The post Hadiprana Hospitality set to change the game in the Indonesian hospitality sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Built upon the legacy of one of Indonesia’s most celebrated architecture and design visionaries, Hadiprana Hospitality officially makes its debut through a new website and social media account.

Established by the family of the late architect Hendra Hadiprana, this new hospitality brand reflects the design icon’s lifelong dedication to preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Indonesia. 

Under the leadership of Hadiprana’s daughter Puri, Hadiprana Hospitality is characterised by exceptionally curated spaces that preserve Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions through thoughtful and innovative design.

Puri is working alongside Hadiprana brand ambassador Sekaraya Hadiprana Surjaudaja to ensure that their family’s passion for authenticity and artistry continues to inspire and resonate in every aspect of the business.

At the same time, Deasy Swandarini has been appointed as the company’s chief operating officer, and she brings her extensive experience in hospitality operations and development to the role.

Four exceptional properties

Hadiprana Hospitality is currently made up of three properties: Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana; Rumah Prapanca, a Residence by Hadiprana; and Dua Dari, a Residence by Hadiprana.

A fourth, Bandarindu, a Hotel by Hadiprana, is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026. 

Tanah Gajah

Originally conceived by Hendra Hadiprana during his honeymoon in the 1960s, Tanah Gajah offers a serene and immersive resort experience, with expansive landscapes that allow guests to reconnect with nature. 

Featuring 24 suites and villas, wellness programs, cultural activities, and thoughtful dining experiences, the property is designed to provide meaningful retreats that embrace the peaceful ambiance of Bali while honouring its artistic traditions. 

It’s the perfect destination for extended stays and transformative journeys.   

Dua Dari

For those seeking an intimate and exclusive getaway, Dua Dari offers a sanctuary of four one-bedroom residences, ensuring maximum privacy and exclusivity. 

With personalised service and a curated collection of art reflecting the owner’s distinguished taste, Dua Dari is an oasis for inspiration, peace, and a sense of belonging.

As such, this location is ideal for quiet contemplation and rejuvenation.   

Rumah Prapanca

Located in the heart of South Jakarta, Rumah Prapanca is an exclusive private residence where elegance and sophistication converge. Creating an intimate, elegant space for special occasions and memorable events, Rumah Prapanca combines an exquisite art collection with thoughtful service. 

The property revolves around three key settings: The Living Room, adorned by a curated collection of antiques and artefacts from across the Indonesian archipelago; The Dining Room, featuring Hadiprana-designed chandeliers and an impressive teakwood ceiling; and The Terrace & Swimming Pool, which overlooks lush gardens and is decorated with Balinese umbrellas, colonial-era rattan sofas, and trinkets collected from Mr. Hadiprana’s international travels. 

In development: Bandarindu, a Hotel by Hadiprana  

The upcoming Bandarindu hotel will transform Mr and Mrs Hadiprana’s first holiday home in Bali into a dynamic, functional space with seamless service. 

Designed for contemporary travellers, this vibrant property will blend cultural heritage with forward-thinking design, creating a social hub for connection and rejuvenation. 

Slated to open in Q4 2026, Bandarindu promises to be an evolving environment where guests can experience a dynamic stay in the heart of one of Indonesia’s most paradisical locations.

A brilliant past, a promising future

Sekaraya Hadiprana Surjaudaja said of the newly launched hospitality firm: “We’re thrilled to officially launch Hadiprana Hospitality, and looking forward to further growth with several exciting projects in the pipeline. As our portfolio expands, we remain committed to honouring the legacy of Hendra Hadiprana by curating experiences that are culturally rich, artistically inspiring and ecologically sustainable.” 

Hadiprana began as Hadiprana Design which was founded by the late Hendra Hadiprana in 1958. 

Known for his visionary work in architecture, he created spaces that deeply reflected Indonesia’s diverse culture and beauty. 

In 1962, Hadiprana founded the first art gallery in Indonesia, further contributing to the cultural landscape. 

His travels to Bali, where he built several holiday homes, inspired the Hadiprana family to establish Hadiprana Hospitality, carrying on his legacy of cultural respect and artistry through uniquely designed properties. 

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The post Etihad Airways and TAP Air Portugal Launch a Frequent Flyer Partnership Agreement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, and TAP Air Portugal, the national carrier of Portugal, have launched a frequent flyer partnership. The agreement enables members of both Etihad Guest and the TAP Miles&Go programme to earn and redeem their respective loyalty currency on either carrier.

Etihad Guest members are able to redeem their miles on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or shop from a variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. TAP Miles&Go member miles can be spent on flights and a range of additional offers such as TAP Store items.

Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “We’re delighted to launch our frequent flyer partnership with TAP Air Portugal, offering our members even more ways to earn and redeem their miles across the airline’s network in the Americas, Europe and Africa. We’re devoted to expanding our Etihad Guest offering and rewarding our loyalty members wherever they travel. We look forward to welcoming TAP Miles&Go members on Etihad Airways and offering them the ability to earn or redeem their miles when they choose to travel across our expanding network.”

This partnership follows the strategic codeshare established between the carriers in 2023, unlocking enhanced connectivity for guests and offering more destinations and further choice through a fully global network. Networks of both airlines complement each other with destinations across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The codeshare allows Etihad Guest members to be rewarded for travel to destinations such as Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Cancun, whilst TAP Miles & Go members will be able to earn miles exploring Etihad’s expanding network with new destinations such as Chiang Mai, Hong Kong and Medan.

Pedro Flores Ribeiro, Director TAP Miles&Go, said: “It’s very exciting to be able to offer our TAP Miles&Go members the possibility of redeeming their miles with Etihad flights across a range of attractive destinations. We also welcome Etihad Guest members to discover TAP Air Portugal network and our warm Portuguese hospitality and service.”

 

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The post LuxeGlamp expands to UAE with Landmark Eco-Tourism Project in Umm Al Quwain appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxeglamp Eco-resorts, the pioneers of luxury glamping in India, has opened its first overseas glamping destination at Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company has announced the commencement of operations of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the UAE’s first dedicated eco-tourism glamping resort.

The project, the foundation stone for which was laid by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al Quwain, signaling the emirate’s shared commitment to responsible and future-forward tourism, is located in the heart of the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, offering ten glass-domed suites, each spanning nearly 1,000 square feet.

Antony Thomas, Founder and CEO of LuxeGlamp, said, “LuxeGlamp UAQ is a celebration of what Indian eco-luxury hospitality can achieve globally. We’re proud to share our nature-first design philosophy with the world. A highlight of the destination is Luxe Bistro. This stunning glass-domed fine-dining restaurant delivers a fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, crafted with local and sustainable ingredients”.

Spread over 50 acres and with a build-up area of 3 acres is a first-of-its-kind project in the region, LuxeGlamp UAQ merges luxury hospitality with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, redefining conscious travel in the Middle East. It is designed to offer a sustainable and luxurious glamping experience, becoming the regions most significant eco-tourism venture. These panoramic domes are meticulously designed to blend into the mangrove ecosystem and offer guests private plunge pools, wooden decks, saunas, and hammocks—all with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and surrounding mangroves.

The resort features Sustainability Highlights:

• 100% eco-conscious design: no permanent structures, no piling, and zero soil disturbance
• Solar-powered operation across the property
• Structures made from recyclable materials including tempered glass and aluminium
• Use of sustainable bamboo for 80% of wood applications
• No single-use plastics
• Interiors feature elegant Balinese design fused with local cultural elements

Founded by Indian entrepreneur Antony Thomas, LuxeGlamp has become a recognized name in India for its award-winning, eco-sensitive glamping retreats in India at Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu  and Munnar in Kerala. With the launch of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the brand proudly steps onto the global stage, showcasing Indian innovation in sustainable tourism.

 

 

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The post SIA Group reports record net profits in its 2024 annual report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singapore Airlines’ parent company SIA Group released its full-year financials for 2024 today, 15th May.

SIA Group reported a record $2.8 billion net profit, boosted by the one-off non-cash accounting gain of $1.1 billion from the Air India-Vistara merger.

The aviation firm also reported an operating profit of $1.7 billion on lower yields from heightened competition, partially mitigated by record passenger carriage.

As such, the SIA Group remains in a strong position to navigate global trade and macroeconomic uncertainties due to its robust foundations and long-term strategic investments. 

Group revenue report for 2024

Passenger revenues

Group revenue climbed $527 million from a year before to a record $19,540 million, driven by resilient demand for air travel and cargo uplift in FY2024/25. 

SIA and Scoot carried a record 39.4 million passengers, up 8.1 percent, though group passenger load factor (PLF) fell 1.4 percentage points to 86.6 percent, as passenger traffic growth of 6.4 percent lagged capacity expansion of 8.2 percent. 

Passenger yields dipped 5.5 percent to 10.3 cents per revenue passenger-kilometre amidst intensified competition due to industry-wide capacity injection. 

For the year, passenger flown revenue came in at $15,849 million, up by one percent from last year.

Cargo revenues

Revenues earned from cargo improved by $94 million, buoyed by the strong demand for e-commerce and perishables, as well as the spillover from disruptions to sea freight. 

While the cargo load factor (CLF) rose 1.6 percentage points to 56.1 percent, yields decreased 7.8 percent due to increased competition.

Higher spending in 2024

Meanwhile, group expenditure rose $1,546 million to $17,831 million, with non-fuel expenditure up $1,236 million, driven by the 8.9 percent overall capacity growth and cost escalation pressures. 

This was partially mitigated by the Group’s cost management measures, including digitalisation and productivity improvement initiatives. 

Net fuel cost increased by $309 million as the impact of the increase in volume uplifted and smaller fuel hedging gains was partially offset by an 8.5% reduction in fuel prices and favourable exchange rate impact.

As a result, the Group recorded a lower operating profit of $1,709 million for FY2024/25, down $1,019 million from the prior year.

Nevertheless, the Group’s net profit improved $103 million to a record $2,778 million, due to a $1,098 million non-cash accounting gain following the completion of the Air India-Vistara merger in November 2024.

Fleet and network expansion and development

As of 31st March of this year, the Group operating fleet comprised 205 aircraft with an average age of seven years and eight months. SIA operated 145 passenger aircraft and seven freighters, while Scoot had 53 passenger aircraft. 

Just last month, the Group added one Airbus A321neo and one Boeing 787-8 to its fleet, and, as of 1st May, the Group had 78 aircraft on order.

The Group’s passenger network covered 128 destinations in 36 countries and territories as of 31 March 2025. 

SIA served 79 destinations while Scoot operated 71 destinations. 

The Group’s cargo network comprised 132 destinations in 37 countries and territories.

For the Northern Summer 2025 operating season (30 March to 25 October), SIA will increase services to Brisbane, Colombo, Jakarta, Johannesburg, London (Gatwick), Manila, and Seattle. 

Scoot launched services to Iloilo City in April 2025 and will begin operations to Vienna in June 2025.

Corporate initiatives

The Group remains committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance its network connectivity and unlock growth opportunities. 

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and SIA will commence revenue-sharing flights between Japan and Singapore from September 2025, with the joint fare products for these services going on sale in May 2025. 

This deepened commercial collaboration enables ANA and SIA to offer customers additional value beyond the existing codeshare partnerships, providing a greater variety of fare options and enhanced flight schedules, which will further strengthen connectivity for both passenger travel and air freight between Japan and Singapore.

To bolster its premium positioning and elevate the end-to-end customer journey, SIA announced a $1.1 billion investment in November 2024 to install all-new long-haul cabin products across its Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) fleet, redefining the premium travel experience across its network. 

This includes the introduction of its new First Class cabin in seven A350-900ULR aircraft, setting new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes.

Last month, SIA announced a $45 million transformation of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. 

The revamped lounges will feature 50% more space and seating capacity, upgraded facilities, signature elements from SIA’s flagship lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and a wider variety of food and beverage options.

At the same time, the Group continues to invest in its digital capabilities, including Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), giving it an edge in the competitive aviation landscape. 

SIA and Salesforce are collaborating on AI-powered customer service applications to enable the Airline to deliver more consistent and personalised service to its customers. 

Both companies also plan to co-develop AI solutions for airlines to provide greater value and additional benefits to the industry. In addition, SIA is working with OpenAI to develop and implement advanced GenAI solutions to enhance the Airline’s customer experience and operational efficiency.

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The post FHRAI signs MoU with CIRC  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 “It is important to bridge the gaps between hospitality law and practice, as regulatory uncertainty and overlaps create hurdles for the industry.” said K. Shyama Raju, President of FHRAI, while signing the MoU with CIRC  to strengthen legal and compliance capacity across the hospitality sector.

India’s tourism and hospitality sector holds immense potential, with projected revenues exceeding Rs. 5.12 lakh crore (US$59 billion) by 2028. However, startups and smaller enterprises struggle to navigate a complex web of regulatory requirements involving multiple licenses, labour laws, and compliance mandates. This not only delays business setup and expansion in hospitality space but also negatively impacts the consumers.

Adding to this burden, evolving environmental regulations now demand compliance with strict standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. While these are critical for sustainable development, the cost and complexity of implementation—especially for green building certifications and ESG disclosures—pose significant challenges to the businesses in the industry. These requirements, though aligned with global investment trends, are difficult to meet for many businesses without adequate awareness, support or incentives.

In the backdrop of the same  K Shyama Raju, President, FHRAI, stated “Today, understanding of the law is not just an advantage—it is a necessity in the hospitality industry. With laws constantly evolving, compliance demands growing, and customers expecting more, it’s crucial for hospitality professionals to understand the legal systems that impact their day-to-day work. Therefore, Federation of Hotel and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI) is proud to collaborate with CIRC on the ‘Navigating the Legal Landscape of Hospitality’ course. It is a timely and much-needed initiative that will help professionals gain the legal know-how to run their businesses more responsibly and efficiently.

Spanning eight weeks, the course is designed to benefit a diverse audience— hoteliers, restaurant owners, HR professionals, legal advisors, entrepreneurs, and even hospitality students. It covers essential topics like licensing, contract law, labour regulations, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution. In short, it is the kind of practical knowledge every hospitality leader needs to stay compliant and future-ready.”

Pradeep Mehta, Chairman, CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) commented: “With years of experience in public policy, I have seen a critical gap in legal knowledge within the hospitality industry. This shortfall often leads to unintentional consumer rights violations and regulatory missteps. Strengthening legal awareness among hospitality professionals is essential to uphold consumer protection, ensure compliance, and foster trust in an increasingly regulated service landscape. A comprehensive capacity-building programme will help individuals and the industry navigate these challenges more effectively.”

Mehta added, “To unlock the full potential of the sector, a more streamlined regulatory environment and greater support for sustainability compliance are essential. Equally important is creating widespread awareness of compliance requirements across the hospitality industry. When businesses are well-informed, they can plan proactively, avoid penalties, build investor confidence, and align better with global standards—paving the way for sustainable, long-term growth.”

Explaining the importance of the course, Raju added, “What really sets this course apart is its focus on real-world application. With weekend live sessions, industry experts as instructors, and case-based learning, participants don’t just learn theory—they gain insights they can use immediately. It empowers them to spot legal risks early, make smarter decisions, and better safeguard their businesses.

As the representative voice of India’s hospitality sector, FHRAI urges all professionals across hotels, restaurants, resorts, and allied services to take advantage of this opportunity. This course is not just about understanding legal frameworks—it is about building stronger, more credible institutions and ensuring long-term success. We believe this initiative marks an important step toward raising legal awareness across the industry. Programmes like these play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of hospitality in India, and we are confident it will make a lasting impact.”

 

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The post MakeMyTrip Delivered Record $9.8 Bn Gross Bookings for FY25 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

MakeMyTrip Limited announced its unaudited financial and operating results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended 31 March 2025.  Commenting on the results, Rajesh Magow, Group Chief Executive Officer, MakeMyTrip, said: “We delivered record gross bookings and revenue this fiscal year with robust growth and expanding margins  underscoring the strength of our platform, the popularity of our brands, and the sustained momentum in both domestic and international travel demand. Our investments in new demand segments and personalized  customer experiences across our platform have helped us to grow our customer base as well as drive high  repeat bookings.”

Commenting on the results, Mohit Kabra, Group Chief Financial Officer, MakeMyTrip, said: “Our strong customer-centric focus — especially in offering an ever-expanding range of personalized travel  services — is enabling us to consistently deliver strong financial performance. At the same time, we remain  committed to driving operational efficiency and leveraging our fixed cost base. This has helped us to expand  margins while we continue to strategically reinvest in key growth areas across our platform.”

 

 

 

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The post Mastercard Economics Institute reports that Asian destinations are travellers’ picks for summer 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) reports that eight of the 15 trending summer travel destinations are within the Asia-Pacific.

MEI released its annual report on consumer spending in the travel economy which listed the top 15 destinations that travellers are opting for in the upcoming season.

The report highlighted that passions and purpose-driven motivations remain strong drivers shaping the travel industry, even more so than political or socio-economic issues. 

Drawing on a unique analysis of aggregated and anonymised transaction data and third-party data sources, the report uncovers what is shaping travel choices today. 

Mastercard’s chief economist in the Asia-Pacific David Mann remarked: “The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travelers around the world. Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences. From exchange rates to regional accessibility, travelers are making smarter, more intentional choices about where they go and why, with a clear shift toward more personal, purposeful journeys.”

Why Asia is the place to be

Tokyo and Osaka are the world’s #1 and #2 top trending destinations for the period between June and September of this year, marking the two largest increases in tourism demand relative to previous levels.

Last year, the Japanese capital rose from the number two spot that it held in 2023 to lead global travel demand heading into the peak summer season, reflecting its continued appeal. 

Meanwhile, Nha Trang in Vietnam made a surprise entry into the list, climbing in popularity thanks to its beautiful beaches, enviable coastline and vibrant nightlife.  

At the same time, Mainland China retained its position as the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024. 

Chinese travelers are increasingly prioritising value and visa-friendly destinations including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. 

Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also increasing.

India again posted the country’s highest number of outbound travelers on record in 2024. Indian tourists are exploring a broad mix of destinations, the top three being Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali.

Growth in this particular market is supported by expanded direct flight connections and a rapidly growing middle class that is eager to travel. 

Together, the Chinese and Indian markets continue to play an outsized role in shaping global travel flows.

Quality of experiences trumps quantity of destinations

Across the Asia-Pacific, travellers are prioritising dining, nature, and wellness as key motivators for travel, seeking meaningful moments over traditional sightseeing. 

Destinations like Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, known for its iconic babi guling [spit-roasted pork,] and Queenstown in New Zealand whose restaurants welcomed tourists from 44 countries in 2024 are standing out as globalized culinary hotspots. 

According to MEI’s Wellness Trend Index (WTI), Thailand is among the destinations leading the way in relaxation experiences and self-care, where visitors can reconnect with nature in immersive eco lodges or find calm in meditation retreats. 

At the same time, the rising WTI score for New Zealand suggests a growing effort to be part of this popular movement. 

Overall, the trend toward purpose-driven travel reflects people’s broader desire for experiences that nourish both body and spirit.

The rise of sports tourism continues, with major events like the Australian Open tennis tournament and Baseball World Series in Los Angeles drawing significant international spending. 

Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut saw spending by Japanese visitors surge by 91 percent, six times the broader cross-border boost, highlighting how sporting events are proving to be powerful travel catalysts for fans.

Keeping an eye on exchange rates

Travelers from the Asia-Pacific tend to be more sensitive to exchange rate shifts. 

A weaker yen throughout much of 2024 played a significant role in boosting Japan’s inbound tourism, making the country a compelling destination for visitors in search of value. 

Notably, a one percent depreciation of the JPY against the RMB is associated with a 1.5 percent increase in tourists from the Chinese Mainland. 

However, visitors from New Zealand and the US rose only around 0.2 percent in response to the same degree of depreciation relative to their currencies. 

In 2024, the number of Singaporean visitors to Japan hit record highs thanks to a 40 percent rise in the Singapore Dollar (SGD) vs. Japanese Yen (JPY), even as airfare and hotels got pricier.

Turning to the US, MEI’s analysis shows that tourists from India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are particularly sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations, after accounting for other factors. 

Specifically, a one percent depreciation of the United States Dollar (USD) against their local currencies corresponds to an approximate 0.6 to 0.8 percent increase in the number of tourists traveling to the U.S. 

These findings, consistent with our earlier analysis of tourism to Japan, suggest that these travelers are more responsive to exchange rate movements when selecting outbound destinations.

Current trends in business travel

Corporates today are limiting global travel in favor of regional trips.

But while people are taking fewer business trips overall, the average duration is longer, suggesting efforts to stretch travel budgets. 

For example, US-based travellers’ trips to Asia-Pacific increased from 8.8 days to 10.2 days. 

Meanwhile, MEI also reported that fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28 percent during peak seasons. 

Common scams include inflated charges in restaurants and taxis, fake tour companies, and fraudulent property listings. 

To combat these, Mastercard employs advanced fraud prevention technologies, including digital wallets and AI-driven systems, to protect travelers. 

This ensures that travelers can focus on their journeys without worrying about security threats.

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The post Finalists announced for Phocuswright’s 2025 Global Startup Pitch appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Organisers have named the 19 travel tech startups selected for the Finals of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch. 

Now in its fourth year, the competition jointly produced by WiT and Phocuswright seeks to discover the brightest stars in early-stage travel tech.

The Global Startup Pitch Competition is supported by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a Phocuswright Strategic Partner of Innovation. 

Previously held in a virtual format, this year the finalists will compete in-person for the first time ever on the Startup Stage at Phocuswright Europe on 10th June.

WiT founder Yeoh Siew Hoon said: “We thank our panel of judges from around the world who’ve put in considerable time and effort to help us select this promising group of finalists. They are as committed as we are to sparking innovation and surfacing new voices in the global community of travel startups.”

Phocuswright managing director Pete Comeau added: “The feedback from judges on our applicants this year has been great. We received an even spread of entries across the four regions and are encouraged by the growing number of entries from new markets which validates that our mission to run a global competition is truly reflecting the global ecosystem of startups.”

An arduous selection process

A panel of external judges selected these startups from a crop of nearly 200 entries received for the global competition to surface the best travel startups across four different regions of the world.

As with previous years, an additional Wildcard category was created by Phocuswright and WiT to surface ideas that are particularly global, future-oriented, hard to solve and address next-generation challenges.

Companies will compete in two categories: seed stage for firms less than three years old who have raised no more than US$5 million; and scaling startups which are firms up to eight years old but have raised no greater than US$10 million.

Seedups will compete against Seedups, and Scaleups against Scaleups for each region, and winners for each region will be chosen during Phocuswright Europe. 

Nine winners will be selected who will travel to Singapore for showcase presentations at WiT Singapore in October of this year.

The audience at WiT Singapore will vote on their favorite Seedup and Scaleup, and the People’s Choice winners will be showcased at The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, CA this November.

Meet the finalists

APAC

• Plandora (Seedup)
• Replyr (Seedup)
• Loyalty Status Co. (Scaleup)
• Zentrum (Scaleup) 

Europe

• ImpersonAlly (Seedup)
• SnapIQ (Seedup)
• Arcube (Scaleup)
• Tryp (Scaleup)

North America

• Levee (Seedup)
• Traversing.ai (Seedup)
• Sion (Scaleup)
• PassiveBolt (Scaleup)

Emerging Markets

• Kijani Supplies (Seedup)
• Tuki-Travel (Seedup)
• Buzz (Scaleup)
• Turpal (Scaleup)

Wildcards

• Videreo (Seedup)
• Toraru (Scaleup)
• Me Protocol (Scaleup)

The perks of winning

Winners from the APAC region will receive a complimentary ASEAN Traveller Pass sponsored by AirAsia MOVE, which covers nine countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Additionally, one winner will be chosen at random for a complimentary consulting strategy session with Travel Again Advisory.

The Global Startup Pitch competition is part of an ongoing commitment by Phocuswright and WiT to cultivate innovation through a platform of events and programs including WiT Bootcamps, Phocuswright’s Startup Program, PhocusWire’s Hot25 Travel Startups, and Phocuswright’s Launch pitch competition.

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The post London reaffirms its position as a hub for businesses to connect: Amex GBT appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Amex GBT has launched its inaugural ‘Business Travel Pulse’ – a quarterly benchmark offering fresh insights into the evolving landscape of global business travel. The first pulse focuses on London and reveals the top sectors travelling into the city this year align with the UK government’s key growth driving sectors.

This highlights the way industries recognise the importance of meeting in person to secure investment – with the capital reaffirming its position as a hub for businesses to connect amid global uncertainty. Hotel booking figures in Q1 show financial services, professional services, IT and healthcare were the top industries staying in London for business (with growth remaining positive among multinationals in these sectors during the quarter).

Rank	Industry
1	Financial Services & Insurance
2	Business & Professional Services
3	Information Technology
4	Pharma & Healthcare
5	Consumer Goods & Retail

The same pattern can be seen when looking at the industries meeting and holding events in London, with the energy sector playing a leading role:

 

Rank	Industry
1	Pharma & Healthcare
2	Mining, Oil, Energy & Utilities
3	Consumer Goods & Retail
4	Information Technology
5	Financial Services & Insurance

The meetings and events sector is proving to be a significant economic driver for the UK economy. Recent data from UK Events Research shows conferences and meetings contribute £16.3bn – compared to £9.75bn from Sport & Entertainment, underscoring their crucial role in the nation’s economic growth.

Sara Andell, Director of Strategy, Amex GBT Consulting, explains: “London remains a priority destination on the global stage, with international businesses keen to capitalise on opportunities in the UK. Recent landmark trade agreements underscore the city’s role as a hub for meeting and dealmaking and it’s particularly interesting to see the growth in travel from emerging tech hubs like Helsinki and Bengaluru – further evidence of London’s magnetic pull for innovation-led industries.”

 

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The post Agoda partners with Nok Air appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Digital travel platform Agoda and Thailand’s premier budget carrier, Nok Air have formed a strategic partnership to give even more customers access to Nok Air flights. Under the collaboration, travellers will be able to book Nok Air flights via Agoda’s platform, offering greater flexibility and a streamlined booking experience.

Real-time access to fares, seat availability, and instant booking confirmations

The partnership leverages a seamless integration between Agoda’s digital travel platform and Nok Air’s reservation system, ensuring real-time access to fares, seat availability, and instant booking confirmations. The move will ensure a faster, more reliable booking experience for travelers, while strengthening both companies’ commitment to customer-centric innovation.

“We are proud to formalize our partnership with Agoda after extensive collaboration over the past years,” said Panarat Jitthanongsak, Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development, Nok Air. “Agoda’s extensive network in Thailand and beyond creates a powerful proposition for customers. The direct integration enables us to better serve customers with faster, more accurate flight booking options.”

One-stop travel solution for both Thai and international users

As Agoda continues to expand its flight offerings, the addition of Nok Air strengthens its position as a one-stop travel solution for both Thai and international users alike. Travelers can now book Nok Air flights directly on Agoda’s platform, enjoying the benefits of a connected trip by bundling flights and accommodation in a single transaction.

Kamil Diouri, Senior Director and Head of Flights at Agoda said: “We are delighted to have Nok Air join Agoda’s platform. This partnership will ensure a smoother booking process for travelers while reinforcing Agoda’s commitment to helping them see the world for less. Through building partnerships with trusted providers like Nok Air, we’re enabling more affordable and seamless travel experiences for everyone.”

 

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Source: traveldailymedia