The post Hotel101 gets US SEC nod to list on NASDAQ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hotel101 Global Holdings Corporation and JVSPAC Acquisition Corporation (JVSPAC) announced that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission  (SEC) has declared ePective Hotel101’s registration statement on Form F-4.

The form was filed with the SEC in connection with the previously announced business combination agreement between Hotel101 and JVSPAC. 

Hotel101 management made the announcement yesterday, 2nd June, and the business combination values the firm at an equity value of US$2.3 billion. 

The closing of the business  combination is expected to occur as soon as possible, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and  other customary closing conditions. 

Upon listing, the combined company will operate as Hotel101 Global  Holdings Corp. and trade under the ticker symbol “HBNB”. 

Once listed, Hotel101 will become the first  Filipino-owned company to be listed and traded on Nasdaq. 

Hotel101 is a subsidiary of Philippine-listed  DoubleDragon Corporation

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The post Emirates to reintroduce Damascus services from 16 July appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates is set to reintroduce flights to Damascus from 16 July 2025. Operations were suspended to the Syrian capital in 2012, and the return of services follow a comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with the UAE GCAA.

The airline will initially start with three weekly services on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, with plans to expand to four weekly flights from 2 August* with an additional flight on Saturday. Emirates will expand its Damascus services to daily operations, effective 26 October *.

Emirates’ services to Damascus will operate with a 302-seater Boeing 777-200LR and is planned to depart Dubai as EK 913 at 1200hrs, arriving in Damascus International Airport at 1410hrs local time. The return flight, EK 914 will depart Damascus at 1630hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2030hrs local time.**

The flights will open up new opportunities for travellers to conveniently connect to and from the airline’s network of nearly 150 destinations and will support the UAE’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and support Syrian aspirations to rebuild and attract foreign investment across key sectors such as energy, construction and agriculture.

Emirates customers flying to and from Damascus will also benefit from the airline’s codeshare partnership with flydubai, which will complement its flight schedule and provide more options and convenience when flying in and out of the Syrian capital.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “Emirates is pleased to restart operations to Damascus and support Syria’s road ahead by providing better choice and connectivity, essential economic links for inwards investment as well as opening new trade lanes and global market access for the country. Re-establishing air travel and connectivity is also good news for our customers that make up the expansive Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe and the GCC, who are eager to fly back home and reconnect to their roots, and leverage their knowledge, skills, expertise and resources in ongoing development efforts.

We would like to thank the Syrian authorities for their support in strengthening connectivity between Dubai and Damascus and look forward to boosting links to and from the country through our regularly scheduled operations.”

The UAE and Syria’s trade volumes reached US $680 million (AED 2.5 billion) in 2024¹, a 23% increase over the previous year, and the new flights will further stimulate vital trade ties. The UAE’s thriving Syrian community of over 350,000 nationals² have played an integral role in the UAE’s prosperity, contributing through entrepreneurial ventures and skilled expertise while further enriching the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft operating to and from Damascus features 38 Business Class seats alongside 264 seats in Economy Class. Emirates Business Class on the Damascus service will feature a 2-2-2 configuration.  Travellers flying to and from Damascus with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience, including Levantine inspired dishes complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can also sit back and relax with up to 6,500 channels of carefully curated entertainment, including close to 650 channels of Arabic content, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more with ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.

Emirates commenced services to Damascus in 1988, and prior to suspending operations in 2012 the airline carried over 2.1 million passengers in and out of Syria.

The airline currently flies to 13 cities in the Middle East/GCC, serving the region with a total of 191 weekly flights.

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The post RCU partners with Arabian Leopard Fund to save the ‘Arabian leopard’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Arabian Leopard Fund (ALF) are spearheading a dynamic global effort to save the critically endangered Arabian leopard. It was recently announced that a significant cooperative agreement took place between RCU and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) which will see two Arabian leopards travel to Washington, D.C., to protect biodiversity and enhance environmental sustainability.

This collaboration is a vital component of RCU’s broader strategy to expand its international ecosystem of conservation partners, facilitated by ALF as the primary vehicle for driving global cooperation and coordinating cross-border scientific action to ensure the survival of this unique species.

This collaboration between NZCBI and RCU exemplifies this approach, uniting NZCBI’s renowned scientific expertise with RCU’s successful Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Programme.

This agreement will establish a crucial backup population, drive forward critical research, and elevate global awareness for this iconic species, one of the world’s most threatened big cats. ALF also enables vital contributions from organisations like the IUCN, which provides essential species status assessments; Catmosphere, focused on raising awareness and support; and Panthera, offering specialised expertise in big cat conservation, among other important international partnerships.

The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This international effort is a proactive and vital step towards securing a future for this magnificent animal, a powerful symbol of pride and natural heritage for Saudi Arabia.

RCU manages the cutting-edge Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Under RCU’s management since 2020, the leopard population at the centre has more than doubled—a testament to the success of dedicated care and breeding programmes. In early 2025, the centre achieved accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), becoming the first wildlife institution in Saudi Arabia to meet these rigorous international standards.

The key objectives of this specific conservation loan, facilitated by ALF under RCU’s guidance, include establishing a geographically separate backup population to mitigate risks to the species, and enhancing genetic diversity management within the global Arabian leopard population to ensure its long-term health. Furthermore, this cooperative agreement will significantly raise global awareness, inspiring millions of visitors at NZCBI to become advocates for leopard conservation and the preservation of vital desert ecosystems.

Abeer AlAkel, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla, emphasized, “RCU is deeply committed to the conservation of the Arabian leopard, and the Arabian Leopard Fund is a vital instrument in achieving our goals. This cooperative agreement with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, exemplifies RCU’s strategy of bringing together leading institutions alongside the crucial support of organizations like the IUCN, Catmosphere, and Panthera. Sharing these precious animals allows us to establish a vital backup population and share the compelling story of this magnificent species – a true symbol of Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage – with a global audience. This reflects our profound commitment, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, to restore ecological balance and guarantee a thriving future for these animals, with the ultimate goal of their return to their native habitat in AlUla.”

“We are honored to collaborate with the Royal Commission for AlUla to protect the critically endangered Arabian leopard,” said Brandie Smith, Ph.D., John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. “Saving the world’s most vulnerable species takes global cooperation, scientific rigor and innovation—and that’s what we do best. For decades, we’ve delivered data-driven solutions and applied our deep expertise to protect species on the brink. Together, we’ll lead collaborative research, create the only Arabian leopard exhibit in the United States, and inspire millions to help secure a future for this magnificent animal and the ecosystem it depends on.”

This initiative is an integral part of RCU’s broader strategy, supported by the Arabian Leopard Fund, for the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla, a unique region in northwest Saudi Arabia. This encompasses extensive habitat restoration, the reintroduction of native prey species, and active engagement with local communities – all essential steps toward creating a sustainable ecosystem where Arabian leopards can once again thrive in their natural habitat.

 

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The post Baheej introduces a boutique wellness resort to Yanbu’s coastline appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Baheej, Saudi Arabia’s emerging destination developer and a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi Tourism Investment Company and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company with the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, announces the fourth component of its transformative Yanbu Waterfront Project: a 34-room boutique Wellness resort that brings together ancestral wellness wisdom and contemporary design inspired by the region’s seafaring heritage.

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Yanbu, this intimate sanctuary will feature private sea-view cabanas, immersive wellness programming, and a signature spa designed as an architectural homage to the pearl, once a precious treasure of Yanbu and a symbol of renewal and serenity.

Norah Al Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, added: “This project is a reflection of Baheej’s vision to enrich Saudi destinations with meaning, not just infrastructure. Our wellness resort is more than a place to stay — it’s an experience crafted around the values of balance, beauty, and belonging. We believe it will become a new symbol of Yanbu’s evolving identity as a serene coastal escape.”

Envisioned as a journey and offering guests opportunities to reconnect with self and place, Baheej is developing the resort with curated experiences that include meditation at sunrise, movement rituals inspired by coastal rhythms, and wellness treatments rooted in Arabic healing traditions and native ingredients.

“The design, developed by Spectrum Architecture, draws deeply from the soul of Yanbu,” said Stefano Lopez, Senior Director at Baheej. “It reinterprets the poetry of seafaring traditions and the calm resilience of the sea into a space of reflection, comfort, and transformation.”

Lopez also noted that the official brand of the resort will be revealed later this year, hinting at its distinctive Saudi character: “We want to create a brand that resonates with our domestic travelers. One that brings generations of Saudi heritage and wellness practices to the forefront of contemporary hospitality.”

This launch marks a further step in Baheej’s mission to transform Yanbu into the gateway to the Red Sea Riviera; a new destination narrative that fuses nature, culture, and community. The wellness resort joins a growing collection of destination-defining assets developed by Baheej in Yanbu, including Cloud 7 Lifestyle hotel by Kerten Hospitality, Kaynuna Beach Escape and the upcoming Jaba Tour Center and Diving Club.

 

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The post Jazeera Airways to resume direct flights to Damascus appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Jazeera Airways, is all set to resume direct flights between Kuwait and Damascus, Syria. Regional carriers across the GCC have already re-established air links with Syria, and Jazeera will also commence flying once it receives the regulatory clearance.

The planned resumption of flights comes in response to a strong demand from the large 200,000 strong Syrian expatriate community in Kuwait—one of the largest Middle Eastern communities in the country—as well as increasing interest in re-establishing business, cultural, and familial ties between the two nations. Jazeera Airways previously operated flights to Damascus, Aleppo, and Deir Ez Zoor, and is now well positioned to restore this vital connectivity.

Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways stated, “We are excited to start operating to Syria after a 12-year hiatus. Restoring direct flights to Damascus will provide a critical bridge for thousands of Syrians living and working in Kuwait, while also supporting broader regional efforts to re-engage with Syria. In line with the wider momentum across the region, we are completely set up and ready to start flying as soon as we receive the required regulatory approvals.”

Several GCC nations, including Qatar, UAE and others in the Middle East region such as Jordan and Turkey have already resumed or announced their intentions to resume air connectivity with Syria, recognizing the growing need for regional integration and the normalization of civil aviation ties.

Jazeera Airways is committed to upholding the highest operational and safety standards in line with international aviation protocols. Upon approval, the airline plans to operate direct daily services to Damascus, with further expansions to other Syrian cities also under consideration.

 

 

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The post IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic Announce Partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic have announced plans to build an industry-leading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America, with ambitions to grow to a global scale. 

India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is at the heart of this collaboration. By linking IndiGo’s extensive domestic network with Delta’s strength in North America and the transatlantic, the extensive reach of Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and the U.K. and transatlantic presence of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is poised to offer travelers broader access, smoother journeys, and a more consistent experience across continents. Linking dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and India, the airlines aim to meet rising demand for international travel while setting new standards for connectivity and cooperation in global aviation.

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said: “IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030. This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation. This announcement not only expands our relationship with Air France–KLM and Virgin Atlantic but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome Delta Airlines as a valued partner.  We are particularly excited to start our long-haul expansion from this Summer and connect with our partners’ networks to provide greater access to Europe and North America. This strategic partnership enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form of comprehensive intercontinental connectivity, seamless experience and great loyalty value. It also lays the groundwork for us to exchange best practices in areas of technology, operational excellence and service delivery.”

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said: “This agreement is another example of our commitment to making travel more connected, more inclusive and more accessible. Combining our strengths with those of IndiGo, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, will enable us to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience, ensuring that our customers enjoy the highest standards of service and reliability across the globe. We look forward to restarting Delta’s direct service from the U.S. to India in the near future.”

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, said: “We are very glad to extend our existing partnership with IndiGo and to do so alongside our partners Delta and Virgin Atlantic. India is a strategic market for Air France-KLM, where we have a strong and historic presence soon to increase. We look forward to welcoming IndiGo customers on our flights and to play an active role in the country’s connectivity.”

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “In our 25th year of flying to India, we’re delighted to build on our Joint Venture with Delta and Air France-KLM, and our successful codeshare with IndiGo, by going further with this partnership. As IndiGo starts long haul operations, we’ll connect four of the world’s largest economies, enhancing the travel experience for our guests, from greater connectivity and optimized flight times to loyalty benefits.”

 Connecting Route Networks, 2022 and Beyond

IndiGo has had partnerships with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic and with Air France-KLM since 2022. Since then, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic customers have had access to more than 30 IndiGo points in India.

More recently, IndiGo announced the start of service to Europe, which, in addition to expanding the existing partnership with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic transatlantic flights, facilitates a new partnership opportunity between IndiGo and Delta, enabling Indigo’s customers to connect to Delta’s broad transatlantic network.  After commercial contracts and regulatory procedures are completed to allow IndiGo to sell partner flights as its own under its own 6E* marketing codes, IndiGo customers will be able to book onward travel on select flights operated by its international partners, making it easier to reach destinations across Europe and North America. These include:

• KLM flights from Amsterdam to 30 points within Europe
• Delta and KLM flights from Amsterdam to the United States and Canada
• Virgin Atlantic flights from Manchester to the United States

For its part, KLM’s recently announced new route connecting Amsterdam with Hyderabad offers further opportunity for cooperation with IndiGo. With the route’s launch in September 2025, Air France-KLM will begin selling IndiGo flights to 24 destinations beyond Hyderabad.

IndiGo has previously announced that it will enhance its fleet of damp leased B787 to six aircraft later this year and has in place a long-term firm order of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with options for 70 more. As these aircraft join IndiGo’s fleet, the airline’s long-haul expansion will enable further and deeper cooperation between IndiGo and Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic in the future.

Delta, meanwhile, plans to resume services to India with nonstop flights between Atlanta and Delhi, subject to government approval. The service start date will be announced later.

Future Collaboration

The MoU also creates a framework for deeper collaboration between the carriers on a bilateral and multilateral basis; contemplates commercial collaboration including network, loyalty, cargo and sales, subject to regulatory approvals; explores areas of non-commercial cooperation including aircraft maintenance, sustainability, training, ground handling; and acknowledges the need to develop advanced collaboration through use of technology to efficiently service joint customers.

 

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The post TUI Airways launches new direct flight from Birmingham to Budapest  for summer 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

TUI Airways will launch a new direct flight from Birmingham Airport to Budapest International Airport, Hungary. The inaugural flight will take off on 4 May 2026 offering travellers in the Midlands convenient access to Hungary’s capital city.

Sitting on the Danube, Budapest is the first port of call on selected TUI River Cruises holidays in 2026 and this new route has been added following the growth in demand for river cruises in the Central Europe region. For the first time in 2026, three of TUI River Cruises’ ships, Isla, Maya and Skyla will all be based on the Danube for the full summer season. The weekly service will operate on Mondays during the summer season, providing access to one of Europe’s most beautiful and underrated cities, with its perfect mix of history, culture, relaxation, and nightlife.

In addition, the route – which can also be booked as flight only – will serve holidays to Lake Balaton, part of TUI’s Lakes & Mountains collection between May and September 2026. Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in western Hungary, home to beaches, volcanic hills, hiking trails and even a wine-growing region making it the perfect break for those looking to explore a different side of Europe.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK said: “We’re excited to be adding Budapest to our growing portfolio of destinations available from Birmingham Airport. This route is especially important for our popular TUI River Cruises which has seen continued demand in recent years, as well as our Lakes & Mountains holidays, and we’re pleased to now offer our customers based in the Midlands even more choice and flexibility when it comes to their holidays.”

Tom Screen, Aviation Director of Birmingham Airport said: “It is great to see that TUI will be launching a new weekly flight to Budapest, opening up more options for travellers direct from Birmingham.  A popular city break destination, this route is yet another addition to TUI’s great portfolio of destinations from Birmingham Airport.”

• TUI River Cruises offers a seven-night East Danube Explorer from Budapest, Hungary on TUI Isla from £1,529 per person. Price based on 2 adults sharing a Deck 1 Standard Cabin on a Full Board Plus* basis. Calling at Budapest, Mohacs, Kalocsa (all Hungary); Novi Sad, Donji Milanovac, Belgrade (all Serbia) and Vukovar, Croatia. Includes TUI Airways flight from Birmingham to Budapest on 4 May 2026, 25kg of luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges.
• TUI Lakes & Mountains offers seven-night holidays to Siófok, Lake Balaton staying at the 4T Hotel Azur Premium on a half board basis from £1,033 per person. Price includes return TUI Airways flight from Birmingham to Budapest on 8 June 2026, 23kg of luggage per person and transfers.

• For flight only customers, TUI Airways offers return flights to Budapest from Birmingham departing on 11 May 2026, returning on 18 May 2026 from £241 per person. This price includes 15kg of checked-in luggage and 10kg of hand luggage per person.

 

 

 

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The post AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes personally sends off SoKor national football team appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Capital A announced that its CEO and AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes personally sent off the South Korean national football team as they departed for Basra, Iraq today, 2nd June.

The team’s departure comes ahead of their crucial upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier match slated for Friday, 6th June.

A special AirAsia X charter flight, D7256, took off from Incheon International Airport at 11:00 AM local time, carrying the national squad and coaching staff, including head coach Hong Myung-bo, Park Hang-seo, Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur), and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord Rotterdam).

Staunch supporter

As a lifelong football fan and former owner of the Queens Park Rangers, Fernandes was at the airport to offer his personal support and encouragement to the players and coaching staff.

He said: “I’ve always believed in empowering people and helping dreams take flight whether through football or helping people travel, connecting people to places just as AirAsia has done for the past 23 years. This is a proud moment not only for Korean football, but for Asia. We stand behind the team and wish them the very best as they carry the hopes of a nation into this World Cup qualifier. I’ll definitely be tuning in for the match.”

Fernandes is well known among Korean football fans for his connection to Park Ji-sung, whom he signed to Queens Park Rangers in 2012 and later appointed as AirAsia’s global ambassador in 2014.

The Korean national team is expected to return to Incheon on 6 June on the same charter flight following the match.

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