The post Munich Airport welcomes Thomas Hoff Andersson as new Chief Operating Officer appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Starting 1 May, Thomas Hoff Andersson (48) will join the management team of Munich Airport as Chief Operating Officer. In this newly created position, Thomas Hoff Andersson will be responsible for the operational management of the airport’s complex handling processes, playing a key role in shaping the passenger experience at Bavaria’s premium hub. He will also oversee Munich Airport’s subsidiaries AeroGround and Terminal 2.

Thomas Hoff Andersson has many years of experience in the aviation industry, most recently as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Thomas Hoff Andersson will take on a central role in the planning, management and further optimization of processes at Munich Airport. He brings with him a wealth of expertise as well as national and international management experience.

“We are delighted to welcome Thomas Hoff Andersson as a new member of our management team,” says Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport. His expertise and commitment will help us to continue on our successful path.”

Minister of State Albert Füracker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Munich Airport, emphasizes: “Thomas Hoff Andersson is an excellent addition to the management team at Munich Airport. With the new Chief Operating Officer position, we are placing a strong focus at the highest management level on airport operations and its diverse handling processes to continue to live up to our reputation as a premium airport. Together with Jost Lammers and Jan-Henrik Andersson, the Executive Board of Munich Airport is ideally positioned to lead Bavaria’s gateway to the world successfully into the future.”

Thomas Hoff Andersson adds: “I am proud to be part of this internationally recognized airport hub and look forward to working with the management team and employees to write the next chapters of Munich Airport’s success story.”

 

 

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The post Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.6% YOY demand growth for air cargo in March: IATA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2025 global air cargo markets showing that the total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.4% compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5% for international operations), a historic peak for March. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), expanded by 4.3% compared to March 2024 (+6.1% for international operations).

“March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2 April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration. The uncertainty over how much of the 2 April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade. In the meantime, the lower fuel costs—which are also a result of the same uncertainty—are a short-term positive factor for air cargo. And, within the temporary pause on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

• March volumes typically rise after a lull in February, and this single-digit increase is in line with pre-COVID growth trends.
• Jet fuel prices dropped 17.3% year-on-year, marking nine straight months of year-on-year declines.
• The sharp rise in US tariffs and new trade rules, especially the 2 May ban on duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong, may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees.
• World industrial output grew 3.2% year-on-year, and trade volumes expanded 2.9%. Many key Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) indices fell: US inflation was 2.4%, down 0.4 points from February, EU CPI was 2.5% and Japan’s rate fell 0.1% to 3.6%. China remains in deflation but this eased to -0.1%.

Air cargo market in detail – March 2025
	World		March 2025 (% year-on-year)
	share1		CTK	ACTK	CLF (%-pt)	CLF (level)
TOTAL MARKET	100.0%		4.4%	4.3%	0.0%	47.5%
Africa	2.0%		-13.4%	10.8%	-10.4%	37.1%
Asia Pacific	34.2%		9.3%	7.6%	0.8%	48.6%
Europe	21.5%		4.4%	2.8%	0.9%	59.6%
Latin America	2.9%		5.6%	5.2%	0.1%	39.5%
Middle East	13.6%		-3.3%	0.9%	-2.0%	47.6%
North America	25.8%		3.7%	2.6%	0.5%	40.7%
Note 1: % of industry CTK in 2024

March Regional Performance

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased by 11.3% year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 9.5% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 6.1% year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 4.5% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 2.0% year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -3.2% year-on-year decrease in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 0.8% year-on-year. It’s possible the weakness in this market is due to year-on-year comparison with the strong growth at the start of 2024 resulting from disruption to Red Sea maritime freight.

 Latin American carriers saw 5.8% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 4.7% year-on-year. 

African airlines saw a -13.4% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in March, the slowest among the regions. Capacity increased by 10.5% year-on-year.  

Trade Lane Growth: The Europe-North America route was the busiest trade lane in March. The largest trade lane by market share, Asia-North America, also grew strongly, possibly encouraged by front-loading shipments ahead of potential increased tariffs. Europe-Middle East and Africa-Asia were the only trade lanes to decline in March.

 

Trade Lane	YOY Growth	Notes	Market Share of Industry
Asia-North America	+7.3%	This route has resumed growth after a revised fall of 0.5% in February	24.4%
Europe-Asia	+8.3%	25 consecutive months of growth	20.5%
Europe-Middle East	-7.5%	N/A	5.7%
Middle East-Asia	+2.9%	N/A	7.3%
Within Asia	+5.5%	17 consecutive months of growth	7.0%
Europe-North America	+8.5%	14 consecutive months of growth	13.3%
Africa-Asia	-40.2%	4 consecutive months of decline	1.4%
Within Europe	-5.2%	N/A	2.0%

 

 

 

 

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The post IATA: global air cargo demand up 4.4 percent in March appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2025 global air cargo markets on Tuesday, 29th April.

The latest report shows that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 4.4 percent compared to the total reported in March 2024.

The March 2025 result was also noted as a historic peak for March in the global air cargo sector.

At the same time, capacity, as measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), expanded by 4.3 percent compared to the same month last year.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh said: “March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2nd April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration. The uncertainty over how much of the 2nd April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade.”

Walsh further pointed out that, for now,  lower fuel costs which were driven by the same uncertainty are to be construed as a short-term positive factor for air cargo. 

Walsh added: “Within the temporary pause on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains.”

Factors to consider

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted; these include:

• March volumes typically rise after a lull in February, and this single-digit increase is in line with pre-COVID growth trends.
• Jet fuel prices dropped 17.3 percent year-on-year, marking nine straight months of year-on-year declines.
• The sharp rise in US tariffs and new trade rules, especially the ban on duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong beginning 2nd May, may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees. 
• World industrial output grew 3.2 percent year-on-year, and trade volumes expanded 2.9 percent. Many key Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) indices fell: US inflation was 2.4%, down 0.4 points from February, EU CPI was 2.5 percent and Japan’s rate fell to 3.6 percent. China remains in deflation but this eased to -0.1 percent.

Global performance per region for March 2025 

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.6 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased by 11.3 percent year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 9.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 6.1 percent year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 2 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -3.2 percent year-on-year decrease in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 0.8 percent year-on-year. It’s possible the weakness in this market is due to year-on-year comparison with the strong growth at the start of 2024 resulting from disruption to Red Sea maritime freight.

Latin American carriers saw 5.8 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 4.7 percent year-on-year.

African airlines saw a -13.4 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in March, the slowest among the regions. Capacity increased by 10.5 percent year-on-year. 

With regard to trade lane growth, the Europe-North America route was the busiest trade lane in March. The largest trade lane by market share, Asia-North America, also grew strongly, possibly encouraged by front-loading shipments ahead of potential increased tariffs. Europe-Middle East and Africa-Asia were the only trade lanes to decline in March.

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The post Middle East business travel spending to grow by a CAGR of 6.1% in 2025: GBTA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Experts gathered at the new Business Events Stage during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, part of the newly launched IBTM@ATM Zone, to discuss how regional business travel spending is adapting in response to these global shifts and to explore the financial outlook driving strategic developments across the sector.

In partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the session titled State of the Nation: Navigating the Future of Business Travel in the Middle East provided a thorough analysis of the market dynamics influencing corporate travel budgets and decision-making processes today.

Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President EMEA and APAC, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), said: “In general, the argument for business travel in 2025 is strong, but transformational change will continue to influence how we travel for work around the world. These include economic stability, budget factors, how and where we work, implications of technology, the evolution of sustainability in business travel and the focus on the traveller.”

Logan also highlights that sustainably managed business travel is a force for good, driving progress for businesses, governments, economies and people.

According to the 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook Report, the Middle East accounts for 1.2% of global business travel spend and has performed better than any other region post-COVID with spend reaching 19.4% higher than pre-COVID levels. The estimated business travel spending in the Middle East was $18.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% in 2025, highlighting the region’s strategic importance in the global corporate travel and events ecosystem.

Ciaran Kelly, Managing Director of Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel, said: “There is a positive outlook for business travel in the region, backed by trends we are seeing from our customers, surveys, and what our forecasts are for the year ahead. A lot of the growth is due to the public and private projects taking place – it is almost impossible to get a seat on a plane from Dubai to Riyadh, for example, and once you land, hotel availability is limited. Hotel occupancy across the region is the highest globally, around 70-80% mark putting a lot of pressure on hotels, but in general, everything is positive.”

Reflecting on the significance of the session, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Understanding the shifts in business travel spending is essential for companies that want to remain competitive and resilient in a fast-evolving market. Sessions like this at IBTM@ATM are crucial for providing our attendees with actionable insights and real-world analysis, empowering them to navigate shifting travel patterns and discover new opportunities in the Middle East and beyond.”

The Business Events Stage at IBTM@ATM will continue to explore emerging trends across business travel, MICE, and corporate events until Wednesday, 30 April. The sessions will cover various topics, including the integration of AI and future-proofing strategies for business travel, the human connection versus AI in event experiences, new trends in Chinese outbound MICE travel, achieving net zero carbon emissions in the events industry, and advancing climate action through strategic partnerships in business travel, among other topics.

The 32^nd edition of Arabian Travel Market, held under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, will welcome more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), reinforcing Dubai’s pivotal role as a centre for global tourism and business collaboration.

Held in conjunction with DWTC, ATM’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

 

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The post Musafir.com unveils ‘musafirtag’ at ATM 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

musafir.com has announced the official launch of musafirtag, a next-generation booking tool tailored for travel agents, sub-agents, and reseller partners across the GCC and beyond. The unveiling took place at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, reinforcing musafir.com’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation in the region’s travel trade ecosystem.

“musafirtag is more than a product—it’s our bold step forward in reshaping the B2B travel landscape across the region. We’ve brought together deep industry insight and cutting-edge technology to build a platform that empowers every agent, every sub-agent, and every customer touch point,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani Chairman and Co-Founder of musafir.com.

Built for the modern travel professional, musafirtag combines robust Agent Tools, an intelligent Back Office, and a supplier-facing Extranet—all housed in one seamless interface. Travel agents gain access to a full inventory including Flights, Hotels, Transfers, Activities, and Visas, with real-time booking capabilities, scalable controls, and deep customization options.

How travel agents can leverage “musafirtag”

• Unmatched Flight Connectivity: Access to multiple GDS providers, combined with direct integrations with low-cost carriers. One of the first in the UAE to integrate Emirates’ New Distribution Capability (NDC).
• Smart Agent Management: Customize access, markups, commissions, and credit limits across a multi-tiered agent hierarchy, making the platform ideal for scaling regional networks.
• White-Labelling & Custom Branding: Agents can launch fully-branded travel portals with real-time engines and curated content, turning resellers into independent travel brands.
• Live Dashboards & Reporting: Stay on top of every booking, cancellation, and sale with customizable reporting dashboards—filtered by agent, market, or product.
• Inventory Management System (Charter Module): to manage bulk inventory and special fares
• Unified Platform, Multiple Services: From flights inventory to visa offers, holiday packages, hotels, transfers and activities everything is managed within one powerful ecosystem.

musafirtag isn’t just a technology launch, it is a strategic move to empower regional travel professionals with the tools to compete and grow in an increasingly digital economy. With built-in CRM capabilities, booking insights, secure transactions, and partner management tools, the platform ensures agents can focus more on selling and less on admin.

“With musafirtag, we’re putting cutting-edge tools directly into the hands of travel agents—because they’re the ones driving the industry forward,” said Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com. “We’ve built a platform that’s smart, scalable, and future-ready—so our partners can spend less time on operations and more time growing their business.”

Powering the Future with Visa Automation & Emirates NDC

Moreover, musafir.com is simplifying travel with its powerful Visa API Suite, built for OTAs, travel agencies, and enterprise platforms. This easy-to-integrate tool automates the entire visa process—from checking requirements to uploading documents and tracking applications in real-time. It supports bulk submissions, customizable workflows, and even white-labelling for a seamless, branded experience.

“The Visa API is a breakthrough for our partners who’ve long struggled with fragmented, manual visa processes. With this powerful suite, we’re helping businesses automate, personalize, and accelerate the visa journey—whether it’s for an individual tourist or a corporate group. It’s about creating seamless experiences and stronger trust with customers,” said Gadoya.

On the flight front, musafir.com has also become one of the first in the UAE to integrate Emirates’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) across all its platforms—including musafirtag. This unlocks special fares, real-time pricing, live availability, and ancillaries like baggage, meals, and upgrades—features not available via traditional GDS systems.

“The Emirates NDC rollout gives our partners a real edge—smarter options, better fares, and a more personalized experience for their customers,” Gadoya added.

Exclusive offer

As part of its launch, musafir.com is offering an exclusive introductory package for travel agents who register for musafirtag during Arabian Travel Market 2025. Benefits include zero credit card charges and no service fees on GDS and low-cost carrier bookings—available only for a limited time. Agents can also unlock exclusive fares for SOTO bookings, enjoy up to $25 off NDC bookings on select airlines, access up to 20% off through direct airline deals, and benefit from special pricing on Emirates bulk bookings.

musafirtag  will begin rolling out across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other MENA markets starting May 2025, with additional features and markets coming soon. Travel professionals attending ATM can experience musafirtag in action at musafir.com, Dubai World Trade Centre, from 28 April to 1 May.

 

 

 

 

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The post Etihad Airways to debut A321LR this August appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways is setting a new standard for single-aisle flying with the debut of its all-new Airbus A321LR, delivering wide-body comfort on short and medium-haul routes. Etihad’s A321LR represents a leap forward in guest experience and innovation, bringing Etihad’s signature luxury and a true First class experience to narrowbody flying.

“The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

“With our new First Suites, 14 lie-flat Business seats with direct-aisle access, and upgraded Economy, we’ve taken the luxury experience which we are famed for on our widebody fleet and adapted it to offer guests the same experience in a single-aisle aircraft – all while keeping them seamlessly connected with superfast, streaming Wi-Fi throughout the journey.

“More broadly, the A321LR marks a transformational moment for Etihad as we accelerate toward our Journey 2030 vision: doubling our fleet size, tripling our passenger numbers, and opening 16 new destinations in 2025 alone.”

An Extraordinary Experience in Every Cabin

Etihad’s A321LR introduces an all-new First Suite – a private, enclosed space with a sliding door, lie-flat bed, elevated dining, and bespoke design touches.

With only two exclusive First suites on board, guests will enjoy an intimate, ultra-premium experience normally reserved for long-haul widebodies. This marks the first time Etihad brings the full widebody First experience to a narrowbody aircraft, redefining luxury on short and medium-haul routes.

The innovative and spacious First Suite offers additional space for a companion to sit as well as a large 20” 4K screen for entertainment, with Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging – ensuring comfort and connection at every touchpoint.

The new Business cabin features widebody-style seats, all forward facing with direct aisle access (1-1) in a herringbone layout with 14 fully-flat 78” beds. Each seat includes a 17.3” 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and ample personal storage, ensuring a seamless, connected journey.

In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer up to 5” recline, enhanced ergonomics, and generous space. At 18.4” wide, it’s one of the widest Economy seats in the industry, providing wide-body comfort to the narrow-body aircraft. Every guest enjoys a 13.3” 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and access to Etihad’s next-generation entertainment system.

Etihad’s aircraft are equipped with Viasat’s advanced, multi-orbit ready system, which is capable of speeds of up to 1 Gbps, and available from gate-to-gate where permitted. All guests have access to streaming, social media, surfing and gaming onboard, in addition to live television throughout the cabin.

Luxury Beyond the Cabin: The First Experience Redefined

Etihad’s First Suite is only the beginning of a truly end-to-end premium journey. The airline is expanding its First class offering across more routes – including the A321LR network – and significantly investing in every detail of the travel experience with new services to be rolled out from August with the introduction of the A321LR.

“As well as investing heavily to expand our First class offering, we’re taking the time to enhance every tiny detail of the experience and introducing a host of new premium services over the next couple of months – stay tuned,” said Neves.

From the moment guests choose to book First, they will be supported by personalised service from the new Etihad Concierge, which will be available 24/7 for tailored travel planning.

In the UAE and all First destinations, guests will enjoy a private chauffeur service to and from the airport, providing a seamless experience from door-to-door. First class guests will also be personally escorted through a dedicated Check In to the Etihad First Lounge and then for boarding. On arrival, guests will be accompanied from the aircraft door to their chauffeur, with porter services taking care of the luggage.

In Abu Dhabi, First guests will also soon benefit from complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, offering a baggage-free airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, First guests will be chauffeured to the aircraft door in a private limousine if the flight does not board directly from the terminal.

“First isn’t just a seat – it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” added Neves. “We’re bringing First to more destinations and elevating it at every touchpoint, combining the elegance of champagne and caviar with the convenience of modern luxury.”

Expanding Horizons

Etihad’s first A321LR enters service on 1 August 2025, with ten aircraft joining the fleet this year. The aircraft will fly from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.

With the A321LR at the heart of its fleet expansion, Etihad is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of tourism and economic development in Abu Dhabi, while delivering world-class service at every altitude.

 

 

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The post RCU launches the 3rd phase of ‘Forever Revitalising’ global brand campaign in the UK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announces the launch of the third phase in its ‘Forever Revitalising’, global brand campaign in the UK market working directly with trade distribution partners to reach our consumers.

A digital marketing campaign has gone live this week with the campaign call to action directing consumers directly to trade partners providing a comprehensive series of travel offers. Trade partners included in this phase are Abercrombie & Kent, Elegant Resorts, Destinology, Southhall Travel and Away Holidays.

Phase three is focused on conversion, with the goal of targeting individuals who have shown direct interest in AlUla content within phase one and two. Assets include website banners and social posts, each presenting the core message of AlUla’s appeal as a destination, combined with a competitive travel package offered by each of the five trade partners.

AlUla launched its inspiring inaugural global campaign, ‘Forever Revitalising’, in February 2024, and phase two, focused on driving consumer engagement and consideration with digital activity running from November 2024 to the end of January 2025. It made its debut across nine core global source markets in six languages.

With an emphasis on renewal and transformation, Forever Revitalising aligns with AlUla’s vision of becoming a destination that is not only historically rich but eternally relevant. With this global campaign, AlUla presents a revitalised cultural promise, inviting discerning tourists and partners to emotionally engage and be vested in its unique and evolving narrative.

 

 

 

 

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The post Air India to operate daily flights to Tokyo Haneda from 15 June 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air India announced the expansion of its non-stop service between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, increasing from 4x weekly flights to daily flights, starting 15 June 2025. This enhancement strengthens connectivity between India and Japan, offering greater convenience for travellers and supporting growing trade and tourism between the two countries.

This move builds on Air India’s recent shift to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (from Narita) on 31 March 2025, which reduced travel time to Tokyo Station to approximately 30 minutes. The daily flights, operated with Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, provide passengers with faster access to central Tokyo, as Haneda Airport is just 18 km from downtown Tokyo.

“Expanding our Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service to daily flights reflects Air India’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for travel between India and Japan,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “This daily service, combined with our deepened codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways, makes it easier for our guests to explore Japan and connect conveniently to other destinations in the country beyond Tokyo.”

Through Air India’s expanded codeshare with Star Alliance partner All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air India guests can conveniently connect from Tokyo Haneda to six major Japanese cities—Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo—on a single ticket with baggage checked through to their final destination.

The daily flights enable seamless connections to domestic Indian destinations like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune, as well as international routes across Asia and Europe.

The updated flight schedule, effective 15 June 2025, is as follows:

• AI358: Departs Delhi (DEL) at 2020 Hrs, arrives Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 0755 Hrs next day (daily).
• AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 1150 Hrs, arrives Delhi (DEL) at 1725 Hrs (daily).

Bookings for Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights are open on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

 

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The post Australian Tourism Exchange officially opens appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) officially opened in Brisbane/Meanjin on Monday, 28th April, kicking off a four day programme of business appointments between members of the Australian tourism industry and global tourism wholesalers and retailers.

Running till Thursday, 1st May, ATE expects the attendance of around 1,600 Australian sellers and over 700 global buyers.

Attendees will take part in 60,000 appointments at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

According to Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison, ATE is  the tourism board’s largest annual trade event and plays a crucial role in driving business from key international tourism markets to Australian tourism operators.

Harrison said: “ATE is a chance for our tourism industry to meet face-to-face with key tourism decision makers from around the world and tell them about the incredible products and experiences Australia has to offer for international holidaymakers.”

Furthermore, the 1,600 Australian sellers in Brisbane will have access to buyers from 31 countries and the connections they make in coming days will drive international travellers to their businesses in the months and years ahead.

ATE25 is delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Tourism Events Queensland, with support from the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

A welcome return

Queensland minister for the environment and tourism Andrew Powell pointed out how Brisbane is extremely fortunate to host ATE25, as the event was last held in Queensland’s capital city 17 years ago.

Powell said: “Brisbane has changed significantly since the Australian Tourism Exchange was last here, and we’re so excited to have the opportunity to showcase just how much our city and state have evolved over time – we’ve got more to offer than ever before. We’ve certainly made the most of this brilliant hosting opportunity, with Queensland tourism operators taking up 191 booths, including 17 Indigenous operators, taking over a quarter of the trade show floor.”

He added that, as Brisbane is slated to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state government is determined to enhance its global appeal.

Powell said: “There is simply no better opportunity to showcase Queensland’s countless connections to sea, land and culture than at ATE25. We want these international tourism decision makers coming back to our shores with as many visitors as possible in the lead up to 2032, during and well beyond.”

For his part, Brisbane’s lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said the 2025 Australian Tourism Exchange would drive more business to local tourism operators.

He said: “Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and our tourism operators are a key reason why we are capturing global attention as one of the best places in the world to visit.”

Schrimmer added that the ATE provides a fantastic platform to give tourism operators an edge internationally and stand out in a saturated market.

He said: “This will ensure Brisbane remains a destination of choice for international visitors by showcasing just how much there is to see and do here.”

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand presents its country as a prime Muslim-friendly destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting Thailand’s position as a premier Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025.

TAT’s participation at the event is in line with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 initiative.

At the event, TAT announced new partnerships with key GCC-based airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, to enhance connectivity and offer co-branded campaigns that showcase Thailand’s wellness and luxury experiences. 

These initiatives aim to help TAT reach its 2025 target of over 1 million visitors from the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

According to TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool: “Thailand is proud to offer an inclusive, seamless travel experience for Muslim travellers. We now have an extensive network of Halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities at major airports and shopping centres, and luxury accommodations with private and gender-segregated amenities. We believe these features make Thailand a compelling choice for the Muslim travel market.”

Specifically for the Muslim market

For its participation at ATM 2025, TAT has developed tailored travel packages for families, honeymooners, and wellness seekers from the GCC region. 

These curated experiences focus on privacy, cultural exploration, shopping, and relaxation, all of which were designed in line with the values and expectations of Muslim travellers.

Last year, Thailand welcomed over 956,000 visitors from the MEA region, a 25.6 percent increase from the previous year. 

Indeed, the Southeast Asian country remains a top destination among high-spending travellers from the Middle East who seek longer stays and personalised itineraries.

As part of its broader campaign, TAT is showcasing the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 at ATM. The nationwide celebration features year-round festivals, global sporting events, and exclusive travel privileges. 

Key focus areas include sports tourism, wellness, culture, gastronomy, and luxury, each offering immersive and personalised experiences that reflect Thailand’s commitment to sustainable, creative, and innovative tourism.

Thailand is a must

The campaign also highlights Thailand’s “5 Must-Do Experiences”: Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See which invites travellers to delve deeper into the country’s cultural richness beyond the typical tourist routes.

Kiatphaibool added: “The Middle East is familiar with our iconic offerings, but we’re excited to present new perspectives, including our Thai Craft Destinations concept and Hidden Gem Cities. These showcase authentic local craftsmanship, culture, and cuisine, helping travellers discover the true essence of Thailand.”

TAT’s efforts are underpinned by Thailand’s sustainable tourism strategy, which follows the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. 

This approach supports low-impact travel, community engagement, and cultural preservation, reinforcing Thailand’s role as a leader in responsible tourism.

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Source: traveldailymedia