The post ATIA: Federal government should be buyer-of-last-resort for Rex Airlines appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) supports the idea that the Federal Government should be the buyer-of-last-resort for Regional Express Holdings (Rex), given the first option should always be for a private buyer.

According to ATIA chief executive Dean Long: “There’s no doubt that the ideal solution will always be a private buyer. If the Government does buy Rex, they must make good on the money owed to Australian travel agents and airports as a result of Rex’s collapse.”

With around $11.5 million in outstanding payments owed to travel agents, predominantly in regional and rural Australia, ATIA is also asking the Government to ensure that any public funds used to support Rex’s ongoing operation use a clawback mechanism for these outstanding debts over a 12-month period.

However, Long was also quick to point out: “The major issue for Rex is the age of the fleet, and this will be a major barrier for any buyer as there is a global shortage of aircraft. If we allow Rex to collapse, it’s going to lead to even higher prices for regional communities but, critically, also a huge loss of connectivity, which will have a significant impact on their economies.”

Support provided as necessary

As of today, 12th February, the Federal Government confirmed that additional support will be provided to help maximise the prospect of a successful sale, including a waiver of the “use it or lose it” test for Rex regional flight slots at Sydney Airport, which will ensure access until 24 October 2026. 

The Government also announced that, in the event there is no sale, the Government will undertake necessary work, in consultation with relevant state governments, on contingency options, including preparations necessary for potential Commonwealth acquisition.

Today’s announcement comes as an addendum to the Government lending up to $80 million to keep Rex’s regional routes operational until 30 June 2025 and acquiring $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited, earlier this year to ensure the airline could continue to operate.

ATIA continues to work closely with the Government to ensure the needs of the Travel Sector are considered throughout the process.

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The post Malaysia Airlines honoured twice at this year’s Cellars in the Sky Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Malaysia Airlines secured two prestigious accolades for its Business Class wines at the annual Cellars in the Sky Awards by Business Traveller. 

The airline earned a Silver award in the Business Class Red and Bronze in the Business Class Fortified/Dessert Wine category, reaffirming its commitment to offering a world-class inflight experience. 

Beyond its award-winning wines, Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class delivers a seamless and luxurious travel experience, featuring thoughtfully crafted signature dishes and Chef-On-Call Menus; complimentary seat selection; and priority services throughout check-in, boarding and baggage collection. 

Enrich Platinum members, Business Suite, and Business class passengers can also enjoy access to the airline’s exclusive Golden Lounges at KL International Airport Terminal 1, along with the Private Terminal Transfer Service, featuring the recently introduced luxury fleet of Mercedes-Benz sedans, including the S 580 e Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EQS 500 4MATIC. 

Award-winning vintages

The Silver-winning Kilikanoon Prophecy 2020, an elegant full-bodied Shiraz from Australia’s renowned Clare Valley, was meticulously selected to enhance the airline’s premium dining experience. 

Sourced from the Golden Hillside’s east and west ridges, this velvety red wine delivers bold notes of ripe red fruits, bramble, bay leaf, and clove, perfectly complementing Malaysia Airlines’ fine Business Class cuisine.  

Adding to its accolades, Malaysia Airlines also secured Bronze in the Business Class Fortified/Dessert wine category for its offering of Kopke 10 Years Old Tawny, a distinguished port wine from the oldest Port Wine House, established in 1638. 

Celebrated for its esteemed heritage and exceptional quality, this refined selection boasts complex aromas of spice, dried fruit, and hints of wood and honey, embodying the airline’s dedication to curating a sophisticated inflight experience.  

These awards are a testament to the airline’s dedication to providing a refined, world-class journey.  

Driven by its signature Malaysian Hospitality, Malaysia Airline’s wine selection has been hand-picked to elevate the inflight dining experience, ensuring passengers enjoy distinguished flavours that pair seamlessly with onboard cuisine. 

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The post Kazakhstan launches The Year of China Tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kazakhstan formally launched The Year of China Tourism in Astana on Saturday, 8th February.

The tourism year was ushered in with a vibrant cultural spectacle held at the city’s foremost shopping centre. 

Among the highlights were a traditional dragon dance, musical and magic performances, as well as a banquet of authentic specialities.

The event, held at the city’s largest shopping center, showcased Chinese culture with a dragon dance, mask tricks, Chinese songs, and culinary delights.

An opportunity to learn

Han Chunlin, China’s ambassador to Kazakhstan pointed out that the Year of China Tourism offers a unique chance for Kazakhs to learn more about China and visit its most prominent destinations.

Han said: “We welcome Kazakh tourists and encourage them to visit more often, to experience the beauty of our landscapes and try our traditional cuisine.”

Tourism between China and Kazakhstan grew significantly in 2024, with more than 655,000 Chinese travellers visiting the Central Asian nation. 

That said, the Year of China Tourism is expected to further boost tourism and foster stronger ties between the two countries. 

During the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China held last year, over 30 major events were held in Chinese cities and over 200 agreements were signed between government and private enterprises.

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The post Philippines and Cambodia sign new tourism implementation programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines and Cambodia formally signed a new agreement geared towards boosting tourism engagement on Tuesday, 11th February.

The agreement will involve joint promotions between the two Southeast Asian nations for key destinations. 

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco and visiting Cambodian tourism minister Huot Hak signed the Implementation Programme for 2025-2028, which builds on the existing memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation between the two nations.

Frasco said: “As we renew this vital agreement, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Cambodia in terms of shared tourism growth and development. This collaboration aligns with our National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 and supports the Philippines’ goal of expanding its tourism market and strengthening regional partnerships.”

The signed agreements were presented to President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at Malacañang Palace on the same day.

Deeper working relationships

This agreement covers key initiatives, such as the exchange of tourism professionals, sharing of best practices in tourism development, joint promotional and marketing efforts, human resource development and training programs, and collaboration in tourism fairs, exhibitions, and other promotional activities.

Based on DOT data, the Philippines received 4,268 visitor arrivals from Cambodia in 2024.

Frasco pointed out that the two nations share many commonalities, including a deep cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings that highlight historical sites, pristine beaches, islands, and rich wildlife, as well as a strong commitment to preserving our historical and natural treasures.

She remarked: “Both nations recognize the vital role of tourism in driving economic growth, making this renewed partnership a significant step toward greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual advancement in our tourism sectors.”

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The post Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai to open in March appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Agora Hospitalities looks forward to the opening of its latest venture, the Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, on 25th March of this year.

Agora Hospitality Group chief executive and president Michael Xian said: “This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan.” 

Just in time for the Osaka World Expo in Yumeshima, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes.

Where style and sustainability meet

The new hotel is located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. 

Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sqm, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds.

Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. 

Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors.

Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours programme which offers a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. 

Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka.

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The post Singapore Airlines’ ad campaigns effectively show off KrisWorld entertainment platform appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Data and analytics firm GlobalData reports that Singapore Airlines’ advertising campaigns between November 2024 and January 2025 effectively showcased its premium service offerings and entertainment capabilities.

These highly effective campaigns have positioned the airline as an example of luxury travel and passenger experience. 

Through a series of targeted campaigns, the airline successfully highlighted its KrisWorld entertainment platform, exclusive partnerships, and commitment to exceptional service. 

These multifaceted campaigns were aimed at reinforcing Singapore Airlines’ commitment to deliver enhanced service and create memorable travel journeys.

A considered balance

According to GlobalData ads analyst Satya Prasad Nayak: “Singapore Airlines has masterfully balanced the promotion of its entertainment offerings with its premium service excellence. By showcasing the extensive capabilities of KrisWorld alongside luxury partnerships like Charles Heidsieck champagne, Singapore Airlines demonstrates its commitment to elevating the entire travel experience. This strategic approach reinforces Singapore Airlines’ position as a premium carrier.”

Singapore Airlines’ most recent campaigns have focused on three specific areas; namely:

Seamless digital entertainment experience: Singapore Airlines offers a “theatre in the sky” through KrisWorld Digital, featuring new releases, documentaries, TV shows, and live sports. Passengers can browse and plan their in-flight entertainment pre-flight via the KrisWorld platform. With integrated mobile apps and QR code accessibility, the airline blends digital innovation with personalized service for a seamless travel experience.

Premium partnerships: Singapore Airlines’ collaboration with luxury brands, particularly through its partnership with Charles Heidsieck champagne, reinforces its premium positioning. The airline’s exclusive offerings in its first-class suites showcases its efforts to provide unique, high-end experiences. These partnerships extend to entertainment collaborations, including a special offer of Apple TV+ trials for passengers.

Service excellence: The airline’s advertisements consistently emphasize the warmth and attentiveness of its cabin crew, particularly evident in campaigns featuring family travel experiences. This focus on personal service highlights Singapore Airlines’ commitment to creating memorable journeys for passengers of all ages, from children to elderly travelers, demonstrating the airline’s ability to cater to diverse passenger needs with equal care and attention.

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The post ‘Power of Personalisation’ helps drive event bookings appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

New, cutting-edge technologies are completely revolutionising the individual experience of event and conference attendees. Hotels and event organisers now have a wealth of information at their fingertips. Data provides insights which can help turn metrics into actionable strategies to personalise the experience for the event attendees and also get event bookings.

If there’s one under-utilised approach that hotels and resorts should implement to drive more events and conference bookings, it’s to treat the person booking the event as a valued hotel guest. By leveraging seamless technology to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and cater to individual preferences; the new guest will receive such an incredible experience that they not only choose the hotel for their event, but turn into a champion of the hotel, returning time and time again while recommending it to others.

According to Agilysys’ recent 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study, a strategic emphasis on personalisation provides a key advantage. The study reveals that 68% of APAC travellers would spend more for personalised experiences, with many willing to pay a premium for things like post-booking upgrades, loyalty programs, and reduced wait times.

Hotels that look to drive conference and event bookings should remember that the person booking an executive retreat or corporate conference – those attending – are not just event participants; they are travellers who crave tailored experiences during hotel stays. Leveraging guest preferences and ensuring seamless experiences can help hoteliers delight corporate clients while bolstering the bottom line.

Hotels that fail to offer personalised experiences are leaving substantial revenue on the table

This may hold true for business events as well. Hotel guests expect a certain level of service, exclusivity, and personal attention. Offering a conference package that mirrors the personalisation seen in leisure travel — from room upgrades for VIPs to tailored and seamlessly managed conference services — could be the key to setting a hotel apart in a crowded market.

Turning data into conference success

Hotels striving to grow their corporate events and conferences portfolio can take a page from this study’s playbook by applying guest-centric strategies to the event experience. Here are several tactics hoteliers should consider:

1. Leverage personalisation at every touchpoint

The research shows that 41% of guests appreciate personalised activity recommendations and 30% value staff recalling previous conversations. When marketing to corporate clients, hotels can enhance the appeal by offering tailored experiences for event attendees.

Offering personalised welcome packages, tailored conference room setups, or wellness services that reflect a company’s brand values does more than impress attendees shows that the venue can deliver seamless, tailored experiences at scale, a key factor in securing repeat corporate business.

2. Create seamless, efficient experiences

A key finding is that 66% of guests would spend more if wait times were reduced across hotel experiences. For corporate clients, time is money. Fast-tracking technology needs and offering digital concierge services that allow corporate clients to make last-minute requests in real-time could create a level of convenience and reliability that corporate clients deeply value

Minimising downtime and ensuring event logistics run as smoothly as possible should be a top priority. Making it easy for the hotel to curate offers and deliver on all the promised elements of the event are critical components. Hotel staff that are well-informed about their guests and their preferences, priorities and schedules allow for higher attention to detail and a smoother experience, as well.

3. Loyalty and rebooking

A long-term strategy: Interestingly, the study uncovered a “rebooking paradox”: despite high satisfaction (86%) and perceived value for money (61%), only 37% of guests return to hotels they’ve previously stayed at. This is particularly relevant to business events, where securing repeat corporate clients can significantly drive revenue. The study highlights the importance of strong loyalty programs, with 68% of guests more likely to return when a robust loyalty program is in place.

Offering tailored loyalty incentives for corporate clients—such as discounted future bookings for events or exclusive access to amenities—might turn one-off corporate events into recurring business.

4. Utilise data-driven insights for event personalisation

The transition from traditional Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) to Revenue Per Available Guest (RevPAG), as advocated in the study, offers hoteliers an innovative approach to managing events. By capturing comprehensive guest data through advanced Property Management Systems (PMS), hotels can anticipate not only individual guest preferences but also corporate client needs.

Imagine being able to offer custom catering options for a returning corporate client based on preferences from their last event, or recalling details around room and branding requirements that make the process run more smoothly. Being able to highlight activity options that either build on the last event or repeat the teams’ favourite elements would stand out as attention to detail and added value. These data-driven decisions can significantly enhance client satisfaction.

Enhancing corporate events: Think like a guest

Ultimately, if hoteliers want to win more corporate events and conferences, they need to think like the guests booking them. Just as a high-end traveller is willing to pay more for personalisation, efficiency, and memorable service, we could extrapolate that corporate decision-makers likely value the same personalised touches and seamless experiences that today’s luxury travellers crave.

Human beings need connections and business meetings in person will continue to remain in vogue. Virtual simply cannot replace being in an inspiring location with a group of quality people, engaging in deep conversation. Face-to- face meetings and events create a setting for making connections and forming professional relationships that can lead to partnerships, collaborations, referrals, even friendships.

The ‘2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study’ sends a clear message – personalisation is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

 

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The post Emirates raises the bar for culinary excellence in the skies with Moët & Chandon appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates’ Business Class customers can look forward to yet another elevation of the inflight experience, as an array of 18 new dishes will be launched onboard this summer.

Meticulously designed by Moët & Chandon’s Michelin-starred head chef Jean Michel Bardet and Emirates’ vice-president of culinary design Doxis Bekris; each of the new dishes has been perfectly paired with an exclusive champagne, serving up the ultimate culinary collaboration in the sky.

The 18 new starters and main courses will be launched inflight on select routes from May 2025 onwards, allowing Emirates’ Business Class customers to enjoy an expertly curated champagne and cuisine pairing for the first time in the air. 

A year in the making

The menu has spent more than a year in development between Emirates master chefs and the Maison of Moët & Chandon in France.

The award-winning chefs were challenged to create refined dishes of culinary excellence with premium ingredients, that can also be scaled to meet the demands of the world’s largest international airline, serving 149 meals every minute, and totalling more than 77 million meals every year.

Over a year of development, the chefs collaborated and connected between France and Dubai, to create the dishes together. 

While Bardet was challenged to pair the flavour profiles of dishes innovatively and bring out the notes of the exclusive Champagnes onboard Emirates, the Emirates team were adeptly managing the issues of scale, and ensuring the dishes could be prepared for the large numbers of customers onboard, travelling to a myriad of global destinations. 

Together the chefs brainstormed the ways in which premium restaurant quality cuisine could be recreated for the inflight experience, taking into account the impact of altitude, scale and pre-preparation of the food before loading onto the aircraft. 

The chefs also had to consider the ways in which Emirates’ world class cabin crew would be able to plate the food onboard, ensuring the Business Class customer has an outstanding experience every time.

Culinary temptations abound

The new paired dishes will include starters like poached scallops served with green melon, blanched kumquat, lemon gel and roasted almonds, exquisitely paired with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016, where the delicately salted scallops complement the flavours and reveal the elegance of the cuvée. 

Green melon and kumquat enhance the radiant bouquet of the champagne, while basil adds a final contrasting touch. 

The new creations include vegan dishes too, like silken tofu, sliced and served with poached asparagus, soy emulsion with olive oil, lemon gel and cashew cream, paired with Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, where the tofu is marinated in lemon juice and soy sauce, revealing the brightness and umami dimension of Brut Imperial. 

Dill introduces a vegetal contrast, while cashew cream adds a final creamy touch, bringing the dish to a harmonious finish.                                 

Main courses are set to impress with pairings like roasted duck served with braised aubergine and chickpeas with raz el hanout-spiced couscous-jus and cherry tomatoes, paired with Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, where the symphony of couscous flavours dances with the structure of red wine, and spicy notes add a touch of intrigue. 

The delicate acidity of cherry tomatoes weaves through the dish and Rosé Impérial into a seamless embrace. 

Another main course to look forward to is the succulent roasted turkey, sliced and served with sage chicken jus, mashed potato, braised fennel and almonds. 

This dish is paired with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016  where the radiant bouquet is highlighted by the delicate vegetal notes of fennel, and the sage chicken jus imparts a sense of umami, culminating in a harmonious pairing. 

Pescovegetarians and vegans are welcome

Seared Chilean Sea Bass will be a hit for seafood aficionados, paired with Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial and served with artichoke puree, lemongrass sauce and buttered sugar snap peas. Artichoke puree brings smooth texture and subtle taste harmonising with the Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial’s elegance. 

Sugar snap peas add a crisp element enhancing the sparkling texture. 

Finally, lemongrass sauce provides a fresh connection, amplifying the Champagne’s brightness. 

There are also vegan dishes, like braised lentils with coconut served with steamed basmati rice, spiced cauliflower with green peas and naan, paired with Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. 

Coral lentils have a beautiful texture that plays with the elegant effervescence of the Rosé Impérial, while curry seasoning complements the fruity bouquet with a soft spiciness, and coriander creates a delicate contrast.

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