The post The Michelin Guide makes its Philippine debut appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The much-awaited expansion of The Michelin Guide makes its way into the gastronomic landscapes of the Philippines.

Announced today, 18th February, this new expansion delves into vibrant culinary scenes of Manila and Cebu.

This latest selection will focus on the bustling Metro Manila and the dynamic city of Cebu, whilst making initial forays into neighbouring provinces in Central and Southern Luzon, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.

The full restaurant selection of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be unveiled at a special event to be held in the last quarter of 2025.

It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide’s interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks.

It will join the global Guide’s restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.

Working undercover

Michelin revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these regions to identify the most outstanding dining venues.

This selection will highlight the best of Manila and Environs & Cebu’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.

Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guides’ international director remarked:”Our Michelin inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture.”

Poullennec added that Manila is home to numerous young and talented chefs who are redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives.

As a leading tourist destination, Cebu likewise offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality.

Delectable diversity

With its 7,641 islands, diverse regional cuisines, and cultural fusion, the Philippines has a thriving food scene that embraces both authentic heritage and contemporary innovation.

From Manila & Environs, where Filipino cuisine thrives with strong regional identity, to Cebu, a globally recognized tourism hub with a flourishing hospitality industry, the country’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, attracting food lovers from around the world.

A standout example of the Philippines’ celebrated cuisine is lechon, a signature dish deeply embedded in Filipino culture.

Particularly famous in Cebu, lechon has gained global recognition for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special gatherings.

The presence of iconic dishes like lechon further elevates the Philippines as a top culinary destination, drawing food lovers eager to experience its bold flavors and rich traditions.

It is expected that Michelin Guide recognition will further elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage and expand global appreciation for the country’s diverse and dynamic food culture.

Departmental support 

The arrival of the Michelin Guide is supported by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated, “We extend our warmest welcome to the Michelin Guide whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavors and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation. We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands. We invite travelers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savoring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences.”

Frasco added that the advent of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines is not only a testament to the country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Philippine tourism.

She remarked: “With gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry.”

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The post KTO unveils the ‘Designated Travel Agency Program’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In addition to the MICE Support and Korea Premium Travel Consultant (KPTC) Program, KTO has unveiled the Designated Travel Agency Program, a strategic initiative under the K-Incentive Scheme 3.0, designed to recognize and support travel agencies actively promoting South Korea.

KTO in collaboration with OTOAI, successfully hosted the Korea Tourism Roadshow in Mumbai on 14 February, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian travel trade and presenting key programs aimed at further boosting Indian tourist arrivals to South Korea.

Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, KTO, said: “South Korea’s growing popularity among Indian travellers is a testament to the strong partnership we share with the Indian travel trade. With evolving traveller preferences and increasing demand for unique experiences, we are committed to providing our partners with tailored support, from exclusive training programs to performance-based incentives.”

Talking about the Roadshow in Mumbai,  Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, said, “This partnership between OTOAI and KTO has the potential to significantly boost outbound tourism from India to Korea, unlocking opportunities for both travel operators and tourists. With the rising popularity of Korean entertainment in India and the increasing awareness of the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique culinary experiences, Indian tourists are showing greater interest in visiting Korea. Additionally, the growing popularity of Korean beauty products in the Indian market has led to an increase in enquiries for tours that include beauty experiences, further highlighting the diverse interests of Indian travellers. This roadshow was a great opportunity for our members to gain in-depth knowledge of Korea and enhancing their ability to create seamless travel experiences for their clients.”

Under this program, participating agencies will develop Korea-specific travel packages incorporating at least one local city beyond Seoul, such as Busan, Gangwon-do, Jeollanam-do, or Jeollabuk-do. Travel agents must submit a detailed proposal outlining their itinerary, marketing plan, and visa facilitation strategy.

Selected agencies will receive direct visa support, promotional assistance, and exclusive rewards. Top-performing agencies will be rewarded based on their overall sales performance, with special recognition at the end of the year.

With 176,668 Indian visitors traveling to South Korea in 2024—a remarkable 44% increase from the previous year—KTO continues to focus on equipping its trade partners with enhanced tools and incentives to sustain this momentum.

With a global target of 18.5 million visitors for 2025, KTO has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 250,000 Indian travellers this year. As it continues to deepen engagement with the Indian travel trade, KTO remains committed to enhancing resources, streamlining travel processes, and offering innovative marketing initiatives to make South Korea a top outbound destination for Indian travellers.

 

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The post Delta’s 2025 Medallion Year is here appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The 2025 Medallion Year kicked off  1 Feb, 2025 and runs through 31 Jan, 2026 – bringing with it opportunities for SkyMiles Medallion Members to maximize their Status. From customizable new bag tags to exclusive rewards and experiences, Delta’s loyalty program continues to deliver value to Members.

For Delta’s most loyal customers, the 2025 Medallion Year means new adventures, new memories and new ways to make the most of your Medallion Status.

As one of the most valuable elite status programs in the U.S., Medallion Status is designed to reward more than ever. Whether a Silver Medallion checking off that bucket-list trip or a Diamond Medallion road warrior simply looking for ways to make everyday travel even more enjoyable, here are five resolutions to help Members make the most of their loyalty this year.

1. Show off Status with luxury, personalized metal bag tags 

Medallion Members can now select and personalize new, enhanced metal bag tags – the perfect elite accessory to show off as they travel the world.

Medallion Members can visit the website to personalize their bag tags in various ways including adding their name, Million Miler Status, SkyMiles Membership details and more.

2. Use the enhanced Fly Delta app to select coveted Choice Benefits 

Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members can now select the Choice Benefits that matter most to them seamlessly through the Fly Delta app. This year, Members will continue to enjoy increased values on most exclusive Choice Benefits – including bonus miles, Travel Vouchers, Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) Accelerators, gifting Status, Delta Vacations experiences and more.

Did you know? More than 97% of Medallion Members use the Fly Delta app during their day of travel, and customers who use the app report higher satisfaction with their overall travel experience.

3. Earn miles with world-class partners like Starbucks and newcomer Uber 

With access to nearly 70 different partners across credit cards, airlines, lifestyle brands and more, SkyMiles Members can earn and redeem miles easier than ever before. That means car rentals, hotel stays, cruises, and so much more can earn miles. Plus, Members can earn toward Medallion Status and receive up to 10K bonus miles on every Delta Vacations getaway.

4. Take advantage of regular Member-only Award Deals 

Members can let their miles go the extra mile with early access to exclusive Award Deals – limited-time flash sales with some of the industry’s steepest discounts to favorite cities or new destinations just waiting to be explored. Last year, customers purchased millions of award tickets for less than 25K miles.

 

 

 

 

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The post Dorint partners with IDeaS appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dorint, one of the largest and most well-established German hotel companies in DACH, has partnered with IDeaS, a SAS company and world leader in hospitality revenue management software and services, to bolster its revenue management strategy.

With the German hospitality market expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7 percent, the decision to exclusively implement IDeaS’ technology is a key strategic move to capitalize on this growth and drive the company’s expansion plans, while simultaneously enhancing revenue processes and operational efficiency across their existing portfolio representing more than 6,000 rooms.

The advanced capabilities of IDeaS’ G3 RMS combined with the Optix revenue intelligence solution will ensure that Dorint can efficiently and effectively capture market demand with revenue maximizing decisions for all 60+ of its branded properties in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

With Optix’s data visualization, reporting and real-time performance insights, Dorint’s teams will be able to make smarter, data-driven decisions that boost operational efficiency and profitability. These tools will also streamline processes, enabling Dorint to respond quickly to shifting market trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Manuel Schmidgen, vice president revenue & distribution at Dorint, said: “As one of the most trusted hospitality brands in the region, it’s vital for us stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic and growing market. Partnering with IDeaS provides us with the advanced technology and expertise we need to enhance our revenue management strategies, optimize operations, and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities within the DACH region. We are excited to leverage the power of G3 RMS and Optix to drive performance across our portfolio and ensure Dorint remains a leading hospitality brand in this thriving market.”

Michael McCartan, area vice president at IDeaS, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome the German hotel company Dorint to the IDeaS family. Dorint’s legacy of excellence in the DACH region combined with their ambitious growth plans presents an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate. Together, we will leverage the power of AI and data-driven insights to redefine revenue management and unlock new levels of success for Dorint in the evolving hospitality landscape.”

The adoption of G3 RMS with Optix provides Dorint properties with numerous benefits, including:

• Efficient, Effective Revenue Management: G3 RMS’ powerful automation capabilities ensure timely and optimal responses to market demand fluctuations.

• Advanced Demand Forecasting and Revenue Optimization: Powerful, segment-based demand forecasting capabilities provide a proven foundation for revenue optimizing pricing strategies and inventory control decisions.

• Streamlined Reporting: Optix for G3 RMS provides an efficient and effective way to review meaningful and actionable data insights at both the individual property level as well as the wider portfolio, minimizing the time needed to gauge performance and adjust strategies.

As well as its classic Dorint Hotels & Resort properties, the brand’s property portfolio also includes Essential by Dorint – its range of urban city properties – and the elevated, experience focused Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection.

 

 

 

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The post The Advantage Travel Partnership announces keynote speakers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced two of its keynote speakers for its forthcoming conference which is to be hosted in Malta in May of this year.  Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor of The Times in London as well as Sarah Blumenau, Communication Practitioner, and Ambassador for the charity ADHD UK.

Mehreen Khan has written about the global economy, geopolitics, trade and central banks for The Times since 2022, formally operating at the Brussels correspondent for the Financial Times since 2017 reporting on Brexit, the eurozone and Europe’s climate policies offering expert insights into the economic and political world around us. Mehreen regularly contributes for the BBC and Times Radio segments on economic affairs and for Conference 2025, will lead the opening keynote speaker session on ‘The Economic Journey – Reimagined’ sharing key insights on the governmental changes within the UK, Europe and latterly in the USA.

Cutting through the TV media hyperbole, Mehreen will discuss the forecast for the global economy in the coming months and years and share insights into the effect this may have on the travel industry and its customers. Guests will experience a macroeconomic view of the changes, as well as discuss the exact changes implemented and predict the future of the economic landscape based on the current tenure of the new governments across each region. Mehreen will also join a panel discussion with industry leaders as well as smaller Q&A sessions with members offering further guidance.

Sarah Blumenau supports clients to become clear, confident, and consistent in all aspects of their communication and leadership. She works with international clients across all industries and sectors – including Google, Apple, Amazon, The Guardian, and the Financial Times – offering a unique perspective of workplace and leadership cultures, trends, and best practice. Sarah also shares her industry expertise and personal experiences in keynotes, masterclasses and panels, where she discusses neurodiversity, business benefits of inclusion, personal and organisational communication, and best practice pedagogy within the fields of communication and leadership.

In Sarah’s keynote she will promote the business case for adopting accessible travel practices and will share personal stories of her own experience working and travelling as a neurodivergent professional. She will offer agents suggestions on changes needed in the market to ensure travel is accessible for as many customers as possible.

In addition, Sarah will lead a ‘Presence Masterclass’ of four workshops providing actionable skills to enhance clear, confident, and consistent communication and connection.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership said: “We’re very pleased to announce that Mehreen Khan and Sarah Blumenau will be joining us at the 2025 Advantage conference. This year we are looking ahead to the future, reimagining how journeys may look with the changing global social and economic landscape.

Mehreen will bring an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience highlighting what political and economic changes could mean for the travel industry whilst Sarah will lean on her own experience and educated expertise. The speakers will help delve into strategies for navigating this changing environment and help delegates understand future opportunities.”

 

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The post Russians advised to apply ‘early’ for Schengen Visas by tour operators appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Tour operators have advised all Russian nationals who plan to visit the Schengen Area during the spring and summer months to take care of their applications ahead of time in order to avoid unnecessary delays.

According to tour operators, the closer the high seasons, the more difficult it will be to secure a Schengen visa appointment.

Taking this into account, Russians have been reminded that Schengen member states accept applications up to six months before the intended date of travel and advised them to not leave anything for the last minute, as informed by a news report in Schengen News.

According to the Russian Association of Tour Operators, experts have predicted that this year, there will be an increased demand for Schengen visas and trips to the bloc starting from the end of March.

The increased demand is expected to last until the end of September when the high season ends. For this reason, to take advantage of faster processing times and availability of appointments, everyone has been recommended to file applications during the months when there are traditionally fewer people applying for the document.

Data provided by the Association of Tour Operators show that Schengen visas in Moscow can not be obtained at almost the same time as before the Coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, not all countries have the same availability in appointments and processing times.

Experts from BSI Group have said that Italy is currently offering the fastest processing of visas for Russians and has the shortest waiting time to secure an appointment slot.

As the experts revealed, visa appointments at the Italian visa centre in Moscow can be found between seven to ten days in advance. At the same time, the experts said that once the Russians undergo the interview and submit their biometrics, their Italian visa is issued within two to three weeks.

France and Spain also have fast visa processing times for Russians. However, it is more difficult to find closer available visa appointments. At the moment, the French visa centre in Moscow does not have available slots until the end of March.

As for Spanish visa appointments, the experts said that the slots for the second half of February will be distributed soon. Both France and Spain as processing Schengen visa applications for Russians within three weeks. The Greek visa centre in Moscow is also processing visas fast – in around seven working days.

 

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The post ROKI Collection raises the bar for luxury in Queenstown  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With ROKI Collection Queenstown slated to open by mid-2025, it stands to raise the standard for luxury in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, ROKI Collection promises the luxury of tranquility and offers luxurious escapism in a sanctuary of calm.

At this urban retreat, gracious service, curated design, and breathtaking natural beauty converge.

The art of sheer luxury

Every detail at ROKI Collection Queenstown is crafted to offer an immersive sense of calm, and for guests to reconnect with their senses and breathe.

The interiors are by acclaimed New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher and feature a harmonious blend of refined elegance and local craftsmanship.

The collection of suites ranges from the intimate 50m² Junior Suite to the extravagant 550m² ROKI Suite.

Every suite offers stunning panoramic views over the mountains and Lake Wakatipu, fireplaces, private bathtubs, and walk-in wardrobes.

Where wellness takes centre stage 

Travelers can indulge in ROKI’s dedicated wellness and spa offerings with a spa concierge and treatments.

ROKI Pure offers guests the opportunity to pause, and enjoy the thermal zone, private treatment suites, and an indoor pool and jacuzzi.

The wellness journey extends to in-room amenities, made from local ingredients and extracts, and a ROKI Pure Wellness and Sleep Concierge supporting guests with a selection of wellness resets.

For gourmands, Essence at ROKI Collection Queenstown showcases a culinary narrative of New Zealand, seamlessly fusing modern European influences with the finest local ingredients led by culinary director Paul Froggatt, NZ’s Luxury Lodges chef of the year 2023/24.

The Terrace restaurant is perfect for an aperitif, lunch, or relaxed dinner after a day of exciting experiences, designed for all weather and framed by two fireplaces.

The hotel’s Library Bar and Conservatory offer a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for indulging in world-class wines and crafted cocktails.

Guests can also enjoy private dining in intimate ‘snugs’ or on the terrace with fireplaces.

In the heart of Queenstown

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, ROKI Collection Queenstown offers direct access to the region’s world-renowned adventure and leisure activities.

Guests can opt to ski The Remarkables, enjoy a private heli-skiing excursion, or take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park, or simply unwind with a lakeside aperitif.

From a romantic gourmet lunch in the mountains to a private boat excursion, a scenic guided hike or world-class fly fishing, the ROKI Collection Queenstown team can arrange bespoke excursions.

ROKI Collection Queenstown is close to attractions including the Botanical Gardens, Skyline Gondola and Steamer Wharf, and just three minutes’ walk into the heart of the city.

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The post Indonesia Ministry of Tourism reveals targets for 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesian tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana recently addressed the country’s House of Representatives regarding the ministry’s targets for this year.

During the working meeting, Wardhana reaffirmed confidence that Indonesia would meet its arrivals target for 2025.

The country hopes to draw in up to 16 million foreign arrivals by the end of December.

Innovation is key

The national government aims to make 1.08 billion tourist trips within the year.

Likewise, the Indonesian tourism sector plans to hire up to 25.8 million individuals in various capacities throughout the field.

In orders to achieve these goals, relevant agencies are looking into a number of innovative tools and processes.

With regard to the economic contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product, the ministry hopes to boost it to around 4.6 percent, along with targeted foreign exchange earnings of up to US$22.1 billion.

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The post Cheval Maison – Expo City to open with 151 apartments in March 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cheval Collection is all set to unveil their second property in Dubai, Cheval Maison – Expo City, scheduled to open in March 2025. Cheval Maison is located within the heart of the Expo City Dubai, where guests experience the unmatched luxurious amenities in vibrant expo city scenery.

Cheval Maison, Expo City, is located at Al Wasl Plaza, in the stirring Expo City Dubai development. The property enjoys close proximity to major attractions, business centers, and transport hubs, making it an ideal base for both short- and long-term travelers. Expo City Dubai has a reputation as a modern business and tourism hub.

Cheval Maison has 151 apartments, ranging from bedrooms and studios to expansively designed one-two and three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is customized to provide long-term comforts, luxuriously furnished with modern stylistic accents, elegantly-equipped kitchens, and of-the-moment technologies. The property targets MICE and leisure travelers alike, providing a rare home-style ambience with all the pleasures of on-demand services.

The property provides an array of facilities to enable guest relaxation and accessibility. Guests can dine at the TEN-11 all-day restaurant, 7seven7 coffee shop and bakery, and PDL café. For spiritual relaxation, the development is outfitted with a rooftop pool, a fully equipped gym, yoga studios, and lavishly landscaped grounds; to ensure guests can unwind or exercise during their stay.

“We are thrilled to introduce Cheval Maison – Expo City as our second property in Dubai,” said Mohammed Alawadhi, Managing Director at Cheval Collection. “This new addition highlights our commitment to Dubai and the wider region, offering luxury accommodations and exceptional amenities. We are excited to be part of Expo 2020’s legacy and look forward to further expanding our portfolio globally.”

Christian Potvin, General Manager at Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai, added: “This property reflects the Cheval Collection brand’s dedication to luxury, convenience, and service. With its prime location, top-tier facilities, and personalized service, we are excited to welcome both loyal guests and newcomers to experience our unique brand of home-from-home living.”

Cheval Collection is one of the new global players, while close to 1,000 luxury apartments across 14 properties exist in London, Edinburgh, and Dubai. Cheval Collection is also gearing up to open its first property in Saudi Arabia by 2027.

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Alserkal Avenue presents Ramadan programme ‘Interrupting Patterns’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Alserkal Avenue presents Interrupting Patterns, a programme that invites audiences to collectively sit with the interruption of time itself during Ramadan—a moment in the year that shifts our rhythms, bringing us together in reflection.

Rooted in fiction, the programme asks: What happens when we break our everyday routines?

What new, marvelous stories emerge when we rethink the ones we’ve inherited? Through poetry, performance, film, and theatre—including dedicated sessions for children—Interrupting Patterns moves between forms and genres, challenging how stories are told, revealing hidden perspectives, reviving forgotten truths, and posing new questions to old narratives.

The programme unfolds over two weekends: March 8–9 & March 15–16 at Alserkal Avenue.

Location: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Dates: March 8–9 & March 15–16
Time: 8 PM – 12 Midnight

 

 

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