The post Tourism Solutions International’s Eric Levy shares how Thailand remains a global tourism powerhouse appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

He highlights its enduring appeal, future opportunities, and the qualities driving the industry’s long-term success globally.

Travel and tourism remain the vital drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange, with Thailand standing as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. As the industry evolves, its continued success depends on adapting to shifting traveller expectations whilst preserving the unique qualities that set it apart.

Eric Levy, Managing Director of Tourism Solutions International and a leading expert in the Asian hospitality industry, shared his insights. His career spans senior leadership roles in hotel investment, advisory, and brokerage, establishing him as a respected figure in the global hospitality sector.

He was a founding partner of Octagon Capital Partners from 2002 to 2005. He later served as Executive Vice President of Colony Capital Asia Pacific, where he led hotel investment efforts across the region. Previously, he was a Senior Partner with Horwath Asia Pacific and the Founder and President of Horwath Hotel Partners, which provided brokerage services to Asian hotel owners.

In an interview with Travel Daily Media, Levy offered his perspectives on Thailand’s strengths, emerging opportunities, and the key factors that will define its continued leadership in global tourism.

A global tourism leader

When asked about Thailand’s position in today’s travel market, Levy said it remains a leader in tourism not only in Asia but globally. He attributed this to its unique combination of exotic and approachable culture, friendliness, affordable destinations, warm climate, and outstanding cuisine.

“In addition to Thai cuisine being so good, Bangkok is a mecca for foodies to come and experience its offerings, from Thai street food to Michelin quality restaurants that are a bargain when compared to global pricing,” he remarked.

He also highlighted the diversity of its tourism offerings, from urban to remote resorts, complemented by well-developed medical tourism. Unlike other markets such as Indonesia, he noted, “the tourism in Thailand has been well distributed geographically with multiple arrival destinations.”

Reflecting on hotel investment trends, Levy said that “the luxury market in Bangkok had finally been able to ramp up rates to global levels befitting a major destination.” He also described the branded residential market as Asia’s most developed, with significant room for growth.

Levy pointed out innovative approaches that companies can implement to elevate the quality and uniqueness of their tourism offerings in Thailand. “Thailand has historically been a leader in tourism innovation from refinement of villa hotels, pool villas, and tented accommodation,” he noted. He stressed that industry leaders must have a DNA for innovation, and keeping this spirit alive is critical for the industry to continue leading rather than following.

He also paid tribute to influential figures who had shaped the sector, including Thai leaders Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui and Chanin Donavanik from Dusit Thani, the Chirathivat family from Central Group, William Heinecke of Minor International PCL, and influential foreigners such as Ho Kwon Ping, Adrian Zecha, and Kurt Wachtveitl, who has been the renowned General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok for 41 years. Ensuring a pipeline of future leaders, he said, was vital for continued success.

To stay competitive amidst shifting consumer expectations and regional competition, Levy advised Thai travel and hospitality businesses to focus on value and experience, targeting emerging demographics such as global nomads, seniors, and Asia’s affluent travellers. Sustainability and wellness programmes are stressed to be essential pillars of competitiveness.

“Move beyond mass tourism to offer high-quality, personalised, and authentic Thai experiences,” he added.

Looking to the future, Levy detailed the factors that will shape the long-term success of Thailand’s travel and hospitality industry. He emphasised adaptability in proactively addressing climate change, shifting traveller demographics, economic fluctuations, and increased competition and innovation. He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment, policy innovation such as digital nomad visas, and supporting new travel experiences.

For Thailand to retain its global standing, Levy believed it must retain a leader in sustainable tourism, maintain its reputation as a safe, high-quality destination, and continue diversifying its offerings. “Keep the golden goose from becoming tarnished,” he emphasised.

Recognising industry leadership

As an esteemed judge at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Thailand, Levy explained that he would be looking for nominees who embodied being “truly Thai,” whilst demonstrating consistency, leadership, excellence, and sustainability. Importantly, he stressed the development of future leaders as a key measure of long-term industry success.

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The post Sasha Tyas takes helm at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hospitality firm Minor Hotels announced that industry veteran Sasha Tyas is the new general manager at the award-winning Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. 

Group chief executive Dillip Rajakarier said of the new general manager:“Sasha’s extensive luxury hospitality experience and familiarity with the Indian Ocean makes her an ideal leader for Anantara Kihavah. Her distinctive blend of operational insight and creative vision will further enhance the resort’s reputation for immersive luxury and personalised service in one of the world’s most exceptional destinations.”

Meet Sasha Tyas

With over 25 years of international experience in luxury hospitality, Tyas brings a wealth of cultural understanding, operational excellence, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. 

Born in England and raised in France, she is fluent in four languages: English, French, German, and Portuguese. 

Her distinguished career spans leadership roles across Portugal, Brazil, the Caribbean, the Seychelles, and the Maldives, including recent tenures at Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel in Anguilla; Mango House Seychelles, under Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts; and Constance Moofushi, Maldives. 

Most recently, she served as general manager onboard the 224-suite Ilma ultra-luxury yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, renowned for its personalised service and elevated luxury, sailing across European and Caribbean waters. 

Throughout her career, Tyas has consistently broken new ground, often serving as the first female general manager at several luxury properties across the globe. 

Passionate about uplifting women in hospitality, she actively fosters environments where female talent can thrive, encouraging open dialogue, continuous learning, and bold ambition.

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The post Air Macau joins AirAsia MOVE network appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Online travel platform AirAsia MOVE recently inked a partnership with Air Macau, making the airline the newest direct partner in its network. 

This partnership not only opens up more travel options across vibrant destinations in Macau, Greater China, and Asia, but also supports Macau’s tourism goal of attracting 39 million visitors in 2025.

According to MOVE chief executive Nadia Omer, Chief Executive Officer of MOVE: “Macau is a destination that truly offers unforgettable experiences with its mix of culture, gastronomy, entertainment, and heritage. Having Air Macau on the MOVE platform as a direct airline partner enables us to offer travellers not just convenience, but the chance to explore this incredible city at the best value. We are excited to make Macau more accessible to our users while contributing to the city’s tourism goals.”

For his part, Air Macau’s general manager in Kuala Lumpur Howard Zhu said: “We are delighted to partner with MOVE to connect more travellers from Malaysia and ASEAN, as well as beyond to Macau, while making it easier than ever for visitors to plan their trip all in one app.” 

Exciting perks

To mark this exciting collaboration, MOVE users can enjoy the perks of flying in Air Macau from Kuala Lumpur to Macau through the AirAsia MOVE app booking as low as RM470. 

Promotional fares are available for booking on the MOVE app from now until Friday, 12th September, for the travel period between 1st September 2025 and 7th February 2026.

Plus, travellers can keep their Air Macau boarding pass to enjoy amazing privileges and benefits whilst travelling in Macau! 

They may present it within seven days of arrival to enjoy privileges in Macau, from dining discounts, shopping vouchers, and other special treats at resorts, to special deals on activities at SKYPARK Macau Tower.

One in an expanding network

Aside from Air Macau, MOVE also has direct partnerships with over 70 other notable global carriers such as Royal Brunei Airlines, Air Mauritius, Etihad and more. 

Aside from that, it also has a selection of about 700 other airlines through its authorised suppliers on its platform. 

MOVE users can also conveniently choose from over a million hotels across the globe to complete their travel plans, along with first and last-mile connectivity through airport transfers, and other ancillary travel products such as online duty-free shopping, travel insurance and more. 

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The post Ponant Explorations Group expands offerings with the debut of Ponant Yachting appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP now offers an exceptional experience for yachting enthusiasts the world over with the launch of its newest brand: Ponant Yachting.

Ponant Yachting showcases the Group’s expertise in crafting ultra-intimate experiences, combining sailing, sophistication and bespoke service. 

The luxury cruise firm added that, aside from the introduction of a new brand, it is also expanding its existing fleet through its new catamaran: the Spirit of Ponant II. 

Built by Lagoon, the world leader in sailing catamarans, the vessel will join the fleet in late 2026; the vessel will be based in French Polynesia.

Ponent Explorations Group chief executive Hervé Gastinel said of these latest developments: “With the acquisition of the Spirit of Ponant II, the 22nd ship in the fleet, we are expanding our offering in the luxury sailing segment for intimate, sophisticated and responsible voyages. We are developing a unique world, where each experience is tailor-made: itineraries, gastronomy, excursions and more. This strategy is also embodied in the launch of our new brand, PONANT YACHTING, which combines the intimate experience of sailing with the sophisticated and personalised services of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP voyages. This strengthens our unique portfolio of brands in the cruise industry.”

The maiden voyage will take place in late 2026, sailing to Polynesia, a destination where PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP’s expertise is widely recognised. 

Itineraries are tailored to guests’ wishes and adjusted according to the weather conditions at the time of travel. 

A luxurious new travel experience

In 2024, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP brought in a fresh innovation with the launch of a new range of tailor-made sea voyages aboard luxury catamarans. 

With the success of the Spirit of Ponant confirming the relevance of this vision, the Group continues to develop this new market segment in order to target a more family-oriented customer base and also groups of friends.

The vessel’s four-member crew is made up of a captain, first mate, chef, and hostess who offer guests the excellence of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP service in an all-inclusive experience: exclusive itineraries, personalised activities, refined gastronomy, a selection of wines and cocktails, bespoke menus, and a wide range of nautical activities.

By late 2026, PONANT YACHTING will operate a fleet of 3 catamarans: the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade, and the Spirit of Ponant II.

Each vessel has a standard capacity between nine and twelve guests, and all offer an exceptional sailing experience and access to secluded anchorages. 

The destinations on offer,  from the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and Polynesia, are particularly well suited to exploration under sail.

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The post Transformative Power of AI is key to Turning first-time bookers into brand believers: Graham appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): How is Cendyn leveraging AI to personalise the guest experience and enhance loyalty programs? Kindly share some specific examples or success metrics.
Nicki Graham (NG): This year, we recognised the opportunity to leverage AI within loyalty programs to better understand guest engagement and enhance the overall guest experience. As a result, we integrated our CRM with Loyalty Juggernaut’s (LJI’s) GRAVTY® technology. This integration enables hospitality brands to develop impactful, real-time, and personalised guest engagement programs across both their digital and physical platforms.
The AI component of this technology allows hotels to gain insights into how guests interact with their brand. Instead of relying on generic offers and programs, hotels can create tailored loyalty benefits. We believe that this approach is crucial for converting first-time bookers into loyal brand advocates.
Ultimately, we are incorporating AI to provide hoteliers with the tools necessary to build deeper relationships with their guests. This effort drives repeat stays and enhances overall guest satisfaction through customised loyalty strategies.

TDM: Why do you believe loyalty is the most sustainable way for hotels to grow revenue in today’s market?
NG: Focusing on loyalty is a smart strategy and has become a necessity for businesses. It is much more cost-effective to encourage guests to return than to continuously seek out new ones. In a competitive market with limited resources, hotels cannot afford to be stuck in a cycle of attracting new guests just to survive.
Returning guests not only provide a sense of security for the business but also tend to spend more. They are likely to book extra nights, upgrade their rooms, and take advantage of additional amenities.
What’s exciting is that loyalty programs are no longer just for repeat guests. Hotels are now using these programs to connect with first-time visitors by offering perks and discounted rates for direct bookings. This approach helps bring guests through the door initially while making them feel valued from the start, increasing the likelihood of their return.

TDM: What role does predictive analytics play in identifying high-value guests and driving repeat business?
NG: Predictive analytics acts like a crystal ball for understanding guest behaviour. By analysing patterns such as how frequently a guest books a stay, their spending habits on the property, and their tendency to upgrade their rooms, hotels can identify their most valuable guests.
For instance, if a guest consistently books a suite, dines in the restaurant, and stays for long weekends, predictive models can highlight this behaviour. Hotels can then create targeted offers, like an extended stay deal or a personalised spa package for their next visit. These timely and relevant touchpoints help drive upsell opportunities and encourage repeat visits from these valuable guests. For hotels looking to work smarter, identifying the guests most worth targeting to achieve their goals offers significant benefits.

TDM: How do Cendyn’s AI and data tools integrate with existing hotel CRM and PMS systems?
NG: Technology should work together seamlessly to reduce stress. Many hotels experience frustration with clunky technology that fails to integrate properly, but it doesn’t have to be that way. At Cendyn, one of our main priorities is ensuring that technology works together effortlessly. Our AI and data tools are fully integrated into the Cendyn CRM, which connects easily with existing PMS systems through open APIs.
The greatest challenge for hotels is accessing the right data. We are continually refining how we centralise data across the business, ensuring it flows smoothly between systems. This simplification streamlines processes by maintaining a unified guest database, allowing hotels to clean and merge data effectively. As a result, they can make informed decisions with confidence. It’s straightforward and intelligent, keeping everything in sync.

TDM: In what ways has loyalty marketing evolved post-pandemic, and how has Cendyn adapted to that shift?
NG: We all know about the surge in ‘revenge travel’ following the pandemic. Hotels experienced a significant increase in occupancy and revenue, with direct bookings reaching an all-time high. Those hotels that gathered guest data during this period now hold a valuable advantage.
At Cendyn, we have focused on maximising this opportunity for hotels. Our loyalty and CRM tools transform guest data into actionable insights. With features like automated journeys and scalable personalisation, hotels can maintain meaningful connections with their guests. In today’s landscape, effective loyalty marketing relies on data to enhance personalisation and strengthen guest relationships. Even for hotels that haven’t accumulated substantial data thus far, technology is now available that allows them to make significant progress quickly, provided they have a solid tech stack in place.

TDM: What role does omnichannel engagement play in retaining hotel guests today?
NG: Guests expect communication on their preferred terms, whether that’s through email, text, social media, or in-app messaging. Hotels need to be prepared to engage across all these channels.
When hotels consistently communicate through a guest’s preferred channels, it not only enhances guest satisfaction but also allows hotels to learn more about their guests at every stage of their journey. From the moment a guest begins planning their stay to well after their visit, coordinated and timely messaging helps hotels remain relevant. By being present in a guest’s preferred communication methods, hotels build trust and foster long-term loyalty.

TDM: Where do you see AI-driven loyalty heading in the next 3–5 years in hospitality?
NG: AI is just beginning to make an impact. In the coming years, we will see loyalty programs become more intelligent by utilising predictive analytics to deliver personalised offers in real time and at scale.
We can also expect a deeper integration of sentiment analysis, which helps teams better understand guest satisfaction through reviews, surveys, and other real-time feedback. Additionally, automated customer service powered by AI will enable hotels to respond more quickly and consistently across various channels, allowing staff to focus on high-touch interactions. All of these advancements will work together to create highly relevant experiences that encourage guests to return.

TDM: Are there any new technologies or innovations Cendyn is exploring to further revolutionise guest engagement?
NG: We are investing in advanced data analytics to gain deeper insights into our guests beyond just the basics. This includes behaviour mapping, preference modelling, and predictive triggers that enable us to deliver the right message at the perfect moment.
A persistent challenge for hotels is siloed operations, which also stems from data being stored in silos. We are actively developing our analytics solution that harnesses the power of business intelligence (BI) tools and AI. By incorporating data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, we are creating a unified system that offers prescriptive insights. This system not only presents the data but also identifies the factors influencing the success of campaigns and provides insights into the target audience.
Our ongoing emphasis on product and platform integration is essential for transforming guest engagement. Our goal is to provide a single, cohesive solution set that empowers hotels to streamline their operations while enhancing the personalised experience for every guest.

TDM: With rising competition from OTAs and vacation rentals, how can hotels use Cendyn tools to strengthen direct relationships?
NG: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are effective at increasing visibility, and vacation rentals provide a “home away from home” experience. However, neither offers the personalised touch that fosters long-term loyalty, which hotels can deliver, especially when equipped with the right tools.
What is particularly powerful is that this personalised experience feels genuine. Whether it’s a welcome email tailored to past stays or a loyalty perk reflecting individual guest preferences, everything is made possible through smart segmentation and automation. When hotels engage with guests in this manner—being relevant, thoughtful, and consistent—they cultivate something that OTAs cannot replicate: trust and a strong brand connection. This, in turn, drives revenue growth.
Cendyn’s CRM and loyalty solutions enable hotels to truly understand their guests by revealing what they like, how they book, and what motivates them to return. It’s all about the Find, Book, and Grow strategy that every hospitality business requires. As a result, hotels can communicate with and resonate personally with hundreds or even thousands of guests simultaneously.

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The post Philippines disputes findings of Return on Tourism Impact report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) disputed a policy report which claimed the country had Southeast Asia’s lowest tourism returns on investment (ROIs).

In a statement released on Monday, 8th September, the DOT called out local journalist Eric Jurado who penned the report, declaring his analysis flawed, misleading, and harmful to the country’s image overseas.

The report which was carried by local publications Esquire Philippines and BusinessMirror uses what is essentially a speculative metric referred to as Return on Tourism Impact which is not recognised by global travel and tourism agencies such as UN Tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and the World Economic Forum (WEF.)

Gross misrepresentation

Furthermore, the DOT declared that the article grossly misrepresents the performance of the Philippine tourism sector, essentially undermining the efforts of those who earn their livelihood from it or businesses related to travel and hospitality.

Per the DOT’s statement: “To malign this sector with baseless rankings is not just inaccurate: it is harmful. It is imperative that we correct the misrepresentation because it sends the wrong signal to investors, partners, and travelers at a time when the Philippines is competing fiercely in Southeast Asia for market share.”

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Tourism Satellite Accounts, the country’s tourism sector contributed PHP2.35 trillion in direct gross value in 2024.

This shows an increase of around 11.2 percent from 2023 and makes up 8.9 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP).

The Philippine tourism sector likewise earned US$12.25 billion in international visitor receipts and US$67.54 billion in combined domestic and foreign tourism spending; thus sustaining 6.75 million direct jobs and providing indirect livelihoods to up to 16 million citizens.

The PSA’s data on Tourism Gross Fixed Capital Formation also shows that the total value of tourism-related investments in the past year is around US$10.32 billion.

The DOT declared: “Tourism is therefore a high-yield engine of jobs, livelihoods, and national growth [and] not the laggard the report portrays.”

A bone of contention

One key point of contention was Jurado’s methodology which led to the comparison between a cumulative multi-year investment figure of US$23 billion with a single-year tourism revenue estimate of US$13 billion.

The DOTalso called out Jurado’s exclusion of the country’s earnings from domestic tourism

It also flagged the exclusion of domestic tourism, which alone generated US$54.24 billion in 2024.

This exclusion essentially understated the DOT’s actual returns for 2024, thus distorting the calculation for an ROI.

The department concluded by saying: “Tourism is a force for good, a source of pride, hope, and livelihood for our people. Attempts to erase these achievements with fabricated or distorted numbers affect the millions of Filipinos whose lives depend on this industry. The Filipino people deserve better.” 

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The post IATA’s WSOC 2025 seeks to build a much safer future appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2025 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) will be held from 14th to 16th October 2025 in Xiamen, China.

The conference is hosted by Xiamen Airlines.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh pointed out that this year’s conference is focused on a safer future for global aviation.

He said: “Our efforts to date have made aviation operations safer. Evolving technologies, including AI, will enable us to do even better as the landscape of risks changes. WSOC is the opportunity to look at technology and risk as we examine topics including safely managing the proliferation of lithium batteries carried by travelers, GNSS interference near conflict zones, improving accident reporting, managing supply chain challenges, and maintaining spectrum integrity in the face of growing telecom needs. By addressing these and other issues today we’ll be better prepared to take on the challenges of the future.”

China plays its part

For Xiamen Airlines’ chair Zhao Dong, hosting WSOC 2025 in Xiamen highlights China’s important role in shaping the future of aviation safety. 

Zhao said: “As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing air transport markets, China has built a strong safety record while making significant investments in new infrastructure and technology. Holding WSOC here is especially meaningful: it offers Chinese carriers a platform to share their experience in building safe and reliable operations.”

Zhao added that the event also presents China’s insights and global expertise to forge shared best practices.

A full slate

Walsh, Zhao, and Mark Searle, IATA’s Global Director of Safety will be speaking at the event along with:

• Xie Bing, CEO and President, Xiamen Airlines
• Senior Leadership, Civil Aviation Administration of China
• Senior Executive, COMAC
• Yannick Malinge, SVP and Chief Product Safety Officer, Airbus
• Elmarie Marais, CEO, GoCrisis
• Al Madar, VP Operational Safety and Deputy Chief Aerospace Safety Officer, Boeing
• Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents, UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Foong Ling Huei, Director Flight Standards, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

Likewise, key dimensions of safety and operations will be discussed in four main tracks.

These are::

• Safety: Topics covered will include predictive risk management, delivering Risk-Based Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) through data-rich insights, preparing the next generation of safety auditors, measuring organizational and industry safety performance, accident investigations, runway safety, and organization-wide safety strategies;
• Cabin Operations: Topics covered in this track will include human factors, best practices in the safe carriage of lithium batteries by travelers, crew safety, and door safety;
• Flight Operations: Topics include the latest developments in training (competency and performance-based training), radio spectrum and air navigation system resilience, parts management and supply chain issues, AI for maintenance, fuel efficiency, and sustainability initiatives; and
• Crisis Management: Topics covered in this track will include latest developments in crisis management, aircraft removal, crisis communication, the role of leadership, family and employee assistance.

In addition, several workshops will be held for attendees; specifically:

• IOSA Workshop: A practical, one-day event to explore IATA’s operational safety audit program and share insights on risk-based auditing;
• Turbulence Aware Forum: An interactive session on how IATA’s Turbulence Aware program uses data-driven insights to help airlines and partners better understand and manage turbulence in daily operations; and
• Airspace Optimisation Workshop: A global discussion on strategies and best practices to enhance the efficiency, capacity, and safety of airspace management.

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The post Karryn Christopher is new president of Signature Travel Network appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Photo: Joshua Martinez, Hawaii Media Collective

Signature Travel Network announced a milestone moment with the appointment of Karryn Christopher as president, an appointment that took effect on Thursday, 4th September.

The appointment kicked off the company’s annual Owners’ Meeting in San Diego, CA and ushers in a strategic leadership expansion supporting the organisation’s continued growth and long-term success. 

Given this appointment, current president and chief executive Alex Sharpe will retain the title of CEO.

As part of Signature since 2001, Christopher has helped shape the network’s culture, serve members, strengthen partnerships, and champion coworkers. 

Most recently serving as executive vice president of marketing and preferred partnerships, she has elevated her teams to success while establishing meaningful collaboration across all areas of the organization. 

As Sharpe puts it: “Our coworkers, members and partners adore and respect Karryn because she leads with both head and heart. She has a rare ability to bring people together and turn ideas into impactful results. With Karryn stepping into this role, our leadership capacity and ability to serve our members is stronger than ever.” 

For her part, Christopher was moved to say: “I am honoured to serve as president. I am constantly inspired by the passion and dedication of our team, our members, and our partners. Together, we will continue to grow, evolve, and create unforgettable experiences that elevate the travel industry.” 

The beginning of a new era

Christopher’s appointment marks the start of a shared leadership model with Sharpe. 

As president, she will take on a more outward-facing role, deepening engagement with members, partners, and industry stakeholders. 

Sharpe remains CEO, continuing to guide Signature’s strategic direction and long-term growth, whilst benefiting from Christopher’s expanded presence with members and partners. 

Together, this partnership emboldens Signature’s leadership reach and alignment with its mission. 

The leadership transition underscores Signature’s commitment to ensuring that the systems and partnerships built today deliver long-term value, scalability, and alignment with its mission. 

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The post 2025 Chinese Opera Festival opens in Kunshan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The 2025 Chinese Opera Festival co-organised by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government opened on Monday, 8th September, in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. 

Building on past festivals that highlighted the classic role types of Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face), and Chou (clown), this year’s programme highlights martial arts theatre. 

The Festival is ongoing as of press time and will conclude on 20th September.

Where masters perform

The opening performance featured martial arts excerpts presented by six renowned masters of Chinese opera, and 20 martial artists from across China will present ten joint performances throughout the duration of the festival.

These martial performances reflect the dual emphasis on preservation and innovation in traditional Chinese opera.

At the opening ceremony, certificates were awarded to participants selected for the 2025 National Leading Talent Development Programme for Chinese Opera, along with honours for institutions recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism between 2020 and 2024 as Outstanding Opera Production Initiatives.

This year’s festival is anchored by five signature programmes: opening and closing ceremonies; a national showcase of opera performers; invitational performances of acclaimed productions; opera symposia, as well as initiatives to preserve endangered opera forms. 

It also includes five extension programs: opera exchange and promotion activities; the Watch Opera, Visit Jiangsu cultural tourism campaign; a special exhibition at the Chinese Opera Museum; a traditional opera cultural marketplace; and a digital promotion platform.

Over the course of the festival, 39 performances will be staged, featuring 107 productions from 53 ensembles representing 31 distinct opera traditions. 

Performances and activities will be hosted at a variety of venues, including traditional theaters, historic towns, museums, universities, and scenic sites, offering audiences immersive cultural experiences.

Seven years running

Kunshan, the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, the earliest form of Chinese opera, is hosting the festival for a seventh consecutive year. 

A new three-year action plan was also launched to guide its future development. 

From 2018 to 2024, the festival presented 348 opera genres, including puppetry and shadow theatre, bringing together 494 organizations that staged 295 performances featuring 606 excerpts, while drawing record audiences both in person and online.

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The post Indonesia implements All Indonesia digital arrival card appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesia is now the latest country to implement a digital arrival card for those travelling in through its air and sea ports.

The new All Indonesia online travel declaration system began running on 1st September and is now mandatory for travellers arriving at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Bali’s Denpasar Airport, and the Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.

Authorities further announced that the new system will be rolled out to all other international airports throughout Indonesia by 1st October.

What is the All Indonesia digital arrival card?

All Indonesia is a centralised system integrating all processes related to immigration, customs, health, and quarantine forms into a single digital platform.

By doing so, Indonesia significantly reduces its carbon footprint by doing away with the use of paper forms, and also enhances efficiency and convenience.

That said, travellers may fill up their respective arrival cards online through the official website or via the All Indonesia mobile app.

Available in Bahasa Indonesia, English, and Chinese, the platform is designed to be accessible to travellers from around the world. 

While QR codes will still be available for scanning at immigration checkpoints on arrival, it is best to submit the declaration up to three days before arrival for added convenience upon arrival. 

Note that filling up the card is mandatory even for travellers eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia, and it is free of charge.

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