The post Virgin Atlantic to Service London Heathrow to Grenada with Airbus A330Neo appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Grenada Tourism Authority is delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A330Neo to Grenada connecting London Heathrow (LHR) to St George’s, Grenada (GND). From December 2025, the route will be serviced Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays to April 2026.

Designed to provide a premium, personalised experience, the AirbusA330Neo is the latest addition to Virgin Atlantic’s fleet. The aircraft features the latest generation Upper Class cabin, including the iconic social space and innovative Retreat Suite. Increased connectivity with in-seat wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity in all cabins and ultra-fast wi-fi, set the tone as visitors take off for a luxurious escape to the tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

“We are thrilled to welcome this new aircraft to our route. The introduction of these A330Neos will significantly elevate and enhance the travel experience between the UK and Grenada, offering guests the airline’s newest and most luxurious premium cabins, aboard its most fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Randall Dolland, Chairman of Grenada Tourism Authority. “This advancement not only enhances connectivity and comfort, but also reflects our shared commitment to luxury and sustainability.”

Known as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, Grenada is an enchanting tri-island nation flush with natural beauty, brimming with warm hospitality, and rich with cultural traditions. Mainland Grenada, and sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique, create the spice of a true Caribbean experience for foodies, adventurers, families, and couples alike.

As an authentic Caribbean destination, known for warm and welcoming hospitality, this elevation of connectivity helps to solidify the reputation of Grenada’s luxury offering for premium travellers looking to explore the tri-island. The island’s untouched and serene surroundings offer the perfect setting for relaxation and pampering, providing an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. Stays in exceptional properties – including Michelin Key recipients Calabash Hotel, Six Senses La Sagesse, and Spice Island Beach Resort – unparalleled gastronomic experiences tied to the island’s famed nutmeg and chocolate, and eco-conscious excursions in the renowned Underwater Sculpture Parks, Grenada offers meaningful, immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression.

 

 

 

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The post IndiGo codeshares with China Southern Airlines appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo and China Southern Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a codeshare partnership and mutual co-operation agreement. With this, China Southern Airlines will be able to offer enhanced connectivity into India while IndiGo customers will be able to connect on the China Southern Airlines’ extensive network beyond Guangzhou. This is subject to regulatory approvals.

This partnership aims to offer enhanced travel options and integrated travel itineraries to customers traveling between India and China on the joint network of both airlines besides through check-in process among other benefits. Additional details regarding the codeshare will be provided in due course.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said: “We are happy to join hands with China Southern Airlines as we enhance connectivity between India and China. We recently reinstated our direct daily flights connecting Kolkata with Guangzhou followed by inaugurating a new direct service between Delhi and Guangzhou. Now with this partnership, our joint customers will get the added convenience of booking seamlessly for travel across various parts of India and China on the joint network of IndiGo and China Southern Airlines.”

Han Wensheng, President and CEO of China Southern Airlines, stated: “China Southern Airlines highly values the development potential of the Indian market. Through cooperation with IndiGo, we will be able to further leverage each other’s advantages, offer a wider range of travel products, and give new momentum to the economic, cultural and aviation exchanges between the two countries.”

 

 

 

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The post edit x seven Setouchi Shodoshima opens in January 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kasumigaseki Capital Co, Ltd announced that its consolidated subsidiary, fav hospitality group will soft open its new hotel edit x seven Setouchi Shodoshima in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture on 26th January 2026.

The parties announced that reservations for the hotel are now open as of 5th November.

Located approximately one hour by ferry from Takamatsu Port, Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, blessed with rich natural surroundings of both sea and mountains.

The edit x seven Setouchi Shodoshima is set to open within this tranquil environment.

The property features 45 guest rooms, including several 120sqm suites, offering guests refined interiors and a serene atmosphere that ensures the utmost relaxation and comfort.

The hotel will also feature edén SETOUCHI, the first thermal spa on the island with sweeping ocean views.

The on-site restaurant will serve seasonal cuisine inspired by the abundant blessings of the Seto Inland Sea.

A luxuriously indulgent getaway

edén, a restaurant and thermal spring spa produced by the Salt Group in Katsuura, will debut within the scenic edit x seven Setouchi Shodoshima.

The restaurant, open from breakfast through dinner, will offer menus that celebrate the rich ingredients unique to Shodoshima. 

Guests can enjoy seasonal seafood, island-grown vegetables, olive oil, and soy sauce, all crafted into modern and refined dishes that express the essence of the island.

Drawing on the Salt Group’s extensive expertise in bathing and spa experiences, the property will also introduce Shodoshima’s first authentic thermal spa.

The facility features a sauna accommodating up to 20 guests, equipped with an auto löyly system, a 1.2-meter-deep cold bath, an indoor bath, and an infinity pool that seamlessly blends with the sea.

Regardless of weather or season, guests can enjoy a tranquil and immersive retreat harmonized with the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.

Through this integration of tasting the island and refreshing on the island, edén offers a holistic and elevated stay experience found nowhere else.

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The post Nautika Pro Launches India’s First ‘Business Class’ Ferry Experience in the Andaman Islands appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

For thousands of travellers visiting the Andaman Islands each year, there’s one part of the journey that hasn’t matched the destination: the ferry ride between islands. That changes today with Nautika Pro, India’s first premium ferry service designed for how people actually want to travel.

Why This Matters 

The Andaman archipelago spans 570+ islands, with most travellers island-hopping between Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island. Ferry travel is essential, and during peak season (October-May), boats book weeks in advance. For families planning dream vacations, honeymooners, and business travellers, ferry connections have become a surprising source of stress—crowded conditions, cancellations, and uncertainty.
“We talked to families who spent months planning their Andaman trip, only to feel anxious about the ferry connections,” said Anoop Kumar, Director, Nautika. “Parents worried about keeping kids comfortable during the 90-minute crossing. Honeymooners wanted their vacation to feel special from the moment they left Port Blair. We’ve created an experience where the journey itself becomes one of the best parts of the memory.”

The Nautika Pro Difference

Nautika Pro runs the largest ferry in the Andaman Islands, a brand-new 2025 catamaran that can hold 360 passengers and travels at 26 nautical miles per hour. They offer three types of service to meet diverse travel needs:

• Business Class has two separate 4-seat cabins with dedicated personal attendants, full dinner and drink service and priority QR code boarding. This is perfect for anyone who want privacy or need to work while they are crossing.
• Royal Class has roomy, premium seats with more legroom, priority boarding, private areas, and free drinks and snacks during the trip.
• Luxury Class offers a higher level boat ride with far greater comfort and service than other alternatives.

Details That Change the Experience

When you’re planning ferries around hotel check-ins, diving trips, or that sunset at Bharatpur Beach, you need to be able to count on them. Nautika Pro delivers:

• Modern Check-in: QR code boarding eliminates long jetty queues
  • The “Magic Window”: Signature unobstructed ocean views on both decks—perfect for spotting dolphins
  • Stay Connected: On-board Wi-Fi lets you share ocean views in real-time or get work done
  • 60% Quieter: Advanced noise-reduction design means you can actually relax, read, or nap
  • Onboard Café: Real barista-prepared coffee and fresh refreshments
  • Pre-Departure Lounges: Comfortable spaces with refreshments at major terminals
  • Dedicated Concierge: Help with island recommendations, activity booking, and onward connections
  • Luggage Assistance: No more struggling with bags on crowded decks
  What Travellers Are Saying 

During trial sailings, the response has been revealing:
“We were dreading the ferry part after reading online reviews. My wife gets motion sickness, and we had two small kids. The Nautika Pro lounge gave us a place to relax before boarding, the seats were comfortable enough that both kids fell asleep, and the staff actually helped us with our bags. It completely changed how we felt arriving at Havelock.” — Rahul M., traveling with family from Mumbai
“I run a business and needed to take calls during the crossing. The quiet zone, proper seating, and working Wi-Fi meant I could stay productive. When the meeting ended, I looked up and realized I was watching the Andaman Sea—not stuck in a crowded ferry.” — Sameer K., Bangalore

Making Island-Hopping Easier

With approximately 525,000 tourists visiting the Andaman Islands annually, and tourism being a major revenue source for the island economy, ferry services form the backbone of the travel experience. Nautika Pro deals with genuine travel problems while keeping the safety and timeliness that island travel needs. This is especially useful during monsoon season (June to September), when ferries often have to deal with strong seas that cause delays or cancellations.

 

 

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The post Christoph Dueker appointed cluster general manager for Minor Hotels properties in Sri Lanka appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hospitality firm Minor Hotels announced that Christoph Dueker is the new cluster general manager at Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort.

Dueker expressed his excitement at being assigned to the Sri Lankan properties and looks forward to working with the talented teams at Anantara and Avani Kalutara. 

He said: “Both resorts have distinctive personalities: one a peaceful Sir Geoffrey Bawa–inspired luxury sanctuary, the other a vibrant lifestyle beach escape. My focus will be on strengthening their individual character while deepening their connection to this beautiful destination.”

Minor Hotels vice-president for operations Nicholas Smith added: “We are delighted to welcome Christoph to this pivotal leadership role in Sri Lanka. His global experience and commitment to thoughtful innovation will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the distinct positioning of our resorts. With a sharpened focus on destination awareness and sustainability, Christoph is well-placed to lead the next phase of growth for our properties in Kalutara.”

Meet Christoph Dueker

With more than 20 years of international experience, Dueker has worked with some of the world’s most respected luxury and lifestyle hotel brands across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. 

Having started his career with Four Seasons, he has held senior management positions with Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, and Marina Bay Sands, among others. 

His leadership style combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people and place, creating hotels that are both high-performing and deeply connected to their local communities.

Also, Dueker’s focus on guest-centric innovation, destination-inspired design, and meaningful community engagement has consistently translated into elevated experiences and sustainable performance.

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The post Anna Marie Chai is Intrepid Travel’s new general manager in Malaysia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Intrepid Travel announced the appointment of Anna Marie Chai as its new general manager for Malaysia.

Chai’s appointment opens an exciting new chapter for the adventure travel company’s operations in the region. 

According to Intrepid Travel regional manager for Southeast Asia Mike Stewart: “Anna brings a wealth of local expertise, leadership experience and passion for sustainable travel. With her at the helm, we’re confident in strengthening our partnerships and growing Intrepid’s footprint in Malaysia.”

Malaysia continues to be one of Intrepid’s fastest-growing destinations in Southeast Asia. Intrepid’s bestselling Malaysian adventures include the 10-day Classic Borneo, 11-day Sabah Adventure, and nine-day Borneo Family Holiday, which journey through lush rainforests, visit rare wildlife, and showcase Malaysia’s highest peak, Mt Kinabalu. 

Meet Anna Marie Chai 

Based in Kota Kinabalu, Chai brings over 30 years of experience in Malaysia’s tourism industry, having led destination development, cruise operations, and special interest programs across Borneo and Brunei. 

Most recently, she served as area director for Borneo at Destination Asia. 

Chai herself said of her appointment: “I’m thrilled to join Intrepid Travel and lead our team here in Malaysia. Having spent my career connecting travellers to the heart of Borneo, I’m inspired by Intrepid’s commitment to creating real impact for our travellers, communities and the environment. It’s a privilege to be part of a company that puts purpose at the centre of everything it does.” 

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The post Luxury Escapes opens a new travel boutique in Bondi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global luxury travel company Luxury Escapes officially opened its second retail experience in Sydney, two years after it opened its first store in Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre. 

The company secured prime retail space at Westfield Bondi in Sydney, and industrial designer George Berry Studio led the multi-million-dollar transformation into a luxury holiday shopping haven. 

Luxury Escapes co-founder and CEO Adam Schwab explained that it was the success of the Melbourne concept store which inspired them to expand its retail footprint to Sydney. 

He said: “The Chadstone store has been a phenomenal success becoming one of the world’s highest  grossing travel stores within two years by creating an inspiring experience before customers even take off on their holiday. The Westfield Bondi store feels more like a premium airline lounge than a retail store. From the moment customers step inside, their Luxury Escape begins.”

Booking trips is a personal experience

Schwab added that, while it goes against the current retail trend of going online-only, a recent Luxury Escapes survey found that 15 percent of travellers still prefer to book in person. 

He explained: “Our goal is to offer the best of both worlds: the ease and convenience of digital and the magic of real-person expertise and experience.” 

For his part, Westfield Bondi centre manager Luke Caleo said: “We’re very excited to be welcoming Sydney’s first Luxury  Escapes store to Westfield Bondi. The new concept store is about bringing the Luxury Escapes experience our  customers know and value to the physical retail environment, giving customers the opportunity to meet,  discover, plan and book their luxury travel in person. Once again, we’re listening to our customers and  delivering more of the world’s best lifestyle experiences to our community at Westfield Bondi.” 

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The post Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 honours the memory of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Together with partners from the public and private sectors, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially opened Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 on Sunday, 9th November, along both banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. 

Held under the theme Light of Siam: Mother of the Land, the event honours the benevolence and enduring inspiration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.

The event is expected to attract around 1.5 million visitors and generate over 6.2 billion Baht in economic value.

A heartfelt tribute to a beloved queen

The opening ceremony was presided over by Thai minister of tourism and sports Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn who described the extended 45-day Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 as a world-class spectacle bringing new energy and vibrancy to Thailand’s tourism scene. 

Against the backdrop of shimmering lights reflected on the river, the night unfolded in a mesmerising display of art, music, and technology: a celebration of creativity that embodies the Thai spirit.

Sirilatthayakorn declared: “The event plays a vital role in elevating Thailand’s tourism to the level of global world events while stimulating economic circulation and creating income opportunities for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and riverside communities. It also reinforces Bangkok’s position as a world-class creative tourism city, offering visitors truly memorable experiences and a unique sense of place.”

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool remarked: “This year’s Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 pays heartfelt tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, whose compassion and grace continue to inspire the Thai people. The event transforms bridges, temples, historic sites, and modern landmarks into a radiant symphony of light, sound, and culture, celebrating both tradition and innovation. It also reinforces Thailand’s vibrant night-time economy and enhances the visitor experience during the high season.”

45 nights of glittering splendour

The grand opening marked the beginning of 45 enchanting nights of illumination, with performances from 6:00pm to 10:00pm nightly until 23rd December. 

The spectacle spans 15 iconic landmarks transformed into a glowing corridor of art and emotion along the Chao Phraya River from the majestic Rama VIII Bridge to the creative heart at Rama III Bridge.

Highlights include The Royal Compassion, a Stream to Rama VIII at Rama VIII Bridge, Chao Phraya Rhapsody at Nagaraphirom Park, Dawn of Siam at Wat Arun, and Threads of Glory featuring dazzling drone formations above Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge). Visitors can also enjoy The Thai-conic Lighting Symphony and the ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature at ICONSIAM, and the Crystal of Life art installation by Bangkok Dock Company Limited. 

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The post On the Scene: Travel Daily Media Explores Europe with Avalon Waterways – Day 7 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

All good things come to their natural end, and such was the case as Avalon Waterways’ northbound Romantic Rhine cruise arrived at its penultimate port: Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

For Travel Daily Media CEO Gary Marshall, parting with the lively company he spent the week with aboard the Avalon Envision was somewhat bittersweet.

As he puts it: “Final day on Avalon Envision after eight unforgettable days cruising the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam with a super nice group of travel media comrades, an amazing Avalon crew, and our superstar hosts Hallie Chua and Laneisha Lynch. Grateful for the laughs, the experiences, and memories created together.”

But just because it was the last full day on board didn’t mean that guests were in for a quiet day; on the contrary, the final day of the voyage took them on a dynamic tour of one of Europe’s most interesting cities.

Off the beaten path in Amsterdam

The morning gave guests the opportunity to sail through Amsterdam’s famed canals in a 15-minute micro-cruise through some of the city’s most scenic areas.

Afterwards, they took the lesser-known paths on the Amsterdam Off the Beaten Path excursion which took them to some sights not usually covered by conventional tours of the city.

Among the more unusual sights encountered on this unique trek were a saunter to the rooftop of the NEMO Science Museum which has been transformed into a community park where locals and tourists can enjoy coffee or tea, whilst enjoying spectacular views of downtown Amsterdam below or splashing in for a good time at the area’s interactive kinetic water sculpture.

Going off the beaten track also enabled guests to explore museums depicting the city’s uniquely nautical way of life, including those located in converted houseboats and the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, an unusual canal house museum.

Originally built in the 1600s, the museum served as living quarters for generations of locals and conceals a treasure beneath its rafters: a Roman Catholic church built right into its attic.

Going into the De Wallen district where the Oude Kerk stands brings respite to the footsore in the form of De Koffieschenkerij which, despite its name, specialises in tea and serves a tempting Dutch apple cake.

In the afternoon, some guests went for the optional Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland excursion wherein they visited the historic village of the same name, marvelling at the iconic windmills and quaint wooden houses.

A few final thoughts

The thing about Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine cruise is that it gives travellers the opportunity to experience a different side of Europe at a less frantic pace than on a conventional tour.

While shore excursions were part of the itinerary, the beauty of Avalon lies in the way guests can opt to pick their adventures every day from the guided tours, to more adventurous jaunts, and even cycle through certain destinations on their own.

At the same time, even the hours spent on board were a learning experience as the cruise director would hold talks about each destination in the afternoons or evenings; a much-needed recap to foster greater understanding of each destination and the people who call these places home.

Likewise, the cruise showered guests with exceptional comforts for the entire duration of the voyage, essentially becoming a home away from home thanks to good food, great company, and excellent amenities.

And while the journey itself may be over, parting doesn’t really mean a farewell; indeed, we’ll take a cue from Gary on that score: “It’s never goodbye, just until next time.”

Relive Travel Daily Media’s coverage of the Romantic Rhine cruise through Gary’s earlier adventures aboard the Avalon Envision:

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6

For those looking into a European experience of their own on the water, get in touch directly with Avalon Waterways’ Asia team at https://www.avalonwaterways.asia/contact/  or contact their country-specific call centres at the following numbers:

All photos: Gary Marshall on Instagram

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The post Fliggy puts AI in the heart of its shift to omni-intelligent travel agents appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Chinese online travel platform Fliggy is leading the way as the first online travel player to adopt a multi-agent approach to building AI-powered products.

This development is part of Fliggy’s preparations for its upcoming shift from online travel agencies to omni-intelligent travel agents. 

As Fliggy’s chief technology officer Alex Chen explains: “At Fliggy we believe the future lies not with traditional online travel agencies, but with omni-intelligent travel agents which will be the new ‘OTAs’.”

To deliver this vision for customers everywhere, Fliggy has consistently launched new AI-powered products throughout the year, in both consumer-facing and B2B scenarios, with all products powered by multiple collaborating AI agents.

It all began with AskMe

This started back in April with the launch of the platform’s smart AI travel assistant AskMe.  

In this product, multiple specialised AI agents work together to provide users with highly personalized travel planning, delivering a seamless experience similar to having a team of professional travel consultants. 

In the following months, AskMe has launched features including itinerary maps, heat-based maps highlighting popular hot spots, and most recently in September, photo-based audio AI guides.

Fliggy’s business travel arm, AliBtrip, also unveiled an AI solution for business travel, which includes an employee travel agent for personalized planning and a corporate management agent to help streamline backend processes and ensure compliance.

As of press time, the company has confirmed that some European partners are integrating these products to attract and serve Chinese outbound tourists in innovative ways. 

By providing official interpretation materials including visuals, textual content for architectural sites, attractions and exhibitions, and tour transcripts as authoritative data for pre-training, Fliggy’s clients can deliver accurate and engaging AI-generated Chinese tour interpretation services.

Fliggy has extended its AI applications across various functions, including supply chain operations, customer service, merchant tools, platform governance, product development, and destination marketing. 

Moving forward

As of late March, approximately ten percent of the platform’s online customer inquiries are now managed by AI.  

Meanwhile on the consumer user interaction front, AskMe introduces an innovative approach where users can access multiple specialized assistants simultaneously such as a flight search assistant, a hotel experience expert, a discount and promotion specialist, a local tour guide, and a budget manager, which lead to an exclusive caring sense where multiple roles cater specifically to the user’s needs. 

It effectively recreates the experience of having a dedicated travel team working together for each user. 

It also suggests that AI may finally break the long-standing trade-off among scale, cost, and personalisation in travel.

Chen explained: “In real-world situations, use cases are rarely simple as they often involve a mix of tasks and require flexibility. A multi-agent architecture allows us to take a user request, break it down into manageable parts, and orchestrate agents or tools with the right capabilities to handle different pieces. The smart system can coordinate their work and adjust in real time as things change, which makes it much better equipped for unpredictable, complex scenarios that people face every day.”

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