The post Etihad presents its traffic report for August 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways released its traffic statistics for the month of August on Friday, 12th September.

August saw the airline marking a historic milestone as it carried over two million passengers in a single month for the first time ever.

According to airline CEO Antonoaldo Neves: “August was a landmark month for Etihad as we carried more than two million passengers in a single month for the first time in our history. This record performance, combined with 22 percent year-on-year growth and a 91 percent load factor, reflects the trust travellers place in our people and the extraordinary service they deliver every day.”

Neves added that the successful introduction of Etihad’s A321LR in August represents a significant enhancement to the airline’s product offerings, as it brings First Class suites and lie-flat Business seats to medium-haul routes for the first time in the region.

He concluded by saying: “With 81 destinations in our network and more than 20 additional routes confirmed, we remain focused on connecting the world through Abu Dhabi whilst bringing more visitors to experience all the emirate has to offer.”

Relevant figures from August 2025

The airline welcomed two million guests during the month, reflecting a 22 percent increase from August of last year. 

At the same time, Etihad achieved a passenger load factor of 91 percent, up from 89 percent in the same month last year, reflecting strong demand and highly efficient capacity utilisation.

Etihad’s operating fleet also expanded to 112  aircraft, supporting a growing network of 81 passenger destinations. 

The airline’s new A321LR entered service in August, bringing wide-body luxury to narrow-body operations for the first time in the region, featuring First Class suites and lie-flat Business seats on medium-haul routes.

Year-to-date, the airline has carried 14.2 million passengers, representing an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2024, with an average passenger load factor of 88 percent. 

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The post Simone Giorgi appointed general manager of Orient Express La Minerva appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Orient Express announced that, from 1st October, Simone Giorgi will be the new general manager at the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome.

This appointment marks a key step in the Orient Express vision: to craft a journey through Italy that fuses elegance, discovery, and authenticity. 

From the immersive voyages aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express luxury train to extraordinary stays in Rome and Venice, the brand continues to celebrate the art of travel.

According to Orient Express chief executive Gilda Perez-Alvarado: “With the appointment of Simone Giorgi, we reinforce our commitment to Italy. His leadership will be instrumental in bringing the Orient Express philosophy to life in Rome, ensuring that our unique spirit of travel, refined and immersive, flourishes in the Città Eterna.”

Meet Simone Giorgi

With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Simone Giorgi brings a rare depth of leadership to one of Italy’s most anticipated hotel openings. 

At the helm of the recently opened Orient Express La Minerva, the first hotel of the brand owned by Arsenale Group and developed in partnership with Orient Express, he will oversee strategic positioning, development, and day-to-day operations, with a vision rooted in excellence and timeless Italian hospitality.

Before leadership roles in some of Italy’s most iconic addresses, Giorgi began his career in 2000 as Director of Food & Beverage at Park Hyatt Milano, later advancing to Director of Operations at Starhotels Italy in 2007, overseeing properties in Venice, Milan, Trieste, Paris, and New York. 

He later held General Manager roles at Il Salviatino in Florence, JK Place Capri, and Villa Cora. 

Since 2018, he has led Park Hyatt Milano as General Manager, while serving as Chairman of the Board of Feasibility for Hyatt in Italy. 

Awarded Hotelier of the Year 2024 by Virtuoso, he is celebrated for his singular ability to shape transformative guest experiences.

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The post Air India utilises SITA technologies to optimise efficiency appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air India Group is meeting the challenge head-on by deploying SITA OptiFlight’s advanced climb optimization solution OptiClimb and SITA eWAS.

These applications are two of the most advanced data-driven digital solutions for flight optimization available today.

The rollout is part of Air India Group’s broader modernization strategy and marks a major step in improving both sustainability and operational performance. 

The technology is now active across the Air India Airbus A320 fleet and the Air India Express Boeing 737 fleet, covering both domestic and international routes. 

Deployment on Air India’s widebody fleet will be rolled out subsequently; and the tools will help cut carbon emissions by 35,000 tonnes annually across Air India’s fleet.

Air India’s chief operating officer Basil Kwauk remarked that SITA OptiFlight and SITA eWAS will enable the airline to take meaningful steps to modernize its operations whilst reducing its carbon footprint.

SITA president in the Asia-Pacific Sumesh Patel added: “As the aviation industry navigates growing regulatory and environmental pressure, the need for intelligent, predictive solutions has never been more critical. Air India’s deployment of SITA OptiFlight® and eWAS is a strong example of how smart digital technologies can cut emissions, save fuel, and unlock real operational value across every flight.”

The necessary tools

SITA OptiFlight is a suite of intelligence tools that help airlines optimise key phases of flight using historical flight data, aircraft-specific performance models, and 4D weather forecasts. 

At its core is OptiClimb, SITA OptiFlight’s advanced climb optimisation solution, which delivers customized climb-out schedules tailored to each aircraft. 

This allows pilots to reduce fuel burn during one of the most energy-intensive parts of flight without compromising safety or performance.

On the other hand, SITA eWAS equips pilots with real-time weather updates and predictive forecasting, helping them avoid turbulence, re-route efficiently, and make smarter in-flight decisions. 

When used in tandem, these solutions give pilots a powerful data-driven edge while supporting the airline’s sustainability targets.

SITA continues to expand its flight optimization technologies across Indian aviation, supporting carriers in achieving operational resilience, cost efficiency, and long-term environmental impact reduction.

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The post Elite Havens offers of up to 30% for corporate retreats in Bali appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Asia’s luxury villa rental management provider Elite Havens invites companies and incentive planners to elevate their next corporate retreat in Bali.

Elite Havens presents an exceptional portfolio of stunning large villas designed for executive getaways, team-building retreats, and incentive travel groups.

For a limited time, special savings of up to 30 percent are available on end-of-year corporate retreats in Bali,with additional discounts offered for early bookings in 2026.

Elite Havens villas provide the ultimate venue to reward high performers, strengthen team connections, and host leadership strategy sessions in complete privacy.

The perfect venue for a perfect executive getaway

From oceanfront residences to tranquil Ubud sanctuaries, these villas provide a rare opportunity to host teams in one private location, blending luxury, comfort, and total privacy.

Elite Havens’ roster of properties includes:

• Sohamsa Ocean Estate  (South Bali): A cliffside retreat with panoramic ocean views, multiple pavilions, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities.
• Arnalaya Beach House (Canggu): A masterpiece of contemporary design featuring a private tennis court, gym, and spa—all steps from the surf.
• The Pala  (Ubud): Set amidst lush rice fields, this estate offers a serene setting for reflection, wellness workshops, and cultural immersion.
• Villa Simona Oasis (Canggu) – Embraced by two sacred streams in a landscape made luscious with tropical jungle and flowing rice terraces, this stunning, five-bedroom retreat is in the heart of Canggu.

Each villa combines private bedrooms with spacious communal areas, ensuring both connection and comfort for corporate teams staying under one roof.

A concierge for all your needs

Every booking comes with access to Elite Havens’ dedicated concierge service. 

From arranging yoga sessions, cultural excursions, and curated dining experiences to planning corporate workshops and gala celebration dinners, the concierge team ensures a seamless stay tailored to the group’s individual needs.

Aside from that, booking a villa from Elite Havens accords the following benefits:

• Exclusive-use luxury villas for total privacy
• Spacious group accommodations with collaborative areas
• Curated wellness, adventure, and cultural activities
• Dedicated concierge support for customised itineraries

Elite Havens’ large villas are more than accommodations; they are inspiring venues that merge productivity, relaxation, and luxury in Bali’s most breathtaking locations.

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The post Trip.Biz introduces its omnibus solution Trip.Biz ONE appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Trip.com Group’s business travel management brand Trip.Biz proudly launched its all-in-one solution Trip.Biz ONE at its annual Trip.Biz Transform 2025 conference in Singapore. 

This all-in-one solution is set to redefine how organisations manage business travel, making the entire business travel experience more seamless for corporates.

That said, Trip.Biz ONE is designed to help organisations overcome existing challenges such as booking leakages in the form of off-platform bookings and overspending, non-adherence to travel policies and inefficient reconciliation processes.

According to Trip.Biz chief executive Tao Song: “Companies need to redefine expectations on how business travel can support revenue growth amidst ongoing trade policy uncertainty and economic risks, and this has shifted from cost management to one that is smarter, safer and more sustainable. With Trip.Biz ONE, we are bringing together three critical pillars – People & Service, Technology & Inventory and Sustainability – into a single, intelligent platform that empowers companies to deliver greater efficiency, stronger compliance and a better travel experience for every business traveller.”

Making corporate travel management more efficient

With the launch of Trip.Biz ONE, Trip.Biz is able to directly address major pain points affecting business travel management, including cost control, policy enforcement, limited customer support and inefficient reconciliation. 

By integrating booking, policy compliance, workflow automation and AI-driven business intelligence features with real-time desktop-to-mobile synchronisation, Trip.Biz ONE is able to streamline the business travel management process to empower companies with a better travel return on investment (ROI) and peace-of-mind.

The solution’s primary features include:

• Consolidated Bookings & Policy Management
  • Single platform for multiple travel services including flights, hotels, airport transfers, ride-hailing, and car rentals with automated approval workflows
  • Extensive booking selections through numerous inventory sources, including corporate negotiated rates
  • Real-time policy compliance monitoring and enforcement

• Advanced Technology Integration
  • AI-driven business intelligence via the Trip.Biz AI Chatbot, providing smart and flexible recommendations, real-time traveller support for enhanced traveller experiences
  • Rapidly customisable configurations via in-house IT based on travel teams’ needs
  • Comprehensive duty-of-care capabilities with dedicated traveller support

• Strategic Business Intelligence:
  • Consolidated reporting insights and analytics
  • Improved ROI through data-driven decision-making

Rising to the forefront of the Southeast Asian market

In addition to the launch of Trip.Biz ONE, Trip.Biz is strengthening its market leadership in Southeast Asia while extending global coverage through partnerships. 

The company’s latest inked cooperation agreements are with Saudia Airlines, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and Constellation Travels in the Philippines to enhance its inventory offerings and local market penetration. 

Likewise, the platform’s digital-first architecture supports both traditional business travel and emerging bleisure trends, providing comprehensive solutions that adapt to changing workforce expectations. 

This approach positions Trip.Biz as a transformative force in redefining industry standards. 

By adding predictive insights and enhancing its ecosystem beyond booking selections through its partners and the strategic value of the Trip.com Group, Trip.Biz is well-positioned to be the strategic business travel partner that empowers companies to travel smarter, safer and more sustainably now and into the future.

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The post COMO Shambhala Estate marks 20th anniversary with a revitalised look appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, award-winning holistic retreat COMO Shambhala Estate reveals its fresh new look.

The 22-acre natural sanctuary is proud to unveil not only renovated accommodation but the reopening of its therapeutic heart: the Ojas wellness centre. 

The redesign, masterminded by Atelier Ikebuchi, masterfully blends gleaming white Carrara marble, bold black Corian cladding, and rich natural teak wood to create a space that balances contemporary luxury with organic warmth.

Ojas is set in a striking jungle clearing above the Ayung River, where the Ayung meets a second river, the Tibakauh.  

This powerful convergence is considered a symbol of cleansing, purification and renewal in Balinese culture.  

In addition, the hydrotherapy facilities at Ojas are fed by The Source, a healing spring revered for centuries by local villagers. 

This location is aligned with four key temples, making it part of the island’s sacred energetic grid.

A resonant location

According to COMO Group founder Christina Ong: “The Estate’s location resonates differently to any other place I know. It has a healing heritage that’s been here for thousands of years, revolving around the sacred spring and the energy of the flowing river.  All I needed to do was honour that knowledge, working with designers and architects, including Cheong Yew Kwan, who still lives on site, who know and respect the energy lines already in place.” 

That history, combined with extraordinary private villa-style accommodation, COMO Hotels and Resorts award-winning service, and healthy cuisine from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen, inspires guests on meaningful journeys of transformation, equipping them with the tools to nurture their long-term health.

This indigenous spiritual heritage is only part of COMO Shambhala Estate’s distinctive identity: the resort flagship for the COMO Shambhala wellness brand, as well as an iconic property for COMO Hotels and Resorts. 

It is where natural healing and modernity merge, with cutting-edge treatments, restorative therapies, and luxury accommodation that position COMO Shambhala Estate as a world leader in bespoke wellness. 

Innovative approaches to wellness 

Some of the new health-tech therapies at the Estate include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which delivers a surge of molecular hydrogen and oxygen to the body improving cognitive function and quality of sleep. 

The infrared sauna offers a modern take on an ancient tradition, using full-spectrum infrared light to warm the body’s tissues directly, supporting its natural detoxification process, boosting muscle recovery, and calming the parasympathetic nervous system.

The Estate’s new facilities also include:

• Contrast therapy suites, including a state-of-the-art cold plunge pool, ice bath, and an infrared sauna.
• Colonic hydrotherapy treatment room with a post-treatment relaxation area.
• Hydrotherapy pool, now offering Watsu (a form of aquatic bodywork combining massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching in warm water, which promotes deep relaxation and healing).
• A new space dedicated to Ayurveda treatments

Fitness enhancements include:

• An indoor fitness centre with state-of-the art facilities catering to all training levels and aligning with COMO’s Wellness Paths.
• An upgraded outdoor fitness area, set against breathtaking natural surroundings, to enhance boot camp programmes and guided training sessions.

Unique programmes

To mark the reopening, COMO Shambhala Estate will offer a new series of one-to-two-day Wellness Programmes. 

These structured experiences, designed to achieve specific wellness goals, serve as an ideal introduction for first-time guests, those seeking a shorter stay, and even non-staying guests looking for a transformative retreat. 

Some of the key Wellness Programmes include the COMO Cleanse (specialised, nutrition-focused menus from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen that encourage a complete digestive reset), Tech-Inspired Wellness (a special curation of health-tech therapies, driven by personalised data analysis, to achieve systemic balance), and Vital Energy (a combination of qi-balancing therapies and wellness technology to energise the body).

Those seeking a deeper experience can opt for the Wellness Paths which are holistic, multi-night stays that combine diagnostics, diet, breathwork, and hands-on healing. 

Guests can choose from six different Paths that focus on gut health, detoxification, fitness, mindfulness, restoration through Ayurveda, or an integrated programme that allows for a complete mind-body reset. 

Each Wellness Path begins with an in-depth consultation led by the Estate’s wellness experts who will create a personalised programme. 

Alternatively, guests can embark on one of the new COMO Shambhala Signature Retreats, guided by the Estate’s resident wellness practitioners. 

These immersive six-night journeys are thoughtfully crafted around distinct wellness goals and healing modalities such as the Longevity Retreat which are inspired by the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine. 

Each retreat offers unlimited access to daily wellness activities, nourishing cuisine from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen, and transformative workshops led by experts, creating a deeply personalised path to holistic well-being.

All guests at the Estate can also benefit from a series of new complimentary daily wellness activities, including sunrise and full moon yoga, jungle stretch classes and Balinese purification practices.

Revitalised spaces

The Estate also unveils the complete renovation of two of its five signature residences, namely Wanakasa and Bayugita.

Each was thoughtfully reimagined to elevate the guest experience while preserving their unique architectural charm. 

Guests may choose from a Terrace Suite, Estate Suite, COMO Shambhala Suite or a COMO Suite within each residence or opt for exclusive use of an entire residence.  

Bayugita Residence

This tranquil sanctuary is nestled above the jungle canopy, boasting of a dramatic infinity-edge pool that stretches toward the rice fields, offering breathtaking views and a sense of boundless serenity. 

The residence is anchored by a private meditation and water garden, fed by the sacred spring revered for its purifying and healing properties. 

Architecturally, Bayugita is a study in elegant simplicity, blending the clean lines of Balinese tradition with colonial Javanese touches, including Victorian antique baths and Venetian and Dutch colonial beds. 

Cooling breezes flow freely through the open interiors, enhancing the peaceful ambiance and connecting guests to the natural rhythms of the landscape.

Wanakasa Residence

Its name means forest in the mist: a fitting title for a luxurious retreat composed of interconnecting suites nestled around a majestic banyan tree, perched high above the Ayung River, which flows 100 metres below. 

Elevated among the treetops, the residence features a semi-circular infinity pool that echoes the graceful curve of the river beneath. 

The main living pavilion is supported by towering columns crafted from the wide trunks of Bingkirai trees, complemented by teak floors and ironwood shingle roofs that evoke the charm of a luxury treehouse. 

Interiors blend contemporary elegance with natural textures, featuring light-speckled tiger bamboo and reclaimed 150-year-old teak, creating a serene and sophisticated haven suspended in nature.

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The post Doha Oasis honoured at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The destination took home the Guest Experience of the Year – Qatar and Social Media Campaign of the Year – Qatar categories.

Doha Oasis took home two awards at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East, following its move to reshape its identity and deepen its connection with visitors through The Rebirth of Doha Oasis as a unique touristic destination at the heart of Doha, Qatar.

The destination launched a comprehensive rebrand themed The Rebirth of Doha Oasis, a strategic repositioning that unifies one of Qatar’s most iconic experiences across luxury retail, entertainment, wellness, culinary, and hospitality.

The destination is proud to be home to standout attractions, including the luxury department store Printemps Doha, the largest department store in the Middle East with over 700 brands and more than 200 exclusive, EverFashion Luxury Group with over 26 distinguished brands, represented across more than 55 boutiques strategically located in the country’s most prestigious malls, Quest theme park the largest indoor theme park in the region and home to two Guinness World Record rides, Novo Cinemas, the Banyan Tree Doha 5 star luxury hotel, Doha Oasis Padel, and over 17 F&B global concepts.

The campaign exceeded its primary KPIs in every aspect, successfully shifting consumer perception from “luxury mall” to immersive touristic destination.

Under the rebrand, all experiences were brought together under one clear and cohesive story.

Unified brand, singular experience

The rebrand centred on a simple yet powerful idea: “You’re at the Heart of It All,” reflecting the warmth, luxury, and sense of belonging that Doha Oasis offers to guests who visit the destination for shopping, fine dining, family fun, entertainment, sports lifestyle, or relaxation.

The elements of the rebrand include a modern, elegant logo and desert-inspired colour palette that blend urban sophistication with cultural motifs, as well as Doha Oasis architectural unique elements. It also featured a new messaging framework centred on Moments (emotional storytelling), Movement (dynamic lifestyle), and Magic (exclusive experiences).

A full overhaul of social media presence, digital storytelling, and influencer partnerships was presented as well, along with a new suite of content templates, audio identity cues, and branding formats to ensure consistency across platforms.

The rebrand was introduced through a three-phase marketing rollout: the teaser campaign, which featured cinematic reels and behind-the-scenes content, hinted at a new chapter; followed by the brand reveal with a coordinated visual and messaging update across all digital platforms; and, finally, the activation phase, where the new identity came to life through engaging cross-property campaigns.

One of the campaigns was the successful Eid Wonder Pass, which brought families together through shareable and on-brand experiences.

Bringing impactful results within just 12 weeks, the rebrand campaign has marked a 5% increase in positive brand sentiment with feedback from guests who describe the new look as “inviting”, “stylish,” and “cohesive”, alongside a 3.5x increase in brand search volume. Social media engagement hit record highs of over 300,000 with a remarkable 19% increase in average engagement rate, and over 5.1 million impressions on brand content. The campaign also drove significant website traffic from all owned channels and 27% increase in footfall across the destination.

But aside from these numbers, the campaign succeeded in realigning Doha Oasis to be one unified destination of wonder.

With this transformation complete, Doha Oasis is well-positioned to lead future campaigns and partnerships in 2025 and beyond as a unique tourist landmark at the heart of Doha.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Middle East is a platform that spotlights the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives. It serves as a platform to celebrate key players who redefine the standards in the travel industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2025 is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Danica Avila at awards@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Waheguru Travels wins at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The company was honoured with the Travel Management Company of the Year – United Arab Emirates.

Waheguru Travels’ success at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East was driven by its vision, strategic global expansion, and a dedication to customer satisfaction via innovation. These factors have fuelled the company to efficiently transform what modern corporate travel looks like in the current dynamic business environment.

Deemed one of the fastest-growing travel management companies in the region, Waheguru Travels was founded with the mission to simplify business travel and deliver exceptional value. It has done so by creating efficient and cost-effective travel solutions through a blend of advanced technology and a customer-first approach.

After just a few years, the company has expanded to 32+ branches across the globe—proof of its consistent standard of service that adapts to local market needs. Additionally, its international footprint ensures clients receive 24/7 support and expert travel coordination.

With a growing team of 400+ skilled professionals, Waheguru Travels has built a culture centred on service excellence and adaptability.

Furthermore, the company reached a significant milestone in 2024 with a $150m turnover. This success, which underscored its steady financial growth as well as the increasing demand for tailored corporate travel solutions, was driven by the company’s smart business strategies and strong client relationships.

With tools like automated booking platforms, real-time support, and expense management systems, the company empowers organisations to streamline travel planning.

In attaining success, Waheguru Travels invests in proprietary technology platforms and mobile apps, acknowledging that features like AI-based itinerary suggestions, compliance tools, and instant messaging give clients more control and visibility than ever before.

The company also leads with eco-conscious initiatives, integrating smart systems that promote sustainable travel. It focuses on recruiting top talent and providing ongoing professional development to ensure employees are well-equipped to deliver exceptional client care.

This commitment to both clients and staff has helped Waheguru Travels earn high customer retention rates and glowing feedback.

The company is not just keeping pace with the evolving needs of corporate travel but is setting the pace. With an expanding global footprint, Waheguru Travels is poised for even greater success in the years to come.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Middle East spotlights the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives. It serves as a platform to celebrate key players who redefine the standards in the travel industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2025 is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Danica Avila at awards@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection by IHG honoured at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Just over a year after it opened to the public, the hotel has already established itself as a market leader in luxury hospitality.

Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection by IHG earned recognition at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East in the Luxury Hotel of the Year – Kuwait category—a feat driven by its remarkable innovation, impact, and growth.

Since opening its doors in May 2024, Arabella Beach Hotel has made waves as Kuwait’s first Vignette Collection by IHG property and only the second in the GCC. It is a five-star lifestyle destination by the sea that combines bold vision, standout guest experiences, and deep community engagement.

The property is located along the Arabian Gulf and offers 195 stylish rooms, including suites that have sea views, a rooftop pool and shisha lounge, curated dining options, and intimate event spaces.

Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait has introduced several firsts to the Kuwait market, and these include the flexible 24-hour stays for modern travellers, Kuwait’s first gold cappuccino, and the seasonal rooftop kashtas during Ramadan.

Each activation was designed to elevate the guest journey and spark conversation—which turned out to be efficient as it led to increased engagement, strong direct bookings, and high guest satisfaction.

In just six months, Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait’s marketing strategy partnered with over 80 influencers and content creators, achieved viral visibility through rooftop and pool campaigns, ran targeted digital campaigns across Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and used IHG One Rewards to convert loyalty into bookings.

The hotel’s Instagram following marked an 800% organic growth, which is credited to its authentic storytelling and visual content.

Additionally, the property achieved full occupancy during key seasons such as Eid and National Days, with its F&B revenue exceeding targets by 21% YOY in Q3 2024. It also ranked among the top hotels in Kuwait across major booking platforms.

But beyond hospitality, Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait has made a real difference in the local community. The hotel hosted CSR events for children from Bayt Abdallah, empowering the employees of 312 café with disabilities at Mimo Lounge and collaborated with local cafés and young artists. It also hosted Giving for Good Month initiatives that celebrate inclusion and giving.

This first year has proven that Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait is a benchmark for what’s possible when bold ideas are thoughtfully executed. From day one, it has aimed to create a story that connects with both local and international guests.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Middle East spotlights the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives. It serves as a platform to celebrate key players who redefine the standards in the travel industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2025 is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Danica Avila at awards@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Cambodia’s Huot Hak urges digital and green investment in tourism at ITE HCMC 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cambodian minister of tourism Huot Hak shared several key points of view during his keynote speech at the recently-concluded ITE HCMC 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

At the high-level tourism forum held to open the event on Thursday, 4th September, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, Huot declared that the event was a great venue in which to discuss ways forward for tourism development towards sustainability and resilience. 

The minister directed listeners to consider this year’s conference theme: Sustainable Travel, Vibrant Experience.

He declared: “Tourism in the 21st century is being redefined by several driving forces, namely the rapid pace of digitalization and the urgent need for environmental sustainability.”

How technology and sustainability aid the transformation of the tourism sector

According to Huot, digital transformation plays a pivotal role in improving competitiveness and destination.

At the same time, green transformation is just as essential as it acts as the moral forecast of tourism development. 

Huot went on to say: “The future of our industry depends on safeguarding the very assets that attract travellers, our environment, our cultural heritage and our community. Green transformation ensures that growth does not come at the expense of sustainability.”

When taken in tandem, digital transformation and green transformation enable governments to formulate relevant policies to ensure both competitiveness and responsible practices.

By doing so, authorities can ensure that their tourism sectors continue to generate prosperity whilst preserving culture and nature for future generations. 

As Huot put it: “The development of the tourism sector in this post-industrial revolution era really requires both digital and green transformation. As policy makers, we need to foresee the future and be one step ahead for advanced preparation and readiness to adapt to rapid development.”

What Cambodia is currently doing

In his speech, Huot also explained how the Royal Government of Cambodia began considering tourism as a focus area for sustainable growth during the regime of its 6th Legislature.

For this reason, throughout much of the pandemic era (2020-2022), the country used the time to develop the Digital Economy and Social Policy Framework of Cambodia, essentially laying down the foundations for the promotion of digital adoption and transformation in all sectors and industries.

The succeeding regime of the 7th Legislature went on to adopt Phase I of the Patagonia Strategy for Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency, and Sustainability.

As a result, Cambodia launched its Visit Cambodia in the Green Season campaign which encourages global travellers to experience its verdant natural landscapes and vibrant traditions throughout the monsoon months which run from May to October.

By doing so, Cambodia is able to spread tourism demand more evenly throughout any given year.

Huot added: “We are also implementing ASEAN Green Hotel and Eco-Tourism Standards to ensure that accommodation providers adopt sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.”

Also, community-driven ecotourism initiatives are gaining ground in several Cambodian provinces.

These efforts are instrumental with regard to offering tourists authentic local experiences whilst ensuring that host communities gain the full economic benefit from them.

Cambodia is also integrating aspects of archaeological tourism, digital visitor management, and environmental safeguards to balance increased tourist demand with the preservation of the country’s heritage.

Key recommendations

As a way of concluding his speech, Huot presented his audience with several recommendations for the shared journey towards more sustainable tourism in the coming years.

The measures he proposed include:

• Maintain healthy diplomatic and economic ties with one’s neighbours   Cambodia has long attached importance to its close relationship with Vietnam, as well as other nations within the Indochina Region and ASEAN. Such relationships have led to comprehensive cooperation between nations, thereby enabling the sharing of knowledge, natural resources, human resources, and innovations on both a national and a regional level;

• Digitalisation is mandatory, not optional     According to Huot: “Digitalisation is the backbone of modern competitiveness.” In which case, both governments and the private sector need to invest in this whole infrastructure, capacity building, and innovation so that tourism operators of all sizes, particularly SMEs and community enterprises, can benefit from the opportunities of a greener economy. 

• Green transformation needs to be made mainstream     This means that sustainability and environmental responsibility need to be covered in every aspect of tourism, planning and investment. By doing so, industry professionals and host communities are able to ensure local sustainability, as well as compliance with global standards, certifications, and incentives.

 

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Source: traveldailymedia