Author Archive for: admin

AYANA Bali’s SAKA Museum earns global recognition

The post AYANA Bali’s SAKA Museum earns global recognition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SAKA Museum, AYANA Bali’s cultural and knowledge center dedicated to celebrating the island’s vibrant living heritage, has been named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums 2025. The recognition comes from Prix Versailles, a prestigious award from France that champions intelligent sustainability, cultural expression, and architectural excellence. SAKA Museum is the only museum in Indonesia to be selected this year, joining a global list of seven institutions, including the Grand Palais in Paris, Kunstsilo in Norway, Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in the United States.

This international recognition honors museums that exemplify outstanding interior and exterior architecture while delivering meaningful visitor experiences that reflect heritage, innovation, and a sense of place. The announcement marks the beginning of the 11th edition of the Prix Versailles, which will continue to reveal leading global projects across various categories throughout the year.

For SAKA Museum, located within the lush grounds of AYANA Bali in Jimbaran, this latest honor adds to a growing list of international accolades. Since opening in 2024, the museum has quickly established itself as one of Indonesia’s foremost cultural institutions, named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and selected among the Top 100 in the Kyoto Global Design Awards for its pioneering and sustainable design.

Dr. Judith E. Bosnak, Director of SAKA Museum, expressed her gratitude and shared the deeper significance of this recognition: “SAKA Museum has truly become a place of cultural pride and inspiration for Bali. This recognition celebrates the ingenuity of our entire SAKA Museum team, while also underscoring the profound importance of sustainable, accessible, and cutting-edge venues for cultural learning. We hope to inspire others to embrace innovative, inclusive, and sustainable design in Indonesia while encouraging visitors to engage deeply with Bali’s past, present, and future through our immersive cultural experience.”

As a vibrant platform for cultural expression, SAKA Museum continues to expand its programming to deepen public understanding of Balinese identity. New exhibitions explore the island’s spiritual and ecological wisdom through immersive storytelling and world-class presentation. “Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition” invites visitors to experience Bali’s sacred Day of Silence through sensory installations and contemporary interpretations. “Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali” offers insight into the island’s UNESCO-listed irrigation and water temple systems that have sustained Balinese agriculture and society for centuries. In the upcoming “Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements,” visitors are guided through the Balinese spiritual connection to earth, water, fire, air, and ether—elements that shape not just the environment but the soul of the island.

SAKA Museum represents a long-term commitment by AYANA to nurture and promote Balinese culture at both a local and global level. Through its exhibitions, seminars, knowledge center, and permanent collections, the museum aims to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful cultural engagement while helping to advance museum practices across Indonesia. Its continued recognition on the world stage affirms its role as a leader in sustainable cultural development and architectural achievement.

 

 

 

The post AYANA Bali’s SAKA Museum earns global recognition appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Now fly IndiGo direct to Abu Dhabi from Bhubaneshwar and Visakhapatnam

The post Now fly IndiGo direct to Abu Dhabi from Bhubaneshwar and Visakhapatnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo announces new direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi to India’s culturally rich cities – Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. The new routes are set to enhance international connectivity for Indian travellers, making global travel more accessible and affordable. The flights on Bhubaneshwar–Abu Dhabi routes will operate three times a week w.e.f. June 12, 2025, and between Visakhapatnam – Abu Dhabi four times a week starting June 13th, 2025.

By introducing these direct flights, IndiGo is enhancing travel convenience for passengers, expanding international access to regional markets, and catering to the growing demand from both business and leisure travellers. Our new routes connecting Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi will provide easier access to the UAE, facilitating smoother travel for business, education, and tourism purposes. Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a hub for technical and vocational training, as well as its appeal as a themed holiday destination, will attract more visitors, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth between the regions.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo: “We are pleased to announce direct flights from Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam to Abu Dhabi, further growing our international network.  With the additions of these flights, IndiGo now operates over 100 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 cities in India. This also increases our frequencies to the UAE to 275 flights a week from 18 cities in India. As demand for direct international travel grows, we’re committed to connecting India with global economic centres, ensuring on-time, affordable, and seamless travel across our expanding network.”

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its elegant fusion of tradition and modernity, featuring UNESCO-listed Cultural Sites of Al Ain, including ancient tombs and forts. Iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi add to its global cultural appeal. As the UAE’s financial hub, it hosts major energy firms while growing in tourism, aviation, and technology. Known for its luxury resorts, pristine coastline, and Formula 1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi offers both economic opportunities and world-class leisure experiences.

Visakhapatnam, or Vizag, is a thriving port city on India’s east coast, known for its natural beauty and industrial significance. It is near UNESCO’s tentative site of Thotlakonda, which includes ancient Buddhist monuments. The city is a major naval base and houses one of India’s busiest ports, contributing significantly to trade. Its growing IT sector and tourism, with attractions like Araku Valley and Kailasagiri, make it a unique blend of industrial growth and scenic charm.

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is globally recognized for its historical and architectural legacy. Known as the “Temple City,” is famed for its historical significance, especially the Kalingan-style temples such as the Lingaraj Temple. It forms part of the cultural heart of Odisha, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konark Sun Temple. Today, Bhubaneswar is evolving into a key IT and educational hub, with institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar. The city’s blend of ancient monuments and modern infrastructure makes it a growing economic and cultural centre in eastern India.

Flight Schedule: 

Flight No. Origin Destination Frequency Effective Departure Arrival
6E 1441 Abu Dhabi Bhubaneswar Tue, Thu, Sat June 12, 2025 2:35 8:35
6E 1442 Bhubaneswar Abu Dhabi Tue, Thu, Sat June 12, 2025 9:35 12:35
6E 1443 Abu Dhabi Vishakhapatnam Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun June 13, 2025 2:35 8:20
6E 1444 Vishakhapatnam Abu Dhabi Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun June 13, 2025 9:45 12:30

 

 

 

 

The post Now fly IndiGo direct to Abu Dhabi from Bhubaneshwar and Visakhapatnam appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The Essential Guide to Tour Operator Software: Your Road to Get a Truly Efficient Solution

The post The Essential Guide to Tour Operator Software: Your Road to Get a Truly Efficient Solution appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In the travel industry, tour operators play a critical role by masterminding, arranging, and marketing travel packages, which they either sell directly to travelers or offer to agents for resale. The behind-the-scene work of a tour operator is extremely diverse and complex and involves versatile parties for the ecosystem to deliver the best experience to end customers, i.e., travelers.

In the coming years, we expect to witness a significant increase in revenue in the global travel and tourism market. By 2025, revenue is estimated to reach US$955bn and is projected to grow annually at a rate of 3.90%, resulting in a market volume of US$1,114bn by 2029. This is further supported by a growing revival of international travel compared to domestic travel which led the rebirth in the post-pandemic initial period, with airlines surpassing the pre-pandemic capacity. The growth reflects the rising demand for unique travel experiences, particularly post-COVID-19.

That is exactly why, as competition intensifies, tour operators must adopt advanced travel software solutions to modernize their operations and, simply put, earn more money. You may have the best offers and most attractive prices but as long as you use bulky legacy software with a horde of additional subsystems, integrations, and duplications, your efforts have all the chances to bring the bear minimum only.

Here are key components and milestones you should take profound consideration when the time comes to take your tour operator software to the next level.

1. Establish a Reliable Back-Office System

A fully functional back-office system manages your bookings, user roles, sales rules, and customer service processes. It serves as the central hub for all travel-related inventory, from accommodation and flights to excursions and car rentals. For example, the back-office module in GP Travel Enterprise is designed to centralize booking storage and optimize availability tracking, which simplifies the management of resources like room or seat allocations.

When selecting back-office software, focus on:

  • Modern Technology Stack: Choose technology like Java, Python, or C#, which are widely used for designing scalable applications.
  • Flexible Architecture: Consider layered, microservices, or event-driven architectures for agile performance under heavy loads.
  • Scalability and Customizability: Opt for modular solutions to easily add functionalities, and ensure it can integrate with external applications or APIs.

2. Implement a Booking Engine and a Payment Processing System

Travel booking software is fundamental for converting inquiries into reservations, integrating with inventory databases to provide real-time product availability. To suit your business model (B2B, B2C, or both), the booking engine should support customizations and API integrations, whether for individual bookings or agency sales.

A high-functioning booking engine should include:

  • Flexible Search and Booking Options: Allows customers to filter and choose travel components.
  • Seamless Payment Processing: Integrates payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and region-specific options, supporting varied payment methods, including mobile payments and cryptocurrencies.

3. Efficient Inventory and Supplier Management

A well-organized supplier management system is essential for tour operators that rely on external vendors for inventory. This includes hotels, airlines, transfer providers, and activity organizers. API integration with suppliers ensures smooth booking processes, real-time inventory updates, and status confirmations. Alternatively, some operators may use a centralized API aggregator like GP Travel Hub to connect with multiple suppliers through a single interface.

GP Travel Hub is a unified API aggregator of diverse travel product suppliers


4. Develop Tools for Building Travel Itineraries

Travel itineraries are a critical component of a tour operator’s service, combining diverse elements such as accommodation, flights, and activities into a single package. To streamline this process, many operators use dedicated itinerary management tools, either as part of an ERP system or standalone. These solutions provide real-time access to travel components, intuitive interfaces for arranging trip elements, and optional destination content for an enriched experience.

5. Prioritize Customer Management

Efficient travel CRM is increasingly vital for personalized service and retention. A well-integrated CRM module automatically creates customer profiles, tracks interaction history, and manages communications. Some tour operator platforms include built-in CRM, while others integrate with standalone CRM systems for enhanced features. In both cases, API connectivity ensures smooth data flow between systems.

 

Travel CRM Functionality

 

6. Maintain an Optimized Website and Content

A user-friendly website that supports intuitive booking flows is absolutely necessary for direct sales. Integrate your website with the booking engine to allow real-time reservations and consider using a content management system (CMS) to create and distribute digital content. Collaborate with content providers (such as GIATA or ArrivalGuides) for up-to-date travel information, or use a CMS like WordPress or Joomla for streamlined content creation.

7. Enable Accounting and Analytics

Effective accounting and analytics tools are critical for managing finances and tracking performance. Tour operators can choose between using a built-in accounting module within their software or integrating with standalone platforms for specialized functionalities. Analytics modules should offer customizable dashboards and reports for insight into revenue, expenses, and customer preferences.

8. Additional Integrations for Enhanced Functionality

To maximize functionality, consider integrating your tour operator software with third-party solutions like review platforms, POS systems, or customer support tools. Localization, security compliance, and a free trial period to test compatibility can further refine the software’s effectiveness.

Off-the-Shelf Software vs. Custom Solutions

Tour operator software is a complex system by default, and as a tour operator, you may face the dilemma of buying a ready-to-go software solution or signing up for custom software perfectly aligned with your needs.

For larger operators with specific workflows, custom software development may offer the flexibility needed to meet unique business requirements. Conversely, off-the-shelf solutions can often meet the needs of small to medium-sized operators with modular setups and integration options. A balanced approach is to combine ready-made software with custom-built elements, such as a custom booking engine paired with standard accounting and CRM tools.

The post The Essential Guide to Tour Operator Software: Your Road to Get a Truly Efficient Solution appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Etihad releases traffic stats for April 2025

The post Etihad releases traffic stats for April 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier Etihad Airways just released its traffic statistics for April 2025, demonstrating continued strong growth and performance.

The airline welcomed 1.7 million guests during the month, showing a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year, as Etihad’s upward trajectory continued. 

The airline recorded a passenger load factor of 89 percent in April, a significant improvement from 84 percent in April 2024, while maintaining its expanded capacity and increased operating fleet size.

Year-to-date, Etihad has welcomed 6.7 million passengers, one million more than the same period in 2024, keeping the airline firmly on track to exceed 21 million passengers in 2025.

An exceptional month

Airline chief executive Antonoaldo Neves remarked that April proved to be another exceptionally strong month for Etihad.

Neves said: “With almost  seven million guests flown in the first four months alone, we’re building strong momentum toward another record-breaking year. Our April load factor of 89 percent shows customers continue to choose Etihad for our quality of service, network, and overall value. We’re now on track to carry more than 21 million guests in 2025, more than ever before in our history”.

Neves concluded by saying that, as Etihad moves into the hectic summer travel season, the airline will remain focused on its growth strategy even as it continues to offer its guests a truly exceptional travel experience.

The post Etihad releases traffic stats for April 2025 appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Thai soft power comes to the fore at the Cannes Film Festival

The post Thai soft power comes to the fore at the Cannes Film Festival appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s soft power takes the spotlight on Thursday, 15th May, at the Cannes Film Festival by way of Thai Night.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce will be promoting Thailand’s entertainment industry on the global stage at the said event.

A part of the world’s most prestigious and influential film festival, Thai Night aims to elevate the image of Thailand’s entertainment sector and strengthen international networks. 

A launch ceremony serving as the event’s precursor was graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi in France.

A culturally important night

Thai Night has been held annually since 2011, and serves as a key platform to highlight the strength of Thailand’s entertainment industry. 

The event fosters collaboration between Thai entrepreneurs and international buyers and investors, helping to promote long-term growth and sustainability in the sector. 

More importantly, it also serves as a valuable opportunity to present Thailand’s rich culture and soft power on a global stage. 

In addition to highlighting the capabilities of Thai cinema to a worldwide audience, the event features Thai Pavilion, where representatives from Thailand’s film industry participated in business matching with global partners. 

The pavilion is located at Booth 22.01, Palais-1, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, and will be open from 13th to 21st May.

Promoting a nation through film

According to DITP director general Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, the Thai film industry is growing rapidly, as reflected in its increasing production capabilities, entries into international film festivals, and rising interest from global markets. 

Kangvalkulkij explained: “The domestic performance in which Thai films now command a market share of approximately 50 percent, rivalling that of international releases. This indicates a renewed local interest in Thai cinema.”

That said, Thai Night serves as a platform to showcase the pride and quality of Thai films, and to propel Thailand’s soft power through the film industry. 

Indeed, it presents the charm of Thai culture, creativity, and identity to a global audience, while opening doors for business networking with international partners to support the sustainable growth of Thailand’s film industry.

The post Thai soft power comes to the fore at the Cannes Film Festival appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

inter aviation Arabia to be held in February 2026

The post inter aviation Arabia to be held in February 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Events and exhibitions firm Reed Exhibitions (RX) announced the launch of inter aviation Arabia, a new aviation trade event that is slated to be held in Riyadh in February of next year.

The event aims to become one of the leading platforms for the aviation industry in the Middle East, significantly contributing to advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its transformation into a global aviation and logistics hub.

According to RX’s managing director for the Middle East and emerging markets Vasyl Zhygalo: “inter aviation Arabia is launching during a significant period of transformation in the aviation sector, both regionally and globally. Our aim is to establish a platform that fosters strategic dialogue, investment, and innovation, ultimately driving meaningful outcomes for the industry while supporting Saudi Arabia’s goals of becoming a global aviation hub. We look forward to providing the industry with more details in the coming months.”

What’s inter aviation Arabia all about?

The event will focus on four key pillars: airport investments, infrastructure, equipment, and airline route development. 

Together, these pillars represent the essential components of a modern and resilient aviation ecosystem.

As global air travel continues to grow, advancements in ground support technology, terminal automation, and sustainable operations are transforming equipment standards. 

Meanwhile, infrastructure and route development remain crucial for capacity expansion and operational efficiency.

With optimal conditions for commercial engagement and market growth, inter aviation Arabia will draw a high-quality international audience of decision-makers, including executives from airports and airlines, air cargo carriers, and aviation technology providers.

Attendees can expect a world-class showcase of products, live technology demonstrations, and an extensive programme of technical seminars that explore the latest developments in aviation efficiency and innovation.

Zhygalo said: “inter aviation Arabia leverages RX’s vast aviation event expertise, enhancing its dedication to connecting industry leaders with new opportunities in both emerging and established markets.”

The post inter aviation Arabia to be held in February 2026 appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Dusit’s Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk is new president of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association

The post Dusit’s Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk is new president of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dusit International’s vice-president for operations and government Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk was recently appointed president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) for its 2025-2026 term.

With more than three decades of service to TICA, including her most recent role as the association’s vice-president and  her distinguished track record in Thailand’s MICE sector, Tantiprasertsuk brings deep industry insight, a firm commitment to sustainability, and a collaborative spirit to the role. 

Her appointment highlights Dusit International’s ongoing contribution to advancing Thailand’s tourism and hospitality landscape through strong leadership and values-driven engagement.

As she puts it: “I feel incredibly honoured to step up from Vice President of TICA and take on the role of president. At Dusit, I’ve always felt proud to represent a Thai brand on the global stage. Now, as TICA President, I also have the privilege of leading efforts to promote our beautiful country as a world-class MICE destination. Together with our partners across government, private, and international sectors, I will work to ensure Thailand remains top-of-mind for organisers worldwide.”

Stepping in, stepping forward

Tantiprasertsuk takes over from Sumate Sudasna Ayutthaya, who served as TICA president for 16 years. 

Inspired by his visionary leadership, she is committed to preserving TICA’s strong reputation while continuing to promote transparency, professionalism, and the empowerment of future leaders.

Her appointment adds to a growing list of Dusit executives making meaningful contributions to the industry at both regional and global levels.

Tantiprasertsuk intends to integrate Dusit’s core pillars of graciousness (service, locality, well-being, and sustainability) into TICA’s national MICE strategy.

She said: “My goal for TICA is the same as my goal for Dusit: we won’t just keep up with competitors, we will lead them.”

The post Dusit’s Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk is new president of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Is there a way around overtourism?

The post Is there a way around overtourism? appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With the advent of revenge travel from mid-2022 onwards, numerous countries are feeling the impact of overtourism in various areas, and its effects have been adverse, especially for locals.

We have heard the complaints: first in European nations like Greece and Spain, then in Asia’s most prominent areas like Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and particularly Bali in Indonesia.

Locals have pointedly declared that their way of life has been compromised by the mass influx of foreign arrivals (or even locals from other parts of the country) into their territory, leading to an increase in prices, a need to tighten security regulations, and even issues regarding infrastructure and transportation.

This begs the question: just how bad has overtourism become on a global scale, and is there a way by which its adverse effects could be diminished?

What exactly is overtourism?

The term itself is just over two decades old, and it was originally coined by Australian-American journalist Freya Petersen in 2001.

At the time, Petersen was angered by the way tourism development and related governance issues made life harder for locals in the Italian city of Pompeii.

At first, Petersen’s lament was criticised as doom-mongering or a form of anti-tourism action; however, when it became apparent that Pompeii authorities were investing more into measures specifically for tourists rather than initiatives that could make life better for their citizens, overtourism began to be seen as a critical issue affecting numerous aspects of daily life.

Today, the World Economic Forum defines overtourism as any issues resulting from tourist demand that exceed the carrying capacity of host communities in a destination. 

In a 2023 feature for the WEF, academics Joseph Martin Cheer and Marina Novelli remarked: “Too often, the tourism supply chain stimulates demand, giving little thought to the capacity of destinations and the ripple effects on the well-being of local communities.”

The crush of numbers

In February 2020, just before the pandemic hit, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) projected that the global flow of travellers per annum will hit around two billion by the end of the current decade.

Indeed, the world is getting uncomfortably close to the figure as several agencies report that the number of tourists trekking through the world per year now stands at 1.4 billion travellers.

The massive crush of crowds has been detrimental to numerous locations, particularly in protected areas like Venice, Italy and the rainforests of Southeast Asia and South America whose precarious ecological balance is being compromised by tourists coming in droves without any concern for the rubbish or damage they may leave behind.

Likewise, the rise in cultural and experiential tourism over the past decade has led to more tourists flocking to the Northern Philippines where westerners seek out the indigenous tattoo artist Whang-Od; Japan where tourists flock to temples or special-interest areas like Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and various districts in Tokyo; spas and wellness retreats in Bali; and even Rome in recent weeks thanks to the passing of one Pope and the election of another.

What form has the adverse impact of overtourism taken?

However, much as locals would like to offer travellers a glimpse or taste of their culture, many worry that the presence of strangers will bring more harm than good.

Consider the following circumstances:

  • Venice continues to sink as, despite warnings from authorities, more than 20 million tourists make their way to the floating city;
  • Cultural treasures in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia have been defaced by overenthusiastic tourists who wanted to “put their stamp” on key locations;
  • The significant increase in the price of food, transportation, and other necessities driven by tourist spending in certain countries;
  • The solemnity of pilgrimage sites is often disturbed, even desecrated for tourists who are there “for the likes” as opposed to faith;
  • The ecological toll on both biological environments and heritage sites due to exhaled carbon dioxide, the carbon monoxide of tour buses, and litter tossed indiscriminately by many tourists; and
  • The need to bolster local security as rowdy tourist behaviour has come to compromise public safety, particularly in areas like Bali and Bangkok.

Is anyone doing anything about it?

The industry-specific advocacy Responsible Tourism Partnership conducted numerous studies regarding overtourism, as well as the solutions implemented by various nations in order to combat its less savoury effects.

They noted that the following strategies have been most effective:

Identifying emerging issues for acceptable change

Tourism boards need to identify key indicators for specific destinations in order to identify the emerging issues so that they can be addressed properly. These may include the growth of unlicensed tourist accommodation and change of use for the housing stock, changing retail offer, rising local housing costs, litter, trampling, and overcrowding.

Put the local people first

Locals ought to be the first to enjoy and appreciate the attractions of particular destinations. In order to ensure that they get their time, authorities need to schedule specific dates on which only local citizens may enter certain attractions. Also, they may opt not to charge admission fees for those with proof of local residence or charge very minimal fees.

Offer temporary residency for longer-staying tourists

Changing the nature of tourism and the visitor experience by managing the destination to attract visitors as temporary residents. This strategy can change the dynamics of tourism and the host-guest relationship.

Impose tourist-specific taxes

While this measure remains controversial, those currently in place have been too low to spook tourists from coming into certain areas. Nevertheless, these have enabled local authorities to raise money to fund the management of tourism, to repair damage to infrastructure and vegetation, and pay for the removal of rubbish.

Interestingly, those at Responsible Tourism are of the opinion that it is not unreasonable to ask overnight tourists and day visitors to contribute to the maintenance of the destinations they visit and whose facilities they use.

Also, perhaps the best way by which to combat overtourism is to get your own people involved, as allowing them to take ownership of a destination that is, after all, part of their heritage, will enable them to do what it takes to preserve its integrity and beauty for generations to come.

The post Is there a way around overtourism? appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Solaire Resort North gears up for its first anniversary

The post Solaire Resort North gears up for its first anniversary appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Solaire Resort North is all set to celebrate its first anniversary, marking a year of redefining luxury, entertainment, and hospitality in Quezon City. 

Since its grand opening on 25th May 2024, the resort has welcomed guests into a world of firsts, from unveiling the breathtaking glass sculpture known as The Mangrove, to launching 13 exquisite dining destinations, hosting world-class entertainment, and delivering unparalleled staycation experiences. 

As Quezon City’s first luxury integrated resort, Solaire Resort North sets the standard for elegance, indulgence, and unforgettable moments, truly First in Class.

Exceptional offers for a northern staycation

Secure your most awaited escape with Solaire Resort North’s First Anniversary Room Offer, which includes a luxurious staycation and a buffet breakfast for two at FRESH. 

Guests can enjoy specially curated first-inspired dishes, exclusive treats, and a relaxing break throughout May.

The anniversary weekend also promises an extraordinary lineup of entertainment and experiences. 

Those in attendance can toast with expertly crafted cocktails at Skybar during an exclusive bar takeover by renowned mixologists Gab Figueroa and Lawrence Gabriel on 25th May from 6 PM to 12 AM. 

The celebration continues as international DJs Afrosideral and Hallex M bring electrifying beats to Skybar on 24th and 25th from 10 PM to 1 AM, transforming it into the ultimate nightlife destination.

Dining becomes even more irresistible with exclusive first-inspired creations at Solaire Resort North’s restaurants. 

Guests can indulge in a succulent steak at Finestra, authentic sisig at Manyaman, a dreamy milkshake at Trattoria e Dolci, a mini cake at the Lobby Lounge, and a luscious dessert at Café Mangrove. 

These celebratory dishes will only be available on 24th and 25th May for just Php 1, with a minimum spend of Php 525.

Here’s to happier hours

For those looking to elevate their evenings, happier happy hours await during the anniversary weekend. 

Guests can enjoy unlimited drinks at Pool Cafe on 24th May and Dragon Bar on 24th and 25th May, making every toast a celebration. 

At Skybar, select guests will be treated to a complimentary Macallan shot, adding a touch of exclusivity to an unforgettable night.

For an exceptional dining experience, Lucky Noodles presents a First Anniversary Meat Platter for Php 1,111 on 25th May.

At Yakumi, the Sunday Brunch on the same day features an extraordinary live tuna cutting, specially curated for the anniversary celebration. 

Guests can enjoy this indulgence for Php 3,588 with non-alcoholic beverages or Php 4,888 with alcohol.

Plus, the festivities run well into June, as on the 7th and 8th, Solaire Resort North proudly presents Finding Your North, its first-ever grand celebrations expo. 

This extraordinary event will be the largest of its scale in Quezon City, bringing together top-tier planners, creatives, and industry leaders in one place. 

Whether guests are planning a dream wedding, a milestone birthday, or an intimate gathering, Finding Your North offers expert guidance and inspiration for life’s most memorable moments.

The post Solaire Resort North gears up for its first anniversary appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Recap: The Travel Daily Media C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit

The post Recap: The Travel Daily Media C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Google’s industry head for strategic partnerships Term Panupong spoke on redefining the Thai hotel experience via AI

Travel Daily Media (TDM) brought a great number of the leading minds in travel, tourism, and hospitality at its first-ever TDM C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Staged at the Rajmontien Grand Ballroom of the Montien Surawong Hotel in Bang Rak on Thursday, 8th May, this initial run covered a wide range of topics relevant to the evolving sectors within the Asia Pacific and beyond.

Organised by TDM and the Charlton Media Group, the Summit was sponsored by Agilisys, HBX Group, Hotelbeds, Shiji, and Booking.com.

Thailand NOW’s Benjamin Rujopakarn engages Suphanida Janmoon of the Thai Government’s Public Relations Department in the first fireside chat of the day

Setting the stage for a digital future

Event discussions revolved around the theme The Future of Hospitality: Crafting Seamless Experiences in an AI Digital-Driven World.

The Summit featured four speakers and discussions were divided into eight panels seeded throughout the day and moderated by experts from related fields.

Two fireside chats at the beginning and the end of the Summit likewise offered a look into tourism and hospitality within the Thai purview, and a summary detailing how technological advancements and evolving methodologies stand to change the sector in the future.

TCEB’s Jaruwan Suwannasat poses a question to the audience

Considering returns on experience

Jaruwan Suwannasat, chief information officer of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) jumpstarted the day’s talks with a talk on Tomorrow’s Destinations: Transforming Value Through Innovative Experiences.

Suwannasat posed a question to participants at the beginning of her talk: What is tomorrow’s destination for you?

She framed the question against the recovery of both the domestic and global tourism sector’s following the pandemic, noting that the sector is coming back stronger despite a slow start from 2022 following the widespread use of vaccines and the subsequent reopening of borders.

Suwannasat’s report showed that 67 percent of would-be-travellers are making travel a priority when it comes to their savings, and that tourists in the post-pandemic age have an eye out for experiences that are both enjoyable and memorable as opposed to simply racking up the number of destinations visited.

In which case, tourism and hospitality professionals need to keep in mind that volume isn’t the priority anymore, but value offered to customers makes all the difference.

The key questions that companies in both industries need to answer are how much value can they give to each visitor that comes their way; how can they amplify the worth of each stay in terms of activities, amenities, and adventures; and where can they make relevant improvements to ensure that they are delivering as much value as possible.

Indeed, contemporary tourism and hospitality need to think that it isn’t so much about returns on investment, but more of returns on experience.

Theresa Matheson (far left) takes the lead in the first panel of the day

A diverse range of topics

As stated earlier, the Summit proper was divided into four talks, including the opening presentation delivered by TCEB’s Suwannasat, and eight distinct panels.

Speakers and topics were as follows:

Primary Speakers
  • Adtip “Term Panupong, industry head for strategic partnerships at Google, on Thailand Hospitality: Redefining Experiences with AI;
  • Agilisys director of sales in Southeast Asia March Suthamwutinan on Making the Personal Profitable: Leveraging Data Accuracy to Drive Revenue; and
  • The Thaiger‘s lead content creator Alex Latour.
Themed Panel Discussions
  • Digital Disruption in Hospitality: Harnessing AI and Data Analytics, moderated by American Express Global Business Travel vice-president Teresa Matheson;
  • Hotel Asset Enhancements: Covering Brand Evolution, Design Considerations, Technology Integration, AI and Customer Journey, and ESG Components, moderated by JLL senior vice-president for hotel asset management in Thailand and Vietnam Jon Cannon;
  • AI and Technology: Where Does It Start and Stop, moderated by Amadeus Hospitality’s vice-president in the Asia-Pacific Paul Wilson;
  • Overcoming Travel Challenges: Scalable Personalisation to Rebuild Trust and Loyalty, moderated by HBX Group’s vice-president for hotel sourcing in MEAPAC Patrick Torres;
  • Welcome to the Social World of Gen Z: You Got to be Where Your Potential Customers Are, moderated by Agoda vice-president for corporate development Timothy Hughes;
  • Rethinking the ASEAN and APAC Travel Markets in 2025 and Beyond, moderated by High-Yield Tourism director Gary Bowerman; and
  • Future Trends in Travel: Redefining Experiences Through Innovation, moderated by Roland Berger senior partner and managing partner in Southeast Asia John Low.

Aside from these panel discussions, a special roundtable session spearheaded by platinum sponsor Agilisys was held for around 15 representatives from leading hotels and hotel management companies from Thailand and across the Asian region.

The discussion revolved around the theme The Future of Guest Experience: Personalisation Through Technology and was led by Agilisys’ March Suthamwutinan.

 

The post Recap: The Travel Daily Media C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia