The post Jumeirah Carlton Tower joins London’s Big Egg Hunt appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower is proud to take part in The Big Egg Hunt, a city-wide celebration of art and conservation set to transform London’s most iconic landmarks into a vibrant open-air gallery from 24 March to 27 April 2025.

Contributing to the initiative, the hotel has partnered with acclaimed Emirati artist Hashel Al Lamki to create a striking two-foot egg sculpture, inspired by the ethereal beauty of sunsets, named Foraminifera II. Positioned along the official trail, the artwork reflects Al Lamki’s distinctive style and his exploration of the connection between humanity and nature.

During his creative residency at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Al Lamki developed a design that captures his belief in the role of art as a bridge between nature, history, and the future. Commenting on the collaboration, he shared: “Every act of creation is an act of care. With the support of Jumeirah, I aim to create art not only for today but for future generations, connecting art, biodiversity, and the urgent need for conservation.”

In celebration of the hotel’s involvement, a miniature replica of Hashel Al Lamke’s egg will be on display at The Chinoiserie from 1 April, allowing guests to admire the design in an intimate setting. To further enrich the Easter experience, Executive Pastry Chef, Martin Haidar and his team, have created a hand-crafted chocolate egg, inspired by Hashels creation, filled with caramel flakes and hazelnut praline. Made with 40% milk chocolate and a delicate infusion of pink pepper, this exclusive Easter treat will be available throughout April.

Recognised as the world’s largest egg hunt, The Big Egg Hunt will animate locations including Chelsea, Covent Garden, Battersea Power Station, and The British Museum with unique sculptures designed by leading artists, designers, and local brands.

Participants are invited to explore the trail using a free app, collect virtual eggs, unlock prizes, and join a silent auction for the chance to take home one of the one-of-a-kind creations, all while raising vital funds for Elephant Family’s vital conservation work to protect habitats and wildlife in South Asia

 

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The post easyJet has announced a new direct service from Birmingham to City of Derry Airport appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

From 1 September 20255, the new service will depart twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, perfect for staycation, visiting friends and family, or travelling for business.  City of Derry airport which lies on the west bank of the River Foyle is home to Northern Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City.

It offers a vibrant food scene, and award-winning museums aplenty as well as a great gateway to discover where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route, not to mention the setting of iconic series Derry Girls.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, commented: “Our new domestic route from Birmingham to City of Derry further supports the demand we are seeing from both leisure and business customers in the Midlands.

“Having recently celebrated the first anniversary of our base at Birmingham Airport and growing presence in the UK’s second city, we are excited to look ahead to this summer when we will welcome two additional aircraft along with new routes to Lanzarote, Bordeaux, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria and Malta.”

Tom Screen, Aviation Director of Birmingham Airport said: “We welcome the announcement of EasyJet’s new direct service to City of Derry from September 2025, which is in direct response to our customer’s demands. The return of this route to Birmingham Airport will allow even more of our passengers to explore the historic city, whilst further bolstering our airport’s domestic connectivity for business.”

 

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The post Chimu Adventures welcomes Albatros Expeditions into Nordic Expedition Cruise and Travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Chimu Adventures has announced that Albatros Expeditions (AE) is joining their parent network Nordic Expedition Cruise and Travel (NECT).

This development follows NECT’s complete acquisition of the expedition cruise firm, and this marks a milestone for both companies in the Australian  market.  

Leveraging the extensive network of NECT which also includes Polar Latitudes (PL), Albatros Expeditions and Polar Latitudes will join operational forces to enhance their respective cruise offerings to the Arctic and  Antarctica which will be packaged with Chimu’s Latin America land product to offer Australian travellers the full travel package, door to door, across a growing fleet of ships. 

This new acquisition will round out a  strong global operations and sales group for NECT, in both the Polar and Latin America travel markets.  

The combined fleet of Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions will include the Ocean Albatros, Ocean  Victory, MS Seaventure, and Ocean Nova.

By doing so, the combined firm leverages its strong collective experience in immersive polar  journeys across diverse market sectors, while prioritising low-emission voyages. 

According to Albatros Expeditions’ incoming chief executive Patrick Shaw: “Our ambition is to create the most trusted and reliable brand for all of our customers and business  partners by learning from, and building on, each other’s strengths. Within our network, as we expand polar operations, we continue to leverage the Chimu brand as the  complete package, both locally and globally. Chimu offers access to all the very best ships and deals in the polar regions, as well as a place to book flights and South America travel packages, all with only one phone call. This combination of expertise under one umbrella provides the perfect hub for travellers and  agents alike to feel well taken care of, both now and in the future.”

A more sustainable way to cruise into Antarctica

According to Chimu Adventures’ managing director and NECT partner Chad Carey explained that they have spent the last few years trying to develop a reduced emission pathway in Antarctic operations for Australian travellers.

That said, this acquisition was the game-change they needed.

Carey said: “The addition of the X bow ships to the fleet, Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, operated by Albatros, are not only two of the most capable expedition cruising ships on the water, but their modern and  efficient design will reduce our emissions per traveller significantly, compared to our previous  operations on the Ocean Endeavour.”

Albatros Expeditions have been at the forefront of sustainable cruising for a number of years operating  the emission efficient Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory. 

This combined with their extensive experience in polar operations and comprehensive green initiative onboard program where single used plastics are  eliminated, biodegradable products are used, and sustainable food is served, puts Albatros in the top tier among polar operators.  

These strengths complement those of Chimu’s sister company, Polar Latitudes, a US based expedition  travel company recognised for their industry leading operations. 

Polar Latitudes is known for its deeply  immersive Antarctic experiences, strong leadership in Citizen Science, and ongoing support of NGOs  committed to protecting the polar region’s fragile environment.  

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The post Eurostar reinforces its commitment to accessible and neurodivergent-friendly rail travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Eurostar is proud to pledge its commitment to supporting autistic individuals by officially endorsing and signing the ‘Charter of commitments relating to the inclusion of travellers with autism in the rail environment’. 

This charter, drawn up in conjunction with SNCF Réseau, and other supportive associates, demonstrates the collective dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all rail travellers across its wide network – spanning five countries. From this World Autism Awareness Day, Eurostar will take a proactive and comprehensive approach to enhancing the travel experience for individuals with autistic needs.

The charter commits the business to further develop its neurodivergent-friendly design throughout Eurostar’s network, create clear, accessible and sensory-sensitive messaging for autistic individuals and provide more intensive autism and neurodivergent supportive training for all frontline staff. Within this framework, Eurostar pledges to:

• Ensure that the websites further comply with digital accessibility requirements and promote this across all ticketing partner platforms.
• Provide travellers with clear neurodivergent-friendly information, across all digital and physical channels.
• Sign-post easy access to booking assistance at the stations on the Assist’enGare platform.
• Provide training for staff interacting with customers on the needs and specific requirements of individuals with autism
• Involve autistic individuals in testing all customer journeys to gather their feedback on the accessibility of rail transport and consider necessary adaptations.
• Increase awareness of pedestrian crossing hazards and ensure all passengers fully understand safety documents and the signage at stations and on platforms designed to mitigate rail risks
• Study and evaluate the possibility of introducing facilities and adaptations to enable autistic individuals   to shelter from excessive sensory stimuli caused by crowds, noise or light, in stations and on trains.

Heather Campbell, Eurostar’s Chief Communication and Diversity & Inclusion Officer says: “At Eurostar, we believe that travel should be an inclusive and positive experience for all. By signing this charter, we are taking a crucial step towards making our trains, check-in and lounges more accessible and welcoming, with a particular focus on creating an environment where autistic individuals feel at ease. This commitment reflects our dedication to ensuring that every passenger feels safe and supported.”

 

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The post IGHC 2025 to focus on people, processes and performance appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the need to modernize operations, invest in workforce development, and strengthen coordination and collaboration to improve performance.

“Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is “elevate”. We’ll be looking for ways to drive better performance in the ground handling sector. That means modernizing operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so that ground handling can support growth even more efficiently,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

IGHC is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 to 15 May 2025, hosted by Kenya Airways. It is the first time that the conference will be hosted on the African continent.

Speakers and Sessions

The President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka will be among the keynote speakers at the event.

The conference will feature plenary sessions, specialized tracks and workshops, addressing:

• Ground Operations:  The reliability of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), the transition to hydrogen-powered GSE, the benefits of harmonized training, and key safety focus areas for ground personnel.
• Baggage Operations: For the first time, a dedicated session will cover real-time baggage tracking, the transition to modern messaging standards, and the shift to electronic bag tags.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Discussions will explore airport–ground handler collaboration, provide insights into privatization, and examine upcoming ground handling regulations.

Spotlight on Africa

In recognition of the critical role that ground operations play across Africa’s growing aviation sector, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya will attend the conference and has extended invitations to regulators and aviation authorities from across the continent.

“Aviation opens a world of economic and social development opportunities, and aviation’s greatest potential is to make a real difference to the prosperity of people in Africa. Welcoming and supporting the IGHC in Kenya is an example of the importance that Kenya places on the aviation sector and the expectations that we have for it as a sector leading development in Kenya and across the continent,” said H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.

Hosting IGHC 2025 in Nairobi underscores IATA’s commitment to supporting aviation growth in Africa, in line with its broader efforts under the Focus Africa initiative.

“As Africa’s aviation leader, Kenya Airways is honored to pioneer this landmark event. Hosting IGHC aligns with our mission to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase Africa’s readiness to shape the future of global air travel. Hosting IGHC 2025 in Kenya reaffirms our commitment to advancing the industry—both domestically and continentally—to unlock prosperity and connectivity,” said Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways.

 

 

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The post Star Air India revs up operations with the Aviator Revenue Management system appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indian regional carrier Star Air is now the first airline in the country to implement Maxamation’s Aviator Revenue Management system in its operations.

The advent of the Aviator Revenue Management system at the airline is timely as Star Air plans to operate a fleet of 25 aircraft by 2027 and enhance connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. 

With new aircraft soon to commence operations, Star Air will target underserved markets and set new standards in air travel in keeping with its drive to connect real India from their base of operations at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.

Maxamation chief executive Peter Brewer said of the implementation: “Star Air is Maxamation’s first customer in India and we are delighted to partner with them. Star Air has an impressive regional model which we have seen work very well in other markets. The Star Air team worked as close partners with our Maxamation team in Australia and in India to deliver the best outcome for the airline. We look forward to being part of the growing Star Air journey in the years ahead.”

A necessary addition

Given Star Air’s ambitious growth plans, the airline needed an established revenue management partner to help them maximise passenger revenue day in and day out. 

As a result, Star Air chose Maxamation and the Aviator Revenue Management system as the best fit for their needs.

Star Air’s general manager for revenue management Anil Rajvani is positive about the benefits which Aviator brings to Star Air. 

According to Rajvani: “Right from the start the Maxamation team has been fast and professional to work with and have supported us 100% along the way.  The onsite training was centred on our specific needs and left us in a great position to maximise flight revenue. Aviator itself is exactly the automated and user-friendly revenue management system we were looking for. Most importantly, we are already seeing the revenue grow.”

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The post Avianca launches operations for four new direct routes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Avianca continues to expand its network to provide more connection alternatives and accessibility for travellers. With the launch of operations for four new direct routes—Tampa-Bogotá, Fort Lauderdale-Medellín, Miami-San José (Costa Rica), and San Juan-San José (Costa Rica)—travelers can enjoy a broad range of options to connect with the United States and the Caribbean.

With the addition of Tampa as a new destination in the U.S. and the expansion of connectivity in Puerto Rico and Latin America, Avianca offers strategic frequencies to facilitate business, tourism, and international travel connections.

The new routes are operated on Airbus A320 family aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers and will offer a total of 8,000 weekly seats, distributed as follows: Tampa – Bogotá with 1,440 available weekly seats; Fort Lauderdale – Medellín with more than 2,520 weekly seats; Miami – San José with 2,520 weekly seats and; San Juan – San José with three weekly flights, directly connecting Puerto Rico with Costa Rica.

“In the past year, we transported more than 38 million passengers to domestic and international destinations while consolidating the largest route network in our history. Now, in 2025, we want to continue providing greater access and connectivity to our customers. That’s why, with the launch of our new routes from Tampa to Bogotá, Fort Lauderdale to Medellín, and Miami to San José, we now have 43 direct routes connecting the United States with the rest of the Americas, enabling millions of passengers to travel across diverse geographies and millions of tourists to visit the U.S.,” said Frederico Pedreira, CEO of Avianca.

New Route Schedules:

Flight	Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency	Start Date
AV629	San Juan – San José	2:10 p.m.	3:25 p.m.	Monday, Thursday, Friday	March 31, 2025
AV628	San José – San Juan	7:30 a.m.	12:40 p.m.
AV194	Bogotá – Tampa	07:15 a.m.	12:15 p.m.	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	March 30
AV195	Tampa – Bogotá	02:15 p.m.	05:10 p.m.
AV190	Medellín – Fort Lauderdale	10:20 a.m.	02:45 p.m.	Daily
AV191	Fort Lauderdale – Medellín	04:30 p.m.	06:50 p.m.
AV604	San José – Miami	08:25 a.m.	01:15 p.m.	Daily
AV605	Miami – San José	09:40 p.m.	10:40 p.m.

 

Tampa: A New Gateway to Latin America

Tampa is one of Florida’s main cities, and this historic connection, which Avianca is operating for the first time, will offer travelers on both ends more opportunities for direct travel. Passengers in Tampa will be able to connect via Bogotá to over 80 destinations across the Americas and Europe.

“Tampa International Airport has achieved a major milestone in connecting Tampa Bay to Bogota,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. “With our new airline partner Avianca, TPA now has nonstop flights to South America for the very first time, giving our residents unparalleled access to Colombia and beyond. I’m grateful to Avianca, as well as the efforts of our community partners throughout Tampa Bay, for helping us make this longtime goal a reality.”

“The launch of Avianca’s Tampa–Bogotá route strengthens the bridge between Colombia and the United States, fostering deeper business, tourism, and cultural ties. With record-breaking tourism growth and expanding connectivity, this new route is more than just a flight, it’s an invitation for Florida’s west coast to discover Colombia, The Country of Beauty”, said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country’s promotion agency.

Through Bogotá, travelers will be able to connect with 25 domestic destinations in Colombia, gaining access to all regions of the country and conveniently enjoying cities such as Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Quibdó, San Andrés, Leticia, and more.

 

 

 

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The post MakeMyTrip turns ‘25’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

MakeMyTrip, celebrates 25 years of being #IndiaKaTravelPartner, marking the occasion with a nostalgic and heartwarming brand film featuring its long-time ambassadors, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. This 25-year journey is a story of how travel in India has transformed and how MakeMyTrip has played a pivotal role in that evolution.

At a time when online travel bookings were met with scepticism due to low internet penetration and inhibitions around digital transactions, MakeMyTrip took a leap of faith. Founded in April 2000, the brand set out to empower Indian travelers by making trip planning and booking seamless and accessible through technology.

As digital adoption grew and consumer preferences shifted, travel in India underwent a profound transformation. Once considered an occasional luxury, travel has now become a far more integral part of life, with a large portion of disposable income being allocated on travel. The excitement of long weekends, the growing aspiration for luxury vacations, the rise of drivecations fueled by improved infrastructure, and the increasing ease of cross-border travel have redefined how Indians explore. Today, travelers are more confident, spontaneous, and eager to embrace new experiences—driven by an innate desire to create lasting memories. And MakeMyTrip has been at the heart of this.

From flights and hotels to holiday packages, alternative accommodations, rail and bus ticketing, taxis, forex services, travel insurance, and visa assistance, MakeMyTrip has grown into a full-stack travel super-app, redefining the way India experiences travel. Today, the company boasts over 80 million lifetime transacted customers, more than 490 million app downloads, and processes approximately 230 transactions every minute across its three platforms – MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and redBus –underscoring its massive scale and impact in the travel industry.

To celebrate this milestone, the company has launched a heartfelt film, that takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the years. The film opens with Alia and Ranveer flipping through an old photo album, reminiscing about childhood vacations—those simpler times of spontaneous travel, when families arrived at hotels without prior bookings. It then transitions through different eras, showcasing the advent of cyber cafes for online reservations and the gradual shift to mobile apps that made travel planning effortless. The film beautifully captures how MakeMyTrip has been a constant companion in this journey, making travel more accessible, convenient, and delightful.

As the story unfolds, it also offers a playful glimpse into the future—where Alia and Ranveer, with childlike wonder, imagine what travel could look like 25 years from now. A trip to Mars, perhaps? Of course, booked on MakeMyTrip.

“Our 25-year journey has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to customer-centricity, delivering value to our partners, and staying true to our vision of making travel simpler, smarter, and seamless,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip. “This milestone isn’t just ours—it belongs to every traveler who has placed their trust in us, every partner who has grown alongside us, and every team member who has shaped our journey. As we look ahead, our commitment remains stronger than ever—to push boundaries, drive innovation, and create even more enriching travel experiences. For us, this is just the beginning, and the best is yet to come.”

As it marks the 25-year milestone, MakeMyTrip stands not only as a travel leader, but also as a reminder that lasting success is built on strong fundamentals: product-market fit, customer obsession, and the ability to adapt quietly and consistently.

 

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The post The Standard, Brussels to open with 200 keys by spring 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

After the successes of The Standard, London (2019) and The Standard, Ibiza (2021), The Standard hotel brand is ready to embark on its next chapter in Europe this spring with the debut of its newest hotel in Belgium’s lively capital – welcome to The Standard, Brussels.

Leading the creative vision alongside the award-winning in-house Standard design team headed by Verena Haller are two icons of Belgian architecture: Jaspers-Eyers Architects and Bernard Dubois Architects. The Standard, Brussels is part of the innovative ZIN redevelopment project in the Northern Quarter, a dynamic mixed-use complex that combines apartments, shared spaces, offices and hotel. Located in lieu of the former World Trade Center, the design draws inspiration from post-war modernism, reconnecting with the neighborhood’s architectural roots. While Brussels may initially appear as a serious city, there’s an unexpected quirkiness beneath the surface. The design is deeply rooted in brutalism, and in tandem with DuBois’ vision, The Standard, Brussels successfully merges these two worlds. The exterior faces the city boldly, while the interior envelops guests in rich, warm colors and materials.

Embracing a fresh wave of design, cuisine, and greenery amid the striking 1960s office towers, The Standard, Brussels will challenge the city’s conventional image. With 200 rooms and suites, spread across 28 stories, the property reflects a multifaceted view of the city. The lobby will serve as a versatile lounge, seamlessly shifting from day to night, offering a space perfect for everything from a casual coffee to a business meeting. A vibrant bar will connect with the adjacent restaurant, creating an energetic flow between the two spaces. On the ground floor, a botanical garden will offer a peaceful retreat, blending natural beauty with urban tranquility. All furnishings were custom designed for the project; in lieu of art, the guestrooms stand boldly on their own.

Each of the 200 guestrooms will feature intricate wooden millwork and playful use of shapes, particularly circles. Influences from 1970s American and postmodern Japanese architecture, while incorporating elements of 1930s Belgian design are present such as the work of Henry Van de Velde. Wood and curtains are the primary materials, creating a sense of comfort and warmth. The carpet pattern evokes the style of the 1980s. Through The Standard lens, these Belgian influences are seamlessly integrated, crafting a unique blend of global, American, and local references.

Three dining concepts will be available, with more details to be revealed in the coming months. The ground floor restaurant, Double Standard, will seamlessly connect to the lobby, offering a blend of American and Belgian bar fare, complemented by an exceptional beer selection, right next to the lively, mid-century modern lobby bar. Here, wood accents, high-gloss finishes, and red brick flooring combine to create a welcoming atmosphere. On the 29th floor, Lila29, a restaurant and bar will offer stunning 360-degree views of Brussels.

For the first time, The Standard will introduce extended-stay Suites for guests visiting Brussels for weeks or months on end. Designated on the last two top floors of the property, these rooms average 50 square feet, fully furnished and have been designed as a home-away-from-home to feature a living room, workspaces and kitchenettes, accompanied by stunning views. Amenities include but are not limited to 24/7 concierge, weekly housekeeping services, discounts on dining as well as laundry and more.

 

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