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Tourism Malaysia launches guide to Sandakan

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Tourism Malaysia and the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) officially launched the new A Guide to Sandakan brochure as part of their vigorous efforts to promote interstate travel to Sabah in light of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

A Guide to Sandakan offers a variety of interesting options: an enticing blend of stunning natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, adventure activities, rich cultural experiences, and gastronomy in Sandakan.

The launch was graced by deputy minister of tourism, arts, and culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan together with tourism secretary-general Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Tourism Malaysia director in Sabah Haryanty Abu Bakar, and STAN president Chee Kim Teo, President Sandakan Tourism Association.

Khan said in his remarks that the guide will help encourage domestic and international visitors to plan their holiday or even weekend getaway to Sandakan. 

He said: “From cosying up with the orangutan in the wild, to coming up close with the Bornean Sun Bears, the mascot of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. With the blend of wildlife and adventure, unique local eats and fresh seafood, Sandakan is the ideal getaway to explore the state of Sabah.”

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TAT x LCFC Premier League event highlights Thailand’s soft power

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in partnership with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC), staged a high-impact promotional event during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool on Sunday, 20th April, at King Power Stadium, UK.

The event marked a key step in TAT’s mission to elevate Thai Soft Power globally. 

The initiative also built on TAT’s long-standing partnership with LCFC, which began during COVID-19. 

With over 30,000 spectators at the match and a global broadcast audience in the billions, the collaboration delivered a powerful platform to position Thailand as a top destination for sport and entertainment tourism.

It leveraged football’s massive reach to boost Thailand’s visibility across European markets. It was part of TAT’s broader Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign, aimed at attracting high-quality tourists through the unifying power of sport.

Held under the theme 5 Must-Do Experiences in Thailand, the event offered fans a vivid glimpse into Thai culture and travel appeal. 

TAT deputy governor for marketing communications Nithee Seeprae said: “TAT continues to see sport as a powerful gateway for travel inspiration. Through this collaboration with Leicester City, we’ve brought Thailand’s identity onto one of the world’s most watched stages. It’s about making meaningful impressions that convert into real travel decisions.”

A most elegant sport

A standout was the Muay Thai showcase which featured renowned fighters Shadow Singmawin and Alex Singmawin. 

Their modern take on the traditional Wai Khru ritual highlighted the elegance and spirit of Thailand’s national martial art, captivating audiences in the stadium and beyond.

Fans also had the chance to join a Wai Khru demonstration to win autographed LCFC jerseys and limited-edition “Chang” boxing shorts, all of which added a memorably interactive element to the experience.

Delectably Thai

The “Must Taste” highlight featured khao tan, a traditional Thai crispy rice snack made with sugarcane and watermelon juice. 

This hands-on tasting introduced spectators to Thailand’s distinctive flavours and culinary heritage.

To amplify the campaign, TAT rolled out Amazing Thailand advertisements across LCFC’s platforms, including LED screens inside King Power Stadium and digital content via LCFC.com, Facebook, and X. 

With a combined online following of over 10 million, this media presence significantly boosted campaign visibility.

Ahead of the match, TAT also ran a Songkran-themed online contest in the UK, offering ten exclusive tickets to the game. 

The activity deepened cultural engagement while building anticipation.

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Philippine Airlines introduces its PAL e-Wallet

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) introduces its first-ever e-Wallet, a handy digital payment solution that enables passengers to store multiple PAL e-Cards in a single account. 

PAL vice-president for sales and distribution Justin Warby expressed pride in the new addition to the airline’s growing range of offerings, all of which are meant to upgrade each passenger’s digital experience.

Warby said: “This user-friendly feature benefits travelers who prefer paperless transactions and real-time updates in just one click.” 

A handy travel companion

PAL e-Cards such as the PAL e-Gift Card, Dear PAL Miles e-Card, Travel Credits, and Compensation eCards or vouchers may all be consolidated in the PAL e-Wallet account. 

At the same time, this new digital wallet may also be used as an alternative payment method for purchasing PAL tickets and ancillaries, with the exception of upgrades and third-party travel insurance.

Other key features of the PAL e-Wallet include the flexibility to auto-currency conversion upon adding eCards to the e-Wallet, the built-in expiration logic for e-Card utilization that ensures passengers get the full value of e-Cards by prioritizing expiring ones, and the name check feature for adding Travel Credits to the e-Wallet. 

All of these simplify the redemption process.

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InterContinental Halong Bay Resort set to become area’s first luxury destination resort

The post InterContinental Halong Bay Resort set to become area’s first luxury destination resort appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is slated to become the new jewel of Ha Long Bay when it opens this summer.

The resort will offer curated experiences tailored for leisure seekers, culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike from luxury cruises through Ha Long Bay and exploration into hidden caves, to visits to fishing villages for an authentic glimpse into life on the water.

The resort’s architecture, led by WATG, reflects the heritage and vibrancy of the region, weaving together narratives from ancient folklore and celebrating the dramatic interplay of land, sea, islands and inlets that define Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty. 

With interiors by P49Deesign, the resort’s lobby takes inspiration from Vietnam’s traditional bamboo basket boats, while guest rooms highlight the striking colours of land and sea with turquoise blue upholstery, brass accents, and playful textures reminiscent of fish scales, rippling waters, or iridescent pearls throughout.

Located at the gateway to Ha Long City, in the exclusive Ha Long Marina Urban Area, just outside the vibrant streets of Bai Chay, the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is conveniently located just two hours from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. 

Offering a luxurious retreat, the resort will provide the perfect base for travellers to explore the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, and a great accommodation for pre- and post-cruise stays.

Where comfort comes first

The resort will feature 174 guest rooms and suites, 60 residences and 41 private villas.

In light of the fact that today’s travellers lead diverse lives, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts acknowledges the need for seamless transitions throughout their day. 

To address this and enrich the travel experience, the brand will help guests shape-shift through their day at its hotels and resorts. 

Initiatives include scientifically backed food and beverage programmes designed to reduce travel fatigue while multiple dining venues cater to differing guest needs from morning to night. 

All guests will also receive access to Timeshifter, a jet lag app which enables international guests to use the latest circadian science to adjust quickly to new time zones.

Well-appointed meeting spaces and dining venues

Featuring five dedicated event spaces and breakout areas equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the resort will welcome corporate meetings and events, weddings and celebratory milestone occasions. 

The elegant Grand Ballroom is the largest space, accommodating up to 1,050 guests in a theatre setup, 810 for receptions or 680 for banquets. 

Additionally, there are four versatile meeting rooms as well as outdoor venue options, including a manicured garden with a capacity of 330 persons and a terrace accommodating up to 390 persons for receptions.

The resort will also boast of six eclectic dining venues that will take guests on a culinary journey of regional and international flavours. 

Signature restaurants will include Roku & Sky Bar, located on the 10th floor of the resort’s rooftop. 

Inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun, Roku & Sky Bar will offer a menu of specialty Japanese cuisine infused with local flair. 

From handcrafted cocktails to a traditional Sake Library, this rooftop destination, with a dramatic hanging bamboo art installation evoking the legend of Ha Long, will provide a unique dining experience, complemented by panoramic views of the bay. 

Yulong Mansion is a two-story venue that will offer a modern Cantonese dining experience. It will feature multiple private dining rooms, an open kitchen allowing guests to watch chefs at work, as well as notable tableside preparations such as Peking duck carving, elevating the dining experience with culinary craftsmanship.

Relaxation and recreation for everyone

Spa and recreational programming will also be introduced at the resort. 

The spa will collaborate with Margaret Dabbs London, a luxury British beauty brand, and Sodashi, an Australian clean beauty brand, who will provide wellness treatments ranging from healing facial rituals to nurturing, sensory body therapies for ultimate wellbeing. 

From beach activities such as volleyball to outdoor archery, three outdoor pools, the family-friendly Planet Trekkers kids’ club and The Game Room, which will feature a cinema, will ensure all generations are entertained.

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Mohit Bhowar takes executive sous-chef post at JW Marriott Mumbai Sabar

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JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar officially welcomed Mohit Bhowar as its new executive sous-chef.

A dynamic kitchen management professional with over 17 years of rich experience, Bhowar brings a deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts into the role, along with a commitment to excellence that aligns seamlessly with the brand’s pursuit of elevated guest experiences. 

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the culinary brigade at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, infusing them with his signature creativity, strategic insight, and guest-first philosophy. 

Bhowar will work closely with the culinary team to enhance the hotel’s diverse Food & Beverage experiences, ensuring the highest standards across all dining venues and events. 

His illustrious career includes stints with a number of prestigious hospitality brands including Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Renaissance Hotels, Sofitel, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton, and Marriott Executive Apartments.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts from IHM Aurangabad, Bhowar’s approach blends strong academic grounding with hands-on expertise in kitchen management, quality assurance, and cost optimization. 

Raising the bar in his profession

Over the years, Bhowar has been celebrated for driving impactful initiatives, from elevating hygiene standards to training the next generation of culinary professionals. 

His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including ‘Most Improved Food Quality’ award at Courtyard by Marriott Bilaspur in 2017 and ‘Best Manager of the Year’ at Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna in 2019. 

He also represented Indian cuisine internationally, at the Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel in Malaysia, and has been featured on platforms such as TV9 and Radio Mirchi.

Prior to joining JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Bhowar held the position of head chef at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha. 

He also played a pivotal role in several successful pre-opening projects as Executive Chef, including Marriott Executive Apartments in Navi Mumbai and Fairfield by Marriott in Goa (Anjuna and Calangute), as well as Hilton Garden Inn Lucknow. 

His tenure was marked by a strategic approach to quality control, operational efficiency, and exceptional service delivery.

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Bakul Pednekar is Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru’s new director of people and culture

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Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru announced the appointment of  Bakul Pednekar as its director of people and culture.

In this position, Pednekar will lead the People & Culture function at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, shaping employee experiences that inspire excellence and reflect the brand’s legendary service philosophy. 

A consummate industry professional well schooled in the Four Seasons’ culture, he brings more than 17 years of rich, cross-continental experience shaped by the brand’s deep-rooted values of empathy, excellence, and service from the heart.

Hotel general manager Biswajit Chakraborty said of the new director: “He is a shining example of our belief in nurturing talent from within. His journey reflects the essence of Four Seasons, growing leaders who live our values daily. With his global perspective and deep understanding of our culture, I am confident he will enrich our team and take our People & Culture practices to even greater heights.”

Pednekar’s return to India marks a full-circle moment: combining global expertise with local intuition to nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders. 

Nearly two decades of expertise

Pednekar’s Four Seasons journey began in 2007 in stewarding operations at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. 

This humble beginning blossomed into a remarkable career through his innate leadership, emotional intelligence, and people-first approach. 

He has since held key Human Resource roles across some of the brand’s most iconic properties, including Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa, and most recently, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, where he served as director of people and culture for close to three years.

Known for fostering inclusive and purpose-driven workplaces, Pednekar has led diverse teams, spearheaded impactful learning programmes, and championed employee well-being, earning admiration from colleagues and accolades from the industry. 

His leadership is grounded in a profound respect for people and a passion for creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, seen, and empowered.

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Three New Executive Board Members join PATA

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Picture: L/R: Dr Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA); Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board; and Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

 

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) ratified the election of new Executive Board members: Dr Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). Additionally, Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), has been appointed as an Executive Board member.

“Dr. Chuwit, Sharzede and Raki have been incredible supporters of PATA over the years, offering their time, expertise, and passion in ways that have truly made a difference,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid following the ratification. “Their contributions, both as former Board members and active supporters of our events and initiatives, have helped advance our mission to grow tourism in a more responsible and inclusive way. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both of them, and I look forward to building on our collaboration in the years ahead.”

Elected by PATA Board members to serve a two-year term of service, Dr Mitrchob and Salleh Askor will work with other members of the Executive Board towards the Association’s objectives in promoting responsible tourism development in the Asia Pacific region. Dr Mitrchob and Salleh Askor are replacing outgoing Executive Board members Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, and Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Convention Bureau (representing Sabah Tourism Board).

Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob is the Deputy Director-General of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) under the Kingdom of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. He has played a key role in fostering collaboration between DASTA and international tourism bodies, including pioneering efforts to bring the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) into Thailand’s sustainable tourism framework.

He was also instrumental in supporting the establishment of the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN). His work spans low-carbon tourism, creative tourism, gastronomy tourism, and community-based tourism. His expertise extends to guiding cities toward inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), notably Sukhothai (Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art) and Petchaburi (Creative City of Gastronomy).

Sharzede Datu Hj. Salleh Askor holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at STB and concurrently serves as a member of its Board of Directors. Prior to joining STB, she held leadership roles across various industries, including a Malaysian conglomerate, an advertising consultancy, and an international exhibition and convention centre. With over 30 years of experience in integrated marketing communications, branding, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and executive management, Sharzede is a strong advocate for inclusive tourism. She believes that every stakeholder plays a crucial role in enhancing Sarawak’s global visibility. Her vision focuses on making responsible and niche tourism the cornerstone of Sarawak’s tourism industry—strengthening local economies while embedding sustainable environmental practices into the region’s tourism ecosystem.

Raki Phillips leads the strategic development of Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class tourism destination and was named 2023 Businessperson of the Year by Arabian Business magazine. In his role, he is not only focused on strengthening the competitive performance of the tourism sector but also committed to driving the Emirate’s economic and social prosperity, while enhancing quality of life for all residents.

Dr Mitrchob, Salleh Askor, and Phillips will join the other Executive Board members including Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Suman Pandey, President, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure; Luzi Matzig, Chairman, Asian Trails Ltd.; Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts; Henry Oh, Chairman, Global Tour Ltd.; Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG; SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited; and Alexander Rayner, CEO, SmartData.travel Limited trading (Tourism Cyber Centre).

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Mekong Tourism Forum makes its way to Luang Prabang this June

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The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR (MICT), in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), announced that the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025 will take place on from 25th to 27th June in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.

Revolving around the theme United Journey: Stronger Together, this year’s forum will bring together tourism leaders, professionals, development partners, and private sector representatives from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to explore shared solutions and new approaches to sustainable tourism development. 

MICT Tourism Development Department director-general Phonemaly Inthaphome said: “The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 reflects our region’s commitment to shaping tourism as a driver of shared prosperity. By convening diverse voices from across the GMS, we aim to build a common platform for dialogue and partnership, ensuring tourism development that is responsible, balanced, and beneficial to all.”

MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij added: “This year’s forum will highlight how collaboration across borders, sectors, and communities can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for Mekong tourism. We look forward to welcoming all stakeholders to be part of this important conversation.”

Regional cooperation via immersion

Through open dialogue, immersive sessions, and cross-sectoral exchange, the forum aims to strengthen regional cooperation and amplify community-focused, responsible tourism across borders.

MTF 2025 will feature discussions led by industry experts from across the tourism sector, thematic breakout sessions held at carefully selected off-site locations aligned with each theme, and the official launch of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030. 

Delegates will also join thematic technical tours designed around hands-on, local experiences that include mulberry paper making, ecotourism visits, and learning traditional practices alongside local communities.

All these offer an authentic perspective on Luang Prabang’s cultural and natural richness.

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Singapore Tourism Board signs partnership with AirAsia MOVE

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The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and AirAsia MOVE signed a strategic partnership on Thursday, 17th April.

This agreement which was formalised with a Letter of Cooperation seeks to create better travel experiences for visitors to Singapore, with a focus on key Southeast Asian markets like Malaysia and Thailand. 

As part of this collaboration, Malaysian and Thai travellers seeking quick weekend getaways can expect attractive travel deals from AirAsia MOVE. 

These combine flights and hotel stays with events and attraction offerings, so they can plan a hassle-free vacation and make the most out of their itinerary.

STB will also work with AirAsia MOVE to enhance the travel experience for Muslim travellers and highlight the wide range of Muslim-friendly offerings across Singapore.

Honouring a shared commitment

At the heart of this partnership is STB and MOVE’s shared commitment to harness data insights, technology, and content to deliver more seamless, personalised, and engaging travel experiences. 

A joint campaign is set to launch in the third quarter of this year spotlighting Singapore’s vibrant offerings and enhancing visibility among regional travellers.

STB’s assistant chief executive for its international group Juliana Kua said: “Southeast Asian travellers have diverse needs and interests, and many are familiar with Singapore. To get them to return or do more, we need a more personalised and data-driven approach. That is why we are delighted to partner AirAsia MOVE: to leverage their insights and capabilities to deliver better experiences and to help travellers maximise their time in Singapore.”

For her part, AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “Our collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board underscores AirAsia MOVE’s commitment to driving regional travel growth through innovation and strategic partnerships. By leveraging our digital ecosystem and consumer insights, we aim to enhance conversion and engagement while simplifying travel planning to Singapore. This synergy allows us to jointly unlock new opportunities in key markets like Malaysia and Thailand, and deliver greater value to both travellers and tourism stakeholders.”

Partners in transformation

The partnership between STB and AirAsia MOVE aims to transform how visitors discover and experience destination Singapore. 

Travellers will be served more personalised recommendations, from popular attractions to experiential activities, based on their interests. 

This would be powered by joint insights from AirAsia MOVE and STB’s data on various user groups.

The partnership is set to cast the spotlight on exciting events, must-visit places, and unique local experiences that make Singapore special, ensuring there’s always something new to discover for both first-timers and repeat visitors. 

To make holiday planning easier, visitors can find the latest information about Singapore’s events, accommodations, and activities directly through AirAsia MOVE.

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Cathay Group releases March 2025 traffic report

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The Cathay Group today released its traffic figures for March 2025 today, 23rd April.

Chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau pointed out how the group continues to make good progress towards exceeding 100 passenger destinations within the first half of this year, particularly with the resumption of Cathay Pacific’s non-stop service to Hyderabad last month. 

This month, five new destinations are joining the Group’s global network, with Cathay Pacific launching services to Dallas and Urumqi in the coming days, and HK Express launching flights to Nha Trang, Ishigaki and Komatsu. 

HK Express has also recently announced the addition of Changzhou and Yiwu to its network in May.

Lau said: “While March marked a quieter month for our travel business, our cargo business saw strong growth momentum as we entered the first traditional cargo peak of the year. However, the latest developments on trade tariffs are creating uncertainties that may cause disruptions to our cargo business, changes in travel demand, increased costs and pressure on supply chains, among other impacts. We are taking proactive steps to put ourselves in the best possible position in facing and mitigating these external forces as we remain aligned, agile and responsive in our approach.”

Cathay Pacific performance in March

Cathay Pacific carried 19.8 percent more passengers in March 2025 compared with March 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 25.5 percent. 

In the first three months of 2025, the number of passengers carried increased by 23.4 percent compared with the same period for 2024.

Lau explained: “While we saw softer demand for leisure travel in March due to the absence of long-weekend holidays in Hong Kong, demand for our premium cabins remained robust, driven by various mega-events and exhibitions in the city such as the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Art Basel Hong Kong.”

Sports tourism also proved to be a boon for the airline, given how the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens also generated strong inbound demand to Cathay Pacific’s home hub, particularly on a number of long-haul routes. 

Lau also proudly declared: “To commemorate the Sevens’ debut at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park and the 100th anniversary of Kai Tak Airport, which had been Cathay Pacific’s home for many decades, we were proud to stage a special flypast on the last day of the Sevens to mark our return to Kai Tak.”

For this month and beyond, Lau pointed out that the airline experienced healthy demand over the Easter holiday. 

She said: “In addition, we are delighted to have recently announced that Cathay Pacific will be one of the very few airlines to offer both 100 percent seatback inflight entertainment and 100 percent high-speed inflight Wi-Fi connectivity across its fleet from August 2025.”

How the cargo arm fared in March

Cathay Cargo carried 10.6 percent more cargo in March 2025 than in March 2024. 

Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 8.5 percent while load factor decreased by 1.2 percentage points year on year. 

In the first three months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 12% compared with the same period for 2024.

According to Lau: “Specialist solutions continue to be our area of focus. We saw notable growth in Cathay Priority during the quarter end and are pleased to have launched our refreshed Cathay Fresh solution to provide a high-quality, dependable and consistent service for transporting perishables.”

Cathay Cargo also achieved an industry first with its new intermodal cold-chain route via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, delivering chilled seafood from Southeast Asia into the Greater Bay Area through its hub in Hong Kong.

Lau said: ”We expect a softening of general air cargo demand between the Chinese Mainland and the United States due to the ongoing tariff situation and de minimis rule changes from early May. However, our network strength and flexibility in redeploying our freighters will allow us to adapt and redirect our focus to emerging opportunities. We will stay close to the market and monitor the developments vigilantly.”

HK Express in March

The Group’s low-cost carrier HK Express carried more than 610,000 passengers in March, marking an increase of 25.4 percent year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 35.6 percent. 

In the first three months of 2025, the number of passengers carried increased by 34.3 percent compared with the same period for 2024.

Lau concluded her report by saying: “HK Express maintained its growth momentum in March, announcing more new destinations and adding flight capacity. Looking ahead at April onwards, we have seen solid demand over the Easter holiday amid a slower pickup for pre-summer and peak summer bookings with more customers booking closer to their departure dates.”

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