The post Rosewood Doha has landed — And it’s serving skyline drama, starchitect dreams, and star-powered cuisine appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Marking a striking new chapter in Qatar’s luxury hospitality scene, Rosewood Doha has opened its doors this week. Situated at the forefront of Lusail, the country’s planned city of the future, the property introduces a lifestyle concept that is both immersive and emotionally intelligent. With 155 rooms and suites, 162 apartments, and 276 residences, Rosewood Doha aims to deliver a lived-in sense of elegance anchored in place, memory, and design.

Betting big on Qatari identity and shaped by organic architectural cues, the hotel is envisioned not merely as a building but as an emotional experience. Inspired by coral formations and the flowing traditions of pearl diving, Rosewood Doha’s architecture reflects Qatar’s intimate relationship with nature. The design draws from the idea that physical space can shape inner state — a philosophy that carries through from its fluid exteriors to its intricately designed interiors.

Collaborations with Qatari artists bring the concept to life, infusing the hotel with layers of narrative and heritage. Artworks featured throughout rooms, residences, and shared spaces serve not as decoration but as conversation — reflecting Doha’s evolving identity and celebrating the textures of local culture.

A culinary destination in its own right

The property’s food and beverage offerings are no less poetic. Mila, a 24-hour Levantine brasserie, reimagines Middle Eastern comfort food in a sleek setting. Asaya Kitchen leans into a wellness-forward Mediterranean approach, with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients guiding its menu. Koo Madame, inspired by 1920s Shanghai and the enigmatic Madame Wellington Koo, brings Chinese cuisine to life with theatrical flair, while Stoke & Stoker and Sikar offer refined settings for cocktails and cigars respectively. The Butterfly Room, delicate and luminous, is designed for leisurely lunches, elegant teas, and evening gatherings — a space where time softens.

A personal rhythm of wellness and reflection

At the heart of Rosewood Doha is Asaya, the brand’s signature social wellness club and its first in the country. The events space unfold across over 3,400 square metres, including a grand ballroom, bespoke Events Studio, and a serene Bridal House — each designed to marry Qatari elegance with contemporary functionality and personalised storytelling.

“With Rosewood Doha, we had an extraordinary opportunity to express not just the future of luxury hospitality, but the emotional texture of Qatar. Every space was designed to feel purposeful and personal,” said Juan Samso, Managing Director. By anchoring global design in local identity and offering curated experiences that reflect the spirit of Qatar, Rosewood Doha is positioning itself as more than just a hotel — it’s a cultural destination, a lived experience, and a love letter to the soul of Doha.

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The post DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy for domestic airports appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

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The post IndiGo and Kotak Mahindra Bank Forge Partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Over the last three years, IndiGo has pursued a multi-pronged growth strategy, aimed at evolving from a domestic low-cost airline to a global player, with a carefully crafted service offering suited to the needs of today’s aspirational traveller. The pursuit of this strategy has seen IndiGo push for international expansion, fleet diversification, launch a tailor-made business product- IndiGoStretch, and forge multiple global partnerships.

As part of execution of this growth strategy, IndiGo BluChip was launched last year, as a free to join loyalty program, with easy to earn points (“BluChips”) which are redeemable on any IndiGo flight, without any blackout dates. The response to IndiGo BluChip program has been extraordinary, with already 3.5 million registered members in the short period since launch.

Aimed at elevating the travel and lifestyle experience of IndiGo customers, the new co-branded credit cards enable members to accelerate earning IndiGo BluChips through everyday purchases and other expenses and allow seamless redemption on IndiGo flights.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: “Through IndiGo BluChip, we strive to offer unmatched loyalty benefits to our loyal customers and this partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank is an integral part of our endeavour. This partnership empowers our customers to earn IndiGo BluChips on their everyday spending and redeem them seamlessly on flights across our domestic and international network. As IndiGo spreads its wings across the globe, we are sure that customers appreciate and enjoy the benefits of these credit cards as they travel across the globe with us.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO at Kotak Mahindra Bank said: “At Kotak, we are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with IndiGo, an airline that has redefined travel for millions of Indians. This collaboration is built around a shared vision, to make everyday banking more rewarding and travel more accessible. Through these co-branded credit cards, we are giving our customers a simple, powerful way to turn daily spends into memorable journeys.”

Two Cards for Every Kind of Traveller

From a regular flyer to a savvy shopper planning their next vacation, customers will be able to benefit from a credit card that matches their requirements:

• IndiGo Kotak Credit Card: This card is designed for those who want travel benefits along with everyday convenience. Card holders can earn over 30,000 IndiGo BluChips on spending INR 6 lakhs annually across categories like travel, dining, entertainment and more, turning everyday expenses into future travel opportunities.
• IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card: Crafted for frequent flyers looking to elevate their travel experience, this card offers over 70,000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spends over INR 12 lakhs, turning daily spends into return tickets.

Key Benefits

IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card	IndiGo Kotak Credit Card
Up to 21 BluChips / ₹100 spent on 6E channels	Up to 19 BluChips / ₹100 spent on 6E channels
Earn 3 BluChips on dining and entertainment	Earn 2 BluChips on dining and entertainment
4,000 BluChips on each card anniversary	2,500 BluChips on each card anniversary
Annual milestones of up to 16,000 BluChips	Annual milestones of up to 7,500 BluChips

 

Key Benefits of the IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card:

• Earn up to 21 IndiGo BluChips for every ₹100 spent on flight bookings on IndiGo web and mobile app.
• Accelerated 3 IndiGo BluChips on dining and entertainment, and 2 IndiGo BluChips on all other spends for every ₹100 spent
• Welcome Benefit of up to 4,000 IndiGo BluChips and a 6E Eats voucher
• Milestone vouchers worth 16,000 IndiGo BluChips on spends of INR 12 Lakhs annually. Also, 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually, enhancing user’s travel comfort and convenience.

 

 

 

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The post Shell Aviation, Accenture and Amex GBT announce the evolution of Avelia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Shell Aviation, one of the largest suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Accenture, and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) have announced that Avelia is in the process of evolving to an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multi-supplier model helping users access the greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits of SAF from multiple SAF suppliers, including Shell. Avelia’s evolution aims to better meet customer needs, accelerate SAF adoption, and provide companies with a clear, scalable pathway to credible business travel life cycle GHG emissions reductions* from aviation.

This comes at a critical time for the aviation sector. SAF is widely recognised as the most viable solution for reducing* the life cycle GHG emissions of aviation today, with the potential to reduce life cycle GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel when used neat.¹ However, according to IATA, in 2025, SAF production is expected to reach only 2.1 million tonnes or 0.7% of total jet fuel production².

Avelia has established itself as the leading³ blockchain-powered book and claim solution with the aim of scaling SAF, reducing the life cycle GHG emissions* of aviation and enabling greater participation in the sector’s decarbonisation efforts.  Launched in 2022, Avelia helps companies to access the GHG benefits of SAF without being constrained by its physical availability at specific locations.

As of 31 March 2025, more than 57 corporations and airlines had joined Avelia⁴ and over 900 retirements had been executed. This contributed to the injection of over 33 million gallons of SAF into the existing global fuel network at 17 airport injection points around the world, resulting in over 300,000 tonnes of CO₂e⁶ abated⁷, the equivalent of over 530,000 passengers flying from London to New York.

Avelia’s evolution towards an industry-wide solution introduces functionalities that will enhance transparency, flexibility, and industry participation, including:

• Independent data hosting. With the platform data now hosted and handled by Accenture, Avelia also provides a blockchain-powered transparent, secure, reliable and externally verified platform for accessing and allocating the information for the applicable SAF offering.

• Multi-supplier solution. Until now Avelia has only accepted SAF supplied by Shell. With this change, Avelia is in the process of evolving from a single-supplier platform to a multi-supplier solution, helping users access the GHG benefits of SAF from multiple SAF suppliers, including Shell. Customers, including airlines, corporations, and freight forwarders, will be able to manage SAF from different suppliers within Avelia, simplifying their SAF overview.

• BYOS (Bring Your Own SAF) model. Avelia is looking to introduce a BYOS model, which enables airlines to manage more of their SAF portfolio in Avelia, including SAF originally purchased outside of the Shell supply network as well as SAF that otherwise would have been tracked offline and not on a digital registry. This feature will support the use of book and claim solutions for tracking SAF, helping build credibility for book and claim at an industry level and accelerating SAF adoption.

• Multilateral governance. Avelia is in the process of setting-up a multilateral governance structure to enable multi-party involvement and more transparency information around the Avelia operating procedures.

Raman Ojha, President, Shell Aviation said: “This moment marks a significant milestone not only for Avelia but for the aviation sector. Avelia’s evolution from a single-supplier platform to a multi-supplier industry solution is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration, technology and innovation can accelerate the scaling of SAF. We are proud to help enable broader participation and transparency in the sector’s efforts to reduce life cycle GHG emissions while supporting our customers in reaching their climate goals.”

Evan Konwiser, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Amex GBT said: “For the majority of companies, Scope 3 emissions represent the largest share of their total carbon footprint and reducing them can be challenging. As a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events, Amex GBT is committed to leading with our customers on decarbonisation. As a partner in Avelia, we continue to grow and evolve the world’s first and now most established book and claim platform for SAF. Together we can accelerate its scale and increase customer access to its environmental benefits.”

Dr. Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg, Global Travel and Aviation Sustainability Lead, Accenture, said: “Evolving Avelia into a multi-supplier industry solution is a decisive step to scale SAF in aviation, strengthening industry collaboration and resilience while using sustainability as a growth driver. As Avelia’s strategic advisor and technology partner, Accenture continues to shape its evolution while overseeing data processing, and hosting for Shell. This safeguards data compartmentalization and transparency, giving customers clear control. It also builds the secure, scalable foundation needed for a flexible industry platform. Together, we are enabling aviation to advance towards achieving its climate commitments.”

 

 

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The post Viking Announces New River Voyages in India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Viking announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India. The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land programme with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travellers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

The Viking Brahmaputra

The new Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda. Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Centre and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

Wonders of India

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary programme will operate roundtrip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively. With 13 included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi’s winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur’s ornate Palace of Winds. While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati’s temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new pre and post land extensions for Wonders of India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).

 

 

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The post Cygnett signs Ninth Hotel in the Northeast in Guwahati with 108 keys appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s leading and most preferred hospitality brands, has announced the signing of its ninth property in the Northeast region – Cygnett Park Guwahati. The company has partnered with SRKS Hospitalities Private Limited to launch this premium midscale hotel in Guwahati, a key gateway to Northeast India.

The hotel is scheduled to open its doors to guests in July 2026. The upcoming Cygnett Park will be strategically located at the border of Guwahati and Meghalaya. The hotel offers convenient access, situated just 45 minutes from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and only 15 minutes from the Guwahati city centre, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts expansion in Guwahati comes on the heels of its recent signing of Cygnett Park Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting a strong commitment to expanding its footprint across India with special emphasis on the culturally rich and fast-emerging Northeastern region.

Just a short drive from key transit points and commercial hubs, Cygnett Park Guwahati is perfectly positioned to become a preferred address for business travellers, vacationers, bespoke corporate gatherings and grand destination weddings, perfectly complementing the Government of India’s renewed efforts to promote growth in this vibrant region.

“We were one of the first branded hospitality chains to establish a presence in Northeast India. We are steadily moving toward a 2000-key footprint in the region by 2029. In the Rising Northeast Summit 2025, which took place earlier this year, some of the key Indian industries announced investments worth more than ₹4.3 lakh crore to explore opportunities in the Northeast. The economic growth happening in the region is playing an instrumental role in the development of the tourism and hospitality sector here,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, founder & managing director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

The Cygnett Park brand is defined by its commitment to green, refreshing and wellness-oriented hospitality with affordable luxury. Enhancing the charm of its picturesque surroundings, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts will bring its Cygnetture culinary excellence to the hotel, promising an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The hotel will feature a vibrant all-day dining restaurant with al fresco seating alongside a rooftop speciality outlet celebrating the rich and diverse flavours of the Northeast and a vegetarian restaurant.

Cygnett Park Guwahati will also offer 108 modern rooms and suites, along with a chic bar, 9,000 sq ft of banqueting and conference spaces, wellness amenities including a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and recreational areas for its guests.

Guwahati, often referred to as the gateway to Northeast India, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural richness. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, it serves as a vital commercial, educational, and tourism hub for the region. With its ancient temples, vibrant markets, and proximity to scenic destinations like Shillong and Kaziranga, Guwahati offers a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and unmatched connectivity.

“As Cygnett Hotels & Resorts moves ahead with its ambitious target to establish itself as a 100-plus strong hotel group in the coming years, we are targeting to open 12-15 properties across the country annually. Northeast India is strategically important for our expansion plans,” added Sarkar.

The hospitality group currently has eight hotels in the Northeast, including operational properties as well as those in various stages of development and pre-opening.

 

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The post ROKI Collection Queenstown slated to open in September appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

ROKI Collection Queenstown in New Zealand is slated to open its doors on 1st September of this year.

This urban retreat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand is located right in the heart of Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world.

According to hotel general manager Stephen McAteer, every aspect has been thoughtfully designed to be a space to pause and breathe, a sanctuary of calm. 

McAteer said: “ROKI Collection Queenstown is where gracious service, curated design and breathtaking natural beauty converge. It brings something truly different to New Zealand: an urban retreat that combines the tranquillity of a lodge with the energy of a hotel in stunning Queenstown, where you can immerse yourself in nature.”

Designed for elegant stays

ROKI Collection Queenstown will offer wellness, culinary, and adventure experiences for guests. 

Designed by Sumich Chaplin Architects, with interior design by acclaimed New Zealand interior designer Virginia Fisher, each of its 15 spacious suites, ranging in size from 1 to 4 bedrooms, offers swoon-worthy panoramic views over The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Each has a fireplace, private bathtub, and walk-in wardrobes.

For gourmands, ROKI Collection Queenstown will have two restaurants available to in-house guests and the public. Essence and The Terrace.

Essence will showcase a culinary fine dining narrative of New Zealand, fusing modern European influences with local produce, led by culinary director Paul Froggatt, who is Luxury Lodges of New Zealand Chef of the Year 2023/24 and revered in the culinary industry. 

This will also be the first time guests outside of a lodge environment can experience Paul Froggatt’s cuisine.

Frogatt said: “At Essence, my approach is simple: to honour the purity of exceptional ingredients, letting flavour, seasonality and technique speak for themselves. Each dish is a reflection of place, memory, and craft and is designed to evoke a sense of quiet luxury and connection to New Zealand’s natural rhythm.”

On the other hand The Terrace, which is more seafood-centric, offers the best restaurant views in Queenstown.

It is an ideal perch for an aperitif, lunch, or relaxed dinner after a day of adventure, framed by two fireplaces for all seasons.

Guests can also enjoy the sophisticated yet relaxed Library Bar, also open to the public, and Conservatory, with a cocktail or a wine list highlighting New Zealand’s finest. 

Private dining is available in intimate snugs, or the 3 – bedroom Brunswick Suite, 4-bedroom ROKI Suite or 7-bedroom Grand ROKI Suite.

Diving into luxurious wellness

For after a day of skiing, hiking, or vineyard hopping, there is ROKI Pure, a dedicated wellness sanctuary where guests can truly pause and reconnect. 

ROKI Pure has a thermal zone, two private treatment suites, an indoor pool, and a jacuzzi.

According to McAteer: “We have moved well beyond the traditional spa model. Today’s guests are wellness savvy and not just looking for pampering. They want wellness experiences that shift something. That make them feel different.”

ROKI Pure is a sanctuary of serenity, exclusive to guests staying at ROKI Collection Queenstown and designed for modern travellers, who crave more than just rest and relaxation.

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The post Malaysian tourism ministry holds Hotel Data Refinement Session in Sarawak appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through its agency Tourism Malaysia, organised the Hotel Data Refinement Session with hospitality professionals in Sarawak.

This event was held in conjunction with the Presentation of Appreciation Certificates to Hotel Survey Samples in Sarawak on Wednesday, 9th July. 

The event was held at the Hilton Hotel Kuching and marked the first engagement of its kind for the year.

Organised by the Strategic Planning Division of Tourism Malaysia, the session served as a platform to present the latest findings from the quarterly Paid Accommodation Survey (also known as the hotel survey), which captures key performance metrics such as Average Occupancy Rate (AOR), Average Room Rate (ARR), and both foreign and domestic guest arrivals.

The session was officiated by Tourism Malaysia’s deputy director-general for planning Shahrin Mokhtar with key tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Sarawak in attendance, including representatives from the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak Chapter, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Sarawak Chapter, Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) Sarawak.

Mokhtar remarked that the session was a timely one as the country is in the thick of preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

He said: “Reliable and high-quality data is essential in supporting our national tourism agenda. The hotel survey plays a vital role not only for Tourism Malaysia but also as a key reference for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders.”

Getting things right

In addition to data sharing, a refresher on the survey’s reporting procedures was provided to ensure consistent and accurate data submission. 

The session was also supported by newly appointed hotel officers in understanding their roles, while offering a platform for industry players to share feedback, challenges, and suggestions to improve the survey’s implementation and relevance.

To acknowledge outstanding contributions, Tourism Malaysia also presented certificates of appreciation and Visit Malaysia 2026 promotional materials to hotel operators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and consistency in data submission. 

This recognition reflects the agency’s appreciation for their continued support in enhancing national tourism data.

Malaysian tourism by the numbers

Malaysia continues to experience a strong recovery in tourism. In 2024, the country welcomed 38 million international visitors, reflecting a 31.1 percent increase from 2023 and 8.3% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. 

The positive momentum has carried into 2025, with 13.4 million visitor arrivals recorded from January to April of this year, representing a 21 percent year-on-year increase. 

Singapore remained Malaysia’s top source market, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Brunei, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

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