The post CT Partners to hold 2025 conference in Singapore appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Independent Australian travel buying network CT Partners officially announced that its 2025 Annual Conference will be held at the Four Seasons Singapore from 28th to 31st October.

The announcement was made following a destination change designed to ensure full accessibility and engagement for CT Partners’ member network.

The decision to relocate the conference originally scheduled for the Maldives was made in response to recent developments that have impacted the ability or desire of some members to enter the Maldives. 

According to CT Partners chief executive Matt Masson: “Our decision to move the conference location is a reflection of our commitment to Members and partners alike. Singapore offers a premium, accessible and inspiring setting to connect, strategise, and celebrate. We’re planning a standout program that uncovers another side of Singapore and one that reflects the strength and spirit of CT Partners, and is a true reflection of our values of collaboration, access and excellence.”

The event will be delivered in partnership with Four Seasons , maintaining the premium calibre expected of CT Partners’ events, while Singapore Airlines continues as the Diamond Sponsor. 

As a world-class hub for business, innovation and travel, Singapore will provide access to senior business leaders and subject matter experts, elevating the business learning and leadership elements of the CT Partners conference. 

A great beginning

CT Partners recently reported a strong start to 2025, forecasting over ten percent in terms of growth and continued momentum towards the company’s ambitious $3 billion TTV target by 2027. 

This follows a record-breaking 2024 where the firm surpassed $2 billion in total transaction value. 

The group’s exceptional NPS of 96, reported in the latest member survey, reflects the success of its model and member satisfaction.  

CT Partners is the only 100% Member-owned network built to return maximum value to its members.

As Masson puts it: “We are proud of the strong relationships we hold across our network, and that includes providing premium engagement opportunities between our members and valued sponsors and suppliers. Our Conference is one of the most important of these moments.”

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes incentive group from Infinitus appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) warmly welcomed the arrival of over 2,500 delegates from Infinitus (China) on Monday, 12th May.

Under the auspices of the Group Incentive Travel strategy aimed at the Chinese market, this visit reinforces Thailand’s position as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) in Asia.

The Infinitus group will be visiting Thailand till Monday, 19th May, with arrivals staggered into three batches. 

Each group follows a separate travel route within the country: Phuket–Bangkok, Chiang Mai–Bangkok, and Pattaya–Rayong–Bangkok.

This offers participants a chance to explore regional highlights before gathering in Bangkok for a large-scale seminar and gala event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) tomorrow, 17th May.

To make the occasion even more special, a VIP welcome was organised at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday, 13th May for Infinitus executives and team leaders. 

Arriving from Guangzhou on China Southern Airlines flight, the group was received by Mr. Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s Regional Director for East Asia, along with TAT staff and representatives from Guangzhou Huiyue International Travel Service.

The best that Thailand can present

TAT deputy governor for digitalisation, research, and development Kittipong Prapattong, will preside over tomorrow’s gala, which celebrates the Infinitus conference and highlights Thailand’s capability to host high-value Chinese visitors with efficiency and warmth.

The gala event will also feature a traditional Thai cultural performance, supported by TAT, adding a memorable local touch and reflecting the country’s unique identity. 

TAT also produced a welcome video thanking Infinitus for choosing Thailand as their preferred incentive destination for over a decade, underscoring the strength of the long-standing partnership.

This visit forms part of TAT’s broader strategy to attract quality tourism from China, positioning Thailand as the destination of choice for large-scale incentive travel. 

More major corporate groups are expected throughout 2025, building on this success.

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The post PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites voyagers to experience a total solar eclipse in 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

For those keen on celestial events, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a unique opportunity to witness a truly breathtaking phenomenon: a total solar eclipse on 12the August 2026. 

Visible from select regions of the Northern Hemisphere, this rare phenomenon can be best experienced at sea. 

With three exclusive itineraries off the coasts of Iceland and Spain, guests will enjoy sailing alongside experts, ensuring an unforgettable journey under the path of totality.

Celestially memorable

As the day’s onshore excursions conclude, the ship will set sail for the open sea. 

The captain will navigate to the optimal viewing location, well away from landforms and potential cloud cover. 

On the outer decks, guests, equipped with observation glasses, will listen intently as renowned specialists and seasoned eclipse chasers share their insights.

Then, the light will begin to fade; colours will slowly disappear, and the surrounding waters will take on an eerie glow as silence settles over the ship as totality occurs mere moments later.

The Moon’s shadow will completely obscure the Sun, revealing only the radiant solar corona.

Three exceptional locations

Off the coast of Iceland and the Balearic Islands, PONANT EXPLORATIONS takes great care in designing journeys that promise unforgettable memories for its guests. 

With a commitment to delivering unique experiences that celebrate the world, its cultures and natural wonders, each itinerary is crafted as an exclusive voyage of discovery.

Whether along the coast of Iceland or in the Mediterranean, the unspoilt natural surroundings far from inhabited areas and artificial light, provides the perfect setting for an immersive experience. 

At sea, the tranquillity and purity of the air enhance the spectacle, while the mobility of small ships ensures the best possible vantage point to admire this celestial phenomenon.

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The post Tourism Australia to launch an indigenous place-based guide for travellers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Australia and Discover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) are launching an Indigenous place-based guide for travellers.

The guide is the first of its kind and was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

As such, it gives travellers a new way to see Australia through the lens of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Many of the experiences listed are part of the DAE collective, which brings together more than 200 Indigenous-led tourism offerings across the country. 

Part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia programme, DAE showcases the best of Aboriginal tourism: experiences that are powerful, personal, and deeply memorable.

According to DAE executive officer Nicole Mitchell: “This new guide encourages visitors to Australia to learn about the nation’s shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation, particularly regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Australia in the eyes of its native peoples

The guide is an Indigenous-led reintroduction to eleven of Australia’s key destinations and highlights stories and cultural experiences in places including Sydney / Warrane, Melbourne / Narrm, Hobart / nipaluna, and the Daintree Rainforest / Kaba Kada, in Queensland.

The guide weaves together 60,000 years of cultural knowledge with modern travel experiences including guided city walking tours, ancient rock art visits, exploring Indigenous-owned galleries and immersive culinary experiences. 

Through this unique approach, travellers are invited to see Australia through the stories that have shaped it for tens of thousands of years.

In each locale, the guide shares the traditional name, its Indigenous peoples and how to fully immerse in Indigenous culture as well as its creation story, and flora and fauna. 

For Cairns, in Far North Queensland, Gimuy (pronounced gee-moy), travellers learn How to say G’Day: Goorin boongun (pronounced goo-rin boon-un). 

There is also advice on how to buy Indigenous art, ethically, explore the Great Barrier Reef with indigenous sea rangers and dine on native produce. 

A timely development

The guide comes at a time of strong global interest in Indigenous-led travel. 

More visitors are seeking authentic, immersive experiences that connect them to Country, culture, and community. 

Over the past ten years interest in Indigenous Activities by all International Visitors has risen by 60 percent from 685,028 to 1,099,458. 

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The post Thailand and UN Tourism team up for 2025 Thailand Tourism Forum appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Together with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports collaborated with UN Tourism to host the Thailand Tourism Forum 2025.

Held last 7th May in Bangkok, the event revolved around the theme Navigating Global Tourism Trends: Strengthening Thailand’s Tourism Industry.

The forum brought in over 500 participants both at the actual venue and online, including senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; namely minister Sorawong Thienthong, vice-minister Jakraphon Tangsutthitham, ministry secretary Krisada Tanterdthit, deputy permanent secretary Vanida Phansoad, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and Tourist Police commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pheuak-um.

A step in the right direction

The forum marked a major step in shaping the future of Thai tourism in line with global developments.

Harry Hwang, director of UN Tourism’s Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific, delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the secretary-general, reaffirming UN Tourism’s continued partnership with Thailand. 

Likewise, UN Tourism director of market intelligence, policies, and competitiveness Sandra Carvao delivered  the keynote address Global Tourism Trends and Directions: 2025–2030 wherein she outlined the key forces and opportunities transforming the global tourism landscape.

A key highlight was a panel discussion on Shaping the Future of Tourism Platforms and the Road to 2030: AI Transforming the Tourism Industry from Global Trends to Thailand, which explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping travel patterns, service delivery, and policy direction worldwide.

A prime example

During the event, Thienthong emphasised that Thailand must keep pace with a rapidly changing world through policies that align with global tourism trends. 

He also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the core principles of UN Tourism: sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of future crises.

He highlighted Borsuak Village in Nan Province, recently recognised by UN Tourism as one of the Best Tourism Villages 2024, as a strong example of how community-based tourism can successfully support sustainable development.

Thienthong also outlined Thailand’s five strategic priorities for the future of tourism: transitioning from volume to value by focusing on high-spending travellers; spreading tourism income to secondary cities through community-based tourism; integrating soft power with the digital economy; expanding into new, diversified source markets to reduce risk; and strengthening preparedness for all types of crises, from pandemics and natural disasters to economic instability.

He concluded with a call for all sectors to come together in building the Thailand Model: a new vision for sustainable tourism that will position Thailand as a “Destination of the Future” recognised for its quality, resilience, and meaningful experiences.

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The post Jumeirah to develop three new properties in Dubai appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury hospitality firm Jumeirah announced the development of three new addresses in Dubai.

This new developmental initiative is in keeping with the company’s Mission 2030 strategy and its focus on growth and diversification

These new additions include a hotel and two residential developments.

According to Jumeirah CEO Thomas B Meier: “In line with Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 strategy, our ongoing ambition is to drive sustainable growth and double the size of our portfolio regionally and internationally.  Maintaining a leadership position in our home market is integral to that strategy and, following the successful opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab earlier this year, we will further extend our footprint in Dubai with Jumeirah Asora Bay and Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers.  These exceptional properties represent the future of the Jumeirah brand, with distinctive and purposeful experiences shaped by intentional design, mindful living and holistic wellbeing.”

Meier added that Jumeirah is firmly on track with the delivery of its strategic roadmap and these additions to its portfolio will further strengthen the company’s global reputation as an industry pioneer and brand of influence.

For his part, Dubai Holding Real Estate chief executive Khalid Al Malik said:  “Meraas is proud to partner with Jumeirah in shaping the future of luxury living in Dubai. Jumeirah Residences Asora Bay and Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers are more than just residential addresses; they are meticulously designed lifestyle destinations for the world’s most discerning homebuyers and investors. Emulating Meraas’ commitment to exceptional urban experiences, these residences combine innovative design, premium amenities, and renowned Jumeirah hospitality, setting a new standard for residential excellence and reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in global luxury real estate.”

The art of elevated design

Jumeirah Asora Bay, hotel and residences, will articulate the evolution of the Jumeirah brand with an elevated design vision and a highly curated experience that is both distinctive and purposeful. 

Combining architectural innovation with an unparalleled coastal setting, the exclusive development will sit discreetly on the peninsula of La Mer South in Dubai.  

Boasting of 103 rooms and suites as well as 20 villas, the new hotel is aligned with Jumeirah’s renewed vision and investment strategy, which includes a focus on boutique-style properties with up to 150 keys, and places emphasis on suite categories, villas, and branded residences. 

This approach is also reflected in Jumeirah’s European portfolio, including the upcoming opening of Jumeirah Le Richemond in Geneva, as well as established destinations such as Jumeirah Mallorca and Jumeirah Capri Palace. 

Scheduled to open in 2029, Jumeirah Asora Bay will join the highly coveted Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts offering.

A home by Asora Bay

Complementing the hotel will be the Jumeirah Residences Asora Bay launched with Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate.  

This exclusive residential enclave features 29 residences, including four-to-six-bedroom apartments, one seven-bedroom penthouse, and six ocean villas.  

The development’s hillside location and terraced design offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline. 

Home is a luxurious tower

With an upweighted focus on branded residences, Jumeirah is also introducing Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers.

This upcoming development symbolises a new expression of elevated living that blends vibrant city life with curated and purposeful experiences.

Featuring 754 units, ranging from one-to-four-bedroom apartments, this new development will redefine urban living in Dubai’s business district: a residential experience elevated to new realms. 

Residents will have access to a wide array of well-being and lifestyle facilities, including a padel court, fitness studios, coworking lounge, private cinema, and a podium pool terrace.

Elegantly iconic

As part of its strategy to diversify its portfolio and drive expansion through both acquisitions and hotel management agreements, Jumeirah has segmented its portfolio into four key offerings, rooted in luxury Arabian hospitality: Jumeirah Icons, Jumeirah Privé, Jumeriah Hotels & Resorts, and Jumeirah Residences.

Jumeirah Icons currently includes Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and will become a limited-edition collection of iconic addresses that shape the identity of cities, setting new benchmarks in design, prestige and hospitality.  

The newly established Jumeirah Privé, which features Jumeirah Thanda Island, is a curated, ultra-luxury collection of secluded islands, estates and villas, offering the ultimate privacy and exclusivity paired with the world-class service and amenities of Jumeirah.  

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts remains the foundation of the brand, featuring a range of properties in some of the world’s most inspirational destinations.  

The final segment is Jumeirah Residences, which has become an increased focus for the brand, designed to elevate and inspire living well, every day.

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The post Air Astana marks its 23rd anniversary appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana released an infographic detailing its progress to mark its 23rd anniversary today, 16th May.

The airline takes pride in servicing 111 routes, 78 of which are international and 33 are domestic, giving it one of the most extensive route networks in the aviation sector.

At present Air Astana Group, made up of Air Astana and its low-cost carrier FlyArystan, boasts of a 60-unit strong fleet.

The company plans to expand its fleet to a total of 84 by the end of the current decade.

The award-winning airline has ferried over nine million passengers to date and assures its loyal clientele of even better service offerings in the years to come.

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The post Agoda signs new understanding with Indonesian Ministry of Tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global online travel agency (OTA) Agoda formally renewed its understanding with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism on Monday, 12th May.

The signing of this new agreement took place during the first-ever Agoda Academy workshop in the northern province of Bandung.

The renewed understanding expands the partnership between the two parties with the aim of raising the number of international and domestic visitors to Indonesia.

At the same time, Agoda’s world class technology will help improve decision making related to Indonesia’s vision of Tourism 4.0 which seeks to encourage the greater use of digital technologies and innovative approaches within the tourism industry.

With access to Agoda’s vast network of accommodations, flights, and activities, alongside its expertise in travel technology, the Ministry of Tourism is poised to leverage solutions that help ensure tourism in Indonesia can flourish amidst a rapidly digitizing world. 

Together, the Ministry and Agoda aim to foster robust, responsible growth across all regions of the market.

Chief secretary Bayu Aji of the Ministry of Tourism expressed enthusiasm for the extended collaboration.

Aji declared: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia’s standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination, but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop.”

What the new understanding entails

In the previous MOU between Agoda and the Ministry of Tourism, the former launched several campaigns co-branded with the Ministry’s Wonderful Indonesia initiative and promoted more sustainable tourism practices. 

The initiative included collaborations with influencers like Anya Geraldine, amplifications of tourist destinations, and support for the Ministry of Tourism’s goals for tourism growth. 

Now, the refreshed collaboration outlines a range of joint initiatives over the next three years including targeted marketing campaigns, the promotion of more sustainable tourism practices and developing digital skills for Indonesia’s young tourism professionals.

Under this partnership, Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop to provide workshops to the students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. 

The half-day workshop offered students a glimpse into Agoda’s work culture and operational case studies, providing a practical perspective for those interested in acquiring digital tourism skills

Agoda senior country director Gede Gunawan and his team presented insights from their experiences, highlighting digital trends and career pathways within the sector.

Gunawan said: “I am pleased to deepen our collaboration with the Tourism Ministry beyond marketing initiatives. As a committed partner in Indonesia’s tourism industry, Agoda is dedicated to sharing world-class expertise and insights to nurture the next generation of tourism professionals in Indonesia. By renewing our collaboration, we’re also excited to support the Ministry’s vision on Tourism 4.0 with Agoda’s expertise in digital solutions. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies.”

A truly diverse destination

Home to iconic destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Komodo National Park, Indonesia offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. 

Visitors can explore pristine beaches, trek in lush rainforests, or dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems. 

Beyond nature, Indonesia’s vibrant art, festivals, and culinary offerings, from traditional markets to fine cuisine, promise enriching, immersive experiences for global travelers seeking unforgettable journeys.

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The post Independent Hotel rates aggressively targeted by secondary OTAs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

April’s World Parity Monitor from 123Compare reveals the relationship between price positioning and OTA aggressiveness.

As hotels continue to refine their revenue strategies, 123Compare.me unveils the findings from the latest edition of its World Parity Monitor (WPM) exploring how a hotel’s price position relative to its local market average affects OTA pricing behaviour and rate parity.

The April report has identified that when hotel rates are priced above the market average, the Lose rate — the percentage of times a hotel’s direct price is undercut by an OTA — increases significantly, especially for independent properties. Non-major OTAs show the most aggressive pricing responses, underscoring the risks of overpricing in competitive environments.

Across the sample*, 75% of hotels were undercut by at least one OTA, and Expedia surpassed the 20% Lose rate threshold, reversing its recent trend of moderation.

From January to April 2025, direct prices rose steadily and ended 6.3% higher than in the same period of 2024 — continuing the upward trajectory already observed last year. This trend reflects a structural pattern, where direct rates start low early in the year and peak around spring, particularly influenced by seasonal events like Easter.

Notably, price positioning matters more than ever. While major OTAs like Booking and Expedia maintained stable Lose rates regardless of price segment, non-major OTAs became more aggressive as hotel prices rose. Meanwhile, the direct channel remained more competitive in lower-price segments and saw improved Meet rates at mid-range levels.

“Being just slightly above the average can trigger aggressive responses from OTAs,” says Jordi Serra, CEO at 123Compare.me. “Hotels — especially independents — need to keep a close eye on how their positioning aligns with market trends.”

“If I’m an independent hotel and my price is above the market average, I should be concerned about OTAs becoming more aggressive and undercutting my rates. This is a very clear pattern we are seeing month after month.”

The WPM also confirms that independent hotels are more vulnerable to parity loss. When priced more than 40% above the market average, the Lose rate reached 41.8% with non-major OTAs, compared to 34.0% with major OTAs.

The World Parity Monitor is a reference in the market and a tool to track and monitor hotel pricing strategies across distribution channels.

The World Parity Monitor is the first price parity center for the hospitality industry, created by 123Compare.me. It provides insights into price disparity trends across 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels in the world’s 60 most important tourist destinations.

Each month, it analyzes over 5 million comparisons in Google Hotels, using a consistent sample of more than 6,000 hotels. This enables a reliable evaluation of price differences between hotels’ direct rates and OTA prices.

The WPM includes data segmented by occupancy levels, length of stay, and booking lead time. On the first month of each quarter, the analysis is extended to include country of origin, mobile usage, and family bookings. Month-to-month comparisons use consistent metrics to ensure reliability.

Within the framework of the World Parity Monitor, the monthly World Parity Reports are focused digests of the latest pricing behaviors and trends.

Methodology: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Beat: The hotel’s direct price is lower than OTA prices.
• Meet: The direct and OTA prices are the same or within +/- 0.5%.
• Lose: The OTA price is lower than the direct rate.

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The post Tourism Malaysia marks its 31st year at the Arabian Travel Market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Malaysia marked its 31 years of promoting Malaysia as a prime destination at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025.

With the recent iteration of the ATM held between 28th April and 1st May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event continues to serve as a key platform for Malaysia to reinforce its presence in the Middle East and build strategic partnerships within the global tourism industry.

Led by Malaysian minister of tourism, arts, and culture Tiong King Sing together with Tourism Malaysia general director Manoharan Periasamy, the Malaysian delegation was made up of representatives from 83 travel-related organisations and establishments.

An important market

According to Tiong: “The Middle East has always been an important market for Malaysia, and we are excited to strengthen our ties at ATM Dubai 2025. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, we look forward to welcoming more visitors and showcasing Malaysia’s rich culture, attractions, and warm hospitality.”

Throughout its participation at this year’s ATM, Malaysian participants invited both industry partners and the general public to explore the Southeast Asian nation’s unparalleled tourism experiences and be part of the excitement leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

This year, Malaysia hopes to welcome 45 million international visitors and generate RM270 billion in tourism receipts. 

The continued growth in visitors from the Gulf region has further fuelled Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to nurture this high-potential market.

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