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Loganair marks 700,000th passenger milestone at Ronaldsway Airport

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Loganair has reached a significant milestone at Isle of Man’s Ronaldsway Airport, having now flown over 700,000 customers since launching its services. To mark the occasion, the airline surprised the lucky 700,000th passenger, Jayne Chapman, 62, from Kirk Michael, with complimentary flight vouchers ahead of her latest journey to Heathrow, a route she flies regularly to visit family and friends.

Jayne, who travels with her husband Peter, 66, has used Loganair’s service to Heathrow since it first launched, typically making more than 10 return journeys a year to spend time with her son and loved ones in the south of England.

She said: “We rely on Loganair’s Heathrow service because it takes us exactly where we need to be, close to our son and long-time friends. We’ve been using it ever since it started, and it’s made staying connected so much easier. I’m very grateful for the voucher and will definitely be using it for another trip to see family.”

The 700,000-passenger milestone reflects the airline’s continued commitment to maintaining essential links between the Isle of Man and the UK mainland, particularly in the wake of route consolidation by other carriers.

Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “Passing the 700,000-customer mark at Ronaldsway is a significant moment and a testament to the strength of our partnership with the Isle of Man. The Heathrow route, in particular, has become a key link for many families, businesses and individuals.

“This milestone is ultimately about people. Every booking reflects someone’s personal journey, whether to visit family like Jayne, attend an important meeting, or access onward connections. We’re proud to be part of that journey.”

Geoff Pugh, interim airport director at Ronaldsway Airport, said: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic reflection of the strong and growing partnership between Loganair and the Isle of Man. It shows just how important regional connectivity is to our island’s community and economy. We’re proud to support this achievement on the ground and excited to build on this success together.”

Customers flying with Loganair from Ronaldsway benefit from a 21kg luggage allowance as standard and convenient connections to the wider UK through the airline’s growing network and partner carriers.

Loganair customers can also collect Avios points on their journeys as part of the airline’s partnership with the global travel rewards programme.

Earlier this year, Loganair was named the UK’s second-best short-haul airline in Which?’s annual customer satisfaction survey, scoring five stars for customer service.

 

 

 

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St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, a member of Radisson Individuals opens with 96 keys

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Located in one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, the hotel offers seamless access to popular areas such as Vittal Mallya Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, Richmond Road, and Cubbon Park. Its proximity to multiple consulates and corporate hubs makes it an ideal choice for international travelers and business guests. With over three decades of legacy, the hotel stands as a well-known landmark in the city, now further elevated under the Radisson Individuals banner.

Strategic brand expansion in Bengaluru

“St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, a member of Radisson Individuals, marks our seventh operational hotel in the city and our second under the Radisson Individuals brand. This soft brand allows us to partner with distinctive independent hotels that reflect the character of their location while benefiting from Radisson Hotel Group’s global distribution, standards, and reach. Bengaluru remains a critical market for us – it is a thriving metro with a strong mix of corporate, leisure, and international travel demand. With its central location and established legacy, this hotel is perfectly positioned to serve the city’s diverse traveller base. We are proud to welcome it into our portfolio as we continue our strategic expansion across India,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Elevated hospitality offerings

The hotel features 96 elegantly designed rooms that offer a blend of timeless charm and modern comfort. Each room is soundproof and thoughtfully appointed to ensure a peaceful and relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy distinctive culinary experiences across the hotel’s three dining venues — 4/1 Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant offering global cuisine; Kohinoor, a rooftop Indian specialty restaurant; and Luscious, a cozy restobar perfect for relaxed evenings. For corporate events and intimate gatherings, the hotel offers well-appointed spaces including Hamilton, Lords, Dukes, and a private interview room. Wellness amenities such as the spa and a modern fitness center further enhance the guest experience.

Leadership and legacy

We are proud to partner with Radisson Hotel Group and enter a new chapter for St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru. With a legacy of over 30 years, our hotel has earned a reputation for excellence in service, cuisine, and comfort. As a member of Radisson Individuals, we are excited to offer our guests the unique warmth of our heritage, supported by the global standards and reach of Radisson Hotel Group,” said Gautam Dadlani, Managing Director, St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, a member of Radisson Individuals.

“At St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, a member of Radisson Individuals, we are committed to creating meaningful experiences for our guests, grounded in care, comfort, and connection. Our team brings passion to every detail — from personalised service to curated amenities — making every stay memorable. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the timeless charm and modern spirit of Bengaluru,” JP Menon, Vice President, St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, a member of Radisson Individuals.

Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 200 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in a tier-1 market like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and 3 markets. The Group has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals and its extension Radisson Individuals Retreats.

 

 

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Chikhal Kalo 2025 concludes with a celebration of Goa’s living traditions

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The vibrant Chikhal Kalo 2025 Festival culminated  at Sri Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, with the much-awaited mud play that brought together hundreds of devotees, tourists, youth, and families in a joyous celebration of faith, heritage, and nature. Held on Dwadashi, the concluding day witnessed spirited participation in traditional games, devotional singing, and the symbolic ritual of mud immersion that reimagines Lord Krishna’s playful bond with the Earth.

The Sri Devki Krishna Temple ground came alive with the energy of chendu fali, kushti, and other traditional plays in the mud, as participants celebrated the divine play (leela) of the Lord with laughter and togetherness. The excitement reached its peak during the exhilarating dahi handi, in a spirited and festive atmosphere, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The entire experience reinforced the core values of devotion, community bonding, and gratitude for the monsoon season, the Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, who actively participated in the celebrations, remarked, “This is our lok parampara, and it’s time we take it to the world. During Chikhal Kalo, people come together to celebrate, to play, and to reconnect with the soil. It is important to preserve such traditions and pass them on to future generations.

Earlier, Goa was known mainly for its beaches—today, we are proudly promoting ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ With government support for festivals like these, we are also creating economic opportunities for our local communities. Over the past three years, Chikhal Kalo has received an overwhelming response. I believe everyone should be part of this celebration and help spread the message of unity.”

Adding to the festivities was a Photography and Reel Making Competition, encouraging participants to document the vibrant essence of Chikhal Kalo 2025. The entries captured the playfulness, colours, and emotion of the festival, offering new-age storytelling perspectives to timeless traditions.

The past three days have seen a convergence of spirituality, music, culture, and community. From the soulful Abhang and Kirtan recitals on Day 1, to the devotional Bhajan performances on Ashadhi Ekadashi (Day 2), and culminating in today’s spirited mud rituals Chikhal Kalo 2025 stood as a celebration of Goa’s spiritual and cultural depth.

Goa Tourism, under its vision of Regenerative Tourism, reaffirms its commitment to supporting festivals that reflect Goa’s cultural heritage and strengthen community involvement. The participation from all age groups, as well as the growing interest from visitors and digital audiences, highlights the evolving appetite for authentic, local, and inclusive experiences.

As the curtain falls on this year’s celebrations, Chikhal Kalo continues to remind us of the power of tradition to unite, uplift, and inspire. The festival once again proved that true celebration lies not just in rituals, but in shared moments of joy, devotion, and connection with each other and with the land.

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Saddle Up to visit the Best ‘Wild West’ Destinations

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Representative Image

 

The American West has long been a beacon for travellers seeking adventure, history, and the allure of vast, rugged landscapes.  But new trends with cowboy and western influences are driving a surge in interest for the Wild West.

This travel trend shows no sign of slowing down either, search queries for ‘cowboy core’ have increased 19 percent in the past quarter. This trend reflects a deepening desire to connect with nature and experience the Great West.

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature and history, the Wild West provides a perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia. With increasing interest in history-rich destinations, it’s clear that the Wild West holds an enduring appeal for modern travellers. With this in mind, travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip is providing destination inspiration by ranking the best destinations to visit for Wild West enthusiasts.

To accomplish this, they used a list of 50 western towns in areas that were part of the Wild West and standardized the latest available data for each town in categories such as average cost of ranch-style accommodation, number of hotels with horseback riding, and the number of nature and wildlife parks.

The data is standardized using min-max normalization. The min-max normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). In this case, a score of 10 is the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst.

Colorado is a clear winner for Wild West fans, as the top three destinations are all towns located in the Mountain West.

Steamboat Springs, CO, scored the top spot in the study, with an overall score of 7.2/10.  Steamboat Springs was the highest rated in the study for the number of hotels offering horseback riding. With 142 hotels available, wild-west enthusiasts have an abundance of choice.  With 19 nature and wildlife parks, this town is among the highest rated in the study.

The town’s unique blend of ranch-style accommodations (with a stellar average rating of 9.2) adds to its appeal. However, Steamboat Springs is among the most expensive in the study. The average cost of ranch-style accommodation is $579. Its historic Old Town district, featuring Western-style architecture, further deepens the area’s Wild West ambiance.

With a pro rodeo series and Cowboys’ Roundup Days celebrating Western fashion, there’s no shortage of fun, Western-inspired activities to enjoy in Steamboat Springs.

Durango, in southwest Colorado is in the second spot for the best destination to visit as a Wild West enthusiast. The town scored 7.1 overall.

It scored highly for ‘number of hotels with horseback riding (101), average temperature (67.3 °F), and average cost of ranch-style accommodation ($227). The town is among the most affordable for accommodation, with an average cost of $220, nearly $150 cheaper than the average cost of accommodation in the study ($368). Known for its Victorian-era architecture and the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango offers an immersive Western experience.

Durango is also renowned for its role as a backdrop in more than 145 Western films, including classics such as The Revenant, The Mask of Zorro, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. While it lacks in wildlife parks (just 3), its cinematic history and rustic charm more than make up for it.

Estes Park, also in Colorado, is the third-best city to visit as a Wild West enthusiast, scoring 6.3/10 overall. It scored highly because of its average rating of ranch-style accommodation (9.5), affordable accommodation ($298), and number of nature and wildlife parks (10).

However, its limited number of hotels that offer horse riding (58) contributed to its slightly lower score.

Rounding up the top five is Colorado Springs in fourth position and West Yellowstone in Montana in fifth position. Both destinations have an overall score of 6.1. Colorado Springs boasts one of the highest ratings for its ranch-style accommodation in the whole study with a rating of 9.7 out of 10 and West Yellowstone has an ideal summer temperature for horseback activities with at 58.8 °F.

Sara Boisvert, Director of Marketing at InsureMyTrip commented:  With more travellers looking to tap into their inner cowboy and explore the Great West, we wanted to make it easier to find the best spots for a true Wild West experience. These destinations offer something special for anyone chasing that frontier feeling: horseback riding, ranch stays, or just soaking in the scenery.”

 

 

 

 

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For travel businesses, when it comes to refunds and disputes, being proactive rather than reactive is paramount: Eaton

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As the global travel industry hits peak summer season, Chargebacks911, handling dispute resolution and chargeback prevention, is urging travel providers to prepare for an alarming rise in payment disputes, fuelled by a combination of high demand and escalating service disruptions.

The 2025 travel landscape has already been marred by a major power outage at London’s Heathrow Airport, transportation strikes across Spain, and heightened geopolitical tension, including U.S. airstrikes in Iran that have disrupted air routes and heightened traveller uncertainty across parts of the Middle East. These events, paired with surging international tourism, are creating a volatile environment where disputes can inundate businesses during their most profitable periods.

“Summer brings immense revenue potential for the travel industry but it also brings strain, volatility, and a sharp rise in payment disputes when unforeseen events disrupt services,” said Monica Eaton, Founder and CEO of Chargebacks911. “We see an annual pattern where consumer expectations collide with overstretched systems, and this year, that’s being amplified by real-world disruptions that business can no longer afford to ignore.”

According to the World Tourism Organisation, 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded in 2024, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. In 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is projecting an 8% increase in travel demand. But with growth comes growing pains and for many businesses, chargebacks have become a hidden threat to peak-season profitability.

Mastercard reports that 46% of chargebacks in travel and hospitality are fraudulent—the highest of any industry. The average travel-related chargeback is valued at $120, and global chargeback volume is forecasted to impact 324 million transactions annually by 2028.

From overbookings and flight cancellations to customer confusion over third-party bookings, travel businesses face a wide range of friction points. Recent events, such as U.S. military action in the Middle East, only adds to the uncertainty, prompting cancellations, rerouting, and a surge in support inquiries.

“When chaos hits—whether it’s from natural disasters, global conflict or shortcomings in customer service—disputes are often the downstream consequence,” said Eaton. “For travel businesses, when it comes to refunds and disputes, being proactive rather than reactive is paramount in mitigating financial damage. .”

To help businesses minimise the risk of chargebacks, Chargebacks911 recommends the following service providers use targeted, proactive measures, including:

Airlines

  • Enhanced staff training to manage delays, rerouting, and service complaints
  • Real-time alerts and support tools during geopolitical or weather-related events
  • Chargeback alert systems to identify and resolve disputes before they escalate

Hotels

  • Clear cancellation and refund terms communicated upfront and at check-in
  • Pre-arrival reminders to reduce no-shows and miscommunications
  • Responsive on-site resolution protocols to address guest complaints in real time

Online Travel Agencies (OTA)

  • Integrated communication between service providers to resolve issues quickly
  • Behavioural analytics to detect first-party fraud and high-risk booking patterns
  • Customer self-service tools to address dissatisfaction before it leads to a chargeback

“Too many providers are caught off guard,” said Eaton. “When systems are stressed, customers are less patient, and the risk of chargebacks spikes. Those in the travel season who fail to prepare could see their most profitable season turn into their most costly.”

 

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Dubai Airport crowned world’s No.1 for food & retail in 2025 AirHelp Score 

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Dual horizontal escalators smoothly guide travelers to the departure gate in the airport.

The UAE is flying high, with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports securing spots in the world’s top 20 airports, according to a newly released global ranking by AirHelp, the travel tech company supporting passengers with flight disruptions. 

Dubai International Airport has been ranked the world’s number one airport for food & shops, scoring 9.1 out of 10, while securing 18th place worldwide with a notable 8.14 points overall. Abu Dhabi Airport follows closely behind, securing 19th place globally and scoring 8.11 points.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp commented: “At AirHelp, we believe passengers should be able to make decisions about air travel based on more than just the price of a flight. Our goal is to equip them with an insight into flight performance using other factors that matter. Through the AirHelp Score, we can help passengers better predict what their experience will look like at different airports and what they can do if their flight gets delayed, cancelled or overbooked.”

The 2025 AirHelp Score ranks 250 airports across 68 countries. The data highlights a strong surge from the Middle East, with eight airports breaking into the global top 20 – a significant jump from just two in 2024 which reflects the region’s growing excellence in aviation.

Airports were assessed in three key categories of Punctuality, Customer Opinions, and Food & Shops. Cape Town International Airport in South Africa ranked the world’s top-performing airport, achieving an impressive 8.57 points overall.

Middle East on the rise

Leading the Middle East is Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar, which earned an impressive 8.52 points, securing second place globally and the title of the region’s top-performing airport. The airport also came out on top when evaluating the largest airports, handling over 250,000 flights each year.

Close behind is Riyadh King Khaled International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which made a remarkable leap from 33rd to 3rd place worldwide, with a score of 8.47, making it the second-highest ranked in the Middle East and across the largest global airports. Muscat International Airport in Oman follows closely with the same score, placing it third in the Middle East and fifth overall.

Since 2015, the AirHelp Score has helped passengers make more informed decisions by ranking the performance of airlines and airports worldwide. Similarly to last year, and to better serve passengers ahead of the busy summer months, airport and airline rankings will be published separately, ensuring passengers have timely access to the latest airport performance data.

 

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Jazeera Airways launches direct flight to Sochi

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Jazeera Airways launched its first direct flight between Kuwait and Sochi, Russia, marking the opening of a new air corridor between the Gulf and Russia’s Black Sea coast, marking a significant milestone.

The flights to Sochi, operating twice weekly, will offer passengers from Kuwait and other parts of the region direct access to one of Russia’s most scenic resort cities—famous for its coastline, mountains, and year-round appeal. The new service also offers Russian travelers the opportunity to connect through Jazeera Terminal 5 in Kuwait to more than 60 destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe, including popular cities such as Dubai, Riyadh, Delhi, Mumbai, Istanbul, and Cairo.

Barathan Pasupathi, CEO of Jazeera Airways, while speaking to TradeArabia News Service commented: “We are proud to be the first and only airline offering a direct connection between Kuwait and Sochi. This route opens the door for travelers to explore one of Russia’s most attractive leisure destinations, while also enhancing connectivity across our growing network.”

 

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Vietjet Thailand offers Mumbai – Phuket direct flights from INR 1

The post Vietjet Thailand offers Mumbai – Phuket direct flights from INR 1 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Offering convenient travel choices to explore the beauty of Phuket, Thailand’s paradise island, Vietjet Thailand announces the launch of its first-ever direct flight connecting Mumbai and Phuket with 4 flights weekly, starting August 15, 2025. This new route marks a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and making air travel more accessible and affordable. Flights are open for booking from July 7, 2025, at www.vietjetair.com from just INR 1 (not inclusive of taxes and charges).

From August 15 – October 25, 2025, flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Flight VZ763 departs Mumbai at 02:05 and arrives in Phuket at 08:20, while the return flight VZ762 departs Phuket at 22:10 and lands in Mumbai at 01:05 the following day (all local times.)

To celebrate the new launch, Vietjet Thailand is offering a special “Phuket Grand Opening Sale” with base fares starting from just 1 INR (excluding taxes and fees). The promotion is available for booking from July 7 – 12, 2025, for travel between August 15, 2025 – March 27, 2026. Passengers can book now at www.vietjetair.com to grab these unbeatable fares while they last.

Get ready to discover the tropical paradise of Phuket, Thailand’s top island destination. Whether you’re drawn to its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class diving spots, or rich cultural heritage, Phuket has something for everyone. With Vietjet Thailand’s new direct flights from Mumbai, planning your trip has never been easier or more affordable. Dive into crystal-clear waters, enjoy lively nightlife, and savor mouthwatering local flavors — Phuket is ready to welcome you!

“This new Mumbai–Puhket service represents a strong step forward in connecting Thailand with India, offering more travel options for Indian travelers to explore the beauty of Thailand’s top island. We are excited to expand our operations in India by offering greater connectivity, more flight choices, and our signature ‘Friendly & Fun’, along with ‘Safety’, ‘Punctuality’, and ‘Affordable Price’ experience, marking a significant milestone in our mission to drive travel and tourism growth across Asia,” said  Woranate Laprabang, Chief Executive Officer of Vietjet Thailand.

 In addition to the new direct Phuket – Mumbai service, Vietjet Thailand also operates flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Mumbai, offering passengers the flexibility to connect from Phuket to Bangkok before continuing to India. This convenient connectivity not only enhances travel options but also allows travelers to discover more of Thailand’s charm along the way. From Phuket, passengers can easily reach Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and other scenic cities, while those flying from Bangkok can explore top destinations like Krabi, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and beyond. Vietjet Thailand’s extensive network also includes international routes to Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Taipei, and more—making every journey seamless and enriching.

The launch of this new route is part of Vietjet Thailand’s broader strategy to expand its international network, reaffirming its accelerating momentum as a leading low-cost carrier, following recent awards such as “Best Low-Cost Airline Brand – Thailand 2024” by Global Brand Awards and “Most Passenger-Friendly Cabin Crew – 2024” by International Finance Magazine.

 

 

 

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Saudi welcomed a total of 115.9 million tourists in 2024

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The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has just released its 2024 annual report, revealing a landmark year for the country’s tourism sector, which has set new records for both domestic and international travel, positioning Saudi among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

According to the report, Saudi welcomed a total of 115.9 million tourists in 2024. This includes 29.7 million inbound visitors — a record high, marking an 8% year-on-year increase, and an astounding 70% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. On the domestic front, 86.2 million Saudis explored their own country, underscoring the growing appeal and accessibility of local destinations.

Crucially, the data also reveals a 19% year-on-year surge in spending by international tourists, with overseas visitors staying an average of 19 nights — highlighting Saudi’s increasing ability to attract and retain long-haul travellers.

One of the standout moments of the year came in March 2024, when inbound tourism peaked at 3.2 million visitors. This coincided with the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit, illustrating the strong impact of major sporting events and entertainment offerings in driving international travel.

Beyond the numbers, Saudi’s global ranking reflects its rapid ascent on the world tourism stage:

  • #1 among G20 countries for growth in international tourist arrivals
  • #2 globally in inbound tourist growth (Jan–Nov 2024 vs. the same period in 2019), according to UN Tourism

Saudi’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, credited the country’s continued investment in infrastructure, events, and destination development as key drivers behind this success. He emphasized tourism’s critical role in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening national identity:

“These achievements, both domestic and international, strengthen our belief in the importance of tourism and its role as a driver of cultural and civilizational interaction, a bridge connecting peoples, and a window through which the world can discover the Kingdom’s deep-rooted history, rich cultural heritage, and authentic national identity. They also highlight the diversity of our destinations that attract both inbound and domestic tourists alike.”

As Saudi moves into the second half of the decade, the Ministry’s efforts are firmly aligned with Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy, generate new job opportunities, and cement the country’s status as an exciting and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world.

 

 

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RISE 2025 is all set to empower the women of the hospitality sector

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RISE 2025: Reshaping Hospitality by Empowering Women is all set to elevate and empower the women of the hospitality sector next month. 

Set to be held in Phuket, RISE 2025 is a full-day learning experience focused on career growth, skill-building, and inclusive leadership. 

The event is co-organised by C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group, and Delivering Asia.

Created especially for professionals across the hospitality, tourism, restaurant, and service sectors, RISE 2025 welcomes everyone from students and young professionals to senior executives and business owners. 

Hosts Mrs B Group founder Sumi Soorian and Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort general manager Jirarat Ninpradub will guide guests through an immersive agenda of practical workshops, mentor-led sessions, and high-impact discussions, designed to equip all participants with the actionable tools they need to lead with confidence.

Soorian said of the upcoming event: “RISE 2025 is about creating a safe, dynamic space where women at all career stages can grow and support one another. Whether you’re redefining your professional path or just beginning, this event is designed to harness collective energy and practical insight to help women move forward together.”

Inspirational guidance on both personal and professional fronts

The day commences with a guided meditation session titled Manifest the Career You Want by Connecting with Your Inner Voice led by Viona Zhang, deputy managing director of C9 Hotelworks, to put attendees in the perfect frame of mind to absorb the event’s keynote program, which features an inspiring line up of speakers.

Zhang said: “As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, it’s essential we create spaces that equip women with the skills and visibility to lead. RISE isn’t just about inspiration: it’s about impact and action.”

Kornkanok Yongsakul, CEO at RBL Training and co-founder of V Yachts Asia, will then open the event with her advice on Making a Life Plan: Achieving Goals One Step at a Time to encourage women to take ownership of their future.

She will be followed by Soho Hospitality CEO Rohit Sachdev who will offer expert guidance on Developing Your Own Personal Brand Statement

Kanoknat Adhyanasakul, executive director of Amatara Welleisure Resort, will then affirm The Importance of Training in creating long-term development pathways, while Women in Tourism Association co-founder Nisha Abu Bakar will examine leadership in action with her talk Catalyst for Change: Women Leaders Accelerating Hospitality Transformation.

The British honorary consul to Phuket Chantal Fernandes will then present Expect the Unexpected: Career Lessons from a Life in Hospitality, while Supapim Wannopas of UN Women will discuss the power of Establishing Sustainable Entrepreneurship Programs for women in tourism and hospitality.

Afterwards, Michaela Connor and Jenna Xue will explore transformative lessons in What Failure Teaches That Success Never Will.

Finally, a student at UWC Thailand, the leading international school, will present a unique youth perspective in their “Global Movement: Education: A Force for Peace and a Sustainable Future” session, and Mimi Chuenpanichayakul of Delivering Asia will shine a generational light in Under 30: Finding My Own Identity

Zhang will then return to the stage with a personal talk titled From Fear to Voice: How I Learned to Speak Up.

To energise and to connect

Following these inspiring sessions, guests will be invited to join a networking lunch, before they reconvene for a deep-dive workshop titled Workplace Equity in Action: Metrics, Gaps, and Progress led by UN Women’s Supapim Wannopas. 

The final segment is a high-energy Speed Learning Collaborative Roundtable Workshop featuring focused discussions led by top industry professionals including Jayne MacDougall, executive director of the Phuket Hotels Association; Leanne Reddie, chief commercial officer at Chedi Hospitality; and Pan Voravee, founder and director of Voravee Hospitality.

RISE 2025 is proudly supported by a dedicated coalition of partners committed to inclusive industry advancement, including SAii Laguna Phuket, QUO Global, Creative Concept AV, Phuket Hotels Association, UN Women Asia and the Pacific, Inspiring Women in Hospitality, and the International Women’s Travel Awards by Travel Daily Media.

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