The post On the Scene: Travel Daily Media Explores Europe with Avalon Waterways – Day 7 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

All good things come to their natural end, and such was the case as Avalon Waterways’ northbound Romantic Rhine cruise arrived at its penultimate port: Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

For Travel Daily Media CEO Gary Marshall, parting with the lively company he spent the week with aboard the Avalon Envision was somewhat bittersweet.

As he puts it: “Final day on Avalon Envision after eight unforgettable days cruising the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam with a super nice group of travel media comrades, an amazing Avalon crew, and our superstar hosts Hallie Chua and Laneisha Lynch. Grateful for the laughs, the experiences, and memories created together.”

But just because it was the last full day on board didn’t mean that guests were in for a quiet day; on the contrary, the final day of the voyage took them on a dynamic tour of one of Europe’s most interesting cities.

Off the beaten path in Amsterdam

The morning gave guests the opportunity to sail through Amsterdam’s famed canals in a 15-minute micro-cruise through some of the city’s most scenic areas.

Afterwards, they took the lesser-known paths on the Amsterdam Off the Beaten Path excursion which took them to some sights not usually covered by conventional tours of the city.

Among the more unusual sights encountered on this unique trek were a saunter to the rooftop of the NEMO Science Museum which has been transformed into a community park where locals and tourists can enjoy coffee or tea, whilst enjoying spectacular views of downtown Amsterdam below or splashing in for a good time at the area’s interactive kinetic water sculpture.

Going off the beaten track also enabled guests to explore museums depicting the city’s uniquely nautical way of life, including those located in converted houseboats and the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, an unusual canal house museum.

Originally built in the 1600s, the museum served as living quarters for generations of locals and conceals a treasure beneath its rafters: a Roman Catholic church built right into its attic.

Going into the De Wallen district where the Oude Kerk stands brings respite to the footsore in the form of De Koffieschenkerij which, despite its name, specialises in tea and serves a tempting Dutch apple cake.

In the afternoon, some guests went for the optional Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland excursion wherein they visited the historic village of the same name, marvelling at the iconic windmills and quaint wooden houses.

A few final thoughts

The thing about Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine cruise is that it gives travellers the opportunity to experience a different side of Europe at a less frantic pace than on a conventional tour.

While shore excursions were part of the itinerary, the beauty of Avalon lies in the way guests can opt to pick their adventures every day from the guided tours, to more adventurous jaunts, and even cycle through certain destinations on their own.

At the same time, even the hours spent on board were a learning experience as the cruise director would hold talks about each destination in the afternoons or evenings; a much-needed recap to foster greater understanding of each destination and the people who call these places home.

Likewise, the cruise showered guests with exceptional comforts for the entire duration of the voyage, essentially becoming a home away from home thanks to good food, great company, and excellent amenities.

And while the journey itself may be over, parting doesn’t really mean a farewell; indeed, we’ll take a cue from Gary on that score: “It’s never goodbye, just until next time.”

Relive Travel Daily Media’s coverage of the Romantic Rhine cruise through Gary’s earlier adventures aboard the Avalon Envision:

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6

For those looking into a European experience of their own on the water, get in touch directly with Avalon Waterways’ Asia team at https://www.avalonwaterways.asia/contact/  or contact their country-specific call centres at the following numbers:

All photos: Gary Marshall on Instagram

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The post Fliggy puts AI in the heart of its shift to omni-intelligent travel agents appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Chinese online travel platform Fliggy is leading the way as the first online travel player to adopt a multi-agent approach to building AI-powered products.

This development is part of Fliggy’s preparations for its upcoming shift from online travel agencies to omni-intelligent travel agents. 

As Fliggy’s chief technology officer Alex Chen explains: “At Fliggy we believe the future lies not with traditional online travel agencies, but with omni-intelligent travel agents which will be the new ‘OTAs’.”

To deliver this vision for customers everywhere, Fliggy has consistently launched new AI-powered products throughout the year, in both consumer-facing and B2B scenarios, with all products powered by multiple collaborating AI agents.

It all began with AskMe

This started back in April with the launch of the platform’s smart AI travel assistant AskMe.  

In this product, multiple specialised AI agents work together to provide users with highly personalized travel planning, delivering a seamless experience similar to having a team of professional travel consultants. 

In the following months, AskMe has launched features including itinerary maps, heat-based maps highlighting popular hot spots, and most recently in September, photo-based audio AI guides.

Fliggy’s business travel arm, AliBtrip, also unveiled an AI solution for business travel, which includes an employee travel agent for personalized planning and a corporate management agent to help streamline backend processes and ensure compliance.

As of press time, the company has confirmed that some European partners are integrating these products to attract and serve Chinese outbound tourists in innovative ways. 

By providing official interpretation materials including visuals, textual content for architectural sites, attractions and exhibitions, and tour transcripts as authoritative data for pre-training, Fliggy’s clients can deliver accurate and engaging AI-generated Chinese tour interpretation services.

Fliggy has extended its AI applications across various functions, including supply chain operations, customer service, merchant tools, platform governance, product development, and destination marketing. 

Moving forward

As of late March, approximately ten percent of the platform’s online customer inquiries are now managed by AI.  

Meanwhile on the consumer user interaction front, AskMe introduces an innovative approach where users can access multiple specialized assistants simultaneously such as a flight search assistant, a hotel experience expert, a discount and promotion specialist, a local tour guide, and a budget manager, which lead to an exclusive caring sense where multiple roles cater specifically to the user’s needs. 

It effectively recreates the experience of having a dedicated travel team working together for each user. 

It also suggests that AI may finally break the long-standing trade-off among scale, cost, and personalisation in travel.

Chen explained: “In real-world situations, use cases are rarely simple as they often involve a mix of tasks and require flexibility. A multi-agent architecture allows us to take a user request, break it down into manageable parts, and orchestrate agents or tools with the right capabilities to handle different pieces. The smart system can coordinate their work and adjust in real time as things change, which makes it much better equipped for unpredictable, complex scenarios that people face every day.”

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The post Air Astana releases financials for Q3-2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Astana has announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months of 2025, reporting resilient performance with strong revenue and capacity growth. 

EBITDAR improved through dynamic capacity allocation and effective yield management. 

Meanwhile, demand remained strong though capacity and profitability were affected by Pratt & Whitney unscheduled engine removals, Tenge depreciation, and temporary airport closures.

Total revenue and other income increased 10.1 percent to US$1,096.8 million. 

Group passengers carried increased 10.5 percent to 7.5 million with a stable average load factor of 83 percent.

Airline chief executive Peter Foster commented: “We have performed with resilience in the first nine months of the year to grow revenue by 10.1 percent and improve EBITDAR by 3.5 percent. This is despite several external challenges which had an outsized impact on the Group’s operations in Q3, our seasonally strongest quarter. While it is frustrating to encounter these issues during our peak season, we are agile operators with a track record of navigating external headwinds.”

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The post HBX Group announces schedules for its 2026 MarketHub conferences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Independent B2B travel tech firm HBX Group just announced the 2026 editions of its flagship MarketHub events which will take place across Asia, Europe and the Americas under the theme UNLOCKED.

The first event of the year, MarketHub Asia, will be held from 3rd to 6th February 2026 at the Hilton Bali Resort, Bali, Indonesia. 

This will be followed by MarketHub Europe, taking place from 21st to 24th April 2026 at the InterContinental Malta. 

Finally, MarketHub Americas has been scheduled for 23rd to 26th June 2026 at Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Why UNLOCKED?

The 2026 theme reflects the rapidly evolving state of travel and technology in the near future. 

From the acceleration of artificial intelligence to shifting traveler expectations, the industry faces an era of profound transformation. 

At MarketHub: UNLOCKED, HBX Group partners, thought leaders, and industry trailblazers will explore how technology can uncover untapped potential, how data drives meaningful action, and how human connection remains at the heart of innovation and collaboration.

As HBX Group chief distribution officer David Amsellem puts it: “Our MarketHub editions are where the travel industry comes together to exchange insights, spark ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships. Under the theme Unlocked, we want to encourage our partners to think differently about what’s possible when innovation and collaboration go hand in hand.”

Chief sourcing and operations officer Xabier Zabala added: “The MarketHubs wouldn’t be possible without the continued trust and support of our partners. Their valuable contribution plays a key role in bringing these events to life and in driving innovation across the travel ecosystem. Together, we’re shaping a more connected, agile and collaborative future for our industry.”

A powerhouse event

For over a decade now, MarketHub has been connecting the global travel and tourism sector. 

Each year, over 1,400 participants from 50 markets attend HBX Group’s exclusive, invite-only events, which have become one of the most anticipated B2B gatherings in the industry. 

13 years on, MarketHub brings together senior decision-makers from tour operators, travel advisors, hotel chains, and technology providers from around the world to explore the trends shaping the future of travel.

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The post Cathay takes guests on a trip through time with Taking Off Again with Kai Tak appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay proudly unveiled Taking off Again with Kai Tak at the West Bridge of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), Hong Kong’s groundbreaking stadium and integrated sports, leisure and entertainment landmark, today, 11th November. 

This audio-visual experience invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the shared history of Cathay and its home city Hong Kong. ​

Presented by Cathay, the Taking Off Again with Kai Tak audio-visual experience will be open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm from tomorrow, 12th November, until 31st December 2025. 

More than a passage

As the exclusive Founding Travel Partner at Kai Tak Sports Park, Cathay is committed to supporting the development of sports, arts and culture, and promoting mega events that put Hong Kong on the world stage. 

The Cathay-branded West Bridge is the latest initiative in Cathay’s partnership with KTSP, offering an audio-visual experience stretching close to 100 metres that transforms the walk between Sung Wong Toi MTR and the Kai Tak Stadium into a vibrant timeline.

According to Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau: “Kai Tak has an important place in Cathay’s history, representing the origin of our journey and having been our home for many decades. The West Bridge is located on the historic extension of the former Kai Tak Airport runway where our aircraft once touched down. We aim to bring the audio-visual experience at the West Bridge to life by showcasing key milestones that have shaped our story, and by connecting visitors with the spirit that has propelled both Hong Kong and Cathay through the decades.”

Lau added that the West Bridge is more than just a passage, but a living showcase of movement, aspiration, and shared pride. 

She said: “We hope everyone, from lifelong fans to first-time guests, comes and leaves Kai Tak Sports Park feeling inspired, welcomed, and part of a legacy that empowers them to move beyond.”

Kai Tak Sports Park CEO John Sharkey likewise remarked: “We are delighted to unveil this spectacular feature that showcases the strong relationship between Cathay and the Kai Tak precinct, which has played an important part in the aviation history of Hong Kong and its home carrier. With our strategic collaboration, we aspire to establish a focal point for both local and international audiences, and enhance Hong Kong’s profile on the world stage. Witnessing this feature is truly spectacular: a must-see for everyone.” ​

A truly unique exhibition experience

The Cathay-branded West Bridge is the Greater Bay Area’s first aviation-themed audio-visual experience within a sports venue. 

Visitors to the West Bridge can enjoy a two-minute-long experience that captures Cathay’s early beginnings in the 1940s with its first aircraft “Betsy” taking off to the skies, the 1960s where Cathay soared through Kowloon City, and the ’80 and ’90s with customers flying to popular destinations around the world. 

This transitions to the modern day, showcasing Hong Kong’s athletes who Cathay sponsors as they perform on the biggest stages, and its aircraft performing the iconic fly by at the most recent Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to mark the event’s debut at Kai Tak Stadium. 

Along the way, memories of the old Kai Tak Airport’s legendary runway, sporting triumphs, and Cathay’s inspiring firsts unfold, ensuring that every visitor feels part of Hong Kong’s dynamic story.

Visitors from Hong Kong and around the world are invited to immerse themselves in this extraordinary journey through time and explore the unique stories of Cathay, Kai Tak and Hong Kong.

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The post Indonesian travel firm Dwidayatour enters partnership with WebBeds appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

WebBeds announced a new strategic partnership with Indonesian travel management company Dwidayatour.

The partnership aims to drive visitor arrivals from Indonesia to Singapore and deliver added value to Dwidayatour partners in both countries. 

Indonesia remains one of Singapore’s top three source markets, and WebBeds identified a strategic opportunity to support its hotel partners in the Lion City by helping them to capture a larger share of this demand through trusted distribution alliances.

WebBeds president in APAC KS Sun said of the agreement: “Dwidayatour is one of our key distribution partners in Indonesia, and this collaboration allows both sides to deliver greater value. By connecting Dwidayatour’s strong retail and online presence with Singapore’s leading hotels, we’re helping Indonesian travellers to discover more reasons to visit Singapore and supporting our hotel partners’ growth in this important market.”

Dwidayatour chief operating officer Hendri Yapto likewise commented: “Through our successful partnership with WebBeds, we continue to be able to provide our guests with more competitive and diverse travel options. By leveraging their strong industry relationships and destination marketing prowess, we are uniquely positioned to highlight the best of Singapore, and ensure an unforgettable experience.”

Exclusive access

Through this partnership, Indonesian travellers will gain exclusive access to special discounts at a handpicked collection of leading hotels in Singapore. 

Running from now until March 2026, the campaign will feature online and offline activations promoting Singapore as a top leisure and cruise hub for Indonesian visitors. 

The collaboration forms part of WebBeds’ broader strategy to empower destination and hotel marketing through strong localised distribution networks.

Tailored for memorable city escapes and cruise holidays, these exceptional offers are available exclusively through Dwidayatour’s extensive network of 55 branches nationwide.

This will also enable Dwidayatour’s millions of existing customers to access an expanded portfolio of Singapore travel products, featuring exclusive rates that can be seamlessly bundled with its Fly+Cruise offerings and FIT packages.

On the other hand, participating Singapore hotels will benefit from widespread exposure across Dwidayatour’s extensive online and offline channels, including its website, retail outlets, and digital marketing platforms. 

These hotels will also enjoy increased visibility across Dwidayatour’s multi-channel ecosystem, including its digital platforms, retail outlets, and social media channels, broadening their exposure to Indonesia’s vast outbound travel sector.

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The post Agoda: Interest in solo travel rises in Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Right on time for Singles’ Day today, 11th November, digital travel platform Agoda released a new report showing a rise in solo travel interest across Asia in 2025.

The online travel platform reports that there has been a 16 percent increase in accommodation searches by individual travellers compared to last year. 

This trend underscores a growing movement of travelers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys.

Agoda’s regional director for North Asia Jay Lee opines: “The rise in solo travel across Asia has become a defining trend in 2025 that reflects a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion. Agoda is thrilled to support these journeys by offering a wide array of options tailored to solo travelers, ensuring they have everything they need to make their trips unforgettable.”

Where do solo travellers go?

When planning their trips, solo travelers gravitate towards major cities, with Tokyo leading the pack, and Bangkok, Seoul, Osaka, and Kuala Lumpur rounding out the top five destinations. 

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class dining and lively entertainment, perfect for those looking to explore the world at their own pace. 

While these destinations have long been popular with all types of travelers, their unique offerings make them equally appealing to those traveling solo.

Where are these travellers from?

At the forefront of this trend are travelers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia. 

While Japanese travelers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown the fastest among Indonesians with a 72 percent increase in searches. 

Thai travelers follow close behind, with a 37 percent rise in solo travel interest. 

This growth highlights a transformative shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

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The post AYANA Bali receives EarthCheck Gold certification appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AYANA Bali recently received the EarthCheck Gold Certification, a milestone that reflects the integrated resort destination’s long-term commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship across its 90-hectare estate overlooking Jimbaran Bay. 

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory groups for sustainable travel and tourism.

Its Gold Certification is awarded to organizations that demonstrate five or more consecutive years of independent, science-based sustainability performance across key operational areas. 

This remarkable achievement reflects AYANA Bali’s consistent efforts to operate responsibly while setting a benchmark for sustainable luxury tourism in Indonesia. 

With this recognition, AYANA Bali joins an elite group of just seven properties on the island to achieve Gold EarthCheck certification or higher.

Sustainability on a grand scale

This distinction carries particular significance given AYANA’s scale and complexity. With 993 rooms, the resort encompasses multiple hotels and residences, 30 restaurants, and over 17 event venues, making its sustainability achievements all the more remarkable. 

Operating at this magnitude means every decision has a tangible impact, demonstrating that long-term environmental accountability can coexist with world-class luxury and guest comfort.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of AYANA Bali’s operations, from energy and water management to waste reduction, community partnerships, and cultural preservation. 

Combining innovation with tradition, the resort creates tangible environmental impact while honoring Bali’s enduring harmony with nature.

Ongoing measures

Among the many initiatives contributing to AYANA Bali’s EarthCheck Gold Certification is the AYANA Food Waste Loop, which converts organic waste into livestock feed for local farmers, while used cooking oil is donated to Green School Bali for BioBus fuel and soap-making. 

Recyclables such as plastics and aluminum are processed through certified vendors. 

In 2024, AYANA eliminated 32 tons of plastic waste by introducing refillable amenity bottles, reusable glass water bottles, recycled paper packaging, and wooden key cards.

Supporting its journey toward net-zero emissions, AYANA Bali operates 34 electric vehicles, reducing daily carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30 kilograms and enhancing the guest experience with quieter, cleaner transport. 

The resort’s solar panels currently generate 854 kWp, with an additional 516 kWp system underway. 

The 2024 EarthCheck audit recorded significant progress, with AYANA Resort Bali cutting energy consumption by 24.8 percent and RIMBA by AYANA Bali by 32.3 percent.

AYANA Bali’s advanced water treatment systems recycle up to 90 percent of wastewater, producing more than 227,000 kL annually for irrigation and 97,000 kL for toilet flushing, significantly lowering reliance on freshwater and improving resilience during dry seasons.

Equally important is AYANA’s support for local communities, as the resort sources up to 96 percent of service contracts and 80 percent of perishable goods from local partners, creating inclusive economic opportunities while minimizing transport-related emissions. 

A partnership with Green Camp Bali also conducts circular education programs that engage students in waste transformation and resource conservation. 

AYANA Bali also preserves Balinese culture through initiatives such as Kampoeng Bali, SAKA Museum, and immersive cultural workshops celebrating the island’s artistic and spiritual heritage.

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The post Capella Kyoto embodies the cultural spirit of Japan’s ancient capital appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Set to open in Spring 2026, Capella Kyoto in the historic Miyagawa-cho district has opened reservations for two unique stay packages: Gion Whisper and Capella Sojourn.

These offerings are designed to showcase Kyoto’s 1,200-year cultural legacy through contemporary design and rare artisanal encounters.

Available from 23rd March 2026, package inclusions are as follows:

Gion Whisper  

An elegant introduction to Capella Kyoto’s design and culinary vision, minimum two nights’ stay:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Hotel credit: JPY 10,000 Deluxe, Premier) or JPY 20,000 (Junior Suite, Onsen Suite, Gion Suite, Capella Suite)
• Limited edition hotel gift featuring handcrafted mementos from Kyoto’s artisan community

Capella Sojourn 

Cultural immersion through Capella Curates experiences, minimum two nights’ stay:

• Choice of one Capella Curates experience: Whispers of Miyagawa-cho (Private ochaya with maiko dance and shamisen performance), Gloss Boss (Urushi lacquerware journey with master craftsperson and kintsugi workshop) or Step by Step: The Soul of Geta (Workshop at a 150-year-old wooden sandal atelier)
• Omakase dinner for two at Capella Kyoto’s Japanese restaurant
• Daily breakfast for two at the hotel’s French brasserie
• 60-minute Auriga Spa treatment for two
• Limited edition hotel gift featuring handcrafted mementos from Kyoto’s artisan community

According to cluster general manager John Blanco, Capella Kyoto celebrates place through design and experience.

Blanco said: “We honour Kyoto’s living traditions through Capella Curates, our bespoke cultural programming, alongside world-class dining and wellness. By transforming a beloved school site, we preserve its history while offering guests deep connections to the artistry and enduring spirit of Japan’s ancient capital.”

Capturing the city’s soul through exceptional design

Designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates and Brewin Design Office, the 89-room hotel sits steps from Kenninji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, and the celebrated Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre, where geiko and maiko perform seasonal dances. 

Like the city itself, it unfolds through layered thresholds, intimate reveals, and quiet moments of discovery, including six exclusive suites, each with its own private onsen.

Singapore-based Brewin Design Office approached Capella Kyoto as an exercise in spatial storytelling, where architecture becomes a sequence of carefully choreographed experiences. 

The design celebrates the traditional machiya, Kyoto’s historic wooden townhouses characterised by narrow street-facing facades, deep interiors, and inner courtyards that create intimate, layered spaces between public and private realms.

Brewin Design Office founder and principal Robert Cheng explains: “We sought to capture the essence of Kyoto’s traditional machiya: the progression through thresholds, the play of light and shadow, the deliberate reveal. Each space invites pause and contemplation, honouring the Japanese principle of ma, the meaningful interval between moments.”

A dramatic entrance

The journey begins through a Gion-style alleyway lined with shoji screens, leading to a modern chamber featuring shimenawa rope motifs that mark the boundary between secular and sacred realms. 

Beyond this threshold, a vestibule reveals tokonoma alcoves framing traditional byōbu screens alongside contemporary local artworks – a dialogue between past and present.

Here, guests are invited to pause before choosing their path: one leads to the signature restaurant, evoking a traditional ochaya teahouse; the other to the Japanese restaurant, where reclaimed wood from the former Shinmichi Elementary School glows beneath repurposed lamps, honouring the site’s heritage.

The sound of falling water accompanies guests along a corridor to the central courtyard, crowned by a dramatic karahafu roof, an undulating gable typically used in temple gates, castles, and other buildings of ceremonial importance, and later adopted by Kabuki theatres and Kaburenjo dance halls. 

This architectural centrepiece rises above an open-air performance space where tradition meets modernity.

Further along, the French brasserie opens onto a tranquil tsuboniwa moss garden, the courtyard sanctuary that preserves the cherished sakura tree from the original site.

Diving into Kyoto culture with Capella Curates

Capella Kyoto offers three Capella Curates experiences with rare access to Kyoto’s living traditions, curated exclusively for hotel guests. 

Each journey connects travellers with master artisans and cultural practitioners, revealing centuries-old crafts and treasured customs.

Whispers of Miyagawa-cho
Guest are invited to experience the refined world of Kyoto’s geiko and maiko in an intimate private ochaya, the exclusive teahouses of Gion.

A maiko performs traditional dance with grace honed through years of training, accompanied by the haunting melodies of the three-stringed shamisen.

This rare encounter with Gion’s closely guarded traditions reveals an art form preserved across generations.

Step by Step: The Soul of Geta
A visit to a 150-year-old atelier where craftspeople create geta, traditional elevated wooden sandals.

This is an intimate session where guests can observe craftsmanship and try on different styles of beautifully crafted geta.

Through conversation, the proprietor – craftsman, storyteller, and philosopher – shares centuries-old wisdom about these iconic sandals and their role in balance, posture, and well-being, while learning about each guest.

This exchange allows him to craft truly personalised geta for those who wish to commission a pair.

Gloss Boss

An invitation into the timeless world of urushi – Japanese lacquerware treasured for over 9,000 years.

At the atelier of a multi-generational master, guests will learn the meticulous art of harvesting and refining sap from the lacquer tree, before visiting a nearby temple where urushi has adorned sacred objects for centuries.

The experience concludes with a hands-on workshop to create their own urushi bowl and chopsticks or repair pottery using the kintsugi method – the art of mending with lacquer and gold. A keepsake infused with spirit, craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of impermanence.

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The post FAA’s further drop in flights takes effect in the USA post Govt shutdown appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air travellers could face more frustration as busy U.S. airports need to meet a higher Federal Aviation Administration target for reducing flights Tuesday after already canceling thousands to scale back demands on the nation’s aviation system during the government shutdown. As informed by a news report in AP.

The FAA ordered domestic airlines last week to drop 4% of their flights at 40 major U.S. airports, saying absences and signs of stress among traffic controllers made it imperative to act in the name of public safety. After already cancelling more than 7,900 since Friday, the goal for cutting flights is set to rise to 6% on Tuesday and again to 10% on Friday.

But it was unclear exactly how many additional flights would need to be cancelled Tuesday. The average cancellation rate over the last few days already exceeded the FAA’s requirement, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. The FAA also expanded its flight restrictions Monday, barring business jets and many private flights from using a dozen airports already under commercial flight limits.

However, controller shortages continued to lead to flight delays, including one of about five hours for arriving flights Monday evening at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where wintry weather added to staffing-related disruptions earlier in the day. The FAA warned that staffing at over a dozen towers and control centers could delay planes departing for Phoenix, San Diego, the New York area and Houston, among other cities.

 

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