The post Philippine Airlines reports 14th consecutive quarter of profitability appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine Airlines Inc (PAL) continues to stay profitable, as it reported a net income of US$77 million in the first quarter of this year.

This is the airline’s 14th consecutive positive quarter since the pandemic.

PAL generated US$ 817 million in revenues for the first quarter, reflecting a decline of 1 percent, primarily driven by lower yields as well as a shift in the peak Holy Week travel period from March to April.

Meanwhile, there was a 5 percent increase in passenger carriage compared to where it was in the first quarter of 2024, reporting a total of 4.1 million passengers within three months.

At the same time, PAL Cargo carried 52.6M kgs. of cargo whilst operating more than 28,000 flights across its international and domestic network.  

PAL also logged an operating income of US$75 million for the quarter. 

Growing stronger

Capacity offerings remained steady for Q1, in the context of a calibrated multi-year expansion program. 

PAL launched routes from Manila to Cauayan and from Cebu to Catarman this quarter, and announced new routes from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh, and from Manila to Danang, commencing in May and July, respectively. 

Operating expenses for the quarter rose by five percent year-on-year to US$741 million, reflecting higher airport charges, third party contract costs and depreciation, offsetting lower fuel costs.  

The quarterly results also included the recognition of credits issued to PAL by a vendor as special support compensation for grounded aircraft that occurred in 2023 and 2024. 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were US$175 million, three percent higher than in the fourth quarter of last year, but 11 percent lower than the Q1-2024 level.  

EBITDA margins remained healthy at 21 percent. 

PAL’s balance sheet continued to strengthen with total long-term obligations decreasing to US$1.37 billion, while total equity improved to US$862 million, driven by the sustained earnings of the Company. 

PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley K Ng said: “We are greatly encouraged by the support of our valued customers who choose to fly on Philippine Airlines’ global network, and for whom we are investing in progressive product and service improvements, fleet renewal efforts and digital innovations, with safety and reliability as our topmost concerns.”

On top of positive earnings and leadership movements, PAL along with affiliate carrier PAL Express notched a recent safety milestone by respectively completing their IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Renewal Risk Based Audit, confirming the PAL Group’s conformance with the highest international aviation safety standards.  

PAL completed ten consecutive successful IATA audit renewals since its first IOSA registration in 2006, while PAL Express marked six successful IOSA renewals since its original registration in 2014.   

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The post OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group acquires Zeavola Resort on Phi Phi Island appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group announced its acquisition of Zeavola Resort, a premier beachfront  escape nestled on the northern tip of Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Island, on Wednesday, 30th April.

 Set along a secluded stretch of  powdery white sand and framed by swaying palms and the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, the  property is poised to undergo a full transformation and rebrand as the OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, a five-star sanctuary defined by barefoot luxury and authentic island charm. 

According to OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group president and CEO Jeff Wagoner, the addition of a new resort on Phi Phi Island marks a milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Wagoner said: Thailand remains one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations and we are thrilled to  bring our signature style of beachfront hospitality to this extraordinary location. With our established  operational presence in Thailand, we’re well positioned to enhance the guest experience and further  strengthen our roots in this vibrant, culturally rich market.” 

Time for a well-needed makeover

As Phi Phi Island transitions to its shoulder season, the resort will temporarily suspend operations as it  embarks on an extensive renovation to reimagine both accommodations and shared spaces. 

The  revitalised resort will feature 63 suites and villas and reflect OUTRIGGER’s signature approach which combines barefoot luxury with meaningful cultural experiences and environmental stewardship to offer a  refined yet relaxed retreat for global travelers seeking an immersive island experience.

The opening of the OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island resort has been scheduled for 1st October of this year, and the team intends to welcome guests to a  refreshed vision of tropical island hospitality.

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The post UN Tourism holds two key forums at Expo 2025 Osaka appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

UN Tourism recently hosted two official forums at the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, uniting public and private sector leaders to focus on key priorities for global tourism.

UN Tourism director of innovation, education, and investment Antonio López De Ávila expressed pride in being able to show that tourism is more than a sector, but more of a catalyst for sustainable development, social inclusion, and tech advancement. 

López De Ávila  said: “At UN Tourism, we are placing women’s talent at the heart of this journey, supporting the creativity, leadership, and resilience of women across the globe. We also prioritize investments. We work to ensure every dollar invested contributes to a greener, fairer, and more resilient future.” 

Celebrating the work of women in tourism

The Celebrating Female Founders Forum held on Monday, 28th April, was dedicated to highlighting female-led innovation, promoting inclusion in tourism technology, and emphasizing the importance of mentorship networks. 

The event made clear the critical role women play in the tech startup ecosystem, exploring strategies for overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities to create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

The programme featured opening remarks from representatives of the United Nations at Expo 2025, the Japan Tourism Agency, and UN Tourism. 

A key panel gathered senior female executives from leading travel groups, digital tourism platforms, and international hospitality companies. 

The discussion explored how innovation, inclusion, and strategic leadership are transforming the tourism sector, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and market access.

In a vibrant pitching round, female founders from Japan (ByFood), Korea (NomadHer), the United Arab Emirates (Xenios Academy), SAR, China (Shake to Win), and the United States (Greether) presented forward-looking business models, showcasing how women are connecting technology with sustainable growth and social impact.

Investing the in future of global tourism

Between 2019 and 2024, the Asia-Pacific region attracted a total of 442 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the tourism sector, with an estimated capital expenditure of US$37.55 billion. 

These investments resulted in over 77,000 direct jobs and involved 274 companies across various destinations. 

Japan accounted for 33 FDI projects, totalling an investment of US$2.57 billion.

Recognizing this potential, UN Tourism hosted the Global Tourism Investment Forum: Co-creating Culture for the Future on Tuesday, 29th April. 

The forum emphasized on key investment trends and strategies for sustainable, community-centred tourism growth. 

Along with a  fireside chat moderated by Nikkei Inc, platforming local voices such as Kiraku Inc or a community led initiative from Vanuatu, a high-level dialogue emphasized the role of investment as a driver of sustainable and inclusive growth. 

The discussions benefitted from the participation of private sector leaders, including executives from JTB, Kansai Airports, Plug and Play Japan, Hyatt, Destination Capital and Dossen, and guided by Travel Voice Japan.

As the Forum came to a close, participants were reminded that tourism investment goes beyond infrastructure and capital: it is fundamentally about people, culture, and long-term impact. 

From heritage-led models to innovation-driven partnerships, the sessions demonstrated that shaping the future of tourism demands vision, collaboration, and a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

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The post The City of Valencia Presents its New Campaign ‘Mediterranean Larder’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The strategy celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage by championing high-quality, locally sourced products. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and zero kilometre produce, it aims to deepen the connection between local producers and consumers.

At the heart of Valencian cuisine are three key pillars: the sea, offering a bounty of fresh fish and seafood; the fertile market gardens, supplying vibrant, top-quality vegetables; and the wetlands, home to rice fields that give rise to iconic dishes like paella. The nearby Albufera also boasts its own Designation of Origin, highlighting the unique value of its rice production.

On 16th and 17th May 2025, Valencia’s Jardines de Viveros will come alive once again with the 13th edition of Deleste Festival – an event that goes beyond music, offering an immersive cultural experience in one of the city’s most iconic green spaces.

This year’s line-up is already making waves, hit band The Vaccines set to perform. Legendary Scottish indie band Teenage Fanclub and the genre-blending Death In Vegas, known for their hypnotic mix of psychedelia and electronica, also join the bill. Joining them are Anna of the North with their dreamy synth-pop, and the electrifying British post-punk group Deadletter. The first wave of artists also includes  Sanchez and Faixa.

With more names still to be revealed, Deleste 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend of music, energy, and atmosphere in an unbeatable setting.

Air Connectivity to Valencia

Getting to Valencia couldn’t be easier, with direct flights operating from 11 airports across the UK and Ireland, including Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Manchester, and London’s Luton, Gatwick and Stansted.

With an average flight time of just under three hours, Valencia is the perfect choice for a weekend getaway. Thanks to the city’s excellent air connectivity, escaping the UK weather for the charm of the Turia capital has never been simpler.

 

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The post 29% jump in Schengen Applications by Indians: Atlys appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With summer holidays fast approaching, the Schengen region is once again emerging as the preferred destination for Indian travellers. According to data from Atlys, a visa-processing platform, there has been a notable 29% increase in Schengen visa applications compared to last year, highlighting the region’s sustained popularity among those seeking sunlit experiences and cultural immersion.

Popular entry points into the Schengen region as per Atlys data are Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy. These countries attract visitors with their vibrant local cultures, strong tourism infrastructure, and welcoming atmosphere. Gen Z and Millennial travellers in particular have driven much of this growth, with Atlys seeing a 23.5% rise in visa requests since last year from younger travellers eager for extended European holidays.

While major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru remain significant sources of visa applications, Atlys has also recorded a meaningful shift towards tier-two cities, including Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh, where applications rose by 17.8% since the past year. This increase points to Europe’s widening appeal beyond India’s metropolitan hubs.

“We’re witnessing a new wave of Indian travellers who are exploring the world with greater intention and curiosity,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys. “Travel today isn’t just about visiting landmarks, it’s about experiencing cultures, connecting with people, and creating lasting memories.”

For those seeking luxury travel France, Italy, and Switzerland continue to top the list. From the serene vineyards of Tuscany and the French Riviera’s glamour to the tranquil lakes and resorts of Switzerland, these destinations offer an upscale, indulgent experience. On the other hand, thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to Austria, Slovenia, and parts of northern Spain, where alpine sports, hiking trails, and offbeat nature escapes provide an adrenaline-filled European escape.

The Mediterranean climate aligns perfectly with the summer holiday season offering ideal travel conditions. With temperatures ranging from 20-30°C across most Schengen countries during this period, travellers can enjoy long daylight hours and outdoor activities

Atlys continues to empower Indian travellers, simplifying visa processing to make global exploration effortless, helping turn European summer dreams into reality.

 

 

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The post Step into the wilds of South Tyrol with hotel Hubertus appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As National Walking Month approaches this May, Hotel Hubertus is an alpine retreat located in Olang, South Tyrol in the Dolomites, offering an exceptional blend of traditional charm and modern luxury in the mountains, with a variety of well-organised walking activities available to their guests.

With its idyllic location on the sunny slopes of the Plan de Corones, the hotel provides guests with access to a wide range of hiking activities for these warmer months. Through its weekly programme, Hotel Hubertus offers more than 15 guided hikes each week, ranging from Nordic walking sessions and short excursions to more demanding routes such as the Gsieser Almweg 2000 and sections of the high alpine trails in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. Walkers can expect routes like the circular path around Lake Antholz, a relatively easy loop suitable for most, or a more involved hike to Monte Luta, which takes about three and a half hours and provides clear views across Val Pusteria.

Highlight walking paths 

1. Serenity Among the Peaks: From Passo Furcia to Lake Hochalp

Altitude: 2,373 m | Walking Time: approx. 4 hours | Difficulty level: Moderate

Begin at the gentle saddle of Passo Furcia which can easily be reached from Hotel Hubertus by car, and ascend steadily along panoramic ridgelines towards the crystalline Lake Hochalp. This 834-meter ascent invites walkers into the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites, where meadows bloom beneath jagged limestone spires. At the Lapeduresscharte, silence reigns, broken only by the wind brushing over rock and grass — a place to linger and absorb the raw grandeur of nature before winding your way back.

2.  The Whispering Forests of Brunstalm Pasture

Altitude: 1,898 m | Walking Time: approx. 4 hours |  | Difficulty level: Moderate
Departing from the village of Oberolang, this moderate trail weaves upward through spruce-laced woodland and open pasture, rising 741 vertical metres to the Brunstalm hut. Along the way, the sweeping flanks of Plan de Corones reveal themselves between branches, while the higher ridges of the Dolomites beckon from beyond. Return via the Brunststeig path no.20, where each bend in the trail offers yet another poetic glimpse of the Olang valley unfolding below.

3. Around the Legendary Three Peaks: A Loop from Auronzo Hut

Altitude: 2,454 m | Walking Time: approx. 3 hours | Difficulty level: Hard

Begin your adventure at the Auronzo Hut, nestled on the southern flank of the iconic Three Peaks. Follow trail no. 101 as it gently ascends past the charming Lavaredo Hut (2,344 m) to the Paternsattel saddle (2,454 m), where the awe-inspiring north face of the Tre Cime rises dramatically 500 meters into the sky. After a restful pause to take in the view, continue on the descending trail beneath Monte Paterno. At the fork, choose between a detour to the Three Peaks Hut (2,405 m) or a quieter route westward on path no. 105, skirting the Lange Alpe pasture and shimmering Lang Alp lake. Whichever you choose, the grandeur of the Dolomites will accompany you every step of the way.

The hotel also includes more sociable walks in its itinerary, such as sunrise and sunset outings and guided trips to the hotel’s own mountain hut, Chalet Hubertus, which sometimes include barbecues or outdoor meals. While most routes are accessible, the altitude and changeable weather in early May can introduce an element of unpredictability, with mild daytime temperatures occasionally interrupted by spring rain or late snow. With its prime location at the heart of the Pustertal valley, the hotel has direct access to over 275 kilometres of trails, meaning there’s no shortage of options for outdoor lovers.  Those looking for a post hike respite can recharge in one of the many understated rooms and suites, as well as a world-class wellness experience at its strikingly designed Heaven & Hell Spa and Alpenreych Spa, the latter of which is currently undergoing renovations, with the new and improved area available once the hotel reopens on 15th May.

 

 

 

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The post Top Four trends reshaping ‘Regional Tourism’ In GCC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism sector is undergoing a transformation fuelled by infrastructure investment and experience-led development, as revealed in the Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025. Powered by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, the report identifies critical growth opportunities for the region—including leveraging air connectivity, refining guest experiences, and tapping into high-potential segments like bleisure and younger travellers.

This is the second consecutive year Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, provides data intelligence for this study, drawing from its broad range of over 30 global data sources and data analytics expertise. The Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025, launched in an industry luncheon during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, has been developed in partnership with Connecting Travel, leading Middle East travel trade media outlet.

This report unveils a data-rich picture of how the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is fast-tracking its evolution into a world-class travel and tourism hub, from both inbound and outbound perspective. In terms of international demand to GCC destinations, the study identifies four key trends reshaping the regional tourism landscape:

Trend #1: Leveraging Air Connectivity Edge to Boost Inbound Travel


The GCC’s rapid ascent to global tourism prominence is underpinned by strong air connectivity. According to Mabrian’s air capacity data, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar form a robust connectivity triangle, driven by consistent international air capacity growth since 2019—+38%, +14.5%, and +14%, respectively. Reinforcing air connectivity during the shoulder seasons (with milder temperatures) or through seasonal routes operated by low-cost carriers could support the goal of increasing long-haul leisure arrivals—not only for these countries, but also for other GCC destinations such as Oman and Bahrain.

“The next step is to leverage this strategic advantage to pursue three key goals: increasing long-haul leisure arrivals and stays, aligning with seasonal demand through customised, crafted experiences, and exploring new demand segments to boost visitation,” says Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian.

Trend #2: Putting Deliberate Focus on Crafting Exceptional Travel Experiences and Adventure, as Core Differentiators

The report guides readers through the array of experience-led projects being developed across GCC countries, highlighting how these attractions blend local heritage, cultural richness, and international brands to capture global attention and appeal to travellers worldwide. However, Mabrian’s Tourist Product Satisfaction Index (TPI) raises a red flag on a critical issue: to successfully position themselves as premium destinations for high-value, repeat visitors, GCC countries must prioritise the quality of experiences—especially by delivering world-class on-site service.

“TPIs from benchmark destinations for the GCC—such as Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and the Seychelles—range from 70 to 75 out of a possible 100 points, whereas the GCC average stands at 68.1, reflecting the performance across all six countries,” says Cendra. “The good news is that all GCC destinations are showing an upward trend in this index, indicating they are on the right path and should continue to build on this progress in the months and years ahead.”

Trend #3: Improving overall and mid-range perceived guest experiences, crucial for boosting long-haul leisure stays

”To achieve sustained growth, overall satisfaction with accommodation is essential for increasing leisure arrivals and encouraging longer stays. This guest satisfaction must extend beyond the luxury segment—particularly in upper midscale and upscale hotels.” explains Mabrian expert. “If the guest experience does not meet international standards, it may discourage travellers from considering GCC destinations as viable long-stay holiday options.”

Hospitality Satisfaction Index (HSI) scores reveal areas for improvement: destinations like Saudi Arabia (62.1 out of 100), and Qatar and Bahrain (70.3) must go the extra mile in making sure lodging experiences are memorable. This means investing in guest experience not only in luxury segments but also across lower categories—diversifying hotel development to include upscale and mid-upscale options in both urban and resort settings.

Trend #4: Tap into uncharted segments to seize and capture leisure global demand 

Mabrian data featured in the Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025 also highlights the potential of key demand segments to boost leisure travel in the region—particularly the bleisure segment and younger generations. As Mabrian’s CMO notes, “Travellers to GCC destinations display a distinct behavioural pattern that sets them apart from other markets: business travellers consistently record longer average stays than leisure visitors. This trend, observed over the past two years, suggests that these destinations are successfully capitalising on the bleisure opportunity among international travellers.”

There are, however, two exceptions—Saudi Arabia and Oman—where the balance tips in favour of leisure travellers. In Saudi Arabia, for example, leisure visitors stay an average of 4.11 days, compared to 3.18 days for business travellers. In Oman, business stays are slightly shorter than those of leisure guests. “To strengthen the bleisure segment, GCC countries should enhance mid-range accommodation options and align hotel experiences—especially in top-tier categories—with global standards,” Mabrian’s CMO adds.

Likewise, there is significant growth potential among younger travellers. Capturing their attention could boost arrivals, not only by expanding lodging options in midscale and economy categories but also by promoting aspirational tourism products and services that resonate with their interests. According to Mabrian insights, currently, about 1 in 5 visitors to GCC destinations is aged between 18 and 35. Keeping this segment engaged could make a substantial impact in both the near and long term.

The Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025 also explores additional competitive advantages that position GCC destinations to attract international holidaymakers. These include a forward-looking vision for multimodal mobility, enhanced cross-country collaboration to optimise promotion and development, and the power of destination specialisation to transform the region’s long-term tourism strategies.

“This year’s findings reflect a maturing and increasingly competitive global tourism ecosystem—and the GCC is clearly playing to win,” says a Mabrian spokesperson. “That’s why data intelligence is so vital in this fast-evolving landscape—not only as a tool to anticipate trends and opportunities, but also to uphold high standards and stay attuned to changing traveller preferences and destination development dynamics.”

 

 

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The post Accor partners with Wego appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Accor has entered a new strategic distribution partnership with Wego as part of their commitment to deepen Accor’s digital presence and strengthen the Group’s connection with regional travelers across MENA.

Through this collaboration, Accor is focused on expanding its reach across high potential markets including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and other GCC countries, benefitting from Wego’s deep understanding of local consumer behavior and unmatched ability to localize at scale as a highly trusted platform in the region.

Accor scales its digital ecosystem

Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Accor commented: “This partnership represents a strategic alignment with the region’s leading travel marketplace, a critical enabler in Accor’s strategy to collectively scale its digital ecosystem and regional footprint. It’s not just about greater visibility, it’s about understanding the Middle Eastern traveler, and creating tailored, culturally relevant experiences that resonate with them. The timing of our partnership with Wego is also critical, sitting within Accor’s broader digital transformation strategy across MEA APAC, as we move from traditional campaigns to a data-rich, always-on marketing model, engaging guests with personalized content across digital channels.’’

‘’Together we’re unlocking new opportunities to really understand our customers and personalize engagement, amplify our 45+ hotel brands, and drive commercial growth through Wego’s powerful distribution capabilities, allowing Accor to reach new audiences and strengthen direct engagement across the MENA region,’’ she added.

Craig Hewett, Co-Founder and Chief Hotels Officer at Wego, said: “This collaboration with Accor couldn’t come at a better time. As the region witnesses a surge in travel, our mission is to provide travellers with exceptional value and seamless access to the world’s best hospitality. Partnering with Accor enables us to deliver curated hotel experiences to millions of users, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, personalization, and trust.”

Accor will have real-time connectivity to Wego’s platform, integrating its huge global hotel inventory, dynamic rate plans, and locally relevant offers, paving the way for seamless joint marketing efforts and regional content delivery.

This seamless integration will make Accor’s expansive hotel portfolio, spanning over 5,600 properties and more than 45 brands, instantly accessible to Wego’s highly engaged user base across the region.

The founding of this partnership is perfectly timed and naturally aligns with both companies’ growth trajectories. As Wego evolves, and the company’s influence grows, the well-established travel platform offers a robust, scalable technology stack, and deep consumer insights across MENA, mirroring Accor’s own expansion efforts in the region.

With Accor rapidly accelerating its regional footprint, strengthening its leadership in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt, the integration enables the hotel group to capture more share of MENA travelers’ spend, and drive greater visibility for Accor brands and hotels, while continuing to deliver tailored experiences rooted in regional relevance.

Accor and Wego to launch joint campaigns

The collaboration also paves the way for deeper marketing alignment. Accor and Wego will launch joint campaigns that highlight top outbound destinations, such as Paris, London, Istanbul, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur that are consistently in demand among Wego users.

With targeted messaging in Arabic, English, Urdu, and more, the partnership will ensure Accor’s properties are featured in culturally localized, high-converting content across web, mobile, and email platforms.

As both companies invest in scalable infrastructure and intelligent systems, this partnership is positioned to unlock stronger conversion, higher booking volumes, and enhanced brand equity. Accor’s premium, midscale and economy offerings are increasingly resonating with MENA’s growing middle class, while its luxury and lifestyle brands continue to attract high-value travelers seeking authenticity, emotional connection and innovation.

Wego’s ability to deliver tailored recommendations, powered by AI and predictive analytics, will further enhance traveler satisfaction and loyalty.

Accor will also gain from Wego’s localized payment ecosystem, which includes support for popular regional methods such as Mada in Saudi Arabia and Knet in Kuwait. Enhancing affordability and accessibility, Wego further empowers travelers through flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options via its partnership with Tabby. These offerings reflect Wego’s ongoing commitment to delivering seamless, regionally attuned travel experiences, underpinned by best-in-class customer service tailored to the needs of today’s MENA traveler.

 

 

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The post Tour operators need to begin offering private, personalized tours at group-tour prices or face the risk of being replaced appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Walking tours today are the same as they were 25 years ago—in fact, they’re much like when Thomas Cook led his first tour in the 19th century. However, change is on the horizon—and it’s coming fast. With this bold statement, Alex Bainbridge, CEO Autoura offered at Arival’s flagship European event this week, a forward-looking session on the future of guided experiences showing how artificial intelligence is poised to radically reshape the guided tour sector—and why tour operators must adapt to stay relevant.

As AI continues to evolve, the digital assistant on travellers’ phones will soon evolve from providing information to becoming a travel companion. This shift is pushing, in words of Bainbridge, traditional tour operators to rethink the group tour model. In this sense, the panelist urged tour operators to begin offering private, personalized tours at group-tour prices—or face the risk of being replaced by AI-guided alternatives.

How can tour operators adapt?

To stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape, the panelist emphasized the need for tour operators to rethink their approach, with a focus on:

1. Modularizing tours to create flexible, personalized experiences.
2. Transitioning from large buses to smaller vehicles to meet the growing demand for more intimate group settings.
3. Adopting hybrid models that combine live human guides with AI-powered assistance, offering a more dynamic and responsive travel experience.
4. Exploring remote-guided tours, where guides can lead experiences virtually from anywhere in the world, as a promising direction for the future.

“Anyone investing in their business now needs to plan wisely,” warned Bainbridge. And added: “If you’re buying a new bus with a ten-year loan, you could quickly find yourself with an asset no one wants.”

It became evident throughout the discussion that the traditional concept of a “tour” is rapidly evolving. Fixed schedules, group formats, and rigid start times are being replaced by more flexible, on-demand experiences. As AI becomes an integral part of travellers’ journeys—available at their fingertips 365 days a year—expectations are shifting toward highly personalized, real-time interactions. This shift is set to fundamentally transform how people discover, engage with, and experience the world, marking a new era for the travel industry.

The Arival 360 Europe event is being held for the first time in Spain (Valencia) from April 28th to 30th. It features a series of insightful sessions with top-tier panelists, offering an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, address industry challenges, and forge partnerships that drive growth and innovation in the travel sector.

 

 

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The post Thailand and Italy jointly mark the founding of Rome and Bangkok appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted the Foundation of Rome & Bangkok Grand Celebration last 21st April at the Siri Sala Private Thai Villa.

The event commemorated the shared founding date of the capitals of Thailand and Italy, both of which were established on 21 April.

TAT deputy governor for international marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas Chiravadee Khunsub represented the tourism board at the event which is also on the slate of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.

In her remarks, Khunsub put an emphasis on the importance of tourism and cultural exchange in strengthening international understanding and long-standing bilateral relations.

A showcase of traditions and innovations

The celebration featured live music, traditional performances, showcases by Italian businesses, and a panel discussion titled Bridging Cultures Through Tourism: Thailand & Italy in Focus.

The evening concluded with a networking dinner to foster closer collaboration between Thai and Italian partners.

Italy remains a high-potential source market for Thailand, with 267,000 visitors in 2024 and strong momentum into 2025. 

With growing demand for independent and sustainable travel, and direct flights from Rome and Milan, TAT continues to engage Italian travellers through targeted campaigns and partnerships.

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