The post Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority partner to boost inbound tourism from Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital travel platform Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has announced a long-term strategic collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority to showcase Saudi’s rich heritage and diverse experiences to travelers across the Asia-Pacific region. Launched against the backdrop of WiT Singapore, the first campaign of the collaboration, ‘Spectacular Saudi’, will leverage immersive storytelling, curated cultural experiences, and exclusive offers to drive inbound travel to the country from 11 key Asian markets.

The ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign will run until 28 February 2026 targeting travelers from Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.  With the aim of generating demand through targeted advertising, the Saudi Tourism Authority will leverage Agoda’s Media Solutions to reach active travelers, deploying a marketing campaign that spans both Agoda’s digital platforms and external channels. The initiative aims to reach high numbers of prospective customers and bolster tourism to Saudi.

Building off of the ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign, Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority’s four-year collaboration will run until the end of 2029, maximizing Agoda’s online presence and reach. It will integrate a range of marketing efforts, including onsite banners and social media amplification. To drive bookings, the campaign will also offer additional discounts on selected accommodations in Saudi.

Through dedicated landing pages, travelers will discover Saudi’s hidden gems and iconic destinations. Simultaneously, Agoda will also boost the exposure of hotels in Saudi, helping hotel partners benefit from premium positioning on the landing page to reach thousands of travel-ready users.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Saudi Tourism Authority on the upcoming initiatives, kicking off with the ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign. By combining our experience in engaging travelers from Asia with their vision for the Kingdom, we aim to foster new connections and inspire more visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations. We look forward to supporting our partners throughout this campaign and contributing to the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC at Saudi Tourism Authority remarked, “Our strategy at the Saudi Tourism Authority is focused on high-impact partnerships that offer unrivaled access to global consumer markets. By leveraging Agoda’s extensive reach, we are driving direct conversion, ensuring that Saudi is positioned as the top choice for millions of travelers. This campaign is important for accelerating the country’s tourism growth.”

This partnership underscores a shared ambition to connect travelers with Saudi’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, enhancing the nation’s tourism appeal. Agoda’s global network of over 6 million properties, plus flights, activities and more, stands ready to support this endeavor, promising value and variety to travelers exploring Saudi.

 

 

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The post Indonesia Convention Exhibition triumphs at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The event venue took home two awards for introducing upgrades for smarter events and conferences.

Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) proved yet again its reputation as the country’s most advanced event venue as it bagged the Facilities Upgrade of the Year – Indonesia and Meetings & Conferencing Property of the Year – Indonesia categories at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia.

Smarter, seamless events

ICE BSD rolled out a series of strategic upgrades that have made events smoother, more flexible, and more visitor-friendly.

These improvements include advanced hall partitions as well as 24 new LED screens across its pre-function areas, which make event organising easier whilst boosting visibility for branding and sponsors.

The opening of the Serpong–Balaraja (Serbaraja) Toll Road also now allows visitors to access the venue more easily by cutting down travel time and reducing congestion during major events.

But beyond facilities, ICE meets the growing demand for all-in-one event services with the launch of the ICE Events under PT Indonesia International Expo (IIE). This new division brings together four key services, namely ICE Creation, ICE Production, ICE Partnership, and Oh My Food, which is the food tenant management.

With this 360° service approach, clients can plan, produce, and run complex events without the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors.

ICE also has international certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and HACCP standards for food safety, which ensure that it maintains high standards in cleanliness, layout, and operations.

These features and enhancements led to ICE earning an impressive 4.4 out of 5 rating at the recent 2025 client satisfaction survey.

Integrated venue solutions

ICE BSD spans 22 hectares in the heart of BSD City, with all spaces supported by in-house banquet services for up to 10,000 guests. The event venue features 10 large halls, 33 meeting rooms, and the 4,000 m² Nusantara Convention Hall. Its parking can house over 12,000 vehicles, also offering on-site dining at SALT by ICE and is integrated with the four-star Santika Premier Hotel.

It is just minutes away from the Serbaraja Toll Road, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, and commuter rail lines, with its surrounding area providing access to over 2,000 hotel rooms, more than 20 malls, and entertainment venues.

ICE has welcomed over 17 million visitors and hosted more than 3,500 events since its opening in 2015.

In 2025 alone, it hosted the IPA Convex 2025, which is Southeast Asia’s largest oil & gas convention. ICE welcomed over 35,000 participants from 51 countries. The event was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr Prabowo Subianto, with ICE coordinating closely with the Presidential Security Force for a high-security event.

In response to the continuous growth of client expectations, ICE has focused on offering smart solutions to be a trusted partner.

Owned and managed by PT Indonesia International Expo (IIE), a joint venture between Kompas-Gramedia Group and Sinar Mas Group, ICE continues to play a key role in advancing Indonesia’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

These exemplary features have allowed ICE BSD to lead and redefine the future of meetings and conferences in Indonesia.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Indonesia recognises the key players in the travel industry, honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives in the region.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information, contact Shela Ramos at shela@traveldailymedia.com or +65 3158 1386 ext 227.

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The post Top travel innovators lauded at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The awards programme honours key players who consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.

Indonesia’s travel and tourism sector continues to be a major driver of economic growth, offering a rich combination of cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Industry leaders are transforming the travel experience through innovations in service, technology, and sustainable practices. This year’s nominations highlighted key trends in the sector, including experiential travel, responsible and guest-focused hospitality, advanced MICE infrastructure, and adventure-driven tourism.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia, hosted by Travel Daily Media, held on 9 October 2025 at Shangri-La Jakarta, celebrated the nation’s most remarkable projects and initiatives, recognising those that are raising the bar in travel, leisure, and hospitality.

The distinguished panel of judges that evaluated this year’s nominees consisted of: Lenita Tobing, Managing Director & Partner, SEA lead for the Transport, Travel, Tourism, Cities and Infrastructure (TCI), Boston Consulting Group (BCG); Pierre Marechal, Vice President, Advisory & Asset Management, Hotels & Hospitality Group, JLL; Dick Bernardi, Head of Projects, Project Management, Indonesia, CBRE; Florian Kittler, Managing Director-Europe & Asia Pacific, Frankfurt, HVS; and Matt Gebbie, Director, Jakarta, Indonesia, Horwath HTL.

Congratulations to the award winners!

TDM TRAVEL TRADE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025 – INDONESIA WINNERS

Aqua Expeditions
Expedition Cruise Line of the Year – Indonesia

BALI GOLDENGATE INTERNATIONAL | Hotel & Asset Management
Positive Hospitality of the Year – Indonesia

Indonesia Convention Exhibition
Facilities Upgrade of the Year – Indonesia
Meetings & Conferencing Property of the Year – Indonesia

InterContinental Bali Resort
MICE Hotel of the Year – Indonesia
Resort Hotel of the Year – Indonesia

Mason Adventures
Touring & Adventure Operator of the Year – Indonesia

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia is presented by Travel Daily Media. For more information, contact Shela Ramos at shela@traveldailymedia.com or +65 3158 1386 ext 227.

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The post Klook Travel Fest offers Filipino travellers the most irresistible deals appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Klook Travel Fest 2025 will be giving Filipino travellers the best possible deals from 10th to 12th October at the Main Atrium of the SM Mall of Asia In Pasay City.

Visitors can look forward to Buy-1-Get-1 Flash Deals, all-day travel freebies, surprise giveaways, exclusive promotions with discounts of up to 50 percent, and vouchers with savings of up to ₱10,000.

Designed to inspire and empower travelers to explore more for less, the event offers unbeatable deals across a wide range of destinations, including the Philippines, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

As Klook Philippines associate director of marketing Ulla Roqueza puts it: “We’re very excited to be launching this year’s Klook Travel Fest. We’ve strategically patterned our promotions with the results of our Klook Travel Pulse from earlier this year to make sure we’re giving our Klookers deals aligned with what they’re actually looking for.”

Three days of discounts

After adventuring throgh everything the Klook Travel Fest has to offer, travellers candouble-down on deals and get an extra PHP 500 off when they pay with GCash.

They can even get up to ten percent off for trending destinations as well as 0 percent installment for six months when using GGives.

Maya users get an exclusive 20 percent off first-time hotel bookings and an extra 15 percent off on experiences and transport for both local and international destinations.

They may also check out with BDO Credit Cards and Debit Cards to get 15 percent off tge total basket for optimal savings that can be used during an upcoming trip.

 

Major deals at travellers’ fingertips

 

Deal after Deal, Day after Day

Going to Singapore soon? Score a surprise deal for tickets to different activities in Mandai Wildlife Reserve – from its world-famous Singapore Zoo, the Amazon River Quest at the River Wonders, a nighttime discovery at the Night Safari,  to a feathery meet at Bird Paradise, or even an adventure in the multi-layered Rainforest Wild Asia.  Discover where adventure, education, and conservation blend into one. If boating is your family’s bet, keep your eyes peeled for flash offers you can enjoy when you purchase  Disney Cruise Lines for an aquatic adventure aboard with Duffy and friends – from its themed areas, magical entertainment, and exquisite dining, it’s a holiday you’ll never forget.

 

Buy 1 Get 1 when Visiting Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, this year’s festival has you covered with Buy 1 Get 1 Attraction Tickets for Sun World Vietnam. Look over the stunning views of rich forests and hills from the Sun World Ba Na Hills cable car or ride the breathtaking Alpine Coaster, one of the many attractions in the famous Fantasy Park.  More of a beach person? After all the fun at Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Park, Sun World Hon Thom offers immaculate white beaches, as well as the world’s longest cable car overlooking pristine blue waters. You can also bag tickets to Sun World Fansipan and take the scenic route to the peak of Fansipan Mountain. With options ranging from monorails and funiculars to cable cars and even hiking, the trip is easily customizable to suit your needs and interests.

 

Hot Deals to Hop Around Hong Kong

Explore the beauty of Hong Kong after securing hot discount drops for activities across Asia’s World City. The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is a whole experience in itself that’ll sweep you off your feet with a scenic ride to the Ngong Ping Village. BigBus Hong Kong, on the other hand, is a guided open-top bus tour that takes you around the lush city of Hong Kong. Visit the iconic Ocean Park Hong Kong, where adventure awaits, whether you’re exploring the zoo or going on a thrilling ride. Don’t forget the magical Hong Kong Disneyland, where you can experience eight different themed lands that transport you to the magical world of Disney.

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The post Dida’s Future of Travel challenge to encourage youngsters to get innovative  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global AI-first travel technology firm Dida has launched its Future of Travel innovation challenge for university students in the United Kingdom.

A joint initiative with Headstart Global, the challenge aims to empower young people to reimagine the future of global travel through creativity, innovation, and technology.

Through the challenge, students will work to develop solutions that address some of the most exciting frontiers in travel technology.

Dida Holdings chief executive Daryl Lee said:“The future of travel belongs to those who can combine technology, creativity, and human insight. Through this challenge, we’re giving students the opportunity to experience how global travel is being transformed from the inside out – not just through AI, but through the ideas and imagination of the next generation.”

Lee added that Dida has always been driven by innovation, and this initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing the brightest young minds who will define the next era of travel tech.

The brightest young minds 

The competition represents Dida’s latest step in strengthening its global innovation agenda and fostering deeper collaboration between academia and the travel technology industry.

That said, Dida’s initiative brings together elite teams from leading universities across the UK, including the London School of Economics, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Warwick, and the University of Manchester among others.

The finals will take place on 1st November at the Shangri-La Hotel, London, where the top nine teams will pitch their breakthrough concepts to a panel of judges from Dida’s global executive leadership.

Winners will receive cash prizes and an exclusive, all-expenses-paid Insight Week at Dida’s global headquarters in China’s tech development hub Shenzhen.

The experience will immerse students in Dida’s innovation ecosystem, giving them hands-on exposure to cutting-edge AI applications and product development shaping the future of travel.

 

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The post Vietnam takes a shot at becoming Asia’s next medical tourism centre appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With medical tourism rapidly becoming a prime growth sector in the global tourism industry, it isn’t surprising that Vietnam is keen on stepping up its game to boost its profile as a potential hub.

On 4th September, at ITE HCMC 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, several Vietnamese government agencies signed a landmark agreement geared towards making medical tourism a priority area for development, especially in light of the fact that Vietnamese hospitals and medical professionals are developing a reputation as being amongst the best within Southeast Asia, rivalling their counterparts in Singapore and Thailand.

But what exactly can Vietnam offer the global tourism market, and what is its unique selling point with which to draw patients away from the competition?

This is what we at Travel Daily Media seek to discover in today’s feature.

Vietnamese medical tourism in the numbers

In an article published by industry analyst Gil Neo in July of this year on the Invest in Vietnam site, it was noted that the Vietnamese medical tourism market is projected to reach a valuation of more than US$2.5 billion by the end of 2025.

Neo likewise pointed out that the sector will be growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8 percent anticipated through 2033.

Such development is being driven by several economic trends and social demographics.

To date, these include the growth of the global middle class which has enabled more people to travel for treatment either domestically or overseas; an ageing population in various parts of the globe; increased awareness regarding available healthcare options, as well as geopolitical shifts that are forcing people to seek aid or treatment abroad.

Keeping all these factors in mind, the Vietnamese healthcare sector has been actively working on its infrastructure and manpower components to meet the surging demand.

World-class care in the heart of Indochina

It should be noted at this point that major urban centres like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer world-class medical centres with a diverse and professionally handled range of treatments.

Indeed, it is no longer surprising to hear that western patients are making their way to these cities for cardiological treatment, orthopaedic surgery, and even the resolution of issues regarding fertility and reproduction.

Vietnam is also giving its neighbours a run for their money in terms of cosmetic surgery and dentistry, offering procedures handled with the same level of care and skill at a fraction of the cost.

The country is also known for other modalities rooted in the practice of both traditional healing and the precepts of traditional oriental medicine, on top of wellness measures passed on through generations.

Technology is also boosting the growth of such hospitals throughout the country thanks to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the diagnostic process and robotics in the fields of surgery and critical care, on top of expanding overall patient capacity and comfort in individual institutions.

It must also be stated here that travel agents throughout Vietnam are teaming up with major hospitals to develop tour packages that combine treatment, accommodation, and tourism experiences for patients and any friends or family members accompanying them.

But issues need to be addressed

This is not to say that it’s smooth sailing for the Vietnamese medical tourism sector from this point on.

Far from it: the sector needs to jump over numerous hurdles in order to boost both overall competence and global recognition.

The language barrier is what we see first and foremost: in our recent coverage of ITE HCMC, the fact that 90 percent of the signage onsite and even the discussions on the agenda were in Vietnamese proved a barrier to many members of the media…and if this posed a challenge to us, what more for overseas patients coming into the country?

Second: Vietnam’s medical tourism sector is not as prominent or as visible as that if its closest neighbour Thailand as marketing for the sector has yet to hit the stride of its counterparts luxury, leisure, and even golf tourism.

Third: to date, even after the signing last month, Vietnam still has to come up with relevant policies and standards to regulate its medical tourism sector.

This glaring lack of regulatory measures, specifically quality assurance standards, is a major stumbling block for the sector.

Indeed, in an op-ed for The Investor in 2024 and featured on Vietnam Briefing earlier this year, Vietnamese real estate expert Hoang Nguyen declared: “The absence of an overall policy orientation has led to spontaneous and scattered development of health care tourism. Many providers have also shown a lack of professionalism and abused this type of service for their own interests.”

What could be done

For now, we see three ways by which the growth of the Vietnamese medical tourism sector could be pushed further.

Regulation is the biggest matter to address: standards need to be put in place to ensure that the standard of care is the same in any part of the country.

Language competencies need to be improved across the board from medical professionals to support staff to ensure proper communication with patients from abroad in order to allay any concerns they may have.

Lastly: a comprehensive global marketing programme needs to be developed and implemented as this will make the world more aware of the excellence of Vietnam’s medical services.

Should the country be able to pull these off, then we will not be surprised to see it rise to the top of the game delivering exceptional medical care within its borders and beyond.

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The post Koh Samui rises as one of Asia’s most dynamic wellness and sports tourism hubs  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Asia is now seeing the rise of Koh Samui as one of region’s most dynamic integrated wellness and sports tourism destinations.

Moving beyond its identity as a luxury island escape, Samui is embracing global trends that merge wellbeing, active living, and performance to redefine how travellers experience health and connection.

Indeed, given how Thailand continues to lead Asia’s wellness economy, with tourism as its driving force, Koh Samui is emerging as a destination where tropical serenity meets transformative wellness and sports innovation.

Taking wellness beyond the spa

These opportunities were at the forefront of The C9 Sessions – Koh Samui Wellness Tourism “Beyond the Spa.”

The event brought together global experts and investors to explore how the island can evolve into Asia’s new model for holistic wellbeing and active lifestyle travel.

Ingo Schweder, founder and chief executive of GOCO Hospitality as well as managing director of Horwath HTL Health & Wellness pointed out:“In the global wellness economy, we’re now larger than fashion or pharmaceuticals.

Schweder, however, added that real success depends on integrity and not on wellness washing.

He said: “Guests today expect authenticity and results. Koh Samui has the opportunity to set new benchmarks by developing properties that deliver measurable outcomes, whether in wellness, longevity, or performance.”

Schweder also identified longevity medicine, precision health, and spiritual wellbeing as key growth areas, supported by a rising demand for meaningful, results-oriented experiences that integrate health across all aspects of hospitality.

Where wellness and sports come together

A driving force behind this evolution is the Maraleina Sports Resort, one of the island’s most ambitious project.

The massive development centres on five pillars: football, swimming, fitness, racquet sports, and family.

That said, it boasts of world-class facilities including FIFA-standard pitches, high-performance gyms, and recovery zones designed for athletes and wellness travelers alike.

Maraleina Group director of marketing and business development Marcelo Fonseca remarked: “Our vision started with a passion for sport and a belief in Samui’s potential. What began as a dream to create opportunity for local youth through Samui United has grown into a full ecosystem connecting wellness, community, and family. Millennials and Gen Z travelers aren’t just seeking relaxation: they want to move, connect, and take charge of their own wellbeing. Sport is becoming the gateway to their wellness journey.”

Maraleina’s partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain Academy positions Koh Samui within an elite international sports network, offering young Thai athletes the chance to train at global standards while elevating the island’s profile as a destination for health-minded visitors.

For Mika Chunuonsee, former Thai national footballer and business development manager at Maraleina, sport’s community impact is central to Samui’s story.

Chunuonsee declared: “Sports tourism is about people and purpose. Through Samui United, we’re building opportunities for local players and inspiring youth across the island. But it’s also about engaging visitors who want more than sightseeing: they want to train, play, and recover in a place that shares their lifestyle values. Samui offers that perfect blend of authenticity and ambition.”

The changing face of Koh Samui as a destination

As global travel continues to evolve, the convergence of wellness and sport is reshaping how destinations compete.

Hybrid concepts where recovery meets performance, and mindfulness meets movement are becoming powerful differentiators.

Thailand’s wellness market valued at THB 1.4 trillion in 2023, driven by strong growth in wellness tourism.

According to C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett: “The convergence of wellness and sport gives Samui year-round vitality. These segments aren’t seasonal. They bring resilience, attract international travelers, and move Samui beyond traditional leisure. With its natural assets and innovative projects, the island is well positioned to become Asia’s next wellness and active lifestyle capital.”

From luxury longevity resorts to grassroots football academies, Koh Samui’s transformation reflects a global shift in travel: one driven by wellness, community, and the pursuit of better living.

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The post From Grocery Aisles to AI Itineraries: Hilton’s 2026 Report Reveals How UAE and Saudi Tourists Are Turning Trips into Journeys of Meaning appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading a global shift in how people plan their getaways, according to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report “The Whycation: Travel’s New Starting Point.” The study, based on more than 14,000 travellers across 14 countries, finds that trips are now being shaped by emotional motivations — the why rather than the where.

For Gulf residents, travel is becoming a reflection of identity. Rest, reconnection and authentic experiences have overtaken sightseeing and shopping as the new travel currency. “UAE and KSA residents are reinventing how they explore the world, placing greater emphasis on connection, authenticity and deeper meaning,” said Guy Hutchinson, President, Hilton Middle East and Africa. “They’re choosing journeys that speak to who they are, not just where they go.”

Immersion Over Observation

Cultural connection is central to this new way of travelling. Hilton’s data shows 66 per cent of UAE travellers and 65 per cent of Saudis make an effort to learn a local language before a trip — the highest rate globally. Meanwhile 73 per cent of UAE residents and 69 per cent of Saudi travellers take part in local customs they haven’t researched beforehand, favouring spontaneous immersion over passive observation. Travellers from the Gulf are no longer content with observing from afar; they want to participate — learning traditional crafts, joining village markets and engaging with local life.

Grocery-Store Tourism: The New Souvenir Stop

One of the more unexpected findings is the rise of “grocery-store tourism.” For 81 per cent of UAE travellers and 78 per cent of Saudis, exploring local supermarkets has become a travel ritual.

Beyond novelty, this behaviour shows a desire to understand everyday life abroad — discovering local ingredients, seeing community routines and finding comfort in the ordinary. In a world chasing bucket lists, Gulf travellers are finding meaning in the mundane.

AI-Assisted Planning Fuels Effortless Escapes

Convenience remains key, but it’s being redefined through AI-powered planning. Three in four travellers from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia use AI tools to build personalised itineraries, pairing digital precision with human expertise. This trend signals a move toward smarter, stress-free escapes, with travellers opting for all-inclusive resorts and curated experiences that allow more time for enjoyment and less for logistics.

Social Media and Loyalty Drive Decisions

Social media now shapes journeys in real time. In the UAE, one in three travellers rely on Instagram or TikTok to plan activities while abroad, choosing experiences that trend in the moment.

Loyalty is just as strong: 79 per cent of UAE respondents commit to a single loyalty programme per category — from hotels to airlines — reflecting trust in brands that offer personalised rewards and consistent service. Hilton’s report shows the future of travel will be defined by emotion, authenticity and ease. Gulf travellers are turning holidays into opportunities for connection — with others, with cultures and with themselves. “With more than 8,800 hotels worldwide, Hilton is focused on delivering the comfort and trusted service travellers expect, alongside experiences that reflect how they truly want to spend their time,” Hutchinson said.

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The post Riyadh Air Takes Flight: Saudi Arabia’s Newest Airline Soars to London on October 26 with Luxe Lounge, Loyalty Perks, and Global Ambitions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, will take to the skies on October 26 with its maiden flight from Riyadh to London Heathrow, a landmark moment in the Kingdom’s aviation history and a key milestone under Vision 2030. The inaugural flight will operate aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner named Jamila — meaning “beautiful” in Arabic — marking the official debut of the Public Investment Fund-owned airline.

Talking about the London route, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air  said: “This isn’t just a launch; it’s a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world. This rigorous flight programme allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable and world-class experience.”

Douglas added that the new route will initially operate with select guests and employees before opening to the public once the airline’s next two aircraft are delivered. The second aircraft will serve Dubai, the next confirmed destination, with further routes to be revealed for winter 2025 and summer 2026.

Riyadh Air introduced “Sfeer”, its new loyalty programme designed to redefine passenger engagement. Meaning “Ambassador” in Arabic, Sfeer lets members share points and benefits with friends and family — a first in the aviation industry. “With Sfeer, we’re creating much more than a loyalty programme; we’re building a digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem,” Douglas said.

Early sign-ups, called Founders, will receive priority booking, event invitations, complimentary Wi-Fi, and global partner perks. Members will also enjoy non-expiring points and future gamified challenges via the Riyadh Air app.

Coinciding with its first flight, Riyadh Air has unveiled its premium airport experience — the “Hafawa Lounge” — at King Khalid International Airport. Spanning 2,000 sqm, the desert-inspired lounge welcomes up to 370 guests, offering private and communal seating, curated dining, and signature Saudi coffee.

To reinforce its seamless travel vision, Riyadh Air announced several strategic partnerships. A collaboration with Saudia Airlines will enable passengers to earn and redeem points across both carriers, ensuring network synergy rather than competition. The airline also teamed up with Uber, integrating door-to-door transport into its travel ecosystem, and with Saudi wellness brand Kayanee, which will supply amenity kits and loungewear for premium cabins.

 

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The post People value travel agents and tour operators: ABTA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Findings from ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2025-26 report, released at the Travel Convention in Calvià, reinforce the importance people place on travel agents and operators to provide fantastic holidays with excellent customer service and value for money.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive at ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “At ABTA we know all too well the added value our members – travel agents and tour operators – bring to people’s holiday.

“While people benefit from the good deals agents and operators can secure, they also appreciate their value in lots of other ways, including the confidence they get to travel, access to expertise, and  making life easier by handling all of the travel arrangements. All in all this makes for a better holiday.”

A third (34%) of people used a travel professional to book their holiday over the last 12 months, with ease of booking the most common reason for doing so (57%), followed by saving time (42%).

The number of people saying they felt more confident having booked through an agent or operator increased by five percentage points at 41% this year, compared with 36% the previous 12 months. This perhaps reflects the important role of travel professionals in supporting their customers, and rebooking arrangements, in the face of any change, challenge or disruption.

Being able to accommodate customers’ specific requirements and needs is also reflected in the responses, with 16% saying it helps with ensuring that any disability or mobility requirements are factored in.

Not only do people appreciate the role travel professionals have in organising their holiday, one in five (22%) also say they had a better holiday as a result of booking with them – rising to 30% of 18-24 year olds.

ABTA’s report also shows value for money is front and centre of the decisions people are making about their holiday, with 43% of people booking a package holiday because it was the best option for the price, rising to 47% of 18-24 year olds. It is also the most common reason why people booked a package.

Similarly, value for money was cited by 39% of people as the reason why they booked with a travel professional.

 

 

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