The post Air Astana announces upgrade to mobile app appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Astana announced updates with regard to the interface of its mobile application.

The latest upgrades have expanded the application’s functionality, making trip management even more convenient for users.

The updated Air Astana mobile app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Through the upgraded app, passengers can track flight status, manage bookings, and check in online through the “Trips” section. 

Current offers and special promotions are displayed on the main page, ensuring important information is always easily accessible.

For loyal fliers

In addition, the app now offers enhanced features for members of the Nomad Club loyalty programme. 

Accumulated points can be used not only to purchase tickets but also to pay for additional baggage, select a preferred seat (MySEAT), or upgrade the service class. 

Likewise, upcoming trips are displayed automatically, or they can be added manually.

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The post TEG Sport and CityLab HK bring the Hong Kong Football Festival to local communities appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As excitement mounts for the first-ever Hong Kong Football Festival (HKFF), promoters TEG Sport teams up with local non-profit CityLab HK to ensure that the tournament’s community initiatives are a defining part of the historic event.

TEG Sport and CityLab HK announced that over 11,000 complimentary Open Training tickets have been distributed to youth-focused community associations and underrepresented groups across the city. 

In addition, a number of youngsters will have the opportunity to learn about responsibility and teamwork as they are given supportive roles during the two matches such as holding the in-field center circle banners.

These initiatives underscore HKFF’s commitment to ensuring the passion of football reaches beyond the stadium and into the heart of Hong Kong’s communities. 

This drive is perfectly illustrated by the outreach to the Hong Kong, China Sports Association of the Deaf and the hosting of members of the Hong Kong China Deaf Football Team, who recently represented the region at the 2025 National Games for Persons with Disabilities.

According to TEG Sport managing director Rachael Carroll: “HKFF 2025 is a powerful example of what happens when purpose-driven partnerships come together to create something truly special,” said Rachael Carroll, Managing Director of TEG Sport. We believe live experiences make life better. Events like this bring people together, inspire communities, and create moments fans never forget, especially in a city as passionate about football as Hong Kong. By working with our event sponsors and partners, such as CityLab HK, we’re making sure the impact of HKFF goes beyond the stadium and into the heart of the community.”

Making a significant difference

Founded in 2019, CityLab HK is focused on equipping youth with the skills and mindset to thrive. Using the OECD’s Learning Compass 2030 as a foundation, the organisation promotes transformative education and personal well-being through innovative, hands-on programs in schools and communities.

As general secretary Mabel Tsoi puts it: “Our mission is to create a platform where youth can discover purpose, embrace challenges, and shape the future with courage and compassion. The opportunity for thousands of students and families to witness these global football icons train and prepare for the Hong Kong Football Festival is sure to be an unforgettable moment that will reinforce the values of teamwork, resilience and aspiration and inspire these youth to chase their dreams no matter what they are.”

With match tickets for the first ever international club games at Kai Tak Stadium now sold out, Open Training tickets remain the last opportunity to see the stars of these iconic football teams live and in person. 

Liverpool FC, Arsenal, and Spurs will host their Open Training sessions at Kai Tak Stadium, while AC Milan’s session will take place at Hong Kong Stadium.

Open Training tickets start at only $99 and are available via Cityline, offering fans an unique opportunity to watch their football heroes in action.

The Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 continues to represent a landmark moment for sport and community in the city, not only delivering thrilling football but also creating lasting social value for local youth, educators, parents, and athletes.

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The post Etihad signs codeshare agreement with Greece’s SKY Express appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways has signed a codeshare agreement with Greek regional carrier SKY express, opening access to 24 Greek island destinations and three additional Eastern Mediterranean cities for customers travelling via Athens.

The partnership, which took effect on Monday, 14th July, builds on the strong performance of the existing interline cooperation between the two airlines.

At the same time, this agreement significantly expands Etihad’s reach across the Greek islands and broader Eastern Mediterranean region.

Etihad’s chief revenue and commercial officer Arik De said: “This partnership with SKY express opens exciting new possibilities for our customers to discover Greece beyond Athens. SKY express’s comprehensive island network perfectly complements our Athens service, giving travellers seamless access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations through a single booking.”

SKY express chief commercial officer Gerasimos Skaltsas echoed these sentiments, saying: “The collaboration with Etihad is a strong vote of confidence in SKY express, reinforcing our position as a reliable partner and significantly enhancing our connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy seamless access to the largest network of Greek destinations, served by the youngest fleet in Greece. Together, we are dedicated to making Greece a sought-after, year-round destination for visitors from around the world.”

The partnership reinforces likewise Athens’ role as a key gateway in Etihad’s European network whilst offering customers unparalleled access to Greece’s stunning islands and cultural treasures.

What the agreement entails

Under the codeshare agreement, Etihad will place its code on SKY express-operated flights beyond Athens, providing seamless access to Greece’s most popular island destinations including Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Kos, alongside sought-after destinations such as Corfu, Paros, and Thessaloniki.

The partnership complements Etihad’s daily service to Athens by expanding connectivity exclusively via Athens as the gateway, positioning the Greek capital as a strategic hub for onward island travel.

The codeshare arrangement also allows customers to book connecting flights with streamlined check-in processes and automatic baggage transfers to their final destination. 

Customers can book the enhanced Greek network through the official Etihad website, the airline’s mobile app, or reputable travel agencies.

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The post S Hotels and Resorts joins Global Hotel Alliance appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singha Estate PCL’s hospitality arm S Hotels and Resorts (SHR) PCL has announced a partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

In doing so, SHR joins a curated collection of independent hospitality brands through GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme powered by a shared technology platform. 

GHA chief executive Chris Harley said of the newest addition to their roster: “We are thrilled to welcome S Hotel & Resorts to Global Hotel Alliance. The stunning SAii and Santiburi properties, located in some of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, are a perfect complement to our alliance. We’re excited to connect these unique resorts with our 30 million GHA DISCOVERY members who value authentic, responsible travel experiences. This partnership not only enriches our global collection but also reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and culturally immersive hospitality.”

GHA is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 45 brands and 850 hotels in 100 countries. 

Its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, offers members unparalleled access to world-class hospitality.

Also, SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, and Santiburi Koh Samui are all proud members of GHA’s Green Collection, a portfolio of hotels and resorts that are deeply mindful of their environmental impact and the ecosystems in which they operate. 

As part of S Hotels & Resorts’ sustainable development strategy, these properties champion responsible tourism, conservation, and community initiatives that create a positive impact wherever they are located.

Introducing SAii DISCOVERY

With that in mind, SHR introduces its new loyalty programme SAii DISCOVERY this month, and this new programme is aligned with that of GHA DISCOVERY. 

Guests staying at SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Koh Samui Villas and Santiburi Koh Samui will enjoy exclusive member benefits, rewards, and personalised experiences from the moment they join. 

These include instant savings, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and curated Local Experiences that connect travellers with the culture of each destination.

According to S Hotels and Resorts CEO Michael Marshall: “Our partnership with Global Hotel Alliance and our inclusion in GHA DISCOVERY, with its over 30 million loyal members, opens up exceptional opportunities for SHR. From increased direct bookings and revenue to data-driven insights into guest preferences, the team is gaining invaluable advantages while benefiting from GHA’s powerful marketing and CRM initiatives, GHA DISCOVERY drives loyalty beyond traditional boundaries, connecting properties to a global network of like-minded independent hotels and iconic brands.”

Marshall added that the partnership offers exclusive member rates for valued guests, as well as perks like early check-in, late check-out and complimentary room upgrades. 

He said: “With DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), they can earn and spend rewards on their next stay including rooms, experiences, dining and wellness at their convenience, choosing from 850 hotels in 100 countries, all under one seamless loyalty umbrella. The GHA DISCOVERY app further enhances ease and convenience in managing travel experiences.”

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The post Sunlight Air’s Grand Travel Fest makes its way back to Cebu appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine domestic carrier Sunlight Air’s Grand Travel Fest (GTF) brings the excitement of travel to the Queen City of the South this month.

The sixth run of the event opens its doors at the Ayala Center Cebu from 25th to 27th July, offering travellers a fresh range of deals and discounts for their next trip.

Sunlight Air’s GTF is presented together with the Mactan Cebu International Airport and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, and event partners DITO Business, BPI, and GCash.

A celebration of ongoing growth

Sunlight Air brings back the three-day travel expo to celebrate the airline’s continued growth, enabling customers to explore exclusive travel deals and participate in interactive activities to win exciting prizes.

After the recent success of the fifth GTF in Clark in May of this year, travellers can enjoy new discounted Fly + Stay + Dine packages in partnership with select hotels and resorts across Manila, Cebu, Siargao, and Coron.

Participating establishments include:

• Coro Hotel, Makati
• Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, Makati
• La Fuga Siargao
• Apsaras Tribe, Siargao
• Go Hotels, Metro Manila
• Discovery Primea, Makati
• Sunburn Suites and Rooftop Bar, Coron
• Harolds Hotel Cebu
• Reside Siargao
• The Bayleaf Intramuros, Manila

As with previous GTFs, attendees will also have the opportunity to avail of even more irresistible promos and discounts, allowing them to travel around the Philippines more seamlessly. 

The airline is offering one-way base fares for as low as PHP 8 for all its routes from Cebu, and one-way base fares starting at PHP 488 for select routes. 

For BPI cardholders, travelers can get up to 20 percent off Value & Plus fares, 10kg free baggage on select Lite fares, and 0% installment with payment up to 3 months later. 

Customers can also get 15 percent off Value and Plus fares by paying through GCash when they book their flights at the event.

Enticing offers

The GTF Cebu also includes exhibitors like the Fersal Hotel Group, Sunlight Hotels & Resorts, and Starr Insurance. 

Fersal Hotel Group will be offering up to 60 percent off on rooms at its properties across Manila, San Vicente, and Cebu.

Meanwhile, Sunlight Hotels will be giving up to 50 percent off on rooms at its resorts, namely Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort, Sunlight Hotel Coron, and Sunlight Hotel Puerto Princesa. 

With Starr Insurance, visitors can also get 20 percent off on travel insurance for both domestic and international trips.

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The post Manish Kumar is new VP for operations at Araiya Hotels & Resorts appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Araiya Hotels & Resorts recently announced the appointment of Manish Kumar as its new vice-president of operations.

With over 25 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Kumar brings a wealth of operational expertise, strategic vision, and a proven track record of leadership to the Araiya team.

In his new role, Kumar will oversee project planning, optimize operational efficiencies, and support the execution of strategic expansion initiatives across Araiya’s portfolio.

Araiya’s chief executive Amruda Nair said of Kumar: “We are excited to welcome Manish to our leadership team. His deep industry knowledge and operational expertise will be instrumental in advancing our growth strategy. We are confident that his dynamic leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset will help us achieve new milestones.”

Meet Manish Kumar

Throughout his distinguished career, Kumar has held senior leadership positions at some of India’s most respected hospitality brands, including Royal Orchid Hotels, The Lalit, and The Park. 

He is renowned for driving operational excellence, establishing high-performance standards, and nurturing talented teams.

Kumar said of his new appointment: “I am delighted to join Araiya Hotels & Resorts and contribute to the brand’s vision of redefining Indian hospitality. I look forward to setting new industry benchmarks, driving operational excellence, and supporting the company’s continued growth.”

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The post Royal Minor and List Development sign partnership for Japan’s first Anantara property appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Royal Minor Hotels Co Ltd and List Development Co Ltd (LD) formally signed a management contract for the first-ever Anantara property in Japan.

Royal Minor and LD held a signing ceremony of the HMA at the Tokyo American Club on Thursday, 10th July. 

LD president and CEO Naoyuki Kitami and Minor International’s founder and chairman William E Heinecke both went onstage to speak about the agreement and its significance for both organisations. 

The agreement itself was signed by LD chief operating officer Hiroyuki Kiuchi and Royal Minor president and representative director Kohei Motoyama.

Kikuchi remarked: “We are truly honoured to bring the renowned luxury hotel brand Anantara to Japan for the first time through this landmark project in partnership with Royal Minor. We have long been committed to enriching people’s lifestyles by creating high-quality homes and communities. In recent years, we have extended this philosophy to hotel condominiums and luxury residences, applying the know-how we have cultivated over time.”

Motoyama likewise commented: “We are extremely proud to partner with List Development Co., Ltd. for the launch of the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat. The company brings exceptional expertise in creating luxury properties, aligning perfectly with Anantara’s philosophy of offering refined stays and distinctive design. Together, we aim to create a retreat that coexists harmoniously with Karuizawa’s rich natural surroundings and further enhances its unique appeal.”

Harnessing the beauty of the natural environment

The 51-key establishment which is expected to open by 2030 will boast suites and branded residences on a serene ten-acre forested site facing Mount Asama in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

The design of Anantara Karuizawa is anticipated to blend modern design with the site’s natural surroundings, utilising natural materials such as exposed timber peaks and large windows to create harmony with the environment and offer sweeping views of Mount Asama.

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will harness the region’s year-round natural beauty and connectivity to offer travellers nature-led escapes. 

The property’s strategic location near the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen Station provides convenient access from Tokyo, which is just over an hour away by train, as well as from nearby cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa and Maebashi. 

Karuizawa is a favoured weekend escape getaway, renowned for its cool climate in the summer and abundant year-round outdoor attractions, including the Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, golf courses, forests, hiking trails, hot springs and skiing. 

The destination’s international appeal is on the rise, especially among Asian travellers, and it is within two to three hours by train from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita international airports.

What to expect

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will provide its guests with highly personalised service and exclusive accommodations, offering 23 suites measuring 60 to 120 sqm and 18 luxury two- and three-bedroom villas, which are being considered for future branded residence offerings, with further details to be announced as plans progress, ranging in size from 70 to 270 sqm. 

The villas will provide an additional 28 keys to the hotel’s inventory, with select two-bedroom villas available as 70 sqm standard and 130 sqm one-bedroom villas, bringing the total key count to 51. 

Guests will enjoy three on-site food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty concept and a bar. 

Wellness will be a fundamental part of the resort’s offering, centred around an Anantara Spa and onsen, and with additional wellness programming across the property. 

Other leisure facilities will include a swimming pool, fitness centre, library and resident’s lounge. 

Additionally, the property will offer flexible meeting facilities to meet the growing demand for corporate gatherings in the region.

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The post Villa Unna joins Elite Havens’ Balinese portfolio appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Southeast Asian luxury villa rental and management firm Elite Havens reveals the addition of the six-bedroom getaway Villa Unna to its portfolio in Bali.

Nestled between Bali’s most dynamic lifestyle hubs, Seminyak and Canggu, this  exquisite residence is not just a place to stay, but a complete escape, tailored for travellers  who expect more than what a traditional hotel can offer. 

Set at the end of a quiet lane in the leafy village of Umalas, Villa Unna offers a rare blend  of secluded serenity and convenient access to Bali’s trendiest beach clubs, fine dining,  shopping, and wellness destinations. 

Designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living, the villa’s architectural highlights include soaring arched windows, a luminous open-plan lounge and dining area, and a statement central pool flanked by sunbeds and tropical foliage. 

What guests can expect at Villa Unna

The Villa Unna’s most appealing features include:

• Six spacious en suite bedrooms, including two master suites with garden access  and bathtubs;
• A modern designer kitchen and open-plan living area feature elegant teak and  rattan furnishings;
• A private rooftop terrace, perfect for sunset cocktails or star-lit dining;
• A lush central courtyard pool, complete with sun loungers and shaded daybeds; 
• A sunken living area for movie nights or children’s play;
• A rooftop open air jacuzzi next to the master bedroom ideal for winding down after  a day of exploring;
• Dedicated staff, including daily housekeeping and a villa manager; and
• Access to Elite Havens Concierge Services from private chefs and spa therapists to curated island experiences. 

Something for everyone

Whether one is hosting a wellness retreat, a multi-generational family escape, or even  a celebration with friends, Villa Unna offers the kind of privacy, space, and personalised  service that hotels simply cannot match. 

Guests can enjoy in-villa yoga sessions, private  Balinese cooking classes, or be whisked away on bespoke tours to waterfalls, temples,  or clifftop dining spots. 

Villa Unna exemplifies what sets Elite Havens apart: highly curated private residences in  the region’s most desirable destinations, backed by impeccable service and local  expertise.

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The post Saudi, Welcome to Arabia is the official destination partner of the 2025 Esports World Cup appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced a new partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)’s official destination brand Saudi, Welcome to Arabia on Tuesday, 15th July.

Saudi, Welcome to Arabia is the official destination partner for the ongoing 2025 Esports World Cup which will run until 24th August.

The event is set to welcome audiences from around the world, and the partnership with the STA will showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, along with its diverse entertainment offerings.

According to STA spokesperson Abdullah Aldakhil: “Saudi hosting the Esports World Cup once again this year, reinforcing its position as a global hub for sports tourism and entertainment. EWC is more than just a tournament. Saudi invites audiences to go beyond the arena and experience the true Heart of Arabia through curated activations that showcase its diverse offerings. It’s an opportunity to turn spectators into explorers, and ensure every visit sparks a deeper connection with Saudi.”

The collaboration further positions Riyadh as a leading destination for world class sports and entertainment, and authentic, immersive experiences rooted in Saudi hospitality. 

What the partnership entails

STA and EWCF will develop a host of cultural programming and tailored activations for fans, with experiences ranging from high-stakes competition to live music, anime cafes, retro arcades, cosplay, and more. 

Visitors will be able to explore beyond EWC, partaking in Saudi’s mix of heritage, nature, luxury, and modernity, from its dynamic cities to ancient UNESCO sites, to Saudi Red Sea escapes.

EWCF head of sponsorship François Desir declared: “We’re excited to work with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to welcome fans from around the world to Riyadh this summer. The Esports World Cup brings together players, clubs, and communities from every corner of the globe — and our partnership is about making their experience here unforgettable. It’s a celebration of competition, culture, and the unique hospitality that defines Saudi.”

Bigger and better

In 2024, the inaugural EWC welcomed 2.6 million visitors, 14 percent of whom traveled from overseas. 

For 2025, expanded programming, increased venue capacity, and early travel packages supported by Saudi, Welcome to Arabia, have led to 40 percent of ticket sales to date being from international fans. 

This year’s EWC promises to be bigger and better, supporting Saudi’s profile as a destination for global gaming and live entertainment.

With its return to Riyadh, the Esports World Cup will unite global gaming communities for a celebration of esports culture. 

Featuring 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, this year’s EWC also offers the largest prize pool in esports history, over $70 million. 

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The post Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City to open in August 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesia’s Pakuwon Group and Marriott International announced that the new Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City officially opens on 22nd August.

The launch marks the debut of the Aloft Hotels brand in Surabaya and the first-ever Marriott-branded hotel in the eastern part of the city.

Part of the Phase 3 expansion of Pakuwon City Mall, the hotel is strategically located above a mixed-use development spanning 1.1 hectares, with a project value of IDR 1.2 trillion. 

According to Pakuwon Portfolio Hotels’ multi-property general manager Reza Aryawarman: “This hotel represents more than just a new address, it’s an experience hub crafted for the next generation of travelers. Aloft brings something exciting to the table, a hotel that feels alive, connected, and unapologetically different.”

A milestone in ongoing expansion

The opening aligns with Pakuwon’s continued growth in lifestyle-led hospitality, reaffirming its commitment to bringing globally inspired experiences to Indonesia’s urban centers.

Likewise, the new hotel is part of Pakuwon Group’s continued expansion in the hospitality sector, following successful developments such as The Westin Surabaya, Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers, Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, and the award-winning Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya Pakuwon Indah. 

Beyond Surabaya, Pakuwon’s hospitality portfolio includes Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City, Fairfield by Marriott Bekasi, Four Points by Sheraton Bali Kuta, Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel, and soon Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, as well as the city’s lifestyle destination, Pakuwon Golf & Family Club.

Getting into the vibe at Aloft

Aloft offers more than just a place to stay. 

Featuring 233 design-forward rooms, Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City is crafted for the modern traveller, from business professionals and digital nomads to Gen Z creatives and weekend city explorers.

Each room is infused with playful wall art, vibrant colours, and natural light, setting the tone for an upbeat, immersive stay. 

Guests will be able to experience a number of amenities, including:

• WXYZ Lounge – A buzzing social hub with handcrafted cocktails and live music
• Vibe Restaurant – Bistro-style all-day dining with thoughtful service and creative local twists
• Echo Lounge & Bar – A stylish hideout for signature drinks, casual bites, and curated beats
• Re:Charge fitness center, outdoor pool, and versatile meeting spaces designed for collaboration and creativity

Whether it’s a midweek workcation, a weekend celebration, or a casual business trip, Aloft offers a fresh alternative to traditional hotels.

Strategically located within Pakuwon City, the hotel is directly connected to Pakuwon City Mall, The Courtyard, and Park Shanghai. 

These vibrant lifestyle and retail destinations turn the hotel into a lively base for modern travelers to explore the city’s cultural, culinary, and shopping scenes.

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