The post Intersec 2025 launches new global platform for Excellence in Policing appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Intersec 2025, the world’s premier event mapping the future in security, safety and fire protection, will address how advancements in technology and data are transforming the future of law enforcement and public safety across the Middle East region through its inaugural Intersec Policing Conference. Held from 15 – 16 January 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the conference will convene over 50 expert speakers to showcase policing best practices from around the world.

As law enforcement agencies worldwide confront challenges from cyber threats to financial crimes, the Intersec Policing Conference will serve as a pivotal platform for innovation and collaboration, addressing critical issues and solutions in the evolving landscape of public safety.

The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of law enforcement thought leaders from around the world, including H.E. Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander in Chief of Abu Dhabi Police; Aileen Yap, Assistant Director of the Anti-Scam Command, Singapore Police Force; Ali Ba’Alawi, Chief of the Financial Intelligence Unit at the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit; Nick Court, Assistant Director of IFCACC Strategy and Capability at INTERPOL; and Omar S. Saad, Head of Strategy and Innovation for the Metropolitan Police, who will share insights into the future of law enforcement innovation.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Major Mohamed Al Abdulla, Head of the Financial Crimes Division at Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior, highlighted the use of data and technology for combatting scams: “Most scams will increasingly involve AI and robots, with fraudsters utilising advanced tools to conceal their IP addresses and locations. They will transfer stolen funds through hot or cold wallets and use mixers to obscure the origins of the cryptocurrency. To combat this, law enforcement is investing in tools that can prevent such crimes and predict scams before they occur by leveraging the right data and ensuring proper integration between relevant entities.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing financial crimes. AI systems can analyse vast amounts of transaction data to identify anomalies indicative of fraudulent activities. According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), incorporating AI into financial crime programmes enhances the precision and effectiveness of fraud detection, enabling businesses to stay ahead of evolving fraudulent tactics.

Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “As technologies evolve, so must the strategies and tools employed by our law enforcement agencies. The inaugural Intersec Policing Conference will showcase policing best practices from around the world, offering actionable insights for creating safe, secure, and smart cities for all.”

Law enforcement professionals will explore forward-thinking conference topics such as policing in a digital era, proactive and productive policing, the future of road safety, strategic automation in policing, drone operations and quantum-led crime, to name a few.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, Intersec 2025 will offer a platform for networking, conducting business, and showcasing innovative technology and innovations.

Intersec 2025 will host 1,200 exhibitors from 60 countries, with prominent participants in the Homeland Security & Policing sector showcasing products and solutions across the entire supply chain. Examples include Drone and Anti-Drone solutions from AEE Aviation and DJI, cutting-edge video surveillance by Genetec, a wide range of security solutions from Transguard Group, and advanced aviation security technologies from Garrett, Ceia, Astrophysics, and Rapiscan. This sector will highlight transformative technologies shaping law enforcement across the Middle East and beyond.

Other product sections at Intersec 2025 include Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health and Cyber Security, offering tailored solutions for each industry segment under one roof.

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The post Novotel Manila Araneta City takes home Midscale Hotel of the Year – Philippines accolade appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Novotel Manila Araneta City has emerged as the Midscale Hotel of the Year – Philippines at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Asia. The accolade recognised the hotel for the creation of My Novotel Manila Boutique, a digital platform that integrates e-commerce with the hotel’s service offerings.

Novotel Manila Araneta City, the flagship Novotel brand in the Philippines, envisions expanding its reach beyond the physical walls of the hotel by offering diverse services that cater to the evolving needs of the market.

My Novotel Manila Boutique was developed in collaboration with a digital cluster team based in Bangkok, following the shift to digital with the COVID-19 pandemic.

This initiative allowed Novotel to extend its reach beyond its physical space, offering potential guests easy access to exclusive offers and staycation packages through a streamlined and secure online platform.

My Novotel Manila Boutique’s intuitive design allows customers to easily explore special offers tailored to various preferences. Guests can book accommodation packages and added perks such as cinema tickets, dining credits, buffet offerings, spa treatments, and wellness services.

The platform also features TakeMeOut, the hotel’s popular food delivery service where guests can order various dishes from the hotel’s renowned kitchens. Additionally, it offers delectable desserts from the hotel’s Indulge.

Its offerings extend to event services, offering guests the ability to plan intimate gatherings, weddings, and other special occasions.

Moreover, My Novotel Manila Boutique integrates the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty programme, allowing members to access unique benefits, rewards, and exclusive events, further enhancing the guest experience.

Payment security and data privacy are also prioritised on the platform, with secure payment gateways and stringent data protection measures that comply with the latest data privacy laws.

The Novotel Manila marketing team’s use of targeted online advertising and efficient content strategies has optimised their engagement with potential guests, making the digital journey just as welcoming and service-driven as the in-person experience.

The team recognises that marketing communications is constantly changing and must adapt to the continuous development of market demands.
As Erwin Doña III, Director of Marketing & Communications, who leads this marketing innovation, states: “In marketing, the only constant is change. This fuels my team’s passion and commitment, supported by our General Manager, Ms Maria Garcia, and Hotel Manager, Mr Darwin Labayandoy, to revolutionise marketing communications. Together, we aim to transform the Marcom landscape from a creative niche into a dynamic one, as a strong partner in fostering a revenue-focused pillar of the hotel brand.”

The hotel’s convenient location in the heart of Araneta City – the City of Firsts – further enhances its appeal, with easy access to major attractions such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Gateway Tower Malls, and public transportation options.

By leading with innovation and hospitality expertise, Novotel Manila Araneta City has not only set a benchmark in the Philippine midscale hotel sector but has also demonstrated the importance of evolving with guest expectations and technological advancements.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Chelsea Football Club and The Ascott Limited bring The Famous CFC to Singapore appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Chelsea Football Club, in collaboration with presenting partner The Ascott Limited (Ascott), hosted the first edition of The Famous CFC in Southeast Asia.

Held on 30 November and 1 December, the Singapore edition of The Famous CFC brought together hundreds of passionate Chelsea fans to celebrate the club’s legacy and passion. 

Anchored at lyf Funan Singapore, with additional activities at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection and Ascott Orchard Singapore, the two-day festivities featured football coaching clinics, a watch party for Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola.

As Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner and the presenting partner of The Famous CFC in Singapore, Ascott played a key role in bringing the event to life, showcasing its continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for Chelsea’s fans and Ascott Star Rewards members.

A legend comes to town 

Zola said of the experience: “What a privilege it has been to be a part of The Famous CFC in Singapore! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, as well as my visits to lyf Funan Singapore and Ascott Orchard Singapore. It was a pleasure to meet so many of Chelsea’s passionate fans here. The enthusiasm and energy from them all has been amazing, and it is truly special to connect with so many supporters face-to-face. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with them.”

Chelsea FC chief revenue officer Casper Stylsvig remarked: “The Singapore edition of The Famous CFC was a tremendous success, and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to reconnect with our passionate fanbase in Southeast Asia, thanks to our friends at Ascott. It was truly inspiring to see the unwavering dedication of our supporters. We are very proud of our partnership with Ascott, and the experience we have delivered for both our fans and Ascott Star Rewards members.”

Ascott chief commercial officer Tan Bee Leng added: “As Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner, Ascott is proud to continue providing the club’s supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members with exclusive and immersive experiences that go beyond just the stay. From football clinics conducted by Chelsea coaches and an intimate fireside chat with club legend Gianfranco Zola, to curated pre-match F&B hospitality and watching the Blues in action alongside Zola himself; every detail throughout The Famous CFC in Singapore reflects Ascott’s dedication to seamlessly blend hospitality, entertainment and sports to deliver an unforgettable event, reinforcing our commitment to ensure guests ‘Stay Rewarded’ with exceptional experiences. Building on this momentum, Ascott is excited to already be working on bringing The Famous CFC to other cities in 2025, further strengthening our connection with Chelsea’s global fanbase. We look forward to creating more extraordinary experiences for fans and Ascott Star Rewards members worldwide, to live their unlimited passion for the club they love.”

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The post Hong Kong hosts 2024 Leaders of Luxury Summit appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hong Kong recently played host to this year’s Leaders of Luxury Summit which was held at the Regent Hong Kong from 26 to 28 November. 

Organised by Robb Report Hong Kong, the summit brought together luxury industry titans to discuss pivotal topics that Redefine Luxury Through a Global Lens. 

According to the 2024 Billionaire Census report from Altrata, the city currently ranks second in the world with the highest number of billionaires resident. 

The city is expected to have 22.4 percent more ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) by 2028, the second highest growth rate globally, according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2024.

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) chair YK Pang remarked at the Summit: “As the main growth engine of the global luxury market, the Asia-Pacific, including Mainland China, presents immense opportunities. China alone is projected to account for 25 percent of worldwide luxury sales by 2025. For luxury brands, Hong Kong serves not only as the ideal springboard into this rapidly expanding market, offering a platform to connect with discerning consumers across the region; it is also a powerful magnet attracting all those discerning consumers and HNWI, who live the luxury lifestyle.”

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The post Thailand and Philippines to discuss “Two Countries, One Destination” concept appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Thai government expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Philippines to boost their respective dive destinations under a “Two Countries, One Destination” programme. 

Thai ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat opined that the project has great potential “because it’s the nature of the people, they like to cover more than one place, particularly the best diving destinations of the world.”

Traisorat added: “Those tourists from Europe, from the United States, they travel a long way so they would like to cover more than one country. This is the rationale of the two countries, one destination,” Traisorat said in an interview on Friday, 29th November, during the launch of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.

Something for everyone

The ambassador is confident this specific product would attract tourists, both locals and those from other foreign nations.

As he explains it: “From Phi Islands, they can continue to Cebu to see whale sharks and Sumilon or the Kawasan Falls. They can even continue to Palau as well, so maybe three countries-one destination, before they go back to the United States through Palau.”

This concept, Traisorat said, could also apply to cruise tourism to cover both Thailand and the Philippines as well as other Southeast Asian countries, this time under what he said could be called a cruise to paradise. 

The envoy said collaboration with private stakeholders, including airlines and local tour operators, is another crucial element.

Earlier this year, Cebu Pacific launched four new routes between Thailand and the Philippines, including direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, cutting travel time by up to eight hours.

Regional cooperation

In a separate interview, tourism secretary Christina Frasco said the Philippines is very much willing to form partnerships with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promote the region’s dive offerings.

Frasco said: “On the part of the Philippines, we welcome opportunities to collaborate with our neighbors in the ASEAN so that the visitors that go to their countries may come to the Philippines. And those that come to the Philippines, we are very much willing to cooperate with them to provide opportunities.”

The DOT held the Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao on the 28th and 29th of November to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for diving and marine biodiversity exploration.

Over 20 diplomats from various countries were invited to the event, allowing them to explore Anilao’s vibrant underwater landscapes.

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The post TFE Hotels establishes office in New Zealand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

TFE Hotels is putting up its country office in New Zealand in the wake of its multi-property management agreement with accommodation provider Heritage Hotels.

Veteran hotelier Warwick Kahl joins the office as TFE’s director of operations in New Zealand.

Five of Heritage Hotels’ properties joined the TFE global network on Sunday, 1st December.

According to TFE Hotels senior director of operations for Australia and New Zealand Tish Nyar: “New Zealand had always been a growth market for TFE Hotels, with the strategic partnership with Heritage Hotels would offer expanded choice to international visitors into New Zealand. The NZ country team will not only deliver and drive the success of our New Zealand properties but will also provide a strong foundation to support our future growth and expansion in the region.”

What the agreement entails

Under the agreement, Heritage Hotels retains ownership of its portfolio in New Zealand. TFE Hotels will manage more than 500 rooms across five properties, including the Adina Citylife Auckland and Rendezvous Heritage Auckland helmed by cluster general manager Akash Sood.

In Wellington, the Adina CityLife Wellington, under the leadership of Oytun Cevik, gives TFE an apartment-style accommodation offering in the capital whilst in the south, Adina will also establish a brand presence in Christchurch with the Adina Heritage Christchurch, managed by Astrid McGowan. 

The 175-room Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown rounds out the offering, delivering a strong MICE and leisure offering in New Zealand’s adventure capital, with TFE currently recruiting for a general manager.

New assignments at the new office

TFE Hotels also appointed Meghana Ghole in the newly created role of director of finance in New Zealand and she will be based in TFE’s country office in Auckland. 

Ghole is an experienced hospitality finance expert, having previously worked at Heritage Hotels and Rydges Hotels & Resorts.

Also, Jason Stobbs was appointed as director of revenue in New Zealand joining Kahl as the senior leadership team in the market.

Stobbs joined TFE as its reservations manager in Darwin in April 2017, before moving into the Revenue team in 2018.

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The post Thanksgiving holiday travel on Delta appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Here’s a rundown of pro tips, fast facts and nice-to-knows about how Delta people will connect you with the people and places you love during your Thanksgiving holiday.

Delta expects to welcome 6.5 million customers this Thanksgiving holiday travel period, up 5% from one year ago. Here’s a rundown of pro tips, fast facts and nice-to-knows about how Delta people will connect you with the people and places you love during your Thanksgiving holiday:

• Four key tips to keep in mind:
  • Stay updated: Use the Fly Delta app to manage your travel and check in 24 hours before your flight. Save time at the airport, keep an eye on flight notifications, get your digital boarding pass and more.
  • Pack thoughtfully: Remember to take anything you might need on board, like medication and travel documents, and keep it in your personal item or carry-on. Lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage.
  • Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time – three hours prior to departure time is generally recommended – to ease through the airport including security checkpoints and get to your gate.
  • Stay connected: Fast, free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles is on more and more aircraft flying across the U.S. this Thanksgiving.  Signing up for SkyMiles is also free – take advantage and quickly sign up before your trip here: Join SkyMiles®

• 540,000 daily customers on average that Delta expects to fly to and from their Thanksgiving destination between Nov. 22 and Dec. 3.

• 5,000 peak-day Delta and Delta Connections departures that 100,000 Delta people are focused on safely and reliably operating – working in airports, on aircraft and behind the scenes.

• Seven airports (ATL, DTW, DCA, JFK, LAX, LGA, SLC) where Delta customers can use Digital ID to breeze through TSA’s Touchless PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints.

• 1.5 minutes saved on average for Digital ID customers who take advantage of the Digital ID option to check a bag.

• 28 in-house meteorologists advising Delta’s operations teams to stay ahead of mother nature and help keep the airline moving safely and reliably.

• 50,000 times Delta teams deiced aircraft in 2023. If you hear your flight crew make an announcement about deicing, know that it’s for the safe operation of your flight and Delta builds time into our flight schedule to account for this critical process.

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The post Turkish Airlines debuts in Sydney with the arrival of its longest-ever flight appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has launched its longest flight with the addition of Sydney flights. The flag carrier landed on Sydney soil for the first time on November 29th, marking a monumental milestone as it expands to its second destination in Australia, reaching 351 destinations across six continents within its global network.

Flight between Istanbul and Sydney will be operated with the airline’s new, modern fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft which is designed for long haul comfort with 32 flatbed seats in business class, and 297 recliners for economy travellers. Set to be operated four times a week via Kuala Lumpur, flights will take 19 hours with its 9,300-mile flight path. The new route will not only bolster the ties between Türkiye and Australia, driving growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, but also provide Australian guests the flag carrier’s robust flight network, ensuring they can explore the world with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines.

Following the launch of Turkish Airlines’ first flight from Melbourne in March this year, Sydney becomes the second Australian city added to flag carrier’s ever-expanding network. The inaugural flight sets the stage for Turkish Airlines’ future plans to introduce direct, non-stop services from Sydney to Istanbul, revolutionising travel between the two iconic travel destinations.

On the arrival of the first aircraft in Sydney, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekºi stated: “This momentous occasion marks Turkish Airlines’ longest flight path in history, as we happily add our second Australian city to our flight network. The arrival of our first flight from Istanbul to Sydney represents our ongoing commitment to connect travellers across the globe, providing a seamless gateway between Europe and Australia with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Once we receive our aircraft capable of conducting the journey in a single leap, we look forward to further expanding our offering in the near future with Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul.”

New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism, The Hon. John Graham said: “Turkish Airlines’ arrival in Sydney is a landmark moment that offers a new high-quality option for local travellers to Europe and a boost in visitor numbers to Sydney. This exciting new route from Istanbul was made possible by a financial incentive from the Minns Government. We are backing our airports to increase capacity and bring more visitors to NSW, creating jobs and economic growth in our tourism destinations right across the state. Bringing more passengers into our airports is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost jobs and growth in our statewide visitor economy.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton commented: “We’re proud to welcome Turkish Airlines as they launch their inaugural flight to Sydney. This new service strengthens Sydney’s already strong international network, offering passengers even more choice and connectivity to Europe and beyond through Turkish Airlines’ extensive hub in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines will bring added competition to the market, and with over 15,000 Turkish-born Australians residing in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently being a top choice for Australian travellers, we are confident this new route will see strong demand.“

Istanbul – Sydney Flight Schedule

The special launch prices for Turkish Airlines’ Sydney to Istanbul flights are 1489 AUD, and 999 USD for Istanbul to Sydney flights.

The launch prices are valid for:

Last Ticketing Date: 31 December 2024

Travel Date: 28 November 2024 – 20 June 2025.

 Providing a direct gateway between Sydney and Europe, the flight will not only bolster ties between Türkiye and Australia, but it will also spur growth across tourism, trade and cultural exchange programs, supporting 290 jobs and generating an estimated A$53 million for New South Wales visitor economy.

 As the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is a major global hub for business, tourism and the arts. Home to the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the city offers a unique and iconic experience for its visitors whether they are visiting for business or leisure. Now, travelers around the world have the opportunity to enjoy Sydney with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines while flag carrier’s Australian guests are able take advantage of its globe spanning network in a more convenient manner.

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