The post  ‘Fly for Love Challenge’ from Thai Vietjet appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Starting the new year 2023 with creative and fun activities, Thai Vietjet launched ‘Fly for Love Challenge’, inviting passengers to participate in the campaign and get a chance to win up to 4 round-trips of complimentary air tickets to fly on Thai Vietjet’s international services. Passengers may take part in the campaign by filming a video clip of themselves dancing to the song ‘Fly for Love’, which is the official song of Thai Vietjet, and posting it on TikTok with hashtags as specified. The top 3 video clips with the highest number of likes will receive up to 4 international round-trip tickets of Thai Vietjet’s.

Pinyot Pibulsonggram, commercial head of Thai Vietjet, said: “Thai Vietjet strives to provide passengers with superior travel experiences on every flight. With fun, creative and hospitable services, ‘fun and friendly’ is one of the core values, along with ‘safety’, ‘on time’, and ‘affordable price.’ We have organized a wide range of special in-flight activities on a regular basis, delivering memorable travel experiences to passengers on special occasions. Today, we have taken another step forward with the ‘Fly for Love Challenge’ campaign, allowing passengers to participate in fun and creative activities with Thai Vietjet and get a chance to win prizes as a gift for the new year.”

Those who are interested can participate in the ‘Fly For Love Challenge’ campaign from today until 31 January 2023.

 

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The post Top trending destinations for 2023 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research found that travellers are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about traveling in 2023 compared to last year, 80% of Indian travellers are seeking travel that pushes them to the limits and 96% of Indian travellers are looking for more far-flung adventurous trips and experiences.

To help travellers discover the ultimate destinations to have on their radar in 2023, Booking.com has delved into global booking trends to share the top trending destinations for travellers to explore. From spiritual seaside towns to artistic capitals and historical hidden gems, this passion-packed list of on-trend destinations, experiences and stays, is sure to inspire a year of incredible trips in 2023.

São Paulo, Brazil
The energetic metropolis of São Paulo with its art house cinemas and experimental theaters is home to 20 million locals known as ‘paulistanos’. The concrete jungle boasts an exploding nightlife scene with a matrix of underground clubs where travellers can dance until dawn – perfect for the three quarters, 92% of Indian travellers are open to ‘nightlife-centric vacations’ in 2023.

Budva, Montenegro
For travellers searching for a sun-soaked beach vacation on crystal clear waters, the town of Budva in western Montenegro is one of the destinations to visit in Europe in 2023. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Budva boasts a 22-mile winding coastline known as the Budva Riviera with a strip of beautiful golden sandy beaches. 14% of Indian travellers would want a relaxing trip on a beach in 2023, visitors can chill out on sun loungers that line the shores surrounded by next level scenery of rugged mountains and luxurious yachts. For those seeking adventure, explore Boka Bay on a Mamula Island, Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks Tour.

Puducherry, India
The bohemian and seaside city of Puducherry is located on the southeast coast of India sitting on the Bay of Bengal. Possessing a calming energy, the city attracts spiritually minded visitors who wish to visit the destination’s ashrams. With 70% of Indian travellers reporting they want to try a spiritual stay in 2023 such as a meditation or mindfulness getaway, and 63% of Indian travellers are keen for a silent retreat, there are ample opportunities here to partake in meditation, yoga and silent days to aid spiritual healing. Blessed with a fascinating history, the quaint streets of ‘Pondy’ are lined with pastel-colored townhouses and charming balconies draped with pink bougainvillea.

Querétaro, Mexico
Querétaro is an up-and-coming destination in Mexico widely known for its friendly and welcoming locals. Located in the central highlands, the altitude blesses this city with a constant spring-like climate perfect for visiting any time of year. A short drive from the city lies one of the world’s largest monoliths, Peña de Bernal, which rises majestically 1421 feet about 433m above Pueblo Magico, comes highly recommended to visit by other travellers. Adventure seekers must call upon their inner bravery to scale the remains of this old volcano, and the 60% of Indian travellers who are interested in extra-terrestrial exploration can hear tales of mysterious lights and nearby UFO sightings from the locals.

Bolzano, Italy
The capital of Italy’s northernmost region of South Tyrol, Bolzano is an alpine destination ideal for hiking and ski fanatics. Situated amongst the stunning snow-capped mountains of the Italian Dolomites, travellers can challenge themselves to the ascent in summer – or head to one of the acclaimed ski resorts in winter. This region of Italy is renowned for its full-bodied wines, thanks to its endless vines that grow picturesquely on pergolas and trellises. Travellers can pay a visit to the quaint Santa Maria Maddalena Church for breathtaking views of these magnificent vineyards and taste the regional wine.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Known locally as ‘KK’, the bustling capital of Sabah in the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo is a hidden gem surrounded by lush rainforests and sandy beaches. 71% of Indian travellers are wishing to experience culture shock while traveling in 2023, this off-the-beaten-track destination will allow them to immerse in its unique vibe. By day, travellers can browse beautiful pearls, colorful textiles and exquisite wood carvings crafted by regional artisans at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market – a welcome hive of artistry. 28% of Indian travellers would want to incorporate local accessories into their style.

Kalabaka, Greece
Nestled in the Thessaly Valley, the Greek town of Kalabaka is a stunning location that guards the Meteora, a majestic rock formation and home to several Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Towering up to 1,300 feet that is 400 meters high, this UNESCO world heritage site dates to the 13th century and was built by monks seeking scenic solitude. Today, these monasteries look as if they are suspended in air against a beautiful backdrop of emerald hills. 63% of Indian travellers wish to travel somewhere with completely different cultural experiences.

Santa Fe, United States
The uniqueness of Santa Fe is encapsulated in its nickname, ‘The City Different,’ with its unparalleled multicultural heritage and Native American tribes. From rich artistic traditions to adobe-style structures, indigenous people have left an impressive mark on the city and travellers can explore their culture and creations at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts – or visit one of the 19 pueblo communities where guests are welcomed on certain days. Santa Fe is the nation’s highest state capital and sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo range, making it a fantastic base for hiking, mountain biking and skiing.

Olomouc, Czech Republic
27% of Indian travellers keen to explore lesser-known cities next year that aren’t yet on the radar, the historic city of Olomouc is a fantastic alternative to the popular capital of Prague – and one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Located in the Haná region of Moravia, the city dates to Roman times and has it all, from exquisite architecture to religious heritage and rich gastronomy. Its beloved Olomoucké tvarůžky soft cheese is a must-try, especially for those 16% of Indian travellers who would want to indulge in food on vacation they can’t normally access at home. The well-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Holy Trinity Column, which rises nearly 115 feet in height and punctuates the main square, is one of the baroque wonders of Central Europe.

Hobart, Australia
There are few destinations where travellers can climb a mountain, head to the beach, and visit a world-class art gallery all in one day, but Hobart is one of them. The capital of Tasmania is the southernmost capital in Australia, meaning the weather is unbelievably good all year round. Framed by the incredible Mount Wellington with the River Derwent flowing through, adventure seekers can explore the region via kayak, abseiling or even surfing. For those seeking a birds-eye view, sign up for a Learn-to-fly Experience under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

 

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The post Airbus’ High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) connectivity business becomes AALTO HAPS appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Airbus’ record-breaking High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) connectivity business has become AALTO HAPS (AALTO) ahead of an entry into service by the end of 2024. In 2022, following the successful connectivity flight trial completed a year earlier for NTT Docomo using its lightweight Zephyr aircraft, Airbus carved-out the business as a 100% owned subsidiary to evolve the Zephyr programme into a fully-fledged services business.

The unveiling of the AALTO brand is a significant step towards that objective. AALTO will deliver mobile connectivity and earth observations solutions for commercial and government customers, using the record-breaking 100% solar-electric Zephyr platform.

Samer Halawi, AALTO’S CEO said: “AALTO’s Zephyr aircraft is the only HAPS platform that delivers long-lasting, environmentally-friendly low latency 5G Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity solutions, allowing MNOs (mobile network operators) to extend their coverage in a profitable way to rural and remote areas. Furthermore, our earth observation solutions will support the management of forest fires, the protection of borders, and will enable precision agriculture, amongst other applications. For AALTO, the future is stratospheric”.

The Zephyr platform has evolved dramatically over the past 20 years, with development accelerating in the past few years. With deep expertise from Airbus, the design of the aircraft has enabled it to break multiple world records, most importantly for unrefuelled flight duration. On its last flight campaign in 2022, Zephyr flew for over 64 days, non-stop, in the stratosphere, at around 70,000 feet (21,336 metres) and for a distance that is equivalent to two thirds of the distance to the Moon. Zephyr has established itself as the world’s leading HAPS platform, and to this day remains the only fixed-wing HAPS to have proven day and night longevity in the stratosphere.

 

 

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The post Destination Triage! Visit West unveils new service for Bath and Bristol appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

 

Visit West, the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, has launched a new service to encourage and retain travel trade business in the region.

Visit West’s experienced team identified a potential gap in the logistical planning for international and domestic group and independent travel visits through the travel trade for summer 2022. The booking window for international visits is shorter than ever with markets that are traditionally many months in planning now being just a few weeks.

This shorter lead time, matched with increased demand to book via a travel agent and staff changes at many tourism businesses, tour operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs), means that there could be gaps in known contacts, with the potential for inbound business being lost from the region if opportunities are not being serviced efficiently and effectively.

Jon Chamberlain, Head of Marketing for Visit West said: “We have the local knowledge and contacts that can help the travel trade and make their lives easier whilst also helping retain or increase the business within our region – a win, win scenario. Across the West of England, of the total number of staying trips in 2019, approximately 24% were international. However, international trips generated 43% of all visitor nights and 40% of all visitor spend, so it is vital that we do all we can to help the recovery of this market.”

The new ‘Destination Triage’ service will help connect the travel trade with live availability within the region. A simple enquiry email can be quickly and easily distributed amongst local businesses who may be able to fill their inventory at shorter notice than is usual with a travel trade booking, and therefore ensure the business stays in the destination.

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The post Two in three Brits plan to take at least one holiday this year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Two thirds (67%) of Brits are planning at least one holiday in 2022, despite the rising cost of living squeezing household finances. One quarter (25%) of Brits planning a holiday intend to travel in August, according to new research from comparethemarket.com.

However, recent travel disruption appears to have made holidaymakers more cautious. Over a third (36%) are more likely to take out travel insurance following the disruption. Thousands faced train, ferry, and fight cancellations over Easter, as the travel industry continued to reopen following Covid-19 closures.

Single-trip premiums are the most popular form of travel insurance, used by over two fifths (44%) of Brits. Just over a fifth (23%) of Brits use multi-trip insurance, taking out one policy to cover multiple holidays. Concerningly, over half (54%) of those with multi-trip insurance allowed their policy to lapse during the pandemic, leaving many uninsured as the travel industry reopens.

Despite recent travel disruption, almost one third (32%) of Brits planning a holiday in 2022 will not take out any travel insurance. These uninsured travellers risk losing money if something goes wrong during their holiday. For example, medical costs can run into thousands of pounds if you need treatment or evacuation abroad.

Whilst holidays remain popular for most, others are having to cut down on the frequency of their holidays as the cost-of-living rises. Over a quarter (26%) have not booked a holiday for 2022 and have no plans to do so. comparethemarket.com’s latest Household Financial Confidence Tracker found that many households are cutting back on discretionary spending due to rising prices. Over half (54%) are cutting back on eating out, whilst others are spending less on clothes (48%) and holidays (44%).

Alex Hasty, director at comparethemarket.com, said: “Despite price rises, two-thirds of us are planning a well-deserved break after a tough few years. However, you risk unforeseen costs if something goes wrong on holiday and you have no travel insurance in place – a money worry many of us can do without right now. If you think you have multi-trip insurance, it’s a good idea to double-check your policy with your provider, as many policies will have lapsed during the pandemic.”

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The post Aer Lingus partnership with top local graffiti artist Qubek flies off the wall in Manchester appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Aer Lingus has teamed up with top local graffiti artist Qubek to create a massive new eye-catching street art mural showcasing the airline’s transatlantic Manchester routes. The dazzling 49ft wide by 38ft high mural appears emblazoned across a building in Manchester’s Thomas Street in the heart of the city’s creative district.

Designed over four days by Manchester-based Qubek – one of the region’s best-known street artists specialising in large scale murals and graffiti – it brought to life the airlines’ colourful northern flight network through a high impact interpretation of the carrier’s US and Caribbean destinations.

Aer Lingus successfully launched transatlantic services from Manchester Airport in October 2021, connecting the North of England directly to the US and Caribbean. The airline also operates direct non-stop flights to New York JFK, Orlando, Florida and Barbados.

The bespoke graffiti expression represents the excitement of travel, with Qubek celebrating the Irish carrier’s direct Manchester routes to New York, Orlando and Barbados, by blending different cultures to highlight why the destinations are so popular with UK tourists. Highly distinctive works from Russ Meehan (aka Qubek), can be found right across the city, including on many walls and boardings around Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

His ‘Mancunian Bees’ artworks have grabbed people’s attention across the city for the last few years along with his giant tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, making him a creative figurehead for uniting the Northern community.

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “Manchester is home to a vibrant art scene and through this collaboration with Qubek, one of the region’s most renowned artists, we wanted to showcase our long-haul routes operating from Manchester to the local community in a fun and engaging way. Since the commencement of our direct transatlantic flights from Manchester nearly a year ago, we have seen great demand for our services to New York, Orlando and Barbados.”

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The post Sentosa harnesses solar energy with installation of solar panels at 18 sites appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) are embarking on a large-scale deployment of photovoltaic cells to harness solar energy across Sentosa island’s premises from June 2022.

Comprising the installation of solar panels at a new batch of 18 sites across the resort island, the deployment marks the first major renewable energy milestone under the refreshed Sustainable Sentosa strategic roadmap launched in September 2021. SDC is also studying other sources of renewable energy, including tidal energy and waste-to-energy generators as part of long-term strategies to achieve carbon neutrality, and targets to power 10% of the island’s electricity usage through onsite renewable energy by 2030.

As part of the deployment, SDC is launching a tender for the installation of photovoltaic cells, marking the first time that rooftops with varying tenures are being consolidated into a single tender in Singapore. Under this tender, tenure refers to the duration that each rooftop is available for photovoltaic cell installations, based on considerations such as development and renovation plans for each building.

Locations were selected after taking into account the availability of sufficient sunlight and an unobstructed guest experience. Separately, RWS will also begin the installation of new photovoltaic cells this month at 11 sites on its premises including Universal Studios Singapore and Hard Rock Hotel Singapore’s rooftops.

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The post 9 alternative American adventures appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

With tourists set to return in droves to the major hubs, forgo old favourites and go off the beaten path with these nine alternative destinations.

Wide-open spaces in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County

Experience Yosemite National Park without the crowds in Tuolumne, the park’s northern gateway. Over half of Yosemite is in Tuolumne County, which also includes authentic California Gold Country and the incredible High Sierra. Only two and half hours east of San Francisco, Tuolumne is an easy addition to any California itinerary. Visitors can enjoy endless outdoor recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and even skiing in the winter.

Feel both adrenaline and Zen in Palisades Tahoe

This summer, feel both adrenaline and Zen in Palisades Tahoe, one of California’s best mountain destinations. New for the season is the Tahoe Via Ferrata, where thrill-seekers can explore the resort’s most iconic rock face, The Tram Face, which towers directly above the base area and boasts breathtaking views. Every Wednesday evening from 6 July until 31 August, Palisades Tahoe will also hold a free, outdoor yoga series, guaranteed to leave yogis feeling well and truly Zen.

Discover nature lover’s paradise Shasta Cascade

California’s northeast corner, often overlooked by some other more known regions, is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with safe to explore volcanoes, hushed forests and trout-filled rivers. This is the place for blue-ribbon fishing, houseboats anchored in cool lakes, countless campgrounds and inviting trails for hiking and mountain biking. All this, plus friendly towns like Chico and Chester and rural farms in fertile lands near the Upper Sacramento River. Redding, the region’s largest city, makes a good base, with riverfront trails, Turtle Bay Exploration Park and elegant Sundial Bridge, designed by well-known Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Explore the diverse landscapes of Florida’s Paradise Coast

Situated along 30 miles of coastline, Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades – offers the perfect alternative to bustling city life in nearby Miami. Visitors looking for an unforgettable beach holiday can enjoy all that and more in the region. Visitors can enjoy an impressive selection of restaurants and boutique stores in the sought-after city of Naples, some of the world’s best beaches in the idyllic fishing village of Marco Island, as well as thrilling adventures by swamp tour in Everglades National Park.

Experience wine country without the crowds in SLO CAL, California

Home to three award-winning wine regions, SLO CAL is the perfect destination for wine lovers looking for a more intimate wine-tasting experience, with many small, family-friendly wineries located across the rolling hills. Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the scenic roads in Paso Robles make it an ideal spot for cyclists to enjoy the very best of wine country. Visitors can explore at a leisurely pace with Central Coast Outdoors, which offers half-day or full-day cycle tours to a number of Paso Robles wineries.

Swap San Francisco for Sacramento, California

Beat the crowds in San Francisco and head to Sacramento, America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. The city is buzzing with things to taste, see and savour. Travellers can pick their pleasures with delicious farm-fresh restaurants, plentiful farmers markets, home-grown breweries, colourful street murals, Gold Rush-era family attractions, or a sunset walk along the river. Located in the Central Valley, which produces half of the fruits and vegetables grown in the US, Sacramento takes farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. Farmers markets can be found all over, as well as restaurants priding themselves on locally sourced specialties from cheap eats to Michelin-starred gems. In addition to exquisite food and drink options, Sacramento has a world of culture and heritage to offer. Stroll down its raised wooden sidewalks, passing by 19th-century buildings, horse-drawn carriages and rustic country stores and antique shops.

Experience Pittsburgh by bike or hike

A world-class path for all kinds of adventurers, The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Pittsburgh encourages every type of outdoor recreation from lovers of cycling to runners and hikers. The 150-mile route winds through valleys, snakes around mountains and plays witness to some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA. Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for launching or concluding a journey along the GAP, with opportunities to explore the city’s Downtown and South Side. Travellers can indulge in culture at the Andy Warhol Museum or experience the city’s ever-growing craft scene.

Hike Seattle’s Mount Rainier in Washington State

Seattle is bordered by two mountain ranges, the Cascades to the east and Olympics to the west, and anchoring the city in the far south is Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier makes up Mount Rainier National Park and evokes wonder and adventure in all those who visit. At 14,410 ft, the mountain has over 130 trail options and around 60 accommodation options for overnight visitors. Boasting spectacular colours each season, visitors can choose to take a scenic Mount Rainier gondola or hike to the tallest peaks and soak in the magnificent views. www.visitseattle.org

Explore Colorado’s lesser-known national park

One of the lesser-visited out of the four Colorado national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is perfect for travellers looking to explore unbeaten paths and make the most of the wilderness. Standing at 2,250 feet tall and located in the western part of the state, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of nature’s greatest creations. All-year-round travellers can experience hiking, rock climbing and kayaking. The park boasts numerous accommodation options from lodges, to bed and breakfasts and for the adventurous, camping.

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