The post AirAsia supports Capital A’s Rizal Redzuan at LIV Golf Korea Pro-Am appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia supported one of its own Allstars as he took to the green for the LIV Golf Korea Pro-Am tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club.

Capital A employee Rizal Redzuan performed well at the tournament, competing alongside Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman, and closing his run with a respectable fifth-place finish.
This initiative was part of the recent partnership between AirAsia and Ripper GC, one of the 13 teams in the LIV Golf League. 

Through this collaboration, AirAsia and Ripper GC aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and dreamers, reinforcing the belief that bold ambitions can take flight.

Redzuan said of his participation in the tournament: “I am very honoured to be part of AirAsia’s Dare To Dream initiative, which aims to champion individuals to reach and achieve their dreams. Starting golf at the tender age of 3 ½ years old at Kelab Golf Negara Subang, I had a dream of being a professional golfer, but decided not to pursue a career in it after graduating from Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia. Never have I imagined being given the opportunity to be part of AirAsia’s partnership with Ripper GC. I feel privileged to take part in the most memorable on-course opportunity, where the two brands jointly inspires golfers old and young alike.”

Start ‘em young

Interestingly, Redzuan participated in his first International golf tournament when he was 7-1/2 years old in Kuching, Sarawak, at the 2002 Sarawak Junior World Masters.

AirAsia took a punt and sponsored him for two years to compete in two editions of this tournament. 

He took home 1st Runner Up honours in the Under 8 category and even took home the ‘Most Talented Young Junior Golfer’ award, making him unofficially the first-ever athlete of AirAsia’s Dare to Dream programme.

Redzuan moved to the Australian Gold Coast when he was 14 to obtain both his secondary education and initially pursue a career in being a professional golfer.

Upon receiving his Bachelor of International Relations degree, he decided to forgo his dreams. 

He returned to Malaysia and, after starting his professional career in Public Relations and Stakeholder Relations at MRT Corp in 2015, accepted a life-changing career offer with AirAsia by joining the Social Media Department in February 2019.

Through his role via the Communications Team at Capital A, when AirAsia signed its partnership with Ripper GC, Redzuan never thought that he would be able to relive the dream, even for a fleeting moment, to be given the chance to feel like a professional golfer. 

The partnership between AirAsia and Ripper GC enabled him to be part of the project, which includes creating content for the everyday golfer and fans of the AirAsia brand. The round of golf at the pro-am was something beyond his dreams.

It was truly a memorable week spent with the Ripper GC team and to come full circle in his sporting career whilst being associated with the AirAsia brand.

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The post PwC Middle East and Mabrian see a shift in travel preferences in the Gulf Region appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A new collaborative report from PwC Middle East and global travel intelligence platform Mabrian Technologies shows how visitor preferences across the Gulf Region are currently undergoing a fundamental shift. 

The report titled Stay Play Shop: Shaping Integrated Destinations for Connected Visitor Experiences revealed that visitors to the Gulf Region are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer cultural meaning and emotional resonance.

Stay Play Shop also presents a clear approach for destination development companies, tourism authorities, destination managers and operators across the Gulf Cooperation Council to accelerate the evolution of destination strategies. 

Indeed, it advocates a shift away from static, asset-led development towards dynamic, visitor-centric ecosystems that drive longer stays, deeper engagement and increased economic impact.

A practical framework for development

The report provides a practical framework for development companies, tourism entities, destination managers, operators and other stakeholders to shape connected, experience-led destinations. 

By moving beyond traditional planning approaches and promoting the integration of accommodation, events, retail and entertainment into a cohesive visitor journey. 

Ultimately, this framework aims to support the development of destinations where visitors enjoy a fluid and enriching experience throughout their entire journey.

According to PwC Middle East destinations consulting lead partner Nicolas Mayer: “Stay Play Shop is more than a slogan: it is a robust framework backed by visitor insights and evolving needs offering development companies a strategic framework to drive visitation spending and loyalty.”

PwC Middle East destinations consulting partner Philippe Najar added: “By embracing the Stay Play Shop model, leaders can shape not just where people go but how deeply they connect and experience places. This goes beyond destination development to crafting generational legacies that fuel cultural pride, visitor loyalty and sustained economic return.”

For her part, Mabrian Technologies advisory vice-president Sonia Huerta declared: “Public-private partnerships among Destination Management Office, hoteliers, Destination Management Companies, retailers and operators will be a key enabler of the Stay Play Shop model. Equally important is the ability to gauge sentiment and satisfaction across this journey to measure success. This region stands to gain exponentially from enhancements in these metrics making the value delivered even more impactful.”

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The post Arrivals up 3.3% and nights down 0.7% year-on-year in Q2 2025: ETC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Off-season demand for sun and beach holidays is rising, likely driven by the shift in Easter holidays and evolving travel preferences. European destinations experienced renewed interest from China, alongside continued strong arrivals from the US.

Europe’s tourism sector maintained a solid performance in Q2 2025, highlighting its resilience amid ongoing economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. According to the European Travel Commission’s latest report, “European Tourism: Trends & Prospects”, international tourist arrivals rose moderately by 3.3% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, nights spent fell slightly by 0.7% — a decline likely driven by calendar effects, including the shift of Easter to late April and changes to school holiday schedules, rather than a drop in demand.

Elevated travel-related prices are likely to weigh on consumers’ willingness to spend, but research also shows that overall travel expenditure is expected to be 13% higher in 2025 than in 2024. As more travellers are looking for value for money, lesser-known destinations with competitive prices might benefit, reducing overcrowding pressure in tourist hotspots.

Commenting on the report, ETC President Miguel Sanz said: The past months have brought new challenges to the tourism sector — rising economic pressures, shifting geopolitics, and growing concerns over unbalanced tourism in some tourism hotspots. Yet Europe’s destinations continue to show remarkable resilience. To sustain this momentum, we must double down on innovation and invest in more sustainable, inclusive models of tourism that respond to locals’ needs and visitors’ expectations.

Sun and beach holidays drive off-season demand

Searches for spring getaways increased by 36% year-on-year among European travellers, indicating growing demand for off-season travel, with most seeking sun and beach destinations. While the shift of Easter to late April contributed to this rise, the trend also reflects changing traveller preferences — particularly the desire to avoid peak heat and overcrowding during the summer months. Malta saw a 19% increase in arrivals, supported by enhanced connectivity, while Cyprus posted a 16% rise, driven by its favourable location and year-round appeal — both destinations growing from a lower base. Larger summer destinations such as Spain (+7%) and Portugal (+3%) also benefited from this trend.

Central Eastern European destinations, including Latvia (+16%), Lithuania (+15%), and Hungary (+14%), also noted strong year-on-year increases in arrivals, likely due to increased connectivity. This demonstrates a continued path to recovery from the pandemic and the impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Price sensitivities among travellers, but spending on the rise

Costs for many tourism-related services have risen from last year, with further increases likely during the summer months of July and August, which may impact travellers’ destination choice this summer. As the high season in the Southern/Mediterranean region approaches, the price of international flights to the area has risen 5% in the first four months of 2025 year-on-year, while the cost of international package holidays is up 7%.

At the same time, Southern European destinations — including Spain, Cyprus, and Malta — reported substantial increases in tourism revenue in the first months of 2025. This suggests that travellers are spending more during off-peak travel months. Overall, tourist spending across Europe is expected to rise by approximately 13% compared to 2024, with growth outpacing arrivals and indicating a higher average spend per trip.

Long-haul travel shows resilience, despite global uncertainty

Travel from the US to Europe remains higher than in 2024 across most reporting destinations, despite concerns about transatlantic demand. Year-on-year growth in overnight stays is particularly notable in the Nordics, with nights up 35% in Norway and 24% in Denmark. Southern European destinations have also seen solid gains in US arrivals, including Croatia (+18%), Montenegro (+17%), and Greece (+16%).

Moreover, the economic uncertainty has likely contributed to reduced airfares on several routes — including those between the US and Spain, Italy, and the UK — which may support continued growth in American travel to Europe this summer.

Travel from China is showing stronger signs of recovery in 2025, with all reporting destinations recording increases in nights or arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. Demand for smaller destinations such as Croatia (+7%), Estonia (+15%), and Romania (+20%) has picked up in Q2, while recovery for larger destinations remains ongoing and is expected to improve further with enhanced air connectivity from Chinese cities to Paris and Madrid.

 

 

 

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The post Flights between Europe and the U.S. hit record high: Cirium appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With US Independence Day (4 July) and demand for transatlantic travel continuing to rise, Cirium has revealed the number of scheduled departures from Europe to the U.S.

Cirium Data – Transatlantic Travel

• This month, July 2025, is projected to see the highest number of Europe to U.S. flights on record* – with 19,131 one-way flights scheduled between Europe and the North American country, equating to over 5.1 million seats
• Flights between Europe and U.S. are up 4% on July 2024 levels, as transatlantic flights rise in popularity, while flights are also up 13% comapred to pre-pandemic (July 2019)
• On July 4^th alone, 621 flights are scheduled to depart Europe bound for the U.S. – up 4% year-on-year

• Over the last decade, Europe to U.S. transatlantic services have also increased by over 32% (comparing July 2025 vs July 2015) as demand for travel to the U.S. continues to soar.

 

 

 

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The post AHLA Statement on Congressional Passage of “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the voice representing all segments of the hotel industry, issued the following statement from President & CEO Rosanna Maietta, on the inclusion of key tax provisions in the U.S. House and Senate-passed Budget Reconciliation package that are critical to the hospitality industry. 

“We applaud Speaker Johnson, Chairman Jason Smith, and members of Congress for providing small business hotel owners across America the certainty they need to invest more and create more jobs in their communities. These provisions will prevent a major tax increase on American workers and the small businesses that are the backbone of America’s hotel and lodging industry.

“For the past several months, AHLA and hoteliers around the country have met with hundreds of members of Congress and administration officials to ensure the industry’s perspective was heard.

“We look forward to President Trump signing this into law and ensuring that the hotel industry will continue to grow and thrive.”

 

 

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The post Baglietto unveils the first-ever DOM 115 super-yacht appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Baglietto recently launched the first unit of the DOM115 super-yacht, the entry-level model of the line designed by Stefano Vafiadis. 

Company chief commercial officer Fabio Ermetto remarked that Baglietto is excited to see the first 35-meter yacht of the new line set sail.

According to Ermetto:. “This project combines design, innovation, and functionality, created to offer an uncompromising cruising experience. This new vessel also marks an important step toward greater accessibility to high-end customization., The project stands out for the shipyard’s exceptional construction flexibility, allowing extensive personalization of layouts, materials, and finishes. It’s a design philosophy that opens the brand to a broader audience while preserving the values of excellence, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that define every Baglietto creation. We have the feeling this model will be a great success as it combines  the features of a much larger yacht with the operational advantages of a 35m.”

With this new model, the shipyard once again confirms its role as a benchmark in contemporary yacht design, masterfully combining aesthetics, functionality, and innovation.

Revisiting a classic design

With a steel and aluminium hull, this model revisits and reinterprets the design language of the successful DOM133 model, enhancing its sporty and dynamic spirit through contemporary lines and unmatched volumes in its segment. 

The interiors of this first 35-meter yacht were created by the in-house design team, once again demonstrating Baglietto’s outstanding ability to deliver truly tailor-made projects for its customers.

The exterior design is characterised by large panoramic windows on the main deck, flooding the interiors with natural light and creating a seamless visual connection between inside and out. 

The upper deck lounge/veranda, with fully opening windows on three sides, further enhances the direct connection with the surrounding marine environment.

The aft area is arranged over three descending levels leading to the sea, featuring a sea-view pool; while the tender is housed in a side garage, keeping the deck free of technical clutter and maximizing outdoor livability.

The yacht is powered by two MAN engines, enabling a maximum speed of 14.5 knots.

The next available hull is scheduled for delivery in 2026, and a version with hybrid propulsion is also planned.

Exquisite interiors

The interiors, designed by the shipyard’s in-house interior design team, reflect the Owner’s refined taste through a harmonious dialogue of fine materials and sophisticated colour combinations. 

Oak wall panelling and walnut flooring blend with warm tones of bronze and colonial leather, while blue accents in glossy lacquer and leather introduce a cool yet complementary contrast, creating an enveloping and elegant atmosphere.

Organic shapes in ceiling and wall decorations integrate with wooden boiserie and fine marble flooring (Iceberg Blue and Calacatta Blu), which merge into a walnut parquet laid in a geometric pattern running from stern to bow.

Bronzed mirrors and glass, both smooth and fluted, form decorative geometries that guide guests from the main salon to the lower deck sleeping quarters, passing through blue lacquered portals that frame each transition. 

This is a modern reinterpretation of Liberty style, expressed through decorative details and furnishings.

The décor is completed by loose furniture from iconic Italian design brands such as Bentley Home, B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau, and Giorgetti, perfectly harmonized with Anglo-Saxon influences from Holly Hunt and FBC, which highlight materials like inlaid wood, alabaster, and decorative glass. 

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The post Lanson Place marks 30 years of exceptional residential hospitality appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Synonymous with a refined residential lifestyle, Lanson Place celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades as a global leader in the extended stays sector.

From its beginnings in Kuala Lumpur to its present position as a hospitality pioneer with nine properties, Lanson Place has gained distinction and acclaim for its signature residential-style design living spaces, intuitive service, and personalised guest experiences. 

With its nuanced understanding of today’s globally mobile travellers, Lanson Place continues to expand thoughtfully into destinations that reflect the changing rhythms of work, lifestyle, and local connections, while reflecting the increasing need of guests for longer stays.   

A personal experience

From its 1995 debut with Kondominium No. 8 in Kuala Lumpur, Lanson Place has  consistently evolved the concept of long-stay hospitality into a refined, home-away-from home experience. 

The brand’s expansion reflects its ability to adapt to the region’s fast changing urban landscapes: 

• 1995: Launch of debut property in Kuala Lumpur 
• 1998: Expansion into Singapore 
• 2000: Launch of The WaterFront in Hong Kong 
• 2005: Entry into Mainland China with Jinlin Tiandi, Shanghai 
• 2005: Flagship property in Hong Kong joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World
• 2010: Third-party management debut with Jin Qiao Serviced Residences 
• 2019: Brand reimagining with a refined new identity
• 2024: The flagship hotel, Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, has reopened  following a 16-month renovation, masterfully reimagined by award-winning French  interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. 

Every milestone has signified a purposeful evolution, strengthening Lanson Place’s position  as a style-forward, design-conscious hospitality brand that continues to innovate and elevate the long-stay experience. 

Evolving with global travellers 

Today’s global travellers seek more than temporary stays and look for local neighbourhood immersion, uncompromising comfort, and a sense of belonging. 

Through curated spatial design, bespoke service culture, and thoughtful community engagement,  Lanson Place has met this demand by crafting personal sanctuaries for discerning travellers  in spaces that embody elegance without excess, and hospitality without pretence.  

As Lanson Place CEO Michael Hobson puts it: “After three decades, Lanson Place continues to earn critical acclaim by anticipating how guests want to live, work and relax while away from home. At Lanson Place, we design residential spaces that are as personal as they are practical, balancing style, service, and reflecting the soul of each destination. ‘Your Place. Lanson Place.’ is a promise that we live by, one guest at a time.”

Time for regional growth

Lanson Place continues to grow, and four new developments in 2024 alone showed how  the brand has brought its signature blend of style, service, and residential comfort to  discerning travellers in key economic and cultural hubs: 

• Grand reopening with a hybrid hospitality model: Lanson Place Causeway Bay,  Hong Kong;
• Entry to new markets: Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila and Parliament Gardens,  Melbourne; and
• Debut in the Greater Bay Area: Yiju Apartment, Shenzhen. 

Where extended stays bring work and play together

The trend for remote working is here to stay. It has reshaped the work-life balance to the  point where bleisure, the blend of business and leisure, ensures that extended stays are more popular than ever and remain a defining strategy for Lanson Place. 

Elsewhere, digital nomadism and multigenerational travel have also fuelled demand for  longer stays and more flexible travel options across Lanson Place’s portfolio of personal  sanctuaries. 

With Lanson Place’s focus on serviced residences and hotels, the needs of relocated  professionals, long-term guests, and travellers seeking flexible, blended experiences are  being addressed as never before. 

Guests are staying for longer and appreciate Lanson Place’s residential-like design, spacious, family-friendly configurations, and intuitive,  personalised service. 

As a key differentiator from other brands, the embrace of extended stays has also seen  Lanson Place properties adopt a hybrid model, where accommodations seamlessly cater  to both short-term leisure guests and long-term residents, blending hotel-like amenities with the comforts and privacy of a home. 

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The post dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives to hold soft opening this month appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thai hospitality firm Dusit Hotels and Resorts is set to mark a major milestone with the opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, its first all-inclusive lifestyle resort.

The new resort is also the second Dusit-branded property in the country, complementing the luxury Dusit Thani Maldives.

Set to soft-open on 27th July, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is located on a pristine natural island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Malé. 

The resort invites guests to experience a private escape defined by bold design, vibrant energy, and curated experiences, all thoughtfully crafted for modern travellers who value freedom, connection, and discovery in an inspiring setting.

Dusit International’s chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz said of the upcoming property: “dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives brings a bold new energy to the Maldives while staying true to Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality. Thoughtfully designed for the young and the young at heart, this vibrant, all-inclusive resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a lifestyle destination offering exceptional marine experiences, curated adventures, and effortless escapes in a stunning setting. It’s a place where the spirit of discovery meets the comfort of modern, all-inclusive hospitality, perfect for travellers who want to do it all, or nothing at all.”

Fringed by a spacious lagoon and thriving coral reefs, the resort offers exceptional access to vibrant marine life and stunning dive sites, making it an ideal base for underwater exploration and ocean-inspired adventure.

Spacious and stunning

Blending beachfront charm with overwater serenity, the upscale resort features 127 spacious villas across seven distinct categories, ranging from 77 to 306 sqm. 

From tranquil beachfront retreats to expansive overwater sanctuaries, each villa is thoughtfully designed for modern comfort and style, with indoor-outdoor living spaces, private decks, and plunge pools in most categories.

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives also introduces a fresh and modern take on the all-inclusive concept, with à la carte dining across five distinctive venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and generous resort credits for personalised indulgence.

Whether guests choose to unwind at Namm Spa, join beachfront yoga sessions, or sip island-inspired cocktails at the rooftop bar, they’ll find countless ways to connect, recharge, and play. 

From floating breakfasts and live DJ sets to snorkelling adventures and beach cinema nights, every experience is designed to spark joy and create lasting memories.

For corporate retreats and incentive travel, the resort also offers a full-service conference facility for up to 240 guests, making it a compelling choice within easy reach of the capital. 

With seasoned industry veteran Yogeswaran Veerasamy at the helm as general manager, the resort is scheduled to celebrate its official grand opening in the fourth quarter of this year.

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