The post Tourism Authority of Thailand celebrates 65th anniversary appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marks its 65th anniversary today, 18th March, celebrating decades of dedication to establishing Thailand as a world-class tourist destination.

Over the past six decades, TAT has transformed from a modest tourism agency into a global leader in sustainable tourism, balancing economic growth, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community-driven development.

Indeed, since its establishment in the 1960s, TAT has played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s tourism industry. 

Six decades of active promotion

Initially focused on attracting international visitors, Thailand welcomed 81,340 tourists in its first year.  

By the 1970s, arrivals surpassed one million, prompting the development of more detailed promotional campaigns on a larger scale.

The 1980s and 1990s saw landmark initiatives such as Land of a Thousand Smiles and Amazing Thailand, both of which elevated Thailand’s global appeal. 

In 1980, TAT launched the Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) to promote domestic tourism and local economies. The introduction of the Thailand Tourism Awards in the 1990s reinforced sustainable tourism practices.

By the 2000s, Thailand welcomed over 10 million visitors, with campaigns like Unseen Thailand and Thailand Grand Invitation, showcasing hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences. 

The 7 Greens initiative led Thailand’s eco-tourism movement, and in 2001, TAT launched Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+), now one of Asia-Pacific’s premier travel trade fairs.

The 2010s marked exponential growth, with Thailand attracting 37 million visitors by 2018 and 39 million by 2019. TAT introduced Discover Thainess, reinforcing Thailand’s cultural identity, and Open to the New Shades, encouraging creative tourism experiences for both first-time and repeat visitors.

The here and now

The 2020s, the current decade, ushered in an era of resilience and sustainability. 

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the launch of SHA (Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration) in 2020, ensuring safety and hygiene standards for tourism businesses. 

Marketing initiatives such as the Best Wishes (Pla-Ta-Pian) film reassured global travellers, while Thailand pioneered international reopening with Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus in 2021, followed by the WAIT NO MORE campaign to revive tourism.

As Thailand’s tourism sector rebounded, Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters revitalised travel, highlighting fresh and diverse experiences. In 2023, the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) and the STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating) programme were launched to elevate sustainability standards among tourism businesses. 

In the past year, Thailand’s tourism sector continued its strong rebound, with international tourist arrivals reaching 35 million, generating over 1.8 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. 

The Your Stories Never End campaign continued to showcase Thailand’s immersive travel experiences, complemented by 5 Must Do in Thailand, which promoted unique and high-value attractions, further strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading global destination.

Now in 2025, TAT leads the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year, positioning Thailand as a premier destination for sports tourism, cultural exploration, and high-value travel. 

This campaign strengthens Thailand’s global appeal while maintaining a firm commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.

The post Tourism Authority of Thailand celebrates 65th anniversary appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Ben Thomas appointed as Highgate’s chief operating officer in Europe appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

International real estate, hotel management, and development company Highgate announced the appointment of Ben Thomas as its new chief operating officer for Europe. 

In this role, Thomas will oversee Highgate’s operations across Europe, drive strategic growth initiatives, and optimize performance across its expanding portfolio.

Highgate principal Steve Barick said: “We are delighted to welcome Ben into the Highgate family as our COO for Europe. His expertise and track record of driving operational and commercial excellence make him the right strategic leader to accelerate Highgate’s expansion. His vision and impact will undoubtedly elevate our teams and portfolio to new levels of success.”

Thomas responded by saying: “It is an honour to join Highgate at such an exciting time for the  company. Highgate’s proven track record lends itself well to the burgeoning hospitality boom we are seeing across Europe, and I look forward to bringing Highgate’s differentiated capabilities to more hotels, cities, and countries throughout the continent.” 

A stellar resume

Prior to joining Highgate, Thomas served as chief operating and commercial officer at Penta Hotels, leading operational and commercial functions for the international brand and operator, including a portfolio of 16 hotels across Europe and Asia. 

Throughout his 11-year tenure with Penta, he began as Cluster General Manager in Birmingham and Derby and subsequently served as Regional General Manager UK, Regional Director in Frankfurt, and Chief Commercial Officer while working his way up to Chief Operating and Commercial Officer. 

Thomas also served as Cycas Hospitality’s Chief Operating Officer for the UK and Ireland. Earlier in his career, he held General Manager roles across the UK, including positions at Village Hotels and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.

The post Ben Thomas appointed as Highgate’s chief operating officer in Europe appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Concerns raised as Nepal begins to feel impact of overtourism on Mount Everest appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

While Mount Everest continues to fascinate travellers throughout the globe, overtourism and the adverse effects of climate change are raising concerns among authorities in Nepal.

It has been a sobering fact that Mount Everest’s continued popularity on and offline still draws in foolhardy travellers who spend their money to take on the world’s highest peak as a bucket list challenge. 

It may be recalled that, during the 2023 climbing season, 18 people lost their lives on Everest due to sickness, exhaustion, and accidents; this was the highest-ever annual toll recorded at the mountain destination.

Though many of the casualties were foreign tourists, Nepalese officials are alarmed that the majority of those who lost their lives were locals acting as guides or performing support roles for Everest expeditions.

Everest in the numbers…and what the authorities are doing about it

According to experts at Climbing Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest used to see a maximum of 800 climbers a year prior to 2019.

However, since revenge travel became a thing following the pandemic, the maximum number has risen to 1,000 per annum, a development that continues to have adverse repercussions on both the local environment and the Nepalese economy.

Environmentalists have also raised the alarm regarding massive amounts of garbage left behind by both climbers and campers alike.

Recent reports show that there are three key concerns affecting Mount Everest and related climbing experiences:

• Overcrowding has been a major issue, especially as increasingly long queues in the death zone exacerbate risks;
• Increased traffic to the area generates too much waste, leading to the deterioration of local ecosystems; and
• Compromised safety measures on the part of budget tour operators has led to an alarming increase in the number of fatalities per annum.

In April of last year, the Nepalese Supreme Court issued an order calling upon the government to more closely regulate climbing expeditions and sanitation on the mountain.

The order declared: “Allowing the mountain to remain littered and permitting unlimited numbers of climbers at any time, even in the name of collecting royalties, is both harmful and disrespectful to the mountain.

Meanwhile, relevant authorities and their counterparts on the Tibetan side of Everest unveiled new rules governing climbing routes in January of this year.

Taking effect in September 2025 at the end of the main climbing season, these rules are as follows:

• Above the 8,000m mark, one guide is mandated for every two climbers and unguided climbs are prohibited;
• Climbing permits for foreigners is now set at US$15,000, 36 percent higher than before;
• Expedition companies need to provide life insurance for guides amounting to no less than 1.5 million rupees;
• The daily minimum wage per high-altitude guides is now set at 1,200 rupees;
• Climb organisers are now required to submit a photo of each climber’s face, plus mountain range; and 
• Climbers must bring all their garbage back to base camp for disposal.

The post Concerns raised as Nepal begins to feel impact of overtourism on Mount Everest appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post BizAway is fastest-growing company in the European travel and hospitality sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Italian travel management scaleup BizAway ranked 1st in the Travel & Hospitality sector and in the 29th position overall in the Financial Times and Statista’s annual ranking of the 1,000 fastest-growing companies in Europe.

BizAway reported 237.1 percent growth between 2020 and 2023, marking yet another significant milestone for the Italian company.

Co-founder and chief executive Luca Carlucci remarked: “We are delighted with this important result and our aim is to continue our commitment to constant evolution at a business level for the company, but above all for the companies that place their trust in our services every day. We want to consolidate our presence in the business travel sector, both nationally and internationally, while maintaining the level of excellence that distinguishes us.” 

Beyond achievement

While this result is a recognition of great corporate work at BizAway, it is also proof that the travel and hospitality market in Europe continues to expand.

Indeed, business travel is set to grow significantly in 2025, with 40 percent of companies expecting an increase between June and July and 42 percent allocating more resources than they did in the past year.

The Global Business Travel Association also reported also that 86 percent of buyers and suppliers performed at or above expectations in 2024, and 67 percent of sectoral professionals expressed optimism regarding growth this year. 

Furthermore, 52 percent of buyers expect corporate travel budgets to increase.

The post BizAway is fastest-growing company in the European travel and hospitality sector appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Shinta Mania Hotels’ JATI opens on 1st April appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Shinta Mani Hotels’ exclusive new private island retreat JATI is set to open its doors on 1st April.

This new luxury retreat offers guests a unique blend of Khmer-inspired luxury and barefoot island bliss off Cambodia’s southern coast. 

One of Asia’s most anticipated resort openings of the year, JATI joins the elite portfolio of HMD Asia, whose multi-award winning hotel brands include the stylish Shinta Mani Resorts in Cambodia and the delightful boutique heritage properties La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang and La Residence D’Angkor in Siem Reap.

HMD Asia executive director Anthony Lark said: “We’re excited to debut HMD Asia’s first beach resort. JATI invites guests to discover the delightfully rustic and unspoilt beaches of Southern Cambodia, with a vibrant new Khmer-inspired private island experience which also offers great food, unrivalled leisure activities and extensive spa and wellness facilities, all at exceptional value.”

Everything in one place

The 82-villa laid-back retreat with a distinctive Cambodian island vibe is located on the island of Koh Russey (Bamboo Island) in southern Cambodia’s scenic and unspoilt Koh Rong archipelago, just 10 minutes by speedboat from the resort’s own private pier at Ream Beach, near  Sihanoukville.

The word jati means rebirth in Sanskrit, so the retreat embodies the spirit of renewal, from its secluded island setting to rejuvenating wellness offerings, promising a transformative escape.

JATI offers first-class experiences at exceptional value, from world-class leisure and sports facilities to indulgent relaxation under the island’s shady trees. 

Bright, Khmer-inspired one-and-two-bedroom villas offer understated luxury, some with their own private pools, directly on the beachfront or nestled in lush tropical gardens

Recreation facilities which are being introduced in phases in the first two to three months include a racquet & sports club for tennis and pickleball, basketball, mini golf, badminton, Thai boxing, paddle-boarding, kayaks, snorkelling, and island trails for a stroll or bike ride.

Likewise, the Bamboo Spa & Gym features a wide range of Khmer-inspired treatments for recharging, as well as state-of-the-art equipment for workouts.

Exceptional island dining, events, and kid-friendly facilities

Dining will be a key highlight of the resort which offers an unrivalled variety of gustatory experiences. 

The inspired dining also capitalises on destination restaurants within HMD Asia’s portfolio with island branches of Phnom Penh wine bar Le Manolis and the capital’s most popular steakhouse KoKo bringing an urban international vibe to the seaside setting.

Lazy breakfasts of international favourites alongside traditional Khmer ones are served at the breezy Arun beach café, while Banyan Lounge blends exotic cocktails under the shade of a banyan tree.

Meanwhile, the lively Beach Club invites guests to kick-back in style at sunset, with freshly prepared local seafood, evening BBQs and a chilled island vibe – either indoors or al fresco as the waves lap gently against the shore in front of you.

At the soon-to-be-opened Seahorse Kids Club, little ones will experience their own slice of island cool with beach adventures and games, leaving parents to enjoy guilt-free grown-up lounging, while qualified baby-sitting services also allow Mums and Dads a little private pampering time.

A 300 sqm thatched-roof Events & Conference Centre styled for barefoot weddings and brainstorming gatherings is also scheduled to open later this year.

The post Shinta Mania Hotels’ JATI opens on 1st April appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Belmont Hotel Manila opens its fifth Lobby Art Exhibit appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Belmont Hotel Manila opened its fifth Lobby Art Exhibit, Hiraya: Crafted Visions by Josso Baldera last 27th February; the exhibition is ongoing until 20th April.

The exhibition marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s dedication to showcasing the richness of Filipino culture and supporting local artists.

Crafted Visions features the remarkable three-dimensional works of Josso Baldera, a young, talented artist whose pieces explore themes of life, nature, and the human experience. 

Each sculpture serves as a powerful visual narrative, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty and complexity of our world through the lens of Baldera’s creativity.

Each piece featured in the exhibition tells a compelling visual story, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty and complexity of the world through Baldera’s creative lens.

A portrait of a young artist

Baldera’s artistic journey began under the mentorship of the renowned artist Angelito Cacnio, with whom he apprenticed for nearly a decade. 

During this time, he honed his craft, learning the intricacies of sculpture while developing his own unique style. His perseverance, coupled with his inherent talent, helped him transition from apprentice to artist, making him able to create pieces that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.

Baldera’s work has been featured in the book Alphabet of Filipino Contemporary Artists: Volume 2 by Lander P Blanza.

This is outstanding proof that the young artist’s work will continue to gain recognition for its depth and artistic significance.

The post Belmont Hotel Manila opens its fifth Lobby Art Exhibit appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Cruise lines caught in the middle of US-Canada trade war appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada has put cruise lines in a precarious situation that will have adverse repercussions on all sides.

Since US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to impose new tariffs on imports from Canada on 1st February, Canadians have stepped up to the plate following now-former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “Choose Canada” response.

This has led to the cancellation of cruises sailing to and from US ports aboard US-based cruise firms for many Canadians.

Experts have pointed out that this act of patriotism will spell major economic losses for the US, given how Canada is actually its largest tourism source market.

It has been estimated that even a mere ten percent drop in Canadian travel will lead to a loss of up to US$2.1 billion in tourism revenues, and will lead to 14,000 jobs lost.

Alaska has the most to lose in this case, given how a large number of Alaskan cruises set off from the Canadian port city of Vancouver.

Retaliatory statements

British Columbia premier David Eby recently proposed a new bill allowing the Canadian province to charge additional tolls and fees on US commercial vehicles travelling through to Alaska.

Retaliation against the proposal from the Americans has been swift, with Alaskan senator Dan Sullivan making a counter-proposal: a possible exemption to a law requiring cruise ships travelling from the lower 48 states to Alaska to stop at a Canadian port.

Sullivan declared: “That will take billions and I’m talking billions of dollars of tourism revenue from western Canadian provinces.”

There are actually two US laws involved in this scenario: the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 which is commonly known as the Jones Act, and the much older Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886.

Both laws specifically require that foreign-flagged cruise lines call on a foreign port of call during any cruise that begins and ends in a US port. 

This is why most Alaska cruises sailing roundtrip from a mainland US port like Seattle stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

In this scenario, Victoria, British Columbia stands to lose the most.

Cruise tourism contributes about $130 million annually to Victoria’s local economy, as Breakwater District at Ogden Point is Canada’s busiest port for cruise ship calls.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) reports that, of the nearly 970,000 passengers cruising to Victoria on 316 cruise ship calls in 2024, over 700,000 disembarked to explore the city.

According to GVHA chief executive Robert Lewis-Manning: “The industry remains a strong economic driver for Victoria. The Alaska itinerary is an important growth market.”

The GVHA expects around 320 cruise ship arrivals this year.

The post Cruise lines caught in the middle of US-Canada trade war appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Tourist Japan introduces new line of Japan Cultural Tour Packages appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourist Japan has launched a new collection of Japan Cultural Tour Packages, tours specifically designed to bring travellers closer to the country’s rich traditions and heritage. 

These all-inclusive packages which include hotels, guided tours, cultural experiences, transfers, and more, enable travellers to create unforgettable memories while Tourist Japan’s team of experts handles the logistics.

Tourist Japan founder Ben Julius said of the new offerings: “Our goal is to redefine how people travel in Japan. We want our guests to step away from the typical tourist trail and truly experience Japan through its culture, traditions, and people on a deeper level. By working with local communities and experts, we’re ensuring that every journey is not just meaningful for travelers but also beneficial for the destinations they visit.”

The Tourist Japan difference

Unlike many tour operators that rush travelers through Japan’s most famous landmarks, Tourist Japan’s cultural packages focus on immersive, authentic experiences. 

Whether guests choose a custom itinerary or opt for a pre-designed tour, the opportunities for cultural discovery are unparalleled. 

Available in durations ranging from 8 to 21 days, some of the activities on offer include:

• Participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony  
• Whisking matcha with a skilled tea master
• Savouring local cuisine in the cultural capital of Kamakura
• Observing snow monkeys in their natural habitat in Nagano
• Discovering the artistry of Hida woodwork craftsmanship
• Spending a night in a traditional ryokan for an authentic Japanese hospitality experience
• Watching a traditional dance and participating in drinking games with a maiko

Tourist Japan’s cultural tour packages are reshaping the way people travel in Japan, offering an alternative to mass tourism while addressing the growing issue of overtourism. 

By working exclusively with local partners and suppliers, these tours directly benefit Japanese communities and support sustainable tourism practices.

The post Tourist Japan introduces new line of Japan Cultural Tour Packages appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Malaysia Airlines and Trip.com announce new partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Malaysian flag-carrier Malaysia Airlines and online travel service provider Trip.com announced a new partnership today, 17th March.

Under this partnership, both parties will seek to enhance the travel experience for airline passengers. 

This collaboration makes Trip.com the first third-party platform integrated into the MHupgrade programme which was previously available only on the Malaysia Airlines website.

In doing so, the two parties offer travellers a seamless way to access upgrade opportunities.

Trip.com Group associate vice-president CT Ooi said of the new partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Malaysia Airlines to bring the MHupgrade service to our customers. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to enhancing the travel experience by providing more options and greater convenience to our users and is also a testament to the trust that our partners such as Malaysia Airlines have in us to build innovative new products together.”

For his part, Malaysian Aviation Group chief commercial officer for airlines Dersenish Aresandiran remarked: “We are delighted to collaborate with Trip.com to extend the reach of our MHupgrade service. This strategic partnership will enable us to offer our valued passengers an elevated travel experience with our signature Malaysian Hospitality while expanding our presence in the global market through a trusted partner in Trip.com.”

A better way to book upgrades 

MHupgrade offers eligible Economy Class or Business Class ticket holders the opportunity to place an offer to upgrade to the next cabin class. 

By integrating this feature, users who book Malaysia Airlines flights on Trip.com can now conveniently access and enjoy premium travel experiences with greater ease and flexibility.

Malaysia Airlines, renowned for its world-class service and hospitality, sees this partnership as an opportunity to reach a broader audience and provide more passengers with the chance to experience the exceptional service of its premium cabins.

The integration of MHupgrade on Trip.com provides passengers with a seamless and user-friendly process to bid for upgrades, including on the recently introduced A330neo.

Customers can look forward to enjoying the luxurious amenities and comfort of Malaysia Airlines Business Class and Business Suite, such as priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, gourmet dining options, and more.

The post Malaysia Airlines and Trip.com announce new partnership appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Taiwanese government proposes disclosure mechanism for China travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seeks to propose amendments echoing President William Lai’s call for a disclosure mechanism covering Taiwanese officials travelling to China.

Lai called for such a tool on Thursday, 13th March, as a way of ensuring that national and local government officials visiting China for exchanges remain transparent and accountable to their constituents.

During a news conference, Lai declared: “From government officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and borough wardens, all should make their information exchanges with the Mainland public and transparent for accountability.”

The Taiwanese President added that this mechanism aims to prevent Beijing from interfering in his country’s affairs of state.

Working on proposals

As of Saturday, 15th March, DPP caucus chief executive Rosalia Wu advised the public that party legislators are working with government officials, particularly those involved in national security, to enact Lai’s 17 proposals.

Wu added that the caucus already drafted bills for some of these proposals, while others remain under discussion.

Taiwan’s legislators need to put national security as the top priority, particularly in the face of Mainland China’s increasingly aggressive attempts to infiltrate Taiwanese society.

Once these changes are implemented, officials at the municipal and county levels will be required to obtain approval from the national government before traveling to China.

Meanwhile, mainland affairs council minister Chiu Chui-cheng urged ordinary Taiwanese citizens on Friday, 14th March, to report to the government before traveling to China to protect their safety.

The post Taiwanese government proposes disclosure mechanism for China travel appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia