The post Taiwan opens new tourism service centre in The Netherlands appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Taiwan’s Tourism Administration opened a service center in Amsterdam last 15th May.

The new office is expected to make things easier for the rising number of Dutch travellers who are making their way to Taiwan.

This is the second tourism office to be established in Europe under the Taiwanese government’s current administration, and comes on the heels of the one in Paris which opened last year.

Rising numbers

Taiwanese authorities report that, as of the end of Q1-2025, the number of Dutch visitors to their country is up 14 percent from the total seen in Q1-2024.Thursday amid growing travel from the Netherlands to Taiwan.

Tourism Administration director-general Chou Yung-hui remarked: “As Amsterdam is an important transportation and cultural hub, the service center should strengthen Taiwan’s brand image in Europe and deepen links with local consumers, media, and business.”

Chou further explained the vital role played by airlines like China Airlines, EVA Air, and KLM in boosting tourism, as these operate direct flights between the two nations.

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The post ‘Birmingham Airport Grant’ Helps 12-Year-Old Fundraiser Crush Record  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

 

Birmingham Airport has donated £5,000 to support a young fundraiser’s charitable initiative aimed at combatting food poverty. We Can CIC, which raises funds for food banks through the sale of donated aluminium drink cans, has been awarded the grant to support the purchase of a can baler to increase its processing capacity and break fundraising records.

The initiative was set up by Ryan Hulance, a passionate 12-year-old from Solihull, who was inspired to help those suffering from food insecurity after seeing his parents donate meals to a struggling family. With the support of his family, Ryan flattens, and sorts donated aluminium drink cans, which are then sold as scrap metal to raise funds for food banks.

Since the organisation was founded in 2020, Ryan and his family have processed over one million cans, raising over £6,000 for food banks in their local area. Prior to the purchasing of the new baler, Ryan’s dad, John, was manually flattening the recycled cans to be sold with his car. The new baler machine purchased with the Birmingham Airport grant will speed up processing, meaning the initiative will be able to accept more can donations and exceed established fundraising records.

Commenting on the grant, Ryan’s dad John Hulance said: “This grant will make a world of difference to CIC; saving hours of work and allowing us to focus on supporting our communities further.”

The funding awarded forms part of the Birmingham Airport Community Trust Fund which awards grants of up to £5,000 to community groups in areas most affected by the Airport’s operations. Grants are directly funded by charges made to airlines which breach night noise regulations. Last year, the Trust awarded over £175,000 in monetary grants to local causes near Birmingham Airport.

Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability at Birmingham Airport said: “The trustees decided to award We Can with this monetary grant as the initiative provides local residents with an accessible and sustainable method of making a difference through the recycling of metal cans. We’re pleased that this donation ensures we can help a local initiative and were so impressed with Ryan’s commitment and drive that makes such a positive impact in our region.”

 

 

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The post Cebu Pacific successfully completes Philippines’ first electric aircraft turnaround appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific recently made history after successfully completing the country’s first all-electric aircraft turnaround at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA.)

This accomplishment marks a milestone in the history of sustainable aviation both in the Philippines and for the greater Asian region.

The initiative was carried out in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), which operates MCIA, and TLD Asia, a global provider of electric ground support equipment (GSE). 

The electric turnaround was performed on CEB flight 5J566, operated by an Airbus A321neo bound for Manila.

Why is this significant?

Unlike traditional turnarounds that rely on fuel-powered equipment, this operation used only electric GSE, including baggage tractors, lower deck loaders, pushback tractors, and bridge-mounted ground power units. 

Key services such as passenger boarding, baggage and cargo handling, and aircraft pushback were completed entirely with zero-emission equipment.

Cebu Pacific chief operations officer Javier Massot said of the event: “This milestone shows our strong commitment to decarbonizing our operations and supporting airports that share the same sustainability goals. We are proud to be the first airline in the Philippines to fully turn around an aircraft using electric equipment. It is even more meaningful that it was done in Cebu, where our airline began.”

For ACAC, the successful demonstration is just the beginning of a sustainable future for airport operations.

ACAC chief executive Athanasios Titonis remarked that his company is already dedicated to supporting green innovations that align with their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Titonis said: “The introduction of electric GSE units at MCIA is a valuable step in this journey, and we are excited to partner with our airline partners in driving sustainable practices that will create a lasting, positive impact.”

A cooperative effort

TLD Asia also stressed the importance of working together to reduce emissions across the aviation industry.

Alvin Ygoña, TLD’s Asia sales and service area manager, remarked: “TLD continues to reinvest in the very latest technologies to complement our expanding portfolio of GSE which in turn allows us to offer our customers the most environmentally friendly ramp equipment to benefit operations, customers, and our planet.

This effort builds on CEB’s earlier rollout of electric GSE at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and forms part of the airline’s broader sustainability roadmap, which includes fleet modernization, the use of renewable energy (RE), and improved operational efficiency across all airport hubs. 

The airline also supports the global aviation industry’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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The post Delta introduces daily direct flights from New York-JFK to Catania, Sicily appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Starting 21 May 2025, customers can enjoy Delta’s brand-new daily nonstop service from New York-JFK to Catania, marking the airline’s first-ever flight from Sicily and the only direct connection between Catania and the U.S.

Delta is bringing Sicily closer to the U.S. than ever before. Starting May 21, 2025, customers can enjoy Delta’s brand-new daily nonstop service from New York-JFK to Catania, marking the airline’s first-ever flight from Sicily and the only direct connection between Catania and the U.S.

This new route opens the door to one of Italy’s most captivating destinations. Catania, nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily beneath the towering presence of Mount Etna, is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty. From its vibrant markets and baroque architecture to its sun-drenched coastline and world-renowned cuisine, Catania offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Must-see destinations in its proximity include Taormina, where a spectacular ancient Greek theatre rises between Mount Etna and the sea; the historic center of Siracusa; and the baroque splendor of Noto.

“Catania will be the fifth Italian city served by Delta from the U.S., along with Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. “Sicily is a highly sought-after destination and many Italian Americans have strong bonds with this wonderful Italian region. We are convinced that our service will benefit the region’s economy with regards to incoming tourism, as well as offering great connectivity to the U.S. for Sicilians.”

The new flight not only connects Sicily to New York but also offers easy onward travel to dozens of destinations across North America via Delta’s JFK hub. Whether you’re heading to Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, or beyond, Delta makes it easier than ever to explore the U.S. from the heart of Sicily.

Delta will operate the route with a 216-seat Boeing 767-300, delivering a range of onboard experiences designed to meet the needs of every traveller. As part of an expanded partnership with Italian fashion house Missoni, Delta is introducing a new Delta One collection featuring exclusive bedding and a refreshed amenity kit.  To enhance the sleep experience, Delta is also expanding its customer-favorite mattress pad Delta One customers can relax in lie-flat seats with premium bedding, enjoy a chef-curated four-course meal and sip Taittinger Champagne, all complemented by Missoni bedding and amenity kits and elegant touches throughout the cabin. Delta Premium Select offers extra space and comfort, while Delta Comfort and Delta Main¹ provide thoughtful service and entertainment for all.

Customers in every cabin will enjoy curated food and beverage options and access to over 1,000 hours of entertainment through Delta Studio. And thanks to Delta’s commitment to innovation, all customers on transatlantic flights, including the new Catania route, can stay connected with fast, free Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile.

Customers traveling in the Delta One cabin will have access to the award-winning Delta One Lounge at JFK. Inspired by New York’s iconic style and energy, the lounge features a brasserie, signature bar, wellness area, and even a library lounge with Missoni design elements setting the tone for a premium journey from start to finish.

This summer, Delta will operate up to 110 weekly flights between Italy and the U.S., increasing its Italy-U.S. offering by 15% from the previous year. With the addition of Catania, Delta reaffirms its position as the leading U.S. airline in the Italian market.

Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots, discovering Sicily for the first time, or simply seeking a new adventure, Delta’s new service to Catania is your gateway to the magic of the Mediterranean.

 

 

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The post Universal Orlando Resort hosts exclusive, star-studded event appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The stars shined bright over Universal Epic Universe as celebrities, Universal and industry executives, and other special guests descended upon Universal Orlando Resort’s all-new theme park for an exclusive nighttime celebration ahead of the theme park’s official opening later.

The evening began with Celestial Carpet arrivals from celebrities, talent from the films that inspired the worlds of Epic Universe, and other special guests, including some of the cast from Universal and DreamWorks’ new live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” film, Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast), Mason Thames (Hiccup) and Nico Parker (Astrid); James & Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley in the “Harry Potter” films), Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick in the “Harry Potter” films), Shigeru Miyamoto (Representative Director and Fellow, Nintendo Co. Ltd.), seven-time Academy Award winner Rick Baker (Legendary Makeup Artist and Creature Designer) and many more. Joining them in the festivities were prominent Universal executives including Mark Woodbury, Chairman & CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, and even Tom Williams, former Chairman & CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences. Additional special guests included Donna Langley, (Chairman, NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios), Margie Cohn (President of DreamWorks Animation), among other Universal creatives and key partners who played a role in bringing Epic Universe to life.

To cap off the evening, attendees enjoyed an extraordinary celebratory moment narrated by Steven Spielberg, Creative Consultant for Universal Destinations and Experiences, that enveloped the entire park in a breathtaking display of lighting, fountains and fireworks set to a captivating musical score that honored the park’s immersive worlds — including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. The spectacle culminated with an impressive drone display that summed up the entire evening in one word: EPIC.

Universal Epic Universe will make its official debut at Universal Orlando Resort and become the destination’s fourth amazing theme park.

 

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The post Novotel celebrates one year of partnership with WWF appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ahead of World Ocean Day (8 June), Novotel marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies: Novotel’s Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels.

“At Novotel, we are taking decisive action to protect our oceans, and the partnership with WWF is a driving force of this commitment,” said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. “Through their guidance and expertise, we can drive change at scale across our 600 hotels and more widely across the industry and communities we reach. At Novotel, we’re committed to making it easier to make choices that have a positive impact on the longevity of the planet, on marine life, and on future generations. From responsible sourcing to a Plant-Forward approach, our ocean impact strategy is designed to drive real change. Together, we can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future – one positive choice at a time.”

Ludovic Frère Escoffier, Ocean Program Manager, WWF France, said: “Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future. Faced with the growing threats of overfishing, pollution and loss of biodiversity, economic players have a key role to play. We welcome Novotel’s commitment to integrating the preservation of marine ecosystems into its strategy. By collaborating with influential companies in the tourism sector, together we are accelerating the transition to more sustainable, responsible practices that are compatible with ocean resilience.”

“The ocean is our planet’s greatest source of balance – the ‘lungs of the world’,” added Jean-Yves Minet. “It regulates climate, supports livelihoods, and protects ecosystems. But that balance is at risk. To secure a sustainable future, we must rebalance our relationship with the oceans, reducing our impact and ensuring marine health. Our wellbeing is deeply tied to the health of the ocean. Protecting the ocean isn’t just about the environment, it’s about supporting human health and longevity too.”

Delicious, healthier, more sustainable food

The new Sustainable Seafood Principles were created in partnership with WWF and led by the fisheries experts at WWF France. The new guidelines, launched globally across Novotel’s 600 hotels, include banning of 350 species of endangered seafood species, and promoting responsible fishing by 2027, serving only MSC-certified wild-caught species or responsibly sourced local fish, and use ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood for salmon and shrimp, fostering supplier collaboration where needed. WWF France has created Sustainable Seafood Training, a comprehensive global training programme for Novotel chefs, food and procurement teams, and is working alongside Novotel and Accor to improve traceability.

Furthermore, Novotel has pioneered a Plant-Forward ambition, targeting all its 600 hotels to have a minimum of 25% plant-based menus by 2026. Today 39% of hotels dedicate at least 25% of their menus to plant-forward options. Novotel is committed to offering market leading, tasty, sustainable, and Plant-Forward philosophy at scale, guided by a leading culinary institute.

Education & awareness for the next generation

Novotel welcomes more than two million family stays a year and this summer families at Novotel will experience two new edutainment games designed by WWF France and Novotel to inspire and empower children to be ambassadors for the ocean. “Guardians of the Mediterranean” is an interactive card and digital game inspired by the WWF Blue Panda boat, created to educate families about ocean conservation in a fun, engaging way. “Sea Turtle” is a lively digital quiz that helps children learn about the threats faced during turtle migration, including ghost gear, plastic and pollution.

“Inspiring and educating the next generation is key to protecting our ocean,” added Jean-Yves. “By engaging young minds through play, we plant the seeds of awareness, empathy, and action for a healthier, more sustainable marine future. As a leading family-friendly hotel brand, Novotel is perfectly placed to champion this vital mission.”

A year of progress: strengthening Novotel’s commitment to the oceans

Since its launch in June 2024, Novotel has made significant strides to deliver upon its ocean preservation and sustainable impact plan:

1/ REDUCE IMPACT

Novotel’s commitment to reducing its impact aligns with Accor’s industry-leading mission towards positive hospitality, including:

• Phasing out single-use plastics across Novotel hotel operations
• Installing large-format and refillable dispensers in hotels
• Minimizing food waste through innovative solutions and guest engagement
• Launched microplastic filter pilots in two Novotel hotels² in France to reduce impact from hotel laundry

2/ DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER & MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES

In addition to the new Plant-Forward ambition and Sustainable Seafood Principles, Novotel has implemented significant actions:

• A globally managed Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) was launched in Q1 2025 in collaboration with WWF, including support of the Indian Squid FIP in Kerala, India
• Launched a partnership with Seafood Souq to ensure all seafood suppliers and products are onboarded to SFS Trace and meet required traceability standards, including an 18-hotel pilot in the Middle East³.
• A Seafood Taskforce procurement project has been launched in Europe in collaboration with WWF France, working directly with five suppliers to improve traceability as part of the brand’s commitment to support WWF’s ambition for sector-wide change throughout the supply chain.

3/ ENHANCE EDUCATION & OCEAN AWARENESS

Novotel is committed to raising awareness of the importance of the ocean to modern life, inspiring hotel teams, guests and communities to positively contribute to a more balanced life with the ocean.

• New global Ocean Awareness Training for all Novotel teams in all 600 hotels, enhancing their knowledge and inspiring their action and commitment. The training has been developed in partnership with AXA Climate.
• New WWF Sustainable Seafood Training: for all chef, F&B and procurement teams, including the impact of overfishing, sustainable seafood sourcing and best-in-class sustainability practices in restaurants.
• Edutainment in-hotel events, programming and games to inspire positive action amongst the Novotel community.

4/ CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Novotel is supporting essential WWF France conservation projects around the world, investing to support ocean impact, research and action through critical projects.

1/ The protection of Posidonia in the Mediterranean 

• Where: Europe
• Why: Per hectare, the Posidonia meadow sequesters five to seven times more carbon than the tropical forest
• Status: Action plans underway in 9 coastal cities; 8 mooring fields in project; and 73 buoy conversions completed in 2024 and 41 planned in 2025.

 

2/ The identification and removal of “ghost gear” 

• Where: Mediterranean Sea
• Why: Lost, abandoned and otherwise discarded fishing gear are a major threat to marine life
• Status: Over 1,000 hectares prospected in Bonifacio; several⁴ nets identified; pilot retrieval with underwater robots scheduled for 2025–2026; new prospection missions in Calanques and Ajaccio planned.

 

3/ Supporting the WWF France’s Blue Panda boat

• Where: Europe – France, Greece, Türkiye, Italy and Croatia
• Why: The Blue Panda sails across the Mediterranean conducting missions to develop science-based solutions and recommendations to protect Mediterranean marine life, to raise public awareness, and leading lobbying missions with countries and communities.
• Status: 2024 campaign completed across France, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Croatia; educational visits reached 550+ children in France; Cap Cétacés anti-collision system tested; ghost gear prospection and Marine Protection Areas studies conducted; Blue Panda to be in Nice 8–14 June for UNOC with stakeholder events.

 

4/ Tracking and tracing marine turtles 

• Where: Global, with a specific focus on Asia-Pacific

• Why: Six of seven species of marine turtles remained threatened by harvesting, illegal trade, being caught by commercial fisheries and the loss of nesting beaches. Mapping nesting beaches, migratory corridors and foraging grounds for critical turtle populations.
• Status: ‘Blue Corridors’ initiative launched October 2024; over 12,600 turtles tracked globally; data gathering and connectivity analysis ongoing in 2025; update to be published by WWF at UNOC 2025.

 

5/ Protecting the sea turtles of the Western Atlantic

• Where: Guiana Shield
• Why: Mobilising civic society and fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will help protect leatherback turtles breeding on coastal areas of the Guianas, and green and olive ridley turtles from Brazil to Venezuela.
• Status: Youth ambassador programme launched; regional delegation to attend UNOC in June 2025; field projects including eco-guide training, citizen science, and advocacy actions ongoing through 2025-2026.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NOVOTEL? POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPACT OCEAN LONGEVITY 

Looking ahead, Novotel remains committed to amplifying its impact by:

Collaborating with industry leaders at UN Ocean Conference in Nice to drive meaningful change

WWF Sustainable Seafood Training – launching summer 2025

Ocean Awareness Training in partnership with AXA Climate – launching summer 2025

Expanding sustainable seafood practices across all hotels

Embedding a new Plant-Forward menu strategy in all hotels

Introducing new guest engagement programs focused on ocean preservation

Continuing to support critical WWF France ocean preservation projects around the world

 

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The post The Datai Langkawi brings on the second part of The Chef Series 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Datai Langkawi is all set to stage the second part of The Chef Series 2025: The Gold List.

The highly anticipated continuation of its annual culinary celebration brings together an exceptional roster of some of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, including the iconic Alain Roux from the UK’s The Waterside Inn.

Each chef will be offering exclusive dining experiences that combine their culinary philosophies with the natural bounty of Langkawi.

According to general manager Stephane Duvacher: “The continuation of The Chef Series 2025 with this incredible Part II line-up reaffirms our ongoing dedication to bringing the finest culinary minds to our rainforest paradise. From the legendary Alain Roux to the innovative Gert De Mangeleer and the creative Thibaut Gamba, each chef offers something entirely unique. These are not just dining experiences: they are cultural and sensory immersions, grounded in sustainability and inspired by the natural magic of Langkawi, reflecting our shared ethos of environmental stewardship and culinary innovation.”

Three unforgettable gustatory experiences

Building upon the legacy of previous editions, Part II of The Chef Series: The Gold List further affirms The Datai Langkawi’s position as a leading destination for gastronomic excellence.

As such, guests will be treated to immersive, one-of-a-kind dining events hosted in the heart of the resort’s lush rainforest setting. 

The visiting Michelin-starred chefs will curate menus that reflect their signature style while incorporating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many from the resort’s own zero-waste Permaculture Garden.

The chefs taking the spotlight this time are:

• Gert De Mangeleer, Hertog Jan at Botanic, Belgium (two Michelin Stars) who takes over the kitchens on 18th and 19th July;
• Thibaut Gamba, Logis De La Cadène, France (one Michelin Star) who holds sway on 4th and 5th December; and 
• Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, United Kingdom (three Michelin Stars) who gets the new year off to a delectable start from 13th to 17th January 2026.

The exclusive culinary events will take place at The Dining Room and The Beach Club, surrounded by the serene ambiance of the ancient rainforest, as well as on the resort’s newest addition, the Gadis Pulau Catamaran. 

The 54-foot catamaran departs from the pristine shores of Datai Bay to unveil Langkawi’s breathtaking landscapes, complemented with sunset champagne and canapés with a Michelin-starred touch, it offers an unmissable experience.

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The post New Regional Collection Brand ‘Series by Marriott’ launched appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Marriott International announced the global launch of its new collection brand for the midscale and upscale lodging segments—Series by Marriott—as the company continues to expand its lodging offerings around the world. Series by Marriott is expected to expand Marriott’s global presence by bringing well-established regionally created brands and hotels that champion consistent quality and service into the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Series by Marriott will offer guests comfortable stays in more places and provide regional owners access to the benefits of Marriott’s platforms, including the company’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, all while maintaining their portfolio’s independent identity.

Series by Marriott marks its initial launch through a founding deal with Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL) in India, a key growth market for Marriott. Established in 1996 by Param Kannampilly, CHPL, is one of India’s leading hotel management companies with a portfolio of six brands and over 100 hotels operating in 90 locations. Under the strategic agreement between CHPL and Marriott, CHPL’s flagship brands—The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat—will affiliate with Series by Marriott on an exclusive basis across India and Marriott will make a small equity investment in CHPL. The Fern portfolio is currently comprised of 84 open properties and 31 executed pipeline deals, totaling 115 properties and approximately 8,000 rooms. Fern properties are expected to join Marriott’s portfolio in India over time following discussions with the third-party hotel owners and execution of long-term franchise agreements with those owners. CG Hospitality, the hospitality division of the multi-national conglomerate CG Corp Global, is the majority stakeholder in CHPL.

“Series by Marriott furthers Marriott’s commitment to delivering lodging offerings in the right place at the right price with basics done well,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott’s reach among value-conscious travelers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners.

“We are thrilled to launch Series by Marriott through our founding deal with CHPL. This deal will help meaningfully expand Marriott’s leading position in India, a key market for the company.  We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world. The Fern portfolio throughout India is highly regarded and CHPL’s commitment to operational excellence and meeting the needs of regional travelers embodies the spirit of the Series by Marriott brand,” said Capuano.

“India is one of Marriott’s most dynamic and strategic markets, making it the ideal launchpad for Series by Marriott,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Our founding deal with CHPL allows us to scale purposefully with a trusted local brand that resonates with regional travelers. This collaboration combines CHPL’s deep market knowledge with Marriott’s global platform—broadening access to quality hospitality and unlocking strong growth potential across the country. Launching Series by Marriott in India reflects the region’s critical role in our long-term growth strategy.”

“Through our majority stake in CHPL, we’ve nurtured The Fern brands as standard-bearers for eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality in India. Being part of Series by Marriott will allow us to amplify our reach. The Fern brands are expected to benefit not only from the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and global distribution systems, but also from strategic growth opportunities,” said Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global.

“We are thrilled to partner with the world’s largest hospitality company in driving a new era of growth in India’s midscale segment. Our vision is to unlock the immense potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as lesser-known destinations across India that are rich in culture, heritage, and opportunity. This strategic collaboration underscores our commitment to expanding access to quality hospitality, fostering local economies, and meeting the rising demand for sustainable, comfortable, and accessible stays in emerging markets,” said Param Kannampilly, Chairman, Concept Hospitality Private Limited. 

 

A Series of Hotels: Regionally Created, Globally Connected

Series by Marriott is designed to deliver a simple and approachable experience for travelers with a focus on fundamentals and well-executed basics. Hotels in the portfolio will offer quality and value with clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, daily coffee or tea, with breakfast, fitness centers and meetings and event spaces available at certain properties. Hotels will reflect the regions and customers they serve while delivering Marriott’s global standards for safety and cleanliness. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, members staying at Series by Marriott properties will be able to earn and redeem points and enjoy member benefits. 

Global Growth Opportunity for Owners

Series by Marriott has been created to bring strong, regionally relevant brands and hotels into the Marriott portfolio with industry leading revenue generation capabilities and affiliation cost structures. Owners will have the ability to maintain their portfolio’s independent identity while leveraging the power of Marriott’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program with nearly 237 million members globally, and digital platforms like Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app to generate direct bookings.

In addition to its founding deal with CHPL, Marriott is also in active discussions about the Series by Marriott brand with owners in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

 

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The post Philippines secures over US$21 million in leads at Arabian Travel Market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines secured more than US$21 million in sales leads during its participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

In a news release issued by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) on Monday, 19th May, the Philippine delegation led by now-former tourism secretary Christina Frasco showcased the Southeast Asian nation’s rich culture, natural beauty, and diverse tourism offerings.

During the opening of the Philippine Pavilion, Frasco expressed the country’s readiness to welcome more visitors from all over the world, including those from the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

She declared: “The Philippines is a nation on the rise, a country of 7,641 islands, each a doorway to beauty, opportunity, and connection; it is a destination where travelers from the Middle East and the GCC find not just luxury, but belonging. The Middle East and GCC are not just important markets for us, they are true partners in building a future of sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful tourism.”

Significantly higher than last year

The TPB said that the sales leads generated from ATM 2025 show an increase of 233 percent from last year.

This was construed as proof of renewed global confidence in the Philippine tourism sector, and likewise symbolises the highest sales achievement ever from this event.

Representatives from a wide range of Filipino travel and hospitality businesses joined the delegation, including travel agencies, resorts, hotels, and airlines.

Also present during the event were special envoy for trade and investments Kathryna Yu-Pimentel and special envoy for culture and the arts Karen Santos.

This collective presence leveraged ATM as a platform to expand market access and showcase the Philippines as a top-tier tourism and investment destination.

Furthermore, the country’s participation demonstrated its strong presence in the global tourism arena, showing promising opportunities for inbound travel from key markets.

TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Nograles said high-value business meetings were also conducted at the Philippine Pavilion throughout the four-day exhibition.

She said these meetings forged new partnerships focused on the tourism sector stakeholders, such as those offering beach leisure, family holidays, and halal tourism to travelers from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other regions.

Nograles said: “We recognise the Middle East as a dynamic market seeking enriching family experiences and authentic cultural immersion. To meet this demand, our Philippine delegation is ready to curate unique journeys for different kinds of travelers in the Middle East and to promote the dynamic destinations found within our 7,641 islands.”

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The post Ponant Explorations introduces a new itinerary that explores Baja California appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Product Research & Development department presents an intriguing new itinerary that will take explorers to Mexico’s Baja California.

The product of three years of development, this new voyage promises to be a rare experience in a timeless place where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

According to Ponant Explorations’ director of research and development for the expedition experience José Sarica: “Creating an itinerary in Baja California was a challenge for me. We have a huge responsibility to share this exceptional environment, to pass it on to future generations, and to show that we are worthy of the trust placed in us by the people who live there. What I experienced there compares to no other experience: it’s the powerful feeling of being truly alive, connected to nature, and that’s what our guests will discover.”

Raising environmental awareness through active exploration

Long threatened by intensive fishing in the 1970s and 1980s, the Sea of Cortez has gradually regained balance thanks to the commitment of local communities. 

Former fishermen, now stewards of conservation, spearheaded the creation of protected areas, leading to the establishment of several national parks. 

A renewed dialogue between humans and nature ensued, one that the PONANT EXPLORATIONS team set out to witness firsthand in the field.

By drawing on local communities and their logistical resources for most of the visits and activities offered to guests, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will take part in a positive momentum toward building effective partnerships between authorities, the private sector, and civil society.

These partnerships must be inclusive, founded on shared principles and values, and place both people and the planet at the heart of their priorities.

To honour the trust placed by local communities, PONANT EXPLORATIONS implements a biosecurity protocol tailored to the region. 

For example, before any interaction with whales, hands must be washed with disinfectant soap. 

Also, the sunscreen used for diving and swimming is formulated to be environmentally safe.

One with nature 

Wildlife watching will be a highlight: encounters at sea with grey whales, bottlenose dolphins and pelicans at sea, swimming alongside Californian sea lions and the enchanting aquatic ballet of mobula rays among others. 

Blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas also frequent the area.

Landings with the naturalist team will provide guests access to places untouched by human presence. Visits to small, typically Mexican towns such as Loreto will also offer opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture.

A wide range of activities will be offered to guests, adaptable to their preferences,  whether they seek relaxation or a more active experience. 

On the agenda: snorkelling (with wetsuits, as the water temperature in Mexico is cool at that time of year), scuba diving, and hiking through canyons.

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Source: traveldailymedia