The post Trip.com expands its footprint in Southeast Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global online travel service provider Trip.com announced two new strategic partnerships aimed at expanding its Attractions & Tours business across Southeast Asia today, 5th June. 

The OTA signed agreements with Vietnam’s premier entertainment brand, Sun World Holding, as well as Singapore-based DreamUs International Holdings which operates a number of popular family attractions including the newly-revamped SuperPark Singapore.

These collaborations underscore Trip.com Group’s commitment to enhancing user experiences through curated, high-quality travel products and to supporting partners in digital transformation and global outreach.

Furthermore, these partnerships reflect Trip.com’s ongoing investment in Southeast Asia’s travel ecosystem. 

Through innovative collaborations with trusted local brands, the Group continues to expand its one-stop platform capabilities, offering travellers enhanced access to regional experiences and ensuring partners benefit from scalable digital distribution.

Trip.com’s Attractions & Tours business in Southeast Asia has expanded rapidly, doubling its year-on-year GMV growth last year. 

Vietnam, in particular, saw even stronger growth, with 2024’s GMV more than tripling compared to the previous year, while the slightly more mature Singapore market saw healthy growth of over 80 percent.

Boosting regional presence

Trip.com entered into a strategic partnership with Vietnamese firm Sun World Holding, a flagship brand under Sun Group. 

The signing took place on the sidelines of Trip.com Group’s Envision 2025 Global Conference in Shanghai. 

Through this collaboration, Trip.com will distribute Sun World’s attraction tickets across domestic and international markets, with a focus on key inbound regions such as South Korea, China, Thailand, and Singapore. 

The partnership will also support joint marketing initiatives to promote iconic destinations like Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Sa Pa.

According to Trip.com Group general manager for attractions and tours Chase Liu: “Vietnam is a key market for Trip.com as we continue to grow internationally, and we are delighted to embark on a new phase of our cooperation with Sun World Holding to strengthen our offerings in this wonderful country. Together, we aim to promote Vietnam as a premier travel destination and deliver unforgettable experiences to our users worldwide.”

Sun World Holding’s deputy chief executive Christine Tran added: “We are honoured to establish a strategic partnership with Trip.com, one of the leading online travel platforms in the region and the world. With Trip.com’s influence, we hope not only to enhance service quality for our customers through technological solutions and optimised distribution systems to Sun World parks but also to strengthen the presence of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment’s ecosystem in key international markets, especially in Asia.”

An exclusive distribution agreement in Singapore

Meanwhile, Trip.com also signed an exclusive ticket distribution agreement with DreamUs International Holdings, the operator of SuperPark Singapore, Pororo Park Singapore, and Tayo Station. 

Under this agreement, Trip.com will serve as the exclusive authorised third-party distributor for tickets to these attractions, streamlining inventory management and improving access for regional audiences. 

While DreamUs will continue to operate its direct-to-consumer sales through its official website and on-site counters, all other online platforms and resellers must now source their ticket inventory exclusively via Trip.com or its designated partners.

Liu said of this agreement: “This partnership strengthens Trip.com’s leadership in the attractions and experiences space. We’re proud to support DreamUs in expanding their audience reach while consolidating distribution through our ecosystem.”

DreamUs International Holdings general manager Carolyn Chia responded by saying “We are excited to collaborate with Trip.com as our exclusive distribution gateway. This partnership allows us to consolidate supply management while reaching new customer segments, both locally and regionally.”

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The post Airbus expands its helicopter training academy in Malaysia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Airbus reinforces its commitment to aviation safety with the expansion of the Airbus Helicopters Training Academy in Malaysia.

The company also augmented its on-site training equipment via the addition of a third full-flight simulator (FFS) in Subang, Malaysia. 

Set to be operational in the second half of 2026, this investment will support the growing training needs in the region, demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to customer proximity.

Bringing in new technologies 

The first of its kind to be used outside of Europe, the new H175 simulator joins existing H225 and AS365 simulators to offer an advanced learning experience when paired with digitised classrooms and virtual trainers. 

These expanded capabilities will support pilot type rating, recurrent training, and mission training, ensuring operational proficiency for critical flight scenarios.

According to Airbus Helicopters’ executive vice-president for customer support and services Romain Trapp: “This latest investment underscores our dedication to aviation safety and customer proximity. By expanding our training capabilities in Malaysia, we are ensuring that pilots and mechanics in Asia-Pacific have access to world-class facilities designed to enhance safety and readiness.”

At present, Airbus Helicopters’ simulator centre in Malaysia has provided over 21,000 training hours to some 2,600 pilots. 

With the new H175 FFS, the company is poised to increase its capacity and further contribute to the region’s aviation safety.

At the same time, this expanded training centre will offer cutting-edge simulation technology, including Level D training capabilities, the latest Helionix avionics system, and OEM data packages that ensure an accurate reproduction of helicopter performance, all aimed at elevating pilot proficiency and operational safety.

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The post Ras-al Khaimah sees 12 % YoY inbound growth from Asia in Q1 2025: Raki Phillips appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

On the sidelines of the PATA Annual Summit (PAS 2025) that took place in İstanbul, Türkiye, TDM got the chance to speak to Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in the UAE.

Phillips is responsible for the continued growth of the Emirate as a world-class tourism destination.  Talking passionately about the destination he said: “Ras Al Khaimah is a wonderful destination that caters to travellers from all over the world. We have a specific campaign where we’re really promoting the beauty of the destination, everything from Jabal Bil Ays, the highest mountain in the UAE to our 64 km of beachfront, and the beautiful desert topography that we have. It’s a great place for families. It’s a great place for individuals and the hotel collection that we have is second to none”

Sharing statistics he said: “So we’ve seen a significant growth in our inbound travellers globally, but also from Asia, specifically. We have seen a 12% growth YOY from Asia, this a growth we hope will continue throughout the year. The Indian market, continues to be one of our biggest, added to by proximity and great connectivity.  It’s just 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. Moreover, the safety that the Emirates provides makes it a very attractive destination for the Asian traveller.”

Elaborating on outbound trends he said, “Outbound tourism out of the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah is growing. In Asia, Japan seems to be on top of the list, especially during the “Eid break”. Europe continues to do well, people are also looking for some new destinations, that they have not explored previously, places like Georgia, Armenia are coming up. We are also seeing a lot of people traveling domestically to experience other parts of the UAE.”

12 per cent of the UAE’s GDP comes from Tourism. He went on to say: “Ras Al Khaimah is going through an incredible transformation. Last year, we welcomed just under 1.3 million tourists, but our goal at the end of the decade is three and a half million tourists. That is the reason we need to diversify our source markets.”

Talking about the source markets he concluded: “We do very well in some of our key source markets, UK Germany, CIS Region, India, China has now come into our top 10 and we’re very excited to welcome them. Another Asian country that is so important to target from the tourism perspective. And with the campaigns when we show the accessibility  and beauty of the destination to the source markets, it makes it very promising.”

 

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The post Etihad Airways codeshares with STARLUX Airlines appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, expanding customer access to Northeast Asia and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway between East and West.

The partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad’s European network through Abu Dhabi.

Etihad will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on 7 September 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new route creates the foundation for the codeshare partnership, positioning Taipei as a gateway for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia.

Etihad customers booking through etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app will benefit from streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network.

The agreement also opens new pathways for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers bound for Europe.

Both airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and establish a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said:
“This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines’ reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we’re offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.”

Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, said: “Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines’ global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes. As one of the Middle East’s leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognised for its innovation and premium service—values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers.”

The codeshare agreement builds on Etihad’s strategic network expansion, which has seen the airline grow to serve over 90 destinations worldwide. The partnership with STARLUX further demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a premium transit destination, offering travellers world-class facilities at Zayed International Airport alongside the option to extend layovers with Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover programme.

Codeshare flights will be available for booking through etihad.com, the Etihad app, and travel partners, with services expected to commence following regulatory approvals.

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The post Qatar Airways Elevates Global Football Journey with FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Debut appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways, the Official Airline Partner of FIFA since May 2017, continues to expand its global football footprint by joining the first ever FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as Official Airline Partner, bringing world-class football and world-class hospitality together for fans in the US and across the globe.

The airline finds itself in familiar grounds following the momentum of its historic “Sponsorship treble”, where Qatar Airways was the Official Airline Partner of the UEFA Champions League, as well as being sponsor of both finalists – Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Both of these teams will also be competing in the FIFA Club World Cup, where Qatar Airways will offer fans exclusive experiences at the tournament, and feature prominently in the tournament branding.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The new agreement with FIFA underlines what we value most – teaming up with the pinnacle of sport to bring fans closer to the action. The presence of Qatar Airways at this ground-breaking tournament goes beyond branding, as we look to elevate the fan experience and connect them through our global network of more than 170 destinations, with 11 gateways in the United States. We are proud to be here, and play our role in uniting players, officials and fans through the power of football and global travel.”

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said: ‘We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Qatar Airways as we embark on this exciting new chapter with the FIFA Club World Cup – a truly historic moment for world football. Their passion for excellence and their ability to connect people around the world make them the perfect partner for this incredible new tournament, which will bring together 32 of the world’s top clubs for a celebration unlike anything we’ve seen before. Truly, and for the first time, club football will unite the world – and Qatar Airways will be a key partner to the FIFA Club World Cup in making this happen.’

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be held across 12 venues in the United States. The opening match will take place on Saturday, 14 June in Miami, before a month of action culminates in the historic final in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 13 July.

Unlike ever before, the tournament aims to deliver a truly global club football tournament. As for fans seeking to be a part of the action, Qatar Airways operates to 11 cities in the United States, seven of them being host venues of the FIFA Club World Cup: Boston, Dallas Fort-Worth, Washington, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco.

The partnership with FIFA is part of Qatar Airways’ portfolio of high-profile global sports partnerships, including the likes of UEFA,  AFC, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), FC Internazionale Milano, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Formula 1®, MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, motor racing, padel, squash, and tennis.

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The post Saudi sets new global benchmark for ‘Sustainable Marine Tourism’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

From Jeddah to Yanbu, Umluj, Farasan Islands, to Tabuk, as Saudi welcomes greater numbers to its Red Sea shores, this emerging global destination is making waves not just for its beauty, but for its mindful approach to the environment. 

An Underwater Paradise

Stretching along Saudi’s western coastline, this pristine aquatic world is home to over 300 species of coral and more than 250 species of fish, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and sea birds.

Just last month, a record-breaking giant 800 year old coral colony was discovered in the waters of AMAALA. Stretching the length of over six London buses, it is the largest in the Red Sea and even close in size to the current coral colony world record holder and indicative of the Saudi Red Sea’s rude health.

Preserving Nature’s Masterpiece 

Recognizing that conservation is key to ensuring the future of this underwater paradise, numerous environmental studies and initiatives have been launched. In 2022 the Saudi National Centre for Wildlife began the largest environmental baseline study ever conducted in the region, the Red Sea Decade Expedition. This saw a team of 126 scour more than 1800 kilometers of coastline and 90 offshore islands, using DNA sequencing technologies to establish an end-to-end catalog of the Red Sea’s biodiversity, from bacteria to whales, to inform the Saudi’s commitment to conserve 30 percent of the Red Sea.

Reef Encounter
The Saudi Red Sea’s coral reefs, considered some of the most climate-resilient in the world and the cornerstone of marine health, are the subject of a number of initiatives in Saudi.

Groundbreaking new AI reef monitoring technology has been created and employed to not only monitor coral health, but dispense nutrients, medicine and probiotics as needed in real time according to their needs.

Significant investment in coral labs mean that unlike in the wild where coral reproduces for just a handful of days per year, scientists can now breed coral throughout the year. This can then be transplanted at one of the many floating nurseries established in the Saudi Red Sea which boast a healthy 97% survival success rate. Just last year, NEOM announced the World’s Largest Coral Restoration project which will produce 40,000 corals annually, while a secondary facility with ten times this capacity is built to help maintain this underwater ecosystem.

Rachel Moore, PADI Ambassadiver, called the Saudi Red Sea one of the few healthy places left on our planet, saying “diving in the red sea has made me incredibly hopeful – the corals here are extremely resilient, the coral coverage on the dive sites extensive… [I] was surprised to see how much living coral there is.”

Built to Protect, Not Just Impress 

Beyond the labs and the sea itself, protecting this precious environment is at the heart of development in the Saudi Red Sea. For example the 1.2km Shurayrah Bridge which was crafted with a graceful curve, rather than a simple straight-line design, to minimize impact on coral formations.

In the Saudi Red Sea, guests can experience world-class hospitality that puts nature first. Resorts such as Shebara, Desert Rock, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as well as The St. Regis Red Sea Resort are designed with sustainability at their core. From off-grid energy systems to zero-waste initiatives and wildlife-friendly architecture, these retreats offer the ultimate escape without compromise to the environment.

With just 1% of the entire Saudi Red Sea footprint being developed, the rest will be left untouched, a testament to this commitment to a more conscious conservation.

A Call to Conscious Travel 

Soon, visitors will be able to dive even deeper, figuratively and literally, at the world’s first fully immersive experiential marine life center “Corallium”, currently under development by Red Sea Global. Designed to educate and inspire, the center will offer interactive exhibits, underwater observatories.

 

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The post Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal Expand Cooperation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world, and TAP Air Portugal, the flag carrier of Portugal and the leading European airline flying to Brazil, are expanding their existing codeshare partnership.

As part of the recently expanded agreement announced during the IATA Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi, both carriers will now provide their guests with a broader range of seamless travel options beyond their current global networks. Brazil, Morocco, Qatar, and Mauritius are new and exciting destinations entering the scope of cooperation. Additionally, Dalaman and Bodrum, Türkiye’s prominent summer destinations, have also been added to the agreement, further augmenting travel options between Türkiye and Portugal, enhancing access to sought-after leisure destinations.

Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “We are pleased to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with TAP Air Portugal. Enhanced scope of the new arrangement offers greater flexibility and a wider range of travel options, while contributing to the development of commercial and tourism relations between our countries. We look forward to continuing this valuable collaboration in the years ahead.”

TAP Air Portugal CEO Luís Rodrigues added: “Because of our network structure we need to find intelligent ways to connect us to the east. Cooperating with great partners is our way forward to do that. This will provide our global passengers and our Portuguese community with increased options to visit new and exciting places using our Turkish Airlines partner.”

This enriched cooperation not only enhances the network presence of both carriers but also fosters increased tourism and business traffic between Türkiye and Portugal, as well as to key destinations across South America, Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

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The post Getting ahead of ‘travel lag’ and ‘jet lag’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With summer just around the corner, many Brits are setting their sights on far-flung adventures and long-distance getaways. Research shows eight of the top ten trending travel destinations for summer 2025 are located outside of Europe and almost one-third of Brits are interested in long-haul travel.

However, extended travel isn’t without its challenges. Long journeys often bring physical and mental strains, particularly in the form of travel lag and jet lag. Laura Busby, Commercial Director, Good Travel Management shares tips on how to remain fit and fine even with all the travel.

What is the difference between travel lag and jet lag?

Travel lag is the physical toll that travelling can take on the body, like  prolonged sitting, disrupted sleep, or not staying properly hydrated. Jet lag results from disturbances to the body’s internal circadian rhythm, which typically occurs when crossing several time zones.

What causes travel lag?

Hectic travel itineraries, lots of early wake-ups, disrupted sleep and travelling too often can take its toll.

And while it doesn’t get as much recognitions as jet lag, the transient stress and strain of travel can feel as exhausting as burnout.

Travel lag – unlike jet lag can be caused by any form of transport like planes, boats, trains and road trips.

The symptoms of travel lag

• Chronic fatigue and feeling tired or drowsy during the day, even after getting adequate sleep.
• Brain fog  and difficulty focusing or remembering things
• Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle aches and stomach issues

How to tackle it

If you find yourself frequently feeling drained after traveling, consider adding an extra day or two to your itinerary to allow for proper rest and recovery. For those who travel often for work, it may be worth discussing with your employer the option of spacing out business trips. This can give you more time to unwind and reset between journeys.

Frequent flyers should also try to align their sleep patterns with the time zone of their destination to help reset their internal clock. That said, if you’re feeling especially exhausted, taking short 20-minute power naps can help recharge your energy levels without throwing off your sleep schedule.

Bring along healthy snacks like nuts, apples, or carrot sticks, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also improve your overall wellbeing.

What causes jet lag?

Jet lag occurs when your internal body clock— the circadian rhythm—is thrown off balance. This rhythm regulates your sleep-wake cycle by influencing the release of melatonin. Normally, it’s synced with natural signals like daylight and environmental cues. But when you cross multiple time zones quickly, your body can struggle to adapt, resulting in jet lag.

Anyone can experience jet lag, but certain factors can make it more likely:

• Research shows that flying east tends to cause more severe jet lag than heading west, as it’s harder for the body to adjust to a shorter day than a longer one
• Missing out on sleep during red-eye or overnight flights can make symptoms worse
• Frequent flyers, like pilots or business travellers are more prone to jet lag

Symptoms of jet lag

• Difficulty sleeping at bedtime and waking up in the morning
• Poor sleep quality
• Changes in appetite
• Nausea
• Anxiety

How to tackle it

Jet lag cannot be entirely prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce its impact.

Make sure you’re well-rested before your trip. In the days leading up to your departure, try gradually adjusting your sleep schedule—either going to bed and waking up a bit earlier or later—to better align with your new time zone.

Drink plenty of water during your flight and try to sleep when it’s night time at your destination.

On arrival, change your sleep schedule to the new time zone as quickly as possible and set an alarm to prevent oversleeping in the morning. Avoid sleeping during the day and try to get plenty of natural light by going outside. This will help your body clock to adjust.

 

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The post 96% of Indians Plan to Travel the Same or More This Summer: Skyscanner appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Skyscanner has released its Smarter Summer Report, revealing how Indians are travelling with a ‘maximiser’ mindset this season, opting for smarter, savvier and more experience-rich adventures than ever before. With a whopping 96% of Indians planning to take the same or more trips than last year and 95% citing maximising summer vacations as their top priority in 2025, Indians are now putting thought into every detail. They are curating itineraries while staying flexible with their travel dates or considering alternative options to beat the crowds, all to make their money go further and make the most of their journeys.

In their quest for more meaningful experiences, Indian travellers are expanding their horizons. 58% plan to explore places they haven’t considered before, and 51% want to tick off multiple spots in one trip, showing a clear shift towards exploration and memorable getaways.

Calm and crowd-free

This shift in preferences is also reflected in their choice of destinations – over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer quieter, less-crowded locations over the usual tourist hotspots.

It’s not just about where they go, it’s also about when — the shoulder season is gaining popularity among Indian travellers, with 1 in 2 open to travelling during these periods to avoid crowds and surge pricing. Together, these choices reflect a move away from the frenzy of peak season tourism and towards a summer experience that is more intentional.

 The Value-First Summer Planner

Indian travellers are planning their summer getaways with a sharper focus on value and flexibility. 62% are actively seeking budget-friendly stays, while 56% are using travel comparison tools like Skyscanner to scout the best deals across flights, hotels, and car hires. Flexibility is key, with 84% open to moving their travel dates, and 47% willing to fly on less popular days to unlock greater savings.

Solving the Summer Planning Puzzle

Interestingly, even with clear travel goals and preferences, nearly half (49%) of Indian travellers have yet to book their summer holidays and are actively exploring options. The main reason? 38% are still undecided on where to go, highlighting a need for destination inspiration and guidance. This is where Skyscanner’s Smarter Summer Report steps in – offering practical insights to help travellers maximise their summer, from identifying the cheapest weeks to fly and sharing smart planning tips to highlighting alternative destinations that offer better value and fewer crowds. For wanderers who cherish that perfect in-between window when the heat starts to ease and the crowds thin out, Skyscanner’s curated lists — the Top 10 Cheapest and Popular Alternative Destinations, along with the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Summer 2025 — offer that sweet spot for savvy Indian travellers seeking adventure without the splurge. (Refer to Appendix)

Sharing his views on the 2025 Indian summer travel trends, Mohit Joshi, Travel and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “Summer is a popular time for Indian travellers to take a well-earned break and explore new places. What’s different this year is how intentional people are about planning. They want to get the most value from their trips, but many are still unsure about when and where to go and how to plan it all, within their budget. In fact, 77% believe weekends are the most expensive time to fly, but that is not always true, and 44% don’t realise that some weeks are significantly cheaper than others. That’s why we created the Smarter Summer Report to help travellers cut through the noise and make confident decisions.

According to our data, Sunday* is the cheapest day to fly, and the week of 25 August** is the most budget-friendly of the season. To make the most of their summer adventures, a pro tip for travellers would be to see which month is the cheapest by hitting the ‘flexible dates’ option when searching on the Skyscanner app, to see not only the cheapest month but also the day with the lowest price per month to travel to the destination. For those seeking to pack more experiences into their summer holidays, Skyscanner’s multi-city search tool allows users to search up to six routes simultaneously when planning their journey, perfect for experiencing multiple destinations in a single trip. Our goal is to empower travellers with clarity, flexibility, and smarter tools so they can enjoy their holidays without making a huge dent in their bank balance.”

Climb, Chill, Explore

Skyscanner’s summer data also shows that 50% of Indian travellers are actively seeking destinations with cooler climates this summer, a trend that’s pushing hill towns, mountains, and high-altitude getaways into sharper focus. In response to this growing trend, Skyscanner partnered with The Land of Wanderlust, one of India’s leading backpacking collectives, to curate the ‘Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide’ for Indian travellers, which will serve as a handbook for them when taking off on their mountain adventures this season.

 Sherwin Rebello, Founder, The Land of Wanderlust, adds, “We’re seeing a growing number of travellers choosing the mountains not just to escape the heat, but to embrace a slower, more meaningful way of exploring. From spontaneous backpackers to digital nomads, more people are looking for flexible, experience-led travel that fits their lifestyle. Social media still plays a big role in inspiring trips, especially for younger travellers who often join after seeing friends or creators visit a destination.

But it’s not just Gen Z. We’ve also seen an increase in private group requests often from young families or older couples who want the comfort of travelling at their own pace while staying in local homestays. Digital nomads, on the other hand, are choosing quieter towns with reliable networks so they can work while still soaking in the mountain air. Whether it’s a weekend escape, a remote work setup, or a slow-travel holiday, there’s a clear shift towards intentional, immersive journeys across age groups.”

 Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide

To help travellers make the most of their adventures this summer, The Land of Wanderlust shares their top tips for a seamless backpacking experience:

1. Double the Bags, Double the Freedom: Bring two. A 50L main backpack that fits it all without breaking your back, and a smaller daypack — perfect for short hikes when you want to travel light and leave the bulk behind.
2. Scrapes Happen. Be Ready: A compact first aid kit can go a long way. Toss in essentials like band-aids, antiseptic, and blister patches because mountain trails don’t come with medical booths.
3. Pack Warm, Climb High: From icy winds to surprise drizzles, mountain weather is anything but predictable. Jackets, thermals, and sturdy trekking shoes will keep you warm, dry, and trail ready.
4. Stay Fresh, Stay Respectful: A compact toiletries kit is essential not just for your comfort, but to ensure you leave the environment as clean as you found it. Pack smart, travel responsibly.
5. Sun Strong? Shade Stronger: The higher you go, the harsher the sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses aren’t optional; they’re survival gear for your skin and eyes.
6. Power That Lasts the Climb: A power bank is your lifeline. Whether it’s maps, music, or just capturing that summit shot — don’t let your devices tap out before you do.

 

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The post Cygnett Hotels & Resorts signs new property in Itanagar appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its newest property, Cygnett Park Itanagar, in the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. The strategically located property, just 800 meters away from the Donyi Polo, Arunachal Pradesh Airport, will mark Cygnett’s second hotel in Itanagar and is scheduled to open less than two years from now.

With this new signing, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of the first branded hospitality chains to establish a presence in the region is steadily moving toward a 600-key footprint in Northeast India. The group currently operates four hotels in the region, with eight additional properties in various stages of development and pre-opening.

“The Indian government is committed to the development of Northeast India. The union government has made a significant investment in infrastructure projects, including national highways, the railway network, and telecommunications, in the region. The corporate world is looking at the Northeast with optimism, which has also created positive business sentiments. We expect a balanced demand for our new property, from leisure, business, MICE to a robust wedding segment,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, founder & managing director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Cygnett Park Itanagar boasts excellent connectivity while being embraced by the serene natural beauty of Itanagar’s landscape. The city has several important tourist sites, including Ita Fort, Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, Ganga Lake, and Gompa Mandir.

The 100-keys property spread out in two acres will features over 6,000 sq. ft. of versatile banqueting space, accompanied by an adjoining lawn. The other amenities of Cygnett Park, Itanagar include a club lounge, Roof top Speciality restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym and recreation zones.

“Cygnett Park Itanagar will be a refreshing urban resort designed with contemporary aesthetics, sustainable architecture, and five-star amenities. True to the Cygnett Park brand ethos: Green, Refreshing, and Wellness-focused; this property aims to offer a rejuvenating stay for the modern traveller,” added Mr. Sarkar.

As Cygnett Hotels & Resorts moves ahead with its target to establish itself as a 100-plus strong hotel group in the coming years, the hospitality chain is expected to open 10-12 properties across the country annually.

 

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