The post Dubai Airport crowned world’s No.1 for food & retail in 2025 AirHelp Score  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The UAE is flying high, with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports securing spots in the world’s top 20 airports, according to a newly released global ranking by AirHelp, the travel tech company supporting passengers with flight disruptions. 

Dubai International Airport has been ranked the world’s number one airport for food & shops, scoring 9.1 out of 10, while securing 18th place worldwide with a notable 8.14 points overall. Abu Dhabi Airport follows closely behind, securing 19th place globally and scoring 8.11 points.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp commented: “At AirHelp, we believe passengers should be able to make decisions about air travel based on more than just the price of a flight. Our goal is to equip them with an insight into flight performance using other factors that matter. Through the AirHelp Score, we can help passengers better predict what their experience will look like at different airports and what they can do if their flight gets delayed, cancelled or overbooked.”

The 2025 AirHelp Score ranks 250 airports across 68 countries. The data highlights a strong surge from the Middle East, with eight airports breaking into the global top 20 – a significant jump from just two in 2024 which reflects the region’s growing excellence in aviation.

Airports were assessed in three key categories of Punctuality, Customer Opinions, and Food & Shops. Cape Town International Airport in South Africa ranked the world’s top-performing airport, achieving an impressive 8.57 points overall.

Middle East on the rise

Leading the Middle East is Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar, which earned an impressive 8.52 points, securing second place globally and the title of the region’s top-performing airport. The airport also came out on top when evaluating the largest airports, handling over 250,000 flights each year.

Close behind is Riyadh King Khaled International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which made a remarkable leap from 33rd to 3rd place worldwide, with a score of 8.47, making it the second-highest ranked in the Middle East and across the largest global airports. Muscat International Airport in Oman follows closely with the same score, placing it third in the Middle East and fifth overall.

Since 2015, the AirHelp Score has helped passengers make more informed decisions by ranking the performance of airlines and airports worldwide. Similarly to last year, and to better serve passengers ahead of the busy summer months, airport and airline rankings will be published separately, ensuring passengers have timely access to the latest airport performance data.

 

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The post Jazeera Airways launches direct flight to Sochi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Jazeera Airways launched its first direct flight between Kuwait and Sochi, Russia, marking the opening of a new air corridor between the Gulf and Russia’s Black Sea coast, marking a significant milestone.

The flights to Sochi, operating twice weekly, will offer passengers from Kuwait and other parts of the region direct access to one of Russia’s most scenic resort cities—famous for its coastline, mountains, and year-round appeal. The new service also offers Russian travelers the opportunity to connect through Jazeera Terminal 5 in Kuwait to more than 60 destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe, including popular cities such as Dubai, Riyadh, Delhi, Mumbai, Istanbul, and Cairo.

Barathan Pasupathi, CEO of Jazeera Airways, while speaking to TradeArabia News Service commented: “We are proud to be the first and only airline offering a direct connection between Kuwait and Sochi. This route opens the door for travelers to explore one of Russia’s most attractive leisure destinations, while also enhancing connectivity across our growing network.”

 

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The post Vietjet Thailand offers Mumbai – Phuket direct flights from INR 1 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Offering convenient travel choices to explore the beauty of Phuket, Thailand’s paradise island, Vietjet Thailand announces the launch of its first-ever direct flight connecting Mumbai and Phuket with 4 flights weekly, starting August 15, 2025. This new route marks a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and making air travel more accessible and affordable. Flights are open for booking from July 7, 2025, at www.vietjetair.com from just INR 1 (not inclusive of taxes and charges).

From August 15 – October 25, 2025, flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Flight VZ763 departs Mumbai at 02:05 and arrives in Phuket at 08:20, while the return flight VZ762 departs Phuket at 22:10 and lands in Mumbai at 01:05 the following day (all local times.)

To celebrate the new launch, Vietjet Thailand is offering a special “Phuket Grand Opening Sale” with base fares starting from just 1 INR (excluding taxes and fees). The promotion is available for booking from July 7 – 12, 2025, for travel between August 15, 2025 – March 27, 2026. Passengers can book now at www.vietjetair.com to grab these unbeatable fares while they last.

Get ready to discover the tropical paradise of Phuket, Thailand’s top island destination. Whether you’re drawn to its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class diving spots, or rich cultural heritage, Phuket has something for everyone. With Vietjet Thailand’s new direct flights from Mumbai, planning your trip has never been easier or more affordable. Dive into crystal-clear waters, enjoy lively nightlife, and savor mouthwatering local flavors — Phuket is ready to welcome you!

“This new Mumbai–Puhket service represents a strong step forward in connecting Thailand with India, offering more travel options for Indian travelers to explore the beauty of Thailand’s top island. We are excited to expand our operations in India by offering greater connectivity, more flight choices, and our signature ‘Friendly & Fun’, along with ‘Safety’, ‘Punctuality’, and ‘Affordable Price’ experience, marking a significant milestone in our mission to drive travel and tourism growth across Asia,” said  Woranate Laprabang, Chief Executive Officer of Vietjet Thailand.

 In addition to the new direct Phuket – Mumbai service, Vietjet Thailand also operates flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Mumbai, offering passengers the flexibility to connect from Phuket to Bangkok before continuing to India. This convenient connectivity not only enhances travel options but also allows travelers to discover more of Thailand’s charm along the way. From Phuket, passengers can easily reach Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and other scenic cities, while those flying from Bangkok can explore top destinations like Krabi, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and beyond. Vietjet Thailand’s extensive network also includes international routes to Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Taipei, and more—making every journey seamless and enriching.

The launch of this new route is part of Vietjet Thailand’s broader strategy to expand its international network, reaffirming its accelerating momentum as a leading low-cost carrier, following recent awards such as “Best Low-Cost Airline Brand – Thailand 2024” by Global Brand Awards and “Most Passenger-Friendly Cabin Crew – 2024” by International Finance Magazine.

 

 

 

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The post Saudi welcomed a total of 115.9 million tourists in 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has just released its 2024 annual report, revealing a landmark year for the country’s tourism sector, which has set new records for both domestic and international travel, positioning Saudi among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

According to the report, Saudi welcomed a total of 115.9 million tourists in 2024. This includes 29.7 million inbound visitors — a record high, marking an 8% year-on-year increase, and an astounding 70% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. On the domestic front, 86.2 million Saudis explored their own country, underscoring the growing appeal and accessibility of local destinations.

Crucially, the data also reveals a 19% year-on-year surge in spending by international tourists, with overseas visitors staying an average of 19 nights — highlighting Saudi’s increasing ability to attract and retain long-haul travellers.

One of the standout moments of the year came in March 2024, when inbound tourism peaked at 3.2 million visitors. This coincided with the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit, illustrating the strong impact of major sporting events and entertainment offerings in driving international travel.

Beyond the numbers, Saudi’s global ranking reflects its rapid ascent on the world tourism stage:

• #1 among G20 countries for growth in international tourist arrivals
• #2 globally in inbound tourist growth (Jan–Nov 2024 vs. the same period in 2019), according to UN Tourism

Saudi’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, credited the country’s continued investment in infrastructure, events, and destination development as key drivers behind this success. He emphasized tourism’s critical role in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening national identity:

“These achievements, both domestic and international, strengthen our belief in the importance of tourism and its role as a driver of cultural and civilizational interaction, a bridge connecting peoples, and a window through which the world can discover the Kingdom’s deep-rooted history, rich cultural heritage, and authentic national identity. They also highlight the diversity of our destinations that attract both inbound and domestic tourists alike.”

As Saudi moves into the second half of the decade, the Ministry’s efforts are firmly aligned with Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy, generate new job opportunities, and cement the country’s status as an exciting and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world.

 

 

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The post RISE 2025 is all set to empower the women of the hospitality sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

RISE 2025: Reshaping Hospitality by Empowering Women is all set to elevate and empower the women of the hospitality sector next month. 

Set to be held in Phuket, RISE 2025 is a full-day learning experience focused on career growth, skill-building, and inclusive leadership. 

The event is co-organised by C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group, and Delivering Asia.

Created especially for professionals across the hospitality, tourism, restaurant, and service sectors, RISE 2025 welcomes everyone from students and young professionals to senior executives and business owners. 

Hosts Mrs B Group founder Sumi Soorian and Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort general manager Jirarat Ninpradub will guide guests through an immersive agenda of practical workshops, mentor-led sessions, and high-impact discussions, designed to equip all participants with the actionable tools they need to lead with confidence.

Soorian said of the upcoming event: “RISE 2025 is about creating a safe, dynamic space where women at all career stages can grow and support one another. Whether you’re redefining your professional path or just beginning, this event is designed to harness collective energy and practical insight to help women move forward together.”

Inspirational guidance on both personal and professional fronts

The day commences with a guided meditation session titled Manifest the Career You Want by Connecting with Your Inner Voice led by Viona Zhang, deputy managing director of C9 Hotelworks, to put attendees in the perfect frame of mind to absorb the event’s keynote program, which features an inspiring line up of speakers.

Zhang said: “As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, it’s essential we create spaces that equip women with the skills and visibility to lead. RISE isn’t just about inspiration: it’s about impact and action.”

Kornkanok Yongsakul, CEO at RBL Training and co-founder of V Yachts Asia, will then open the event with her advice on Making a Life Plan: Achieving Goals One Step at a Time to encourage women to take ownership of their future.

She will be followed by Soho Hospitality CEO Rohit Sachdev who will offer expert guidance on Developing Your Own Personal Brand Statement. 

Kanoknat Adhyanasakul, executive director of Amatara Welleisure Resort, will then affirm The Importance of Training in creating long-term development pathways, while Women in Tourism Association co-founder Nisha Abu Bakar will examine leadership in action with her talk Catalyst for Change: Women Leaders Accelerating Hospitality Transformation.

The British honorary consul to Phuket Chantal Fernandes will then present Expect the Unexpected: Career Lessons from a Life in Hospitality, while Supapim Wannopas of UN Women will discuss the power of Establishing Sustainable Entrepreneurship Programs for women in tourism and hospitality.

Afterwards, Michaela Connor and Jenna Xue will explore transformative lessons in What Failure Teaches That Success Never Will.

Finally, a student at UWC Thailand, the leading international school, will present a unique youth perspective in their “Global Movement: Education: A Force for Peace and a Sustainable Future” session, and Mimi Chuenpanichayakul of Delivering Asia will shine a generational light in Under 30: Finding My Own Identity. 

Zhang will then return to the stage with a personal talk titled From Fear to Voice: How I Learned to Speak Up.

To energise and to connect

Following these inspiring sessions, guests will be invited to join a networking lunch, before they reconvene for a deep-dive workshop titled Workplace Equity in Action: Metrics, Gaps, and Progress led by UN Women’s Supapim Wannopas. 

The final segment is a high-energy Speed Learning Collaborative Roundtable Workshop featuring focused discussions led by top industry professionals including Jayne MacDougall, executive director of the Phuket Hotels Association; Leanne Reddie, chief commercial officer at Chedi Hospitality; and Pan Voravee, founder and director of Voravee Hospitality.

RISE 2025 is proudly supported by a dedicated coalition of partners committed to inclusive industry advancement, including SAii Laguna Phuket, QUO Global, Creative Concept AV, Phuket Hotels Association, UN Women Asia and the Pacific, Inspiring Women in Hospitality, and the International Women’s Travel Awards by Travel Daily Media.

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand strengthens partnerships with the aviation sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted its Airline Focus Partnership Meeting on Monday, 7th July, to coordinate efforts with over 50 airlines and key tourism stakeholders ahead of the peak travel season in the fourth quarter of the year.

Representing TAT at the 7 July meeting were two deputy governors for international marketing Chiravadee Khunsub (Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas) and Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai (Asia and the South Pacific).

Among those in attendance were representatives from the Airline Operators Committee, Airports of Thailand (AOT), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), and U-Tapao Airport Authority.

Participating airlines included Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air China, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Thai Airways International (THAI), Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Nok Air.

Boosting arrival numbers through cooperation

The meeting aimed to boost international arrivals through joint marketing, increased flight capacity, and enhanced connectivity.

This will entail aligning campaigns with traveller behaviour to stimulate spending and support local economies.

From January to June 2025, Thailand recorded over 16.68 million international arrivals, with 24.59 million inbound seats, reflecting a seven percent year-on-year increase and 88 percent above pre-COVID levels. 

Strong growth came from Russia, the UK, Germany, France, the US, Malaysia, China, India, South Korea, and Japan.

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The post Porsche Design Tower Bangkok set to drive into Japan’s ultra-luxury market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury branded residential development Porsche Design Tower Bangkok recently signed a partnership with List Sotheby’s International Realty.

The latter is now officially the development’s agent representative in the Japanese real estate market, expanding its reach to one of Asia’s most sophisticated ultra-luxury markets.

This strategic alliance introduces Porsche Design’s first residential tower in Asia to potential Japanese clients, offering an unprecedented living experience that embodies exceptional design and functionality. 

With its prestigious network and long-standing expertise in the field of Japanese ultra-luxury real estate, List Sotheby’s International Realty is all set to connect discerning Japanese buyers with this landmark development.

Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, the first of its kind in Asia, represents Thai premier developer Ananda Development’s real estate expertise and the timeless design philosophy of the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design. 

This landmark collaboration sets a new benchmark in ultra-luxury living, merging international design excellence with local market insights.

A roadshow for a one-of-a-kind property

Marking the market entrance, a high-profile roadshow event was held on 25th June, at the Porsche Studio Ginza.

During the event which was attended by a number of distinguished guests, prospective investors experienced immersive presentations highlighting the functional excellence and exquisite designs of Porsche Design Tower Bangkok. 

The ‘Sky Villa’ residences and ‘Passion Spaces’, the ultimate luxury garages, generated significant interest from Japanese connoisseurs seeking unparalleled real estate opportunities. 

The appeal of the high-rise development lies in its world-class specifications, attention to detail, and uncompromising quality, values that resonate strongly with Japanese appreciation for craftsmanship and precision.

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The post Exclusive benefits await Shinta Mani guests at JATI Koh Russey appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The highly awaited JATI Koh Russey in Cambodia announced an exclusive offer for guests at Shinta Mani Hotels in the country. 

Southeast Asia’s most eagerly anticipated island resort of 2025 partners with its sister company under the HMD Asia banner to offer guests an exceptional experience throughout their stays.

As part of this special partnership, guests who combine a stay at the new JATI Koh Russey island resort with either the iconic Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap or the breathtaking Shinta Mani Wild tented camp in the Cambodian rainforest will enjoy the following benefits.

• 10 percent Exclusive Discount: Available during the low season (April to October) for stays across both properties; and
• VIP Amenities: Special privileges extended throughout the year during their visit to both JATI Koh Russey and the Shinta Mani Hotels in Cambodia.

This initiative reflects the shared values of JATI and Shinta Mani in terms of delivering exceptional guest experiences through inspired design, impeccable service, and a commitment to cultural authenticity.

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The post ATIA: nominations for National Travel Industry Awards closes on 13th July appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) announced that they will close the submission of nominees for this year’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) at midnight on Sunday, 13th July.

Nominees who have accepted their nomination may use the Submissions Portal to highlight their achievements over the past 12 months and bolster their chances of receiving one of the travel industry’s most prestigious awards on its night of nights.

Judging will begin in earnest once the Submissions Portal has closed.

According to ATIA chief executive Dean Long: “This year’s NTIA is shaping up as the best ever and the excitement just keeps growing. For those who have been nominated, don’t miss out on your chance to win. I’d encourage anyone who’s been nominated to confirm their entry through the portal. ” 

The who’s who of Australian travel

From corporate and leisure travel to sales executives, advisors, suppliers, training programs and group achievements, the NTIAs showcase the depth and breadth of Australia’s $69 billion travel industry.    

Long said: “It is fantastic to see our members and peers rally behind this prestigious event and I can’t wait to see the fantastic achievements of members of our industry honoured in Brisbane at this year’s awards.’’  

The new and updated categories this year reflect the evolution of the sector and have been guided by NTIA Custodians, respected industry leaders who help maintain the credibility and standards of the program.    

This year’s NTIA features a refined list of 36 categories, providing more opportunities than ever before to shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals, teams, and businesses.  

Winners will be announced at the NTIA Gala at The Star Brisbane on 18th October following he Beyond Borders conference slated for 17th October.

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The post Amy Sykes is new head of wholesale distribution at Gold Medal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

dnata Travel Group UK’s flagship B2B brand Gold Medal confirmed the further expansion of its Trade Partnerships Team through the appointment of Amy Sykes as their head of wholesale distribution.

This newly created role is field-based within the UK and focuses on identifying and acquiring new business opportunities in this sector.

Trade partnership director Karen Fletcher expressed delight at Sykes coming into the team, as her deep understanding of the wholesale market and technical insight into travel distribution platforms makes her the ideal person to lead this strategic area of the business.

Fletcher said: “Amy has settled into the team well and has already identified paths to grow Dnata Travel Group UK’s B2B wholesale distribution, including scheduled air and ground sales via Groups, flight API, website and GDS self-booking platforms. Amy’s appointment underscores Gold Medal’s commitment to supporting travel businesses with flexible, high-quality solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the market.”

Sykes, who joined Fletcher’s team last month, remarked: “’I’m thrilled to have joined Gold Medal at such a pivotal time for both the business and the wider travel industry, as technology continues to transform the way we distribute and experience travel. The new and upcoming developments within Gold Medal and dnata Travel Group UK, present real opportunities to support our partners in forward-thinking, meaningful ways.”

Meet Amy Sykes

Sykes has worked in the travel industry for 12 years, spending time as head of distribution at VOX Group and, more recently, as strategic sales manager for Hotelbeds. 

She joins Gold Medal with a wealth of expertise and keenness to collaborate with the brand’s trade partnership director to input an updated wholesale distribution strategy.

She said of her appointment: “I’m looking forward to putting my experience as a supplier of multiple product verticals to work, strengthening and expanding our wholesale proposition. Gold Medal has such a strong reputation with UK Travel Agents, and I’m passionate about bringing that same level of commitment and enthusiasm to our wholesale partners.”

Following the addition of Sykes, Gold Medal’s Trade Partnerships team now has 14 team members out on the road across the UK and Northern Ireland.

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