The post StarCruises’ Star Voyager makes its maiden voyage to Hong Kong appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

StarCruises marked a glorious return to Hong Kong with the inaugural arrival of its vessel Star Voyager on Friday, 27th June.

The vessel’s arrival heralded the beginning of a vibrant 2025 cruise season from  one of the world’s premier cruise hubs. 

As of 27th June and running till 14th November, Star Voyager will offer 45 roundtrip sailings from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal of Harbour City  centrally located at Tsim Sha Tsui.  

Located in the heart of Victoria Harbour, the Ocean Terminal connects directly to Harbour City,  the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong, and is close to numerous famous tourist attractions.  

Whether one is a local guest or a tourist arriving from the airport or high-speed rail station, everyone can easily and quickly board the Star Voyager from the heart of the city to start their journey. 

A warm welcome

To commemorate the ship’s arrival, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) deputy commissioner for tourism Joanne Chu joined StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh at a special welcoming ceremony.

Goh said of the Star Voyager’s arrival in Hong Kong: “We’re thrilled to celebrate the arrival of Star Voyager in Hong Kong. Following a US$50 million refurbishment, the ship now  offers refreshed amenities and a rich variety of itineraries. With exciting Fly & Rail Cruise  options and immersive pre- and post-cruise stays, we aim to boost regional travel and further  reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a leading cruise hub.” 

Chu likewise remarked: “The new itineraries of Star  Voyager cover Hong Kong, Sanya and other international cruise ports, which will be benefitted  from the new measure introduced by the Central Government through CEPA in March this  year of allowing Mainland visitors to travel to Hong Kong in transit to join international cruise  itineraries involving port-of-call in Mainland cruise ports. Mainland visitors will be able to transit  to Hong Kong permit-free to join cruise itineraries by presenting their passports and confirmation documents of the relevant cruise itineraries. The new measure can greatly  facilitate Mainland visitors participating in international cruise itineraries, thereby giving a full  play to Hong Kong’s role as a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism.” 

Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), was also in attendance at the ceremony and he expressed his delight over the Star Voyager’s homeport deployment from Hong Kong.

Cheng said: “The arrival of the Star Voyager brings exciting opportunities for the development of cruise tourism in  our city. HKTB looks forward to continuing close collaboration with major cruise companies  and the trade to develop more travel products that elevate visitor experiences on shore and  promote the growth of Hong Kong’s cruise industry, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s  cruise hub.” 

What guests can expect onboard

Travellers can relax as they set sail on the Star Voyager for a luxurious escape blending comfort and adventure. 

They can relax in  stylish rooms or upgrade to Palace Suites with private amenities and 24/7 butler service. 

Everyone aboard can enjoy  endless thrills from water parks and rock climbing to ziplining and dazzling live shows with neither fuss nor a need to get off the ship. 

Onboard, guests will find themselves enthralled by world-class performances, global music, and signature events like Red Carpet Night, seasonal themes, and lively rain and foam parties. 

With fitness classes, arts and crafts,  and the energetic Little Dreamers Club, there’s something for every age and interest. 

Likewise, gourmets and gourmands alike are invited to indulge at 15 restaurants and bars, featuring authentic Asian dishes, a diverse international buffet selection, and speciality  restaurants serving everything from fresh sushi to gourmet classics where expert chefs craft each meal with care to suit every palate.

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The post Agoda casts the spotlight on microtravel in Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital travel platform Agoda is currently highlighting the draw of microtravel among travellers throughout Asia.

Microtravel refers to trips that may be short but pack a serious punch in terms of attractions and experiences.

These short-term trips are an ideal option for spontaneous travellers or workers who want to squeeze a quick getaway into a busy work schedule without need for elaborate plans or extensive spending.

According to Agoda vice-president Jun Dong: “Microtravel is all about making the most of your time and budget while still enjoying meaningful experiences. Whether you’re looking for an urban adventure or a tropical escape, these destinations show that you can pack a world of fun into a quick getaway. Agoda’s wide range of accommodations and activities makes it easier than ever for travelers to plan their perfect one-night trip.”

Why should travellers consider microtravel?

Microtravel makes exploring nearby destinations, cultural hubs, and hidden gems more accessible than ever. 

Whether it’s a day trip or a one-night stay, these bite-sized journeys are ideal for travelers with limited vacation time or unpredictable work commitments. 

With lower costs and reduced planning stress, taking a micro-cation is the ideal antidote to those seeking a quick, stress-free adventure.  

The most appealing locations for microtravel in Asia

Agoda bookings made between January and May 2025 show that Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is currently the most popular destination for a one-night stay in Asia.

The Malaysian capital was followed by Seoul, Taipei, Manila, and Pattaya in the top five; meanwhile, the cities of Jeju, Nagoya, Kaohsiung, Penang, and Surabaya rounded out the top ten.

Whether it’s city lights or beach sunsets, these destinations prove that exploring the world doesn’t require extra days off or time-consuming planning.

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The post Emirates returns to The Championships, Wimbledon 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates branding detail as Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) serves against Frances Tiafoe (USA) in the third round of the Gentlemen’s Singles on Centre Court at The Championships 2024. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 5 Friday 05/07/2024. Credit: AELTC/Jonathan Nackstrand.

Courts are buzzing with the start of The Championships, Wimbledon, taking place from 30^th June – 13^th July at The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Emirates is returning as Official Airline Partner of the event, once again serving ‘fly better’ experiences both in the air and on the ground.

Kickstarting a bumper summer of sport, Emirates will be celebrating The Championships via bespoke Wimbledon inspired menus onboard flights between Dubai and the UK, branded beverage coasters and headrests across all different cabins, and even offering tennis fans the chance to win a holiday to Dubai via its on the ground interactive booth at the event.*

Serving an ace at 40,000 feet

Emirates’ passengers will be in for a treat at 40,000 feet with specially curated Pimm’s cocktails and strawberry mocktails, and strawberries and cream for dessert served in the A380 Onboard Lounge.

Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers travelling with Emirates between the UK and Dubai from now until 13^th July can indulge in cream cheese mousse served with strawberry compote and hazelnut streusel, strawberry tart, strawberry panna cotta and strawberry cheesecake.

First and Business Class passengers will enjoy special menus onboard with delicious panko-crusted lamb cutlets and tasty desserts including honey cake with strawberry compote, handcrafted pastries, and lemon strawberry cupcakes featuring a Championships logo dessert topper.

First Class passengers will also be gifted Emirates-branded Wimbledon 2025 seasonal towels, produced by Christy, the Official Towel Supplier of The Championships.

Premium travellers can also look forward to refreshing Sipsmith cocktails served in the First Class Lounge in Dubai, along with classic fish and chips, and strawberry profiteroles.

On the court action

Tennis fans can follow every serve across Emirates Lounges in Dubai and the UK or stay connected to the action at cruising altitude via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra on the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system.

Passengers can also enjoy watching more than 40 sports programmes including tennis movies such as ‘The Racket,’ ‘Gods of Tennis,’ and Wimbledon’s official film, featuring all the action from 2024.

Serving another year of “fly better” experiences on the grounds

Emirates will once again showcase its award-winning hospitality throughout The Championships. Guests can look forward to exquisite meals and the finest beverages, including First Class wines served onboard such as Château Margaux 2004, and Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Bouchard Père & Fils 2013, as well as other premium wine offerings such as Cloudy Bay, and Sauvignon Blanc Chateau D’Esclans’ Rock Angel.

The ‘Emirates Experience’ stand will return to The Championships grounds, and fans can enjoy interactive experiences and exclusive giveaways including a chance to win a getaway to Dubai with Emirates Holidays. * Young tennis supporters can also explore Emirates-branded tennis courts and take part in the Emirates Cup to earn free items in Wimbleworld on Roblox.

Take home exclusive merchandise

From Emirates branded Christy Towels, bespoke Championships branded A380 aircraft models, clothing, accessories and more, fans can get their hands on a range of merchandise available at the Emirates Official Store in-store and online.

Emirates’ sponsorships in the UK

Emirates is the Official Airline and Premier Partner of the ATP Tour. The airline’s tennis portfolio includes the highest profile events in the world, including all four Grand Slams, and 60 other tournaments across the year.

Earlier this year, Emirates and The All England Lawn Tennis Club announced a multi-million-pound investment to launch ‘Championing Nature’ – a new programme aimed at creating positive, lasting impact in urban communities through greater connections and engagement with nature. The programme will be delivered by four Wildlife Trusts: the London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, and North Merseyside; and Northumberland Wildlife Trust – with each Trust receiving investment to help fund bespoke projects and initiatives in their local urban areas to connect more children and families to nature.

In the UK, the airline is also a proud partner of Arsenal FC, the Emirates FA Cup, Lancashire Cricket Club, Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth in addition to Emirates Old Trafford, and Emirates Great Britan SailGP Team.

Emirates currently serves the UK with 133 weekly flights including: six times daily A380 to London Heathrow; three times daily A380 service to Gatwick; twice daily service to Stansted; three times daily A380 service to Manchester; twice daily service to Birmingham (including a daily A380 service); daily service to Newcastle; daily A380 service to Glasgow; and a daily A350 service to Edinburgh.

The airline’s extensive network of more than 140 destinations offers customers access to an array of onward connections to Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa, and Australasia.

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The post Delving into the Louvre staff strike: overtourism takes its toll on a centre of culture appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Massive queues slowly snake their way to The Louvre in the blistering summer heat (AP)

It may only have been for a day, but the employees’ strike at The Louvre in Paris underscores the severe impact that overtourism has on even the world’s biggest attractions.

To backtrack: on 16th June, the entire staff at the famed museum walked out of their jobs, much to the consternation of tourists and officials, in a wildcat strike against a double-whammy of overtourism and deteriorating working conditions.

The strike came a day after protesters throughout Southern Europe made their way to the streets to demand government action against the increasingly adverse effects of overtourism on local communities and their standard of living.

In a report by the Associated Press that has since been syndicated globally, the mass walkout began following dissent during a routine staff assembly as the workday began on 16th June.

As a result, regardless of the fact that crowds of tourists were already milling about outside in the heat of the noonday sun, The Louvre remained closed until 2:30 in the afternoon; even then, the number of those allowed inside were strictly limited.

Christian Galani, a spokesperson for French labour union CGT-Culture whose members include employees at The Louvre, declared: “We didn’t plan to go on strike, but the people are so exhausted, they can’t support the conditions getting worse and worse.”

It’s all too much

Per reports, Louvre staff gathered for their monthly assembly at around 10 in the morning local time on the 16th, but people walked out instead of returning to their posts.

The surprising tipping point that drove them to a mass walkout: the increasingly obvious issue of overcrowding around the museum’s most famous artifact on display, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Approximately, 20,000 people come to see the world’s most famous smile six days a week, jamming themselves into Le Salle des États, The Louvre’s largest hall.

But rather than silently appreciating the work of a Renaissance master, visitors to the Mona Lisa behave as if they were at a theme park: voices calling to one another loudly, jostling and jockeying to get the best angle for a snapshot, selfies left and right, and essentially posing the danger of physical damage to both artwork on display and fellow museum visitors.

Museum officials have long pointed out that people only come to the museum for the Mona Lisa, to the exclusion of other great works of art and momentous archaeological finds; it’s a matter that has been both overwhelming, exhausting, and worrying as massive crowds alter the temperature of display halls, potentially endangering precious artefacts of human history.

While the French government has been assuring museum officials and staff of their support by way of a ten-year redevelopment plan, those on the frontlines demand immediate action to address ongoing problems.

According to one of the museum’s visitor service agents Sarah Sefian: “We can’t wait six years for help. Our teams are under pressure now. It’s not just about the art: it’s about the people protecting it.”

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the upcoming general refurbishment and organisational restructuring of The Louvre in January of this year, but insiders pointed out that no action has been taken since the announcement.

CGT-Culture’s Galani explained that one key point of détente was the fact that over 200 positions have been vacated over the past 15 years, and that staff feel ill-equipped to deal with the massive crowds who have surged in following the relaxing of pandemic restrictions since 2023.

Galani said: “Nothing has changed; there are still too many visitors, and the rooms are in very bad condition. It’s very difficult for the workers.”

Why overtourism is bad for museums

Most travellers tend to forget one fundamental thing: crowds will raise the ambient temperature of an area, especially if it is an enclosed space like that of a museum gallery.

There is a reason why climate control is necessary in museums and art galleries: if presented in areas that are either too hot or too cold, the structural integrity of pieces, especially those over several decades or even centuries old.

The same thing goes for architectural finds regardless of whether these are fragments of ancient manuscripts or preserved human remains as in the case of either Egyptian or Peruvian mummies: display areas are kept at a certain temperature and the number of people who may gain access to them at any given time are strictly limited.

In addition, overtourism is equal to overcrowding which, in turn, leads to a diminished experience for many museum-goers whose enjoyment and appreciation of art is ruined by influencers noisily doing livestreams or tourists elbowing others out to get the perfect selfie.

At the same time, overtourism has resulted in increased maintenance costs as crowds wear on historic infrastructure, and there is an ever-present danger of vandalism as seen in the behaviour of younger travellers over the past several years.

Protecting artwork against vandalism has also taken a toll on museum security and curatorial staff in light of the way radicals from the group Just Stop Oil have been actively destroying priceless works of art, and the way ill-educated tourists have tried to put a personal stamp on destinations by carving marks into statues and structures.

While the French government continues to give assurance that corrective measures will be taken, museum staff are taking it with a grain of salt; but The Louvre strike which closed the doors of the world’s foremost museum to the public should be seen as a cautionary tale to their peers in the cultural management sector with regard to how badly overtourism may affect them in the long run.

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The post DXB set for summer surge with over 3.4 million guests expected in the season kick-off appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dubai International (DXB) is entering a period of sustained peak operations, with more than 3.4 million guests expected to travel through the airport between 27 June and 9 July 2025.  Daily volumes are forecast to average over 265,000 with the busiest day on 5 July for both departures and transfer traffic. Dubai Airports, alongside its stakeholders, has activated an integrated summer readiness plan to ensure guest journeys remain safe and efficient.

While the wider regional situation has led to some delays and cancellations across the network, the oneDXB community has been working around the clock to support guests, provide welfare, and maintain service continuity. Supported by a real-time monitoring and predictive system to optimise manpower and resource utilisation. DXB continues to monitor the situation in close coordination with authorities and airline partners, prioritising the safety of all guests and employees on the ground and through to take-off.

Guests departing in the coming days are encouraged to follow these key tips to ensure a smoother airport experience:

• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• Arrive no earlier than three hours before departure.
• Utilise online check-in, self-service kiosks and bag drop at DXB Terminal 3.
• DUBZ provides home check-in and baggage collection services, allowing guests to complete their airport formalities from the comfort of their home or hotel.
• Stay informed on flight and gate updates with DXB Express Maps, the wayfinding platform that helps you navigate the airport with a quick QR code scan and search.
• Enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards from trained staff, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in DXB Terminal 2.
• Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s full range of facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping and lounges to relax before their flight.

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The post GBA’ Phu Quoc route enhanced to scheduled service starting 27 October appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced that its Phu Quoc route will be enhanced from a summer seasonal service to a scheduled service starting 27 October 2025, further expanding the airline’s network coverage in Asia. This service will operate four times a week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between Hong Kong and Phu Quoc to meet the needs of travellers.

Located in the southwestern part of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is the largest island of the country and a newly emerging holiday destination. Phu Quoc is renowned for its natural scenery and has many beautiful beaches, such as Bai Sao Beach, Long Beach and Starfish Beach. A part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, the Phu Quoc National Park is regarded as a crucial ecological haven. Tourist attractions are also abundant – Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, Aquatopia Water Park, Vinpearl Safari, Hon Thom Cable Car, Sunset Town, Kiss of the Sea Multimedia Show, just to name a few.

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

Hong Kong (HKG) – Phu Quoc (PQC) (Phu Quoc International Airport)

To book a trip, customers may visit the GBA website (www.greaterbay-airlines.com), GBA mobile app or contact their travel agents.

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, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin and Zhangjiajie with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

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The post Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel launch ‘Monsoon Special holidays’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Indian travellers continue to showcase a strong appetite for holidays, post the peak summer rush —fuelled by cooler weather, vibrant landscapes and significant value. Capitalising on this opportunity, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched their portfolio of Monsoon Holidays 2025 across India and the sub-continent.

Monsoon, traditionally considered a low travel season, is gaining momentum due to its compelling value proposition. Travellers are leveraging off-season pricing, together with special deals/discounts from airlines and hotels and fewer crowds to explore India’s scenic beauty.

This is reiterated by Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s India Holiday Report which reveals an uptick in travel sentiment: 85% of respondents plan to double/triple their holidays, from 2 trips a year to 4-6 holidays annually. The report also highlights the growing trend of smart holiday planning, with 47% of respondents plan to optimise long/extended weekends and public holidays for short breaks and multiple mini-cations, making monsoon the ideal season to travel.

In addition, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have announced attractive Monsoon holiday offers, including discounted deals and special ‘Buy One Get One Free’ (BOGO) offers on select packages*, making Monsoon travel an attractive opportunity for Indian travellers.

Key highlights for Monsoon Holidays:

• Diverse traveller segments: Monsoon holidays gaining strong interest from Young India’s Gen Z & millennials, working professionals, couples, multigenerational families, a rising segment—‘frolleagues’ (colleagues who double as friends)
• Adventure and outdoor travel: continues to drive demand especially among young travellers, with experiences such as hiking in Tawang, biking in Rishikesh, waterfall trekking, rafting, and zip lining in Dawki
• Nature-Based Stays & Experiences:travellers are increasingly choosing unique stays and immersive nature escapes like guided treks to Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, Kas Pathar in Maharashtra, River kayaking and mangrove explorations in Sundarbans and Goa’s Chorao Island; stays in floating cottages and houseboats, eco-resorts with tree-top cabins and tree houses
• Regional and cultural festivals drawing interest: Snake Boat Races in Alleppey, Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha, Kandy Perahera festival in Sri Lanka, local festivals in Ladakh
• Wellness tourism is on the rise: travellers opting for traditional Ayurveda treatments and retreats in Kerala, along with yoga and wellness getaways in Rishikesh and Gokarna
• Spiritual and pilgrimage tourism: continued demand to key circuits like the 12 Jyotirlingas, Char dham, Rameswaram, Dwarka, Omkareshwar and Varanasi
• Romantic holidays during the monsoon are a growing trend among couples, especially to serene hill stations, beaches, and backwater retreats
• Mini-cations/Drive-cations and weekend getawaysremain top picks for short escapes:

o   From Mumbai/Pune: Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Nashik

o   From Delhi NCR: Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Jaipur

o   From Bangalore/Hyderabad: Coorg, Wayanad, Ooty

• Top destinations:

o   Domestic: Ladakh, Kashmir, Spiti Valley, Goa, Kerala, Andamans, Coorg, Ooty, Mysore, Nilgiris, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Shillong, Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jaisalmer)

o   Indian Sub-continent: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan

• Cruises are gaining popularity: as a hassle-free, all-inclusive monsoon option like Cordelia Cruises from Chennai to Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia

Additionally, short haul international destinations are witnessing demand during this season with increased interest for Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and island destinations like Maldives and Mauritius.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said: India’s monsoon is a magical season with lush, cooler climes and full of hidden gems. Being a traditionally low season for travel, Monsoon is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and experience travel at discounted rates with special offers. We have also launched ‘Buy One Get One Free’ (BOGO) offers on select packages to enhance value for our customers. From backwaters to wildlife safaris, biking trails, spiritual circuits to Ayurveda retreats, our Monsoon Holidays offer something for every traveller across segments of families, millennials, working professionals, group of friends, couples and frolleagues.”

S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel, said: “The monsoon season is opening up exciting opportunities for travellers to experience India at its lush and vibrant best. From mist-covered hills to rain-kissed forests, we’ve designed experiences that capture the untapped beauty of the season. We’re also seeing a shift beyond metros, with growing demand from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Micro-breaks, mini-cations and weekend getaways are becoming the new norm, as travellers seek shorter, more frequent holidays. Our monsoon portfolio is designed to cater to these evolving preferences with curated itineraries, flexible options and great value.”

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