The post AHICE to introduce two new events for the Asian Region appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) is expanding its conference program with the introduction of two new events to the market.

Following a successful debut event in 2024 which welcomed over 500 key industry figures, AHICE South East Asia returns to the region from 24th to 26th February with a programme packed with over 100 insightful speakers and stellar networking opportunities.

Recognised throughout Asia Pacific and beyond as The Hotel Event Where Deals Get Done, AHICE is highly regarded as the largest and most influential hotel conference in Asia Pacific.

The 2025 run will also feature the launch of two new events which gave delegates the opportunity to delve deeper into the worlds of hotel technology and hotel design.

The new InnTECH Hotel Technology Summit and first-ever South East Asia Design Inn Symposium will kick off simultaneously on the second day of the conference.

Technology in the contemporary workplace

InnTECH will involve three hours of panel discussions, keynotes, Q&As, and master-classes firmly focused on the latest and emerging hotel technology.

At a pivotal time in the hotel industry, amid the stratospheric rise of artificial intelligence (AI), this conference will tackle the critical issues in hotel technology and look to ways that technology can be leveraged for greater results.

From AI to procurement software, in-room entertainment, door locking tech, PMS and RMS systems, digital marketing, robots and more, the InnTech Summits will feature rich content targeted at a VIP crowd of hotel investors, owners, GMs, VPs, CEOs and more.

Key sessions include: The Intelligent Guest Journey: Personalisation, Connectivity and Loyalty; Serving Your Guests More Effectively and Boosting Profitability; Agile Revenue & Distribution: Real-Time Strategies For Increasingly Dynamic Markets; Securing Long-Term Value: Workforce, Compliance, and Operational Excellence; and Building For Tomorrow: Data-Driven Development and Sustainable Asset Evolution.

Tony Marshall, vice-president and managing director in the Asia Pacific for hospitality software company Agilysys, a principal partner of AHICE South East Asia, said the conference will provide an important opportunity for industry to connect and collaborate.

Marshall said: “AHICE South East Asia continues to bring together hospitality leaders from across the region to exchange insights, explore new opportunities, and discuss the future of the industry. With a strong line-up of speakers and networking opportunities, this year’s event sets the stage for invaluable conversations on hotel investment and operations, offering key takeaways for businesses looking to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.”

Elements of design and then some

Meanwhile, on the heels of the successful hotel architecture and interior design conference, Design Inn Symposium Australasia-Pacific, the South East Asia Design Inn Symposium will examine the critical components of hospitality design and explore exciting new properties to open in the region.

Curated by the best creative minds in the business, the South East Asia Design Inn Symposium will offer inspiring masterclasses, project deep-dives and evocative panel sessions featuring leading architects, designers, hotel operators and owners.

Key sessions include: Designing for Adapting Brands: How To Stay On-Brand While Evolving Over Time; Operations In Design: How Functionality Meets Creativity; and a keynote Q&A with Richard Hassell, co-founder and director of WOHA Design, in conversation with Onyx ASW CEO Ivan Sunde.

AHICE South East Asia is supported by leading multinationals including Agilysys, Hilton, IHG, Marriott International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and Travel + Leisure Co. as principal partners.

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The post Cathay Pacific garners two design awards for its inflight entertainment system appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay Pacific’s inflight entertainment (IFE) system recently received nods from two of the world’s most prestigious design awards: the German Design Award 2025 and the Red Dot Award 2024.

The airline was named a Gold winner in the Excellent Communications Design-Interactive User Experience category of the German Design Award and a winner of the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design-User Interface Design.

These awards reaffirm Cathay Pacific’s excellence when it comes to delivering an exceptional customer experience and design, as well as its commitment to becoming the world’s best premium airline. 

Hailed for human-centric design

Vivian Lo, Cathay general manager for customer experience and design, said: “We are incredibly honoured and humbled to be presented with two of the most internationally acclaimed awards in the design arena, which serve as a further acknowledgement of our steadfast commitment to delivering world-class experiences to our customers.”

Cathay Pacific and Reaktor developed the IFE with a thoughtful, human-centric design, underpinned by innovation, customer comfort and an intuitive graphical user interface. 

Lo added: “With these recognitions, we hope to continue to lead the charge for the industry and beyond as we strive to push the envelope of customer experience, ensuring that every facet of the journey is genuinely cared for.”

Designed with passenger enjoyment and comfort in mind

With a focus on visual harmony, intuitive user interaction and accessibility, Cathay Pacific’s award-winning IFE system provides customers with an enhanced level of control over their travel environment by fully integrating cabin technology with the seats. 

Customers are placed at the very heart of the design, which has been informed by years of customer research and insights.

The IFE includes key customer-centric features as well as innovations that complement the cabin interiors. 

Among them is My Journey, which seamlessly blends flight tracking with inflight entertainment by incorporating real-time flight paths and map layers to create a game-like flight path preview. 

For a premium digital experience, customers can also pair their Bluetooth-enabled headphones to the 4K ultra-high-definition screen. 

In addition, in the all-new Aria Suite Business class onboard the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, customers can tailor the space to their needs using the interactive seat controls on the in-seat entertainment touchscreen, where pre-set seat modes such as Relax, Work and Sleep are available for added ease. 

The seat control interface even features live lavatory status, enabling customers to see which lavatory is unoccupied without having to leave their seats.

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The post AirAsia is AirlineRatings.com’s World’s Best Low-cost Airline for 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia was recently hailed World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the year at AirlineRatings.com’s World’s Best Airlines 2025.

This distinction reinforces AirAsia’s leadership when it comes to delivering value-driven air travel that continues to elevate industry standards. 

Sharon Petersen, Airline Ratings Pty Ltd commented: “AirAsia’s operations stand out for their extensive flight network and destinations connecting Southeast Asia to the world and the world to Southeast Asia, offered at affordable fares. Additionally, AirAsia’s hot meals are recognised as some of the best-tasting among low-cost carriers and represent good value especially when pre-purchased at the time of booking.”

AirAsia Aviation Group chief executive Bo Lingam attributed this latest accolade to the dedication of all of AirAsia’s Allstars, the airline’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence and the support of its guests over the years.

Lingam said: “Being consistently ranked among the world’s best low-cost airlines by AirlineRatings.com since 2018 shows that we’ve delivered across key metrics of safety, value, guest satisfaction, and reliability. Starting 2025 with this recognition, alongside our recent 7/7 safety rating, reinforces our drive to keep evolving, improving, and delivering the best possible experience for our guests. We thank the team at AirlineRatings for their comprehensive approach in recognising airlines that go above and beyond.”

Constant innovation is key

The CEO likewise pointed out that AirAsia made significant strides across the region by staying agile and continuously innovating to enhance our services and connectivity, all while actively managing the challenges of soaring demand and industry supply constraints. 

From seamless mobile check-in and real-time updates to AI-powered personalisation and enhanced service recovery options, the airline’s efforts are aimed at delivering the most reliable yet value driven travel experience.

Lingam concluded by saying: “Looking ahead, our focus remains on fleet expansion, boosting connectivity to both well-travelled destinations and new secondary cities, digital enhancements, and airline consolidation to meet growing travel demand. With affordability, innovation, and sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are committed to strengthening trust with all our stakeholders, from our guests and employees, to our partners, as we build the world’s first global low-cost network carrier.”

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The post Philippine Department of Tourism foresees improvement in village tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism’s bureau in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) expects to see further improvement of village tourism in the north of the country.

DOT-CAR officials made the statement during the launch of the fourth annual Search for the Best Tourism Village on Wednesday, 12th February. 

During the press conference, DOT-CAR regional director Jovi Ganongan declared: “The search encourages villages to opt for sustainability and improve not just the destination but help prepare their fellow villagers for tourists arriving.”

The search began during the pandemic and is a programme unique to the DOT-CAR.

For the 2025 edition, at least 68 tourism villages have applied to join the search, which would allow them to obtain technical assistance to adapt to relevant standards.

It takes a community

Ganongan shared that village leaders who joined the search orientations have started to work on their community’s development to qualify.

She said: “Some did not even know they have tourism values but realized it when they joined the search.”

Ganongan added that the eagerness of the villagers to participate and conform their communities to the criteria that involves cultural, socio-economic and rural economic development, environmental protection and sustainability of the activity as highly palpable.

She said: “This is not just about bringing in tourists but also the community’s development and people’s livelihood and protection of the environment.”

For the environment

Linda Claire Pawid, chief of the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-CAR, said the program helps in their goal of protecting the environment with villages learning the importance of implementing activities toward this end.

She said tourism and environment protection is an important aspect of the DOT-CAR’s search for the best tourism villages.

Pawid said Cordillera has unique villages endowed with natural attractions, thus the abundance of village destinations with stories and cultural significance.

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The post Campbell Gray expands in Middle East and Africa with luxury-focused growth strategy appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Campbell Gray Hotels is strengthening its presence in the Middle East and Africa, unveiling an ambitious expansion plan that will redefine luxury hospitality across the region. Over the past four years, the brand has undergone a significant transformation, evolving its offerings to align with shifting guest expectations and the growing demand for exclusive, experience-driven stays.

With a legacy of design-led boutique properties and a commitment to exceptional service, Campbell Gray Hotels is carving out a distinctive space in the global hospitality industry. The company’s expansion strategy is focused on delivering highly curated experiences, blending art, culture, and personalized service to create hotels that go beyond traditional luxury.

A pivotal moment in this growth trajectory is the recent strategic partnership with Valor Hospitality Partners, which will oversee the development and management of a diverse range of hospitality concepts. This collaboration allows Campbell Gray Hotels to expand beyond its signature boutique properties into larger-scale developments, including five-star and four-star hotels, serviced residences, branded villas, and exclusive beach clubs. By working closely with developers and property owners, the company aims to offer innovative hospitality solutions that maximize investment potential while maintaining its signature emphasis on style, comfort, and exclusivity.

The brand’s expansion into the Middle East and Africa is already taking shape, with Campbell Gray Hotels being selected to lead two major projects in Egypt: The Med on the North Coast and Hills of One in Cairo. Both developments will feature a boutique hotel alongside branded residences, offering a seamless integration of luxury living, world-class dining, wellness experiences, and bespoke hospitality services. These projects reflect the company’s ability to merge contemporary design with regional influences, creating spaces that resonate with modern travelers while preserving cultural authenticity.

Saad Audeh, Chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels, emphasized the company’s vision for growth, highlighting its dedication to individuality and innovation in hospitality. He noted that the brand continues to set new benchmarks in the industry by focusing on personalized service, striking architectural design, and a deep appreciation for local culture. As demand for unique, high-end accommodations grows across the Middle East and Africa, Campbell Gray Hotels is poised to introduce a new era of hospitality that is both sophisticated and deeply immersive.

With the Middle East and Africa becoming key markets for luxury travel and property development, Campbell Gray Hotels is well-positioned to bring its distinctive approach to the region. As it continues to expand, the brand remains committed to creating exceptional guest experiences, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge innovation in every property it develops

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The post Meet ‘Sara’: Saudi Arabia launches AI-powered smart tour guide appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi Arabia is taking a bold step into the future of smart tourism with the launch of ‘Sara’, an AI-powered virtual tour guide designed to transform the way visitors explore the Kingdom. Introduced by the Saudi Tourism Authority at LEAP 2025, Sara is not just another travel assistant—it is an interactive, multilingual companion that blends cutting-edge AI with Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.

Developed as part of the Spirit of Saudi Arabia platform, Sara offers tourists a deeply personalized experience, responding to real-time queries and curating tailored recommendations based on individual interests. Whether a visitor wants to explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites, discover hidden culinary gems, or plan an itinerary around Saudi Arabia’s bustling festivals and events, Sara provides instant, AI-driven suggestions that ensure a seamless and immersive journey.

Beyond just navigation and recommendations, Sara integrates immersive storytelling, offering detailed insights into the history, traditions, and cultural significance of the Kingdom’s most iconic destinations. From the ancient wonders of AlUla to the vibrant souks of Riyadh and the breathtaking coastline of the Red Sea, the AI assistant enhances the visitor experience by weaving narratives that bring these locations to life. Available in multiple languages, Sara ensures that Saudi Arabia’s growing international visitor base can engage with the country’s heritage in a way that feels both intuitive and enriching.

The Saudi Tourism Authority emphasized that Sara represents a major milestone in the country’s commitment to harnessing technology to elevate its tourism sector, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. By integrating AI into the visitor experience, Saudi Arabia aims to not only provide tourists with seamless and informative journeys but also increase tourism spending, support local businesses, and drive investment into the travel sector.

Sara’s launch is expected to enhance the accessibility of Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourism offerings, ensuring that both first-time and returning visitors can navigate the Kingdom with ease. With its ability to provide real-time updates on major events, facilitate bookings, and offer cultural insights, Sara is set to become an essential companion for travelers seeking to experience Saudi Arabia in an intelligent, engaging, and effortless way.

As the Kingdom continues to establish itself as a global tourism hub, Sara stands as a symbol of its ambition, innovation, and dedication to enhancing the traveler’s journey.

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The post Landmark Dubai opening: Cheval Maison to open in Expo City in March 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The highly anticipated Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is set to welcome its first guests in March 2025, redefining luxury serviced living in Expo City Dubai. Located in the former Leadership Pavilion, which hosted world leaders during Expo 2020 and COP28, this architectural gem has been transformed into a stunning 151-apartment residence, just steps away from Al Wasl Plaza and the Expo City Metro station.

This marks a key milestone in Cheval Collection’s expansion into the Middle East, following the success of Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai, which won ‘Best Debut Hotel Apartments’ at the 2024 Arabian Travel Awards. The company is also gearing up for further expansion into Saudi Arabia with its upcoming Cheval Ladun Living in 2027.

Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will offer a variety of luxurious accommodations, from Metro Rooms and studios to spacious one- to three-bedroom apartments and Royal Suites, many with private balconies overlooking Al Wasl Plaza. “We are thrilled to bring Cheval Maison to Expo City, blending luxury, convenience, and the legacy of Expo 2020,” said Mohammed Alawadhi, Managing Director at Cheval Collection.

With Expo City evolving into a dynamic hub for business, tourism, and residential living, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is set to become the premier choice for guests seeking a refined, serviced lifestyle in one of Dubai’s most exciting districts.

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The post Hyatt makes debut in Kenya with Nairobi property appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has officially debuted in Kenya with the grand opening of Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, a five-star property designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers. The 219-room hotel, located in Nairobi’s bustling Westlands district, marks a significant milestone for the hospitality giant as it expands its footprint in Africa.

Strategically positioned for convenience and adventure, the new Hyatt Regency offers travelers seamless access to Kenya’s most iconic attractions. Guests can explore Nairobi National Park, immerse themselves in history at the Nairobi National Museum, or unwind in the serene Karura Forest. For those looking for urban excitement, SARIT Shopping Centre and Westgate Mall are just moments away.

The property features a mix of 147 guestrooms and suites, along with 72 fully equipped apartments. Each accommodation is designed with contemporary elegance, drawing inspiration from Africa’s rich landscapes, featuring earthy tones and warm aesthetics. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as 65-inch smart TVs, high-speed WiFi, luxury bath products, an in-room coffee maker, a minifridge, and a dedicated workspace.

Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands is also setting new standards for corporate and social events. The property boasts over 2,000 square meters of meeting and event space, including one of the largest ballrooms in East Africa, offering 360-degree city views. The 10 versatile meeting spaces are outfitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, making them ideal for everything from boardroom discussions to large-scale conferences.

Stephen Ansell, Managing Director – Middle East and Africa for Hyatt, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s entry into Kenya. “We are thrilled to debut our first Hyatt-branded hotel in Kenya, a key milestone in our strategic expansion across Africa. Nairobi’s dynamic energy and growing tourism appeal make it an exciting destination for business and leisure travelers alike.”

With this landmark opening, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts cements its commitment to growth in Africa, offering a sophisticated blend of luxury, culture, and business excellence in the heart of Nairobi.

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The post Thailand promotes itself as a premier global destination for the LGBTQIA+ community appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) staged the Amazing Thailand Out There event  geared towards LGBTQIA+ travellers on Tuesday, 11th February.

This launch is seen as a significant milestone in TAT’s efforts to promote Thailand as a premier LGBTQ+ travel destination. 

Marriott Thailand supported the initiative, highlighting the country’s world-class hospitality, rich culture, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity.

Arriving at a pivotal moment following the enactment of Thailand’s Equal Marriage Act in January 2025, the event further cemented Thailand’s reputation as a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights. 

With the LGBTQ+ travel market projected to generate US$1.5 billion in spending by 2025 and Thailand ranked fifth globally in tourism impact, TAT strategically engaged this thriving sector.

Driven by insight

TATA governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool emphasised the event’s significance, saying: “This initiative is shaped by insights from the Amazing Thailand LGBTQ+ Focus Group sessions held late last year in Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui. These discussions helped us refine our strategies to better serve LGBTQ+ travellers while strengthening opportunities for Thai tourism businesses.”

Marriott International vice-president for Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar Brad Edman shared his enthusiasm: “W Hotels proudly supports celebrating diversity in thought, culture and experiences, and amplifies conversations by giving marginalized voices a platform and moving culture forward with vibrant celebrations of LGBTQIA+ rights, equity and inclusivity. This vibrant celebration reaffirms W Hotels’ mission along with Marriott International’s long-standing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through equitable workplace policies and practices, a strong commitment to inclusion and respect for all.”

The Thailand Out There: Amazing Thailand LGBTQ+ Travel Trade Meet 2025 connected international buyers with 20 Thai tourism suppliers, fostering business networking and industry insights. 

The session also included a welcome address by TAT and a presentation by Marriott Thailand. 

Among the attendees were 18 travel agents specialised in the LGBTQ+ segment from the USA, Canada, and Brazil, who embarked on a week-long familiarisation trip across Thailand, with some extending their stay to explore further.

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