The post Kenya Tourism Board onboards SLC Representation in the UK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have appointed SLC Representation as its new UK agency, a strategic partner in charge of promoting and enhancing the destination’s growth in the UK travel market. This partnership aims to significantly increase visitor numbers from the UK by engaging with the travel trade, implementing impactful marketing campaigns, and cultivating a strong desire among UK consumers to experience the magic of Kenya.

SLC Representation will play a pivotal role in achieving KTB’s strategic goals by revitalizing the Magical Kenya Training Programme, providing travel agents with in-depth knowledge of Kenya’s diverse offerings and inspiring them to confidently sell the destination. The agency will be tasked with enhancing continued strong relationships with key travel operators,  tour operators  and media to ensure  that Kenya achieves its tourism marketing objectives.

Kenya’s tourism infrastructure has been enhanced in the recent past with new premium train carriages on the Standard Railway Gauge (SGR) offering  travel options from the capital  – Nairobi to the coast , a popular tourism route that is already supported by hourly flights to different destinations in the coast including Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, and Lamu. The newly completed Dongo Kundu bypass has also enhanced ease of access to the south coast – Diani, Africa’s top beach destination.

June Chepkemei, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board: “We are delighted to partner with SLC Representation. Their expertise in the UK travel market and their passion for delivering exceptional results make them the ideal partner to help us achieve our ambitious growth targets. We are confident that this collaboration will unlock the full potential of the UK market for Kenyan tourism.”

Mala Mistry, PR Director at SLC Representation said: “Kenya is an extraordinary destination, and we are excited to work closely with KTB to showcase its unique magic to the UK market. Sharing hidden gems including thrilling adventure options along with new accommodation options and enhanced sustainable travel , are just some of the developments we are ready to share with the UK travel trade. Supported by exciting and innovative campaigns, 2025 is set to be a year that Kenya will the destinations consumers will be enquiring about.”

 

 

 

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The post dss+ signs new global partnership with CWT appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

CWT has been appointed the global business travel partner for dss+, a leading provider of transformational operations management consulting services. CWT will support the business travel needs of dss+ employees across 25 markets around the world, as well as provide the company with solutions to make their travel program more efficient and sustainable.

“At dss+ we help our clients to save lives and create a sustainable future. We are excited to partner with CWT to align our global travel operations with our core values of safety and environmental stewardship by having the ability to access travel plans should a need for traveler support arise, and to access real data for carbon reporting,” said Thorsten Querfurt, Chief Operations Officer, dss+.

“We are honored that dss+ has selected us as their global travel partner,” said Phil Wooster, EMEA Head of Sales, CWT. “We have extensive experience in supporting professional services companies with managing their travel programs. In an increasingly complex corporate travel market, our aim is to arm dss+ with the tools, resources, services, and information they need to maximize the most value from their travel spend while also meeting their sustainability objectives.”

Among the reasons for its decision, dss+ highlighted CWT’s comprehensive data reporting capabilities, as well as its proven “follow-the-sun” service model ensuring continuous support and assistance for travelers, regardless of the time zone. This first-time consolidation of its travel program also enables dss+ to leverage CWT’s strong relationships with ecosystem partners, unlocking greater value.

 

 

 

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The post Vietnam Airlines takes top spot among Southeast Asia’s top 10 travel brands appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietnamese flag-carrier Vietnam Airlines took the top spot in Campaign Asia’s list of Southeast Asia’s top 10 travel brands for 2025.

Vietnam Airlines received an overall best brand score of 76.05 percent, securing the first position and a comfortable lead over its nearest competitor, Philippine Airlines, which scored 63.15 percent. 

The airline owes its top ranking to strong support in its domestic market, where it achieved the highest scores overall for customer service and buying experience, suggesting the national flag carrier is a firm favourite with Vietnamese consumers.

At present, the airline serves over 70 destinations in 19 countries.

Who made it to the list?

As of press time, Campaign Asia’s top 10 travel brands in Southeast Asia are as follows:

1. Vietnam Airlines
2. Philippine Airlines
3. Thai Airways
4. Thai AirAsia
5. Garuda Indonesia 
6. Korea Aerospace Industries
7. Malaysia Airlines
8. Singapore Airlines
9. Nok Air
10. Cebu Pacific 

The ranking is based on Campaign’s authoritative list of Southeast Asia’s top 50 brands, created in partnership with research firm Milieu Insight. 

The brands were evaluated using attributes such as awareness, purchase frequency, quality, buying experience, customer service, trustworthiness, innovation, brand touchpoints (ease of use across all digital and offline interactions), and advocacy (degree of recommendation).

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The post Famous Spiritual Destinations Around the World appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

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The post Cathay Pacific to resume HK-Rome flights in June appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay Pacific announced the expansion of its global network this year via the relaunch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome beginning 5th June. 

Operated as a thrice-weekly summer seasonal service, the Hong Kong-Rome route will be Cathay Pacific’s second direct connection between its home hub and Italy. 

The airline currently operates five return flights per week to Milan, increasing to daily this summer.

Cathay Pacific’s Rome service will be operated using the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, providing customers with fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy cabins.

A timely expansion 

Cathay Pacific’s return to the city is especially timely, providing travellers from Asia with a convenient connection to the Italian capital as the Catholic Church celebrates the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.

Taking place once every 25 years, the Jubilee Year will see a host of events and celebrations take place in Vatican City and Rome throughout the year.

Visitors to Rome can look forward to exploring one of Europe’s most impressive historical and cultural centres with the city boasting countless monuments, landmarks, museums and churches.  

According to Cathay Group chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau said: “Cathay Pacific’s history in Italy stretches back close to 40 years when we first launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome in 1986. We know our customers have been eagerly anticipating the return of this route, and we are delighted to be returning to Italy’s marvellous capital this summer. Whether they are travelling for business, leisure or the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, we look forward to welcoming customers onboard our flights to experience our world-class service.”

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The post Tourism Malaysia introduces the Borneo Green Bike Tour appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Malaysia has launched the Borneo Green Bike Tour, a new eco-friendly initiative by Smart Leisure & Travels that encourages responsible tourism in Kuching, Sarawak. 

This immersive, zero-carbon experience allows travellers to explore the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region while minimising their environmental impact.

The Borneo Green Bike Tour offers an engaging and immersive opportunity to visit iconic landmarks in Kuching, utilising electric motor bikes for a scenic and sustainable journey. 

By promoting eco-friendly travel, the tour aligns with Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and supports the country’s broader ecotourism goals.

A more sustainable way to experience Sarawak

As part of the National Ecotourism Plan (2016-2025), Malaysia is prioritising nature-based and sustainable tourism initiatives that contribute to local conservation efforts and economic growth.

The Borneo Green Bike Tour is a step forward in this direction, encouraging responsible travel practices and helping to preserve the environment while providing travellers with a deeper connection to the culture and landscapes of Sarawak.

This tour represents a perfect blend of sustainability and exploration, offering an exciting and educational way to experience Kuching while reducing the carbon footprint of tourism.

A tour for everyone

The Borneo Green Bike Tour is a relaxed 3.5 to 4-hour journey designed to accommodate all fitness levels. English and Mandarin-speaking guides are available to lead the way as guests explore Kuching’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour covers a wide array of sights, including the historic Brooke Monument, Kai Joo Lane, the Chinese History Museum, and the Kuching South City Council (MBKS). Other highlights include the White Cat Statue, Tua Pek Kong Temple, Carpenter Street, the Borneo Cultures Museum, Sarawak Museum, Medan Niaga Satok, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Malay Kampung (Kampung Gersik), Fort Margherita, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Astana Sarawak, Kuching City Mosque, Brooke Dockyard & Old Fire Brigade Station Lookout Tower, and Square Tower.

Likewise, it offers two options to suit guests’ preferences: the “Self-Riding” option, priced from approximately £26 per person, allows travellers to ride the motor bikes on their own; and the “With Rider” option, starting at approximately £52 per person which allows travellers to be driven. 

Both options include a knowledgeable guide to lead the experience and feature eco-friendly electric motor bikes that provide a comfortable and sustainable way to enjoy sightseeing while reducing carbon emissions. 

This immersive tour is the perfect way to experience Kuching’s rich heritage and vibrant culture in an environmentally responsible way.

This eco-friendly initiative aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the future of tourism in the country remains both sustainable and enriching for all travellers. 

By participating in the Borneo Green Bike Tour, visitors contribute to responsible tourism that fosters environmental conservation and supports the local economy.

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The post Philippines reports all-time-high in tourism revenues for 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines reports that its tourism sector earned an all-time high revenue of nearly US$13 billion in 2024, marking an improvement of 126.75 percent from pre-pandemic levels.

Revenues from inbound tourism expenditures were 9.04 percent higher compared to the total seen at the end of 2023.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that 2024 earnings surpassed those from 2019 by an impressive 26.75 percent.

According to tourism secretary Christina Frasco: “With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records.”

Vital to the national economy

Frasco pointed out that the numbers also translate to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive.”

She attributed this growth to the pro-tourism policies of the national government that prioritised the sustainable development of Philippine tourism resources.

Frasco said: “These policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities.”

Longer stays = greater revenue

Based on the World Travel and Tourism Council data, international tourists spend at least US$2,073 per capita.

From an average of nine nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent are repeat visitors.

DOT officials also pointed out that continued collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector also garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2024.

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The post W Kuala Lumpur’s Premium Suites – luxury suites with skyline views that deliver the ‘wow’ factor appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A stand-out, even dazzling, element of W Kuala Lumpur are its Premium Suites, which promise more than just a memorable stay but rather ‘a journey into the upper echelon of hotel luxury’. Designed to wow guests beyond their expectations, these top-tier abodes are lavish, spacious and lifestyle-oriented and they come with a view.

To describe the Premium Suites – of which there is one EWOW Suite, two WOW Suites and 14 Marvelous Suites – as merely luxury suites with skyline views almost seems an understatement.

The EWOW Suite boasts a front row seat to the breathtaking Petronas Twin Towers, a particularly mesmerizing sight at night as the iconic landmark bathes its surroundings in an alluring glow. One WOW Suite provides an unobstructed view of the Kuala Lumpur Tower, while the second WOW Suite serves up a dual panorama featuring both the Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

The EWOW and WOW Suites also impress with their size. The WOW suites span a stately 175 sq m while the EWOW Suite is spread across a staggering 520 sq m. While being a supremely spacious abode for couples or families, they also make for grandiose settings for any manner of event from birthday parties or bachelorette parties to class reunions or large social gatherings. They also offer a wonderful vibe for more intimate occasions where spacious luxury is a desired factor, be it a rendezvous of old friends or newer acquaintances.

While each of the EWOW and WOW Suites are distinct, they share common high-end features and, like all the hotel’s 150 rooms and suites, embody both the traditional and modern elements of the Jungle City.

They have W essentials such as signature W beds with traditional accents like indigenous “Wau” tassels commonly seen on Malaysian kites and pixelated versions of batik designs, a pillow menu, and state-of-the-art entertainment system. Each has a living/sitting area, separating living room, marble bathroom, balcony or terrace and writing desk, while appointments include a minibar, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, TV with premium movie channels and cable/satellite, and complimentary wireless internet.

The EWOW Suite also boasts a walk-in closet, plunge pool, exercise bike, treadmill and in-room spa table.

Book a stay in the EWOW or WOW Suites and prepare to be wowed. Experience for yourself the bold decor, the exquisite flair, dynamic style and sublime comfort of these iconic W Kuala Lumpur suites.

The Anything-But-Ordinary Marvelous Suites

The Premium Suites line-up at W Kuala Lumpur also includes 14 Marvelous Suites, which offer their own anything-but-ordinary experiences in comfort, luxury and space. Measuring 105 sq m, these come in Suite, 1 King and Suite, 1 King, Twin Towers view categories, and feature a distinct separation between the living room and bedroom in effect providing two luxurious spaces in one.

They also have a marble bathroom, walk-in closet and writing desk, and are appointed with a minibar, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, TV with premium movie channels and cable/satellite, and complimentary wireless internet.

All of the Marvelous Suites offer the option to connect to a Wonderful or Spectacular category room, which adds a further 42 sqm of space.

See how easy it is to feel – well, marvellous – in your own Marvelous Suite and book a stay today. To book a Marvelous Interconnecting Room, call the reservations team direct on +603 2786 8888 or email to reservations.wkualalumpur@whotels.com.

Whatever/Whenever – For All Wants And Needs

Making the Premium Suite experience even more unforgettable, is the brand’s Whatever/Whenever service. This is a key element of the W Hotels guest experience, and is designed to provide luxury without limitation or boundaries. Available at any time day or night, the service is aimed at meeting guests’ every want or need.

As W Hotels puts it: “The ultimate luxury is the freedom and self-confidence to be yourself wherever you are, wearing whatever you like, doing whatever you choose with whomever you please.”

The Dining Scene To Be Seen In

Guests can embark on an epicurean adventure at W Kuala Lumpur, at its Pan-Asian and redefined Chinese classic cuisine restaurants, fashionable cocktail spot and trendy rooftop bar.

Flock

Spread out across the hotel’s 8th floor is the Pan-Asian grill destination that is Flock. Open from 6.30am til 10.30pm, this vibrant all-day dining locale features a vast open kitchen and a tantalizing menu of bold culinary creations inspired by the rich flavours of Asia.

Every other Friday is Seafood Night at Flock, serving up an oceanic feast of delights like succulent shrimp and exquisite oysters.

Yen

Yen redefines Cantonese classics, in an elegant and convivial atmosphere that blends imperial ambiance with modern Oriental elements. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, it serves avant-garde Chinese dishes with a fusion twist.

WET Deck

WET Deck transcends the conventional pool bar experience, with cutting-edge mixology, bold modern design and a playful attitude. Perched on the hotel’s 12th floor and with the Petronas Twin Towers as a backdrop, this is a place to see and be seen. Monthly WET Sessions with DJs are a popular draw.

WET Deck is open from 10am til 12am Sunday to Tuesday, til 1am Wednesday and Thursday, and til 2am Friday and Saturday. Every Saturday from 4pm til 11pm there’s a poolside barbecue.

Living Room

Exuding all the sass of a speakeasy, Living Room is a casual place for high tea from 3pm til 7pm, and then in the evening transforms into one of the city’s hippest hotspots for specialty cocktails. It’s open from 10am til 11pm Sunday to Friday, and til 12am Saturday.

Experiences That Elevate

A spa where guests can rejuvenate, invigorate and get their glow on. A swimming pool with stunning city skyline views. And a fitness centre called FIT. It’s all part of the lifestyle at W Kuala Lumpur.

AWAY Spa

Reinventing the traditional rituals of a Zen-like spa, AWAY Spa features vivid colours, playful scents, imaginative sounds and soothing lights. It’s an invigorating immersion into health and wellness whether for those seeking a solo rejuvenation experience, couples desiring some mutual pampering, or friends on a social-oriented day of indulgence.

Along with the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi facilities, AWAY Spa offers five luxury treatment rooms and six bespoke massage beds. Open daily (except Monday) from 11am til 9pm and with advance bookings recommended, the spa’s menu includes massages, facials, couples massages, detox treatments and body treatments.

FIT

The hotel’s 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre FIT is equipped with weight machines, free weights, exercise bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, strength equipment and cardiovascular equipment.

WET Pool

Open daily from 7am til 7pm, the outdoor swimming pool on the 12th floor provides the opportunity to gaze upon the world’s tallest twin towers and indeed more of the city’s awe-inspiring skyline while enjoying a swim or relaxing poolside.

Extraordinary Meetings And Events

With over 15,000 sq ft of event space and a passion for elevating events from the ordinary to the extraordinary, W Kuala Lumpur provides a dynamic setting for meetings, conferences, product launches, press conferences and gala dinners.

Largest of the six event venues is the Great Room, which at over 11,000 sq ft is among the largest ballrooms in the Kuala Lumpur city centre. It can handle 700 people whether theatre-style or for a reception or banquet, and boasts an 11 m-high LED wall. Others include the Studio Room for 180 people theatre-style/200 people reception-style/120 people banquet-style; Studio Three for 48 people theatre, reception or banquet-style; and Strategy for 12 people theatre-style/20 people banquet-style.

Contact the events team on +603 2786 8888 or email to sales.wkualalumpur@whotels.com for more information.

Your Wedding Your Way

From an intimate gathering in an event room or even the EWOW Suite, to a grand declaration of love with the Petronas Twin Towers as a stunning backdrop, there are wonderful possibilities for the perfect wedding at W Kuala Lumpur. Contact the wedding curator on +603 2786 8888 or email to sales.wkualalumpur@whotels.com for more information.

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The post Singapore still on top in updated Henley Passport Index appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The latest update to the Henley Passport Index shows that Singapore reclaimed its crown as the most powerful passport in the world with visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide.

Likewise, Japan remains the runner-up with a score of 193, according to the index which ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations they can access without a prior visa.

The rankings are based on official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The current index France, Germany, Italy, and Spain fell by two places to third position where they are joined by Finland and South Korea, which each lost a place over the past 12 months and now have access to 192 destinations visa-free. 

Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden are all in fourth place with access to 191 destinations.

In fifth are Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK with 190 visa-free destinations.

Afghanistan remains firmly entrenched at the bottom of the index, having lost visa-free access to a further two destinations over the past year, creating the largest mobility gap in the index’s 19-year history, with Singaporeans able to travel to 169 more destinations visa-free than Afghan passport holders. 

The rest of the index’s Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, except for Australia (sixth place with 189 destinations), Canada (seventh place with 188 destinations), the US (ninth place with 186 destinations), and the UAE, one of the biggest climbers over the past decade, having secured an additional 72 destinations since 2015 to put it in tenth place with visa-free access to 185 destinations worldwide.

Climbers and droppers

Only 22 of the world’s 199 passports have fallen down the Henley Passport Index ranking over the past decade. 

Surprisingly, the US is the second-biggest faller between 2015 and 2025 after Venezuela, plummeting seven places from second to its current ninth position. 

Vanuatu is the third-biggest faller, followed by the British passport, which was top of the index in 2015 but now sits in fifth place. 

Completing the Top 5 losers list is Canada, which dropped three ranks over the past decade from fourth to seventh place.

In contrast, China is among the biggest climbers, ascending from 94th place in 2015 to 60th in 2025, with its visa-free score increasing by 40 destinations.

In terms of its openness to other nations, China has also leapt up the Henley Openness Index, which ranks all 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a prior visa. 

China granted visa-free access to a further 29 countries over the past year alone, and now sits in 80th position, granting visa-free entry to 58 nations, compared to its rival America, which ranks 84th and allows just 46 other countries access without a visa.

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