The post Minor Hotels and Chongqing Yuanchu Cultural Tourism Group sign agreement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hospitality group Minor Hotels recently signed an agreement between its Chinese joint venture, Funyard Minor and Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Group.

The deal is part of the development of the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort which is set to open by October 2027. 

Minor’s vice-president for development in Greater China Eddy Tiftik said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Group to jointly create the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort as a renowned resort destination in China. This project represents a significant expansion for our Anantara brand and our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism development in Hainan and supporting Lingshui’s ‘2+7+3+N’ coordinated development plan. We look forward to deepening the influence of the Anantara brand in China through this new project, creating a luxury leisure destination with deep reverence for its natural surroundings and cultural heritage.”

Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Development Group. chair Liu Yuanchu responded with: “We are excited to work with international hotel group Minor Hotels to build the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort. The Clear Water Bay offers travellers luxurious facilities that seamlessly blend nature and culture, including an international standard golf course, luxury yacht marinas, fishing villages and tropical botanical gardens. We look forward to welcoming guests to explore the region with Anantara in the coming years.”

Luxury along a Singing Beach

The 90-key Anantara Hotels & Resorts property is located along Clear Water Bay’s 12-kilometre stretch of fine, white sandy beach, known as one of the world’s three Singing Beaches.

Rooms and suites at the resort will range in size from 60 to 240 square metres tailored to the needs of its guests. 

Holidaymakers can explore a range of culinary offerings at the resort’s specialty restaurants and an all-day dining venue. 

The resort’s leisure facilities will include an Anantara Spa, wellness centre, outdoor swimming pool and entertainment centre, complemented by signature experiences that integrate Hainan’s unique charm and local character. 

The property will also feature a versatile 400-square-metre banquet hall and a beautifully landscaped 350-square-metre outdoor lawn, ideal for a wide range of events and gatherings.

An exceptional location

Located in Lingshui Li Autonomous County on the southeastern coast of Hainan and 35 kilometres drive from Sanya’s city centre, Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort will leverage the region’s beautiful natural surroundings and year-round tropical climate to provide guests with access to sunny beaches, azure seas and stunning outdoor scenery.

Lingshui boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including the pristine waters surrounding Fenjiezhou Island, the fine white sands of Qingshui Bay, the vibrant and engaging Nanwan Monkey Island, and the diverse attractions of R&F Ocean World. 

The resort’s prime location will also allow guests to discover the region’s local culture through handicrafts, fabric and bamboo weaving, music, and lively festival celebrations unique to the island.

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The post Sabre inks long-term partnership with Gray Dawes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel technology firm Sabre Corporation announced a multi-year partnership with Gray Dawes Group, one of the industry’s largest independent travel management companies (TMCs), on Wednesday, 30th April. 

Under this partnership, Gray Dawes has selected Sabre as its sole global distribution platform partner.

Gray Dawes will partner with Sabre to accelerate its next phase of growth, prioritizing investments in innovation to better serve clients worldwide and enhance operational efficiency. 

Advanced capabilities in AI and automation will enable Gray Dawes’ agents to focus on high-value interactions, while Sabre’s multi-source content approach streamlines technology management, ensuring seamless access to comprehensive travel options.

Gray Dawes CEO Suzanne Horner said: “We have selected Sabre as our global distribution technology platform because of their ability to support our operational model and international growth. Their global scale, stable technology infrastructure, and investment roadmap align with our objective to expand beyond our core markets and operate efficiently on a global scale. By focusing our entire global operation on a single GDS, we can achieve far greater efficiencies within our business, freeing up time and resources to further develop our Always On service model.”

Horner added that Sabre offers excellent support to Gray Dawes’ High Tech, High Content value proposition, and she looks forward to seeing how the tech company’s innovation can complement her firm’s in-house technology developments to serve clients better.

For regional growth

Gray Dawes’ partnership with Sabre supports the TMC’s strategic growth initiatives across key regions, focusing on its European markets, particularly in the UK and the Netherlands, as well as continued growth in North America and Australia.

Sabre regional director for Northern Europe and Benelux Richard Addey said: “This partnership highlights Sabre’s capability to collaborate with and deliver integrated solutions for TMCs looking to scale both locally and globally. By combining our AI-driven technology, automation, and multi-source content, we are supporting Gray Dawes’ growth strategy and enabling them to enhance operational efficiency while focusing on high-value services for their clients worldwide.”

Gray Dawes accesses Sabre content through YourTrip, their online corporate travel platform and booking tool, powered by Atriis. 

Gray Dawes has been instrumental in the development of Atriis, as well as pioneering their own online Portal, which provides clients with complete control over their corporate travel program within a secure environment, a model into which Sabre fits perfectly.

Sabre’s open approach and API connectivity enable access to its travel marketplace without the need to change existing technology, supporting Gray Dawes’ operational model and allowing agents to continue delivering high-value service to their clients without disruption.

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The post Etihad celebrates JV with China Eastern Airlines at ATM2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and China Eastern Airlines have officially launched their landmark Joint Venture (JV) during a ceremony held at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week.

The launch follows the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on 28 April, which was celebrated with a welcome ceremony at Zayed International Airport. The service starts with four weekly frequencies and will increase to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025, further boosting connectivity between the UAE and China.

Seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network

Building upon the launch of the Joint Venture, the two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes at the Arabian Travel Market on 29 April. Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ global networks — unlocking greater value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members.

The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational, offering seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network. This JV signifies the long-standing ties between the UAE and China by offering expanded travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and across the Middle East and Africa regions.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The official launch of our Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for the future of both the UAE and China. By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re not only expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, but also setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation, innovation, and shared success across our markets.”

More convenience for passengers

Wan Qingchao, Executive Vice President of China Eastern, stated: “The launch of the Shanghai-Abu Dhabi route and the implementation of the joint business cooperation with Etihad Airways are key achievements in advancing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative. Backed by a modern Zayed International Airport, we will further enhance our transit capabilities and improve travel convenience for passengers.”

The partnership is the first Joint Venture between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline, setting a precedent for future bilateral aviation agreements. Both airlines will continue to align in areas including codeshare flights, joint marketing initiatives, and customer experience enhancements.

The new China Eastern flight currently operates four times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), with a one-way flight duration of approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes. The A330 aircraft is equipped with high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected throughout the journey.

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The post IATA: total global passenger demand up by over three percent in March appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued  its report on March 2025 global passenger demand for air travel.

It was noted that total demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 3.3 percent compared to March 2024. 

Total capacity measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), on the other hand, increased by 5.3 percent year-on-year. 

Load factor hit 80.7 percent, a 1.6 ppt drop from March 2024.

International demand rose 4.9 percent compared to March 2024, while capacity was up 7 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.9 percent.

With regard to domestic demand, the total was up by 0.9 percent compared to March of last year, and capacity increased by 2.5 percent year-on-year; load factor was at 82 percent.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh pointed out: “A capacity expansion of 5.3%, however, outpaced the demand expansion leading to a load factor decline from record highs to 80.7% system-wide. There remains a lot of speculation around the potential impacts of tariffs and other economic headwinds on travel. While the small decline in demand in North America needs to be watched carefully, March numbers continued to show a global pattern of growth for air travel. That means the challenges associated with accommodating more people who need to travel, specifically alleviating supply chain problems and ensuring sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity, remain urgent.”

Market performance in March 2025

International markets

International RPK growth slowed to 4.9 percent in March year-on-year from the 5.9 percent reported for February and from the 12.5 percent reported in January. 

This slowdown since January reflects in large part the final normalization of year-on-year demand comparisons post-COVID. 

Asia-Pacific was the strongest performer among regions with 9.9 percent growth. 

On the other hand, load factors dropped in every region, reflecting  a -1.7 ppt overall decline. 

Performance by region 

• Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 9.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 11.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (-1.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
• European carriers had a 4.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.2% (-1.5 ppt compared to March 2024).
• Middle Eastern carriers saw a -1.0% year-on-year decline in demand. Capacity increased 2.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 74.6% (-2.9 ppt compared to March 2024). The decline in demand is likely related to the timing of Ramadan which impacts travel patterns.
• North American carriers saw a -0.1% year-on-year fall in demand. Capacity increased 2.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.0% (-1.8 ppt compared to March 2024). While demand had a second consecutive month of year-on-year contraction, it is important to note that this is an improvement on the -1.5% decline reported for February.
• Latin American airlines saw a 7.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 12.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 80.9% (-3.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
• African airlines saw a 3.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 3.5% year-on-year. The load factor was 70.1% (-0.2 ppt compared to March 2024).

Domestic markets

Domestic air travel posted a marginal gain of 0.9 percent, weighed down by declines in the US and Australian markets. 

Brazil and India reported the strongest growth at 8.9 percent and 11 percent respectively. 

Meanwhile, both Australia and the US reported slight declines, whilst the overall load factor fell -1.3 ppt as domestic capacity expanded 2.5 percent.

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The post Dusit Hotels and Resorts to open Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thai hospitality company Dusit Hotels and Resorts announced that its newest property in Vietnam is slated to open on  9th May.

Located in the heart of the Vietnamese capital, the Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi is a refined urban sanctuary that also serves as Dusit’s debut in Hanoi.

The opening of the Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi comes in the wake of the successful opening of the Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort Phu Quoc.

That said, the new property brings Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the tranquil shores of West Lake, offering an elegant blend of modern luxury and timeless Vietnamese charm.

Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz said of the property: “We are honoured to expand our presence in Vietnam and bring Dusit’s distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Hanoi for the very first time. Inspired by the remarkable legacy of Princess Từ Hoa, Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi is much more than a new hotel: it is a celebration of cultural heritage, artistic spirit, and heartfelt service. By seamlessly blending the elegance of Vietnamese tradition with the warmth of Thai hospitality, we aim to create enriching experiences that resonate deeply with our guests and foster meaningful connections with the local community.”

Regal inspirations

Inspired by the legacy of Princess Từ Hoa, a royal figure celebrated for her pioneering contributions to the silk industry in the Nghi Tàm area near West Lake, the hotel captures the spirit of craftsmanship, community, and cultural pride that defines the neighbourhood.

A daughter of Emperor Lý Thần Tông, who reigned from 1128 to 1138, Princess Từ Hoa famously left the royal court to cultivate mulberry trees and teach silk weaving to the local people. 

Her legacy lives on in the area’s continued association with quality craftsmanship; and now, in the design and spirit of Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi, where traditional elegance is thoughtfully reimagined for the modern era.

A elegant urban hideaway

Boasting 207 beautifully appointed rooms and suites with panoramic views of the lake or city skyline, the hotel has been designed as a serene retreat for business and leisure travellers alike. 

Each space combines contemporary comfort with subtle Vietnamese detailing, all enhanced by the intuitive service and warm hospitality for which Dusit is known.

Guests can enjoy a curated collection of dining experiences celebrating both local and international flavours. 

Soi Restaurant showcases bold and authentic Thai cuisine, while Vinci Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar offers refined Italian fare alongside sweeping views of the city. Phở Lụa presents a cosy al fresco setting dedicated to Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup, and Dusit Gourmet provides an inviting space for artisanal pastries, afternoon tea, and freshly brewed coffee.

The hotel also features four private dining rooms designed for exclusive gatherings and VIP occasions.

Alongside a fully equipped gym and spaces for wellness activities, the hotel also offers three elegant ballrooms and a rooftop event space with spectacular views over West Lake, making it ideal for weddings, corporate functions, and social celebrations.

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The post Melbourne Place set to relaunch as Hyde Melbourne Place appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Lifestyle hospitality company Ennismore continues its global expansion with the recent signing of Melbourne Place in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district. 

The celebrated property will be reimagined and relaunched as Hyde Melbourne Place, marking the brand’s debut in Australia.

As such, the hotel will offer a fresh and unique experience for locals and travellers, blending contemporary design with Melbourne’s synonymous cultural essence. 

According to recently appointed general manager Jodi Brown: “Melbourne’s creative spirit, bold energy, and cultural richness make it the perfect setting for Hyde’s Australian debut. With its bohemian aesthetic, playful spirit, and deep roots in music and design, Hyde Melbourne Place will offer guests more than just a stay, it will be a full sensory experience. We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming, including vibrant spaces, live music moments, and design that truly speaks to the heart of Melbourne’s artistic community.”

Even now, Melbourne Place has already been recognised as one of the city’s most exciting new destinations, recently earning a coveted spot on the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2025. 

Celebrated for its distinctive design, central location, and connection to Melbourne’s creative pulse, the property’s next chapter under Hyde promises to build on this strong foundation, introducing bold new experiences while honouring the cultural vibrancy that defines it.

A bold new look

Hyde, which has expanded its global presence to cities like Miami, Dubai, London, and Johannesburg, brings its bold vision for lifestyle hospitality to Australia. 

Hyde Melbourne Place will feature a variety of guest rooms and public spaces that reflect Melbourne’s renowned artistic and cultural vibrancy. In the coming weeks, full details on the hotel’s design features, music-led programming, and guest experiences will be revealed.

Hyde Melbourne Place will join Ennismore’s trio of flagship openings in Australia this year; namely Hyde Perth, Mondrian Gold Coast, and 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, all of which mark the group’s highly anticipated debut in the country.

She’s in charge

Brown will help further cement Hyde’s commitment to excellence in its Australian debut. 

She brings over 14 years of experience in the hospitality sector across various hotels and resorts throughout Australia, including a strong presence in Melbourne.

Her tenure at these establishments is proof of her leadership abilities, deep industry insight, and passion for creating extraordinary hospitality experiences.

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The post Etihad, Tourism Authority of Thailand sign cooperative agreement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

This new cooperative agreement aims to strengthen the relationship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.

At the same time this agreement is expected to boost tourism to Thailand through Etihad’s extensive global network. 

Aligned with Etihad’s mission to deliver extraordinary travel experiences, the MoC will see both organisations advocating high-quality travel experiences in Thailand through collaborative activities and promotion.

A growing market

Last year, Etihad announced the addition of two new destinations in Thailand, among the 16 new routes the airline is launching in 2025. 

Operations to Krabi and Chiang Mai will begin in October and November respectively, and will strengthen the airline’s presence in the market, alongside existing routes to Bangkok and Phuket. 

Also, Etihad’s extensive global network and four gateways in Thailand make it easy for leisure travellers to fly directly into their favourite holiday destinations in Thailand, supporting tourism in the market on a global scale.

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “Thailand is a very important market for Etihad, this is demonstrated by our continued expansion into the market with two new destinations this year, and further by this Memorandum of Cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to drive leisure travel. This agreement will help further strengthen our relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand and Etihad’s position in the market, reinforcing our commitment to deliver extraordinary travel experiences.”

For her part, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool remarked: “Our partnership with Etihad marks a significant milestone in advancing Thailand’s position as a preferred global destination. With Etihad’s extensive network and world-class service, we are confident that this collaboration will inspire more travellers to explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and wellness offerings of Thailand. Together, we aim to deliver unforgettable experiences and reinforce Thailand’s appeal as a year-round destination for international visitors.”

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The post Tourism Malaysia raises awareness on Visit Malaysia 2026 at Arabian Travel Market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia again took part at the annual Arabian Travel Market through its primary agency Tourism Malaysia.

At this year’s ATM in Dubai, Tourism Malaysia officers hope to target more tourists from West Asia. 

The tourism board also launched a new promotional video for VM2026, highlighting surreal experiences in Malaysia. 

Malaysia is eager to welcome 45 million international visitors and to achieve US$60.8 billion in tourism receipts by 2025. 

But more importantly, VM2026 will serve as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and community engagement within Malaysia’s tourism industry.

The Middle East is considered a prime source market for Malaysian tourism as the country welcomed 194,440 tourists from the region in 2024.

A notable delegation

The Malaysian delegation is led by Malaysian minister of tourism, arts and culture Tiong King Sing and Tourism Malaysia’s director-general Manoharan Periasamy.

The delegation consists of 82 different organizations, including five state tourism boards, 34 tour operators, 35 hotels and resorts, five Tourism Products, two tourism associations, as well one airline.

Tiong said of their participation this year: “Our multi-pronged VM2026 strategy provides a comprehensive framework to boost Malaysia’s visibility, enhance destination accessibility, and elevate our tourism offerings.”

Symbol of a vibrant nation

The VM2026 logo, a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual representation of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists from around the world.

Adopted as the campaign’s official icon, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud and endangered species, reflects Malaysia’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation.

Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot is intended to resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy while enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming and family-friendly destination.

Official VM2026 theme song, titled “Surreal Experiences” captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. 

This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.

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The post International visitor spending in Türkiye in 2025 forecast to reach ₺2.6TN: WTTC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector is set to soar to new heights in 2025, according to the latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), cementing the country’s status as one of the world’s most popular and most resilient destinations.

With a projected ₺5.2TN contribution to the national economy in 2025 – equivalent to 12% of Türkiye’s GDP – Travel & Tourism is forecast to grow more than ₺200BN above last year. According to the research, both international and domestic visitors are set to fuel this success, with international visitor spending in 2025 forecast to reach ₺2.6TN, underscoring Türkiye’s rising global appeal.

Domestic visitor spending is projected to reach ₺1.4TN, reflecting the vibrant strength of Türkiye’s homegrown tourism economy and the appetite of its people to explore the richness of their own country.The global tourism body’s latest Economic Impact Research also shows that this impressive growth isn’t just economic.

In 2025, Travel & Tourism is expected to support 3.3MN jobs across the country, representing over 10% of all national employment. From hospitality and transport to food services and cultural experiences, the sector is creating meaningful, long-term opportunities for millions of Turkish citizens.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “Travel & Tourism in Türkiye continues to grow at pace and is reaching record numbers. As travellers seek authentic, enriching experiences, Türkiye is delivering with open arms, offering travellers a world-class experience.”

A look back at 2024

Last year, Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed ₺5TN to the Turkish economy – representing nearly 12% of total GDP. It also supported 3.2MN jobs, representing one in every 10 across the country.

International visitors spent ₺2.5TN, just over 5% below the year before, while domestic travellers added a further ₺1.3TN, emphasising the sector’s broad and growing impact.

Simpson added “2025 is on track to be a record year for Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector, but success can never be taken for granted. While the country made great strides in 2024, international visitor spending did see a slight decline. In a competitive global market, Türkiye must continue to innovate and invest to retain its world-leading position.”

Coral Travel Group, one of the leading tourism groups in Türkiye and Europe, also welcomed the outlook.

Chairman of the Board and WTTC Member, Ayhan Bektas, said “We are proud to be part of Türkiye’s tourism story and to contribute to a sector that supports millions of jobs and delivers real value to the national economy.

“The partnership between the private sector and government has helped make Türkiye one of the world’s most dynamic travel destinations — and we look forward to continuing that success together. We will continue our efforts to support Türkiye’s rise.”

Looking to 2035: A Decade of Promise

WTTC projections show the sector will maintain strong growth through to 2035.

Travel & Tourism is forecast to contribute ₺7TN to the economy by 2035, almost 13% of GDP, and is expected to support 3.8MN jobs, creating over half a million new roles over the next 10 years.

International visitor spending and domestic tourism are both expected to rise steadily, to reach ₺3.4TN and ₺1.7TN respectively.

 

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Source: traveldailymedia