The post Gunners discover ‘Dubai’ with Emirates appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Arsenal first team players David Raya, Jorginho and Mikel Merino were treated to a tour of Dubai to experience the city’s newest architectural icons and storied landmarks. After being picked up on a hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus, the players were welcomed by Emirates Cabin Crew, who offered bite-sized facts and insights about each landmark on the tour.

The sightseeing tour’s first stop was Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel at 250 meters tall, offering panoramic vistas of Dubai’s skyline, coastline, and landmarks. Ain Dubai has become an iconic addition to Dubai’s entertainment scene, featuring luxury dining experiences and event spaces in its observation cabins.

The bus then continued on to one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks, Atlantis The Palm. Next up: Dubai Marina, ranked among the world’s 50 coolest neighbourhoods, where sleek skyscrapers meet waterfront luxury, and the last stop on their journey was none other than Burj Al Arab, the icon that started it all. With its unique sail inspired design and unprecedented luxury standards, Burj Al Arab helped establish Dubai as a premier luxury tourism destination. At each stop, Arsenal stars traded playful quips, naming their favourite iconic attractions during their Q&A-filled journey through Dubai’s landmarks.

The players were in Dubai for a winter training camp, preparing for the second half of the 2024/2025 football season. This marks the second consecutive year Arsenal have visited Dubai for warm weather training, utilising its world-class facilities and year-round availability of sporting venues. The city is also home to endless adventures, from desert safaris to luxury shopping and everything in between.

The Emirates and Arsenal partnership is one the longest running and recognisable relationships in the Premier League, and one of the most longstanding in the world of sport, with Emirates’ branding on the club’s jerseys and stadium spanning close to two decades.

Emirates currently serves the UK with 133 weekly flights to Dubai, connecting the UK via seven airports with 140 destinations around the world. In London, Emirates operates from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted.

 

 

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The post Klook, CrescentRating, and HalalTrip partner to transform Muslim-Friendly travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Klook has partnered with CrescentRating and HalalTrip, the global authorities on Halal travel. Announced at the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore, this collaboration directly integrates CrescentRating’s trusted Muslim-friendly ratings into Klook’s platform, empowering Muslim travellers with seamless access to verified experiences. This partnership addresses a critical gap in the travel industry, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity and accessibility in global tourism.

The strategic partnership enables Muslim travellers to make informed decisions by providing clear, authenticated ratings on Klook’s experience listings. These curated experiences will also be featured on HalalTrip’s platform, expanding their visibility to a global Muslim audience. With this integration, Klook becomes the first global experiences platform to offer verified Muslim-friendly ratings, ensuring travellers can instantly identify experiences that meet their faith-based needs, such as halal food availability and prayer facilities.

“This partnership is more than just a collaboration—it’s a commitment to empowering Muslim travelers worldwide,” said Raudha Zaini, Partnership Lead at CrescentRating and HalalTrip. “By integrating our Muslim-friendly ratings into Klook’s platform, we’re not only simplifying the booking process but also fostering a sense of belonging and confidence for travelers who seek experiences aligned with their faith and values.”

Sarah Wan, General ManageratKlook, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “At Klook, we’re committed to making travel experiences accessible to all communities. This partnership with CrescentRating and HalalTrip allows us to better serve the rapidly growing Muslim travel market by providing clear, trusted guidance on the Muslim-friendliness of our experiences.”

The Muslim travel market represents one of the fastest-growing segments in the global tourism industry, with unique requirements beyond traditional travel services. Multiple research studies by Crescentrating show that most Muslim travelers now prefer to book their travel experiences through digital platforms. Yet, many spend additional time verifying whether experiences meet their faith-based needs. With this partnership, Muslim travelers can now instantly see prayer break arrangements and halal food facilities where applicable when booking, which previously required extensive research across multiple platforms.

Recent studies indicate that 65% of Muslim travelers prioritize halal food availability when selecting travel experiences, while 73% prioritize prayer facility access. Integrating CrescentRating’s ratings into Klook’s platform ensures these crucial requirements are clearly communicated to travelers before booking.

The integration will initially feature experiences across Southeast Asia, where the Muslim population exceeds 280 million, and international travel spending by Muslim travelers is projected to reach US$48 billion in 2025.

This collaboration comes at a time when the global Muslim travel market is experiencing significant growth. According to Crescentrating, International Muslim visitor arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, increasing from 160 million in 2019 to 175 million in 2024. The Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) projects the market value to reach $225 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by a rising middle class in key Muslim-majority countries and an increasing demand for travel experiences that cater to faith traditions and lifestyle preferences.

 

 

 

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The post Could Indonesia be the next global cruise tourism hub? appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In light of recent cruise ship arrivals in Bali, Indonesia could be on its way to become the world’s next cruise tourism hotspot.

On Friday, 28th February, Indonesian deputy tourism minister Ni Luh Puspa highlighted the country’s potential in light of the recent docking of Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas in Bali’s Benoa Port.

Puspa said: “We look forward to collaboration with global cruise ship operators to make Indonesia the home port for international cruise ships.”

Boosting necessary infrastructure

Relevant agencies of the Indonesian government committed to advancing maritime infrastructure and preparing progressive policies.

Indeed, Benoa Port has been undergoing significant improvements with regard to it’s facilities.

Over the past week, the port welcomed three jumbo cruise ships at the same time.

Aside from its docks, Benoa Port also has a channel and pool depth of -12 low water spring (LWS), allowing large cruise ships to dock at its pier, which spans 500 meters in length.

Last year, the port served 59 cruise ships, an increase compared to 48 cruise ships in 2023; for 2025, Benoa Port authorities hope to welcome at least 77 cruise ship visits.

According to Puspa: “The maritime tourism sector is expected to contribute significantly, one of which is through Benoa Port in Bali.”

She added that Indonesia is targeting 14.6 million to 16 million foreign tourist visits in 2025.

To achieve the target, cross-sector collaboration, particularly with local governments, is necessary.

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The post Tourist interest in Taiwan surged in January  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Agoda reports that there was a significant surge in hotel searches for Taiwan by Asian travellers in January. 

On Thursday, 27th February, the online travel platform announced that searches for accommodations by Indian and Filipino travelers were up by 40 percent over the same period last year.

This was attributed Agoda to the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA)’s setting up of tourism service offices in those countries last year.

The report also pointed out that Taiwan’s appeal to travelers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and India continues to grow.

Effective campaigns

TTA’s promotional efforts in key Asian markets and the establishment of tourism offices in Manila, Jakarta, and Mumbai helped increase Taiwan’s exposure.

Agoda researchers also pointed out that Taiwan’s geographical location, visa-free policies, and deep cultural ties make it an ideal travel destination for Filipino tourists.

They added that Indonesian travelers can likewise enjoy Taiwan’s increasingly Muslim-friendly facilities, including halal-certified restaurants.

Interest on the rise

Meanwhile, Indian interest in Taiwan continues to rise.

For Indians, Taiwan is not only a filming location for several Bollywood movies.

Indeed the East Asian nation also offers rich adventure tourism experiences, as well as a vegetarian-friendly environment.

Compared to the same period last year, the top five Asian markets most interested in Taiwan in January were Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand.

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The post Raffles Sentosa Singapore debuts with 62 villas appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the country’s first all-villa resort. Set within 100,000 square metres of lush tropical greenery on Sentosa Island, this exceptional resort, created in collaboration with the Royal Group, thoughtfully blends natural beauty with impeccable hospitality, building on the rich legacy of the storied Raffles brand, which was founded in Singapore in 1887.

“Through the debut of this resort, we are introducing an elegant all-villa offering on Sentosa Island, where guests can immerse themselves in nature while embracing tranquility and wellbeing. We look forward to creating magical moments in an exquisite setting, highlighting the beauty of this unique island destination while delivering exceptional hospitality,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

“This is a very special moment for us as we proudly launch Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the Republic’s first all-villa resort,” said Bobby Hiranandani, Co-Chairman of the Royal Group.  “We are honoured to have been entrusted with continuing the distinguished Raffles legacy, particularly here in Singapore where this iconic brand was born and still has such a special place in everyone’s hearts.”

Just a 15-minute drive from the city’s Central Business District, the resort is perched on a hilltop surrounded by the lush greenery of Sentosa Island, Asia’s first Global Sustainable Tourism Council-certified island destination. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Raffles Sentosa Singapore features 62 villas, each with a private pool and outdoor terrace, ranging from a one-bedroom 211 square metre villa to the four-bedroom 650 square metre Royal Villa. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the verdant landscaping, while a harmonious blend of natural materials and intricate textures creates a seamless tie between indoor and outdoor spaces. The immersive experience serves to connect guests to the resort’s tranquil landscape, which is home to distinct flora and fauna, such as two majestic heritage Ficus trees, and a magnificent muster of resident peacocks. Guests of the resort will also enjoy the legendary Raffles Butler service, ensuring that their every need is met with impeccable care. For a grand arrival, guests can arrange to be chauffeured up a meandering driveway in one of the resort’s Rolls-Royce limousines.

Holistic wellbeing is at the forefront of the resort experience where every detail is designed to inspire a sense of calm. The Raffles Sentosa Spa, housed in a transformed heritage landmark building, features 13 treatment rooms and offers a contemporary wellbeing journey. Perfect for spa retreats or a relaxing escape, treatments are designed to optimize rejuvenation through mindfulness, massage, fitness, and hydrotherapy. In addition to an expansive fitness centre, resort guests will enjoy preferential green fees at the Sentosa Golf Club, located across from the resort, as well as direct access to Tanjong Beach.

Set to be a new dining destination in the city, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is home to five exceptional restaurants and lounges, showcasing a diverse array of global cuisines and culinary talent. At the signature Empire Grill, under the leadership of Chef Bjoern Alexander, guests can savour modern Italian cuisine, while Royal China offers refined Cantonese delicacies prepared by Executive Chinese Chef Ling Heng Yao. A distinctive Japanese omakase journey awaits diners at Iyasaka by Hashida where Chef Kenjiro Hashida brings the same level of skill and craftsmanship found at his father’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. The elegant Raffles Room hosts the brand’s signature afternoon tea, and in a nod to the speakeasies of the past, the Chairman’s Room offers a refined selection of whiskies, cognac, and fine wines. Guests may also opt to dine al fresco by their villa pool, in the resort’s lush gardens, or on a secluded stretch of Tanjong Beach. Guests can also enjoy the Sentosa Sling, the resort’s unique twist on the legendary Singapore Sling, which was created at the original Raffles Singapore in 1915. Made with upcycled watermelon skin from the resort’s kitchens and lemon leaves grown in the gardens, the Sentosa Sling highlights the hotel’s focus on sustainability.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore will also be a magnificent new venue for weddings and events, with its state-of-the-art ballrooms, the larger of which can seat up to 400 guests for banquets, as well as the magical backdrop of nature, setting the stage for milestone celebrations and special occasions.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and local visitors to enjoy Raffles Sentosa Singapore, a distinct retreat in one of the world’s most exciting cities. While just a short distance from Central Singapore, this private sanctuary offers a serene escape where guests can connect with nature while indulging in the world-class hospitality for which Raffles is renowned,” said Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, Cluster General Manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.

In celebration of its opening, guests can enjoy the resort’s Welcome Home experience, which includes private roundtrip transfers, daily breakfast for two at the Empire Grill, and a complimentary Sentosa Sling. This offering is available for bookings from 1 March to 31 May, 2025, for stays up to 30 September, 2025, with rates starting from A$2,000 per villa per night. The rate is subject to 10 percent service charge and prevailing government tax.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore marks the brand’s second property in Singapore. Raffles was founded in 1887 with the debut of Raffles Singapore, which remains a flagship of the storied brand, one of the world’s top hotels, and an icon of the destination.

 

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The post HK$1.235 billion allocated for HKTB in the 2025-26 Budget appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), thanks the Government for earmarking a total of HK$1.235 billion (approx. USD 1 15,88,02,615.79) inclusive of recurrent and additional fundings to support HKTB’s global promotional initiatives and daily operations in the 2025-26 Budget.

Dr Pang said, “Investing in tourism promotion is crucial as it not only boosts the economy and creates job opportunities but also promotes Hong Kong’s culture and tells its good stories to the world. HKTB is grateful for the Government’s subvention to support tourism development under fiscal constraints. Adhering to the long-standing practice, HKTB will prudently deploy Government resources and formulate precise promotional strategies to maximise the effectiveness.”

HKTB will make every effort to realise the concept of “tourism is everywhere” and implement the initiatives outlined in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0. We will step up our promotional efforts to encourage visitors to return time and again. At the same time, HKTB will capitalise on the Central Government’s policies that benefit Hong Kong, including the expansion of the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme for Shenzhen residents, to attract more visitors. We will also fully utilise Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” between the Mainland and overseas to attract visitors to come to Hong Kong for multi-destination trips, encouraging them to explore the Greater Bay Area and other Mainland cities via Hong Kong.

In addition, HKTB will use the funding to actively promote the development of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) and cruise tourism. We will also step up efforts in attracting visitors from the Middle East and ASEAN markets and strengthening Hong Kong’s appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination. HKTB will also collaborate with international brands to showcase Hong Kong’s appeal, while creating a vibrant year-round experience for visitors by bundling mega events and tourism elements with local characteristics. In terms of smart tourism, HKTB will enhance the one-stop travel information platform, Discover Hong Kong, and provide a “Live Travel Map” to create a seamless travel experience for visitors. Details of HKTB’s work plan for the coming year will be announced in due course.

 

 

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The post Lion Air officially supports and operates Hajj flights from Indonesia in 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

PT Lion Mentari Airlines (Lion Air) has announced its readiness to operate Hajj flights from Indonesia for the 2025 season. Lion Air sincerely thanks the Government of Indonesia, particularly the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as the Indonesian public for their trust in the airline to provide a safe, comfortable, and high-quality Hajj travel service.

A cooperation agreement was signed between the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Management of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs and PT Lion Mentari Airlines, marking a crucial step in ensuring smooth pilgrimage travel for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

 

Hajj Flight Routes

Lion Air will operate Hajj flights from two main embarkation points in Indonesia:

1. Minangkabau International Airport, Padang (PDG) – Located in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra
2. Syamsudin Noor International Airport, Banjarmasin (BDJ) – Located in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan

To ensure smooth Hajj travel, Lion Air will follow a structured departure and return system as follows:

• Wave I: Pilgrims depart for Madinah and return via Jeddah.
• Wave II: Pilgrims depart for Jeddah and return via Madinah.

Expected Hajj Pilgrim Capacity

Lion Air is set to transport a total of 11,762 pilgrims, with the following breakdown:

• Embarkation Padang (PDG): 6,293 pilgrims
• Embarkation Banjarmasin (BDJ): 5,469 pilgrims

Modern and Comfortable Fleet

Lion Air has prepared four modern wide-body aircraft, each 5 to 7 years old, for these Hajj flights. The fleet includes:

• Airbus A330-300CEO
• Airbus A330-900NEO

Each aircraft offers a 436-seat capacity and is equipped with premium comfort features, including:

• Spacious cabin design
• Ergonomically designed seating for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights

Additionally, Lion Air has trained a professional flight crew, including pilots, cabin crew, and technicians, all of whom have undergone rigorous Hajj operational training in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Onboard meals and beverages are carefully prepared, taking into account the nutritional needs and preferences of Hajj pilgrims.

Lion Air’s Expertise in Saudi Arabia Routes

With over 13 years of experience operating Umrah flights from 10 Indonesian cities to Saudi Arabia, Lion Air has built a strong foundation in serving religious travelers.

Furthermore, Lion Air has successfully operated Hajj flights from 35 global embarkation points, covering regions such as:

• Central Asia
• West Asia
• South Asia
• Africa
• Other international locations

This extensive experience reinforces Lion Air’s commitment to delivering the best Hajj flight services for Indonesian pilgrims.

 

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The post South Korea implements e-Arrival Card for inbound passengers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

South Korea introduces the e-Arrival card, allowing visitors to submit their entry information online in advance instead of the current paper arrival form system, which is planned to be unavailable after December 2025.
Visitors can submit the declaration form up to three days before entering Korea (on the day of arrival, one day prior, or two days prior), based on Korean Standard Time. However, if they fail to enter Korea within 72 hours after the submission of their e-Arrival card, the card will no longer be valid. The form can be submitted through e-Arrival card website by entering the required information; the website supports both PC and mobile device.
Visitors can download a PDF file of their submitted form, but it is not a requirement for entry inspection.
For visitors under 14 years old, a family member or another person must complete the declaration form on their behalf. The form can also be submitted on behalf of adults and for multiple people at once. For more information on the new e-Arrival card system, please visit the official website.

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The post Radisson Hotel Group’s CSR initiative: Skill building with Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council & The Job Plus appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia, in partnership with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and The Job Plus, is empowering over 260 youth across India through skill development in the hospitality sector. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, RHG is committed to making employment a key element in nation-building. Covering states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, West Bengal and the Northeast, this initiative is part of RHG’s CSR commitment to building a future-ready workforce and enhancing youth employability.

The program provides industry-aligned training in front office, food & beverage service and housekeeping, equipping young professionals with job-ready skills for hospitality roles. Through this collaboration, THSC and The Job Plus are bridging the skill gap, increasing youth employability and ensuring assured job placements in leading hospitality brands.

This initiative underscores RHG’s vision of fostering sustainable skill development in the hospitality sector. By providing hands-on training and professional exposure, the program enables youth to develop skills needed to thrive in the fast-evolving industry. Additionally, it strengthens the talent pipeline for the hospitality sector, ensuring businesses have access to skilled professionals ready to deliver world-class service.

“At Radisson Hotel Group, we believe that investing in the future of the hospitality industry begins with empowering the next generation of talent. This CSR initiative, in collaboration with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council and The Job Plus, reflects our commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce. By equipping youth with industry-aligned training and job-ready skills, we are not only enhancing their employability but also elevating service standards across the sector. This initiative is a testament to our vision of driving sustainable growth and creating meaningful opportunities that benefit both individuals and the industry at large. At Radisson, we believe this is a humble start to a long-term strategic partnership with our industry. As a Group, we are committed to investing in the youth of India as part of our long-term vision. By nurturing talent today, we are building the foundation for a stronger, more dynamic hospitality sector in the future,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

“RHG’s dedication to skill development through this CSR initiative is a significant step towards building a robust and future-ready workforce for the hospitality industry. By fostering industry collaborations and investing in youth training, we are not only enhancing employability but also strengthening the overall service standards in the sector. This initiative sets a benchmark for how corporations can drive meaningful change by aligning business goals with social impact,” said Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council.

“RHG’s leadership in skill development will set a new industry benchmark. The commitment of The Job Plus and RHG to youth employability will inspire more hospitality brands to integrate workforce development programs, ensuring long-term economic mobility for young talent,” said Natwar Nagar, Founder, The Job Plus.

Having trained over 1,800 youth for top hospitality brands in the last year, THSC and The Job Plus remain committed to bridging the skill gap, promoting inclusivity and empowering the next generation of hospitality professionals. This partnership is a step towards ensuring a resilient and future-ready workforce, paving the way for sustainable growth in India’s hospitality industry.

Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 199 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in metros like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. With properties located within a four-hour drive of each other, the Group has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals

 

 

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The post TKS holds Hong Kong Outbound Seminar in Tokyo appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

TKS revived its annual Hong Kong Outbound Seminar for the first time since the pandemic last 13th February.

Centred on the trend of inbound travel from Japan into Hong Kong, the event was staged at the Tokyo International Forum.

The two-hour seminar welcomed around 30 participants from 22 Japanese organisations and companies.

Insightful talks

Among those speaking at the event were representatives of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Japan Office, TKS, as well as Infinity Communications has brought its own Japan Exhibitors Group to ITE.

The HKTB highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths as an international MICE destination and also a gateway to China’s Greater Bay Area, an economic zone that earned a total gross domestic product (GDP) of US$1.97 trillion in 2023.

TKS, on the other hand, shared Hong Kong outbound statistics, showing a quality recovery with spending recovered more than departures.

FIT was noted as the main recovery contributor, given how package tour recovery remains slow.

Also, with nearly half trade visitors from neighboring cities and areas and public visitors mainly premium FIT, TKS also presented how ITE can help exhibitors tap into  the fastest recovering markets within the Greater Asian region.

For its part, Infinity explained how their existing and new services can smooth the was for Japanese exhibitors, enabling them to maintain focus on marketing and selling activities in ITE.

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