christ the Redeemer

Ultimate Bolivia

Delve deep into Bolivia’s layered cultural identity and remarkable natural landscapes, from high-altitude cities to salt flats.

• Marvel at the Uyuni Salt Flats and enjoy stargazing under pristine skies
• Explore Potosí, one of the highest-altitude cities in the world, cited by UNESCO for its historical importance and colonial architecture
• Visit other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including “El Fuerte” and Sucre, to admire their well-preserved architectural wonders
• Enjoy a community visit to the village of Puka Puka where the language and customs of the Aymara people are still alive
•  Cruise Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil and explore the mystical Moon and Sun Islands
• Attend a lecture by a local historian and savor a tasting of high-altitude wines

Mountains and Myths in China and Tibet

Explore Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, and take in storied landscapes of the Yunnan province.

• Walk atop a restored section of the Great Wall near Beijing
• Take in the scenic wonders of Yunnan such as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and the otherworldly Stone Forest
• Learn about Yunnan’s diverse minorities and meet the Tibetan communities of Shangri-La and Lhasa
• Visit the iconic Potala Palace and Sera Monastery, the heart of Tibetan spirituality
•  End with a curated exploration of Hong Kong’s cultural contrasts

Spain: Madrid, Valencia and Mallorca

A sparkling blend of outdoor, cultural and culinary treasures is at the heart of this exploration of Spain.

• Experience the flavors of Madrid firsthand on a lunchtime tapas tour and dinner at one of the city’s prestigious Flamenco venues
• Visit the Gallery of Royal Collections and take a day trip to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, resting place of Spanish monarchs
• On an A&K-exclusive experience, boat through a national park to partake in a paella-cooking class on a traditional rice farm outside Valencia
• Discover ancient Palma, capital of the island of Mallorca
• Explore Mallorca’s Mediterranean bounty during a savory wine and olive encounter 

Desert Adventures in Saudi Arabia and Jordan

Uncover the shared histories and stunning landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula.

• Explore Petra and AlUla, the archaeological masterpieces of the Nabatean civilization, accompanied by top local experts
• Visit the rock-cut tombs of Hegra, a Nabatean site carved into sandstone cliffs
• Gain insights into Saudi society and politics and learn how things are changing through a discussion with a local expert
• Choose from Design Your Day activities in Petra, from a traditional Turkish bath spa experience to exploring Little Petra or Shobak Crusader Castle

 

 

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The post The Ritz-Carlton Suite officially opens at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The newly opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok added a jewel to its crown with the unveiling of The Ritz-Carlton Suite, a masterpiece of sophisticated elegance and style. 

An extraordinary 439 square-meter sanctuary, the suite seamlessly merges the ultimate stay experience with Bangkok’s most coveted event destination. 

With three spacious bedrooms complemented by three balconies and two entrances, it offers unparalleled capabilities for hosting luxury trunk shows, private showcases, boardroom meetings, and social celebrations that define sophisticated Bangkok living, all while maintaining the hallmarks of elegance that defines The Ritz-Carlton experience. 

It is also perfect for extended stays, given its ideal central location right in the heart of the city and its luxurious yet highly functional amenities.

According to general manager Tina Liu: “With the completion of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok’s debut, there is a new allure to the beloved city’s sights and sounds from a fresh perspective.  Our strategic location at One Bangkok next to the Lumpini Park places our discerning guests at the heart of the Thai capital. The Ritz-Carlton Suite stands as the crown jewel of this landmark, offering panoramic views that serve as the backdrop for locally immersive experiences that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.”

Where tradition meets modernity in an elegant manner

The hotel’s design philosophy artfully weaves classical Thai heritage with contemporary sophistication, creating a harmony that celebrates both Thailand’s rich artistic legacy and the property’s remarkable urban sanctuary setting. Inspired by the ‘Meeting of Two Civilizations’ philosophy, 

That said, the Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok emanates cosmopolitan elegance as natural light cascades through every thoughtfully appointed space, illuminating curated artifacts and art treasures gathered from global journeys. 

This thoughtful composition fosters an intimacy and warmth of a cherished private residence, a design ethos that reaches its ultimate expression within The Ritz-Carlton Suite.

The Ritz-Carlton Suite represents an unparalleled achievement in Bangkok’s robust hospitality landscape, establishing The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok not simply as a destination, but as the epitome of contemporary Thai luxury. 

This extraordinary property caters to the discerning needs of every guest, whether hosting executive gatherings, creating cherished family memories, or curating intimate celebrations, each experience elevated to the pinnacle of sophisticated elegance.

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The post Cebu Pacific renews IATA Operational Safety Audit Registry entry appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific announced that it successfully renewed its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry.

This renewal reaffirms the airline’s long-standing commitment to safety in light of its ongoing expansion and rapid growth.

This marks the airline’s first renewal under the more stringent Risk-Based IOSA, a data-driven approach introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to enhance the assessment of airline safety. 

Cebu Pacific initially earned its IOSA registration in 2018 and has consistently passed the biennial audit since.

According to airline chief operations officer Javier Massot: “The IOSA renewal reflects the strength of our internal safety processes and the culture of excellence we uphold in our operations. Safety has always been at the core of what we do, and we are proud to meet global benchmarks as we continue to expand our network.”

Sterling credentials

In addition, Cebu Pacific has also merited global recognition for its overall safety performance.

Earlier this month, AirlineRatings.com named the airline one of the world’s Safest Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), citing its strong safety record, low incident rate, and investment in a modern fleet.

As part of its ongoing fleet modernisation, the airline signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for up to 152 A320neo aircraft last year, the largest in Philippine aviation history.

The purchase further supports Cebu Pacific’s transition to an all-NEO fleet focused on fuel efficiency and sustainability.

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