The post Banyan Group introduces Wisteria at the Residences at Garrya Phuket appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Banyan Group officially launched its new residential structure Wisteria at the Residences at Garrya Phuket today, 2nd July. 

Located within the iconic integrated resort Laguna Phuket and designed for year-round living, Wisteria offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers to experience the Garrya wellness lifestyle every day. 

Just steps from the pristine shores of Bang Tao Beach, on Phuket’s most sought-after central west coast, Wisteria promises to be a tropical sanctuary that seamlessly blends modern luxury with rejuvenation.

In tandem for wellness

The completion of Wisteria will coincide with the highly anticipated opening of the Garrya Hotel Phuket. 

The new hotel, the first to open in Laguna Phuket in a number of years, is uniquely dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing, offering state-of-the-art facilities such as rejuvenating spa treatments, fitness programs, tranquil relaxation areas, and curated experiences that emphasize mindfulness, wellbeing and vitality.

Those fortunate to live at the Wisteria will benefit from close proximity to this wellness haven, where every element is designed to nurture a sense of harmony with nature. 

The serene surroundings include lush greenery, flowing waterscapes, and thoughtfully designed spaces for relaxation, all steps away from the soft sands and turquoise waters of Bang Tao Beach. 

For leisure and entertainment, a beach club and bar complete with a lap pool and party pool await at the beachfront.

Organic elegance

Wisteria is a boutique residential building comprising a limited number of exclusive apartments, thoughtfully designed with one- and two-bedroom configurations, ranging from 57 square meters for one-bedroom units to 116 square meters for two-bedroom units.

The interiors are inspired by warm, organic hues and textures, blending natural forms with minimal modern aesthetics to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, while east-facing orientations ensure the living spaces are bathed in natural light. 

Unlike previous launches for the Residences at Garrya Phuket, Wisteria is designed exclusively for year-round living and so is not managed as part of the Garrya Hotel’s inventory. 

This provides owners with complete autonomy, while still offering the option to participate in the Banyan Living rental programme, should they wish to generate income when not in residence. 

Located within the world-renowned Laguna Phuket, Asia’s premier integrated resort, Wisteria offers a lifestyle of unparalleled convenience and luxury. 

Set against stunning Bang Tao Beach and surrounded by over 1,000 acres of lush parkland, Laguna Phuket provides a complete range of amenities, including world-class dining, vibrant social events, award-winning spas, and the iconic Laguna Golf Phuket, which has been voted “Thailand’s Best Golf Course” by the World Golf Awards. 

With its proximity to Phuket International Airport, just 30 minutes away, Wisteria combines convenience with the ultimate tropical lifestyle.

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The post AirAsia X marks first month of Karachi-Kuala Lumpur route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia’s medium-haul affiliate AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated the first full month of operations for its Karachi–Kuala Lumpur route on Monday, 30th June.

The route between Malaysia and Pakistan recorded an average load factor of 80 percent since the inaugural flight took off on 30th May.

The consistently strong demand from both Karachi and Kuala Lumpur reflects the robust air travel market between Pakistan and Malaysia. 

Indeed, forward bookings for the next quarter remain healthy, with solid load factors projected for the months to come, further affirming confidence in the route’s long-term potential.

AirAsia CEO Benyamin Ismail said of the route’s strong performance: “The response to this route has exceeded our expectations. We are not only connecting two vibrant cities but also enabling affordable access to more than 130 destinations across the AirAsia network. This aligns with our strategy of expanding into high-potential, underserved markets with strong demand for value-based medium-haul travel.”

Likewise, Malaysian high commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Azhar Bin Mazlan declared: “The launch of AAX direct flights between Karachi and Kuala Lumpur, and the strong momentum it has achieved in just one month, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the people-to-people, economic, and cultural ties between Malaysia and Pakistan. Enhanced air connectivity such as this opens new avenues for trade, tourism, education, and investment. We commend AAX for its commitment to improving regional connectivity and are proud to support its efforts in making Malaysia even more accessible to travellers from Pakistan, especially as we look ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026.”

A great way to connect with destinations throughout the Asia-Pacific

Beyond point-to-point traffic, more than half of Pakistani guests connect via Kuala Lumpur to other destinations across Asean and beyond through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service. 

Top connecting cities include Bali, Phuket, Singapore, Perth, Melbourne and more, representing an increasing appetite for multi-stop travel among Pakistani outbound passengers. 

Additionally, 90 percent of over 7,000 travellers in this sector thus far are non-Malaysians, highlighting the route’s role in strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub.

To celebrate the milestone, AAX is offering limited-time promotional all-in fares starting from only PKR59,999 one-way from Karachi to Kuala Lumpur and from RM759 one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Karachi. 

Bookings are available now through the AirAsia MOVE app, airasia.com, and authorised travel agents till 6 July for the travel period from 14th July 2025 to 30th June 2026.

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The post GBA to launch scheduled service from Hong Kong to Sapporo, Japan in Dec 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced the launch of a scheduled service to Sapporo, Hokkaido, further expanding its network coverage in Japan. This new route will operate six weekly flights between Hong Kong and Sapporo (New Chitose Airport), starting 17 December 2025.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. It is a popular ski and hot spring destination for many Hong Kong people, and the annual snow festival is one of the world-famous events the city has to offer. The city is best known for the beautiful scenery of urban parks, such as Nakajima Park and Odori Park. Sapporo is also a culinary centre where tourists’ taste buds will be indulged by the fresh agricultural produce and seafood.

The flight schedule of the Hong Kong – Sapporo service (subject to government approval) is as follows:

Hong Kong (HKG) – Sapporo (CTS) (New Chitose Airport)

Flight No.	From	To	Departure / Arrival	Days of Week
HB008	Hong Kong	Sapporo	0955/1540	Monday
			0710/1255	Tuesday
			0810/1355	Wednesday
			1015/1600	Friday, Saturday, Sunday
HB009	Sapporo	Hong Kong	1640/2150	Monday
			1600/2110	Tuesday
			1640/2150	Wednesday
			1700/2210	Friday, Sunday
			1800/2310	Saturday

A value carrier based in Hong Kong, GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022 and is currently operating flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Yonago, Tokushima, Sendai, Manila, Phu Quoc, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin and Zhangjiajie with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

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The post Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines launches digital safety reports portal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that its new digital safety reports portal is now live and ready for use.

As of yesterday, 1st July, the new portal is set to streamline the reporting of safety occurrences and support the timely identification and mitigation of aviation safety risks.

Likewise, CAAP officials pointed out that the use of the portal also promotes transparency and information sharing among relevant agencies.

Compliant with regulations

In a news release published today, 2nd July, the CAAP said the mandate for the portal is compliant with Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) and applies to all organisations, personnel, and individuals involved in reporting incidents related to aviation safety.

Per the statement: “CAAP’s safety enhancement measure is part of the broader effort to ensure that the Philippines remains aligned with global aviation safety standards and best practices.”

As such, it covers all certified and approved aviation entities, licensed aviation professionals, and any individual with direct knowledge of aviation safety occurrences.

The portal enables submissions under two forms: mandatory reporting and voluntary reporting.

Mandatory reporting covers aviation incidents, accidents, serious incidents, and other safety-related occurrences.

Voluntary reporting, on the other hand, covers observations of latent conditions, insights on human factors, operational anomalies, unsafe situations, suggestions for safety improvements, and self-disclosure of non-compliance.

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The post IndiGo Commences Operations on its First Long-Haul Route with Direct Flights between Mumbai and Manchester appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo inaugurated its first ever, direct long-haul service connecting Mumbai, India and Manchester, United Kingdom. This is a significant move that paves the way for IndiGo to become a global airline, while reinforcing its commitment to offering enhanced connectivity between India and key global markets, and also signifies successful execution of IndiGo’s internationalisation strategy – ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’. IndiGo will operate 3x weekly flights between Mumbai and Manchester, making it the only airline to offer connectivity between the two cities.

This new direct connection will significantly enhance accessibility between Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and Manchester, a major economic and cultural hub in Northern England. The service is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists, students, and the Indian diaspora residing in the United Kingdom, fostering stronger economic, educational, and cultural ties.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “As we embark on our long-haul journey with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Manchester, this moment marks our transition from a successful regional carrier to one with growing global relevance. This new service, operated by our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, ensures greater comfort, seamless connectivity, and choice to our customers. We are also delighted to offer specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages to all passengers, with an elevated dining and service experience. This milestone is also a reflection of IndiGo’s growing global ambition and its contribution to India’s emergence as a global aviation hub. We are confident that this route will not only serve the large diaspora but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.” 

The Mumbai–Manchester route will be operated by IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft (on damp lease from Norse Atlantic Airways) featuring a two-class cabin configuration comprising 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats. All seats feature seatback screens for in-flight entertainment – around 300 hours of content with movies and TV shows across a balanced mix of comedy, romance, drama and action. Celebrating India and its unique cuisines, specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages, by iconic home-grown Indian brands, will be served to all customers on our long-haul routes.

 Flight Schedule:

Flight No.	Origin	Destination	Effective	Frequency	Departure	Arrival
6E 0031	Mumbai	Manchester	01-Jul-25	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	04:25	10:05
6E 0032	Manchester	Mumbai	01-Jul-25	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	12:05	01:55

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The post Five conflicting travel topics that divide business stakeholders appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The toss-up between cost-savings, employee safety, and the value of in-person interaction is an ongoing boardroom debate. In the age of virtual calls, many employees are desperate to hit the road, while others prefer to conduct their business via digital channels.

Whichever side of the fence you fall on, business travel remains vital to build working relationships and drive growth. Yet, there are certain topics relating to company travel initiatives that stakeholders don’t quite agree on. To understand the perspectives, challenges, and opportunities, it’s vital that leaders know where the disconnects lie.

Aneesh Batra, Head of Customer Success, India & Southeast Asia at SAP Concur says: “These findings highlight the points of contention between travellers, travel managers, and CFOs, for the first time in our Global Business Travel Survey. To empower employees to develop professionally and create new opportunities on the road, it’s vital that every role in the organisation aligns on common goals.” Explore more insights in the seventh annual SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey.

The latest Global Business Travel Survey from SAP Concur asked business travellers, travel managers, and chief financial officers (CFOs) about friction points in business travel. These are the main areas of disagreement:

1. The need for business travel

The overwhelming majority (99%) of business travellers believe travel is helpful, if not essential, to success in their roles. Yet, 43% of CFOs say more than half of their company’s business travel could effectively be replaced by teleconferencing or other communication methods that don’t require travel. A third (33%) of travel managers view the tilt towards virtual meeting options as a direct threat to their company’s business travel.

2. Employee willingness to travel 

80% of business travellers are very willing to travel over the next 12 months, marking an increase from 67% in 2023. However, nearly half (45%) of CFOs believe employee reluctance or refusal to travel could negatively impact company health within the next year. 35% of travel managers view employees’ unwillingness as a threat to business travel.

3. Changes in travel budgets

Each role has a different view on how travel budgets are evolving. 14% of business travellers think their company’s travel budgets will remain stagnant or decrease this year. Yet, only 24% of CFOs and 22% of travel managers say budgets will be maintained or cut – suggesting a disconnect between employee perceptions and management’s financial outlook.

4. The roles that hold the most influence

There’s a perception gap over who influences business travel decision-making. Business travellers believe travel managers (39%) and CFOs (36%) have similar influence, significantly ahead of their own at 28%. However, travel managers are broadly aligned in feeling they (43%) have nearly the same amount of influence as CFOs (41%), compared to only 16% for business travellers. CFOs strongly disagree, with 69% believing they are the most influential decision-makers, ahead of travel managers (21%) and travellers (9%).

5. The impact of budget limitations

Although they see travel as critical to their roles, more than three-fourths (79%) of business travellers say important trips have been curtailed due to costs. In alignment, 69% of travel managers believe their company travel budget fails to reflect the importance of business travel to their organisation’s success. And whilst CFOs acknowledge the problem, there’s dissent in the ranks. 51% of CFOs somewhat agree that budget limitations stop employees from travelling as much as they need to do their jobs well, while just 29% strongly agree.

 

 

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The post Ignacio Merino Appointed as New CEO of Freetour.com appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The booking platform for free tours and low-cost experiences, Freetour.com, has announced the appointment of Ignacio Merino Romero as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Merino joined the company two and a half years ago as Head of Business Development, during a particularly challenging period for the tourism sector, still recovering from the pandemic’s aftermath. Since then, he has been a key figure in the company’s recovery and growth, leading strategic initiatives and forging international partnerships that have enabled Freetour.com to expand to 145 countries and over 1,100 destinations worldwide.

With over 15 years of experience in managerial roles across various tourism companies, Merino brings strong expertise in management, strategy, and international development. Alongside the dedication and hard work of the entire Freetour.com team, he has played a key role in diversifying the offering, opening new markets, and strengthening relationships with local operators: efforts that have been fundamental to repositioning the company as one of the leading players in affordable tours and travel experiences.

“It is an honour to take on this new challenge and to continue working with a team that has shown exceptional resilience and passion,” said Merino. “We will remain committed to responsible, accessible, and sustainable tourism, connecting travellers with authentic experiences around the world.” 

In 2024, the company recorded the best results in its history in terms of revenue, bookings, and customer numbers. Since its foundation, Freetour.com has connected nearly 10 million travellers with local guides through a wide range of walking tours worldwide.

With this appointment, Freetour.com enters a new phase of consolidation and international growth, relying on leadership that combines sector experience, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to responsible and quality tourism.

 

 

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The post Waldorf Astoria offering 71 expansive villas and 68 sophisticated guest suites to open by 2027 in Bali appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hilton announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Bali with Indonesian property developer PT Balibuana Perkasa, further expanding Hilton’s presence in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Set to open in late 2027, Waldorf Astoria Bali is poised to be the crown jewel of Nusa Dua, setting a new benchmark for luxury travel and hospitality in the prestigious oceanside locale that has hosted world leaders and discerning global travelers alike. The luxurious seaside retreat will take pride of place along Sawangan Beach, offering direct access to its picturesque shoreline.

Waldorf Astoria Bali will be the ownership’s second property with Hilton following the award-winning Hilton Bali Resort and will join Hilton’s existing portfolio of 16 operating and 12 pipeline hotels and resorts across Indonesia.

“This signing builds on the success of Hilton Bali Resort with PT Balibuana Perkasa and deepens our long-standing relationship. Their continued trust is a testament to the enduring value of Hilton’s brands and importantly, our owners’ confidence in Hilton’s ability to deliver best-in-class returns,” said Clarence Tan, senior vice president, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Indonesia’s rise as a world-class destination presents tremendous opportunities and underlines its strategic importance to Hilton in Asia Pacific. With the upcoming arrival of Waldorf Astoria, Bali will hold the distinction of being home to three of our luxury brands, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts, in addition to our flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Garden Inn.”

The signing of Waldorf Astoria Bali comes as Hilton recently surpassed 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels globally with another 500 in the development pipeline, demonstrating strong momentum and opportunity for its brands in this segment of the market.

The Epitome of Oceanfront Luxury

With breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Waldorf Astoria Bali will feature 71 expansive villas and 68 sophisticated guest suites, combining elegance and grandeur with a distinct sense of place and the effortless, signature service that the brand is known for.

In line with Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary excellence and innovation, Waldorf Astoria Bali will feature multiple distinctive dining destinations. Among them is a dynamic beach club, and Peacock Alley, a refined cliffside restaurant and pool terrace that reimagines the brand’s iconic lounge and bar – a signature of the Waldorf Astoria brand that traces its roots to the original hotel in New York City.

One of the resort’s most anticipated culinary experiences is The Ledge by Dave Pynt, an award-winning concept that builds on the success of Pynt’s acclaimed restaurants – The Ledge at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Burnt Ends, his Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore. Known for his mastery of open-flame cooking and custom-built grills, Pynt will bring a bold yet relaxed dining experience that redefines modern barbecue through a distinctly global lens. Waldorf Astoria Bali willal so boast a suite of wellness experiences, including a tranquil spa inspired by traditional Balinese wellness rituals, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and swimming pools that overlook the Indian Ocean. Young travelers can also look forward to indulging in the resort’s family-friendly activities, along with a dedicated kids’ club.

Offering 748 square meters of event space, including a 465 square meter ballroom and a stunning chapel as an unparalleled venue for weddings, Waldorf Astoria Bali will set the stage for iconic events and unforgettable celebrations. Conveniently located just 14.5 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the resort is minutes away from the renowned cliff fronts of Ungasan and Uluwatu and will also offer easy access to hidden gems like Geger Beach.

“Bali’s natural beauty and rich cultural depth make it a fitting home for Waldorf Astoria. With Conrad Bali, Hilton Bali Resort, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Hilton Garden Inn Ngurah Rai Airport already representing a strong presence on the island, this signing reflects Hilton’s continued commitment to expanding thoughtfully across South East Asia’s most sought-after destinations,” said Alexandra Murray, vice president and regional head, South East Asia, Hilton. “With the addition of Waldorf Astoria Bali, we are not only elevating our luxury footprint in Indonesia, but we are also reinforcing our promise to deliver unforgettable world-class experiences to travelers seeking the very best in hospitality.”

Gandi Rudiarto, director, PT Balibuana Perkasasaid: “Over the years, we have worked closely with Hilton as our trusted partner to create exceptional experiences for guests, and we are pleased to take that partnership to the next level by bringing the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Bali. The island paradise has been in the global spotlight for hosting world events like the G20 Summit, and we are confident that Waldorf Astoria Bali will introduce new heights of unforgettable luxury that befits leaders and luminaries – true to the brand’s illustrious legacy of hosting presidents and royals.”

The signing of Waldorf Astoria Bali brings Hilton another step forward on its trajectory to grow its luxury presence to 150 hotels in the Asia Pacific region in the coming years. Having recently opened its first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Japan – the Waldorf Astoria Osaka – Hilton will also open Waldorf Astoria properties in Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xi’an and Hanoi over the next two years. Conrad Hotels & Resorts is expanding with upcoming properties in prime travel destinations across China, including Xi’an, Chengdu, and Nanjing, as well as in Nagoya, Japan. LXR Hotels & Resorts hotels are set to debut in Bengaluru, Hiroshima and Xi’an, following the debut of the brand in Kyoto and Bali with ROKU KYOTO and Umana Bali respectively. NoMad will make its Asia Pacific debut in Singapore in 2027.

Waldorf Astoria hotels participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

 

 

 

 

 

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