The post Richard Atkinson-Toal is new VP for the brand and experience studio at Amex GBT appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) announced the appointment of Rich Atkinson-Toal as global vice-president of Brand & Experience Studio. 

Atkinson-Toal brings over 15 years of marketing leadership experience, ensuring this global creative events agency is fit to serve the largest brands in the world.  

In addition to his current leadership of the global brand team, he will focus on continued growth of the Experience Studio with increasing penetration of Amex GBT’s 20,000 clients.  

He will also be driving open market growth with a focus on attracting even more large global brands who place experiential brand connection at the forefront of their marketing strategy. 

The next stage of development

This marks the next phase in the Experience Studio’s development, as Amex GBT is investing in growth given the surging global demand for creative and experiential events.

The Experience Studio, part of Amex GBT Meetings & Events, launched in 2024 and was created to provide a new range of creative events with a 360-degree approach that maximizes emotional and physical engagement, brand impact, and business objectives for external and internal audiences. 

Backed with global reach and integrated technology, the Experience Studio has serviced over 15,000 events of all sizes, to uniquely provide strategic and creative support as well as logistics and travel all in one place.

As Atkinson-Toal explains: “As more companies increase the magnitude of their online and digital presence, people crave human connection more than ever. Businesses who prioritise memorable and elevated in-person experiences for their brand and teams, will continue to rise above those who focus on virtual presence alone.”

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The post Prince Hotel Da Nang brings exquisite Japanese hospitality to Vietnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of the Prince Hotel Da Nang, formerly Sel de Mer Hotel Suites.

Set to open in October of this year, this new addition to Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio embodied its renewed focus on international growth, bringing the brand’s renowned Service from the Heart, a philosophy inspired by the spirit of omotenashi, to new destinations across the globe.

 Prince Hotel Da Nang marks a pivotal step in Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts’ renewed commitment to international growth, extending its presence and distinctive Japanese hospitality beyond Japan’s borders. 

At the same time, this strategic expansion into Vietnam underscores Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts’ ambitious plan to expand its global portfolio, ensuring the essence of Japanese warmth and genuine care is accessible worldwide. 

Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts CEO Lee Richards said of this latest development: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of Prince Hotel Da Nang, a significant step in our global expansion that remains true to our core value of heartfelt service,” said Lee Richards. Partnering with Thanh Duong and Trang Nguyen, who developed the internationally acclaimed Sel de Mer Hotel Suites, was an easy decision as the standard of the hotel is exceptional. This new hotel marks an exciting chapter in our commitment to hospitality excellence, reinforcing our dedication to setting the highest standards in the world’s most thoughtfully curated destinations. Guests can look forward to experiencing our unique blend of Japanese warmth and genuine hospitality, ensuring an effortlessly elegant and deeply memorable stay.”

Duong Tien Thanh, of Thien An Thanh Trade Service Company which owns Prince Hotel Da Nang, remarked: “Our collaboration with Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts is a natural fit. Their commitment to genuine care and strong partnership with owners deeply resonates with our values. We firmly believe that our two organisations align perfectly in the shared endeavour to bring esteemed hospitality to the rest of the world, and we are excited for Prince Hotel Da Nang to be a shining example of this synergy.” 

Raising the bar for luxurious accommodations

Prince Hotel Da Nang is staged to set a new standard for upscale accommodation, seamlessly blending comfort with state-of-the-art facilities. 

The hotel’s 164 minimalist designed rooms and suites each offer a private balcony, providing captivating views of either the vibrant cityscape or the serene beach. 

Beyond the luxurious accommodations, guests can indulge in a diverse culinary journey across multiple on-site restaurants and bars, including The Speakeasy, a chic rooftop bar boasting breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views.

Enhancing the guest experience further are a fully equipped gym, a stunning infinity rooftop pool on level 5, and a luxurious hotel spa, all meticulously designed to provide a sense of restfulness and peace combined with up-to-date luxuries. 

For those seeking to host events, Prince Hotel Da Nang proudly showcases flexible, multi-function meeting spaces, each equipped with modern audio-visual technology, ensuring every gathering is a resounding success.

Strategically located just moments from the renowned My Khe Beach, The Prince Hotel Da Nang offers unparalleled access to Da Nang’s bustling city nightlife in An Hai and the natural beauty of the Son Tra Peninsula. 

The hotel’s prime location also provides easy access to key tourist attractions such as the Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountain, Ancient Town, and the Golden Bridge, making it an ideal base for exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Da Nang and Hoi An.

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The post Capella Hotel Group brings on Neil Jacobs as senior strategic advisor appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Former Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs is now with the Capella Hotel Group, taking on a post as its senior strategic advisor.

In this role, Jacobs will counsel group executives as Capella continues on its growth trajectory.

Jacobs’ appointment comes during a period of significant expansion and industry recognition for the company. 

As such, he will bank on his extensive hospitality experience to offer strategic insights for the brand’s direction. 

Jacobs will likewise focus on strengthening the brand’s key differentiators, ensuring they remain authentic and relevant as the industry evolves, with guest experience as the core focus.

He said of the company: “Capella has established a distinctive position by creating hotels that are true expressions of their destinations, whilst Patina addresses the growing demand for transformative luxury experiences that foster genuine connections. As we expand both brands into critical markets like Japan and Europe, our strategic imperative is leveraging this dual-brand architecture, Capella’s cultural immersion and Patina’s experiential innovation, to capture different segments of the luxury market whilst maintaining the intimacy that drives loyalty across both portfolios.”

A dynamic period

The Capella Hotel Group has grown from four properties in 2020 to ten Capella and Patina destinations today, with Capella Hotels and Resorts earning recognition as the #1 Hotel Brand in the World by Travel + Leisure for three consecutive years (2023 to 2025).

This year marked the opening of Capella Taipei, Capella Hotel Group’s first Taiwan property, featuring interior design by André Fu inspired by the surrounding Songshan district. 

In May, Patina Osaka introduced the Patina brand to Japan with design inspired by Osaka Castle and celebrated its official debut with an opening party last 11th July. 

Capella Galaxy Macau, located within the integrated resort complex, is scheduled to open later this year.

The expansion continues with Capella Kyoto planned for 2026, situated in the historic Miyagawa-chō district. 

In 2027, Capella Florence will formally open, marking the brand’s European debut.

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The post ikhlas.com enables 1,000 underprivileged Malaysian Muslims to make the pilgrimage to Mecca appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) recently turned the dreams of underprivileged individuals (asnaf) of going on umrah, the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca into a reality.

The company sent off the first group of special pilgrims under the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf initiative from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2).

This special group comprises 15 asnaf individuals who were carefully selected from among thousands of candidates through a thorough vetting process. 

Each recipient is fully sponsored to perform the umrah pilgrimage; all their needs, including passport fees, vaccinations, visa, return AirAsia flights, and a comfortable, full-board umrah package were taken care of by ikhlas.com.

Next steps

ikhlas.com chief executive Ikhlas Kamarudin said: “We are currently arranging departure schedules for around 200 more asnaf pilgrims and we expect that a total of 1,000 asnaf will be able to fulfill their lifelong dream of performing Umrah before the end of the 1447H Umrah season next year.”

Kamarudin added that corporations that wish to support the Umrah 1,000 Asnaf initiative may get in touch with his company. 

He said: “May we work hand in hand to help even more members of the asnaf community set foot in the Holy Land in the coming Umrah season, inshaAllah.”

The Umrah 1,000 Asnaf program was launched in conjunction with ikhlas.com’s fifth anniversary with the mission to empower local communities by identifying deserving asnaf and turning their dreams of performing umrah into a reality. 

The initiative reflects ikhlas.com’s broader commitment to making umrah accessible to all Muslims, especially those who may not have the means, at least once in their lifetime.

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The post Turismo Asenso offers loans to Filipino tourism MSMEs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines may now avail of loans of up to PHP20 million through the Turismo Asenso multipurpose loan programme.

Per the official announcement by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday, 16th July, Turismo Asenso is an initiative under the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp).

According to the statement, the programme aims to empower tourism MSMEs by providing access to low-interest financing to help scale up operations and enhance services for visitors.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said: “With tourism contributing 8.9 percent to our GDP (gross domestic product) and providing jobs to over 6.75 million Filipinos, our approach has always been to grow tourism as a powerful economic driver. The Turismo Asenso loan program is part of this vision as it gives our tourism MSMEs the capital they need to expand, hire more people, and improve services. This is real, accessible support for the entrepreneurs at the heart of our tourism economy.”

A joint initiative

Turismo Asenso was launched following the formal signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DOT and the Department of Trade and Industry last April.

Qualified applicants may borrow up to PHP20 million with an interest rate of 1 percent per month on a diminishing balance basis.

For non-collateral loans, new borrowers may access up to PHP3 million, while existing borrowers may qualify for loans of up to PHP5 million.

Flexible repayment terms of up to five years are also available.

Interested applicants must have a Filipino-owned registered business or with at least 60 percent Filipino ownership of the business; have a track record of the business not lower than one year; with asset size not exceeding PHP100 million, excluding the lot; and without past due account in any of the programs of the SBCorp and no major negative credit findings.

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The post Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary to host Bhutan Yoga, Sound, and Meditation Retreat appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in partnership with UK wellness group Kalm Wellbeing invites guests to escape to one of the world’s last untouched spiritual sanctuaries for a once-in-a-lifetime wellness retreat from 19th to 24th October.  

Set amidst the serene Himalayan landscape, the Bhutan Yoga, Sound & Meditation Retreat invites participants to reconnect with themselves through Kundalini yoga, meditation, breathwork vocal empowerment, sound healing, and ancient Bhutanese healing traditions.

Led by renowned teacher and author Kathryn McCusker, this six-day immersive journey will offer deep self-discovery, balance, and renewal. 

Nestled in the tranquil Neyphu Valley just 15 minutes from Paro International Airport, the Sanctuary is Bhutan’s only 5-star wellness-inclusive resort, dedicated to holistic healing and cultural immersion.

What to expect during the retreat

• Twice-daily Kundalini yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound healing.
• A one to one with Kathryn specifically focused on your retreat intentions.
• 5-night stay at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary (luxury wellness-inclusive resort).
• Five traditional wellness treatments during your stay.
• Cultural immersion: Bhutanese cooking classes, pottery, archery, and monastery visits.
• Complimentary wellness consultation with in-house Traditional Medicine Doctor.
• Access to indoor heated pool, saunas, steam rooms, and gym.

Nourishment is central to the retreat experience, so guests will be served three vegetarian farm-to-table meals daily, featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that align with the Sanctuary’s wellness philosophy.

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The post John Dory Seafood Market brings a head-to-tail seafood ecosystem to Dubai appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

John Dory Seafood Market opened its doors at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall on Tuesday, 15th July, ahead of its grand opening on the 25th of this month.

The new establishment introduced diners to the region’s first sustainable head-to-tail seafood ecosystem. 

This concept encompasses every stage of the seafood journey, from direct sourcing and import to in-house processing, open-fire cooking, and retail, providing diners with an unmatched experience in freshness, quality, and value. 

According to John Dory co-founder and CEO Arseni Tsiusiunnik: “We’re not just launching a restaurant: we’re building a seafood ecosystem. We believe the true taste of seafood begins at the source with the origin of the fish and every step that follows. For instance, we carefully selected a tuna supplier from the Seychelles, known for pristine waters and premium tuna exported to Europe and Japan. Our sea bass and sea bream come exclusively from Greece, and our oyster bar features French oysters chosen through blind tastings.”

Three concepts in a single venue

John Dory brings together three distinct yet interconnected experiences, all guided by the synergy of fishmonger and chef, united by a single focus on fish:

• John Dory Seafood Bar: A casual dining seafood restaurant with around 80 seats, centred around open-fire grilling “à la parrilla”. The kitchen’s signature lies in bold, honest flavours, with fish and seafood cooked over flame to bring out their natural richness (starting from AED 50). The menu moves from dishes like king crab croquettes (AED 100) and baked oysters (AED 50) to Galician-style octopus (AED 95) and dry-aged tuna steaks (from AED 140). Fresh oysters start at just AED 10, paired with a curated selection of non-alcoholic, kombucha-based drinks.
• John Dory Seafood Store: A retail market offering the freshest global catch alongside artisanal products, including smoked fish (from 30 AED), seafood pâtés, salads, canned specialities, and ready-to-cook meals (fish lasagna, salmon wellington, shepherd’s fish pie) for home enjoyment. 
• John Dory Street Food: A concise menu of globally inspired dishes, including tuna dry-aged cheeseburger (AED 70), bouillabaisse (AED 60), fish & chips (75 AED) and octopus hot dog (AED 75), for a quick, flavorful bite within the food hall or on the outdoor terrace.

Head-to-tail gastronomy at its best

John Dory’s head-to-tail philosophy ensures that every part of the fish is utilised with care. 

Thanks to a custom-built smoker, dry-ageing technology, and complete supply chain control, fishmongers and chefs collaborate closely to maximise flavour and minimise waste. 

From belly cuts and tail sections to bones and heads, every element is transformed into dishes like ossobuco, seafood lasagna, and rich broths.

As head chef Maxim Gurin puts it: “Everything we serve is crafted in-house, from fresh fillets to dry-aged cuts and smoked pâtés. Our dedicated craft zone allows us full control over flavour and quality.”

It should be noted that fish is personally selected from trusted fisheries and farms, and imported directly without the use of intermediaries. 

John Dory actively imports seafood into Dubai, maintaining contracts with suppliers from the Netherlands, France, the Seychelles, and more. 

From Norwegian salmon to Seychellois tuna, the brand is committed to shaking up the market with both quality and fair pricing.

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