The post Princess Cruises’ Star Princess officially sets sail appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Princess Cruises’ latest Sphere Class ship Star Princess officially set sail on her maiden voyage from Barcelona on 4th October.

The Star Princess is the 17th vessel in the cruise line’s fleet and its first sailing will be an 11-day voyage in the Western Mediterranean.

The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, elevated entertainment and activity offerings, and luxurious accommodation.

The voyage set forth from Barcelona, making its way to Marseille, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Cartagena and Gibraltar, before returning to Barcelona. 

After a seven-day Mediterranean voyage, Star Princess sails a transatlantic voyage before debuting in Fort Lauderdale for her Caribbean season and official naming ceremony on 6th November.

After a winter 2025 through spring 2026 season of sundrenched Caribbean cruises, visiting the best destinations the region has to offer, Star Princess sails through the Panama Canal to Seattle for a debut season of seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises in the summer of 2026. 

Indeed, Star Princess will be the newest and most spectacular ship offering voyages to Alaska.

The stars gather for the new vessel 

Camila and Matthew McConaughey will christen the ship as godparents of Star Princess, carrying forward a tradition that has included icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. 

Camila Alves McConaughey is an entrepreneur, NYT best-selling author, and founder of Women of Today. 

Likewise, actor and author Matthew McConaughey is known for his award-winning performances, best-selling books, and his off-screen philanthropic work.

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The post OMRAN Group Named WTTC’s Sustainability Data Partner appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) proudly joined the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as its official Sustainability Data. This strategic partnership was designed to strengthen global collaboration on sustainable tourism, leveraging data to shape policies, foster accountability, and accelerate positive impact across the sector.

The partnership reinforced OMRAN Group’s commitment to advancing sustainability and driving data-driven decision-making within the global tourism industry.

The Global Summit, which gathered CEOs and decision-makers from the world’s leading travel and tourism organizations, served as the stage for the unveiling of this groundbreaking index — designed to measure, benchmark, and advance the sector’s impact on people and planet.

In a highlight moment of the Summit, the CEO of OMRAN Group delivered a keynote speech entitled “Examples of Excellence,” showcasing the Group’s comprehensive human capital development strategy — #IAmTourism — ” as a pioneering model for empowering and developing human capital, aligning with the national objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and translating the pillars of the National Tourism Strategy into tangible outcomes.

The CEO also reaffirmed that this partnership with WTTC represents a pivotal milestone in the Group’s journey to embed sustainability, ESG principles, and In-Country Value at the core of tourism development. By harnessing data-driven insights and fostering global collaboration, OMRAN Group has advanced the creation of destinations that empower communities, celebrate culture, and safeguard the environment. The launch of the Environmental & Social Impact Data Index marks a significant step toward greater transparency and accountability, ensuring that the tourism sector delivers meaningful and measurable economic, social, and environmental impact.

This collaboration underscored the nation’s growing role as a thought leader in sustainable tourism, reinforcing global efforts to drive responsible growth, safeguard natural and cultural heritage, and generate lasting socio-economic value.

 

 

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The post Explore UAE with Dubai’s ‘Inside Burj Al Arab Tour’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With the return of the UAE’s much-loved outdoor season, Dubai’s Inside Burj Al Arab Tour invites guests to take advantage of the stunning weather with an exclusive guided tour of the renowned property. The Inside Burj Al Arab Tour lasts 60-90 minutes, showcasing the hotel’s most exclusive spaces, which were previously only reserved for in-house guests. The tour offers plenty of instagrammable moments, making it the perfect activity for visiting tourists and curious UAE residents.

The ‘Tour + Soft Beverage’ offer combines the iconic 60–90 minute butler-guided tour of Burj Al Arab’s most luxurious spaces with a choice of a refreshing soft beverage or coffee. The tour begins with a buggy ride across the famous Burj Al Arab bridge, providing visitors with a breathtaking vantage point for photographs. Guests then ascend in the panoramic elevator to the 25th floor, where a private guide leads them through the soaring Atrium, the regal Royal Suite, and the curated Experience Suite, designed to tell Burj Al Arab’s fascinating stories and reveal its extraordinary design details that reflect rich heritage and refined taste. Following the tour, guests can enjoy a beverage served at either the UMA Lounge, a chic outdoor destination on the Burj Al Arab terrace with breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, or the 25th-floor Observation Lounge, a serene indoor setting with panoramic vistas.

For those who love open-air ambience and want to enjoy the UAE’s outdoor season, UMA Lounge is the perfect spot. The ‘Tour + Soft Beverage’ offer is an ideal way to take in Dubai’s cooler weather while experiencing the world’s most luxurious and only 7-star hotel – Burj Al Arab.

Offer Details:

Experience: Inside Burj Al Arab Tour + Soft Beverage at UMA Lounge
Choose from: 60 to 90-minute Inside Burj Al Arab Tour and one complimentary drink at UMA Lounge or the Observation Lounge
Timing: Daily, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Dates:  ongoing
Price: AED 299 per person

 

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The post Thailand moves forward with its Green Tourism Plan 2030 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has advanced the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, marking a milestone in the nation’s journey towards sustainable tourism. 

At the heart of the initiative is the Thailand Good Travel mark, a trusted standard created to enhance the competitiveness of Thai tourism and reinforce the country’s ambition to be recognised among the world’s Top 100 sustainable destinations.

Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natreeya Taweewong declared: “Thai tourism stands at a turning point. We must address the challenges of climate change and new global rules on environmental protection, while meeting the expectations of today’s travellers. The Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 underscores our determination to be recognised as a world-class sustainable destination. By aligning our destinations and operators with international standards, we will create a tourism industry that grows responsibly while preserving cultural and social values for generations to come.”

Guided by the theme ‘Igniting the Path to Global Green Success,’ the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 unites four key partners: the Department of Tourism, Mahidol University International College as the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Centre (STAC Thailand), the Green Destinations Foundation, and Travelife for Tour Operators. 

They are joined by 49 partners across government, academia and the private sector, working together to accelerate sustainable practices and generate greater collective impact.

A mark of commitment to sustainable development

The Thailand Good Travel mark serves as a national symbol of sustainability benchmarked against international standards. 

The certification applies to destinations, community tourism enterprises, small-scale accommodations of up to 50 rooms, and tour operators, recognising balanced practices across environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. 

Developed with reference to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and strengthened by expertise from the Green Destinations Foundation and Travelife for Tour Operators, the mark assures travellers and business partners worldwide that visiting Thailand is a responsible and sustainable choice.

Defined as The Mark of Trust: Verified Journeys, Lasting Value, the Thailand Good Travel’s logo combines the image of an elephant with its tusks as a check mark, reflecting Thailand’s identity and its pledge to international quality. 

Its neon green and orange palette symbolises both digital innovation and the powerful natural phenomena that remind humanity of climate change. 

Serving as a bridge between Thai and global sustainability standards, the mark builds international confidence in Thailand as a quality destination where responsible travel and long-term business success go hand in hand.

The certification also provides a mechanism to integrate Thai tourism businesses, communities, and destinations into the global value chain, enabling them to compete internationally while contributing to balanced economic, social, and environmental development at the national level.

Boosting capacity in key sectors

To ensure the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 delivers tangible results, the Department of Tourism is strengthening industry capacity through initiatives such as the Thailand Green Coach programme. 

These mentors guide tourism businesses in applying and meeting international sustainability standards. 

Throughout this month workshops will be held in Chachoengsao, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nakhon Ratchasima, providing operators with practical opportunities to learn, self-assess, and report their sustainability progress through a national platform.

Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the Department of Tourism, said: “Preparing our destinations and businesses to meet international sustainability standards is a vital step in building global confidence in Thai tourism. With the Thailand Green Coach programme and regional workshops, we are equipping operators with the knowledge and tools they need to qualify for the Thailand Good Travel mark and compete on the world stage.”

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The post Sabre Direct Pay brings its integrated chargeback management service to the travel industry appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sabre Corporation’s travel payments division Sabre Direct Pay introduces a new service designed to help travel companies simplify and scale chargebacks, enabling dispute resolution more efficiently across both issuing  and acquiring channels. 

Developed in partnership with Chargebacks911, the solution enables users to initiate and represent  charge disputes without navigating multiple issuer or acquirer systems, removing the need for  separate logins, manual data entry, or technical integration.

By doing so, it brings together what is typically a  disjointed set of workflows into a single interface tailored for the travel industry. 

A timely solution

Sabre Direct Pay managing director Patricio Boccardo explained that the travel industry’s lack of  standardisation in dispute handling has long undermined operational efficiency. 

Boccardo said: “Each issuer  enforces its own formatting, evidence rules and submission windows. That complexity reduces win  rates, inflates case handling time, and complicates auditability across jurisdictions. What we’ve  built is a dedicated chargeback layer that automates dispute creation, aligns submissions to issuer specific requirements, and routes everything through a single interface. It allows providers to  consolidate issuing and acquiring workflows in one environment, with full visibility and measurable  recovery outcomes.” 

That said, the launch builds on Sabre Direct Pay’s broader efforts to streamline financial operations across the travel industry. 

Recent partnerships have extended the platform’s footprint across multiple regions and capabilities, from Pay by Bank solutions with Trustly in Europe, to instant cross border payouts through TerraPay, airline payment orchestration via CellPoint Digital, and large-scale virtual card issuance with Revolut, Sunrate and WEX. 

In Brazil, Sabre also partnered with Jazz  Tech to enable fast, compliant local card issuance for agencies and suppliers. 

Each initiative addresses a structural gap in travel payments; the addition of chargeback resolution brings critical dispute handling into the same unified framework. 

Where Chargebacks911 comes in

Chargebacks911 will operate as the dispute resolution engine behind the service, providing the  expertise, infrastructure and issuer connectivity required to manage chargebacks at scale. 

All  access and interaction will take place through Sabre Direct Pay, ensuring customers engage with  a single, unified platform for both payments and dispute management. 

According to Chargebacks911 chief executive Monica Eaton, the dispute process in travel is disproportionately complex because it operates across high-value  bookings, variable fulfilment timelines, and multiple parties.

Eaton said: “Most providers still rely on manual uploads, siloed portals and general-purpose  tools not designed for this use case. Our platform resolves that by automating issuer requirements,  tracking dispute progress in real time, and applying tailored evidence strategies. Delivered through  Sabre Direct Pay, this becomes an integrated resolution system — improving efficiency while  protecting revenue.” 

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The post Air Astana announces new routes into Asia and the Middle East appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Astana announced the resumption of several routes along with new services to the Middle East and Asia throughout autumn 2025.

As of last month, the airline resumed twice weekly flights from Almaty to Jeddah and Shyment to Jeddah once a week. 

Meanwhile, flights from Almaty to Medina will resume twice a week later this month, whilst services from Shymkent to Medina will operate once weekly. 

Flights from Astana to Jeddah and Medina will operate alternatively every two weeks, together with new services linking Aktau to both Jeddah and Medina, also operating alternatively every two weeks.

Old and new inroads to Asia and beyond

Air Astana is also resuming services to popular tourist destinations in Asia in late October, including Almaty to Male in the  Maldives three times a week initially and increasing to five times a week during peak holiday periods. 

Almaty to Phu Quoc in Vietnam will initially operate five times per week, rising to daily flights in December, whilst services between Astana and Phu Quoc will operate three times a week.

Services between Almaty and Dubai will increase from seven to 12 flights per week, whilst flights between Astana and Dubai will grow from seven to 10 per week. 

Air Astana will also boost frequencies to Thailand, with Almaty to Bangkok flights rising from four to seven per week and the Almaty to Phuket flights expanding from four to seven weekly flights.

All flights will be operated by Airbus A320neo and A321LR aircraft.

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The post Germany’s Import Promotion Desk to present inspiring experiences at WTM London 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The German Import Promotion Desk (IPD) is all set to beguile attendees at this year’s WTM London with inspiring travel experiences beyond the usual tourist paths. 

The initiative for import and tourism promotion supports small and medium-sized enterprises from Brazil, Ecuador, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Uzbekistan in showcasing their offers at the international trade fair, taking place from 4th to 6th November.

Among others, the IPD’s tourism specialists will offer unique accommodations, special nature experiences, and authentic cultural encounters in their regions. 

Inspired getaways within reach

Highlights include lodges in Ecuador’s Amazon region, homestays in Sri Lanka, and a treehouse camp in Nepal. 

Beyond these accommodation offers, the companies provide distinctive journeys through their regions: from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Uzbekistan and desert tours in Tunisia, to spiritual treks across the Nepalese Himalayas. 

Community-based tourism adds another dimension: a Brazilian company, for example, will present its sustainable project along the banks of the Rio Negro.

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The post Avolon issues financial update for Q3-2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global aviation finance firm Avolon has released its third quarterly update for this year, spanning the period from 1st July to 30th September.

Per the update, Avolon has acquired 17 aircraft, sold 15 aircraft and ended the quarter with 60 aircraft agreed for sale.

The company also entered into several letters of intent for the purchase and lease of ten aircraft whilst placing eight aircraft from its orderbook.

The company thus ended Q3-2025 with 99 percent of its orderbook placed for the next 24 months.

Other quarterly developments

In the third quarter of this year, Avolon also placed an order with Airbus for 90 new aircraft, including 75 A321neo aircraft and 15 A330neo aircraft.

The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered out to 2033.

The company also raised US$2.2 billion in unsecured funding and completed the repayment of US$829 million of existing secured debt and a US$1 billion tender offer, increasing both the duration and proportion of unsecured debt in our capital structure.

With that said, Avolon ended the quarter with an owned, managed and committed fleet of 1,159 aircraft, including orders and commitments for 522 new technology aircraft.

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The post New Thai tourism minister announces urgent stimulus measures appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Newly-appointed Thai minister of tourism and sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn announced a series of urgent tourism stimulus measures.

To be implemented under the theme Big Impact Act Fast, these measures seek to accelerate Thailand’s recovery, generate income, and restore traveller confidence.

In a speech delivered during his courtesy call at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Sirilatthayakorn declared: “Tourism is at the heart of Thailand’s economic recovery, and we must act with urgency and precision. By focusing on key source markets, reinforcing safety, and aligning with global events such as the SEA Games, we will ensure that Thailand remains one of the world’s most trusted and desirable destinations.”

A key to economic growth

Sirilatthayakorn likewise emphasised the role of tourism as a vital engine of the national economy and outlined four priority measures:

• First, to drive international markets with ambitious targets over the next four months, focusing on seven high-potential markets: China, Japan, Korea, India, and the wider Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while maintaining balance with other global markets. In particular, the Welcome Back, China! campaign will reinforce Thai–Chinese relations and restore strong momentum from this vital source market;
• Second, to strengthen visitor confidence under the concept Travel Safe, Worry Free through enhanced safety services. These include the 24-hour Tourist Police Call Centre at 1155 and the multilingual Thailand Tourist Police mobile application, which supports eight languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian, and offers incident reporting, information services, and an SOS function connected to provincial centres nationwide;
• Third, to advance Smart Safety, Smart Tourism by applying technology to protect travellers. AI Detect systems will be used to scan faces and cross-check with national arrest warrant databases, helping to monitor high-risk individuals. This will be combined with publicity for designated “safe zones” at tourist sites across the country to assure both international visitors and local communities; and
• Fourth, under the principle “Thailand Together,” the Ministry will work with all sectors to ensure full readiness for the 33rd SEA Games in December, coinciding with the peak tourism season. TAT has been assigned to promote both the Games and nearby destinations, while Thai people are encouraged to serve as warm and responsible hosts to international visitors.

Full support

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibooll responded to the new minister’s announcement by saying: “TAT fully supports the Minister’s vision and will move forward with strong marketing campaigns, safety initiatives, and partnerships that showcase Thailand’s readiness.”

She concluded by pointing out how these efforts will reinforce traveller confidence, stimulate demand, and deliver sustainable economic benefits for Thailand.

The measures likewise highlight the government’s determination to revitalise tourism as a driver of national growth, improve safety and service standards, and maintain Thailand’s global reputation as a leading destination.

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The post The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa ushers in the holidays with a collection of experiences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Celebrate the most magical time of the year in tropical elegance as The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa unveils a thoughtfully curated collection of festive experiences. 

From luxurious stays to indulgent culinary celebrations, guests are invited to create unforgettable holiday memories by the beach.

This festive season, the resort offers a four-night luxury stay package that includes Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Brunch, or the Glamorous Baliku New Year’s Eve Dinner, complete with prime access to the spectacular beachfront countdown party. 

These special inclusions are limited, with the stay period running from 22nd December 2025 to 6th January 2026.

Beyond the main festive highlights, the resort also presents a series of exceptional dining experiences from 23rd to 31st December.

These activities are designed to delight both in-house guests and those wishing to celebrate at the property. 

Curated by experts

Each event is carefully curated to reflect the warmth of the holiday spirit, the charm of Balinese hospitality, and the resort’s commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences. 

A variety of exclusive festive activities will also be available for in-house guests, designed to enhance the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.

In addition to the festive dining and curated experiences, guests can also indulge in seasonal pampering at Kahyangan Spa. 

The Holiday Radiance special treatment offers a luxurious escape featuring a soothing Balinese massage, followed by a manicure, perfect for leaving guests feeling relaxed, refreshed, and radiant throughout the season.

Whether staying with us during the holidays or simply looking for a magical venue to celebrate the season, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa invites everyone to share in the joy, elegance, and festive enchantment by the sea.

December dining delights

The festive dining schedule includes:

• Taste of Bali – 23rd December, an authentic Balinese buffet dinner in our lush garden, accompanied by Live Balinese Dance Performances; welcome dance, barong dance, and fire dance for a magical night at our resort.
• Christmas Eve Dinner – 24th December, an elegant 6-course dinner set by the beach in a warm and joyful atmosphere, with live acoustic and saxophone performance
• Christmas Brunch – 25th December, a festive buffet featuring a delicious spread of holiday favorites with live choir performances and a special visit from Santa for a joyful holiday experience.
• Seaside BBQ Dinner – 27th December, featuring fresh seafood, premium grilled cuts, and international dishes, all set to the soulful tunes of the Ocean Avenue Duo.
• The Pearl & Sparkle Sunset Soirée – 31st December, featuring champagne, oysters, and caviar as you toast to a dazzling sunset by the sea.
• Glamorous Baliku NYE Dinner featuring delightful Balinese specialties and captivating cultural performances for a memorable night of elegance and tradition. The evening continues with a DJ performance, leading into a Spectacular NYE Countdown – 31st   December.

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