Archive for category: Uncategorized

Agoda: Long weekends are boosting travel in the Asia Pacific

The post Agoda: Long weekends are boosting travel in the Asia Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital travel platform Agoda reports that Asia’s diverse and regular stream of public holidays is proving to be a boost to the Asia Pacific (APAC) travel industry as Asian tourists look to maximize their leisure time. 

Per the platform’s latest report, Asian travelers looking to travel long weekends are largely opting to stay in the APAC region, highlighting an opportunity for hoteliers to capture rising demand for more frequent, short stays.

Senior vice-president for supply Andrew Smith opined that the opportunity for hotels and airlines to secure bookings and incentivize travelers to extend their trips and add ancillary items to boost revenue over long weekends has never been greater.

Smith said: “Hotels should ensure they are using the right data to target the hottest consumers from across the Asia Pacific region and ensure that their service offerings are tailored to their regional tastes. For example, catering for visitors with large families by ensuring they are able to access larger and joined rooms for family travel.”

Long weekends are for travelling

Agoda saw an 80 percent month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore ahead of the Eid long weekend. 

Destinations of choice for the period were Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea and Taiwan. 

There was a similar trend during the Songkran long weekend in Thailand, with Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Seoul proving to be top choices. 

The recent long weekend in Vietnam, which covered Liberation Day and Labour Day, saw Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul being the most searched destinations.

How can hotels make the most out of long weekends?

By proactively offering packages that cater to long weekend stays and micro-vacations, hotels can capitalize on these trends.

Among the strategies proposed by Agoda are:

  • Focus on Content Marketing: Publish blog posts or guides about “Top Things to Do in [Your City] Over the Long Weekend.” Highlight local events, hidden gems, and places that are within easy reach. Use SEO best practices to ensure content ranks for relevant long weekend searches.
  • Launch long Weekend and “maxi-break” packages: Partner with travel platforms like Agoda and loyalty platforms to promote extended stay offers such as “Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3”. This aligns with the growing trend of consumers turning public holidays into mini vacations.
  • Push Ancillary items that help guests maximize shorter trips: Include value-adds like late check-out, complimentary breakfast, or tickets to local attractions.
  • Design wellness and immersive local packages – With Asia’s wellness tourism market projected to hit US$156.85 billion this year, hoteliers can attract high-value guests by offering digital detox retreats, spa-and-stay bundles, and locally sourced culinary experiences that can be enjoyed over a three day stay.

The post Agoda: Long weekends are boosting travel in the Asia Pacific appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Oceania Cruises’ Red Ginger expands menu with creative Nikkei dishes

The post Oceania Cruises’ Red Ginger expands menu with creative Nikkei dishes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Culinary and destination-centric cruise line Oceania Cruises adds 12 new, flavourful, and creative Nikkei dishes to its signature Pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger. 

This menu expansion brings a vibrant fusion of Peruvian flavors and refined Japanese culinary techniques and tastes to sea.

The innovative menu items recently debuted aboard Oceania Vista and will be available on the line’s newest ship, Oceania Allura which launches next month. 

The new Nikkei dishes will be added to the rest of the fleet by early 2026.

Oceania Cruises’ chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “The carefully crafted new Nikkei menu items further augment the ongoing evolution of our driving philosophy of serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Our industry-leading culinary team is constantly seeking to introduce our well-traveled guests to new experiences and flavors, while honoring our commitment to culinary excellence,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.

Executive culinary director Alexis Quaretti added: “This new Nikkei offering is a tangible example of the magic that emerges when cultures intertwine. Our passion for culinary innovation is fueled by constantly listening to our guests, noting their ever-expanding palates and deep curiosity to try new dishes and taste profiles. The introduction of these new Nikkei dishes is a result of our guests’ appetite for bold new flavors, and this is just the beginning of even more exciting developments on the horizon.”

What exactly is Nikkei cuisine?

Nikkei cuisine traces its origins to the late 19th century, when Japanese immigrants settled in Peru.

Over time, immigrants missing the taste of home adapted traditional Japanese recipes with native Peruvian ingredients, resulting in a distinctive taste marked by fresh seafood, bright citrus, soy-based sauces, and spicy peppers.

Unlike many long-established culinary traditions, Nikkei cuisine is refreshingly flexible as it honors customs and simultaneously embraces experimentation, an ethos that aligns perfectly with Oceania Cruises. 

The cruise line is deepening its guests’ understanding of Nikkei food through this new menu rollout, an initiative supported by chef Gustavo Sugay, who brings more than 20 years of experience preparing this dynamic cuisine.

The post Oceania Cruises’ Red Ginger expands menu with creative Nikkei dishes appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Prix Versailles names Namia River Retreat among the world’s most beautiful hotels

The post Prix Versailles names Namia River Retreat among the world’s most beautiful hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The prestigious Prix Versailles has named Namia River Retreat among its World’s Most Beautiful Hotels for 2025.

This global citation celebrates outstanding design, heritage, and sustainability across the hospitality, commercial, and cultural sectors.

This esteemed recognition places Namia River Retreat among an exceptional collection of just 16 hotels worldwide this year.

The 2025 Honour Roll also includes Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab (Dubai), Mandarin Oriental Qianmen (Beijing), Rosewood Munich (Germany), Al Moudira (Egypt), Hôtel Hana (Paris), Palazzo Talìa (Rome), and The Manner (New York). 

Prix Versailles secretary-general Jérôme Gouadain said of this year’s roster: “The common thread between these sixteen extraordinary hotels is the fact that they all elevate expertise and local heritage. But more than that, they are all the fruit of extremely advanced design work, a reflection of clear, across-the-board collaboration between their creators and their regions. The artistic approach serves hospitality here by shining a light on its multiple influences and adding a touch of warmth, clarity and meaning, in order to construct what are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.”

Namia River Retreat’s inclusion is both an honour and affirmation of the resort’s mission: to offer mindful luxury and tell The Namia Story to the world, highlighting a journey of life by the river, crafted with nature, and guided by the timeless ritual of light. 

Eco-friendly design shines

Designed by T3 Architects and Kanopea Architecture Studio, renowned for their commitment to bioclimatic and sustainable design, Namia River Retreat showcases eco-conscious architecture that nurtures both land and river. 

Inspired by the vernacular fishermen’s homes of Hoi An, the resort’s architecture thoughtfully balances past and present, using timber-framed roofs and thatch roofs to optimize thermal comfort and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.  

Lumina Wellbeing, as both the resort’s wellness consultant and management company, brings a deeply holistic philosophy that guides the retreat’s wellness vision and guest experience. 

With LJ-Group leading the landscape architecture and reintroducing indigenous plants, Kobi Lighting Studio curating circadian lighting design attuned to the body’s rhythm, and LifeStyleConnected crafting the interiors, Namia River Retreat is a masterful expression of place and purpose. 

Inside and out, handcrafted décor, riverside herbal garden, and curated wellness spaces reflect the spirit of Hội An, reimagined for today’s conscious traveller. 

At the heart of the retreat is the first branded Lumina Wellbeing (Wellbeing and Spa), where traditional Vietnamese herbal therapies and daily wellness journeys honor the ancient wisdom of Vietnamese Herbology and the rhythms of the body. 

The post Prix Versailles names Namia River Retreat among the world’s most beautiful hotels appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Virtuoso all set to hold Virtuoso Connects in Bali

The post Virtuoso all set to hold Virtuoso Connects in Bali appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global luxury and experiential travel network Virtuoso announced that it’s all systems go for the first-ever Virtuoso Connects event for North and Southeast Asia.

This pioneering event is slated for Friday, 27th June, and is being done in partnership with Hyatt Hotels Corporation at Andaz Bali, a Virtuoso Preferred Property.

Virtuoso general manager for North and Southeast Asia Raymond Ang said of the partnership for the upcoming event: “Our collaboration with Hyatt and Andaz Bali was a natural choice, given our shared focus on positive-impact travel. Their dedication to conservation and innovation reflects the values we hold at Virtuoso, where luxury travel doesn’t just inspire, but also protects and gives back.”

Hyatt Regency Bali & Andaz Bali managing director Hervé Mazella added: “It is a true honor to host Virtuoso’s first North and Southeast Asia Connects event in Indonesia at Andaz Bali. This milestone not only celebrates the growth of luxury travel in the region but also highlights the shared values between Virtuoso and Hyatt, particularly our mutual commitment to meaningful, sustainable and locally rooted experiences. We are proud to be part of a partnership that elevates Bali’s cultural richness while inspiring purposeful travel for a new generation of global explorers.”

The event marks a major milestone for Virtuoso’s recently implemented North and Southeast Asia regional team and spotlights the network’s growing presence in Asia’s dynamic luxury travel landscape.

Where engagement comes first

Designed to foster meaningful engagement between Virtuoso’s top advisors and preferred partners, Virtuoso Connects Bali will bring together a curated group of key stakeholders for in-depth networking and strategic discussions. 

These localised events are core to Virtuoso’s broader strategy to cultivate stronger regional relationships and accelerate growth in fast-emerging markets.

Participating preferred partners include: Andaz Bali; Hyatt Hotels Corporation; InterContinental Singapore; Jumeirah Bali; Raffles Bali; The Londoner Macao; The Ritz-Carlton Bali, and W Bali – Seminyak.

Likewise, member agencies in attendance will include: 360 Private Travel; Blantara Travel; Blue Sky Escapes; CRIL Privée & Cie.; Holiday Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd; PARIS CLASS; Travellino, and TRUVI.

A timely gathering

At present, Virtuoso is investing significantly in growing its agency membership and preferred partner production across the region, driven by increasing demand for tailor-made travel. 

That said, Connects Bali represents the first in a series of regional events this year aimed at cultivating strong local partnerships and strengthening the network across North and Southeast Asia.

According to Ang: “Launching the Connects series in Bali is more than symbolic: it’s strategic. We are deepening our roots in the region and strengthening the advisor-partner ecosystem that drives Virtuoso’s global influence. We’re excited to welcome everyone to Bali, and soon to Tokyo and Seoul for additional Connects events this November.”

As Virtuoso continues to expand in North and Southeast Asia, local partnerships remain key to long-term success. 

With three member agencies, namely Blantara Travel, Travellino, and TRUVI, already active in Indonesia, the network is well-positioned to tap into the region’s rising demand for bespoke, meaningful travel experiences.

The post Virtuoso all set to hold Virtuoso Connects in Bali appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

‘Tru by Hilton’ Debuts in Asia Pacific with 14 New Hotels Opening in Vietnam in 2025

The post ‘Tru by Hilton’ Debuts in Asia Pacific with 14 New Hotels Opening in Vietnam in 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Experience modern comfort and vibrant design at Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station, where style meets functionality in the heart of Vietnams bustling capital city

Hilton  announced the opening of the first four of 14 Tru by Hilton properties in Vietnam, in partnership with ROX Group (formerly TNG Holdings Vietnam). The new hotels herald the entry of Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific and build upon Hilton’s growth momentum in South East Asia.  

Slated to open before the end of 2025, the new Tru by Hilton properties will bring Hilton’s total pipeline of hotels under development in Vietnam to 28. Hilton currently operates six properties across three brands – Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. The much-anticipated arrival of Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific further reinforces Vietnam as one of Hilton’s largest markets in South East Asia.

“The arrival of Tru by Hilton in Vietnam reflects our robust growth momentum in South East Asia and the wider Asia Pacific region.” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s premier travel destinations, underpinned by rapidly growing domestic demand, and rising international arrivals. Tru by Hilton addresses a gap in the market – bringing an energetic and playful brand to 14 cities in Vietnam – and will appeal to guests seeking a vibrant and practical hotel stay.”

Launching Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific

With Vietnam’s growing tourism arrivals and a rising middle class fuelling domestic travel, the new Tru by Hilton hotels will be strategically located in both popular and emerging destinations to cater to business and leisure travelers. The brand’s arrival in Asia Pacific follows successful ventures in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, further solidifying its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Designed for business and leisure travelers across generations, the brand delivers a young-at-heart experience centred on value. From functional lobby spaces for work and play, to thoughtfully designed, spacious guest rooms, Tru by Hilton blends modern aesthetics with practical features and locally inspired elements for a seamless and comfortable stay. 

“Since the brand was created, Tru by Hilton has won over travelers who are young at heart with its innovative value proposition and energetic voice. The Vietnam properties will redefine the hospitality experience in their locales, blending game-changing amenities with a truly lively atmosphere,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

The first four Tru by Hilton hotels in Vietnam includes the Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station, bringing a fresh, vibrant stay to the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Designed with inspiration from Hanoi Railway Station, which has been the city’s key transit hub for over 120 years, the hotel blends contemporary comfort with the city’s rich local heritage. With 129 thoughtfully designed rooms, including king, twin, king with sofa, and Accessible options, guests can expect a relaxed and seamless stay. Located just across from Hanoi Railway Station, the property offers easy access to the city’s most iconic attractions, from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, to Hanoi’s renowned street food scene. Whether exploring historic landmarks or enjoying a taste of local flavours, guests will find everything they need just moments away.

Tru by Hilton Ha Long Hon Gai City Centre offers the best of both worlds – stunning views of Ha Long Bay and the energy of the city’s bustling centre. With 90 well-appointed rooms, including king, twin, and accessible options, the hotel provides everything guests need for a comfortable and convenient stay. Just steps away from boat tours and cruises that explore the UNESCO-listed bay, guests can immerse themselves in Ha Long’s breathtaking natural beauty. The property’s central location also places them close to the city’s best local seafood restaurants, cultural attractions, and lively markets, making it the ideal base for relaxation and adventure.

Each Tru by Hilton property in Vietnam will feature the signature “Top It” complimentary breakfast bar – offering a customizable morning meal with a variety of delicious dumplings, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.  Open 24/7, the Eat. & Sip. market offers local gourmet snacks, refreshments, beer and wine, and complimentary fresh herbal-infused water made from local ingredients. 

Guests can enjoy amenities such as a well-equipped fitness centre and inviting social spaces for games and gatherings, or explore top dining, shopping, and entertainment with local recommendations from the Tru-ly Local wall. Select properties feature versatile function rooms for work or social gatherings.

“Our partnership with Hilton to bring 14 Tru by Hilton hotels to Vietnam is a testament to the country’s vibrant tourism market and immense potential. This milestone marks the transformation of the SOJO Hotels chain into Tru by Hilton, introducing a new international brand standard to our properties. With Hilton’s global expertise guiding these 14 hotels, we are set to elevate our offerings to world-class benchmarks and are confident that this partnership between Hilton and ROX Group will pave the way for even greater opportunities in the years ahead,” said Xuan Quang Tran, vice president and CEO of ROX Group. 

Following the first openings in Hanoi, Ha Long, Lang Son and Nam Dinh, additional planned openings include cities such as Da Nang, Thai Binh, Bac Giang, Hoa Binh, Hau Giang, Lao Cai, Dak Lak, Viet Tri, Can Tho, and Tam Ký. Each hotel will embody the vibrant and fun spirit of Tru by Hilton, offering guests a dynamic and memorable stay in these diverse and culturally rich locations.

Tru by Hilton in Vietnam is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. 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, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app. Members also have access to contactless technology through the Hilton Honors mobile app, where members can book direct, check-in or choose their room using Digital Key. 

 

The post ‘Tru by Hilton’ Debuts in Asia Pacific with 14 New Hotels Opening in Vietnam in 2025 appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

IndiGo Launches direct flights from Hindon airport to 8 cities across India

The post IndiGo Launches direct flights from Hindon airport to 8 cities across India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights from Hindon, Uttar Pradesh, underscoring its commitment to making air travel even more accessible to its customers. Effective 20 July 2025, the airline will commence direct operations from Hindon to eight cities across India, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi. Hindon marks IndiGo’s 93rd domestic and 136th overall station and is the second airport that the airline connects in the National Capital Region (NCR). IndiGo currently operates over 1500 weekly departures from Delhi, connecting over 85 destinations on its network.

For residents of Ghaziabad, East Delhi and other parts of Western Uttar Pradesh, the launch of these flights brings greater convenience and more travel options, boosting regional connectivity. The new direct connections will provide seamless access to major commercial and cultural hubs across India, fostering trade, tourism, and regional growth.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said: We are pleased to announce seamless connections from yet another Domestic airport – Hindon, in the National Capital Region. Our expansion into Hindon is a strategic move offering an additional gateway for millions in the wider catchment area. With over 70 weekly departures to eight key cities, our endeavour is to increase travel convenience, drive business mobility and foster economic growth. The ever- developing airport infrastructure in India allows us to provide convenient flight options and enhanced connections.”

 Hindon, located in the Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, is a rapidly developing urban and industrial hub within the National Capital Region. Known for its strategic location and proximity to major economic zones like Noida and East Delhi, Hindon serves as a crucial point for commerce and connectivity. The region is characterized by a dynamic mix of industrial estates, educational institutions, and burgeoning residential areas, reflecting its significant contribution to the economic landscape of Uttar Pradesh. With the presence of the Hindon Air Force Station, it also holds strategic importance. This new air connectivity will further catalyze the region’s growth, offering its residents and businesses enhanced access to India’s diverse cultural and economic centers.

Flight Schedule:

 

Flight No. Origin Destination Frequency Effective Departure Arrival
6E 2561 Bengaluru Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 4:20 6:55
6E 2562 Hindon Bengaluru Daily 20-Jul-25 7:50 10:25
6E 2582 Bengaluru Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 9:35 12:10
6E 2581 Hindon Bengaluru Daily 20-Jul-25 13:00 15:40
6E 2588 Kolkata Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 5:50 8:00
6E 2589 Hindon Kolkata Daily 20-Jul-25 8:50 11:00
6E 2517 Mumbai Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 7:40 9:40
6E 5091 Hindon Mumbai Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun 20-Jul-25 18:00 20:15
6E 2567 Ahmedabad Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 8:55 10:25
6E 2568 Hindon Ahmedabad Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun 20-Jul-25 17:35 19:05
6E 2568 Hindon Ahmedabad Sun 20-Jul-25 11:10 12:40
6E 2573 Patna Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 10:00 11:40
6E 2553 Hindon Patna Daily 20-Jul-25 12:30 14:10
6E 2571 Hindon Varanasi Daily 20-Jul-25 10:30 11:45
6E 2590 Varanasi Hindon Daily 20-Jul-25 11:55 13:20
6E 2578 Chennai Hindon Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun 20-Jul-25 12:05 14:50
6E 2579 Hindon Chennai Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun 20-Jul-25 15:40 18:20
6E 2558 Hindon Indore Daily 20-Jul-25 14:10 15:30
6E 2559 Indore Hindon Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun 20-Jul-25 16:00 17:20

 

 

The post IndiGo Launches direct flights from Hindon airport to 8 cities across India appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Celebrate International Yoga Day at Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh 

The post Celebrate International Yoga Day at Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Woman doing yoga asana Natarajasana – Lord of the dance pose outdoors at waterfall in Himalayas

In honour of International Yoga Day on 21 June, Aloha on the Ganges invites guests to a rejuvenating experience by the Ganges at the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Surrounded by serene, forested hills and nestled along the banks of the Ganges, this luxury resort blends wellness, culture, and spirituality. 

Begin your day with sunrise yoga, followed by mindful pranayama sessions guided by the rhythm of the flowing Ganga. Thoughtfully prepared vegetarian meals offer nourishment throughout the day, in harmony with the wellness journey.

Guests are invited to explore deeper healing through Tattva Spa’s signature therapies, inspired by age-old Ayurvedic traditions. As dusk settles, unwind by the infinity pool with panoramic river views, before witnessing the tranquil in-house Ganga Aarti—a spiritually immersive ritual, exclusively curated for resident guests.

Escape the ordinary—celebrate yoga in its purest form, with Aloha’s harmony of mind, body, and soulful living by the Ganges. At Aloha, wellness is not just practiced—it is lived. And in this sacred space, the Ganga herself becomes your guide, your muse, and your companion in stillness.

Date: 21st June, 2025

Venue: Aloha on The Ganges, Rishikesh

 

 

 

 

The post Celebrate International Yoga Day at Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Finnair celebrates 70 years of flights to Ivalo, Lapland

The post Finnair celebrates 70 years of flights to Ivalo, Lapland appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

a house in Lapland; Shutterstock

 

Finnair celebrates a significant milestone this week, 70 years since the launch of the first flight to Ivalo, the airline’s northernmost destination in Finland and the European Union’s most northerly international airport.  The inaugural service took place on 18 June 1955, marking the beginning of a long-standing commitment to connecting travellers with the unique nature and culture of Finnish Lapland.

At that time, the route was operated via fellow Finnish gateways, Oulu, Kemi, and Rovaniemi, with a DC-3 aircraft.

Located in the heart of Northern Lapland, Ivalo serves as a gateway to some of Finland’s most pristine wilderness areas, including Lake Inari, Lemmenjoki National Park, and the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area.

The region offers year-round experiences, from hiking and canoeing in summer to snowmobiling and aurora hunting in winter. In addition to Ivalo, Finnair operates direct flights from Helsinki to other key destinations in Lapland, including Kittilä and Rovaniemi.

Kittilä provides access to the popular Levi and Ylläs ski resorts, while Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a year-round vibrant hub for tourism, culture, and business.

Jenni Suomela, Finnair’s Vice President, Sales and Retail, said: “Ivalo has been part of Finnair’s network for 70 years, a testament to the long-standing importance of Lapland in our operations.

“Today, the region is more popular than ever, and we have a strong offering year-round. “We have several weekly flights to different destinations during the summer, and our schedule for the upcoming winter is the most extensive yet.”

During this summer season Finnair flies over 50 weekly flights to Lapland from Helsinki, timed for easy connections for customers from the UK and Ireland.

During the 2025–2026 winter season, Finnair will operate up to 72 weekly flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, 41 to Kittilä, and 33 to Ivalo.

The expanded schedule is designed to support growing demand, particularly during peak travel periods and weekends, while ensuring smooth connections for British and Irish customers.

Lapland continues to be one of Finnair’s most distinctive and attractive destinations, due to the region’s natural beauty, peacefulness, strong cultural heritage, and Nordic hospitality.

From the Midnight Sun and autumn colours to the Northern Lights, Lapland offers unforgettable experiences in every season.

 

 

The post Finnair celebrates 70 years of flights to Ivalo, Lapland appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Enterprise attractions lag in distribution and tech adoption: Arival

The post Enterprise attractions lag in distribution and tech adoption: Arival appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Colosseum is bathed in the warm light of sunset, enhancing its ancient glory and the serenity of the surrounding ruins

 Arival, the business intelligence and events company for the in-destination experiences industry, in partnership with GetYourGuide, a premier online marketplace for tours and activities, announced the release of their comprehensive new report, “Inside Enterprise Attractions”, part of the Global Operator Landscape (3rd Ed.) report series.

This insightful report delves into the technology, distribution, and product operations of the world’s largest visitor attractions, highlighting a critical disparity; while large attractions drive significant revenue, many are underperforming in key digital distribution and tech adoption, presenting substantial untapped opportunities.

The “Inside Enterprise Attractions” report provides an in-depth analysis of the trends shaping the attractions sector, from evolving ticketing systems to innovative product development.  It reveals that the 50 largest attractions studied, despite generating an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue, often lag behind smaller operators in adopting modern booking technology and optimizing online distribution.  For instance, more than half (54%) of the top 50 attractions still rely on direct sales through their own websites or physical ticket counters as their primary distribution channel, indicating a significant opportunity for growth through diversified online partnerships.

The report also highlights that only 38% of these attractions have fully integrated API connectivity with online travel agencies (OTAs), limiting their reach to a global audience. These figures underscore a massive untapped potential for increased revenue and broader visitor engagement.

“As the summer travel period rapidly approaches, there’s an immense opportunity for attractions to truly capitalize on traveler demand,” said Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder and CEO of Arival.  “Understanding the modern traveler’s journey and optimizing digital distribution and connectivity isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking billions in potential revenue by effectively reaching and serving a global audience.  The insights in this report provide a clear roadmap for attractions to enhance their offerings and maximize their impact this season and beyond.”

This report underscores the immense potential for attractions to leverage advanced technology and strategic distribution partnerships to enhance reach, streamline operations, and ultimately boost revenue.  The findings will be particularly relevant for tour operators and resellers seeking to build stronger relationships and demonstrate clear value to attractions, while being sensitive to their brand and operational constraints.

.

 

 

The post Enterprise attractions lag in distribution and tech adoption: Arival appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Travelex reports surge in prepaid travel card popularity

The post Travelex reports surge in prepaid travel card popularity appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Foreign exchange brand Travelex has seen major year-on-year growth of its prepaid Travelex Money Card, outpacing industry forecasts of prepaid travel card market growth. Travelex has seen a 49% increase in Travelex Money Card reload transactions (customers adding currency to their card) between January and May compared to the same period last year, alongside a 50% increase in card reload penetration (the proportion of Travelex Money Card reloads vs purchases of cash).

The surge in customers choosing Travelex’s prepaid card product outpaces Allied Market Research data, which forecasted a 15.3% CAGR in the prepaid travel money card market between 2023 and 2032.

“Travellers want to access, top-up and manage travel money in a secure and reliable way. Our prepaid Travelex Money Card enables customers to easily budget, get competitive Travelex rates and spend whenever and wherever” said Simon Jackson, Chief Customer Officer at Travelex.

Travelex has also seen a 10% year-on-year increase in conversion rate in its TMC app, as more customers who began a card reload finalised the purchase.

The increase in conversion rate is attributed to Travelex relaunching its Travelex Money Card app last year, with the new app offering customers an improved user experience. The UK app allows customers to add up to 22 different currencies, check their balance and transactions, view their card details, and freeze and unfreeze their card for instant protection.

“We’re delighted that our new Travelex Money Card app has been a major driver of Travelex Money Card growth. The app offers customers a fast and seamless top-up experience, making it even easier to spend safely abroad,” added Jackson.

 

 

The post Travelex reports surge in prepaid travel card popularity appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia