The post Hilton Colombo presents its newest MICE package appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hilton Colombo presents a new and transformative Groups, Meetings & Events (GM&E) package curated to elevate corporate travel into a meaningful, memorable journey.

Specifically designed for organisations seeking connection beyond the boardroom, this exclusive offering combines business excellence and leisure enrichment.

In doing so, the package positions the hotel as Sri Lanka’s go-to destination for immersive corporate retreats.

Amenities at one’s fingertips

Starting at just US$288 per night on a double-sharing basis for groups of 25 or more, the package invites guests to experience a well-rounded itinerary that seamlessly blends productivity, wellness, and local discovery. 

Beyond the elegant event spaces and world-class amenities, guests may also enjoy an array of thoughtfully crafted inclusions:

• Executive floor accommodations with elevated comforts
• Complimentary airport transfers
• Daily laundry service (3 pieces per guest)
• Complimentary breakout rooms for seamless collaboration
• Half-board dining at the award-winning Graze Kitchen (lunch and dinner)
• Morning yoga sessions on the serene Lotus Lawn
• A climate-conscious dining journey with Hilton’s tree-planting initiative
• A signature yacht farewell party at Port City
• Curated cocktails at SunsetBlu, Colombo’s first all-day club

Available for bookings through 31st October of this year, this limited-time offer is ideal for MICE, incentive travel, and team retreats. 

With a promise of purposeful travel, guests are empowered to connect, create, and celebrate in style.

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The post Norwegian Cruise Line invites guests to Experience More at Sea this summer appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) invites guests to “Experience More at Sea” with the freedom and flexibility to design the cruise vacation of their dreams.

Those sailing this summer can head to bucket-list destinations such as Alaska and Europe on NCL’s newly revitalised ships, and enjoy the experiences offered by fun-in-the-sun itineraries in the Caribbean and Bermuda.

NCL president David J Herrera explained that the cruise line has invested significantly in new and newly renovated ships to give guests more to do, more to enjoy, and more value for their vacation in some of the hottest destinations this summer.

Herrera said: “Summer travel season is here, and with the ability to unpack once and enjoy multiple destinations in one vacation, a cruise is the best option for travelers looking for incredible value. Whether you are dreaming of an adventure in Alaska, a cultural discovery in Europe or dipping your toes in the sand on a beach in the Caribbean, NCL has a great vacation for every type of traveler this summer.”

A new fleet sails to the Alaskan frontier

Through October 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line will boast the youngest fleet sailing to Alaska with five ships cruising to the region from convenient departure ports in the US and Canada including Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offering guests more opportunity to enjoy one of the most scenic destinations in the world. 

This summer, guests can enjoy three of NCL’s recently renovated Breakaway-Plus class ships, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore  and Norwegian Joy, which were custom-built to cruise Alaska. 

The vessels feature expansive observation lounges for sweeping vistas as well as the Waterfront, the outdoor promenade designed to enhance guests’ connection to the sea with al fresco dining, bars and lounge spaces. 

Additionally, just revitalized this year, Norwegian Bliss offers a brand-new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, a versatile, gathering space providing a variety of experiences from lawn-style games such as cornhole to giant Jenga and reclining loungers for optimal views of the Last Frontier. 

Sister ships, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, also feature refreshed spaces from recent dry docks such as the new addition of Spice H2O, the adults-only, complimentary outdoor area tucked away from the main pool deck, and a spacious and newly expanded Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, respectively.

In addition to offering guests newly enhanced ships purposely built to sail Alaska, the brand provides adventure seekers and wildlife lovers with the most departure sailings from Seattle this summer season. 

Through October 2025, NCL offers guests round-trip, seven-day cruises every Saturday or Sunday aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore visiting some of the most beautiful locations in Alaska including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The sailings also include a stop in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the largest Native Tlingit village in the state and a true wilderness experience where the landscape is teeming with whales, bears, otters and more. 

Aboard Norwegian Joy, guests can enjoy a variety of round-trip nine and 10-day itineraries from Seattle with six to seven days in port to truly immerse themselves in the lush landscape and wildlife of the Last Frontier.

For more time in the Alaskan region, guests can also take advantage of NCL’s incredible Cruisetour offering which provides travelers with more days to explore the destination including a visit to the Denali National Park; a riverboat cruise and city tour in Fairbanks, Alaska; a tour of the Iditarod sled dog musher’s camp; and so much more.

The ultimate European summer

When cruising with NCL, guests have the freedom and flexibility to design the European summer vacation of their dreams with a variety of port-immersive sailings with almost no days at sea and an average of 10 hours at each stop. 

With over 150 unique itineraries for guests to choose and eight ships visiting the region, including two ships that were renovated just this year, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic, and two of NCL’s newest ships in the fleet, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. 

While sailing through the Mediterranean on the newly enhanced Norwegian Breakaway, guests can experience the all-new Silver Screen Bistro, an immersive movie and dining venue for the whole family to enjoy and the brand-new Horizon Park, an outdoor recreation area on top of the ship to bring guests beautiful 360° views of the ocean. 

Additionally, guests can kick off their European adventure on the revitalized Norwegian Epic, which just recently left her dry dock on May 8, 2025. 

Norwegian Epic features more expansive spaces for guests including a reimagined Kids’ Aqua Park and a newly expanded Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only outdoor oasis, with more lounge chairs and private cabanas. 

Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic will sail a variety of nine, 10, 11 and 12-day cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Venice (Trieste), Italy to some of the most historic cities in Europe including Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Salerno, and Messina (Sicily), Italy; as well as visits to the beautiful Greek Isles such as Santorini, Mykonos and Olympia (Katakolon), Greece.

In addition to sailing aboard refreshed ships, guests can embark on their European dream vacation aboard some of NCL’s newest ships in the fleet, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, sailing a variety of Baltic, Northern Europe and Greek Isles cruises. 

These bucket-list itineraries feature visits to Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden; Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany; Amsterdam (Ijmuiden), Netherlands; and Brussels / Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium.

Into the Caribbean with the Norwegian Aqua

While school is out for the summer, NCL is offering guests more opportunities to experience the perfect vacation for the whole family with multiple ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bermuda including the Company’s newest ship in the fleet, Norwegian Aqua. 

Complete with the first-of-its-kind attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, the fastest and longest slides at sea, and the Glow Court, a digital sports complex that transforms into a nightclub, as well as incredible entertainment and spa options, Norwegian Aqua provides guests with more of what they love about NCL and something for everyone in the family to enjoy while sailing fun-in-the-sun itineraries.

Norwegian Aqua is currently offering round-trip, seven-day Caribbean cruises from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida, one of the busiest home ports in the United States, before sailing a series of five- and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. 

In the fall, the ship will return to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 and April 2026, visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. 

Great Stirrup Cay will debut new family-friendly amenities in late 2025, including a multi-ship pier, a large heated pool and a swim-up bar.

In addition to the all-new Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Jewel will also offer round-trip seven-day cruises to the beautiful island of Bermuda, with these ships sailing from New York and Boston, respectively. 

Perfect for guests who are looking to soak up the sun on the sand this summer, these beach-bound itineraries feature overnight calls to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, providing guests with more time to enjoy and discover the island’s turquoise blue waters and pink-sand beaches.

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The post HX Expeditions teams up with Inuit Elders for a unique tour of Arctic Canada appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global expedition cruise company HX Expeditions has teamed up with elders of Canada’s Inuit community to develop a new excursion programme for Arctic Canada.

Involving community elders, local residents, and staff born and raised Inuit, this new programme marks the first time that a global cruise company has introduced a community-driven initiative of this scale in the region. 

Launching in summer 2025, the community-led excursions will be offered on HX’s 25-day Northwest Passage sailings: westbound from Greenland to Alaska aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen, HX’s newest hybrid-powered vessel, and eastbound from Alaska to Greenland aboard MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship.

This new line of community-led excursions will debut in Gjøa Haven, Pond Inlet, and Cambridge Bay, communities in the eastern Canadian Arctic that can be visited only during a short summer window.

The people powering the programme

A key member of the development team for these new experiences is Mariah Erkloo, an HX Product Planner and Inuk who was born and raised in Pond Inlet. 

Erkloo helped shape the concept and strengthen relationships between HX and local partners. 

As she puts it: “This kind of collaboration is exactly what’s needed in Arctic tourism. It’s encouraging to see it begin in a way that centers Inuit voices and priorities. From the community side, if this model continues to grow with care, it will strengthen the experience for both locals and visitors. I look forward to seeing how it evolves and the lasting positive impact it will have for our communities and the people who travel through them.”

Each excursion was created in partnership with Inuit hosts to offer guests a rare opportunity to engage with daily life, culture, and traditions in the Canadian Arctic through the perspective of the people who live there.

According to chief expedition officer Alex McNeil: “These intimate excursions are an opportunity for travellers to create meaningful personal connections with local residents and experience the beauty of Inuit hospitality like never before. By keeping excursions to an average of ten to 12 guests, we ensure each experience is personal and rooted in genuine exchange, offering a level of access, connection, and cultural integration you won’t find with other cruise lines.”

HX worked hand-in-hand with Inuit to create experiences that invite guests to share in the day-to-day life of those who call these shores home. 

A game-changer for Arctic travel

This summer, HX guests sailing through the Northwest Passage will have the opportunity to take part in locally created, community-led experiences.

The Northwest Passage is a route so remote, it has been transited fewer than 450 times by ship in recorded history.

Among the experiences unique to this curated voyage are:

• Guided hikes to local landmarks with Inuit storytelling
• Participating in the lighting of the traditional Qilliq and learning its cultural significance
• “Arctic Conversations”: small-group discussions with community members about life in the North
• Arctic char fishing with local harvesters using traditional weir techniques
• Visiting summer cabins to learn how Inuit continue to live off the land
• Collaborative art-making sessions using techniques and materials unique to each region
• Storytelling with respected Elders sharing personal experiences and ancestral knowledge
• Joining community events like bingo, card games, or demonstrations of Arctic sports

These excursions offer a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect with life in the Arctic, designed not just to inform, but to foster genuine connection between guests and hosts.

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The post Fairmont’s new campaign invites guests to Make Special Happen appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts officially unveiled its new global brand campaign, Fairmont Presents ”Make Special Happen” today, 20th May.

Paying homage to the brand’s centurion heritage as host to some of the world’s most storied celebrations and history-making moments, as well as its legacy with the silver screen, the creative tells the story of the build-up to a grand celebration, capturing how Fairmont colleagues and guests come together to “Make Special Happen”. 

The resulting campaign is Fairmont at its most captivating, elevating the art of making every moment a celebration.  

Developed by King & Partners, the new campaign was directed by award-winning filmmaker Jean Claude Thibaut, and shot at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. 

20th century charm meets 21st century hospitality

Stylistically, the creative evokes the charm of a classic film, a tribute to the refined elegance of a bygone era, where the North American spirit of allure and adventure on which Fairmont was founded, is reimagined for today. 

It was inspired by the brand’s rich heritage of hosting some of history’s most momentous occasions, from the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, to Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball in New York City, to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s ‘bed in for peace’ in Montreal. 

The creative team was tasked with building upon this legacy to set the stage for a new era of celebratory moments at Fairmont, looking forward to some of the more modern design hotels which shape the skyline of the destinations they reside in, such as Fairmont Doha and Fairmont Tokyo. 

Thibaut said that he drew inspiration from Fairmont’s incredible heritage, with particular influence from the allure of the Truman Capote era, when he began crafting the campaign. 

As he explains: “The focus was on capturing the essence of celebration, friendship, and togetherness: values that have always been at the heart of the Fairmont experience. Through both the film and imagery, I sought to evoke the joy of gathering, with Fairmont as the incredible backdrop, always there to support and elevate special moments. It’s been an incredible project to be a part of, and I’m excited to see it come to life.” 

A story artfully told

Through a mix of film and stills, the artwork follows a charismatic cast of characters through a series of intriguing and playful moments, leading up to an unforgettable celebration. 

The audience follows along as “The Celebrationist”, the Grande Dame of the story, carefully pens her invites, handing them over to “The Porter”, always on a mission to “Make Special Happen” for Fairmont guests. 

He glides through the grand corridors of the hotel to hand deliver to “The Linksman”, usually found out on the links or out on the town; “The Wellness Enthusiast”, whose favorite places are in a Fairmont gym or on the dance floor; “The Muse & Her Makers”, a family whose travels have taken them all over the world, always with their beloved Golden Retriever; and “The Legends in Leisure”, still as in love as the day they met, and always ready for a night of cocktails and adventure. 

When it’s officially time to “Make Special Happen”, special guest and a legend in his own right, Tom Wolfe, America’s first concierge, and the chief concierge and director of heritage at flagship Fairmont San Francisco, appears, as a flurry of activity by both guests and staff ensues. 

Elegant attire and indulgences appear, as chandeliers cast a golden glow over a soirée. 

With anticipation rising, the celebration reaches its crescendo, bringing with it the realization: Fairmont Makes Special Happen.  

More than just another campaign

According to Fairmont Raffles chief executive Omar Acar: “Make Special Happen isn’t just a campaign, it’s part of our brand DNA and is the sentiment we make our guests feel. Fairmont hotels are social epicenters that blend genuine encounters with the heart of the action, creating vibrant spaces where communities gather. Occasions are celebrated, milestones are marked, and history is made every day at our 94 properties in 30 countries globally. Bringing to life our first new global brand campaign in many years marks another special, history-making moment. ‘Make Special Happen’ reaffirms Fairmont’s core identity and what sets it apart in a way that reaches a new and discerning audience.” 

Upon launch, the campaign will leverage a blend of still imagery alongside video showcasing the Fairmont film. 

A 360-degree paid media plan consisting of global print, online, and social titles are being activated in two phases commencing May-July and then September-October when all owned, earned and paid media channels will be fully live. 

Key regions for the campaign include North America, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and Europe with a particular focus on national, travel and lifestyle publications in these markets. 

Though the first iteration of the campaign focuses on a party, it was important for Fairmont to demonstrate that making special happen isn’t just about major galas and events, but it’s also about making every moment of every day special in its own way. 

The brand is bringing this to life in the hotels with the concurrent launch of “Special Happens…”, a collection of unique offerings which immerse a guest or local into their own unforgettable experience.

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The post Cebu Pacific seeks to continue growth trajectory following strong performance in 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific looks to continue its rapid growth, leveraging on 2024 fleet and network development.

During its annual stockholders’ meeting, airline chairman Lance Gokongwei highlighted the importance of the company’s continued commitment to excellence, expansion of its network and strategic investment in aircraft.

Gokongwei declared: “Our work over the past couple of years have placed Cebu Pacific in a position to take advantage of the Philippine growth story, and we are confident that our airline will continue to reach new highs on the back of the outstanding work of the organization, other stakeholders, and, of course, your unwavering support.”

A year of exceptional growth

The company finished 2024 with significant growth in revenues through record breaking passenger numbers and a consistently strong seat load factor throughout the year.

To support its growth and ensure operational resilience amid industry challenges, Cebu Pacific took delivery of 17 aircraft in 2024 and pushed forward with the development of hubs across the country, to ensure that more people have access to affordable air travel.

Cebu Pacific CEO Michael Szucs noted how these strategic investments in hubs and aircraft have been key catalysts to the airline’s growth. 

According to Szucs: “By seizing these opportunities, we have not only outpaced competition but also solidified our position as industry leader.”

In 2024, Cebu Pacific’s growth strategy enabled it to become the leader in the Philippine international market, while strengthening its leadership in the domestic market.

Szucs expressed confidence in the airline’s continued growth in 2025, noting how early months of 2025 show that the market is already absorbing the additional capacity, and how this will also strengthen the company’s overall financial position.

He also expressed his optimism in the long-term growth potential of Philippine aviation, driven by the country’s economic, geographic and demographic advantages. 

Underpinning this view is Cebu Pacific’s historic order for up to 152 aircraft signed in 2024, showing its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ continued growth and development, and securing its leadership position well into the next decade.

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The post Dida launches inaugral ‘Engage’ events in Chengdu and Shenzhen appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dida launched their inaugral ‘Engage’ events in the key Chinese cities of Chengdu and Shenzhen this past 13^th – 15^th May. These dynamic events brought together over 50 prestigious hotel brands from six popular destinations favored by Chinese travelers — Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Commenting on the events, Snow Xiao, Head of Hotel Contracting at Dida said “The engage events in Chengdu and Shenzhen have surpassed all our expectations. The feedback from our valued hotel partners has been excellent. They genuinely value Dida’s ability to provide them with significant reach and brand awareness to top travel agent customers – a high-quality channel that drives significant incremental bookings from hard-to-reach markets all the while working in true harmony with their direct marketing activities. A big thank you to our valued partners and travel agency customers, you really made this event special!”

Participants included renowned global hotel groups such as Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Las Vegas Sands Corporation, as well as leading Southeast Asian brands like S Hotels & Resorts, ONYX Hospitality Group, Anantara Group, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, and Ormond Hotels. The event comprehensively addressed diverse market segments, including FIT, group tours, MICE and family travel.

These first ‘Engage’ events attracted enthusiastic participation from over 400 of Dida’s top travel agency customers from both Chengdu and Shenzhen in a dynamic environment of sharing, networking and innovation, further reinforcing Dida’s recently launched new brand identity and mission to seamlessly integrate technology and human‑centric service to efficiently connect travel supply and demand worldwide.

AI Innovations and interactive experiences 

Aligned to Dida’s philosophy of being ‘Driven by Tech, Powered by People’ the events also acted as a showcase to demonstrate the latest, most advanced AI capabilities that Dida has been building and integrating into its online booking platform. Innovations that provide a more user friendly yet powerful platform for agents to drive higher conversion, as well as generative AI marketing solutions to help hoteliers develop brand awareness and sales via the increasingly important Chinese social media platforms.

Going forward the Engage event format is designed to provide a template for future events to develop deep and efficient access by our hotel partners globally to position their brands effectively to some of the fastest growing, most important source markets in the world. The company plans to replicate this success across Asia and further afield in the near future.

 

 

 

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The post Reece Whitby and Anneke Brown to headline Maximum Occupancy West Coast appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Maximum Occupancy West Coast conference announced that tourism minister Reece Whitby and Tourism Western Australia’s Anneke Brown will lead its illustrious line-up of speakers. 

The event is slated for 12th June at the Pan Pacific Perth and will bring together key figures from the accommodation, hotel and hospitality industries across Western Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2024, this year’s conference will be even bigger, with an exciting lineup of keynote speakers and panelists.

Whitby will deliver the opening keynote, highlighting the WA Government’s renewed commitment to driving growth and innovation in WA’s tourism and accommodation sectors.

Brown, on the other hand, will share insights on tourism investment attraction initiatives into the WA accommodation sector, how Tourism WA’s events strategy is driving accommodation bookings, and how WA’s top visitor markets stay and play in the state.

Aside from Whitby and Browne, the conference will feature over 20 expert speakers from across Western Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, representing the full spectrum of the accommodation industry from hoteliers, technology innovators, AI experts to social media giants such as TikTok

What’s on the agenda for this year?

• State of the Nation and WA Economic Outlooks
  
• AI, Automation, and how to best use it
  
• Driving Direct Bookings
  
• Events and How they Drive Bookings
• Sustainability and ESG: A New Era of Traveller Expectations
  
• The Rise of Alternative Accommodations and Hybrid Stays
  

With such a slate, Maximum Occupancy West Coast provides a unique platform for accommodation and hospitality professionals across the sector to connect, share knowledge, and explore the future of accommodation and hospitality tourism in the region.

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The post Etihad Airways unveils its Premium Sale appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways has launched an exclusive Premium sale, with up to 30% off on Business fares, offering travellers the chance to experience luxury travel at exceptional prices across its expanding global network.

Available until Wednesday 21 May, the offer features Business fares to sought-after summer destinations and our new destinations Sochi and Prague. These special fares starting from SAR 4,818 are valid for travel between 2 June 2025 and 30 Sep 2025.

Wei Jin, VP Revenue Management at Etihad Airways, said: “Summer is a time for unforgettable experiences, and we’re making luxury travel more accessible with these exceptional Premium Cabin offers. These Premium sale fares allow travellers to turn their dream summer holiday into reality, enjoying the comfort, space and personalised service that defines Etihad’s premium experience.”

The special promotion follows Etihad’s reveal of its new A321LR aircraft cabins, bringing the luxury Etihad is renowned for on its widebody fleet to short and medium-haul routes. The new aircraft features exclusive First Suites with private, enclosed spaces and spacious Business seats with fully-flat beds, transforming regional travel with Etihad’s signature premium experience.

Premium guests across the Etihad network enjoy à la carte dining, access to dedicated lounges, and the airline’s signature hospitality.

When booking flights with Etihad, guests have the option to add a stopover in Abu Dhabi and select a complimentary hotel stay of up to two nights in a range of premier hotels across the city as part of the online booking process.

Customers can secure these limited-time premium fares through etihad.com, the Etihad Airways mobile app, or via travel agents

 

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The post Cathay Pacific graduates a new batch of cadet-pilots appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay Pacific celebrated the graduation of the latest batch of cadet pilots who completed its Cadet Pilot Training Programme. 

This batch is unique in the sense that they are the first class whose ground theory training was conducted in-house by Cathay Academy.

In turn, this reflects Cathay’s expertise in creating and delivering tailored and comprehensive training.

Cathay chief operations and service delivery officer Alex McGowan welcomed Civil Aviation Department acting director-general of civil aviation Clara Wong as the guest of honour at the graduation ceremony, which was held on Friday, 16th May, at the airline’s Cathay City headquarters.

Wong was moved to remark: “For over 35 years, Cathay Pacific’s cadet pilot training programme has served as a cornerstone for nurturing local aviation talent. From engaging more flying schools around the world, to having theory courses taught by local institutions, and now Cathay Academy, together we are making history. This evolution aims to make pilot training more effective, efficient and sustainable.”

McGowan added: “Developing aviation talent has always been a priority for Cathay. Our Cadet Pilot Training Programme provides us with world-class aviators, many of whom have gone on to hold senior training positions with us, as well as key flying leadership roles. Today’s graduation carries special significance as it marks our first group of cadet pilots to go through our very own Cathay Academy ground school, including Multi Crew Cooperation training in our simulators. This enables us to ensure the highest quality training, get closer to our future pilots, and enrich their overall experience. It also expands our ability to develop future generations of aviation talent locally.”

Extensive training at the hands of experts

In addition to the theoretical ground training, these cadet pilots also underwent flight training at AeroGuard Flight Training Center in Arizona and Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) training in flight simulators with Cathay Academy before graduating from the programme. 

The 34 graduates making up the class have since joined Cathay Pacific as Second Officers and commenced flying duty. 

Currently, there are more than 500 cadet pilots in training as part of the Cadet Pilot Training Programme.

Today, Cathay Pacific currently operates multi-path integrated courses for training its cadet pilots, including courses developed with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and its in-house Cathay Academy. 

Each course sees cadets first undertake theoretical ground training, then flight training at AeroGuard Flight Training Center in Arizona or Flight Training Adelaide in Adelaide, followed by multi-crew simulator training also developed by Cathay Academy at the airline’s Cathay City headquarters in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific’s Cadet Pilot Training Programme was launched in 1988, and its present roster of alumni includes 185 Captains, more than 40 of whom are Training Captains. 

The airline also has seven management pilots who earned their wings through the programme.

Since 2022, the Cadet Pilot Training Programme has provided training for more than 1,000 cadet pilots. 

As Cathay continues to play its part in elevating Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub, it targets to recruit more than 130 cadet pilots in 2025 as an airline Group.

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The post Traveloka reports increased travel demand throughout Asia Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Asian online travel platform Traveloka reports that travel demand is on the rise across Asia-Pacific based on figures from its recent EPIC Sale.

Per recent platform data, more travelers are eager to explore new destinations and seek meaningful experiences. 

Traveloka noted that Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam emerged as the top three most-searched destinations by millions of APAC travelers during its recent EPIC Sale 2025 which ran between 22nd April and 5th May, offering discounts of up to 60 percent on flights, accommodations, and experiences.

Launched simultaneously across seven key APAC markets; namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, the EPIC Sale not only delivered unbeatable deals but also provided insights into shifting travel preferences. 

Beyond the numbers, the campaign reflects a larger trend: travelers are looking to make the most of long weekends and holidays, with a growing interest in cultural exploration, nature escapes, and family-friendly experiences.

To make the most of upcoming holidays, Traveloka encourages travelers to stay smart and save more by keeping an eye out for ongoing promotions, which offer significant discounts on flights, hotels, and attractions. 

Whether exploring nearby cities, discovering hidden gems within the country, or traveling to international destinations, these deals provide the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences every step of the way.

Where APAC travellers want to go

Thailand ranked first among the top 10 most popular destinations for travelers from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. 

On the domestic front, Udon Thani, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat emerged as the top favorites among Thai travelers, reaffirming their appeal as top local destinations. 

This reflects a clear enthusiasm for both global adventures and local escapes.

According to Nok Air chief commercial officer Ranon Viputsiri: “It has been a great pleasure for Nok Air to collaborate with Traveloka on this campaign. The results have been remarkable, reflecting the strong synergy between both parties. We look forward to continuing this close partnership and achieving even greater milestones together.”

Leisure travel and staycations continue to rise, indicating a growing preference for nearby travel with a more flexible itinerary. 

Based on accommodation searches, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Sukhumvit were favored by Thai travelers for short getaways, typically three day / two night stays to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and explore family-friendly experiences. 

This aligns with a larger shift toward more conscious travel, where convenience and affordability play a greater role.

Making every experience count 

Meanwhile, Traveloka vice-president for commercial travel activities Baidi Li said: “Today’s travellers are increasingly focused on value, measured not just in price, but in relevance, flexibility, and the quality of experience. Through initiatives like EPIC Sale, we help partners respond to these evolving expectations by connecting them with the right customers through timely and personalized offerings. This campaign not only drove strong engagement across key markets, but also strengthened our role as a trusted partner in helping brands grow their visibility and reach through data-driven, customer-centric solutions.”

During the EPIC Sale, there was a clear shift in traveler behavior: users were no longer just booking trips, they were curating experiences. 

In Thailand, this was reflected in the surge of interest for activities such as Aquaria Phuket, Safari World Bangkok, Pattaya Dolphinarium, Dream World Bangkok, and Baiyoke Sky Restaurant. In addition, cruise travel gained notable traction, with more users exploring unique seafaring getaways that combine leisure, exploration, and cultural enrichment.

For his part, Royal Caribbean International’s vice-president and managing director in APAC Chad Grospe opined: “Today’s travelers are placing greater value on meaningful vacation experiences and seeking out journeys that create lasting memories. That’s why they turn to trusted platforms like Traveloka – partners who offer quality, curated travel experiences with seamless convenience. Our collaboration with Traveloka has allowed us to reach more travelers across the region, inspiring them to explore Royal Caribbean’s unique vacations both close to home and around the world. We’re proud to be part of their travel stories, helping to make every trip more exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.”

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