Archive for category: Uncategorized

Europe Awakens in 2025: Aman Welcomes Spring with New Experiences

The post Europe Awakens in 2025: Aman Welcomes Spring with New Experiences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As spring ushers in longer days and a vibrant burst of colour, Aman’s sanctuaries across Europe and North Africa are ready to welcome guests with curated cultural, culinary, and wellness experiences designed to celebrate the season of renewal. From the lavender-scented Peloponnese to the historic charm of Venice, Aman’s properties promise unforgettable moments steeped in nature and sophistication.

Amanzoe, Greece

Reopening on 1 April 2025, Amanzoe on the Peloponnese peninsula will once again host visitors seeking tranquillity and adventure. Nestled among fragrant lavender and pine forests, guests can enjoy guided hikes and cycling excursions through the rugged landscapes near Ermioni or embark on island-hopping journeys aboard Amanzoe’s yacht. For those drawn to water, snorkelling and beachside relaxation are paired with unforgettable scenery.

Food lovers will delight in Amanzoe’s refined culinary offerings:

  • Nama Lounge: A serene, poolside addition to Amanzoe’s Japanese dining concept, offering expertly crafted cocktails and small plates.
  • Nura Restaurant: Mediterranean-inspired dining at Korakia Beach, showcasing dishes like yellowtail tiradito and wood-fired seafood and meats. Nura’s lounge space, directly on the sand, is perfect for laid-back evenings.

Amartya, Turkey

Opening on 15 April 2025, Amanruya combines natural beauty with cultural discovery on the Bodrum Peninsula, surrounded by thick pine forests and olive groves. Its refurbished Beach Club invites guests to enjoy seaside dining, paddleboarding, or canoeing across crystal-clear waters. Bespoke half- or full-day sailing and fishing trips offer additional ways to explore.

Located within reach of UNESCO-protected sites like Ephesus, Priene, and Miletus, Amanruya offers guided tours complete with seasonal picnics. For a bird’s-eye view, helicopter transfers reveal the blossoming spring landscapes from above. Guests can also explore regional craftsmanship through Gourmet Wine Tasting at Karnas Vineyard or visit nearby Ottoman villages, renowned for their traditional pottery and carpet-weaving.

Aman Venice, Italy

A timeless retreat housed in a 16th-century palazzo overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal, Aman Venice embraces spring with new experiences blending wellness and indulgence. The serene spa introduces Targeted Cryotherapy, featuring treatments like the Cryo Deep Tissue Massage for muscle relief and Jet Lag Express Facial for hydration. Music Therapy sessions further enhance relaxation, while the Afternoon Tea & Spa experience pairs facial and massage treatments with seasonal sweet and savoury treats.

For gastronomic exploration:

  • Culinary Sailing Experience: A scenic cruise aboard the historic Edipo Re, featuring a multi-course lunch by Aman Venice’s chef, Matteo Panfilio.
  • Lagoon Aperitivo: An enchanting evening journey through Venice’s quieter waterways, indulging in cicchetti and aperitifs as the pastel skies fade into night.

Celebrate Renewal Across Aman’s Sanctuaries

With its thoughtful offerings, Aman invites guests to experience the rejuvenation of spring while connecting with local culture and nature. Whether exploring ancient ruins, savouring world-class cuisine, or relaxing amid breathtaking landscapes, Aman’s sanctuaries promise to leave guests refreshed and inspired.

Ready to plan your next escape? Visit aman.com for reservations and details on the exciting new experiences. ✨🌸

The post Europe Awakens in 2025: Aman Welcomes Spring with New Experiences appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Air Canada announces new Edinburgh to Montréal route

The post Air Canada announces new Edinburgh to Montréal route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The five-story Montreal City Hall is the seat of local government in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, is continuing its transatlantic expansion for 2025, having unveiled its newest route between Edinburgh and Montréal.

Set to take to the skies on 27 June 2025, the new direct service marks the only connection between Scotland and Canada’s second-largest city, heralding a new era for transatlantic travel from the Scottish capital.

With over 4.3 million Canadians hailing Scottish heritage, and over 1,380 Canadian students studying at Scottish universities, the new connection aims to strengthen trade, business and cultural links between the countries.

Customers looking to cross the Atlantic in style can benefit from this new service until 7 September, with flights operated by the airline’s 737 MAX 8 fleet, featuring 16 seats in Premium Economy and 153 in Economy, with personal touch-screen TVs at every seat.

Flights will operate three times per week during the peak summer season, departing Edinburgh each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning, arriving into Canada’s cultural hub in just over seven hours*.

 

On the return, flights depart Montréal each Monday, Thursday and Saturday evening, before arriving into Edinburgh Airport the next morning.

Margaret Skinner, Air Canada’s Senior Director Sales EMEAI, said: “With just days to go until the start of the summer season, we are extremely excited to be announcing another new transatlantic route from the UK to our home hub, Montréal.

“Edinburgh has always been an important market for Air Canada, thanks to strong business, tourism, and cultural ties between Scotland and Canada, so we are proud to be expanding our presence in the market by adding a second route for 2025.

“With up to 75 weekly flights between the UK and Canada this summer, we are proud to be the largest airline in the market, offering customers not only convenient connections to Canada, but also seamless transfers onto our global network of destinations in the US, Mexico, Caribbean and South America.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “This is a fantastic addition to our North America connectivity, and we are delighted that Air Canada is adding more options from Scotland’s busiest airport.

 

“We see continued demand for direct links between Canada and Scotland, and that demand is both inbound and outbound, demonstrating the attractiveness of Edinburgh and Scotland to an international audience as well as the excitement people here have for a country we have strong bonds with.

“This addition is also a big vote of confidence from Air Canada in Edinburgh’s market, and we look forward to welcoming this new route later this summer.”

 

The post Air Canada announces new Edinburgh to Montréal route appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Hostaway launches ‘Hostaway AI’

The post Hostaway launches ‘Hostaway AI’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

 

Hostaway, the vacation rental property management software, announced the launch of Hostaway AI, a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools designed to help property managers scale faster, work smarter, and drive stronger performance across every part of their business.

 Building on its existing industry-leading AI capabilities, two new products now join Hostaway’s lineup — AI Review Sentiment Analysis and the Host Quality Dashboard — giving property managers deep, real-time insight into guest feedback, team performance, and listing quality.

 Hostaway was the first to introduce AI-powered tools to the vacation rental space, and this marks the first time those capabilities have been brought together into one cohesive, comprehensive suite.

 

  • AI Review Sentiment Analysis automatically scans guest reviews to detect patterns, flag recurring complaints, and highlight operational weak spots before they impact ratings. Instead of combing through thousands of reviews, hosts get instant, actionable insights to improve service and protect their reputation.
  • Host Quality Dashboard tracks listing performance and guest sentiment across platforms, helping property managers monitor trends, spot red flags, and ensure their portfolio meets platform expectations. Several Hostaway customers are already using this dashboard to create performance-based team incentives, improve service consistency, and drive higher guest satisfaction.

 These new tools join a powerful lineup of AI-driven automation, making Hostaway AI the most complete AI suite available in the short-term rental space: 

  • AI Guest Replies handles up to 80% of routine guest questions, which often make up the majority of daily inquiries. Hostaway’s AI bot reads the entire message thread and suggests smart, on-demand responses inside the Unified Inbox. Hosts can set tone, sign as themselves, and even define how to answer specific FAQs – freeing up time and cutting support costs.
  • AI Listing Description Optimization generates high-converting, SEO-friendly property descriptions that increase visibility and booking conversions. With just a few details, AI instantly produces professional, platform-optimized descriptions designed to attract more guests.
  • AI Dynamic Pricing uses billions of data points – including demand, seasonality, competitor rates, and gap nights between bookings – to recommend the best possible nightly rates. Hosts using this feature have seen an average 22.3% increase in revenue per listing by filling calendar gaps and pricing dynamically to match market trends.
  • AI Task Management goes beyond automation by using intelligent logic to assign tasks in real time, adapting to booking changes, guest preferences, and staff availability to optimize cleaning and maintenance schedules.
  • AI Message Automations save property managers an average of 150 hours per month, reducing manual workload and allowing teams to focus on high-impact tasks.
  • AI Payments & Protections includes fraud detection and secure payment integrations with Stripe, ChargeAutomation, and other leading providers – helping hosts minimize risk and maximize financial security.

With 400% growth experienced by Hostaway customers and an average of 60 minutes saved per reservation, Hostaway AI is already delivering real, measurable results. 

The launch of Hostaway AI follows Hostaway’s $375 million funding round in December, which made it the highest-valued company in the vacation rental software sector. The company is using this capital to accelerate AI innovation and deliver the most advanced tools on the market for scaling operations and enhancing guest experience.

Marcus Rader, CEO and Founder of Hostaway, said: “Hostaway AI isn’t just a collection of features, it’s a major leap forward in how short-term rental businesses operate. We believe we’ve built the most powerful AI suite this industry has ever seen, and we’re just getting started. These new tools give property managers an edge – more insight, more control, and more revenue, with less manual effort. And with even more AI-powered capabilities planned for 2025 and 2026, this is only the beginning of what Hostaway AI will deliver.” 

 Hostaway provides vacation rental property managers with an all-in-one platform to automate operations and scale their businesses. 

 

The post Hostaway launches ‘Hostaway AI’ appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Helvetic Airways operates largest ever Jet into London City Airport

The post Helvetic Airways operates largest ever Jet into London City Airport appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The first commercial flight of the Embraer E195-E2  landed at London City Airport, operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines. This is now the largest jet from London City Airport.

Helvetic Airways is making history at London City Airport for the second time in three and a half years: After the Swiss regional airline became the world’s first commercial airline to land an Embraer E190-E2 at London City Airport in autumn 2021. Today, 26 March 2025, Helvetic Airways’ Embraer E195-E2 was the first aircraft of this type to touch down on the runway of London City Airport as part of a regular scheduled flight. With a length of 41.5 metres and a total of 134 seats, the E195-E2 is now the largest aircraft flying from London City Airport. The E195-E2 also has the lowest fuel consumption per seat of all aircraft operating at London City.

“Due to its steep approach, London City Airport places high demands on both the aircraft and the specially trained cockpit crews. Helvetic Airways has both, and we are proud to be the first airline to bring the larger E195-E2 to London City Airport following its premiere with the Embraer E190-E2 in 2021. This makes us the only wet-lease operator in the world to land at London City with three different Embraer aircraft, allowing us to offer our wet-lease customers the greatest possible flexibility”, said Tobias Pogorevc, CEO of Helvetic Airways, in London during the celebrations for the maiden flight. The flight, which was operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of Swiss International Air Lines on a wet-lease basis, took off from Zurich at 11.30 a.m. and landed at London City Airport shortly after midday.

Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the first commercial flight of the E195-E2 aircraft to London City, which demonstrates our commitment to working with our airlines and manufacturers to introduce cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft to the airport.

“The E195-E2 opens up a range of new and exciting destinations for our passengers, and by using quieter and cleaner aircraft this enables us to grow and meet our passenger cap without increasing the number of flight movements.”

“London City, where 75% of flights are on Embraer aircraft, is a special place for us. It’s great to celebrate another milestone in the E2 story with our partners from Helvetic Airways and London City”, said Marie-Louise Philippe, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Head of Region Europe and Central Asia, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Offering 30% lower CO2 emissions per seat and a 63% smaller noise footprint compared to the previous generation aircraft, the E195-E2 is the largest, most efficient, and most sustainable aircraft certified for LCY.”

Philippe added, “Embraer has developed the world’s first automatic takeoff system for aircraft called E2TS – Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System. When certified, E2TS will increase the range of the E195-E2, specifically from LCY, from 3200 km to 4000 km. Bringing new destinations such as Istanbul, Gran Canaria, Casablanca, Athens, and Cairo and within range of London City for the first time.”

 

 

The post Helvetic Airways operates largest ever Jet into London City Airport appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Blenheim Palace is a feast for the eyes in Great British Menu finale

The post Blenheim Palace is a feast for the eyes in Great British Menu finale appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Viewers enjoyed the finale of the Great British Menu as the milestone 20th anniversary season culminated at Blenheim Palace, where chefs from around the country battled it out course by course, to be crowned the 2025 champion.

After weeks of intense regional heats, three exceptional chefs were victorious, earning their rightful spots in the final banquet, showcasing their talents in the opulent Orangery at Blenheim Palace. A celebratory reception was held in the Long Library followed the main event where dishes celebrating historic Britons were served to a roomful of modern-day heroes.

After weeks of intense regional heats, three exceptional chefs were victorious, earning their rightful spots at the final banquet. Jean, Amber and Sally came out on top pulling out all the stops with their magnificent culinary creations that were judged by a prestigious panel including Tom Kerridge, Lorna McNee and Ed Gamble who were joined by special guest judges such as Gurinder Chadha.

Heather Carter​​​​, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace said: “It’s amazing to have hosted such a prestigious event, celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. As the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and being home to so many monumental and historical events, the close link to this year’s theme of Great Britons was such a natural fit for us. At Blenheim we’re all about celebrating the finest local produce, working with local suppliers and championing sustainability so we were delighted to be involved so heavily and showcase Britain’s Greatest Palace at the same time.”

Sarah Eglin, Executive Producer, Great British Menu said: “From the minute we arrived at Blenheim Palace for a recce we were made to feel extraordinarily welcome. The team really embraced our Great Britons theme. On the day of the banquet, our modern-day hero guests were treated like royalty with a horse and carriage arrival and drinks in the historic long library before dining in the beautiful Orangery.

“We owe everyone at Blenheim a huge thank you – from Lady Henrietta to all the staff who love this stunning world renowned palace so much; the waiting team who had to dress up to serve some of the dishes; Andrew the organist who played the Great British Menu theme tune, the executive chef who let us use his fantastic kitchen, Harrison’s garden team supplied us with herbs and all the behind the scenes organisers lead by Sam who were there with us until the very end.”

In addition to hosting the reception in the Long Library and the official banquet in the Orangery, Great British Menu worked closely with the team at Blenheim Palace, including its Vegetable Gardener, Harrison Fannon, to forage ingredients from the within the Walled Garden of the Estate; the catering team who served the guests at the banquet; the rural team who drove judges and chefs to the Palace; and resident Blenheim Palace organist, Andrew Patterson, who played during the reception. Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill also featured in the programme and attended the highly-anticipated banquet.

 

 

 

The post Blenheim Palace is a feast for the eyes in Great British Menu finale appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Narain Niwas Palace, Jaipur: A Timeless Heritage Hotel in the Heart of Rajasthan

The post Narain Niwas Palace, Jaipur: A Timeless Heritage Hotel in the Heart of Rajasthan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Nestled in the heart of the Pink City, Narain Niwas Palace stands as an exquisite testament to Rajasthan’s rich heritage and regal charm. Built in 1928 by General Amar Singh Ji, this grand palace-turned-heritage hotel embodies the opulence of Rajput architecture while offering modern luxuries to discerning travelers seeking an authentic Rajasthani experience. Originally constructed as a country retreat for the Thakur of Kanota, Narain Niwas Palace is a fine example of Anglo-Indian and Rajput architecture. The hotel’s intricate frescoes, vibrant interiors, and hand-painted motifs transport guests to a bygone era of aristocratic splendor.

The palace has recently enhanced its heritage suites and rooms, blending antique decor with modern comforts. Updated furnishings, restored frescoes, and improved amenities ensure an elegant yet contemporary stay. Guests can now enjoy immersive cultural evenings featuring traditional Rajasthani folk performances, storytelling sessions, and heritage walks that delve into the palace’s history and Jaipur’s regal past.

The palace offers well-appointed heritage suites and rooms, each adorned with period furniture, rich textiles, and antique decor that reflect the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal past. Guests can indulge in an unforgettable stay while enjoying modern amenities blended seamlessly with old-world charm. Set amidst sprawling gardens, the palace offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. The serene courtyards, vintage charm, and impeccable hospitality make it a preferred choice for travelers seeking an authentic Rajasthani experience.

Narain Niwas Palace is also home to some of Jaipur’s most renowned dining and lifestyle destinations, including an iconic blue-hued café that transports visitors to an elegant Italian dream amidst lush gardens, and Shikaar Bagh, a stylish restaurant offering a curated menu of global flavors with a touch of Rajasthani heritage. The Narain Niwas Bazaar provides a boutique shopping experience featuring handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and home decor from India’s finest artisans.

With its regal ambiance, the palace is a sought-after venue for royal weddings, intimate celebrations, and cultural events, offering stunning architecture, lush lawns, and exquisite banquet spaces as a majestic backdrop for unforgettable occasions. More than just a hotel, Narain Niwas Palace is a living heritage that invites travelers to step into Rajasthan’s glorious past while enjoying the finest in contemporary luxury.

 

 

The post Narain Niwas Palace, Jaipur: A Timeless Heritage Hotel in the Heart of Rajasthan appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

GRT Hotels & Resorts launches The GReaT Patashala

The post GRT Hotels & Resorts launches The GReaT Patashala appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

GRT Hotels & Resorts has launched The GReaT Patashala, a virtual learning YouTube channel aimed at enhancing hospitality training through bespoke Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) videos. GRT Hotels initially developed the SOP videos for internal training, the initiative has now been expanded to benefit hotel management students, industry professionals, and aspiring hospitality talent. This initiative marks a significant milestone, as GRT Hotels becomes one of the first hotel chains in India to offer such comprehensive educational content to the industry.

The launch event at Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels featured esteemed guests, including Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director (South) of Indiatourism, who presided over the ceremony. The event also featured a panel discussion on “Basics and Emerging Trends of Hospitality Training,” with notable participants such as Dr. Sobhana Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Studies at Madras Christian College; Dr. Jaisree Anand, Dean of Hotel Management at Vels University; and Mr. Prabu, Joint Registrar (Humanities and Science) at Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University. Their insights contributed to a rich dialogue on the future of hospitality training.

In a move to further its commitment to inclusivity, GRT Hotels & Resorts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V-Sesh, a Chennai-based organization dedicated to connecting differently-abled individuals with suitable employment opportunities. This collaboration aims to utilize ‘The GReaT Patashala’ channel to provide skill development and training, empowering individuals to achieve professional independence.

Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of GRT Hotels & Resorts, remarked: “I commend our Learning and Development team for their impactful initiative. I encourage them to continue curating relevant videos to enhance professional acumen within the hospitality industry. Additionally, I invite industry leaders and aspiring professionals to benefit from this resource.”

“Our vision for ‘The GReaT Patashala extends beyond internal training; we aim to contribute positively to the broader hospitality community by sharing knowledge and fostering growth. Through this platform, we aspire to make a meaningful impact on the industry and support aspiring professionals,” stated Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts. This initiative has been well-received by industry leaders and principals of hospitality institutes, underscoring its potential to elevate standards across the sector.

‘The GReaT Patashala’ offers a curated collection of over 75 in-house videos, blending foundational hospitality practices with contemporary industry trends. The channel covers a wide array of topics, from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on billing processes to guidelines for accommodating guests’ pets. The channel is now live on YouTube, offering a growing repository of videos covering various aspects of hospitality operations. The channel serves as a resource for hospitality professionals, students, and enthusiasts, reflecting GRT Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to knowledge sharing and industry advancement.

 

 

 

The post GRT Hotels & Resorts launches The GReaT Patashala appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Air passenger and cargo demand continues to grow in Feb 2025: AAPA

The post Air passenger and cargo demand continues to grow in Feb 2025: AAPA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

 

Preliminary February 2025 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed continued growth in international passenger and cargo markets, supported by positive business and consumer demand across the region.

Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “In the first two months of the year, combined international passenger traffic for the region’s carriers rose by a robust 13%, reaching a total of 66 million passengers. During the same period, international air cargo demand increased by 4% year-on-year, supported by higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods.”

Looking ahead, Menon said, “Overall, airlines are expected to continue to benefit from sustained travel demand and growth in air shipments as a result of ongoing expansion in e-commerce activity. However, the region’s carriers are facing headwinds, particularly as rising costs, driven in part by fleet capacity constraints, continue to exert pressure on revenue.”

Menon added, “The recent rise in protectionist sentiment also presents potential challenges to trade and broader business activity. In response, Asian airlines are maintaining a cautious stance, closely monitoring evolving operating conditions while actively exploring opportunities in high-potential growth markets.”

An aggregate total of 30.8 million international passengers flew on the region’s carriers in February, representing a 5.9% increase over the number recorded in the same month last year, on the back of the Lunar New Year holiday period. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand grew by 9.2% year-on-year, reflecting relative strength on long-haul markets. Combined with an 8.6% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor edged 0.4 percentage points higher to 82.2% for the month.

Meanwhile, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by a more modest 2.8% year-on-year in February, as export activity slowed across the major manufacturing hubs, notably China, during the festive celebrations. Offered freight capacity increased by 6.0%, outpacing the growth in demand to result in a 1.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 56.5% for the month.

 

The post Air passenger and cargo demand continues to grow in Feb 2025: AAPA appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General concludes landmark visit to China

The post Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General concludes landmark visit to China appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The visit marks a milestone in UN Tourism’s partnership with China, underscoring the shared vision of advancing sustainable tourism and economic progress worldwide.

Strengthening Global Tourism Cooperation

The visit by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili featured engagements with senior government officials, industry leaders, and international development agencies, further deepening UN Tourism’s collaboration with China.

.UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “China stands as one of the world’s true tourism leaders, both as a source market and as a destination in its own right. At both the public and private level, China is leading from the front in the digital transformation of the sector while also supporting it to become a pillar of international sustainable development.”

Advancing the Global Development Initiative

Throughout the visit, the Secretary-General reiterated UN Tourism’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. In line with President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on global solidarity, UN Tourism remains committed to fostering inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven frameworks that align with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Secretary-General engaged with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to explore future collaboration on Chinese Government-funded projects that aim to support UN Tourism Member States, focusing on sustainable development and tourism-related initiatives. In all three bilateral meetings with Shanghai, Hainan, and CIDCA, the Secretary-General highlighted the significance of GDI and the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, both proposed by President Xi Jinping. UN Tourism strongly recognizes GDI’s vital role in promoting inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven frameworks that support the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General echoed President Xi Jinping’s belief that “solidarity is strength, but division leads nowhere”, emphasizing that global cooperation leads to shared success and sustainable development.

Strengthening High-Level Engagements

During meetings with senior officials in Shanghai, including Chen Jining, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the commitment to regional tourism development. Discussions emphasized sustainable tourism growth, digital transformation, and investment opportunities, setting a strong foundation for future cooperation.

Strategic Partnership with Trip.com Group

As well as engaging public sector leaders, the UN Tourism delegation also strengthened ties with the private sector in China, recognizing the key role of enterprise in growing and transforming the sector at every level.

A visit to Trip.com Group headquarters marked a significant step toward enhancing collaboration in the travel and tourism sector. Discussions focused on leveraging digital innovation, technology integration, and sustainable travel practices, aligning with UN Tourism’s global goals.

Engagements in Hainan Province and Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025

In Hainan Province, the Secretary-General held productive discussions with the Governor, Vice Governor, and senior officials from the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The engagements underscored the importance of fostering partnerships between UN Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. The Secretary-General also participated in the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, highlighting the vital role of tourism in regional economic cooperation and sustainable development.

Strengthening Ties with the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF)

The Secretary-General met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF and UN Tourism Ambassador, to discuss ongoing strategic cooperation and preparations for the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum. The dialogue reinforced the critical role of tourism in driving global economic growth and collaboration.

 

The post Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General concludes landmark visit to China appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Turkish Airlines launches flights to Ohrid in North Macedonia

The post Turkish Airlines launches flights to Ohrid in North Macedonia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s key tourism cities, taking its global flight network to 353 destinations. This is the airline’s second destination in North Macedonia, the first being the country’s capital Skopje.

Türkiye’s national carrier, which flies to more destinations that any other airline, is operating four weekly services between Istanbul Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport during the summer. This new route strengthens Turkish Airlines’ regional network, offering passengers more travel options in Europe.

Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, making it a symbol of the city. In 1980, the entire city of Ohrid was placed under UNESCO protection due to its historical, cultural and natural significance.

Commenting on the launch of Ohrid flights, Turkish Airlines’ CEO Bilal Eksi said: At Turkish Airlines, we believe that our newly launched flights to/from Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest settlements, will create new opportunities for both tourism and business. Additionally, it will further enhance cultural exchange with Ohrid, a city that reflects the essence of the Balkans and carries traces of the Ottoman heritage.”

Turkish Airlines is offering special promotional fares for flights booked between April 1-15, 2025 for travel between April 15 – August 28, 2025. Single fares for travel from Istanbul to Ohrid and vice versa start from £107. These fares are available on the official Turkish Airlines website; prices may vary at ticket offices and travel agencies.

Flight schedule details:

2025 WINTER SCHEDULE 
FLIGHT NO START DATE  END DATE DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL 
TK 1011 27/03/2025 28/03/2025 Thursday, Friday IST 13:00 12:40 OHD
TK 1012 27/03/2025 28/03/2025 Thursday, Friday OHD 13:30 17:10 IST
2025 SUMMER SCHEDULE
FLIGHT NO START DATE  END DATE DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL 
TK 1009 30/03/2025 20/10/2025 Monday, Sunday IST 10:35 11:15 OHD
TK 1010 30/03/2025 20/10/2025 Monday, Sunday OHD 12:05 14:45 IST
TK 1011 03/04/2025 24/10/2025 Thursday, Friday IST 12:55 13:35 OHD
TK 1012 03/04/2025 24/10/2025 Thursday, Friday OHD 14:25 17:05 IST

All times are local.

 

 

 

The post Turkish Airlines launches flights to Ohrid in North Macedonia appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia