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Grab partners with Sentosa Development Corporation

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Grab-sponsored shuttle services (Image Credits: Grab)

 

Grab Singapore and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) announced transport initiatives to enhance connectivity to and from Sentosa island. This announcement marks the beginning of a new three-year partnership between the two organisations, focused on improving accessibility and convenience for visitors.

As part of the collaboration, Grab will sponsor peak-hour shuttle bus services and offer guests complimentary first-mile transportation from Sentosa. In addition, pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) points will be updated across the island, allowing consumers and Grab driver-partners to locate each other with ease.

“Sentosa’s proximity to popular malls often means there is higher ride demand in nearby areas. To better address this, we have introduced alternative solutions like free shuttle bus services, which conveniently transports users to nearby transport hubs. This offers guests the flexibility to continue their journeys via public transport or book a Grab ride from locations with greater driver availability. Our partnership with Sentosa is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the commuting experience for Grab users throughout Singapore,” said Alvin Wee, Head of Transport and Operations, Grab Singapore

Chris Pok, Divisional Director, Marketing & Guest Experience, Sentosa Development Corporation, said: “As Singapore’s premier island leisure destination, we are committed to continually elevating our guests’ experience. Grab’s free shuttle services and refreshed pick-up and drop-off points, which are mapped to popular spots on Sentosa, make travelling to and from Sentosa smoother and more convenient for our guests.”

 Grab-sponsored shuttle services (Image Credits: Grab)

Grab’s free shuttle services will operate from Beach Station (Berth 12, 13) to HarbourFront Bus Interchange at the following times:

• Fridays to Sundays:
o 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at 10-minute intervals
• Public Holidays & Long Weekends:
o 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at 10-minute intervals
o 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at 5-minute intervals

Soon, passengers taking the complimentary shuttle service by Grab will also be able to scan a QR code located at the back of bus seats to redeem vouchers for Grab’s ride-hailing services. Once redeemed, the voucher will be stored in their GrabRewards account, making it easy to apply to future rides.

Refreshed pick-up drop-off points for Grab services (Image Credits: Grab)

Improved convenience for Grab bookings with 10 PUDO locations across Sentosa island

Sentosa continues to evolve with new attractions that draw visitors. In response to these changes, and by utilising visitor feedback along with Grab data, PUDO points across the island have been updated to enable guests and Grab driver-partners to locate each other more efficiently.
All PUDO points have been optimised to minimise walking distances and are marked with prominent signages clearly displaying the exact location. This ensures that users can easily and accurately input the right PUDO locations in the Grab app. Additionally, the Grab app provides clear instructions with supporting images to guide guests to their nearest pick-up points, enhancing the overall convenience and experience for users.

Full list of Grab’s PUDO locations on Sentosa include:

• Amara Sanctuary Sentosa
• Beach Station (near Cheers)
• Imbiah Lookout, Taxi Stand
• The Outpost Hotel Sentosa
• Palawan Beach, FOC Sentosa
• Quayside Isle
• Sentosa Cove, Arrival Plaza
• Sentosa Golf Club, Golfer’s Terrace
• Siloso Point, Cable Car Station
• Tanjong Beach Club

Bryan Ang, a Grab driver-partner, shared, “Finding the right pick-up points can be tricky, but with these updates, it’s much easier to connect with passengers. It makes the experience better for everyone—drivers and riders alike.”

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Atmosphere Core to launch first heritage hotel in EUROPE

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 Picture Caption: The new logo of BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE in Langhe, Piedmont, Italy.

 

Marking a global first, Atmosphere Core is making its first foray into Europe with the launch of BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE in Piedmont, Italy.  This thoughtfully restored 18th-century monastery built in 1773, the second historical property in the company’s ‘HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE’ portfolio, showcases sacred frescoes and Romanesque architecture, evoking the charm of Italy’s art, culture and cuisine from the northern regions.

Commenting on international expansion and entering the European hospitality market, Atmosphere Core’s Group Managing Director Mr Salil Panigrahi stated, “As we continue to grow and cultivate relationships with global partners for expansion, in the last year we have made associations with a number of European businesses.  In Italy specifically, we have the leading Bottega S.p.A. joining our unique Wine Program. These significant partnerships brought Italy to Atmosphere Core and vice versa, we now look forward to the launch of our first destination in Europe in 2026”.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for some of Italy’s greatest wines including Barolo and Barbera, Borgo Monchiero is a notable three-storey hillside hermitage featuring 19 timelessly designed suites and rooms and an on-property chapel perfect for wedding ceremonies, all elegantly restored while preserving the monastery’s original features.

Once the residing monk’s refectory and soon to be an epicurean’s dream, guests can dine and imbibe in the main signature dining restaurant which will specialise in the finest regional cuisine.  Perfect for intimate and private events, small groups can host gatherings in the elevated chapter hall, unwind in a refined lounge bar, or soak in panoramic vista views of rolling hills and vineyards from the garden terrace.  A spa enclave includes a sauna, infrared therapy and a restored stone reservoir transformed into a private jacuzzi, whilst outdoors the tranquil landscaped garden with swimming pool is the perfect spot to bathe in the northern Italian sunshine and host alfresco celebrations with family and friends.

Borgo Monchiero owners Franco Giampetruzzi and Gian Maria Debenedetti shared their reasons for partnering with Atmosphere Core, Mr Giampetruzzi quoting, “When sourcing a hotelier, Atmosphere Core’s ambitions to expand internationally with ‘HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE’ seamlessly mirrored our project plans.  We needed an established operator with big ideas yet sensitive to the value of authenticity.  The decision was very easy and now we forge ahead in preparation of welcoming guests in the coming year.”

“We envision Borgo Monchiero as a harmonious fusion of art, 18th-century history, and experiential luxury. Atmosphere Core’s sympathetic approach with its ‘Heritage’ brand embodies this vision”, concluded  Debenedetti.

With nine island resorts in the Maldives and a pipeline of luxury hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka and across India, Atmosphere Core has built a stellar reputation for personalised service, culinary excellence, and unforgettable experiences.  Now, discerning global travellers, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts can look forward to discovering a truly one-of-a-kind escape in this most enchanting of European regions at this stunning retreat within the ‘Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio.

 

 

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Sabre Hospitality introduces SynXis Pay to improve payment experience  and simplify transactions for hoteliers 

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Representative Image

Sabre Hospitality shared plans to release SynXis Pay, its new solution that eases payment pain points for travellers and hoteliers alike. For travellers, SynXis Pay integrates with over 250 alternative payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Klarna, WeChat Pay and more, adding much needed flexibility when it comes to checking out on their favourite hotel websites. Additionally, it enables a new express checkout experience in SynXis Booking Engine if the guest selects Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Those integrations are just one part of the equation. For hotels, SynXis Pay greatly reduces the complexity of managing multiple payment types in one place. SynXis Pay’s orchestration layer – powered by CellPoint Digital, the leader in payment orchestration –optimizes global payment acceptance by seamlessly connecting to multiple gateways and dynamically enabling the most relevant payment methods based on the guest’s location. In collaboration with other payment partners within the ecosystem, hotels can customize payouts in their local currency, converting from the guest’s preferred currency. This minimizes exposure to foreign exchange rates and simplifies reconciliation. Plus, the enhanced guest experience contributes to increased conversion rates.

“At Sabre Hospitality, we love to solve complex travel challenges in ways that benefit both our customers and travellers,” said Juan Abello, Vice President of Product Management at Sabre Hospitality. “SynXis Pay is a prime example of that mission, offering travellers the flexibility and personalization they desire, while simplifying the resulting output and payout for our hoteliers. For some time, both sides of hospitality transactions have been hungry for improved payment processes. This is the truest definition of a ‘win-win’ scenario.”

SynXis Pay will be released in phases over the coming months

 

 

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Island House Newport to open on 13 March 2025

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Hospitality landscape is about to be transformed with the opening of Island House Newport on March 13, 2025. This highly anticipated new-build hotel is redefining the standard for upscale accommodation in Newport, blending modern elegance with the city’s rich maritime heritage. Developed by Marshall Properties and operated by Main Street Hospitality, Island House Newport is an inviting retreat offering a seamless blend of design and local experience.

“At Main Street, we are dedicated to creating meaningful stays, and Island House Newport is a stunning addition to our growing collection. The partnership with Marshall Properties made perfect sense—both of our companies are multigenerational businesses deeply committed to the communities we serve,” said Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality. “This property perfectly embodies our ethos: thoughtful service in a setting that celebrates both design and local character.”

More than just a place to stay, Island House Newport is deeply connected to the Newport community, built and operated by locals who bring an authentic and deeply rooted perspective to hospitality. This new property reinforces Newport’s reputation as a key destination, further enhancing the city’s vibrancy and appeal. Beyond its accommodations, the hotel offers versatile spaces for social gatherings, alongside a hospitality experience rooted in local expertise and community ties.

“Island House Newport represents a new level of accommodation for the city. We designed and built it with an intimate understanding of what makes Newport exceptional,” said John Marshall, Owner of Marshall Properties. “We are excited to bring this vision to life in partnership with Main Street Hospitality.”

Island House Newport offers expansive suites with customizable room configurations, ensuring flexibility for families, groups, and business travellers alike. Every suite is thoughtfully designed with a refined yet welcoming aesthetic, blending contemporary luxury with the warmth of classic New England charm.

Island House Newport is a shining landmark in the collection of Main Street Hospitality, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, locally inspired hospitality.

As Newport continues to thrive as a premier travel destination, Island House Newport contributes to the city’s ongoing excitement and momentum. Known for its storied history, breathtaking coastal views, and vibrant cultural scene, Newport is a magnet for discerning travellers. The addition of Island House enhances the city’s appeal, offering an elevated level of service and sophistication that complements its legacy of luxury and charm.

Situated near Newport’s famed beaches, Bellevue Avenue, the harbor, and the iconic Cliff Walk, Island House Newport is uniquely positioned to offer guests effortless access to the very best of the city. As a newly built, locally operated property, it introduces a level of refined hospitality and modern luxe that Newport has not seen before. By embracing the region’s heritage while offering contemporary comforts, Island House Newport brings a fresh, elevated experience to one of the East Coast’s most cherished destinations.

Island House Newport is now accepting reservations. Be among the first to experience Newport’s newest addition, led by General Manager Taylor Lesandrini.

 

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Northern Philippine province of Ilocos hopes to hit 5M arrivals target by 2028

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The office of the Philippine Department of Tourism in the Ilocos Region (DOT-1) announced an ambitious goal to hit over five million tourist arrivals by 2028.

Officials say that this will be made possible through various programmes and infrastructure projects.

Addressing a forum organised by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in San Fernando, La Union earlier today, 4th March, DOT-1 officer-in-charge Evangeline Dadat said they aim to register PHP6 billion in tourism receipts and generate at least 30,000 direct jobs within this period.

Dadat said: “DOT Ilocos remains steadfast in its mission to generate quality employment opportunities by diversifying our tourism offering and promoting both established and emerging destinations.”

Where the numbers currently stand

DOT-1 recorded about 1.8 million tourist arrivals, earning PHP3 billion in tourist receipts, in 2024.

However, Dadat noted that these figures came from only 53 percent of the local government units (LGUs) in the region.

The OIC then pointed out the need to provide LGU personnel and tourism professionals relevant training to increase compliance on data submission.

Delving into gastronomic and wellness tourism

In line with the Philippine Experience of the DOT, the regional office launched May-Kan, a gastronomy tour to promote food tourism, in 2023.

According to the DOT, May-Kan was taken from the Iloko and Pangasinan words “umay” or to come from one place to another, and “makan”, which means food.

Ilocos Region will also join the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto Asia and the Pacific in November this year to promote gastronomy tourism in the region, she added.

Under health and wellness tourism, Dadat said they are mapping potential sites in the region to develop tour packages, citing Balungao, Pangasinan and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur as among the areas being considered.

She said: “Tourists visited the country for medical tourism availing dental holidays, beauty travel, fertility intervention, and wellness vacation.”

In 2024, the booming industry attracted over 200,000 tourists from Guam, Papua New Guinea, United States, United Kingdom, Pacific Islands, Australia, and Hong Kong.

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Shiji unifies hospitality solutions as it reveals comprehensive rebrand

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Global hospitality tech solutions provider Shiji announced a complete company rebrand whilst uniting its suite of  products under a single all-encompassing structure. 

With this transformation, Shiji introduces a new identity that simplifies its portfolio, highlighting its commitment to being a 24/7 partner to the hospitality industry. 

Chief executive Kevin King said: “Now that our acquisitions have been fully integrated, it’s time to take the next step: presenting a unified platform of solutions under one cohesive brand system. Our new brand structure makes it easier for hoteliers to  navigate our offerings while reinforcing our core mission: to deliver world-class technology  that operates as seamlessly as the hospitality industry itself day and night.” 

Over the past 25 years, Shiji has evolved from an IT service company into a global  technology powerhouse, offering solutions across property management, point-of-sale,  reputation management, distribution, payments, and guest engagement. 

The company’s  expansion, which included several strategic acquisitions, brought best-in-class solutions  under the Shiji umbrella. 

However, this rapid growth also created complexity across its  brand and product landscape. 

Shiji’s rebrand is built around the concept of “Day and Night”, a tribute to the hospitality  industry’s continuous operation. 

This reinforces Shiji’s role as a technology partner that is always on to ensure mission-critical hotel operations run without interruption. 

Presenting Shiji’s rebranded solutions

To enhance clarity and consistency across its platform, Shiji has introduced new branding  for its core solutions:

  • Daylight PMS: A fully cloud-based property management system designed for  luxury and full-service hotels, featuring Single Guest Profiles and advanced  security. 
  • Infrasys POS: A cloud-based, offline-capable point-of-sale system, trusted by  hotels, resorts, and high-traffic venues worldwide. 
  • Reviewpro Reputation: A leading reputation management tool that aggregates  guest feedback and enables data-driven service improvements. 
  • Horizon Distribution: A dynamic distribution platform that enhances access to key  global markets, including China. 
  • Iceportal Content: A centralized content distribution system for images, text, and  attributes across hospitality channels. 
  • Meridian Experiences: A solution for managing and monetizing ancillary services,  such as spa, and event bookings. 
  • Astral Payments: A secure, tokenized payment platform that streamlines  transactions across all guest touchpoints. 
  • Stellaris Digital: Encompassing Digital Stay, Digital Dine, Digital Payby, and  omnichannel communication tools that enhance guest experiences. 
  • Twilight Data + AI: A data lake environment providing deep insights and AI-powered  decision-making for hotels.  

According to King: “Each of our solutions has been designed with integration and efficiency in mind. With this rebrand, we are making it clearer than ever how our solutions work together to support hoteliers in delivering exceptional guest experiences.” 

In addition to renaming and streamlining its products, Shiji also introduced a new visual  and conceptual model: the day-night product cycle.

This new model illustrates how its  interconnected solutions support the entire guest journey, mirroring the industry’s nonstop nature.

A steadfast commitment

Shiji’s commitment to innovation and service remains steadfast. 

With operations in nearly every major hospitality market, the company offers localised expertise and support, ensuring seamless operations for hoteliers worldwide. 

King said: “This rebrand is more than just a new look: it’s a statement of our dedication to serving  the hospitality industry at the highest level. Shiji is here for hoteliers, day and  night, providing the technology and support they need to succeed.”

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Hard Rock Hotel Bali successfully plants 3,800 trees

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Working in partnership with the Bali Hijau Lestari Foundation, the Hard Rock Hotel Bali successfully planted 3,800 trees across two sites in Bali.

The seedlings were distributed between Bukit Payang, Mt. Batur, Kintamani in Bangli and Rendang village in Karangasem. 

The tree planting was held last 21st February and is the result of the fundraising efforts from the 21st annual Rock n’ Run 5km Charity Fun Run held in December of last year. 

Hotel general manager Shane Coates said of the initiative: “The Rock n’ Run has been our key annual fundraising activity to support local charities for over two decades, it’s always been the most eagerly awaited year-ending running event. The run raises the spirits of enthusiastic runners, individuals and communities. We hope that this activity inspires runners to engage not only in competition and physical fitness but also to heighten the awareness to care for our planet.”

This tree planting initiative exemplifies Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Bali. 

Success through collaboration and active participation

Hard Rock Hotel Bali, which recently received certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), is committed to care for the environment by implementing sustainable practices. 

Through collaboration with the Bali Hijau Lestari Foundation and engaging the community in events like Rock n’ Run, Hard Rock Hotel Bali seeks to foster a positive environmental impact and motivate others to participate. 

The hotel is committed to continue supporting environmental initiatives and strives to create a greener future for Bali.Bukit Payang, Kintamani, stands as a crucial conservation forest area, highlighting the urgent need for ecosystem restoration initiatives. 

These efforts are centered around the cultivation of endemic plant species, such as ampupu (Eucalyptus urophylla) and mountain pines (Casuarina junghuhniana). 

Meanwhile, the forest in Rendang, Karangasem is recognized as a protected forest, where the Bali Hijau Lestari Foundation partners with the East Bali Forest Management Unit / Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan (KPH) and local farmer groups to implement the planting of fruit-bearing trees.

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Vietjet to launch first service between Vietnam and New Zealand

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Vietjet Air, Vietnam’s new-age carrier, has announced its inaugural air service between Vietnam and New Zealand, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Auckland – two key economic, tourism, and cultural hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. Following the announcement, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) in Ho Chi Minh City and met with Vietjet’s billionaire founder, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.

This new service marks a key milestone in Vietnam-New Zealand bilateral relations, as the two nations have officially elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ahead of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Set to launch in September 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland route will operate four return flights per week, offering more flight choices for travellers from India to New Zealand via Vietnam.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during his tour of VJAAsaid: “I’m very pleased with Vietjet’s announcement that they will develop a new route to New Zealand, strengthening the connectivity and the people-to-people links between our two countries, which is a critical enabler of more growth and brings our people closer together. This enables lots of opportunities across the board, not just in tourism but also in trade and also in education.”

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao reaffirmed Vietjet’s commitment to strengthening Vietnam-New Zealand relations and said: “Our bilateral trade target of USD3 billion is well within reach, built upon the solid foundation of existing cooperation agreements. Vietjet, alongside businesses from both nations, is committed to expanding partnerships, driving sustainable development, and soaring to new heights together.”

In line with this vision, Vietjet proposed establishing a Vietjet Hub in New Zealand—a multi-functional center to connect New Zealand’s tourism and investment hubs with Vietjet’s extensive flight network. Additionally, VJAA and the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) signed an agreement to collaborate on pilot training, developing a highly skilled aviation workforce for Vietnam and the broader region.

Vietjet is solidifying its position as the airline with the most routes between India and Vietnam. In March 2025, the airline will launch two new direct services from Bangalore and Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City,  Vietnam’s largest metropolis, expanding its India-Vietnam network to 10 routes with 78 weekly flights.

Further strengthening its presence across Asia and beyond, Vietjet will also introduce new international routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with Beijing and Guangzhou (China) in the coming weeks.

 

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Air India shifts operations to Tokyo Haneda and expands codeshare with ANA

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Air India announced a significant upgrade to its non-stop services between Delhi and Tokyo. Beginning 31 March 2025, Air India will operate its 4x weekly flights from Delhi to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), replacing its existing services to Narita International Airport (NRT), to provide passengers faster and more affordable access to central Tokyo.

Complementing the shift to Tokyo Haneda, Air India also announced an expanded codeshare agreement with its Star Alliance partner, All Nippon Airways (ANA), to provide Air India guests convenient onward connections from Tokyo Haneda to 6 other major cities in Japan. This builds on Air India’s existing codeshare and interline agreements with ANA.

Faster access to downtown Tokyo

Air India’s strategic transition to Haneda Airport, located 18 km from downtown Tokyo, cuts travel time to Tokyo Station from nearly one hour by road (70 km from Narita) to approximately 30 minutes. This not only saves valuable time for passengers but also offers more cost-effective transportation options, enhancing the overall journey experience.

“Moving our flights to Haneda Airport is a significant advantage for our guests – it brings them much closer to the centre of Tokyo. With this shift, we are not only connecting two vibrant capitals more effectively but also helping boost trade and tourism between India and Japan”, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Expanded codeshare with All Nippon Airways

Subject to due regulatory approvals, beginning 01 April 2025, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on ANA’s flights between Tokyo Haneda and 6 other cities in Japan: Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo. This will allow Air India guests to travel to any of these destinations on a single ticket, with their baggage checked through the entire journey.

Reciprocally, ANA will place its ‘NH’ designator code on Air India’s flight between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, Delhi and Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune, enabling their customers seamless access to Air India’s robust domestic India network.

Air India and ANA first signed a codeshare agreement in April last year, which allowed Air India to codeshare on ANA’s Tokyo Haneda-Delhi and Tokyo-Narita-Mumbai flights, and ANA to codeshare on Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo flights.

Commenting on the codeshare expansion, Nipun Aggarwal added, “Our deepened partnership with ANA opens up Japan like never before for our guests. By providing easy access for our guests to ANA’s domestic Japan network, combined with ANA’s reach into Air India’s extensive Indian network, we’re creating a stronger bridge between our two nations—making travel simpler and truly rewarding for our common guests.”

“To promote increased exchange between Japan and India, ANA is expanding its codeshare partnership with Star Alliance partner Air India to enhance its network,” said ANA’s Executive Vice President of Alliances and International Affairs, Katsuya Goto. “This expansion, with a focus on the increased codeshare options from Delhi to six destinations within India, will provide customers with more opportunities and seamless connections, delivering a satisfying experience for premium customers in particular. This is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to provide a superior travel experience for customers flying between Japan and India.”

Passengers of both airlines flying on codeshare flights will enjoy premium services such as lounge access and priority boarding that Star Alliance offers to its premium members.

Growing tourism to Japan

According to Japan National Tourism Organization, 233,000 Indians visited Japan between January and December 2024, a 40% increase from the previous year, underscoring Japan’s growing appeal as a travel destination for Indian tourists.

Schedule of Air India flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda

  • AI358: Departs Delhi (DEL) at 2020 Hrs, arrives next day at Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 0755 Hrs – operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
  • AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 11:50, arrives at Delhi (DEL) at 17:25 – operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays

Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights will continue to be operated with Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 Business Class flatbeds and 238 spacious Economy seats. The flights enable travellers to take seamless connections to/from several domestic Indian destinations as well as international routes across Asia and Europe.

Bookings for Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights are open on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents. The codeshare flights will be opened for bookings progressively.

 

 

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Urban Resort Concepts announces new executive appointments

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Luxury urban resort specialist Urban Resort Concepts (URC) recently announced the appointment of senior executives to lead its corporate team. 

These strategic appointments herald a new era of hospitality excellence, reinforcing URC’s commitment to delivering handcrafted experiences through culturally immersive and heartfelt guest journeys while driving innovation and growth across its expanding portfolio in Asia.

Following the appointment of Victor Clavell as URC’s chief executive in late 2024, the company marks a new milestone in its illustrious history with a refreshed leadership team to elevate operations excellence, commercial performance and business development.  

Clavell said of these newly appointed executives: “Our strategic leadership team is the cornerstone of Urban Resort Concepts’ success, and we are delighted to welcome them at this defining stage of the company’s evolution.  Their collective vision, talent, and complementary expertise will not only strengthen our hospitality excellence but also accelerate our growth trajectory.  I look forward to working with them to expand URC’s global footprint, uphold our operational standards, and reinforce the company’s commitment to celebrating the essence of every destination that we operate in.”

Meet the team

Nicholas Liang, vice-president of operations

With over 22 years of luxury hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Nicholas Liang is a seasoned hotelier renowned for his dedication to service excellence and operational leadership. 

His background includes pivotal roles at Mandarin Oriental, The Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood and, most recently, as GM with Four Seasons, where he successfully led large teams achieving tremendous quality and financial milestones. 

A graduate of Les Roches Hotel Management School, Liang will oversee URC’s operations, ensuring the seamless delivery of transformative guest journeys.

Michael Faulkner, vice-president of brand and commercial

Michael Faulkner brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having held senior commercial leadership roles with renowned brands such as Swire Hotels, Park Hyatt, and Crown Resorts. 

With a strong background in sales, brand positioning, and distribution, he has successfully driven revenue growth and established award-winning properties across Asia, Australia, and the UK. 

A seasoned brand strategist, Faulkner is slated to globally boost awareness on URC via impactful partnerships to ensure that its distinctive identity and market presence continue to thrive. 

Andreas Zimmermann, vice-president of development

Hailing from a strong background in luxury hospitality project management, Andreas Zimmermann brings unparalleled expertise in securing new business opportunities to URC. Formerly director of corporate development for Rosewood Hotel Group, he led the development of luxury hospitality projects across Asia Pacific, overseeing feasibility studies, financial management, and contract negotiations. 

With a solid foundation in international hospitality management from EHL Lausanne and a career progression that included roles at EY and Four Seasons, Zimmermann will champion URC’s expansion strategy, leveraging his financial acumen and industry relationships to identify and develop groundbreaking properties.

Jessie Lai, office manager and executive assistant to the CEO  

Jessie Lai joins URC with over 11 years of hospitality industry experience, primarily with Marriott International. 

Prior to this appointment, she excelled in roles ranging from guest relations to high-level administrative coordination. 

A graduate of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Lai is highly skilled in project management and executive support. 

In her new dual role, her organisational expertise and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient execution of URC’s strategic initiatives.

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