The post BOQEP excels with new levels of recognition  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Queensland’s popular tourism recognition program will evolve this year to keep pace with global visitor expectations and shine a spotlight on the state’s exceptional operators. In 2025, the highly sought after Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP) stamp of recognition was awarded to a record 2,341 businesses – demonstrating the need for additional levels to better acknowledge the industry’s highest of achievers.

The 2026 BOQEP assessment will move away from make-or-break success and instead introduce levels of recognition. Gold and Silver stamps will showcase the top performing operators, while the score to secure the familiar Teal stamp remains the same – giving operators a clear pathway to strive towards in providing exceptional experiences that meet industry standards of best practice.

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the new Silver and Gold levels raise the bar for this nation-leading program.

“Carrying the industry’s Best of Queensland Experience stamp has always been viewed as a significant achievement,” Minister Powell said.

“As we hit the green and gold runway to 2032, it’s time for new incentives and benchmarks to really encourage operator growth and draw attention to those outstanding businesses at the very top of our industry.”

This year BOQEP will also introduce two new criteria that operators will be assessed against– Google Business Profile and Sustainability Certification.  Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said reviewing the BOQEP regularly is crucial to cementing our reputation as a world-class holiday destination.

“In today’s digital world a Google Business Profile is no longer an option, it’s a must-have,”  Davidson said. “Sustainability also must be an area of focus for operators given that visitors are increasingly choosing businesses that genuinely care about our planet.

“The Best of Queensland Experience Program shows that if we provide operators with best practice guidance and clear parameters to strive towards, they don’t hesitate to take on the challenge.  “The number of tourism businesses offering an online booking platform has more than doubled in the past five years from 1,671 to 3,438, proving the BOQEP sets benchmarks for success.”

The BOQEP rates businesses on an independent set of criteria that includes consistent delivery of an exceptional experience based on positive customer reviews, website with secure online booking, social media presence, RTO membership and Accreditation.

Being named a Gold, Silver or Teal BOQE means a business can use the appropriate coloured official stamp of recognition in marketing, allowing potential travellers to easily identify them.

The Best of Queensland Experience program was developed in partnership with the state’s Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO), the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).

 

 

 

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The post Emirates inaugural flight from Dubai to Shenzhen lands appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Emirates has officially launched its new daily service to Shenzhen, marking the airline’s fourth gateway in the Chinese mainland and reinforcing its East Asia growth strategy. Emirates inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on 1 July, receiving a warm welcome from distinguished guests and media partners on arrival.

Passengers who flew on the inaugural flight from Dubai received special gifts and certificates to commemorate the occasion.

Emirates now offers 42 weekly flights to four key cities in the Chinese mainland – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen – providing passengers and businesses with enhanced connectivity and travel options in and out of Chinese mainland.

Operated by a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates’ flight EK328 departs from Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 2200hrs. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 2355hrs, landing in Dubai at 0340hrs the next day.*

Flights to and from Shenzhen are conveniently timed to enable seamless connectivity to key destinations across Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam – leveraging Emirates’ extensive global network via its Dubai hub. Passengers can also seamlessly connect to Emirates’ points in Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, said:“We are excited to launch our new daily service to Shenzhen – one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities. This milestone reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to strengthening our presence in the Chinese mainland and supporting the country’s trade and tourism objectives. It is also aligned with the strengthening of China-UAE relations, and a strategic move to seamlessly connect the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s innovation corridor – an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub that aims to attract global innovation resources, through our flights.

We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Shenzhen Airport Group and our local partners for their support in making this launch possible. We look forward to connecting more travellers and businesses between Shenzhen and Dubai and across our growing network.”

Passengers flying to Shenzhen will enjoy an elevated experience onboard one of Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777s, offering 8 private suites in First Class, 40 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Economy and 260 spacious seats in Economy Class. Shenzhen has become the first city in Chinese mainland to receive Emirates’ retrofitted aircraft with upgraded cabin interiors and the award-winning Premium Economy. The new Business Class cabin in a 1-2-1 layout will further offer aisle access to every passenger.

Enhanced cargo and passenger operations    

Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and plays a significant role in facilitating seamless connectivity to over 50 countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, covering one-third of the 150 countries and regions participating in the initiative. Expansion of the airline’s operations will further boost inbound visitor volumes to the Greater Bay Area from GCC countries and Africa, while also supporting industries such as smart manufacturing, e-commerce, and biopharmaceuticals, through a 72-hour global supply chain system.

Emirates’ wide-body Boeing 777-300ER, served on the Dubai-Shenzhen route, offers 16 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight. Allowing it to further help amplify the “Aerial Silk Road” by integrating Shenzhen’s advanced manufacturing sector with Emirates’ global cargo network. Airline’s world-class cold chain capabilities will ensure the global accessibility and seamless transportation of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals.

Strengthening UAE-China ties

The UAE is China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching US$95 billion in 2023. Aviation plays a key role in the rapid growth of trade exchanges between the two nations. Emirates’ expansion into the Chinese mainland comes at an opportune time as the UAE and China’s comprehensive strategic partnership deepens further, boosting cooperation in various sectors such as trade, technology, logistics and investment.

Travellers from the GCC including the UAE can now visit China visa-free for up to 30 days, allowing Emirates’ customers to enjoy hassle-free planning for their business and leisure trips to the Chinese mainland.

Emirates remains committed to facilitating convenient and seamless international connectivity in and out of the Chinese mainland, in line with its growth strategy for East Asia.

 

 

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The post Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Strategy 2030 Unveiled At MTF 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Officially unveiled at the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025, the final draft of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Strategy 2030 is now being readied for publishing and will be available for download at www.mekongtourism.org by mid July.

The GMS comprises Cambodia, China’s Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. In 2024 these countries welcomed over 69 million international arrivals, signalling a strong recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Intra-GMS travel accounted for around 9.5 million trips in 2023.

The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 was jointly developed by the GMS Tourism Working Group and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), with support from the GMS Economic Cooperation Program.

MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij said the strategy would drive high-quality sustainable tourism development, promote regional cooperation, and accelerate the development of secondary destinations across the GMS. Strategic programs would focus on building sustainable destinations, developing human capital, strengthening engagement and enhancing regional destination marketing.

In development since late 2023, the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 will guide regional tourism cooperation over the next five years. It follows on from the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy (2016-2025).

“The new 2030 strategy builds on the strong foundation laid by previous strategies, but updates it to better reflect today’s realities – like climate challenges, the digital shift, and the need for more inclusive and resilient growth,” said Suvimol.

“The 2030 strategy places more emphasis on developing secondary destinations and improving connectivity, so that tourism benefits aren’t just concentrated in the big cities. It integrates climate action and digital transformation much more deeply. There’s a strong focus on making tourism more inclusive – supporting women, youth, and groups that have traditionally been left out.”

“In this strategy, we’re also making regional marketing – including the promotion of multi-country travel experiences – one of our key strategic directions. And importantly, this strategy calls for stronger public-private partnerships and better coordination across stakeholders at all levels, from the top to the local on-the-ground players.”

The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 draws from extensive consultations with stakeholders in tourism and related sectors. From the start in 2023 the MTCO talked closely with the GMS member countries, and in 2024 consultations were expanded to tour operators, tourism associations, NGOs, academia, media, international organizations and development partners.

“A lot of common themes came up, like the urgent need to strengthen digital and marketing skills, better infrastructure, concerns about sustainability and overtourism, and a big one – how to get the private sector more involved. Workforce challenges and the need for upskilling and reskilling were also raised, especially in light of post-COVID recovery,” noted Suvimol.

MTF 2025 was hosted by Laos in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, from 25-27 June 2025 under the theme of “United Journey – Stronger Together”. Held at Pullman Luang Prabang, the forum drew 230 delegates from 92 organizations across 20 countries, including government agencies, tourism businesses, development partners, civil society and the media.

The event’s theme highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in tourism planning and development, and the power of partnership, in shaping the region’s tourism future.

“It was energizing to see the GMS tourism community come together not only to celebrate our progress, but to work hand-in-hand in the fields – literally – to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for travel in the Mekong,” said Suvimol.

Literally, because a special feature of the forum saw sessions happen ‘on the ground’ – in a setting relevant to the theme of each. An ecotourism discussion was held by the river in an eco-resort setting, while an agrotourism panel took place in a rice field.

MTF 2025 also featured the first-ever GMS tourism private sector workshop, which brought together representatives from GMS travel and tour guide associations to exchange insights, discuss challenges and enhance regional collaboration.

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The post How Costa del Sol is Embracing a More Sustainable Travel Future appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Costa del Sol, long synonymous with mass tourism and beachfront resorts, is evolving. Today, the region is balancing its reputation as a sun-and-sand playground with a growing commitment to sustainability and authentic local experiences. For travel professionals, this presents both opportunities and responsibilities — to adapt to shifting traveler values, manage resources wisely, and deliver experiences that respect local communities.

From Volume to Value: A New Vision

In the wake of the pandemic, many destinations across Spain — and the world — have seen the pitfalls of over-reliance on volume-based tourism. The Costa del Sol is no exception. With more travelers seeking slower, more meaningful experiences, local authorities and businesses are pivoting toward a model that favors value over sheer numbers.

Some coastal towns, like Nerja and Estepona, have begun investing in walkable old towns, cultural routes, and nature trails that spread visitors beyond the crowded beachfronts. This not only relieves pressure on key hotspots but also channels economic benefits into lesser-known villages and inland areas.

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Empowering Local Producers

One clear trend: local food and craft are taking center stage. From olive oil tastings in rural co-operatives to urban markets in Málaga city, visitors want to know where their money goes — and they increasingly prefer spending it on authentic local businesses.

For tour operators and DMCs, this means forging partnerships with local farmers, winemakers, and artisans. Small-group experiences that highlight regional specialties can be marketed as high-value add-ons — while delivering genuine economic impact to communities that previously saw little benefit from large resort bookings.

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Decarbonizing the Costa

Like many European destinations, Andalusia is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Rail connections to Málaga have improved in recent years, offering lower-emission access from major cities like Madrid. Local transport providers are testing e-buses and car-sharing services that make it easier for visitors to leave rental cars behind.

Meanwhile, a number of hotels are obtaining sustainability certifications, investing in water-saving technologies, and supporting local conservation projects. For travel advisors and tour operators, being able to vet and recommend truly responsible accommodation will become a growing point of differentiation.

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Off-Season & Off-the-Beaten-Path

A challenge for many coastal destinations is seasonality. Costa del Sol has long depended on a summer peak, but stakeholders are working to extend the season by developing culture-focused and nature-based offerings that thrive in spring and autumn.

Hiking routes, local festivals, and creative retreats in villages like Frigiliana and Mijas Pueblo offer a slower pace — and a reason for travelers to visit when the beaches are quieter. For B2B operators, packaging these shoulder-season options helps smooth out demand, keeps local staff employed year-round, and reduces strain on resources during high season.

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Technology & Transparency

More travelers, especially Gen Z and millennials, want to know how their trips impact the planet. Forward-thinking DMCs and hospitality brands are responding with clearer communication — from carbon footprint calculators to digital itineraries that highlight the percentage of spend going to local businesses.

Small steps like replacing paper brochures with QR-coded guides, or offering real-time availability for rural experiences, can add up to measurable savings and a more responsible supply chain.

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Why It Matters for Travel Professionals

Sustainable tourism is no longer a fringe idea; it’s becoming a baseline expectation. For travel businesses operating in Costa del Sol, now is the time to rethink how products are sourced, how itineraries are designed, and how guests are educated.

Travel advisors, group planners, and corporate buyers will increasingly seek partners who can prove they’re committed to regenerative practices. That means collaborating with local communities, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring that growth is balanced with stewardship.

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Final Thoughts

Costa del Sol will likely remain one of Europe’s beloved coastal escapes. But its future prosperity depends on redefining what success looks like — not by how many sunbeds are booked, but by how well the region’s natural and cultural assets are protected for generations to come.

For travel professionals, this is more than a market trend — it’s an invitation to shape the next chapter of responsible travel in Southern Spain.

Author Bio:
Thomas Bjerkan is an independent travel writer and sustainability advocate based in Spain. He explores how destinations can balance growth with authenticity, and loves helping travelers discover local stories beyond the guidebook.

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The post Harbin Summer Music Festival beguiles visitors with songs and traditions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The 37th Harbin Summer Music Festival co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Harbin municipal government opened last 27th June, offering both locals and visitors an opportunity to revel in the charm of traditional and contemporary music.

The festival, which runs till September of this year, currently features seven sections including the opening shows, national-level performances, and the Capital of East Asian Culture art festival.

Three international competitions are also part of the slate; namely the 2025 Schoenfeld International String Competition, the 20th World Saxophone Congress, and the 7th Harbin International Accordion Art Week.

At present, up to 79 Chinese and foreign themed performances are underway on top of more than 3,000 scheduled activities for the enjoyment of the general public.  

Integrating global cultures through music

As one of the cradles of Chinese modern music, Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, is working to highlight different cultures through the diverse attractions of its summer music festival.

World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) president Peter Paul Kainrath said of the event: “With an around century-long musical history and cultural heritages integrating both oriental and western cultures, Harbin boasts an enchanting aura and unique charms.”

Kainrath hopes that WFIMC’s annual meeting held in Harbin will enable the organisation to maintain close and friendly exchanges with Harbin and other Chinese cities, expecting dialogues and cooperation in a wide range of sectors.

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The post Namia River Retreat ties up with Soulful Journeys for The Goddess Within retreat appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In an intimate collaboration with Stephanie Zubiri, founder of Soulful Feasts and Soulful Journeys, Namia River Retreat is set to host The Goddess Within Retreat.

Centred on a sacred invitation to remember, to soften, and to rise, this five-day immersive retreat welcomes seekers to a journey of embodiment, depth, and soulful reclamation. 

From 15th to 19th September, 16 kindred spirits will gather at Namia’s riverside resort for a feminine renaissance, rooted in heritage, guided by ritual, and nourished by nature.

Reclaiming one’s radiance

Set amid Namia River Retreat’s lush Nipa palm groves and tranquil waters, The Goddess Within Retreat gently weaves Vietnamese cultural richness with modern depth psychology and embodied practice. 

Drawing on Jungian archetypes, Depth Storytelling, and her signature Soulful Embodiment sessions, Zubiri leads participants through a multi-sensory experience designed to awaken the inner goddess: she who nurtures, creates, protects, and transforms.

Participants will do breathwork at dawn beneath a sky painted in lotus pink, meditative movement by the Thu Bon river, and daily rituals that honor both ancestral wisdom and individual truth. In between: nourishing feasts, temple visits, healing treatments, and quiet time to simply be with yourself, with others, with the land.

The art of soulful living

At Namia River Retreat, wellness is more than a concept, it is a way of being. 

This retreat integrates Namia’s philosophy of wellbeing, rooted in Vietnamese Herbology traditions, complemented by Zubiri’s heartfelt approach to soulful travel. 

Each guest will stay in a private pool villa, cradled by nature, and enjoy daily spa rituals, slow food dining, and moments of silent reflection beneath the stars.

The retreat will be characterised by the following activities:

• Guided embodiment sessions: kriya, mantra, Himalayan breathwork, and meditation
• Sacred storytelling and feminine archetype explorations
• Daily yoga and wellness treatments
• Cooking class with local, seasonal ingredients
• Temple visits, lantern-lighting rituals, and soul-nourishing excursions
• Communal feasting and reflective sharing circles
• Connection with like-minded souls through nurturing activities

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The post New general managers named for Hotel The Mitsui appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Japanese ultra-luxury accommodations brand Hotel The Mitsui announced the appointment of new general managers for its properties in Hakone and Kyoto.

Effective yesterday, 1st July, Manabu Kusui takes on the helm as the founding general manager of Hotel The Mitsui Hakone which is set to open in Kowakudani, Hakone next year.

At the same time, the brand also named Yoshihito Kaseda as the new general manager at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.

Under their collective leadership, Hotel The Mitsui will continue to embody its brand concept Embracing Japan Beauty, and remain committed to offering deeply immersive experiences rooted in the local culture and nature.

Meet Manabu Kusui

Kusui was a key figure at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto since its pre-opening stages, handling the launch and its initial operations.

In his new post, he will oversee the launch of the Hakone property and continue to serve as the cluster general manager for Hotel The Mitsui, supporting the brand’s operations in Kyoto.

Kusui said of his assignment: “It is both an honour and a humbling responsibility to be appointed as the cluster general manager for Hotel The Mitsui, as well as founding general manager of Hotel The Mitsui Hakone.. Since the opening of Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto in November 2020, it has been a privilege to be part of this brand’s journey. I am truly delighted to now take part in this new chapter, as we expand to Hakone, a region of deep natural and cultural beauty within 2026. As our two properties in Kyoto and Hakone resonate with and complement one another, I look forward to further enriching the brand experience. We sincerely hope you will continue to follow and support our journey.”

Kusui began his career in 1994 at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, later gaining international experience at Hyatt Regency Saipan, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, before returning to Japan. 

He went on to hold key leadership positions, including director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo; director of sales and marketing at the Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi, Tokyo; and deputy general manager for sales and marketing at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.

Meet Yoshihito Kaseda

With a distinguished career across leading luxury hotels and resorts including Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Claridge’s in London, Conrad, and Hilton, Kaseda is widely recognized for his strong leadership and management acumen.

Drawing on his extensive experience, he is set to bring a fresh vision and vitality to Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.

He said of his new assignment: “It is a true honor to be entrusted with this important role at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a property that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics. I feel a deep sense of responsibility and purpose as I take the next step forward, building upon the singular and exceptional legacy established under the leadership of former general manager Kusui. Together with our dedicated team, I will strive to deliver memorable experiences for each and every guest. At the same time, we aim to remain a hotel that is deeply rooted in the spirit of Kyoto and cherished by the local community for years to come.”

Kaseda began his hospitality career in 2004 at Hilton Tokyo Bay, and gained international experience at Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa (Philippines) and held management roles at Conrad Tokyo. 

At Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, he served in various leadership positions, including director of rooms.

In 2020, he moved to London to join the prestigious Claridge’s as director of rooms, further strengthening his operational and management expertise across the global luxury hotel sector. 

He returned to Japan in 2022 to rejoin Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, where he oversaw hotel operations as hotel manager.

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The post CT Connections points out what clients can expect from Qantas NDC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As Qantas rolls out its New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform today, 1st July, Australia’s largest privately owned travel management and event company CT Connections has advised its clients that they may now enjoy immediate and first-mover access to the airline’s Premium NDC content.

CT Connections’ clients will benefit from deeper discounts, bundled seat offers, status perks and companion fares from today, thanks to the business being the very first to access Qantas’ Premium NDC content from day one.

At the same time, Premium NDC provides average savings of about 8 percent on Qantas domestic fares on top of clients’ existing airline corporate deals.

CT Connections clients can also get tailored fare options and improved visibility on Qantas Points and Status Credits, discounted fares and tailored offers for Qantas Business Reward members and enhanced disruption management.

This new development also enables clients to avoid the legacy EDIFACT surcharges of $11.50 per sector, by purchasing the Premium NDC content.

Benefits from day one onwards

According to Connections Travel Group’s chief commercial officer Andre Moten: “While other providers may offer standard NDC access, CT Connections is ready to deliver the full experience through the Qantas Premium NDC channel, ensuring our clients benefit from every innovation as it rolls out.”

Moten added that it is clear from the conversations happening across the market that some providers are delaying adoption client-side, highlighting worst-case scenarios instead of real-world performance. 

As he puts it: “NDC isn’t theoretical. It’s already in play across the industry, and Qantas is simply the next major carrier to make the leap. While others stagger their rollouts, we’ve invested, trained, and gone live. We know our clients value continuity, speed, and clarity and our approach delivers all three. At Connections Travel Group, we’re not navigating uncertainty. We’re offering certainty in a changed environment.” 

CT Connections is a leader in the space and was the first Australian TMC to successfully book Qantas NDC content using Zeno by Serko.

Moten added that being at the forefront of technological change was one of the reasons Connections Travel Group is now  the largest privately owned travel company in Australia.

The embrace of Qantas NDC comes as Connections Travel Group celebrates its 25th anniversary with its success driven by an operating philosophy framed around the African principle of Ubuntu meaning “I am because of you’’.

Moten explained that part of that philosophy was an ability to lead change, not just react to it.

He said: “At Connections Travel Group we pride ourselves on being a future-focused business and we are proud that CT Connections continues to lead that charge in the corporate travel space through its embrace of Qantas NDC. While others are still adjusting to these industry wide changes, CT Connections is ready. Our team is trained, our technology is in place and our clients can move forward confidently, knowing their travel program will be fulfilled with the best value-for-money options available, including the fullest selection from Qantas’ airfare inventory.’’

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