The post Figure 8 Capital hosts exclusive site inspection for HVL Hotels project appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Figure 8 Capital successfully hosted an exclusive site inspection of the highly anticipated HVL Hotels project in the Hunter Valley last 12th March. 

The invitation-only event provided investors and key stakeholders with a firsthand look at the transformation of the historic Ben Ean Estate into a world-class luxury destination.

During the site inspection, industry veteran Brian McGuigan attended and personally guided potential investors through the site, showcasing the vision and progress of the project. 

Attendees gained an in-depth understanding of the project’s progress including the approved Development Application and design concepts. 

A not to be missed opportunity for investment

Guests had the opportunity to explore the location, review preliminary architectural plans, and discuss investment opportunities, including the Promissory Notes investment option, which offers a fixed return of 10 percent p.a. with additional incentives.

HVL Hotels managing director Dominic Lambrinos said: “This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in a landmark luxury hotel in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s premier wine tourism destination. It was an incredible experience to showcase the vision behind HVL Hotels and share this milestone moment with our valued investors and partners.”

With momentum building, Figure 8 Capital remains committed to delivering an exceptional hospitality experience in the Hunter Valley. Investors and stakeholders can look forward to further updates as the project progresses.

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The post IATA calls for rapid global adoption of digital identity technologies appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for the rapid adoption of digital identity technologies today, 19th March, in Sydney, Australia.

These technologies are necessary for enhancing aviation security and operational efficiency worldwide.

IATA made the call to aviation industry leaders during the Sydney Leaders’ Week Conference hosted by Qantas.

Participants supported this position, emphasising the need for collaboration in implementing Verifiable Credentials (VC) and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs).

Key benefits of identity tech to the global aviation sector 

It is widely accepted that digital identity can bring the following benefits to aviation security:

• Stronger Document Integrity: Reducing fraud and unauthorized access.​
• Global Trust: Enabling secure, cross-border, interoperable identity verification.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining document verification for a smoother passenger experience, strengthening regulatory oversight, and optimizing resource allocation.

According to IATA senior vice-president for operations, safety, and security Nick Careen: “Global cooperation keeps flying secure. Adopting Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers standards is a natural next step in reinforcing security, trust, and efficiency. Every aviation stakeholder wants flying to be even more secure—which crosses geopolitical divides. The technology is ready and proven. We now need to take the momentum of this meeting and work towards obtaining a recommendation at the upcoming ICAO assembly later this year.”

Digital transformation is key to boosting security

Aviation security leaders at the conference likewise identified key actions for governments to drive the industry’s digital transformation.

These include:

• Fast-Track Technology Integration: Incorporate VC and DID technologies into national and international security frameworks, aligning with ICAO Annex 17 and Aircraft Operator Security Programs (AOSP).

• Prioritize Aviation Digital ID Use Cases: Integrate aviation digital identity solutions into national digital strategies to enhance global cooperation.
• Invest in Capacity Building: Allocate resources to equip industry stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and infrastructure for seamless implementation.​
• Increase Stakeholder Engagement: Promote awareness and industry-wide adoption of digital identity solutions through targeted education and outreach. 

In order to make this possible, IATA’s One ID initiative promotes globally interoperable digital identity standards, enabling passengers to verify their travel documents before departure and move through the airport using biometric recognition instead of physical documents. 

One ID works in harmony with ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential ensuring security and efficiency while maintaining privacy and compliance with global regulations.

IATA is also advancing its Aviation Security Trust Framework, which sees regulatory alignment, cross-sector collaboration and infrastructure as critical components to realize the benefits of digital identity in global aviation.

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The post Rosewood Hotel Group receives coveted GSTC certification appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Rosewood Hotel Group recently received the prestigious Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, including its key properties in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. 

The certification, granted by Bureau Veritas, an accredited GSTC certification body, applies to 47 properties across Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, New World Hotels & Resorts, and Carlyle & Co. 

GSTC chief executive Randy Durband said: “We extend our congratulations to Rosewood Hotel Group on achieving GSTC certification at a group-wide level, and particularly, twelve certified properties of their portfolio are among the first in their respective countries to receive GSTC-Accredited Certification, the highest level of assurance of credible validation of hotel sustainability claims.”

Durband also expressed hope that Rosewood Hotel Group’s achievement will serve as an inspiration for others to embrace and prioritise sustainability with rigorous and credible external verification.

Team effort

The GSTC certification is a result of efforts steered by Rosewood Impacts, the group’s roadmap for delivering positive impact on all its communities and our shared planet, which reflects the Group’s ambition to become a purpose-led organization. 

This year, Rosewood Impacts will continue to empower Rosewood’s community and ecosystems towards a more sustainable future by launching a group-wide carbon-neutrality journey, welcoming five additional properties as Impact Trailblazers, and rolling out more business-with-purpose restaurants at select properties. 

With GSTC certification, Rosewood Hotel Group solidifies its role as a leader in sustainable hospitality, ensuring its properties, including Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Rosewood Jeddah, meet the highest environmental and social standards.

Meeting stringent standards

The certification verified that the Group’s operational standards and guest experiences align with four key GSTC Criteria: effective sustainable management, social and economic benefits for local communities, preservation of cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility. 

A key differentiator of the Group’s ethos is its commitment that sustainability and social impact initiatives are not mandates but core pillars, in which each property embraces every detail: from eco-conscious culinary creations and educational guest programming to sustainable design elements alongside those that celebrate local heritage and artistry, to partnerships that uplift local livelihoods.

Rosewood’s vice-president of impact and sustainability Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed was moved to remark: “We endeavour to create experiences that are exciting and meaningful, and elevated yet responsible. The GSTC certification is a welcome endorsement that we are affixing this enrichment lens on every part of our business, from hiring, supply chain, and partnerships to procurement, design and more.”

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The post WorldHotels signs the Wenland Hotel Northern Hangzhou appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

WorldHotels continues its strategic expansion in China with the recent signing of Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou.

This stylish hotel joins the prestigious WorldHotels Elite collection, effectively becoming the brand’s second location  in Hangzhou, one of China’s most culturally rich and dynamic cities.  

BWH Hotels’ vice-president for the Asia Pacific Olivier Berrivin said: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou, our second property in  this dynamic and heritage-rich city. As one of the world’s largest travel markets, China plays a pivotal  role in the ongoing expansion of WorldHotels across Asia Pacific. Following the success of our first Hangzhou property in 2024, this outstanding new  hotel will offer guests an exceptional stay, surrounded by local attractions and steeped in history. We  are excited to welcome our guests to discover the wonders of Hangzhou.”  

A great location

Strategically located for easy access to the city, the Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou is just 11 kms from Hangzhou Railway Station and 39 kms from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, with Beida Bridge Metro Station within walking distance.  

Conveniently located in Hangzhou’s Gongshu district, the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China,  Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers. 

Just a five-minute walk from the vibrant Joy City retail complex, the hotel is surrounded by museums, historical  streets, and is mere steps away from the iconic Grand Canal.

As such, the hotel offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s heritage whilst enjoying world-class amenities.

Lingering impressions

The hotel makes a first impression the moment you step into its light-filled lobby, featuring soaring  ceilings, a spiral chandelier, and an artistic fountain. 

With 295 rooms and suites, including an opulent Presidential Suite offering 138 square meters of lavish living space, this outstanding hotel promises  guests an unparalleled experience of modern elegance and comfort.  

Guests can indulge in exceptional dining experiences at Puyue, the all-day dining restaurant, or savor  exquisite cuisine at JuPin Chinese Restaurant, which features 10 private dining rooms. 

The hotel’s TianLan Chinese Restaurant, located on the 25th floor, elevates the art of Chinese cuisine with  breathtaking panoramic views. 

The Lobby Lounge provides a sophisticated space for meetings or casual gatherings, offering an ideal setting for business professionals and leisure travelers alike.  

For business and social events, the hotel offers 2,500 square meters of conference and banquet space,  including 11 meeting rooms and a grand 925-square-meter ballroom with nine-meter-high ceilings, capable of hosting large conventions, meetings, and weddings for up to 650 guests. 

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The post Bali’s SAKA Museum introduces three new exhibitions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The SAKA Museum at AYANA Bali recently launched three captivating new exhibitions, offering an immersive journey into the heart of Balinese culture. 

Set to open in early April, just after the sacred Nyepi (Day of Silence) holiday, these exhibitions provide a rare opportunity to experience the island’s rich cultural traditions, its profound relationship with nature, and the deep spirituality that shapes its way of life. 

SAKA Museum executive advisor Marlowe Bandem said of these latest additions: “Through these exhibitions, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the role these practices play in daily Balinese life: how they guide spiritual observances, the rhythms of the island, and the collective consciousness of the Balinese people.” 

Delving into the richness of Balinese culture

The new exhibits include Kasanga which tackles the traditions of Nyepi; Subak on the Ancient Order of Bali; and a Heritage Gallery taking on The Five Elements or Pancha Maha Bhuta.

The three exhibitions are thoughtfully designed to weave together the diverse aspects of Balinese life. 

The Heritage Gallery explores the ancient spiritual teachings of the island’s five core elements, while Subak delves into Bali’s unique agricultural system and its UNESCO-listed water temple network. 

Likewise, Kasanga offers visitors an immersive experience of the island’s most revered day of silence, showcasing numerous artworks related to the different stages of the Nyepi celebrations.

An immersive whole

These new additions complement the museum’s already popular exhibitions, thereby creating a holistic experience of Bali’s rich cultural tapestry. 

Together, these provide a captivating journey into the island’s rich traditions, beliefs, and spiritual philosophy, with a particular focus on Tri Hita Karana or the Balinese principle of harmony and balance between God, nature, and humanity. 

The exhibitions also celebrate the works of recognized Balinese artists, highlighting their artistic contributions and the vibrant creativity that defines Bali’s cultural identity.

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The post Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin invites guests to embrace the blossoming of spring appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As the world around it blooms into the warmth of spring, Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin invites guests to indulge in specially curated spring experiences to celebrate this beautiful time of year.

Perfectly located downtown, Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin is within walking or cycling distance from Tianjin’s most iconic spring attractions, including the historic Five Great Avenues, peaceful Munan Park, and picturesque Haihe River. 

Right beneath the hotel is Chifeng Road, a hidden gem known for its celebrity residences, the China Ancient Porcelain Museum, and various charming cultural boutiques, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s unique culture.

Enjoying the suite life and more

From now through 30th June, guests booking any suite for two or more consecutive nights through the hotel’s official website will receive a complimentary RMB 888 hotel credit, redeemable for dining and spa experiences. 

Guests staying in suites also get to enjoy exclusive Executive Lounge privileges, including complimentary dining, afternoon tea, cocktails and unique benefits.

At the same time, Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin has partnered with the national intangible cultural heritage organisation Kite Wei to present the Kite Whispering of Spring afternoon tea at La Sala Lounge where its executive pastry chef artfully combines traditional Chinese kite motifs and vibrant colors into beautifully crafted Western desserts, transforming kites from museum artifacts into edible art.

The hotel has also invited Wei Guoqiu, the fourth-generation expert at Kite Wei, to offer guests a rare hands-on kite-making experience every Saturday afternoon. 

Under his tutelage, guests can explore the joy of crafting and decorating their own kites under expert guidance, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese culture.

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The post Philippine National Railways continues station improvements in the Bicol Region appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Officials at the Philippine National Railways (PNR) advised the public that  improvements at its stations, particularly in the Bicol Region in Southern Luzon, are ongoing.

These improvements are expected to enhance accessibility and ensure faster and safer transportation for Bicolano commuters.

The national railway company inaugurated a new PHP 4.9 million station in Pili, Camarines Sur on Thursday, 13th March.

This new facility is expected to cater to the highest number of passengers in the region.

The new Pili station is characterised by a long covered platform over 100 metres long, tactile pathways for the visually impaired, a breastfeeding station, two restrooms, and air-conditioned offices for the personnel.

Seeing for himself

PNR general manager Deovanni Miranda held an inspection of various train stations in Daraga, Travesia, and Camalig on Friday, 14th March, to see the actual state of the trains, railways, and passengers for himself.

Following the Daraga station inspection, Miranda said: “Our train service from Naga to Legazpi and from Legazpi to Naga is now operational. We are working on increasing the number of trains available,” he said, citing the challenges such as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine Trami and a landslide in Quezon.”

Miranda said train coaches are now available and these will be brought from Manila this year.

Likewise, the general manager underscored the contribution of local governments, villages, and schools in educating the public about railway safety.

Miranda declared: “We need to inform the public about the risks and dangers associated with rail operations, whether they are residents or merely crossing at railroad intersections. Our goal is to provide sufficient information and education to our community to address these incidents, and moving forward, we are committed to this effort.”

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The post ixigo signs partnership with Amadeus appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indian online travel platform ixigo signed a partnership with global traveltech firm Amadeus to enhance its airline content offerings. 

Through this collaboration, ixigo will integrate Amadeus’ advanced EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) and NDC (New Distribution Capability) content into its platform.

For ixigo executives, this is an important collaboration for their future plansas they are now aligned with a leading player in the traveltech sector.

Creating more value

In a joint statement, ixigo group chief executive Aloke Bajpai and group co-CEO Rajnish Kumar said: “At ixigo, we are continuously enhancing our flight offerings with new features and services to add more value for travelers. This collaboration will help us strengthen our airline content, providing users with a seamless, one-stop journey planning experience. With Amadeus’ advanced technology solutions combined with our focus on usability & customer experience, we are confident of gaining more momentum for our flights business.”

For his part, Amadeus vice-president for travel and managing director for the Asia Pacific Javier Laforgue remarked: “India is seeing a new golden age of travel, and we are proud to work alongside one of the nation’s fastest growing online travel businesses to capture this momentum. NDC continues to gain traction, offering access to the tailored, end-to-end experiences travelers have come to expect. We are delighted to further accelerate this process of adoption through our partnership with ixigo.”

Integration for a seamless booking experience

This integration will enable ixigo to provide travelers with greater choice, flexibility, and a seamless flight booking experience. 

By leveraging Amadeus’ technology, ixigo will be able to enhance its travel offerings, introduce advanced post-booking services, and create a more comprehensive journey for users. 

This collaboration will also provide ixigo access to a broader range of travel options on a single platform, eliminating the need for costlier and less scalable alternatives.

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The post ikhlas.com launches Qashwar campaign to send 1,000 pilgrims to Umrah appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) marks its fifth year anniversary with gratitude, giving and growth as it unveiled Qashwa to drive a massive campaign to send 1,000 asnaf pilgrims for Umrah.

The restored 1987 Mercedes S124 300TE station wagon, jointly sponsored by lines of businesses under Capital A Berhad, specifically AirAsia, MOVE, Santan, Teleport, Outclass and BigPay, will tour across Malaysia in a nationwide search of candidates for the 1,000 Umrah Asnaf campaign.

Speaking at the company’s anniversary event, ikhlas.com CEO Ikhlas Kamarudin said: “In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan and commemorating this significant day of Nuzul Al-Quran, we are most blessed to celebrate our fifth anniversary with gratitude, giving and growth which aligns with both ikhlas.com’s milestone and the sacredness of today. We call upon everyone to take part in this journey in your respective capacity to send 1,000 Guests of Allah to perform Umrah. These guests are super special, they are in dire need of physical and spiritual assistance so we need everyone’s support so more people can contribute to this special cause.”

Among those in attendance were Capital A executive chair Kamarudin Meranun and board directors Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar and Fadzillah Abdullah.

In tandem with the celebrations, ikhlas.com is also offering RM5,000,000.00 worth of prizes including 10,000 units of RM200 Umrah discount vouchers, exclusive merchandise, kitab (books for Islamic learning), and many more to be given away throughout the year.

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The post KAI Hakone reopens this August appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hoshino Resorts announced that its onsen ryokan [hot spring inn] KAI Hakone reopens on 1st August this year, following closure due to extensive refurbishment.

Located in the 1,200-year-old onsen town Hakone Yumoto, KAI Hakone has welcomed numerous travellers since 2012 with guest rooms offering picturesque views of Mount Yusaka and the Sukumo River. 

With its rich history, Hakone Yumoto flourished as a hot spring resort along the Tokaido Road, one of the five main routes during the Edo period, by soothing the fatigue of travellers. 

The property is adorned with Yosegi-zaiku, a traditional type of mosaic woodwork that developed in Hakone during the Edo period. 

The concept of “A Hakone-style Inn Immersed in the History of the Tokaido Road” was chosen for KAI Hakone’s development, recognising Hakone’s history, as well as its hot springs, teahouses, and Yosegi-zaiku.

The Hakone route, known for its steep and challenging terrain, was lined with teahouses where weary travellers could rest. 

Located between Odawara and Hakone, Hatajuku is known as the birthplace of Yosegi-Zaiku mosaic woodwork where items made using a variety of woods from Hakone’s mountains became popular souvenirs for travellers. 

Extensive and exquisite renovations

The renovation will introduce a relaxing space centred around a newly constructed teahouse in the courtyard. 

Located amidst lush greenery, this space will offer a soothing atmosphere alongside the hot springs, where guests can unwind after arrival and spend time with family and friends after dinner. 

New guest rooms will incorporate the culture nurtured by travellers on the Tokaido Road, while new KAI Cultural Discovery activities and a dedicated space for these activities will also be introduced, allowing guests to experience the history and traditions of Hakone throughout their stay. 

Where culture and hospitality meet

As part of the KAI brand’s hospitality, which focuses on embracing local traditional culture, the “Yosegi CHAYA” event will be held every evening, where staff will share the story of Yosegi-zaiku’s origins and the secrets of its crafting process. 

Guests can also visit the workshop of a Yosegi-zaiku artisan through the local cultural experience program. 

Visitors have praised opportunities such as these to engage with Japan’s traditional crafts and culture during their stay. 

Therefore, the renovation will allow guests to experience more of Hakone’s charm than ever before.

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