The post Direct bookings surge 571% for Hospitable users in 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

In a dramatic sign of changing consumer habits, property management platform Hospitable announced that direct bookings surged 571% among its customers last year.

Over the course of 2024, Hospitable users generated an impressive $28.7 million in direct booking revenue globally — a 440% increase from the previous year.

Of the platform’s 15,000+ users, less than a third have a direct booking website — yet this group alone secured over 40,000 direct reservations in 2024, a massive leap from just 6,055 in 2023. This growth highlights the huge potential for hosts and property managers investing in direct channels.

Pierre-Camille Hamana, CEO and Founder of Hospitable, said: “For years, direct bookings were written off as too complicated or too risky, but that mindset is changing fast. More and more hosts are realizing that relying solely on OTAs isn’t a sustainable way to run a business. When they build their own direct channels, they’re not just increasing their revenue, they’re creating stronger connections with their guests, taking control of their pricing, and shaping their own brand rather than being just another listing on an OTA. .

“The biggest misconception is that direct bookings are harder or riskier, but the reality is quite the opposite. With the right tools, hosts can offer the same, if not better, security and booking protections as OTAs, while delivering a more personalized experience that keeps guests coming back. The numbers don’t lie: direct bookings are surging, and as more hosts take that leap, we’re going to see an industry where they have more power, more profits, and more control over their success.”

It also reflects a wider shift taking place across the short-term rental industry, where property owners are increasingly looking for ways to bypass online travel agencies (OTAs) and gain greater control of their profits, branding, and guest relationships.

At the same time, travelers are becoming more intentional about their booking choices, drawn to lower fees, personalized experiences, and the convenience of direct communication. As hosts invest in professional, frictionless booking websites with secure payment options and built-in protections, guest confidence in booking directly is rising — signaling a growing trust in host-owned websites as a mainstream alternative to OTAs.

Recognizing the momentum behind direct bookings, Hospitable has introduced new tools to help hosts maximize revenue. Its recently launched ‘Abandoned Bookings’ tool identifies and recovers lost reservations by detecting abandoned bookings and sending personalized follow-ups. In its first week alone, the feature reclaimed over $36,000 in lost direct booking revenue — further proving that direct channels aren’t just viable, but highly profitable.

The company also introduced a Guest Portal, allowing travelers to easily access booking details, house rules, and check-in instructions, as well as automated rental agreements to help hosts secure legally binding contracts without the manual hassle.

 

 

 

 

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The post Jaipur Music Stage 2025 concludes on a high note appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Held at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, the three-day Jaipur Music Stage came alive each evening as the Jaipur Literature Festival’s inspiring sessions concluded. The first night featured two performances celebrating the timeless verses of medieval mystics Amir Khusrau and Kabir Das—Abhijit Pohankar’s ‘Hazrat Amir Khusrau Project’ and a rock-opera interpretation of Kabir’s baani by the acclaimed Dastaan LIVE. The second evening had performances by singer-songwriter Kamakshi Khanna, followed by a remarkable collaboration between vocalist Susheela Raman, guitarist Sam Mills, and 13th-generation Nagada player Nathoo Lal Solanki. The evening drew to a close with Raman’s much-loved rendition of the evocative song Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai.

Lovers of music, literature, and the arts arrived in huge numbers for the grand finale as the Jaipur Music Stage prepared for two spectacular performances. The evening opened with Hrishi, the Carnatic-Pop sensation who has taken the internet by storm with his unique fusion of Western pop and Carnatic sounds. With over 300,000 followers and 30 million views online, his music has amassed 5 million streams and 2.4 million YouTube views. His magnetic stage presence, magical voice, and innovative sound captivated the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

The headliner of the evening was the legendary Kailash Kher and his band, KAILASA. A Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s most celebrated voices, Kher is a global ambassador of Indian music, known for his soul-stirring blend of folk, Sufi, and contemporary styles. With over 1,500 songs in 25+ languages and more than 2,000 concerts worldwide, his music has transcended borders. Since its formation in 2004, KAILASA has brought together some of India’s finest musicians, creating a distinctive fusion of traditional and modern sounds. As the Jaipur Music Stage crowd swayed to his iconic anthems like Teri Deewani and Saiyaan, the evening became an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, melody, and emotion.

The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will conclude with its final two days on the 2nd and 3rd of February at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Just like the first three days, the closing sessions will feature a dynamic line-up of thought-provoking conversations with some of the world’s most renowned thinkers, writers, and speakers. The Jaipur Music Stage promises to return in 2026 with yet another spectacular showcase of musical excellence.

 

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The post Sentosa Presents: A Big, Big World for the Big Year of the Snake appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The larger-than-life festivities continue on Sentosa with a refresh of “Sentosa Presents: A Big, Big World”, as the island destination ushers in the Year of the Snake. The three unique zones at Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Sensoryscape, and Palawan Beach will shed off the activations from the Christmas season to welcome the first buds of Spring. Guests arriving through the Sentosa Gateway will be greeted by an impressive installation of a peach orange Wood Snake with golden yellow motifs, created by local artist JOOheng Tan, diving among blossoms and welcoming guests to the island. Guests can also enjoy these interactive day-to-night offerings from 19 January to 16 February, alongside a range of attractive deals for DBS and POSB debit and credit cardholders.

This marks a continuation of the two-month-long inaugural joint activation of the Sentosa Precinct Partnership. The partnership established in May 2024 among Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), DBS Bank (DBS), and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) aims to propel tourism growth and solidify Sentosa’s position as Asia’s premier island resort getaway and leading lifestyle destination with new and enhanced experiences for both locals and international visitors to enjoy.

A Big, Big World of Excitement at Resorts World Sentosa

Don’t miss the chance to usher in an auspicious year ahead with exclusive meet and greet sessions at God of Fortune’s House of Huat! Be captivated by the Starlit Dragon Spectacular, a mesmerising dragon dance performance featuring an impressive 88-metre dragon. Watch as its dazzling scales illuminate the night with a symphony of coloured lights, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Follow the Starlit Dragon as it glides through RWS, passing dazzling displays of prosperity such as the Rising Abundance hot air balloon, before arriving at the beautifully decorated Lake of Dreams. There, the God of Fortune and Fu Lu Shou will greet the dragon, handing out chocolate gold coins and sharing New Year blessings with guests.

On 29 January, the first day of the Chinese New Year, a breathtaking eight-minute spectacle will unfold, featuring an Erhu soloist, Dragon Poi performers, LED drummers, modern dancers and the majestic Starlit Dragon. Celebrate the second day of Chinese New Year, 30 January, with a joyous lion dance performance at the Lake of Dreams.

Visitors will also experience the daily The Dragon Rises show at the towering 10-metre LED Pyramid of Prosperity, a light and sound spectacle that brings the vibrant Zodiac characters to life.

A Big, Big World of Dreams at Sentosa Sensoryscape

As guests continue on their journeys of discovery from Resorts World Sentosa to Sentosa Sensoryscape, they will be greeted by a profusion of cherry blossoms along the walkways encircling the Lookout Loop, signifying the arrival of spring.

For the first time, SDC will also set up “18 Blessings in Bloom”, floral installations at each of the resting areas that line the entire stretch. Each installation will feature an auspicious greeting, with massive organza flowers and real florals arranged artfully into each frame. Saunter towards Palate Playground and walk through a Wishing Tunnel, where guests are invited to pen their well wishes onto red placards and hang them along the walkway. Look out for the Zodiac readings for the Year of the Snake on large lantern towers to find out the fortune for the upcoming year.

This year, SDC has collaborated with renowned Xinyao (Singaporean Chinese folk songs) pioneer, singer-composer and Chinese literature academic Dr Liang Wern Fook, who composed a bespoke four-line poem about the beauty of Sentosa. Guests can appreciate this poem as they walk further into Sensoryscape, and can also redeem a set of exclusive Sentosa red packets featuring this rhyming couplet.

Additionally, look out for roving mascots of the ‘Fu, Lu, Shou, Xi’ deities (福禄寿喜) as they bestow well wishes and fortune, as well as lion dance and dragon dance performances during the festive period.

A Big, Big World of Discovery at Palawan Beach

Guests can participate in the Flight of Wishes kite fiesta at Palawan Beach with a refresh for the Chinese New Year season. This includes a continuation of the kite-making workshop, with four additional kite templates featuring icons of the festive period, such as a Chinese lantern, firecrackers, as well as one for the Year of the Snake. Be sure to watch out for the Dragon Kite, known for its long body and tail, as it dances across the skies, flown by expert kite flyers from the Singapore Kite Association. Come nightfall, the ethereal The Floating Marvels will continue to amaze guests as they discover more of Sentosa into the evening.

DBS will also be offering exclusive deals and promotions for DBS and POSB cardholders across attractions, hotels and dining establishments on the island including Skypark by AJ Hackett, Equarius Hotel, Hotel Ora, Siloso Beach Resort, iFly Singapore, Sentosa 4D AdventureLand and SkyHelix Sentosa for guests to indulge in the festivities as they explore these unique precinct-wide experiences. Sentosa Islander members can also earn Islander points when they enjoy these deals at participating merchants.

 

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The post Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience Bali’s exquisite culture first-hand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection in the exquisite natural sanctuary that is Sebatu offers travelers an immersive cultural journey with curated guest activities and a signature Melukat purification ritual. 

As the highlight of the resort’s cultural offerings, the Melukat purification ceremony, a sacred Balinese water blessing led by a Spiritual Leader from Sebatu Village. 

Designed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, this ritual embodies the Cicada Ubud’s signature experience, leaving guests refreshed and spiritually balanced.

Beyond ritual

As part of the Autograph Collection, this resort blends meaningful experiences with the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Ubud.

Guests are invited to embark on an enriching journey into the heart of Balinese culture through a thoughtfully curated selection of activities. 

For example, they feel the spiritual essence of the island by learning the art of making Canang Sari, a sacred offering crafted from fresh flowers and coconut leaves, symbolizing gratitude and devotion in Balinese Hinduism. 

They may also engage in hands-on workshops showcasing traditional Balinese crafts, where skilled artisans share time-honored techniques passed down through generations. 

For those seeking a deeper connection with the island’s heritage, guided village tours offer an intimate glimpse into rural life, unveiling timeless customs, architectural marvels, and vibrant community practices. 

These immersive experiences are designed to foster meaningful cultural exchanges, allowing guests to appreciate Bali’s profound traditions and create lasting memories rooted in authenticity.

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The post Valpas announces strategic entry into the Japanese hotel market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Valpas, the only travel platform for safe, sustainable and bed bug-free stays, has announced its strategic expansion into the Japanese market, building on its partnership with Canon MJ, Japan’s technology company, following their strategic investment in June.

In addition to its investment, Canon MJ will become a strategic partner in introducing the Valpas technology and certification to the significant and highly valuable Japanese market. This partnership will leverage Canon MJ’s extensive B2B customer base in Japan, enabling a strong market entry and widespread adoption. The first step of this collaboration will be showcasing Valpas solutions at the Hotel Restaurant Show 2025 (HCJ) in Tokyo, from February 4-7, at the booth of Canon IT Solutions, a Canon MJ group company.

The Valpas entry into Japan comes at a moment when Japan is experiencing record and unprecedented levels of inbound international tourism – something which typically significantly increases the risk of a bed bug infestation for a hotel or short-term rental property.

IT solutions account for roughly half of all revenues for Canon MJ Group and the investment was made by the Canon MJ division via its Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund.

Takuya Joshin, Director in charge of R&B Promotion Headquarters from Canon MJ commented:“The Valpas contribution to the safety and security of travelers appealed to us as an investment greatly and we feel that demand will continue to grow due to the increasing number of travelers worldwide. Additionally, we felt that with our experience and customer base in Japan, it made sense to partner with entry into this important market.”

Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas added:“We are honoured to not only have such an iconic brand as Canon – with its long-standing commitment to innovation – invest in our company but additionally become our partner for expanding the Valpas network into popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Most importantly, the Canon ethos of the old and the new, nature and technology, living side by side in harmony, is shared by Valpas. We’re excited for this already blossoming partnership with major announcements to follow in 2025.”

Valpas tackles a €15 billion annual problem for hotels and short-term rentals, driven by lost revenues, environmentally harmful pesticide cleaning fees, and immeasurable reputational damage. Valpas’ platform empowers hoteliers to guarantee bed bug-safe stays thanks to reliable digital certification identifiable on hotel websites and travel platforms. The certification is backed by Valpas proprietary in-room technology based on smart bed legs that capture and stop bed bugs at first contact, ensuring rooms remain safe and pest-free.

Today’s news follows Valpas unveiling at the end of 2024 ambitious plans to grow the number of hotel beds using the Valpas technology and certification by 50x to reach 2 million by the end of 2030. During 2024 the company also secured €4m in seed funding in a round led by Zenith VC alongside Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry Investment, Activum SG Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures and Morrow Ventures.

 

 

 

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The post Preeti Bomzon appointed executive chef at Shinta Mani Wild appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cambodian luxury tented campsite Shinta Mani Wild just appointed Preeti Bomzon, a longstanding food-and-beverage veteran, as its new executive chef.

According to general manager Marc LeBlanc, Bomzon will take charge of a most unusual kitchen, relying on nature’s own bounty as her pantry, as well as on the camp’s own organic farming facility.

That said, Bomzon will be offering daily menus shaped by freshly foraged produce, eagerly gathered by guests for whom joining the chef on regular foraging rounds is an enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience.

Bomzon herself said of her new role: “I’m thrilled to collaborate with the team in Cambodia and explore this extraordinary culinary destination to craft unforgettable experiences for our guests. Sustainability and environmental consciousness are core to my values, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of Shinta Mani Wild.”

Impeccable credentials

Bomzon brings extensive experience to her new role at Shinta Mani Wild.

She began her career in 2000 as an operations trainee at the Grand Hyatt in New Delhi, India. 

Over the years, she rose through various culinary ranks, holding various roles at prestigious Indian hotels before embarking on an international career. 

In 2013, she accepted her first assignment as executive chef at Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam.

In 2020, Bomzoni moved to the Maldives, where she served as the executive chef at Lti Maafushivaru Resort and later at Ifuru Island Maldives.

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The post Japan hotels stays hit record high in 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In a report released on Friday, 31st January, the Japan Tourism Agency declared a record increase in overnight stays in the country throughout 2024.

The preliminary total number of overnight stays at accommodation facilities was 651.49 million, up by 5.5 percent from what was reported at the end of 2023.

The upsurge in foreign arrivals, particularly those booking accommodations at hotels and traditional inns, was noted as the primary driving factor for growth.

Foreign bookings accounted for 163.48 million, a 38.8 percent surge driven by the weakened yen.

Domestic bookings, however, were down by 2.3 percent in 2024, possibly signifying the end of the post-pandemic boom in domestic tourism.

Numbers from the fourth quarter of the year

As of end-December 2024, the total number of hotel stays hit 55.82 million, showing an increase of 6.3 percent from the same month a year earlier.

Foreign travellers made up 15.29 million of the total for the month.

Meanwhile, final figures for November 2024 show that stays booked by foreign travellers were up in 43 of Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Of these, Tottori to the west of the country showed the highest growth at 117 percent or 21,610 stays; Ishikawa in central Japan, came in second, reflecting 116 percent in terms of growth.

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The post WTTC welcomes EMBRATUR appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) integrates the Brazilian Tourist Board (EMBRATUR) as its newest Destination Partner, marking an exciting chapter in collaborative efforts to drive global tourism growth.

As a WTTC Destination Partner, EMBRATUR will participate in high-level forums featuring CEOs and executives from around 200 of the most influential companies and destinations in the tourism sector. These forums align with WTTC’s mission to unlock the potential of the Travel & Tourism sector for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. Through collaboration with governments, destinations, communities, and industry leaders, WTTC aims to foster economic development, create jobs, and reduce poverty worldwide.
Under its promotional brand ‘Visit Brasil’, EMBRATUR joins more than 30 prominent Destination Partners within WTTC’s global network. These include organisations such as Atout France, Brand USA, Abu Dhabi, Destination Canada, Dubai, Visit California, ProColombia, Buenos Aires, Thailand, Portugal, and Rwanda, among others.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO WTTC, said: “It is an honour to announce EMBRATUR as our new Destination Partner. Brazil stands as a global icon in the Travel & Tourism sector, and through this partnership, we will work together to strengthen the resilience of the industry while unlocking opportunities for growth that benefit everyone.”

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) 2024, conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics, Brazil’s tourism sector contributes 7.7% to the country’s GDP, amounting to a staggering US$165.4 billion.

By joining WTTC, EMBRATUR will enhance Brazil’s global presence as a leading tourism destination while contributing to the initiatives and policies spearheaded by the organisation. Membership also grants access to a premier network of key stakeholders in the global tourism industry.
Marcelo Freixo, President of EMBRATUR, commented: “It is an honour for EMBRATUR to join WTTC’s distinguished group of Destination Partners. This partnership provides a platform to strengthen Brazil’s standing as a central player in global tourism discussions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting Brazil as a destination that harmonises tourism with the challenges of the 21st century, fostering development through environmental sustainability and the celebration of human diversity.”

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