The post AirAsia X adds internal targets to its financial disclosures appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As a way of reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability, AirAsia X (AAX) is adding its internal targets to its financial disclosures. 

This initiative aims to provide greater clarity on the company’s financial performance in compliance with Bursa Malaysia’s regulatory framework to support informed decision-making among investors and stakeholders.

The introduction of internal targets reflects AAX’s drive to elevate corporate governance standards by providing clear guidance to the investment community on its financial performance and value-creation strengths. 

Greater accuracy in reporting

By enhancing visibility into revenue, EBITDA, and other key financial metrics, the company aims to facilitate a more accurate assessment of its market position and growth potential.

Under the new structure, AAX’s consolidated financial guidance will outline revenue performance, EBITDA, and non-margin metrics. 

AAX chair Fam Lee Ee said: “As we accelerate towards becoming a leading airline group and evolve into one of the region’s largest aviation groups, setting clear financial targets is a critical step in ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth. Given the scale of our multi-country operations, these targets will serve as our true north, keeping us focused on creating long-term value for our shareholders and broader stakeholders”

Fam added that the initiative strengthens accountability across all operational areas, spanning aviation and non-aviation business segments. 

He added: “We can optimise efficiencies, fine-tune budgets, establish realistic forecasts, and drive strategic decision-making by setting structured financial goals. It also provides financial analysts and investors with deeper insight into our fundamentals, operating environment, and anticipated profitability ensuring we remain agile, responsive to market shifts, and well-positioned for continued success.”

Moving forward, AAX will share internal targets alongside each quarterly financial report, starting with its Q42024 and Full Year 2024 Financial Results disclosure. 

These internal targets are solely management aspirations and do not constitute financial estimates, forecasts, or projections under Bursa Malaysia’s financial forecasting and disclosure standards.

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The post Accor hosts GM Conference 2025 for Indonesia and Malaysia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

General Managers from Indonesia and Malaysia, along with Accor’s leadership team, gathered at the General Manager Conference 2025 for Indonesia and Malaysia. Held on 17–18 February 2025 at Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre, the conference, themed “CONNECT,” served as a key platform for strategic planning, networking, idea exchange, knowledge sharing, and reinforcing the Group’s commitment to the hospitality and tourism industries, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.

In his opening remarks, Garth Simmons, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia, stated: “It is an honour to welcome over 100 General Managers from Indonesia and Malaysia, along with the group’s leadership team, to the conference. The energy and collaboration witnessed here today are vital as we continue to work together to uphold our shared commitment, tackle the evolving challenges of the industry, and drive innovation for the future of hospitality and tourism, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.“

Attended by over 100 participants, the conference featured panel discussions, interactive presentations, and workshops covering a wide range of topics on the latest trends in hospitality and tourism. The event also showcased inspiring speakers, including Accor’s senior leadership, industry experts, and strategic partners.

During the event, the 2024 awards were also presented to the winning hotels in the following categories:

Best ATFAC (A Trust For A Child) Contributor

• ibis budget Jakarta Airport and ibis Styles Jakarta Airport
• Mercure Bali Legian
• Pullman Bandung Grand Central

Best RPS (Reputation Performance Score)

• Indonesia – Pullman Bandung Grand Central
• Malaysia – Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade

Best Performing Loyalty

• Indonesia – ibis Styles Bandung Grand Central
• Malaysia – ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri

Best Heartist (Colleague) Engagement

• Indonesia – ibis budget Semarang and Novotel Semarang
• Malaysia – Mercure Selangor Selayang

Best Sustainability

• Indonesia – Pullman Jakarta Central Park
• Malaysia – Mercure Miri City Centre

Best Performing Food & Beverage

• Indonesia – Tribe Bali Kuta Beach
• Malaysia – ibis Styles Sepang KLIA

Best Forecast Accuracy – Indonesia and Malaysia

• Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk

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The post Japan and Egypt work to boost ties via tourism, education, and cultural exchange appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Egypt and Japan announced that they are ramping up their collaboration in various fields, particularly tourism, education, as well as culture and the arts.

New commitments and agreements have been made between the two nations following a recent slew of high-profile visits and meetings.

This week, Egyptian minister of tourism and antiquities Sherif Fathi formally welcomed the new head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s office in Cairo, Yu Ebisawa.

The meeting was held at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to commemorate a key milestone in Egyptian-Japanese cooperation.

A long-standing partnership

The discussions between the ministry and JICA centred on boosting bilateral relations between their countries via tourism promotion, the preservation of cultural antiquities, as well as improving vital capacities in the field of archaeology. 

For his part, Fathi lauded Japan for its support of GEM’s work, pointing out how the museum will serve as a premier research facility for Egyptology, as well as the world’s largest archive of Egyptian artefacts.

The minister likewise highlighted upcoming collaborations, including continued work on the GEM’s ambitious research strategy. 

Ebisawa, on the other hand, congratulated his counterpart for the strides made at the museum.

The new country director emphasised JICA’s dedication to projects that promote cultural preservation. 

Discussions between the parties also touched on increasing Japanese tourist visits to Egypt and leveraging the latter’s expertise in archaeological restoration.

Japan’s commitment to preserving Egypt’s cultural landmarks further covers a recent US$1.17 million grant to revive the Cairo Opera House. 

The grant will fund infrastructure improvements and state-of-the-art equipment upgrades in key theatre facilities, enhancing the visitor experience and elevating Egypt’s cultural stage.

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand announces return of PELUPO this March appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announces the return of the country’s premier sustainable music festival PELUPO next month. 

Taking place on 14th and 15th March at Treasure Hill Golf Club in Chon Buri, this year’s festival strengthens its commitment to sustainability, having been awarded the STGs STAR Certificate by TAT for its environmentally responsible and socially impactful initiatives.

Aligned with TAT’s 17 Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) which were developed in accordance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, PELUPO’s recognition within the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system highlights its leadership in Good Governance, Social-Economic Impact, Cultural Preservation, and Environmental Conservation.

This means that its organisers practise responsible festival management, whilst engaging in community support, cultural promotion, and eco-friendly initiatives such as waste reduction, plastic-free policies, and carbon off-setting.

Further cementing its sustainability leadership, PELUPO received the All At Once Sustainability Award last year, an accolade recognising venues, festivals, and promoters excelling in waste reduction, plastic-free initiatives, energy conservation, and climate solutions. 

This recognition reinforces PELUPO’s pioneering role in sustainable festivals, setting a benchmark for Thailand’s responsible tourism efforts.

A festival for everyone

Beyond its stellar music line-up, PELUPO 2025 offers a full festival experience, featuring a dedicated kids’ area, diverse food and drink options, eco-friendly workshops, and immersive art installations. 

Every aspect of the festival is thoughtfully curated to align with its sustainability mission, ensuring a memorable and environmentally responsible celebration.

Nevertheless, music remains at the heart of PELUPO, as festival organisers are bringing together a powerhouse line-up of world-class performers and emerging talents. 

On Friday, 14th March, the festival presents “Friday maj7”, a celebration of jazz, funk, and soul, featuring Corinne Bailey Rae, the multi-GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter; Tahiti 80, the cult French indie-pop sensation; Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, the legendary Japanese pianist and composer; DEPAPEPE, Japan’s famed acoustic guitar duo; Unda Alunda, virtuoso Thai guitarist-songwriter; Matthew Ifield, the 19-year-old Sydney sensation with Sinatra-style vocals; Ginger Root, the multi-instrumentalist and producer from Southern California; and Alfa Mist, the British multi-instrumentalist blending jazz, soul, and electronic music.

On Saturday, 15th March, the festival continues with an eclectic mix of indie, folk, and electronic sounds, featuring Dayglow, the Austin-based multi-platinum indie-pop artist; The Paper Kites, Australia’s beloved folk/rock five-piece; HONNE, London’s soulful art-pop duo, making a much-anticipated return to Thailand; Dengue Fever, blending traditional Khmer music with modern influences; Yung Kai, the viral sensation behind “blue”; Autograf, bringing dance, house music, and Boiler Room energy; JUST’’, the rising Laotian artist fusing indie R&B, neo-soul, and jazzy pop; and TOFU, Bangkok’s own four-piece alternative indie-rock band.

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The post Tourism Malaysia entices Indian travellers at SATTE 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Malaysia returned to the South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) for the 21st time this year. 

One of India’s largest tourism fairs, the three-day event was held from 19th to 21st February in Delhi.

Tourism Malaysia’s participation is in keeping with its drive to keep Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination in the minds of Indian travellers.

During this year’s exchange, the tourism board focussed on niche products like shopping, golf, luxury tourism, soft tourism, theme parks, and honeymoon packages to promote its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

A prime destination for events

Consequently, Tourism Malaysia also leveraged several niche product segments, including weddings, as well as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Having been recognised as the Best MICE Destination 2024 in the Indian market, Malaysia continues to maintain its reputation and a destination of choice for Indian corporations.

As SATTE 2025 welcomed over 40,000 trade visitors, Tourism Malaysia officials anticipate a significant increase in Indian tourists to their country thanks to the rigorous promotion and stronger cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism sector.

The Malaysian delegation was headed by Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, director of the Tourism Malaysia New Delhi office, together with 58 organisations representing tour agents, hotel and resort operators, tourism product owners, airline operators, the Sabah Tourism Board, and Tourism Melaka.

Taking Malaysia to a vital market

Ali declared at the event: “Tourism Malaysia remains committed in attracting a growing number of Indian visitors, catering to their diverse preferences. The Indian market has been a significant source of visitors to Malaysia for over two decades. With the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign, we are focused on significantly increasing arrivals from the Indian market.”

India has been a priority market for Malaysia, given the strong economic ties with cultural connections between the two countries. Hence, India is currently Malaysia’s sixth-largest source of visitors.

In 2024, Malaysia recorded a total of 38 million visitor arrivals, with 1.4 million coming from India. In terms of air connectivity, 240 flights with 45,672 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia, operated by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, Air India, and IndiGo.

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia will leverage on the announcement of the visa-free policy for Indian travellers to Malaysia until 31st  December 2026 as this is an opportunity to promote increased travel from India to Malaysia.

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The post IATA opens nominations for its 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) formally opened nominations for the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards on Thursday, 20th February. 

Nominations are welcome from individuals and organisations advancing diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector.

Nominees will be up for consideration in three primary categories, namely:

• The Inspirational Role Model Award which recognises a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has substantial impact on diversity and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence at global level;
• The High Flyer Award for a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who actively demonstrated leadership through concrete action in favour of diversity and inclusion to make a positive impact on the industry; and
• The Diversity & Inclusion Team Award which recognises an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion as a result of the work done in this area. Nominations in this category are open to all IATA member airlines.

The winners of the 2025 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards will be announced at IATA’s 81st Annual General Meeting & World Air Transport Summit in Delhi, India on 2nd June.

A more gender-balanced future for the aviation industry

According to IATA director-general Willie Walsh, the global aviation sector is growing, and attracting more talent to join the industry is critical. 

Walsh said: “Leading initiatives to foster and engage a more gender balanced workforce will attract a broader set of candidates for the wide-ranging career opportunities that aviation offers. We are proud of the contributions of previous winners and look forward to receiving applications from an impressive set of applicants for this year’s edition of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards.

Each winner will receive US$25,000, payable to the awardee or their nominated charity for diversity and inclusion activities.

This cash award is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Qatar Airways.

Antonio Schulthess, chief people officer for the airline, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to once again sponsor IATA’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards. This support is a recognition of the winners’ contribution to positive change in our growing aviation industry and the bright future they hold in it.”

An independent judging panel made up of the winners of last year’s awards and chaired by Air Transport World editor-in-chief Karen Walker will review the nominations to select the winners. 

The 2025 judges panel consists of: Kendra Kincade, CEO and founder of Elevate Foundation; Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology founder and managing director Mafunase Ngosa Malenga; and British Airways’ inclusion and diversity advisor Jade Fisher-Ryner.

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The post UN Tourism to host two flagship events at Japan Expo 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

UN Tourism announced its participation at the upcoming Japan Expo 2025 this April, along with two game-changing events.

The United Nations agency declared that it seeks to bring together global leaders, innovators, and changemakers through two flagship events at the expo.

These events highlight the agency’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in global tourism.

Celebrating women in April

While International Women’s Day comes in March, UN Tourism teams up with Cartier in April to raise awareness on women in the industry through the Celebrating Female Founders event slated for 28th April.

To be staged at the Cartier Women’s Pavilion, the event will feature a dynamic pitching session with regional winners from our internal challenge, culminating in a panel discussion and a fireside chat. 

Specifically tailored to align with UN Tourism’s goals, this event celebrates female entrepreneurship, showcasing successful female founders from UN Tourism Global Startup Competitions. 

The highlight will be the launch of a new flagship competition, aimed at supporting women-led, technology-driven startups that tackle significant tourism-related challenges.

A platform for investing into global tourism

Scheduled for 29th April at the UN Pavilion, the Global Tourism Investment Forum is expected to maximise UN Tourism’s impact at the expo.

Scheduled during Co-Creating Cultures for the Future Week, this forum will focus on the exchange of good practices and cultural collaboration to leverage investments, with a special emphasis on Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Impact Investment. 

This gathering of global leaders, investors, and innovators aims to foster innovative financing mechanisms and strategies that enhance investment opportunities and maximize sector-wide impact.

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The post Cebu Pacific set to change the customer service game with its generative AI service agent appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific announced a partnership that may change the game in terms of airline customer service in Southeast Asia.

Cebu Pacific has teamed up with global AI customer service specialist Ada to launch its first generative AI service agent.

This upcoming multi-channel innovation puts the airline at the forefront in the use of AI in customer service in the Southeast Asian region.

According to airline chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog: “Cebu Pacific has always been at the forefront of innovation, striving to provide extraordinary travel experiences. Partnering with Ada allows us to set a new benchmark in customer service by leveraging AI to better serve our passengers.”

Iyog added that this technological milestone underlines Cebu Pacific’s commitment to providing quick and seamless solutions to its customers whilst optimising operations.  

The launch of this generative AI agent is a key part of Cebu Pacific’s long-term strategy to innovate sustainably and deliver consistent excellence for its passengers.

Making a difference with Ada

With Ada’s state-of-the-art AI management platform, Cebu Pacific is enhancing how customers interact with the brand across multiple touchpoints, delivering instant, accurate, and human-like support at scale.

The new AI Agent will initially support Cebu Pacific passengers by automating common inquiries such as flight bookings, itinerary changes, and travel documentation requirements. 

Operating 24/7, it ensures customers receive support in real time.

Ada’s generative AI capabilities also enable personalized and context-aware responses, making interactions more meaningful. 

Furthermore, the AI Agent integrates seamlessly with Cebu Pacific’s systems, providing customers with accurate information about their bookings, flight statuses, and more.

Ada’s chief product and technology officer Mike Gozzo pointed out how Cebu Pacific is setting a bold example of how applied AI can transform customer service.

Gozzo said: “Through our partnership, we’re empowering Cebu Pacific to not only scale their support across channels and markets but also to continually enhance the performance of their AI Agent. Ada’s platform is uniquely designed to help businesses like Cebu Pacific deliver outstanding experiences today while unlocking even greater value over time through continuous improvement by coaching and optimizing their AI Agent.”

Cebu Pacific’s collaboration with Ada further underscores its vision of making every travel interaction extraordinary. 

As the airline scales its AI capabilities across customer service channels, it will continue exploring new use cases to further elevate the customer experience, including proactive notifications, multilingual support, and intelligent recommendations for travelers.

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The post Thang Long Tours brings a touch of Vietnam to SATTE 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thang Long Tours captivated attendees at this year’s South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in Delhi, India.

From the 19th to 21st February, Thang Long Touris staff showcased Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating travel experiences.

In turn, the tour operator received an outstanding response from travel professionals and industry leaders alike.

The lure of expertly curated tours

Visitors at Stall C 202-A were drawn to Thang Long’s curated travel itineraries, designed to offer Indian travellers with an authentic and soul-nourishing journey through Vietnam. 

The diverse offerings struck a chord with attendees like the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, the lively streets of Hanoi and even the spiritual essence of Ninh Binh.

Thang Long Tours’ inbound director Emma Le said: “The enthusiasm and interest we witnessed at SATTE 2025 exceeded our expectations. We were delighted to engage with so many travel experts who were keen on exploring Vietnam as a key destination. The event has helped us strengthen our ties with the Indian market and position Vietnam as a must-visit location for those seeking culture and authenticity.”

With a successful showcase at SATTE 2025, Thang Long Tours continues its mission of bringing the essence of Vietnam to the world, ensuring memorable experiences for travellers from all walks of life.

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The post Philippine Department of Tourism seeks to tie up with more celebrity tourism ambassadors appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed its interest  to partner with more global celebrities as tourism ambassadors as it pushes to increase arrivals from key source markets.

The DOT signed a partnership with South Korean actor Seo In-guk on Friday, 21st February, under its Philippine Tourism Ambassador (PTA) programme.

In this capacity, Seo will help promote Philippine tourism in his home country.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco pointed out: “We’ve already done it with Japan, with Alan Shirahama. Of course, we’re also looking to our other top source markets for globally known celebrities.”

Promoting with the stars

The PTA is a DOT-led initiative, implemented in tandem with its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board.

It aims to invigorate arrivals, especially from key markets by collaborating with popular personalities from the target country.

In 2023, the DOT tapped Japanese celebrity Alan Shirahama, a member of the Japanese boy band Exile and is known for his roles in the J-doramas Daytime Shooting Star, Prince of Legend, and One in a Hundred Thousand.

With Seo, the DOT said it hopes to maximize the South Korean star’s huge following on social media and attract more South Koreans, especially those from his fan base, to travel to the Philippines.

Frasco has yet to identify what market the DOT is targeting for its next celebrity tourism ambassador.

The country’s top sources for inbound visitors are South Korea, the United States, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.

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