The post Hotel Indigo Wuxi Qingming Bridge to accept bookings from 30th September appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hotel Indigo Wuxi Qingming Bridge announced that it will commence accepting bookings from Tuesday, 30th September.

Conveniently located approximately 4.3 kilometers from Wuxi Railway Station, 14.1 kilometers from Wuxi East Railway Station, and 12.2 kilometers from Sunan Shuofang International Airport, the hotel offers easy access for both business and leisure travelers. 

With 141 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, inspired by Wuxi’s “waterfront lanes” and “literary study rooms,” each accommodation is equipped with BALMUDA audio systems, Dyson hairdryers, and capsule coffee machines, ensuring a stylish and comfortable stay.

Where a storied past meets a stylish present

Nestled in the historic Qingming Bridge Ancient Canal Scenic Area, along the picturesque Nanchang Street, the hotel blends the timeless charm of Jiangnan water towns with the rich history of Wuxi, known as the “City of a Thousand Bridges.” 

Inspired by the city’s iconic bridges, the hotel combines cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, creating an immersive stay that celebrates both tradition and contemporary lifestyle.

At the heart of its design is the concept of the Bridge which symbolises a connection across time and space. 

Here, the elegance of Jiangnan’s waterways meets innovative modern design, offering guests a unique narrative that links past and present. 

Thus, the hotel serves as an inspiring new starting point for exploring the cultural essence of Wuxi.

A touch of tradition

Xijin A Neighborhood Café takes inspiration from the culinary traditions of the Grand Canal’s historic docks, offering authentic Jiangnan flavors enhanced by modern cooking techniques. 

An open kitchen adds an interactive dimension, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Wuxi’s food culture. 

The hotel also offers a versatile 240-sqm meeting space for both business and social events, along with a temperature-controlled swimming pool and fitness centre for relaxation and rejuvenation.

With its refined design and cultural depth, Hotel Indigo Wuxi Qingming Bridge is more than a place to stay: it is a gateway to discovery, marking the beginning of a unique journey for every guest.

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The post Michael Parker takes the lead as Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s general manager appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Urban luxury destination Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort announced that Michael Parker was appointed as its general manager as of 2nd September.

In his new post, Parker will be guiding the next chapter of the resort’s history, enhancing its reputation as a destination for immersive luxury and holistic wellness. 

Minor Hotels’ vice-president of operations in Asia Nicholas Smith said of Parker: “Michael has proven himself to be a dynamic and inspiring leader, with an exceptional ability to bring out the best in his teams and deliver meaningful results. His success in the Maldives and deep international experience make him the ideal candidate to lead one of our flagship properties in Bangkok. We are confident that under his leadership, Anantara Riverside will continue to set new benchmarks for excellence in urban resort hospitality.”

Parker himself remarked: “It is a privilege to lead Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. This property holds a special place in Bangkok’s hospitality landscape, and I look forward to working alongside the talented team to continue crafting transformative experiences and building on the resort’s legacy of excellence.”

The art of immersive luxury

Parker will lead a comprehensive renovation of its food and beverage outlets, including Sala Lakorn, Spice Market, and Brio. 

These signature restaurants will be reimagined to deliver a vibrant culinary experience within one of Bangkok’s only urban resorts. 

At the same time, the new general manager is committed to expanding the resort’s wellness offerings through enhancements to the Anantara Wellness programme. 

Guests will discover bespoke wellness journeys that blend time-honoured rituals with advanced medical therapies to restore balance and vitality. 

Whether through tailored detox plans, elevated fitness regimens, or rejuvenating medical spa therapies, Anantara Wellness empowers guests to embrace optimal health and leave feeling renewed and inspired.

Meet Michael Parker

Parker brings over 20 years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality to his new role in Bangkok, including high-profile positions across the UK, China, Cambodia, and the Maldives. 

He joined Minor Hotels in 2023 as complex general manager, overseeing three of the group’s resorts in the Maldives: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island Maldives. 

During his tenure, Parker led the US$50 million transformation of the resorts, elevating operations, guest satisfaction, and service delivery. 

His leadership in the Maldives earned him the distinction of ‘General Manager of the Year – Asia award’ at the 2025 Minor Awards of Excellence.

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The post Hotel asset managers call for a collaborative approach to asset management at IHIF Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Speakers from several hospitality asset management firms declared at the Asian International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF Asia) that the old model of asset management is unsustainable.

In light of this statement, investors and operators are now calling for a more collaborative approach.

Relevant observations were pointed out during a panel discussion chaired by Global Asset Solutions’ CEO Alex Sogno

Among those involved in the discussion on Lifecycle Management: Planning for Optimal Asset Performance were Prospect Hotel Advisors’ Rohan Gopaldas, Eric Siegel from EQT Group, and  Hilton’s Gisle Sarheim. 

Success lies in alignment

Sogno said during the panel: “What we’ve heard here is that lifecycle management is less about reacting to issues and more about anticipating each stage of a hotel’s journey from development to exit. Success lies in aligning ownership, operators, and investors around a clear long-term strategy, while having the discipline to execute on short-term performance. Hotels are living assets, and the most successful ones are those nurtured with foresight, accountability, and adaptability.”

He added that the previous model of asset management should be replaced with a fresh, less confrontational approach, leaning on expert knowledge, with all parties working alongside the hotel’s operations. 

Asset management groups should be independent and global and look to educate owners, with the goal of building sustainable asset management platforms for them to operate their own asset management teams. 

With regard to the current position of the market, Sogno said that owners were doubling down on proactive asset management to capture the current upcycle.

This would mean significant changes with regard to repositioning, brand/manager selection, and tech-enabled margin improvement.

Sogno remarked: “Owners are no longer just building; they’re engineering performance—from operating model selection to data-driven revenue and targeted capex.”

Investors and owners were also increasingly open to flexible operating structures, including third-party management, hybrid models and joint ventures to sharpen ROI and accelerate projects to market.

Significant growth in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality segments

The panel came against a backdrop of increased investor interest in the luxury and lifestyle hotel sectors in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly from institutional and private equity capital. 

Region-wide pipelines were at or near records, with notable acceleration in luxury and lifestyle projects and growth in new brands coming into the market. 

Luxury and upscale assets accounted for almost 85% of the total hotel investment in the Asia Pacific region during 2024 and the first half of 2025, according to the latest research from Global Asset Solutions.

The company’s Asia-Pacific Hotels Transactions & Market Snapshot for full-year 2024 and first half of 2025 reported that an increase in liquidity driven by the strong dollar had helped to bolster deals.

For all hotel deals exceeding US$20 million, the total transaction volume in the region during 2024 reached US$11.2 billion, with 139 transactions, and 56 worth US$5 billion so far this year.

The study also found that Japan was the most in-demand hotel market, with a weak yen and near-zero interest rates, meaning that the country accounted for over US$4 billion in hotel transaction volume, nearly 40 percent of the total for the year.

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The post The Shilla Hotels & Resorts offers exclusive new K-Trenditional heritage-inspired stay packages in Seoul appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

South Korean luxury hospitality group The Shilla Hotels & Resorts introduces K-Trenditional, a new travel philosophy designed for global fans inspired by the worldwide success of Netflix’s most-streamed original film, KPop Demon Hunters. 

A blend of “Trend” and “Traditional,” the ‘K-Trenditional’ philosophy presents an elevated approach to experiencing Korea by seamlessly weaving the country’s authentic heritage into its modern cultural scene.

The worldwide acclaim for KPop Demon Hunters stems not only from its captivating narrative but also from its masterful fusion of timeless Korean heritage with vibrant, contemporary trends.

This same philosophy, the artful blending of the traditional and the modern, is the very essence of The Shilla Seoul, making it the ultimate destination for fans wishing to experience the authentic and stylish world that inspired the animation.

The Shilla Seoul becomes the quintessential K-Trenditional destination

The Shilla Seoul serves as the definitive luxury base for this K-Trenditional journey. 

Under the design concept of Timeless Modern introduced by world-renowned architect Peter Remedios, the beauty of Korean tradition is thoughtfully embodied throughout the property. 

Welcoming guests from the start of their journey with the timeless elegance of Yeong Bin Gwan, a traditional hanok-style state guesthouse, the journey continues with serene walking trails along a preserved section of the ancient Seoul City Wall within the hotel’s private park.

Every element of the guest experience reflects the seamless harmony of past and present. 

The K-Trenditional philosophy is not only showcased but is also to be savored at the Michelin two-star restaurant La Yeon, celebrated for its modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean cuisine. 

The culinary exploration extends to the guest rooms, many of which offer stunning panoramic views of Namsan Mountain and the iconic N Seoul Tower, allowing guests to experience the city’s magnificent landscape from the comfort of the quintessential Korean luxury hotel (韩国奢华酒店).

For travelers inspired by the animation to seek a deeper connection with Korean culture, The Shilla Seoul has launched the “Timeless Tunes: Stroll with Tradition” package, an unforgettable evening of sensory delights. 

At the elegant Dynasty Hall, guests are welcomed with a pre-performance reception, followed by a lavish Korean-style buffet paired with traditional liquor. 

The evening’s highlight features an intimate 60-minute fusion Gugak (Korean traditional music) performance, creating a magical autumn night complemented by the warm and sophisticated hospitality of The Shilla.

Meanwhile, for travelers visiting Jeju Island during this period, The Shilla Jeju offers a culinary adventure with the “Chuseok Gourmet Trip” package. 

This package features a K-Food pop-up store with new themes unveiled daily. 

Guests can savor authentic holiday dishes, local Jeju specialties, and creative fusion snacks, all thoughtfully paired with Makgeolli or craft beer.

Steps away from K-Trenditional Seoul

The K-Trenditional experience extends beyond the hotel’s walls to Seoul’s most significant cultural destinations, many of which served as inspiration for the stunning backdrops in KPop Demon Hunters. 

At N Seoul Tower, perched atop the historic Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city, travelers can take in a breathtaking 360-degree view of the metropolis.

Another essential itinerary is a scenic trail at the Naksan Park Fortress where the history of the ancient stone walls creates a beautiful juxtaposition with the city’s modern skyscape. 

The K-Trenditional essence is perfectly expressed in Bukchon Hanok Village, where tradition is not just preserved but also serves as an active part of contemporary life. 

This living museum, with its beautifully maintained hanok (traditional Korean houses), has evolved into a bustling hub of cafes and art galleries, redefining Korean heritage through a stylish integration with contemporary culture.

Beyond these curated K-Trenditional sites from KPop Demon Hunters, the hotel’s central position serves as an ideal base for exploring all that Seoul has to offer, from historic palaces to modern entertainment hubs.

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The post Australia’s StarFlight orders three Airbus H145 helicopters appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Australian aviation provider StarFlight announced today, 24th September, that it placed an order for three Airbus H145 helicopters to provide emergency helicopter services for Ambulance Tasmania and the Tasmania Police. 

The H145 fleet is set to enter into service in late 2027, with the aircraft performing missions across Tasmania. 

The order follows StarFlight’s recent selection to deliver emergency air services in the State, reinforcing the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to modernising its airborne response capabilities. 

With this order, StarFlight becomes Airbus’ latest customer.

A timely order

Ambulance Tasmania’s acting CEO Michelle Baxter remarked: “This investment in the H145 helicopters represents a significant upgrade to our emergency air capabilities. The multirole functionality of these aircraft will allow us to respond swiftly to a wide range of emergencies. We look forward to the enhanced service it will bring to our communities.”

StarFlight chair Dennis Richardson added: “The investment in the H145 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening aeromedical and emergency service capability in Tasmania for the long term. By partnering with Airbus and drawing on its proven support network in Australia, we are positioning StarFlight to deliver sustained reliability, innovation, and value to the Tasmanian Government and the communities we serve.”

Airbus Helicopters’ managing director for Australia and New Zealand Christian Venzal likewise declared: “We’re proud to welcome StarFlight to the Airbus family. The H145 is built for versatility. Its ability to seamlessly switch between roles makes it an ideal asset for Tasmania’s emergency response needs. This aircraft order came at a time as we are expanding with a new parts distribution platform in Western Australia, enhancing our existing footprint in Queensland. We look forward to supporting StarFlight as they start this vital service.”

A great help for search and rescue operations and more

The H145 fleet will be based in Hobart, delivering a versatile platform for aeromedical, search and rescue, and aerial law enforcement missions. 

The aircraft’s ability to rapidly reconfigure between mission types was a decisive factor in the Tasmanian Government’s selection, offering unmatched flexibility for its evolving operational needs.

The new fleet is expected to fly approximately 1,500 hours annually over the next decade, providing essential lifesaving services across Tasmania. Airbus will provide parts support through its established local ecosystem, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.

A service powerhouse

Renowned for its reliability, versatility, and advanced technology, the H145, is a market leader in HEMS missions. 

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with a spacious cabin, cutting-edge Helionix avionics suite, the H145 is perfectly suited for the challenging terrains and time-critical missions that define Australasia’s EMS landscape. 

The helicopter’s CO2 emissions are also the lowest amongst its competitors.

Also, the H145 helicopter incorporates the latest technologies including the advanced cockpit design with the most modern human machine interface (HMI), state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and a Fenestron anti-torque device as the tail rotor. 

Airbus’ Helionix avionics connected to the wACS, provides undisputed superiority for in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and time savings for data transfer which, along with situational awareness, provides unprecedented levels of flight safety. 

Meeting the latest international avionics standards, Helionix integrates an innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.

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The post RateHawk report shows travel agents concerned that AI could replace them appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A new global study from global B2B travel booking platform RateHawk in time for World Tourism Day reveals that many travel agents are concerned about being left behind and losing clients. 

This new report shows that nearly half of travel agents fear competition from AI, which they believe could eventually replace their roles. 

With this in mind, the RateHawk study explores travel agents’ attitudes toward AI tools and shares the company’s perspective on how the industry can embrace innovation while preserving the value of human touch.

The insights featured within are based on the survey of over 1300 respondents across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the GCC region.

Split opinions

Opinions about the impact of AI on travel professionals’ roles are split worldwide: though 56 percent of those surveyed believe AI will not replace them, 44 percent consider this a real possibility in the future. 

In Asia and the GCC, it’s seen as a realistic future by 60 percent and 55 percent respectively; in contrast, the majority in Europe and Latin America do not share this belief. 

Travel professionals in North America are the most sceptical, with only 20 percent agreeing that AI can take over their jobs. 

It is interesting to note that respondents in the USA and Canada show the highest interest in adopting new AI personalization tools to make their work more efficient across surveyed markets. 

At the same time, global views on AI differ depending on professionals’ industry experience.

Those newer to the industry with less than three years of experience tend to see AI as a potential substitute, with 51 percent believing AI could replace them. 

More experienced professionals with over 15 years in the industry are less likely to feel this way, with only 40 percent holding this view.

The right time to talk about AI and the future of the industry

RateHawk managing director Astrid Kastberg explained that World Tourism Day 2025 is dedicated to the sustainable transformation of the global travel industry, making it the perfect moment to discuss the future of travel agents as an essential part of the ecosystem.

Kastberg pointed out that, as of 2024, the value of the industry currently stands at US$10.9 trillion per a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council, and the industry itself is undergoing a period of rapid evolution.

She said:  “According to research by Kantar, 40 percent of global travelers have already used AI tools to plan their trips, and 62 percent are open to using them in the future. While this may seem concerning for travel professionals, the rise of generative AI is also driving higher expectations for personalized experiences. In fact, reports show that more than half of younger travelers want a travel agent or trusted advisor to help them plan major trips. For agents, this means that professional expertise and the human touch are becoming even more valuable as demand for customized service continues to grow.”

Given how RateHawk sees the future of travel as a blend of human expertise and innovative technology, the company is committed to helping travel agents worldwide embrace technology as a valuable partner rather than a threat. 

Kastberg said: “By using AI, we develop tools that support agents behind the scenes from intelligent rate matching and content management to hotel search, automated support, chatbots, and voice assistants that ensure booking security. These solutions empower agents to deliver more efficient, reliable, and competitive services to their clients. It’s encouraging that one in three travel professionals surveyed are willing to use more AI tools in their work. We believe that as long as agents continue to adapt and innovate, their skills and knowledge will remain indispensable.”

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The post Red Dot appoints Charlotte Rous Communications as its PR rep in the UK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

South Asian boutique tour operator Red Dot announced the appointment of Charlotte Rous Communications as its public relations representative in the United Kingdom.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Red Dot, which is set to unveil a rebrand and new website by next month.

The refreshed identity promises to elevate the customer experience, reflect Red Dot’s core ethos and perfectly match more discerning travellers with caringly crafted, tailor-made holidays.

Red Dot sales and service manager Cherylle Sargent said of the appointment: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Charlotte Rous Communications as Red Dot enters an exciting new chapter. Here at Red Dot, we believe that true luxury isn’t about extravagance, it’s about time well spent. This is why we design unforgettable, highly bespoke trips to authentic destinations for our clients. We blend local expertise with genuine passion to create carefully tailored and unique journeys to Sri Lanka, India and Maldives, crafted around the clients’ specific interests and desires.”

Sargent added that Red Dot’s new brand ethos and website will reflect this commitment, introducing even more curious travellers to the beauty and wonder of the region the company calls home.

Keeping travel personal

Indeed, the UK- and Sri Lanka-based travel company has been crafting highly personalised holidays for over twenty years. 

Drawing on a trusted network of expert local guides, drivers, and specialists, the team carefully curates experiences, accommodations, and encounters to reveal the very best of each destination. 

With a small but dedicated team operating across the UK and Sri Lanka, the company works exclusively with boutique, locally owned properties and exceptional experience providers, showcasing a commitment to authenticity, uniqueness, and the support of local communities and economies.

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The post The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok Leading In Hospitality Sustainability appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok stands as a beacon of sustainability in the hospitality industry, its ongoing commitment to sustainable and green practices underscored by numerous accolades from various institutions.

The popular Sukhumvit hotel has been consistently recognized for its pioneering green initiatives, among which include the Asean Green Hotel Standard 2025, Green Hotel Plus Award 2024 and Green Hotel Award 2023 – Gold Level (Certified by The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE)), and Level 2 TSEMS Engage 2024 by Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard (Certified by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

These are highly valued accolades that highlight The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok‘s position as a leader among Bangkok hotels with sustainable initiatives, its ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship and its effective implementation of sustainable practices across all operations.

A driving force behind the hotel’s achievements is general manager Robert Wittebrood, who champions a pervasive ‘green mindset’ among all staff. His leadership cultivates an environment in which every team member understands and actively contributes to the property’s sustainability goals, fostering a collective responsibility towards environmental preservation.

Playing a pivotal role in the sustainability efforts is the engineering team, focusing intently on energy-saving innovations and raising awareness among all staff. Through continuous research and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, they ensure the hotel operates with maximum energy efficiency, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Their initiatives range from optimizing HVAC systems to implementing smart lighting solutions, all while educating staff on the importance of energy conservation in their daily tasks.

The sales and marketing team meanwhile, along with event management teams, are keenly aware of the growing sustainability trend among guests seeking meeting spaces. Recognizing that modern clients prioritize environmental responsibility, these teams go beyond standard practices by acquiring specialized training in sustainable event management.

They proactively inform guests that they can request a Meeting Impact Report, a unique offering that quantifies the environmental footprint of their event. This report is a powerful tool for demonstrating The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok‘s commitment to sustainability, building trust with stakeholders and promoting transparency. By providing data-driven proof of their efforts – including metrics on carbon footprints and water usage – The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok showcases positive changes and helps clients meet their own sustainability goals, solidifying its reputation as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

Food waste management at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok takes on a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, involving collaborations with external partners and robust internal systems. The hotel proudly partners with organizations like BKK Zero Waste and Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) to minimize waste and redistribute edible surplus food. Additionally, food waste is repurposed for local fish farms, creating a circular economy.

Internally, the hotel employs a meticulous system of separate bins for each type of garbage. Engaging campaigns such as “No Bin Day” and the “Empty Plate Challenge” in the staff canteen actively encourage employees to reduce food waste. All these initiatives are measured against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), demonstrating the hotel’s unwavering commitment to reducing food waste.

Beyond its internal operations, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok actively engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Notable initiatives include “Dinner in the Dark” on Earth Hour Day to raise awareness about energy conservation, bra sewing workshops on World Cancer Day to support cancer patients, quarterly blood donation, and food donation drives on World Food Day to combat hunger in collaboration with other Marriott hotels. These are activities that showcase the hotel’s broader commitment to social and environmental well-being.

To ensure a unified approach to sustainability, internal development and awareness building are paramount. All hotel staff undergo comprehensive green training, both online and on-site. This continuous education ensures that every team member is well informed about the latest sustainable practices and understands their role in achieving the hotel’s environmental goals. This collective understanding and shared vision ensure The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok remains at the forefront of sustainability, with every individual working towards a greener future.

While standing tall as a leading sustainable hotel in Bangkok, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok offers great stays, wonderful wellness and delightful dining. Extremely well located near BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit stations, high-end shopping centres like EmSphere and EmQuartier, bustling entertainment districts, key business areas and major attractions are all within easy reach.

Guests staying at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok – part of Marriott International under the Westin Hotels & Resorts portfolio – benefit from the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-being initiative that offers signature wellness programmes designed to help guests eat, sleep, move, feel, work and play well. These include the iconic and award-winning Heavenly Bed, fitness gear lending, delicious and nutritious menus, and more.

It’s all part of the experience at this particular luxury hotel in Bangkok that prides itself on its commitment to world-class hospitality, well-being and sustainability – making it a top choice for leisure travellers both individuals and families, business and corporate travellers and event planners.

Contact The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok directly on its website or call +66 2-2078000 to book an unforgettable stay in the bustling heart of Sukhumvit.

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The post Two Philippine travel trade events generate billions in sales leads appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) reports that two of the Philippines’ leading travel trade events have generated over PHP1 billion in confirmed sales leads.

In a statement released on Friday, 19th September, the TPB said that the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) and MICECONnect 2025 both surpassed their projected target of PHP596.2 million.

Jointly held last 10th September, the two events drew in 147 Philippine sellers and 114 foreign buyers from key international markets and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)/ business events sectors.

This year’s event featured three days of Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) business-to-business (B2B) sessions among Philippine sellers and global buyers, complemented by networking events within both programmes.

Solidifying a nation’s position in the global events sector

The TPB statement added that the events’ success affirms the Philippines’ strong position as a leading destination for travel and world-class events.

According to TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Nograles: “PHITEX + MICECONnect 2025 showcased the best of the Philippines to a global audience while forging connections that translate into real opportunities for our local stakeholders. This event reaffirms our commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that tourism growth uplifts communities across the nation and contributes to the country’s economic and cultural strength.”

Throughout both events, delegates engaged in over 3,000 B2B meetings.

Post-event tours in Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and Clark were also held to highlight the Philippines’ readiness to host international meetings and events.

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The post Sabre announces agentic APIs for travel  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sabre Corporation announced its first agentic solutions for travel – building on the  expansive and richness of its industry-leading travel data cloud to power a new era of AI driven retailing.  Central to the upcoming launch are agentic-ready APIs made possible by a new, proprietary Model  Context Protocol (MCP) server – which acts as a universal translator, making the complex  language of travel technology understandable to any AI Agent. Together, these tools unlock the  ability for AI to seamlessly shop, book, service and optimise trips in real time – moving agentic AI  from promise to practical reality as a critical accelerator for travel industry innovation.

By empowering agentic AI, Sabre’s ambition is to move beyond digital optimisation to solve  customer pain-points that typically drain time and patience. The first capabilities will focus on  flights, hotels and post-booking services.

There are endless possibilities to transform travel using agentic AI. For example, the following kinds  of agentic tools could be built using Sabre’s agentic API: an IROPS Call-Centre Proxy Agent that  waits on hold with an airline, secures a same-day rebooking, pays with stored card details and  updates the traveller’s calendar automatically, for example; a Hotel Ops Agent that calls at midnight  to confirm a late arrival, ensures the room isn’t resold and arranges oat milk for breakfast; an Agent to-Agent Collaboration Agent that works directly with another agency’s AI to finalise complex  changes such as split tickets or fare combinability; a Visa & Compliance Agent that completes  online applications, pays fees and attaches documents to the booking record; and an Expense  Filing Agent that gathers receipts, codes them correctly and submits a full report in line with  company policy. These are the kinds of tasks travellers and agents waste hours on today – and by  leveraging Sabre’s MCP and agentic APIs, tools could allow these to be handled in the background,  creating smoother journeys and lower costs.

Underpinning this innovation is Sabre IQ, the company’s systemic AI layer. Sabre IQ has advanced  from powering retail optimisation to using Large Language Model (LLM) technology – AI that can  understand and respond in natural, conversational language.

But, being ‘smart’ on its own isn’t enough. Data is the key differentiator here – and the Sabre IQ AI  Layer is powered by an unrivalled bedrock of travel intelligence. Its capabilities are built on Sabre’s  Travel Data Cloud – developed in deep partnership with Google – and containing more than 50  petabytes of historical and real-time signals, all aggregated, anonymised, and encrypted through  Sabre’s extensive access control mechanisms, which follow applicable contractual and legal  obligations. That gives the Sabre IQ AI layer the richest base of travel knowledge anywhere. To put  that into perspective, 50 petabytes could hold the entire written works of humanity, in every  language, many times over.

“There’s a difference between being smart and being truly intelligent at scale,” said Garry Wiseman,  Sabre Chief Product and Technology Officer. “With our new MCP server and agentic-ready APIs – supported by Sabre IQ and our industry-leading travel data set – we’re planting a stake in the  ground. This is the smartest enterprise AI solution in travel, designed for the entire industry to build  on. Future possibilities are becoming reality – and Sabre is driving that change.”

Unlike fragmented, one-off tools, Sabre’s new agentic capabilities are natively integrated into  SabreMosaic, the company’s modular, cloud-native platform. This means airlines, agencies, and  developers can seamlessly adopt agentic workflows without sacrificing scale, resilience, or trust.  For travel sellers, this translates into real business value: automation of complex workflows, lower  servicing costs, smarter itineraries, and more opportunities to upsell relevant, personalised offers  that convert.

Together, these innovations mark the start of a new chapter in travel retailing – one where AI works  seamlessly across the ecosystem, and Sabre is setting the pace for what comes next.

 

 

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