The post BEING Thailand slated for 19th May appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s vibrant wellness industry takes centre stage this May as the first-ever BEING Thailand takes place in Phuket.

BEING Thailand is a new B2B event designed to unite professionals across the wellness, hospitality, and tourism sectors. 

The inaugural gathering is expected to attract more than 400 industry leaders and seeks to drive key conversations and innovation, bringing together a traditionally fragmented sector for an exchange of ideas and strategies.

BEING Thailand 2025 is a collaborative initiative of C9 Hotelworks, QUO Global, Mrs B Group, and supported by Dragonfly360.

That said, this unique event will focus on a dynamic agenda, including a two-hour mainstage session with industry leaders, hands-on workshops, and an exhibition of wellness products and services.

With regard to the impetus behind the event, C9 Hotelworks’ deputy managing director Viona Zhang explained: “Travel has evolved; today, people are seeking more than just vacation: they’re seeking purpose. Thailand, with its rich wellness offerings, is uniquely positioned to lead the global demand for transformative travel experiences.”

Deep-diving into wellness tourism

The forum’s structure will allow for deep dives into topics such as BEING Here, BEING Active, and BEING Different, offering attendees a chance to engage with bold ideas, fresh approaches, and new opportunities. 

According to QUO Global’s director of operations and culture Paul Keen: “BEING Thailand marks the beginning of a new movement, where wellness blends with hospitality, spirituality, and science. It’s where businesses build genuine relationships, create positive energy, and push the boundaries of innovation.”

The event’s goal is to foster connections across a wide spectrum of the wellness industry, from traditional hotel spas to cutting-edge technologies. 

Mrs B Group founder Sumi Soorian said: “Wellness is no longer just about fitness—it’s a holistic journey. BEING Thailand will showcase this expanded vision, integrating mindfulness, nutrition, and technology to create a comprehensive experience for all attendees.”
By fostering these connections, BEING Thailand 2025 aims to build a robust community of wellness professionals who can share knowledge and support the sector’s evolution. 

For her part, Dragonfly360 founder Pranapda Phornprapha emphasised the importance of wellness in leadership.

As she puts it: “True leadership is rooted in wellness. When we nurture our minds and bodies, we lead with clarity, strength, and compassion.”
That said, the event will offer numerous opportunities for networking and idea exchange, making it a must-attend for anyone in the wellness, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Wellness tourism in Southeast Asia continues to change

As travel continues to evolve, wellness tourism has surged to the forefront with a rise in demand backed by figures from the Global Wellness Institute, reporting Thailand as the fastest-growing wellness economy worldwide in 2023. 

The country’s wellness market grew by 28.4 percent to a total value of US$40.6 billion, largely driven by wellness tourism. 

The sector saw a remarkable 119.5 percent year-on-year increase in revenue, with international wellness travellers spending an average of US$1,735 per trip, far outpacing domestic visitors.

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The post Cash-in on the travel and hospitality boom in APAC with the right PMS appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

International travel in Asia-Pacific is expected to be the epicentre of global travel growth in the coming decades. To support this expansion and recovery post pandemic, technology will play a vital role especially for travel and hospitality, offering that little push to grow profits.  The right Property Management System (PMS) can provide the competitive edge for hotels to support the recovery back to pre-pandemic travel levels.

Air passengers in APAC are expected to more than double in less than two decades — jumping from 8.69 billion in 2023 to 19.49 billion by 2042, according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

Asia-Pacific in focus for hospitality in 2025

Much of that growth is projected to come from Asia-Pacific. In the next 20 years, the airport trade organisation estimates that more than one-third of new flyers will come from three countries: China, India and Indonesia.

Hospitality companies are aggressively expanding in the region in anticipation of the millions of people who are projected to enter the middle class in the next decade.

The Global Hospitality Impact Study 2024 reveals a clear mandate for change, with leading hotels reporting significant gains through new guest acquisition (67%), increased rebooking’s (63%), and elevated revenue (61%). However, these achievements aren’t coming from room rates alone. Success in today’s market demands a dual transformation: diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional sources while unifying guest data to deliver the personalised experiences modern travellers expect.

Revenue Beyond the Room

The traditional focus on RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) is giving way to a more comprehensive metric: RevPAG (Revenue Per Available Guest).

Properties must develop targeted packages that align with guest interests and travel purposes, from enhanced F&B offerings to specialised services. These opportunities extend to collaborations with local partners, from luxury transport providers to exclusive dining venues, creating comprehensive packages that maximise guest spend. Agilysys Versa, a fully integrated Property Management Solution is an enterprise-ready, all-in-one solution for full-service resorts, boutiques and hotels that is efficient and helps save revenue.

Dynamic pricing strategies become particularly crucial during high-demand periods. By analysing patterns in guest behaviour and market drivers, hotels can optimise their pricing across all service categories while ensuring value for guests. The key lies in understanding that today’s travellers often view accommodation as part of their overall experience, not just a place to stay.

The creation of experience packages has emerged as a particularly effective strategy. These carefully curated bundles might include priority check-in, specially timed dining experiences, or premium amenity packages. Such offerings not only drive additional revenue but also create memorable experiences that foster guest loyalty and encourage repeat visits.

The potential impact of this transformation is significant. Hoteliers that continue to rely solely on room revenue risk missing out on the additional revenue potential from ancillary services. Forward-thinking hoteliers are already implementing systems to track and maximise these opportunities, setting new standards for industry performance.

Unified Guest Data Delivers Personalised Guest Experience

The key to unlocking this revenue potential lies in how hotels collect, analyse, and act on guest data. However, the hospitality industry faces a significant challenge: data fragmentation. Most hotels today operate with disconnected systems, creating siloed data streams that limit their ability to deliver truly personalised experiences.

The solution lies in adopting a guest-centric data model built around a single guest profile. This unified approach breaks down traditional data silos, combining information from every touchpoint. From booking patterns and room preferences, to dining choices and spa treatments. Modern integrated systems enable properties to build these comprehensive profiles, but implementation requires a strategic overhaul of existing technology infrastructure.

The Power of Unified Data in Shaping the Future of Hospitality

The future of hospitality technology must prioritise data unification, creating platforms that can easily integrate guest data across all touchpoints. This integration becomes particularly crucial as the industry looks toward AI implementation, where the quality and accessibility of data directly impacts the effectiveness of personalisation efforts.

Properties leveraging unified data systems are seeing clear improvements in both guest satisfaction and booking retention. These improvements come from their ability to create truly personalised experiences based on comprehensive guest insights, leading to stronger guest relationships and increased revenue opportunities. This helps organisations reach levels of High Return Hospitality by maximising Return on Experience (ROE) through interactions that make guest services more personalised, wowing the to stay longer and come back for more.

The impact extends beyond marketing and promotions. With unified data, hotels can better anticipate seasonal trends, optimise staffing levels, and adjust their service offerings to maximise revenue during peak periods. This comprehensive approach to data utilisation ensures that every operational decision is informed by actual guest behaviour and preferences.

Building a Data-Driven and Diversified Revenue Strategy Beyond 2025

The need for hoteliers to both diversify their revenue streams, and lean into data-driven decision- making, creates a clear roadmap for hoteliers in 2025. Success begins with a comprehensive audit of current revenue streams, where these come from and how they are captured. This should then reveal untapped opportunities, and the identification of untapped opportunities within the property’s market segment.

Properties must then evaluate their tech infrastructure to make sure it can support guest data collection and analysis. This often requires investment in integrated systems that can track guest interactions across all touchpoints and convert this data into actionable insights.

In this sense, staff training becomes even more important as team members must be equipped to leverage these insights for creating personalised guest experiences. This includes understanding how to interpret guest data and translate it into meaningful service enhancements.

Those who act to diversify their revenue and harness the power of guest data will be best positioned to capture the growing market at their fingertips in an increasingly competitive landscape. The future belongs to properties that can seamlessly blend enhanced guest experiences with data-driven operations, creating value that extends far beyond the room.

 

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The post Post-earthquake Report: All systems go for Thai tourism as of 1st April appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Authorities in Bangkok assured the public that it is still business as usual in the capital and other locations in the country with regard to tourism and related activities.

The announcement was made via the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s website yesterday, 1st April, following the devastating 28th March earthquake.

While the epicentre of the quale was in Myanmar, the hard tremors were felt in Bangkok, as well as parts of northern and central Thailand.

As a precaution, the Thai capital was briefly declared an emergency zone later that afternoon, but the status has since been lifted as the situation stabilised.

In the hours following the quake, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration deactivated its emergency command unit as overall conditions improved. 

As of press time, public utilities remain stable, assistance efforts are ongoing, and local district offices are fully prepared to handle any further needs.

Business as usual

As of today, 2nd April, the BTS Skytrain and the Red Line Mass Transit System (SRT Red Line) are operating as usual.

Likewise, the MRT Blue and Purple Lines, along with the Yellow and Pink Monorail Lines, are running normally, and the Airport Rail Link is also operating normally.

With regard to air travel, all Bangkok airports remain operational. 

Also all public transportation systems at Suvarnabhumi Airport are fully operational, and the situation has returned to normal.

With regard to rail travel, the State Railway is now operating normally, and all long-distance train services from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station resumed normally. 

Likewise, all shopping Malls, including Siam Paragon, CentralwOrld, ICONSIAM, King Power, and all shopping centres under the Mall Group and EM DISTRICT, such as Emporium and Emquartier, are now open as usual.

TAT has assured the public that all tourism-related services in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces and in all destinations across Thailand are operating as usual.

Indeed, all events and festivals remain as scheduled, including the Maha Songkran World Water Festival at Sanam Luang and the Songkran events planned in destinations up and down the country.

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The post Reggaeton star Nicky Jam joins Virgin Voyages 2025 Celebration Voyages appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Virgin Voyages is turning up the volume for its 2025 Celebration Voyages, and Latin pop star Nicky Jam is coming in to turn up the heat.

Virgin Voyages chief marketing officer Nathan Rosenberg said:  “Nicky Jam represents the vibrant energy and boundary-pushing creativity that defines Virgin’s DNA. This exciting partnership not only reinforces Virgin’s long-standing roots in the music world, but also opens the door to potential future collaborations. Nicky Jam’s journey mirrors our own: breaking boundaries and bringing people together through unforgettable experiences. Nicky Jam joining the Virgin Records family creates a powerful synergy between our brands.”

Virgin’s cruise line is slated to deliver a stacked lineup of legendary parties, show-stopping performances, and unforgettable moments to honor over 50 years of the brand’s revolutionary legacy which has been defined primarily by its adults-only approach, premium hospitality and world-class entertainment.

Loyal fans, first-timers, First Mates, and even the cruise-curious are all invited to join three extraordinary Celebration Voyages departing from Miami, Athens and Lisbon.

Miami heat

Kicking off 4th May from Miami, Valiant Lady’s festivities will feature icon, award-winning musician, movie star and entrepreneur, Nicky Jam. 

Fresh from signing with Virgin Records, the pioneering force in Latin music will electrify the high seas with an exclusive live performance, amplifying the legendary Scarlet Night celebration. 

Sailors can also experience the hottest party at sea at Club Caliente, where the rhythm never stops and the Latin vibes reach fever pitch with Nicky Jam’s special DJ set.

Jam said: “Joining the Virgin family feels like coming home. From Boston to Miami to Puerto Rico, my journey has always been about connecting people through music, just like Virgin does. This isn’t just another performance for me: it’s bringing together two worlds that are all about breaking boundaries. The energy on these ships is incredible, and I want to make sure everyone feels that authentic Latin heat. We’re going to make history on those waves. This is just the beginning of something big between myself and Virgin, on land, at sea or wherever the music takes us.”

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The post oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

oneworld alliance welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite of oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginning 1 April 2025. 

Fiji Airways will provide top tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline:

• Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including recently opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Earning and redeeming miles
• Earning Tier Points

“The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld.

“Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld’s global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family.”

Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 25 destinations in 14 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and its newest global destination, Dallas-Fort Worth, further connecting the airline into the oneworld network.

“Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world, said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways.

“As a full member, we are excited to offer our customers even greater benefits and seamless connectivity across the extensive oneworld network. We look forward to welcoming more oneworld customers onboard to experience the beauty of Fiji and the exceptional service of Fiji Airways.”

Fiji Airways has also adopted the American Airlines award-winning AAdvantage® travel rewards programme as their frequent flyer programme, ensuring its most frequent travellers can now enjoy all the benefits of oneworld alliance as AAdvantage members.

Taking to the skies on 1st September 1951, Fiji Airways now boasts a fleet of 23 state-of-the art aircraft, including its flagship A350-900s, offering customers warm and welcoming Fijian hospitality on all flights.

Fiji Airways continues to be recognised for its excellence, earning a Five Star Major Airline rating from APEX for the third consecutive year and multiple Skytrax 2024 awards, including Best Airline, Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific. As part of its oneworld integration, Fiji Link joins as an affiliate airline, further expanding the alliance’s reach with domestic services across Fiji and regional connections to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

 

 

 

 

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The post Staffing growth, enhanced services remain key to hotel success in 2025: AHLA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

As hotels continue to climb towards pre-pandemic staffing levels, they are also leveraging new tools and technologies to grow and retain their workforces and meet the rising expectations of their customer base, according to a new report released by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

Based on state-level data provided by Oxford Economics and STR/CoStar Group, AHLA expects to see the hotel industry add more than 14,000 employees in 2025, but staffing nationwide will still remain well below 2019 levels. While 2025 hotel employment numbers should rise year-over-year in more than half the states, only Montana and Washington, D.C., are expected to reach staffing levels that exceed those of 2019.

“The hospitality sector has made significant strides in rebuilding its workforce and creating opportunities for career advancement, but staffing shortages continue to present significant challenges,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of AHLA. “The good news is that hotels have never been more competitive, offering strong wages and expanded benefits and focusing on employee satisfaction.”

The report’s contributing partners – American Express, Ecolab, Encore, Hireology, Oracle, and Towne Park – each describe an industry facing challenges, but transformed by technology that has empowered guests, businesses, and workers. Together, they see a customer base that expects more and an industry working harder and smarter to meet those expectations. Today’s release – the 2025 State of the Industry Partners Trends and Insights Report – is a companion to the 2025 State of the Industry report published by AHLA last month.

Key trends and findings include:

Staffing challenges that demand new approaches to attracting and retaining workers: Encore describes new strategies for building workforce satisfaction, and Hireology identifies factors most important for hiring the best candidates.

Generational shifts redefining the industry: American Express finds Millennial and Gen-Z consumers are prioritizing travel experiences, even giving up daily expenses to save money for travel.

Rising expectations of personalized service that still emphasize the fundamentals: Ecolab reports that guests still rank cleanliness at the top of their requirements for a positive hotel experience, while Towne Park finds that integrating parking, bell, and door services can deliver a competitive edge.

Opportunities to deploy AI to meet guests’ needs in creative ways: Oracle sees AI moving “from experiment to impact” as hotels use it for everything from streamlining check-ins to scheduling staff support.

 

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The post Munich unlocks tourism potential with data-driven insights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

While iconic districts like Altstadt, Maxvorstadt, and Schwabing continue to dominate the city’s tourism scene, emerging neighborhoods such as Glockenbach and Schlachthof are gaining recognition as hidden gems. Despite attracting fewer visitors, these areas boast an impressive satisfaction score of 86, proving that travellers who explore beyond the main attractions enjoy unique and rewarding experiences.

This insight stems from a collaboration between Simply Munich, the city’s destination marketing organization (DMO), and The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group. By leveraging Data Appeal’s D/AI Destinations platform, they analyzed visitor trends from January to October 2024, enabling the development of tailored marketing strategies for key international markets, including Italy, France, and Poland.

Key findings from the analysis

• Tourism hotspots: Altstadt (27%), Maxvorstadt (20%), and Schwabing (17%) collectively account for 64% of digital traces, driven by their renowned attractions, cultural venues, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Visitor satisfaction: Sentiment Scores across all neighborhoods range from 84 to 86 out of 100, confirming that Munich provides a fulfilling experience despite varying tourist volumes.
• Hidden gems: Glockenbach, known for its nightlife, and Schlachthof, famous for its street art, record the fewest digital traces but the highest sentiment scores. This highlights an opportunity for the city to develop new initiatives and events in these alternative districts.

Market-specific preferences

• Italian visitors favor Giesing for its blend of Bavarian tradition and trendy yet affordable venues.
• French tourists concentrate around Altstadt and Maxvorstadt, drawn by museums and cultural attractions.
• Polish travellers are less represented in premium areas but gravitate towards nightlife hubs like Glockenbach.

Accommodation insights: price variations across neighborhoods

Hotel rates play a crucial role in shaping traveler choices. Profiling the cost of each district allows DMO to better understand visitor preferences and market segmentation.

• The historic center, Altstadt, and Glockenbach maintain stable pricing year-round due to high demand.
• Schlachthof experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, attracting more tourists primarily in the summer.

Who visits Munich?

• Couples and families are the predominant visitor groups, comprising 20-40% of total travelers across most districts.
• Solo travellers favor Neuhausen (31% of visitors) and Maxvorstadt, making Neuhausen the only district where solo visitors outnumber couples and families.
• Groups represent 13-16% of visitors, with higher concentrations in budget-friendly areas like Giesing and Neuhausen.

A data-driven strategy for smarter tourism management

The partnership with The Data Appeal Company empowers Simply Munich with precise insights to refine its marketing strategies, develop personalized campaigns, and promote emerging neighborhoods alongside traditional tourist hotspots.

“Munich’s proactive approach to destination intelligence exemplifies how data-driven insights can create more rewarding and personalized visitor experiences while ensuring long-term tourism sustainability. With this level of detailed analysis, DMOs can optimize their promotional strategies and tailor their offerings, enhancing the perceived value of the destination,” said Damiano Meola, Marketing Director at The Data Appeal Company.

Through this data-driven approach, Munich is set to strengthen its position as a dynamic and inclusive travel destination, offering both popular attractions and undiscovered gems to an increasingly diverse audience.

 

 

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The post AirAsia Philippines forward bookings for April/May hit 500K appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With the vacation season coming up in the Philippines, AirAsia Philippines reports that it has received more than 500,000 forward bookings for April and May.

In the same statement released on Monday, 31st March, the low-cost airline also announced that Boracay was the top destination among the domestic routes booked by passengers.

The airline also noted a significant increase in demand for Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, and Tagbilaran.

In terms of global routes, the most popular bookings were for Taiwan and Japan.

Seats up for grabs

With the Holy Week and summer holidays coming up, AirAsia Philippines also announced a seat sale which kicked off on the 31st and will run until Sunday, 6th April.

Fares can go as low as PHP 44 each on over 400,000 seats and may be booked for trips flying between 31st March and 30th September 2025.

According to airline spokesperson Steve Dailisan: “Coupled with a lower fuel surcharge cost for the month of April, there’s no stopping from making that memorable trip, affordable and within reach.”

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