The post TV presenter Anthony Burke to host Luxury Escapes’ new Signature Series experience appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury Escapes announced that Grand Designs Australia presenter and professor of architecture Anthony Burke will be hosting its new Signature Series experience in Japan. 

As a tour through Japan, this experience combines design, art, architecture, and aburi (flame seared delicacies) in a unique 12-day, 11-night itinerary.

This Signature Series experience showcases Japan’s cultural highlights and aesthetic mastery, from ancient craftsmanship to contemporary creativity.

According to Luxury Escapes co-founder and CEO Adam Schwab: “Australian travellers have a voracious appetite for all things Japanese; it remains one of our most in-demand destinations and this new Japan Signature Series tour is designed for people with a curious mind and a love of travel, design, culture and cuisine, so pretty much everyone. The tour brings together Japan’s finest elements, from sumo and sushi to sensory art and stunning architecture, through Anthony’s unique lens. He’s done an amazing job of designing a really special tour for us.”

Burke himself said of the destination: “Japan is one of those rare places where every detail of the built environment has meaning. From the quiet serenity of traditional structures to the bold experimentation of modern design, this tour brings together the best of both worlds and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my fellow design and art loving travellers.”

A deep dive into Japanese culture

Taking in the cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and the renowned Naoshima and Teshima Art Islands, Burke will guide travellers through Japan’s most striking architectural landmarks, uncovering the inspiration, design philosophies, and stories that shape each space. 

The all-inclusive tour highlights the following experiences:

• Visits to more than 12 museums, castles, temples and galleries including Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, Teamlab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Pola Museum of Art (Hokone), Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple in Kyoto, Hokane’s Enoura Observatory, UNESCO World Heritage listed Himeji Castle, and the Honpukuji Water Temple and the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka;
• Tour through the neon-lit streets of Shinsekai and Dotonbori and cross the busiest intersection in the world, the famously chaotic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo;
• A Sumo practice experience with basic training included;
• Wander the Philosopher’s Path, starting at the Silver Pavilion, a prime example of Higashiyama culture in Kyoto;
• Travel on Japan’s famed Shinkansen Bullet Train at up to 300 km/hour;
• Visit a tea house and traditional Japanese dining experience that includes hotpot, sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu, as well as stops at traditional Japanese cake shops and street food experiences; and
• Four- and five-star accommodation across all cities including the Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa and ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama.

Bookings are now open via Luxury Escapes’ website and through travel agents, from $10,999 per person, inclusive of return flights with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth for the tour departing 9th March 2026.

The post TV presenter Anthony Burke to host Luxury Escapes’ new Signature Series experience appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Margoba Abuduaini is new senior sales manager at Hyatt Regency Sydney appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hyatt Regency Sydney announced the appointment of Margoba Abuduaini as their senior sales manager for international markets, and she officially stepped into the post on Monday, 30th June.

Abuduaini is a seasoned international sales professional with a strong background in strategic sales, account management, and business development across luxury hospitality.

In her new role, she will lead sales efforts across the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Attuned to local cultures

Abuduaini  brings a culturally attuned and relationship-driven approach to her work, with fluency in French, English, Mandarin, and Uyghur. 

Her ability to navigate diverse cultural landscapes and build meaningful client connections will be instrumental in driving revenue growth and expanding Hyatt Regency Sydney’s presence in global markets.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Sydney, Abuduaini held roles at L’Oréal Paris and the Trippas White Group, where she developed expertise in brand strategy, trade relations, and market expansion.

The post Margoba Abuduaini is new senior sales manager at Hyatt Regency Sydney appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Atmosphere Kanifushi marks sixth consecutive year as Maldives’ leading family resort appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives remains the undisputed destination of choice for family holidays thanks to its recent win at the World Travel Awards 2025.

The Maldivian resort came away with the title of Maldives’ Leading Family Resort for a sixth consecutive year.

Resort general manager Ram Bhoyroo declared: “This year’s World Travel Award is a great honour but it has to be said, we’re a very lucky island to have mass appeal to both romantic couples and adventurous families.  Whilst some quiet resorts here in the Maldives may appeal to some, and the more active party islands appeal to others, here at Atmosphere Kanifushi we are all about ‘equilibrium’ between peace and tranquillity seamlessly coupled with fun and adventure.”  

Bhoyroo added that his team is relentless when it comes to providing the best possible experience for both young and old.  

He said: “Winning the Maldives Leading Family Resort accolade for the sixth year takes a lot of hard work and passion.  By intuitively supporting each guest as an individual, we combine the highest levels of service, relaxation, fun activities along with the true experience of being a castaway here in paradise.”

Always innovating in paradise

With what is to be believed as one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the team at Atmosphere Kanifushi is continually looking at innovation on how to continue to ‘wow’ guests each return visit; from new menus, to live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.  

Most recently, as a demonstration of the team’s continual investment into the guest experience, a new spa concept was launched that takes relaxation and wellbeing to a whole new level.

The new Essens Spa offers a comprehensive wellness program with immersive spa journeys, yoga and detox sessions, healing rituals, and salon services, and by adopting Atmosphere Kanifushi’s unique family inclusion approach, for younger guests, the Kids Spa Experience offers playful treatments, while teen wellness rituals support youthful skin, growing bodies, and emotional balance.

Bhoyroo also pointed out that it isn’t just the amenities that have made the resort such a success, but the way it balances its operations with sustainable practices to preserve the area’s natural beauty has also gone a long way.

He said: “As a long natural island, we are balanced with our lush vegetation resting on the atoll fringe surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape. But the balancing act is not just the reserve of Mother Nature alone.”  

The post Atmosphere Kanifushi marks sixth consecutive year as Maldives’ leading family resort appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a cool retreat for the summer appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

This summer, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary invites travellers to discover a higher state of well-being in the cool, pristine air of the Himalayan mountains.  

Bhutan’s only all-inclusive wellness retreat offers a rare opportunity for healing, balance, and renewal with a special seasonal offer: stay six nights and pay for only four, plus receive a complimentary upgrade to a Terrace Room with sweeping mountain views.

In addition, both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are also offering 25 percent off flights for summer, so there is no better time to visit.

What’s included in this seasonal offer

• Stay 6 nights, pay for only 4 (savings of up to 30 percent);
• Complimentary upgrade to a Terrace Room;
• Valid for stays during  July, and August 2025 only; and
• All-inclusive wellness experience: accommodation, meals, treatments, consultations included.

Note that a non-refundable 20 deposit payment is due within seven days of making the booking, and this promotion cannot be combined with other offers.

The ultimate mountain retreat

Perched in Bhutan’s tranquil Neyphu Valley, just 15 minutes from Paro International Airport, the Sanctuary is a secluded haven dedicated to holistic wellness. 

Drawing from the centuries-old wisdom of Traditional Bhutanese Medicine, each guest’s journey begins with a personalised consultation, followed by a fully curated wellness experience. 

Daily activities include meditation, yoga, herbal treatments, hot stone baths, and therapeutic bodywork, all included in one’s stay.

The Sanctuary’s all-inclusive concept is thoughtfully curated to eliminate stress and encourage total immersion. 

Luxury accommodation, a nourishing daily four-course set lunch and six-course set dinner, wellness treatments, and activities are all seamlessly woven into the guest experience to provide a sense of flow, presence, and holistic care from arrival to departure.

Throughout their stay, guests are invited to slow down, breathe in the alpine air, and reconnect with themselves in an atmosphere of profound stillness and peace. 

With only 24 rooms, the Sanctuary also offers intimate luxury, personalised care, and a deep immersion into Bhutan’s sacred wellness traditions all set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.

The post Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a cool retreat for the summer appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Philippine Airlines to offer five weekly flights on its Manila-Seattle route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced an increase in flights between Manila and Seattle later this year.

The Philippine flag-carrier will increase the frequency to five weekly flights from the current thrice-weekly service from 25th November. 

Coming just one year after the Manila-Seattle route was launched in October of last year, this expansion reflects the growing appeal of the airline’s non-stop route to Seattle.

Currently, this route is the only direct airline link between the Philippines and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. 

Airline president Richard Nuttall said: “Our decision to increase frequencies to Seattle highlights the importance of the US market to the Philippine Airlines global network, and in particular the great value of Seattle as a gateway, not just to the Washington and Oregon areas, but to cities across the United States that we can now serve through our ongoing partnership with Alaska Airlines.”

Nuttall added that PAL is focused on developing the market as a way of helping Americans plan their vacation trips to the Philippines and other Asian countries, opening up more opportunities for businesses to build up commercial activities, and enabling Filipino-Americans to have more frequent reunions with their families back home.

A new schedule 

PAL will introduce new Tuesday and Thursday departures from Manila and Seattle from 25th November, for flights operating every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. 

Thanks to the increased number of flights, travellers gain greater flexibility to structure their travel plans, with more dates to choose from.  

These flights offer seamless and convenient connections to PAL’s extensive network across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Greater China, as well as to numerous US destinations via Alaska Airlines, PAL’s service partner.  

PAL and Alaska Airlines currently have a frequent flyer partnership that expands travel opportunities for loyal customers. 

The Alaska Airlines hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is recognized as the largest airline hub on the entire U.S. West Coast.

Ongoing development

The planned expansion aims to meet growing travel demand to and from the US West Coast and beyond, as part of a long-term investment by PAL to develop business and tourist travel flows between the United States and the Philippines.  

With Seattle, PAL now serves eight destinations in North America, offering nonstop flights to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Honolulu, and Guam.

Also, this increase in flights significantly boosts the airline’s cargo capacity of up to 40 tonnes per week between Manila and Seattle.

The post Philippine Airlines to offer five weekly flights on its Manila-Seattle route appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post AirAsia supports Capital A’s Rizal Redzuan at LIV Golf Korea Pro-Am appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia supported one of its own Allstars as he took to the green for the LIV Golf Korea Pro-Am tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club.

Capital A employee Rizal Redzuan performed well at the tournament, competing alongside Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman, and closing his run with a respectable fifth-place finish.
This initiative was part of the recent partnership between AirAsia and Ripper GC, one of the 13 teams in the LIV Golf League. 

Through this collaboration, AirAsia and Ripper GC aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and dreamers, reinforcing the belief that bold ambitions can take flight.

Redzuan said of his participation in the tournament: “I am very honoured to be part of AirAsia’s Dare To Dream initiative, which aims to champion individuals to reach and achieve their dreams. Starting golf at the tender age of 3 ½ years old at Kelab Golf Negara Subang, I had a dream of being a professional golfer, but decided not to pursue a career in it after graduating from Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia. Never have I imagined being given the opportunity to be part of AirAsia’s partnership with Ripper GC. I feel privileged to take part in the most memorable on-course opportunity, where the two brands jointly inspires golfers old and young alike.”

Start ‘em young

Interestingly, Redzuan participated in his first International golf tournament when he was 7-1/2 years old in Kuching, Sarawak, at the 2002 Sarawak Junior World Masters.

AirAsia took a punt and sponsored him for two years to compete in two editions of this tournament. 

He took home 1st Runner Up honours in the Under 8 category and even took home the ‘Most Talented Young Junior Golfer’ award, making him unofficially the first-ever athlete of AirAsia’s Dare to Dream programme.

Redzuan moved to the Australian Gold Coast when he was 14 to obtain both his secondary education and initially pursue a career in being a professional golfer.

Upon receiving his Bachelor of International Relations degree, he decided to forgo his dreams. 

He returned to Malaysia and, after starting his professional career in Public Relations and Stakeholder Relations at MRT Corp in 2015, accepted a life-changing career offer with AirAsia by joining the Social Media Department in February 2019.

Through his role via the Communications Team at Capital A, when AirAsia signed its partnership with Ripper GC, Redzuan never thought that he would be able to relive the dream, even for a fleeting moment, to be given the chance to feel like a professional golfer. 

The partnership between AirAsia and Ripper GC enabled him to be part of the project, which includes creating content for the everyday golfer and fans of the AirAsia brand. The round of golf at the pro-am was something beyond his dreams.

It was truly a memorable week spent with the Ripper GC team and to come full circle in his sporting career whilst being associated with the AirAsia brand.

The post AirAsia supports Capital A’s Rizal Redzuan at LIV Golf Korea Pro-Am appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post PwC Middle East and Mabrian see a shift in travel preferences in the Gulf Region appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A new collaborative report from PwC Middle East and global travel intelligence platform Mabrian Technologies shows how visitor preferences across the Gulf Region are currently undergoing a fundamental shift. 

The report titled Stay Play Shop: Shaping Integrated Destinations for Connected Visitor Experiences revealed that visitors to the Gulf Region are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer cultural meaning and emotional resonance.

Stay Play Shop also presents a clear approach for destination development companies, tourism authorities, destination managers and operators across the Gulf Cooperation Council to accelerate the evolution of destination strategies. 

Indeed, it advocates a shift away from static, asset-led development towards dynamic, visitor-centric ecosystems that drive longer stays, deeper engagement and increased economic impact.

A practical framework for development

The report provides a practical framework for development companies, tourism entities, destination managers, operators and other stakeholders to shape connected, experience-led destinations. 

By moving beyond traditional planning approaches and promoting the integration of accommodation, events, retail and entertainment into a cohesive visitor journey. 

Ultimately, this framework aims to support the development of destinations where visitors enjoy a fluid and enriching experience throughout their entire journey.

According to PwC Middle East destinations consulting lead partner Nicolas Mayer: “Stay Play Shop is more than a slogan: it is a robust framework backed by visitor insights and evolving needs offering development companies a strategic framework to drive visitation spending and loyalty.”

PwC Middle East destinations consulting partner Philippe Najar added: “By embracing the Stay Play Shop model, leaders can shape not just where people go but how deeply they connect and experience places. This goes beyond destination development to crafting generational legacies that fuel cultural pride, visitor loyalty and sustained economic return.”

For her part, Mabrian Technologies advisory vice-president Sonia Huerta declared: “Public-private partnerships among Destination Management Office, hoteliers, Destination Management Companies, retailers and operators will be a key enabler of the Stay Play Shop model. Equally important is the ability to gauge sentiment and satisfaction across this journey to measure success. This region stands to gain exponentially from enhancements in these metrics making the value delivered even more impactful.”

The post PwC Middle East and Mabrian see a shift in travel preferences in the Gulf Region appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Arrivals up 3.3% and nights down 0.7% year-on-year in Q2 2025: ETC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Off-season demand for sun and beach holidays is rising, likely driven by the shift in Easter holidays and evolving travel preferences. European destinations experienced renewed interest from China, alongside continued strong arrivals from the US.

Europe’s tourism sector maintained a solid performance in Q2 2025, highlighting its resilience amid ongoing economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. According to the European Travel Commission’s latest report, “European Tourism: Trends & Prospects”, international tourist arrivals rose moderately by 3.3% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, nights spent fell slightly by 0.7% — a decline likely driven by calendar effects, including the shift of Easter to late April and changes to school holiday schedules, rather than a drop in demand.

Elevated travel-related prices are likely to weigh on consumers’ willingness to spend, but research also shows that overall travel expenditure is expected to be 13% higher in 2025 than in 2024. As more travellers are looking for value for money, lesser-known destinations with competitive prices might benefit, reducing overcrowding pressure in tourist hotspots.

Commenting on the report, ETC President Miguel Sanz said: The past months have brought new challenges to the tourism sector — rising economic pressures, shifting geopolitics, and growing concerns over unbalanced tourism in some tourism hotspots. Yet Europe’s destinations continue to show remarkable resilience. To sustain this momentum, we must double down on innovation and invest in more sustainable, inclusive models of tourism that respond to locals’ needs and visitors’ expectations.

Sun and beach holidays drive off-season demand

Searches for spring getaways increased by 36% year-on-year among European travellers, indicating growing demand for off-season travel, with most seeking sun and beach destinations. While the shift of Easter to late April contributed to this rise, the trend also reflects changing traveller preferences — particularly the desire to avoid peak heat and overcrowding during the summer months. Malta saw a 19% increase in arrivals, supported by enhanced connectivity, while Cyprus posted a 16% rise, driven by its favourable location and year-round appeal — both destinations growing from a lower base. Larger summer destinations such as Spain (+7%) and Portugal (+3%) also benefited from this trend.

Central Eastern European destinations, including Latvia (+16%), Lithuania (+15%), and Hungary (+14%), also noted strong year-on-year increases in arrivals, likely due to increased connectivity. This demonstrates a continued path to recovery from the pandemic and the impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Price sensitivities among travellers, but spending on the rise

Costs for many tourism-related services have risen from last year, with further increases likely during the summer months of July and August, which may impact travellers’ destination choice this summer. As the high season in the Southern/Mediterranean region approaches, the price of international flights to the area has risen 5% in the first four months of 2025 year-on-year, while the cost of international package holidays is up 7%.

At the same time, Southern European destinations — including Spain, Cyprus, and Malta — reported substantial increases in tourism revenue in the first months of 2025. This suggests that travellers are spending more during off-peak travel months. Overall, tourist spending across Europe is expected to rise by approximately 13% compared to 2024, with growth outpacing arrivals and indicating a higher average spend per trip.

Long-haul travel shows resilience, despite global uncertainty

Travel from the US to Europe remains higher than in 2024 across most reporting destinations, despite concerns about transatlantic demand. Year-on-year growth in overnight stays is particularly notable in the Nordics, with nights up 35% in Norway and 24% in Denmark. Southern European destinations have also seen solid gains in US arrivals, including Croatia (+18%), Montenegro (+17%), and Greece (+16%).

Moreover, the economic uncertainty has likely contributed to reduced airfares on several routes — including those between the US and Spain, Italy, and the UK — which may support continued growth in American travel to Europe this summer.

Travel from China is showing stronger signs of recovery in 2025, with all reporting destinations recording increases in nights or arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. Demand for smaller destinations such as Croatia (+7%), Estonia (+15%), and Romania (+20%) has picked up in Q2, while recovery for larger destinations remains ongoing and is expected to improve further with enhanced air connectivity from Chinese cities to Paris and Madrid.

The post Arrivals up 3.3% and nights down 0.7% year-on-year in Q2 2025: ETC appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Flights between Europe and the U.S. hit record high: Cirium appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

With US Independence Day (4 July) and demand for transatlantic travel continuing to rise, Cirium has revealed the number of scheduled departures from Europe to the U.S.

Cirium Data – Transatlantic Travel

• This month, July 2025, is projected to see the highest number of Europe to U.S. flights on record* – with 19,131 one-way flights scheduled between Europe and the North American country, equating to over 5.1 million seats
• Flights between Europe and U.S. are up 4% on July 2024 levels, as transatlantic flights rise in popularity, while flights are also up 13% comapred to pre-pandemic (July 2019)
• On July 4^th alone, 621 flights are scheduled to depart Europe bound for the U.S. – up 4% year-on-year

• Over the last decade, Europe to U.S. transatlantic services have also increased by over 32% (comparing July 2025 vs July 2015) as demand for travel to the U.S. continues to soar.

The post Flights between Europe and the U.S. hit record high: Cirium appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia