The post Accor’s yacht Orient Express outfitted with BIO-SEA water treatment system appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Water treatment specialist BIO-UV Group has supplied its BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system to French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique for operation aboard the Orient Express, the first in a series of Accor-operated luxury sailing yachts.

Factory acceptance trials for the chemical-free BIO-SEA B01-0135 unit was successfully completed, with installation aboard the first Orient Express Sailing Yachts vessel taking place at the St. Nazaire shipyard. 

The vessel was floated out on Monday, 16th June.

When the yacht becomes operational next year, the UV-based BIO-SEA system will be treating water flow rates up to 135 m3/h. 

A sister vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027 will also be fitted with a similar B-type BIO-SEA unit.

The world’s biggest sailing yacht

At 220m (722ft) long and with gross tonnage of 26,200gt, Orient Express will be the world’s largest contemporary sailing yacht and the first to deploy the shipbuilder’s in-house designed SolidSail wind sail system. 

This features three 100m tall lightweight masts each of which will be rigged with 1500m2 Solid Sail/AeolDrive rigid but foldable sails.

Commenting on the significance of the order, BIO-UV Group sales director for solutions Maxime Dedeurwaerder explained that it underscores not only the shipowner’s commitment to decarbonisation, but also BIO-UV Group’s focus on sustainability.

According to Dedeurwaerder: “Our ballast water treatment systems resonate with environmentally conscientious ship owners and builders because of the compact, low energy consuming reactor technology we have developed. The BIO-SEA ‘B’ unit for the Accor ships, for instance, needs only one UV reactor, optimising space and energy saving efficiency without any impact on ballast water treatment performance to limit invasive species proliferation.”

For his part, Chantiers de l’Atlantique senior vice-president for sales and marketing Arnaud Le Joncour pointed out that his company has already had good experience with BIO-UV Group’s BIO-SEA ballast water treatment systems, with more than twenty installations over the past decade. 

Le Joncour said: “The BIO-SEA technology combines mechanical filtration and UV disinfection providing chemical-free treatment compliant with both IMO and USCG regulations, which was an important consideration for the operational scope of the Accor sailing yachts.”

A most effective solution

With treatment capacities ranging from 100 to 500m3/h, the BIO-SEA B Series automatically regulates the UV dose according to the water quality. 

Treatment performance is not affected by water temperature or salinity and since no chemicals or active substances are used in the treatment process, deballasting can be carried out without detriment to the marine environment.

A BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system can also benefit from the French water treatment specialist “warranty for life” policy, which assures ship operators of the through-life robustness, reliability, and performance of their installations.

Valid with a three or five-year aftermarket service agreement, the warranty is contingent on a BIO-SEA system being installed and operated in full compliance with the operation and maintenance manual; that servicing is undertaken by a certified BIO-UV technician; and that any replacement parts or consumables are supplied directly from BIO-UV Group or its official network.

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The post Arabian Travel Market emphasises the role of the Asia Pacific in the future of tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A new report following this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) shows that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth.

APAC spending on international travel is poised to hit US$2.5 trillion while domestic travel may reach US$4.3 trillion by 2029.

The data was released by Euromonitor International.

The report also shows that outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of seven percent, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61 percent of all trips by the end of this year. 

By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75 percent of bookings set to be made online.   

A key point for discussion

A high-impact panel discussion at ATM 2025 brought together top industry minds to explore the future of travel in the APAC region. 

Moderated by Mingie Wang, Chief Correspondent at China Daily, the panel discussed traveller behaviour, digital transformation, and the resurgence of outbound travel, particularly from China, providing fascinating insights into this key global market. 

Panelists included Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority; Gary Bowerman, founder of Check-in Asia; Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice-president of international markets at Trip.com Group; and Shahab Shayan, regional director for the Asia Pacific at the Department of Economy and Tourism.

During the session they highlighted a shift in purchasing decisions across the APAC region, driven by experiential travel, digitisation, and a growing desire for cultural immersion. 

Sports and media are key influences

According to ATM’s exhibition director in the Middle East Danielle Curtis: “More than 60 percent of travellers are booking trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40 percent are influenced by digital platforms such as TikTok. Interestingly, film and television are also playing a significant role, evidenced by a rise in bookings to Thailand following the popularity of The White Lotus.” 

According to a recent report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of ATM, tourism nights from Asia Pacific and Africa are on track to more than double between 2025 and 2030. 

The number of tourism nights, specifically from China to the Middle East, is expected to grow by 189 percent through 2030, and APAC source markets are set to account for the largest share of business nights in the region, with India, in particular, gaining importance. 

In addition, travellers from APAC record the highest spend per person per day globally, at a rate of US$300, across various tourism sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, and retail. 

This high level of expenditure is mainly driven by Chinese travellers whose strong purchasing power continues to shape global travel trends. 

How to ensure success in an increasingly prominent market

The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, is key to ensuring the emirate’s strategic success in APAC markets, with a focus on market segmentation and storytelling. 

By tailoring messaging for platforms such as the video-sharing website Bilibili and the social networking and e-commerce platform Red Note, and leveraging strong air links through carriers like Emirates and flydubai, Dubai’s tourism authorities continue to position the city as a relevant, accessible, and aspirational destination for travellers across Asia.  

As a newcomer to APAC tourism markets, Saudi Arabia has adopted a highly localised approach, as outlined during the discussion. 

Recognising the diversity of the region, which comprises 49 distinct countries, tourism authorities in the Kingdom study each source market closely, from dietary preferences to cultural nuances, tailoring travel experiences accordingly. 

This strategy is supported by partnerships with media, trade, and research bodies to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s offerings resonate authentically with travellers across the region. 

Curtis added: “Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in travel decision-making across the APAC region, with consumers relying heavily on digital tools, social media, and AI.  Mobile-first planning is transforming how travellers research and book trips, although the digital landscape varies significantly from country to country. One constant across the region is the importance of trust, particularly in peer-generated content, which continues to influence traveller choices at every stage of the journey.”

Panellists also cited sustainability as a key consideration for younger generations in the APAC region, with research from Trip.com indicating that 30 to 40 percent of Gen Y and millennial travellers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel. For these consumers, sustainability extends beyond carbon offsets and environmental protection, encompassing support for local culture and heritage.

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The post Crimson Hotel Filinvest City marks Pride Month with the theme #HappyToBe appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila officially launched its 2025 Pride Month celebration with a vibrant event held at Alibi Lounge•Bar. 

Centred on the theme #HappyToBe, the campaign honours self-expression, individuality, and community through inclusive programming that blends hospitality, art, and advocacy.

The launch event held on 11th June introduced Stay with Pride, a special room package that supports LoveYourself Inc, an organization committed to HIV awareness and LGBTQIA+ support services. 

Guests can book using promo codes HAPPYTOBE and STAYWITHPRIDE, with inclusions like breakfast or dining credits.

Crimson Hotel’s Pride campaign runs throughout June, inviting guests to participate in its ongoing promotions while fostering a space that is safe, welcoming, and joyful for all.

A taste of Pride

Complementing the stay experience are Pride-themed culinary offerings across Crimson Hotel’s dining outlets. 

These include the Blush & Bloom cocktail, a hibiscus and raspberry drink available in all restaurants; a Boutique Dinner Buffet with Pride Delights at Café Eight every Friday and Saturday; and a colourful range of pastries and drinks at Baker J such as the Pride Croissant, Pride Macarons, and Pride Spritzer.

On top of its food and beverage offerings, the hotel also unveiled the Color Parade: Pride Art Exhibit at the lobby on the eighth floor, in partnership with the South Arts Festival. 

The exhibition features works from a diverse lineup of artists: Ruth Cancio, Kate Tinamisan, Yvonne Harmony, Jeanette Kamphuis, Criselda De Leon, Celina Villaruel, and Anne Labesores.

It’s a showcase that highlights identity, resilience, and personal storytelling through art. 

A live painting session by JJ Duque marked the exhibit’s opening night.

Meet the new man at the helm

The evening also served to formally introduce Crimson’s new hotel manager Olivier Ramos.

Ramos brings over two decades of global experience in luxury hospitality. In his welcome remarks, he emphasised Crimson’s commitment to inclusion by sayingL  “At Crimson, everyone deserves to feel ‘Happy To Be’ exactly who they are. Whether you’re a guest, an artist, a colleague, or a friend of the brand, your story matters here.” 

The celebration continued with “Unfiltered: A Bar Takeover” featuring guest mixologist Jam Nhela, serving bold, Pride-inspired cocktails in collaboration with Absolut and Monin. 

Setting the evening’s rhythm was guest DJ Rae Viloria, headlining the first of the month-long “Glow: Pride Nights” happening every Friday at Alibi Lounge • Bar together with DJ Mike Lavet.

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The post AirAsia commemorates 16th Skytrax win with golden livery appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As it celebrates its 16th consecutive win from the Skytrax World Airline Awards, AirAsia proudly unveiled a striking gold commemorative aircraft livery today, 19th June.

The exclusive golden aircraft was revealed during a special send-off ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2).

The livery symbolises more than just the milestone win, but it pays homage to the nearly one billion guests who have placed their trust in AirAsia since 2001. 

This custom livery, themed Still Winning Still Gold, symbolises the strength, durability and resilience of gold, making it a fitting tribute to the airline’s 16th consecutive victory.

Starting a new chapter

AirAsia’s red and white livery has long stood out in the skies. 

Now, with this golden edition, the airline marks a new chapter, one built on resilience, consistency, and world-class service that remains affordable for all. 

Likewise, the cabin interior has been enhanced with elegant gold accents to elevate the inflight experience.

To commemorate this golden achievement, AirAsia also launched a special celebratory campaign, featuring great value fares daily along with a Golden Hour Sale from 4PM to 7PM, for 16 consecutive days. 

Travellers can snap up promotional fares across the airline’s entire network including exciting destinations such as Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Da Lat, Krabi, Jaipur, and many more from today till 3rd July, for travel between 2nd July 2025 and 31st March 2026 on the AirAsia MOVE app or the airline’s official website.

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The post IHG’s Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur to open in Q4-2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury lifestyle brand Kimpton is slated to make its debut in Malaysia through the Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur.

The new hotel is slated to open its doors in the fourth quarter of this year. 

A striking new landmark within the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia’s first international financial district and Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District, Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will bring an artful take on modern luxury to the city, redefining what it means to stay, dine, and gather in style.

Designed to be an extension of the city’s dynamic energy, the hotel will embody Kimpton’s signature approach to heartfelt service, with design-led spaces and experiences centred on its guests. 

Signature comforts

The Kimpton experience is a different way to stay, so guests ought to expect the brand’s non-standard signature perks.

These exclusive amenities and services include:

• Forgot It, We’ve Got It: Forgot to bring a daily essential on the trip? Kimpton has its guests covered with the travel amenities they need, as well as a few that they might not have even considered;
• Kimpton Kickstart: Jumpstart mornings with complimentary coffees and teas in the hotel lobby; and
• Kimpton Social: A daily evening hosted social hour of curated drinks, conversation and more.

A meaningful name

The hotel’s name is a reflection of its spirit and philosophy. ‘Naluria’ [pronounced Naa-loo-ree-aa] derives from two Malay words: ‘Naluri’, meaning ‘instinct’, and ‘Ria’, meaning ‘joy.’

Combined, the word Naluria embodies the essence of following one’s instinctive inner voice towards the pursuit of joy and happiness. 

Just as Kuala Lumpur itself is a convergence of tradition and modernity, Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will be a sanctuary where guests can embrace both adventure and tranquility in a setting that is effortlessly stylish yet deeply personal.

Ushering in a new era for Malaysian hospitality

At the helm of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is Paul Cunningham, a seasoned hospitality leader with over three decades of experience in luxury hotels across Asia.

He said of the upcoming facility: “We are thrilled to debut IHG’s luxury lifestyle brand, Kimpton, in Malaysia, continuing the brand’s global expansion. Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is beyond just an inspirational place to stay – it will be the city’s next vibrant social hub, where human hospitality, inspiration, wellness and evocative experiences come together seamlessly. Location-wise, we’re surrounded by the perfect blend of commerce and creativity, with retail, dining, and green spaces that invite discovery.”

Spanning 26 storeys, the 466-room hotel will house an evocative mix of experiences, from four distinct dining venues including Four Siblings, a destination rooftop bar and lounge with breathtaking skyline views, while Tuai + Till, the hotel’s all-day-dining concept, will transition seamlessly throughout the day, serving an inspired breakfast spread in the morning before transforming into two distinctive dining experiences: Tuai, a cozy Malaysian café, and Till, an elegant Western brasserie. 

A specialty project in the making will be a retro Italian-American restaurant, soon to be revealed. 

Five flexible event spaces await intimate soirees or meetings, designed to foster human connection.

Bringing a vision to life

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s interiors are envisioned in partnership with the award-winning Hassell Studio.

The overall design blends the vibrance of the city with the lushness of nature to create an urban haven. 

Inspired by Malaysia’s rich natural landscapes, the hotel’s design will weave organic textures, earthy stones, and an abundance of greenery into the fabric of its spaces. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows will frame sweeping city views, while the interplay of natural light and curated materials will evoke a sense of serenity amidst the buzzing metropolis.

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The post Shiji lists ten reasons why hotels need to ramp up their property management systems appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Let’s face it: technology is constantly evolving and the team at global hospitality tech firm Shiji points out that those who refuse to move with the times are guaranteed to be left behind.

A good case for this would be the global hospitality sector, an industry that needs to move with the times, especially where its operations are concerned.

While hospitality itself continues to race in terms of amenity, service, and property development, the property management systems (PMS) used on the backend of operations are bogging many accommodation providers down.

More often than not, the legacy tools kept in use leave hotels exposed to online threats as they are no longer being updated with the latest protocols.

For this reason, Shiji shares ten reasons why hotels need to revamp their PMS if they want to both keep up with new technologies and protect themselves from threats.

I. Dealing with cybersecurity threats can get incredibly expensive

Hotels are a prime target for hackers because they have so much in the way of usable data. 

Think about it: a legacy PMS that’s practically hanging by a thread is a treasure trove for hackers who can dig into everything from credit card details to passport information; and such sensitive information can earn them a pretty penny and more on the dark web.

In turn, this will lead to lawsuits and hotels scrambling to mitigate reputational damage; and all that seriously costs.

However, if an updated PMS is put in place, hoteliers can enjoy AI-bolstered online security measures, property encrypted databases, as well as 24/7 threat monitoring to keep unsavoury elements at bay.

II. Global data laws and regulations are becoming tighter and stricter

Hotels handling international guests deal with government regulations on a regular basis.

Depending on where they are, it could be GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, and data localisation laws in countries like China and Brazil. 

A PMS that doesn’t automatically manage data retention and compliance settings puts your hotel at risk of hefty fines. 

Fortunately, new systems come with built-in compliance tools that handle this for you.

III. You need the Cloud

If your PMS crashes because a local server failed, you’re losing bookings and frustrating guests. 

Cloud-based PMS solutions eliminate this risk, offering automatic backups, real-time updates, and access from anywhere, whether it’s the front desk, a tablet in housekeeping, or your phone at the airport. 

The cloud enables hotels to bid downtime and maintenance issues goodbye for good.

IV. Going digital makes things more convenient for guests

As nobody wants to wait in line when checking in, today’s hotel guests expect mobile check-ins, digital room keys, and instant service requests from their phones. 

Having a modern PMS in place enables these features and more.

In turn, this ensures that your property meets the expectations set by major chains and innovative independents.

V. A good PMS prevents isolation

A PMS that doesn’t talk to your revenue management system, CRM, or payment gateway creates bottlenecks. 

The best solutions offer seamless API integrations, allowing systems to work together.

Systems working in tandem can update room availability in real-time, sync guest preferences, and streamline operations without endless manual data entry.

VI. Automation leads to efficiency in terms of time and money

In this day and age, no hotel should be assigning rooms or reconciling invoices manually.

A modern PMS automates these tasks with AI-driven workflows, reducing human error and freeing up staff for guest interactions. 

Just think: with a system that automatically assigns housekeeping tasks based on check-out times, everything is done in a timely and cost-effective fashion.

VII. The right PMS ought to fit your hotel and not the other way around

Most legacy PMS solutions force hotels into rigid workflows. 

If your system makes it harder to personalise services, you’re using the wrong one. 

A modern PMS adapts to your brand’s way of doing business, not the other way around.

VIII. A modern PMS allows for data-driven decisions

Old PMS systems either lack analytics or bury hotels in spreadsheets. 

A modern system, on the other hand, delivers clear, real-time insights on an easy-to-read dashboard. 

Having one in place means no more guesswork or clunky reports.

IX. The day of standalone channel management systems is over

Managing OTA listings used to require separate channel management software, but not anymore. 

The latest PMS solutions integrate this function, ensuring rates and availability sync automatically across all platforms.

This, in turn, reduces overbookings and saves costs on third-party software.

X. Finally, relying on legacy systems will seriously leave you behind

Technology these days evolves so rapidly that a PMS designed in the 2010s can’t compete with the functional bells and whistles offered by contemporary systems.

Many PMS products these days boast of AI-driven pricing engines, voice-command functionality, or smart room integrations. 

Instead of patching an outdated system, investing in a future-proof PMS ensures your hotel remains competitive for years to come.

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The post Kyoto draws tourists in with Kyoto Summer Special Openings appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kyoto City warmly welcomes travellers and culture lovers coming in for the summer to explore some of its most treasured cultural landmarks through its Kyoto Summer Special Openings 2025.

This limited-time programme offers travellers exclusive access to sacred and historically significant sites usually closed to the public.

From 11th July to 30th September 2025, the programme marks its 50th anniversary by inviting visitors to enjoy spaces rarely accessible under the theme Waterscapes to Visit in Summer and Modern Architecture Masterpieces of Kyoto. 

For the first time, special evening light-up events will also be introduced, allowing guests to experience the magic of Kyoto’s heritage in the cooler, serene hours after sunset.

What to enjoy in the daytime

Shosei-en Garden: Enshin-do Hall
Step inside this 17th-century hall for the first time in history. Once the residence of the head of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, Enshin-do offers exquisite views of a traditional garden and features silver swallow-shaped nail covers, each uniquely crafted.
Admission: Adults ¥500 (plus Garden Maintenance Fee) / Dates: 11 July to 30 September

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple: Goei-do-mon Gate
Climb Japan’s tallest wooden temple gate for a sweeping view of Kyoto and its eastern mountains. The upper level, home to sacred Buddhist statues, is usually off-limits.
Admission: ¥800 / Dates: 11 July to 30 September

Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Explore this 1927 theatre in Kyoto’s historical geisha district. Visitors can see the stage, rehearsal rooms and backstage areas on a guided tour.
Admission: ¥800 / Closed: 3 and 11–15 September

Shozan Hogyokutei Villa
Nestled in a moss-covered garden in northern Kyoto, this post-war merchant residence features rare nandina columns and art from renowned Japanese painters.
Admission: ¥800 / Closed from 12.00 midday on 6 September

Ninna-ji Temple: Kannon-do Hall
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kannon-do Hall is adorned with brilliantly preserved 17th-century murals and houses 33 Buddhist figures. Tours are guided by a temple priest.
Admission: ¥700 / Free for under 18s / Closed: 18 July, 18 August, 18 September

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
Visit one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, with guided access to two sacred buildings normally closed to the public. Kamigamo Shrine is famous for its traditional thatched roofs and spiritual atmosphere.
Admission: ¥800 / Closed: 16–18 July

Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
Enter the sacred inner precinct of this World Heritage-listed shrine and explore the historic kitchen used for preparing offerings. A highlight is its ancient forest, preserved since the 3rd century BCE.
Admission: ¥800

Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa
Wander through this well-preserved traditional residence built by the influential Mitsui merchant family. The second floor, with views of the garden and Kamo River, will be open to the public for a limited time.
Admission: ¥800 / Special Access: 29 August to 7 September

Spectacles to enjoy when night falls

Ninna-ji Temple Night Viewing
Experience the quiet beauty of Ninna-ji Temple illuminated at night. The five-storey pagoda and main hall are bathed in light, while the Kannon-do interior, rich with ancient murals, opens for evening access.
Dates: 11 to 21 July / Admission: ¥1,700 / Free for under 18s

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine “Visit to the Dragon God”
Take a twilight footbath in the sacred Nara-no-Ogawa stream as over a thousand wind chimes sing in the breeze. Enjoy traditional dances, flute music and cool refreshments in a mystical setting.
Dates: 14 to 23 July / Admission: ¥1,200 (Children aged 6–12: ¥600)

Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa Evening Opening
Relax with a drink on a veranda overlooking the garden, as this historic residence is beautifully lit for a peaceful summer night visit.
Dates: 18–21 and 25–27 July / Admission: From ¥1,200 including drink (Free for children under 12)

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The post Australian travel sector icon Geoff McGeary passes away appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

APT Travel Group has announced the passing of their corporate patriarch Geoff McGeary.

McGeary, a pillar of the Australian travel industry, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, yesterday, 18th June.

Per the official statement, McGeary passed on just before his 84th birthday.

The Australian travel pioneer retired from the helm of APT Travel Group in January 2024 after six decades of leadership.

The family has requested that the public could send donations rather than flowers to APT’s OneTomorrow Foundation to be used in research on the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Phil Hoffmann, founder and executive director of Phil Hoffmann travel, said of the late icon: “A true legend that has left an indelible mark on the Industry. Geoff McGeary was one of pioneers and icons of the travel and tourism industry. He was always thinking of new opportunities and was a great advocate for the distribution of products by the travel agent network. He also did so much in bringing Canada/Alaska and European river cruising programmes to the Australian market.”

What comes next

When McGeary stepped down from leadership, he put his two children Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy in charge of the business.

With their father’s passing, the younger McGeary and Tandy remain co-owners of APT Travel Group, as well as directors working together with the rest of the corporate board and other key executives.

In an interview following her father’s retirement last year, Tandy assured the public that APT will still be driven by innovation the way it has always been from her grandfather’s time to her father’s.

Tandy said: “Part of the culture of the business will be to have a go and try things. That is part of the way our father lived, and life is for living, to get out there, seek to improve and if there are mistakes, learn from them and do better next time.”

Celebrating a life well-lived

The son of Australian Pacific Holdings founder Alfred William “Bill” McGeary (1900-1963), Geoff McGeary took over daily operations at APT’s precursor day McGeary Parlour Coaches in 1961 when he was just 19.

Never looking back, he transformed his father’s little bus company in Melbourne into a leader in the global tourism industry.

Over his six decades in the saddle, McGeary attributed much of his success to good fortune.

Those who knew him best, however, would point out that it was his hands-on approach and open mind for innovation that propelled the company into the success it continues to enjoy to this day.

With his keen mix of innovation and investment, McGeary took the business from Melbourne to the world, and his inspiring story will live on through the business and the lives he touched over the years.

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The post Economic growth is there for the taking – if outbound travel industry is supported by Govt: ABTA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The findings are from ABTA’s new report ‘Outbound travel: a catalyst for jobs, growth and wellbeing’, published  to coincide with the Government’s Spending Review and ABTA’s Travel Matters conference in London. ABTA says these findings should be ‘music to the Government’s ears’ given its focus and reliance on growing the economy to meet its manifesto and public service ambitions.
The report also highlights the part outbound travel plays in supporting inbound and domestic tourism across the UK. Not only does outbound travel support the national economy, raising £52bn in GVA annually, and contributing £10bn in tax, but it also helps with the Government’s mission to create jobs and economic opportunity across the UK’s towns and cities.

The report makes clear that without the volumes of UK residents heading overseas, many regional airports would struggle to survive – putting at risk inbound tourism and damaging communities across the country that rely on tourism income. The report reveals the regional airports particularly dependent on outbound leisure passengers for their success; East Midlands (90%), Manchester (78%), Birmingham (78%), Bristol (75%), and Exeter (75%)2 .

However, ABTA has warned that turning the growth predictions and regional potential into reality requires the right tax and policy framework and is urging the Government to harness the opportunities presented by the travel industry.

The Association said that there has been positive progress from the Government on critical areas, citing the decisions around airport expansion, airspace modernisation, and policies to back the development of a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry as examples. ABTA says the recent UK-EU summit agreement also included important areas for travel, such as the commitment to explore a youth experience scheme.

However, ABTA stressed the need to make timely progress on policy decisions; avoiding the mistakes of past governments, where too often plans have ended up in the long grass.
The Association, which marks its 75th anniversary this month, said one of the big challenges faced by businesses over the years has been where policy decision and initiatives take an unnecessarily long amount of time and make little headway, which subsequently stalls growth, progress and opportunity for business.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “This Government has been clear that it wants to secure growth for the economy and towns and cities across the UK. With the Spending Review today, we’re urging the Government to capitalise on the growth potential presented by outbound travel.

“One of the things that we are highlighting is the opportunity for the UK to be a leader in sustainable travel, recognising that the industry needs to grow in a responsible way. This means accelerating progress towards decarbonisation; something that can’t be done without the support of Government.

“We’re also keen to remind Government that the travel industry is an important facilitator of growth in other sectors, whether that’s through business travel and exports carried in passenger planes for example.”

In the report, ABTA sets out three areas of policy development and recommendations that needs to be progressed in order to achieve growth:

• Ensuring the UK is a leader in sustainable travel – by embedding policies, such as the SAF mandate and Revenue Support Mechanism for aviation and investing in shoreside power at UK ports.
• Enabling UK travel businesses to compete in a global industry, by reviewing business rates to support  the high street, avoiding layering of taxes on tourism, and supporting educational and vocational routes into the sector.
• Enhancing UK-EU relations – by removing trade barriers with our largest travel market, such as difficulties in getting UK qualifications recognised, cooperating on new electronic border regimes, and agreeing a youth experience scheme as quickly as possible.

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The post Ireland’s Greatest Road Trips – the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 It’s now even easier to explore the island of Ireland’s beautiful north coast with a new 10-night holiday combining two iconic coastal road trip routes: the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal route, and the Causeway Coastal Route home to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.

Whilst visitors often pick one route to explore, a new focus on the region is encouraging road trippers to extend their stays and experience both iconic routes in one trip, taking in spectacular coastal landscapes and famous sites like the Giant’s Causeway and Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point. The experience is available to book through McKinlay Kidd, an award-winning tour operator specialising in holidays to the UK and Ireland.

Travellers embarking on Ireland’s Greatest Road Trips – the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way will enjoy a 10-night journey that showcases the best of the north coast, taking in rugged coastal landscapes, characterful towns and famous tourism sites. As well as accommodation and car hire, the holiday includes a number of immersive experiences including ferry travel as foot passengers to Rathlin Island in the company of a local guide, a Visit Derry Pass for two, a guided tour of Fanad Head Lighthouse, a guided visit to Sliabh Liag and a tour and lunch at a Sligo oyster farm.

The new holiday begins with an early ferry to Belfast to spend some time in the city before heading to the Causeway Coast for a wonderful oceanside drive to the seaside town of Ballycastle, recently named ‘Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland’. The next day board the ferry for a short crossing to Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, an ‘upside down lighthouse’ and a famous spot to see puffins.

Continue along the Causeway Coastal route taking in the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour, the world-famous Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple and the golden strands at Portstewart and Portrush, before reaching the city of Derry-Londonderry. Spend a night and day in this fascinating and friendly city, exploring then of the city’s attractions with a Visit Derry Pass and a guided walk of the ancient city walks.

Next, head onto the Wild Atlantic Way, for two days exploring the rugged beauty of County Donegal, including the island’s most northerly point, made famous in Star Wars, and spend the night in Irish-speaking region of the Rosses. Carry on south along the Wild Atlantic Way to view Sliabh Liag, Europe’s tallest sea cliffs and spend a night in Donegal Town with the option to enjoy some live music in the evening.

The route then takes road-trippers down into County Sligo, to see Mullaghmore Head, the mighty Ben Bulben and the blowholes at Raghly Cliffs. Spend two nights in Sligo, W.B. Yeats country, and enjoy a private oyster farm experience in Sligo Bay, before heading back to Dublin or Belfast to catch the ferry home.

The holiday has been created as part of a campaign to promote tourism to the north coast of the island of Ireland. Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland have ongoing collaboration to forge greater links between the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way through the Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project, creating synergies between these two iconic touring routes through new discovery points, improved signage, and large investment into local tourism businesses.

The 10-night Ireland’s Greatest Road Trips – the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way holiday is available to now and priced from £1,595 per person, based on two adults sharing a double or twin room on a B&B basis and includes 10-nights’ accommodation, car hire and five guided excursions. There is the option to start and finish in either Dublin or Belfast.

 

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Source: traveldailymedia