The post Mekong Tourism Forum makes its way to Luang Prabang this June appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR (MICT), in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), announced that the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025 will take place on from 25th to 27th June in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.

Revolving around the theme United Journey: Stronger Together, this year’s forum will bring together tourism leaders, professionals, development partners, and private sector representatives from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to explore shared solutions and new approaches to sustainable tourism development. 

MICT Tourism Development Department director-general Phonemaly Inthaphome said: “The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 reflects our region’s commitment to shaping tourism as a driver of shared prosperity. By convening diverse voices from across the GMS, we aim to build a common platform for dialogue and partnership, ensuring tourism development that is responsible, balanced, and beneficial to all.”

MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij added: “This year’s forum will highlight how collaboration across borders, sectors, and communities can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for Mekong tourism. We look forward to welcoming all stakeholders to be part of this important conversation.”

Regional cooperation via immersion

Through open dialogue, immersive sessions, and cross-sectoral exchange, the forum aims to strengthen regional cooperation and amplify community-focused, responsible tourism across borders.

MTF 2025 will feature discussions led by industry experts from across the tourism sector, thematic breakout sessions held at carefully selected off-site locations aligned with each theme, and the official launch of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030. 

Delegates will also join thematic technical tours designed around hands-on, local experiences that include mulberry paper making, ecotourism visits, and learning traditional practices alongside local communities.

All these offer an authentic perspective on Luang Prabang’s cultural and natural richness.

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The post Singapore Tourism Board signs partnership with AirAsia MOVE appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and AirAsia MOVE signed a strategic partnership on Thursday, 17th April.

This agreement which was formalised with a Letter of Cooperation seeks to create better travel experiences for visitors to Singapore, with a focus on key Southeast Asian markets like Malaysia and Thailand. 

As part of this collaboration, Malaysian and Thai travellers seeking quick weekend getaways can expect attractive travel deals from AirAsia MOVE. 

These combine flights and hotel stays with events and attraction offerings, so they can plan a hassle-free vacation and make the most out of their itinerary.

STB will also work with AirAsia MOVE to enhance the travel experience for Muslim travellers and highlight the wide range of Muslim-friendly offerings across Singapore.

Honouring a shared commitment

At the heart of this partnership is STB and MOVE’s shared commitment to harness data insights, technology, and content to deliver more seamless, personalised, and engaging travel experiences. 

A joint campaign is set to launch in the third quarter of this year spotlighting Singapore’s vibrant offerings and enhancing visibility among regional travellers.

STB’s assistant chief executive for its international group Juliana Kua said: “Southeast Asian travellers have diverse needs and interests, and many are familiar with Singapore. To get them to return or do more, we need a more personalised and data-driven approach. That is why we are delighted to partner AirAsia MOVE: to leverage their insights and capabilities to deliver better experiences and to help travellers maximise their time in Singapore.”

For her part, AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “Our collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board underscores AirAsia MOVE’s commitment to driving regional travel growth through innovation and strategic partnerships. By leveraging our digital ecosystem and consumer insights, we aim to enhance conversion and engagement while simplifying travel planning to Singapore. This synergy allows us to jointly unlock new opportunities in key markets like Malaysia and Thailand, and deliver greater value to both travellers and tourism stakeholders.”

Partners in transformation

The partnership between STB and AirAsia MOVE aims to transform how visitors discover and experience destination Singapore. 

Travellers will be served more personalised recommendations, from popular attractions to experiential activities, based on their interests. 

This would be powered by joint insights from AirAsia MOVE and STB’s data on various user groups.

The partnership is set to cast the spotlight on exciting events, must-visit places, and unique local experiences that make Singapore special, ensuring there’s always something new to discover for both first-timers and repeat visitors. 

To make holiday planning easier, visitors can find the latest information about Singapore’s events, accommodations, and activities directly through AirAsia MOVE.

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The post Cathay Group releases March 2025 traffic report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Cathay Group today released its traffic figures for March 2025 today, 23rd April.

Chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau pointed out how the group continues to make good progress towards exceeding 100 passenger destinations within the first half of this year, particularly with the resumption of Cathay Pacific’s non-stop service to Hyderabad last month. 

This month, five new destinations are joining the Group’s global network, with Cathay Pacific launching services to Dallas and Urumqi in the coming days, and HK Express launching flights to Nha Trang, Ishigaki and Komatsu. 

HK Express has also recently announced the addition of Changzhou and Yiwu to its network in May.

Lau said: “While March marked a quieter month for our travel business, our cargo business saw strong growth momentum as we entered the first traditional cargo peak of the year. However, the latest developments on trade tariffs are creating uncertainties that may cause disruptions to our cargo business, changes in travel demand, increased costs and pressure on supply chains, among other impacts. We are taking proactive steps to put ourselves in the best possible position in facing and mitigating these external forces as we remain aligned, agile and responsive in our approach.”

Cathay Pacific performance in March

Cathay Pacific carried 19.8 percent more passengers in March 2025 compared with March 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 25.5 percent. 

In the first three months of 2025, the number of passengers carried increased by 23.4 percent compared with the same period for 2024.

Lau explained: “While we saw softer demand for leisure travel in March due to the absence of long-weekend holidays in Hong Kong, demand for our premium cabins remained robust, driven by various mega-events and exhibitions in the city such as the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Art Basel Hong Kong.”

Sports tourism also proved to be a boon for the airline, given how the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens also generated strong inbound demand to Cathay Pacific’s home hub, particularly on a number of long-haul routes. 

Lau also proudly declared: “To commemorate the Sevens’ debut at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park and the 100th anniversary of Kai Tak Airport, which had been Cathay Pacific’s home for many decades, we were proud to stage a special flypast on the last day of the Sevens to mark our return to Kai Tak.”

For this month and beyond, Lau pointed out that the airline experienced healthy demand over the Easter holiday. 

She said: “In addition, we are delighted to have recently announced that Cathay Pacific will be one of the very few airlines to offer both 100 percent seatback inflight entertainment and 100 percent high-speed inflight Wi-Fi connectivity across its fleet from August 2025.”

How the cargo arm fared in March

Cathay Cargo carried 10.6 percent more cargo in March 2025 than in March 2024. 

Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 8.5 percent while load factor decreased by 1.2 percentage points year on year. 

In the first three months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 12% compared with the same period for 2024.

According to Lau: “Specialist solutions continue to be our area of focus. We saw notable growth in Cathay Priority during the quarter end and are pleased to have launched our refreshed Cathay Fresh solution to provide a high-quality, dependable and consistent service for transporting perishables.”

Cathay Cargo also achieved an industry first with its new intermodal cold-chain route via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, delivering chilled seafood from Southeast Asia into the Greater Bay Area through its hub in Hong Kong.

Lau said: ”We expect a softening of general air cargo demand between the Chinese Mainland and the United States due to the ongoing tariff situation and de minimis rule changes from early May. However, our network strength and flexibility in redeploying our freighters will allow us to adapt and redirect our focus to emerging opportunities. We will stay close to the market and monitor the developments vigilantly.”

HK Express in March

The Group’s low-cost carrier HK Express carried more than 610,000 passengers in March, marking an increase of 25.4 percent year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 35.6 percent. 

In the first three months of 2025, the number of passengers carried increased by 34.3 percent compared with the same period for 2024.

Lau concluded her report by saying: “HK Express maintained its growth momentum in March, announcing more new destinations and adding flight capacity. Looking ahead at April onwards, we have seen solid demand over the Easter holiday amid a slower pickup for pre-summer and peak summer bookings with more customers booking closer to their departure dates.”

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The post A&K Sanctuary grows with an upcoming luxury retreat in Utah appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) expands its award-winning A&K Sanctuary portfolio with the creation of a new luxury retreat in Moab, Utah.

The new property is seen as a bold move into the American West that brings A&K’s spirit of immersive adventure and elevated design to one of North America’s most iconic landscapes. 

Located at the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the retreat will offer a refined new way to explore Utah’s red-rock canyons, pairing the rugged beauty of the desert with the comfort, privacy and storytelling that define the A&K experience. 

Designed for just 40 guests and set to open in 2027, the property reflects the founding ethos established by Geoffrey Kent more than six decades ago: adventure by day, luxury by night.

A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis said of the location: “Moab is a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty and limitless potential for meaningful exploration. It already captivates millions with its dramatic landscapes and adventurous spirit. What we are creating is something that complements that energy, a new kind of retreat that invites travellers to engage with this setting in a deeper, more soulful way. It is an evolution of A&K’s ethos of adventure by day, luxury by night, brought to life in the heart of the American West.”

Luxury in the heart of the American wildlands

Tens of millions of people visit the national parks of the American West each year, yet luxury lodging remains surprisingly limited. 

With its deep expertise in developing exceptional properties in remote locations, A&K Sanctuary is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. 

The Moab retreat will offer something distinctly new, a place that speaks to discerning travellers seeking depth, beauty and a true sense of place.

Featuring guest accommodation across a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom standalone suites, the retreat will be set among dramatic canyons and private trails, with a design that prioritises generous space, intuitive indoor-outdoor flow and understated elegance. 

Guests will have access to a curated program of experiences, ranging from active pursuits such as hiking, biking and rafting to the classic, expert-led touring for which A&K is known, including scenic drives, geological interpretation, cultural encounters and photography excursions. 

The retreat will also feature a dedicated wellness offering, including a spa and spaces for reflection and restoration, designed to complement the surrounding natural beauty. 

A central lodge will serve as the heart of the property, offering panoramic canyon views and a place to come together at the end of each day.

According to A&K Travel Groups chief destination officer Rebecca Osman: “For our guests, luxury is not defined by excess but by access, connection and meaning. This new retreat in Moab is designed to honour that philosophy. It will offer the space, stillness and sense of place that today’s travellers are seeking, while providing the comfort, care and expert guidance that have always been hallmarks of the A&K experience. Whether guests are looking for active exploration or a more restorative escape, this retreat will allow them to experience the American West in a way that feels deeply personal and enriching.”

A period of significant growth

Abercrombie & Kent underwent a significant brand refresh in December 2024, with A&K Sanctuary evolving in parallel to reflect a renewed focus on immersive, experience-led hospitality. 

Alongside the new Moab retreat, A&K Sanctuary is entering a dynamic phase of growth, marked by substantial investment and geographic expansion. 

The existing portfolio, which includes 13 lodges and camps across Africa and four riverboats in Egypt, will soon be joined by a wave of new developments. Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda and Baines’ Camp in Botswana are both being rebuilt and due for completion in 2025. 

In the same year, a new riverboat, Pure Amazon, will launch on the Peruvian Amazon. Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya’s Amboseli region is set to open in 2026. 

A new circuit of properties is in active development across Mexico, while feasibility studies are underway in Australia and across several locations in South America, including Bolivia. 

Each of these projects reflects a long-term vision to create exceptional, sustainable retreats in some of the world’s most extraordinary places.

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The post Volantio teams up with Amadeus firm Navitaire appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Post-booking revenue optimisation solutions developer Volantio Inc formally entered a partnership agreement with Navitaire, an Amadeus company. 

This partnership allows Volantio to offer its revenue-generating platform to Navitaire’s network of low-cost and hybrid airline carriers, aiming to facilitate quicker implementation, reduce operating costs, and potentially increase revenue by up to five percent on peak flights.

Volantio co-founder and chief executive Azim Barodawala said: “Our exciting new partnership with Navitaire, combined with our existing one with Amadeus since 2019, creates a powerful foundation for Volantio to accelerate sales, drive growth and continue innovating alongside our airline partners. By streamlining integration with airlines already on the Navitaire platform, we’re removing barriers to adoption and making it easier than ever to deliver real value at scale.” 

Navitaire CEO David P Evans added: “Navitaire’s open platform architecture makes it easier for carriers to access innovative revenue optimization tools with ease,” said David P. Evans, CEO of Navitaire. “Volantio’s platform brings a valuable capability to our customers, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to help our customers boost efficiency and commercial performance.”

Volantio’s platform is already in use by several Navitaire-supported airlines worldwide. 

How the solution works

Volantio uses neural networks to identify high-demand flights ahead of their departure and automatically offer incentives for flexible passengers on those itineraries to move to lower-demand options, thus freeing up valuable inventory for airline resale. 

Navitaire’s open architecture, on the other hand, helps facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies like Volantio’s with minimal integration effort.

The collaboration also includes joint go-to-market efforts, enabling both companies to deliver greater commercial value and faster time-to-benefit for airlines worldwide.

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The post Philippine pavilion welcomes more than 40,000 visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) reports that the country’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan has drawn 40,252 visitors in the first nine days since the global gathering of nations officially opened last 13th April.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco pointed out how the turnout is proof of the curiosity, admiration, and connection the Philippine Pavilion sparked among international guests.

Indeed, the unique pavilion designed by renowned Philippine architect Carlo Calma is being hailed as one of Expo 2025’s must-see experiences.

Frasco added: “This is more than an exhibition. It is a movement of culture, connection, and creativity that brings the Philippines to the world stage in a way we have never seen before. The remarkable turnout in just nine days is a resounding affirmation of the strength of our story, the power of our people, and the beauty of our culture. It is a triumphant debut for the Philippines, and a proud moment for all Filipinos.”

An open invitation

Frasco further explained that the Philippine Pavilion is the country’s invitation to the world: one that entices travellers  to feel the warmth of Filipino hospitality and be awed by the wonder of the country’s many islands.

She said: “We welcome everyone to experience why there is every reason to Love the Philippines.”

On its second day, the Philippine Pavilion welcomed Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, who toured the entire exhibition.

DOT officials said the pavilion made it to the Qatari royal’s itinerary based on numerous glowing reviews and her deep connection to the Filipino community in Qatar.

An official department statement declared: “The Sheikha expressed admiration for the Pavilion’s design and storytelling, spending considerable time appreciating the scrims and even expressed interest in commissioning a similar piece, noting how the fusion of tradition and technology resonated with her.”

Where ingenuity and innovation come into play

Anchored on the theme Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future, the Pavilion aims to showcase Filipino ingenuity and creativity.

It features a unique façade of 212 handwoven fabrics representing the diverse regions of the Philippines, to its immersive, tech-powered storytelling installations.

Its centerpiece, “Dancing with Nature,” is an interactive installation that weaves guests into the Filipino narrative using generative algorithms.

Next week, the Philippine Pavilion will launch the Hilot Wellness Space, the Habi Gift Shop in May, and Pavilion mascot Kokoro-chan.

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The post Stephen Nash appointed general manager of The Other House Covent Garden appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Residents’ Club brand The Other House announced the recent appointment of Stephen Nash as general manager of its second property The Other House Covent Garden which launches towards the end of this year.

The Other House’s founder and CEO Naomi Heaton said of Nash’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to the team at this exciting time in our journey. His exceptional expertise in launching standout properties and his genuine commitment to guest experience and innovation make him the perfect fit to lead The Other House Covent Garden. We look forward to watching him bring his energy, insight and leadership to this new chapter.”

Nash’s appointment marks a key milestone in the evolution of The Other House, as the brand takes its next planned step towards becoming a group of Residents’ Clubs in London and beyond. 

He joins at a pivotal moment, working closely with Heaton and the brand’s enior leadership team to shape the property’s launch and to build a world-class team ahead of opening.

Launched in 2022 in South Kensington, The Other House seamlessly combines apartment-style living with hotel service and access to an exclusive private club. Combined with the brand’s destination cocktail bar, Owl & Monkey, and relaxed all-day café, The Other Kitchen, The Other House is a vibrant local hub for residents, members and visitors; whether there for a day, month or year, it is your other house for as long as you’re in town.

Meet Stephen Nash

Nash’s career has also spanned senior leadership roles across Germany, Italy and the UK, including overseeing the operations of 11 lifestyle properties with Boscolo Hotels, as well as key positions with Marriott International and Precise Hotels. 

Known for his sharp strategic insight, passion for placemaking and team-first approach, he is perfectly positioned to bring The Other House’s unique Residents’ Club concept to life in the heart of Covent Garden.

Also, with over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Stephen brings an impressive track record of launching and operating some of the most exciting, design-led and experiential hotels and residences across the UK and Europe. 

Most recently, he was at the helm of Escapade Silverstone, where he led the opening and operational delivery of the £80m development of 60 luxury residences and a private clubhouse at the iconic Formula 1 circuit.

Nash said of his appointment: “It’s a real honour to join The Other House and be part of such a visionary and dynamic brand. I’m excited to work alongside Naomi at al. to create something truly special in Covent Garden – building a world-class team and delivering an experience that feels like our residents’ other house for as long as they are in town.”

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The post Showcase your award-winning initiatives at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Be recognised as one of the finest travel innovators in the industry.

Indonesia’s travel and tourism sector stands as one of the most vibrant, driven by a blend of rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and modern experiences. As the country continues to attract local and international travellers each year, industry leaders are redefining the future of travel—enhancing guest experiences, embracing innovation, and delivering world-class service.

In recognition of these remarkable efforts, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia is set to honour the organisations and initiatives that are redefining excellence in travel, leisure, and hospitality. The prestigious awards programme celebrates Indonesia’s best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology projects that continue to elevate service standards and push the industry forward.

The awards programme spotlights the visionaries and trailblazers driving transformation through innovation, sustainable initiatives, and exceptional service across Indonesia’s travel landscape.

ATPI Indonesia (PT Global Mandiri Tangguh) emerged as a standout winner, awarded Business Events Travel Agency of the Year – Indonesia for its innovative approach to corporate travel and unwavering commitment to exceptional service. Its award-winning initiative featured a bespoke incentive tour to Kyushu, Japan, seamlessly blending immersive cultural experiences, meticulous planning, and comprehensive, end-to-end travel management.

Do you have an innovation that exemplifies excellence and redefines the travel experience?

Nominations are open until 1 August 2025. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this prestigious celebration—submit your entries today and let your travel excellence soar.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Indonesia is presented by Travel Daily Media. For more information, please contact Shela Ramos at +65 3158 1386 ext. 227 or shela@traveldailymedia.com.

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