The post Agoda Unveils 2026 Travel Outlook Report  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital travel platform Agoda unveils its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, highlighting data-driven trends set to influence travel across Asia in the next year. Drawing on a survey of Agoda customers in key Asia-Pacific markets, the report spotlights shifts such as the rising popularity of secondary destinations, the increasing demand for experiential travel and growing expectations for seamless, technology-driven journeys. The findings offer strategic insights and guidance for hotels, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and travel industry partners.

A rising middle-class, streamlined visa processes, and expanding flight networks are influencing travel choices across Asia, with travelers increasingly looking beyond familiar hotspots. Recent Agoda data shows that accommodation searches in secondary cities across Asia have grown 15% faster than in traditional tourism hubs over the last two years. Driven by the momentum, secondary destinations accounted for 34% of total accommodation searches on Agoda in the first half of 2025. This growth reflects travelers’ strong desire for value, with 43% citing lower costs as their top reason to explore these destinations. Unique local culture, special promotions, and outdoor activities also rank highly among travelers’ motivations.

“Secondary cities are no longer hidden gems. They’re becoming the engine of travel growth across Asia.  Travelers want authenticity, value and a sense of discovery that the major hotspots cannot always deliver. This shift unlocks real opportunity for local communities and for the partners who move early. At Agoda, our focus is straightforward – we equip our partners with the data, insights and digital tools they need to capture this demand and win in these emerging markets”, said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply, Agoda.

The report finds that ease of access is a key factor for travelers considering new destinations, with the sentiment especially strong in India (91%), the Philippines (89%), and Indonesia (80%). Governments in markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and India, are actively expanding access to more destinations through targeted campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Agoda partners with respective DMOs, leveraging data insights and marketing channels to highlight hidden gems, and enable rural properties to increase their visibility through digital platforms.

With growing demand for secondary destinations, diversifying accommodation supply is increasingly important to meet traveler preferences and unlock new economic opportunities. On Agoda, travelers can find non-hotel accommodations, including villas, apartments, and boutique guesthouses, increased steadily year-on-year from 2022 to 2025. This expanding supply landscape seeks to meet the demand for authentic, immersive stays but also empowers local property owners to enter the digital economy.

The latest report delves into several emerging trends that present new avenues for industry partners to capture demand and elevate traveler experiences in 2026:

• Enhance digital visibility and online presence with updated listings, engaging content, and guest reviews to attract travelers interested in discovering new destinations
• Leverage Agoda’s data insights to design targeted marketing campaigns that highlight local experiences and increase destination appeal.
• Expand offerings to include authentic cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities that align with traveler motivations for immersive journeys.

By embracing these opportunities and partnering with Agoda, accommodations and local experience providers, DMOs, and travel brands can diversify revenue streams, strengthen resilience, and deliver high-value experiences to the next wave of travelers.

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The post Centara Reveals Strong ESG Progress appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Centara Hotels & Resorts announces significant progress across its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars, reaffirming its commitment to driving sustainable tourism and elevating Thailand’s hospitality sector through responsible and forward-thinking business practices.

Guided by its core philosophy of delivering warm Thai hospitality enriched with innovation, family values, and environmental responsibility, Centara continues to strengthen its long-term sustainability framework to ensure meaningful and measurable impacts for its guests, local communities, and the planet.

“Business growth must go hand-in-hand with responsibility toward society, the environment, and the communities we serve,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts “Achieving GSTC certification across all properties and making strong progress in reducing waste and emissions demonstrates our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. We remain dedicated to innovating and advancing our ESG initiatives to create a meaningful, lasting impact, while providing exceptional, sustainable travel experiences for generations to come.”

A Blueprint for a Brighter Future

Centara has been steadfast in advancing its environmental management practices since 2009, approaching two decades of tangible progress across all areas of ESG.

In line with its long-term sustainability vision, Centara has introduced the C-E-N-T-A-R-A Sustainability Blueprint, a comprehensive strategic framework that guides the company’s sustainable development in seven priority areas. This serves as the foundation for future initiatives, ensuring that environmental stewardship remains central to the group’s business operations.
Environmental Excellence – Progressing Towards Net Zero

Centara prioritises efficient resource management to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon future. Key achievements include:

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Target to reduce GHG emissions per occupied room by 40% by 2029, compared to the 2019 baseline.
• Achieved a 35% reduction to date, outperforming Thailand’s hotel industry average by 51.9%, as benchmarked by the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index (CHSB).

Centara is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, based on three strategic pathways:

1. Reducing emissions intensity by 40% by 2029.

1. Advancing sustainable supply chain practices through low-carbon and sustainable materials.

1. Aligning financing and investment decisions with environmental objectives.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• Solar cells installed at 14 hotels, reducing carbon emissions by more than 2,970 tonnes of CO₂e, equivalent to planting over 300,000 trees.
• From January to October 2025, Centara generated 4,780 MWh of clean energy, accounting for 4% of total electricity use.
• Implementation of advanced efficiency systems such as smart sensors, Energy Management Systems (EMS), district cooling, and building management systems.

Water Management

• Achieved a 30.1% reduction in water consumption, surpassing the target of 20% (based on the 2019 baseline).
• Recycled over 454,416m³ of treated wastewater for landscape irrigation across hotel properties in 2025.

Waste Management

• Reduced waste to landfill by 24.5%, exceeding the 20% reduction target (2019 baseline).
• Achieved an average recycling rate of 28.9%.
• Produced upcycled items such as bags and hats from plastic (PET) bottles, totalling 3,872kg across four hotels in Krabi.

Social Commitment and Community Empowerment

Centara continues to invest in community and social development, with long-running programmes designed to enhance living standards, create economic opportunities, and nurture inclusive growth. These initiatives include:

• Since 2017, Centara has partnered with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Thailand to donate surplus food to communities in need, reducing food waste and alleviating hunger.

• Through the “One Hotel, One Product” programme and community markets, Centara has provided over 6,300m² of complimentary retail space for local entrepreneurs to sell their goods, while supporting more than 6,000 local products.

• Commitment to inclusive employment, including hiring people with disabilities above the legal requirement and providing opportunities for senior workers.

• Dedication to cultivating a supportive, progressive, and engaging workplace through its “The Place to Be – Best Workplace” philosophy.

Governance and Ethics

Centara is committed to conducting business with transparency, accountability, and strong ethical standards:

• Achieved an “Excellent” (five-star) Corporate Governance rating for the sixth consecutive year from the Thai Institute of Directors Association.

• A member of the Thai Private Sector Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption (CAC) since 2016, with three consecutive membership renewals.

• Recipient of the CAC Change Agent Award for two consecutive years.

• Secured more than THB 8.7 billion in sustainability-linked loans, sustainability-linked bonds, and green bonds to advance long-term ESG investments and environmental conservation projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post ANA to Unveil New Global Wine Selection appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The new collection has been available in the “ANA LOUNGE” for international flights and the “ANA SUITE LOUNGE” for both international and domestic flights since September 2025. The 82-bottle lineup was curated from a global pool of more than 1,000 submissions². ANA’s wine specialists, in consultation with members of THE CONNOISSEURS³, led the selection process.

“Working alongside ANA’s wine specialists and members of THE CONNOISSEURS, we meticulously evaluated over 1,000 global wine submissions to narrow the choice down to 82 highly-rated wines,” said Tomoji Ishii, executive vice president, Customer Experience Management at ANA. “We hope our new wines will make the customer experience in the sky unforgettable and impressive.”

The collection features carefully chosen wines from around the world, including Europe, especially France, North and South America, Oceania, South Africa and Japan. Each wine was chosen to complement meals served on board and in the lounges.

International First Class passengers will be offered a premium selection, including the champagne, “KRUG”, cherished by customers since the launch of our international flights in 1986. The selection also includes high-end bottles such as the Second Growth Bordeaux, “Château Léoville Barton”, from Médoc, France, and other premium wines. Please refer to the appendix for the list of wine selections and where they are served.

• ¹ The ANA SUITE LOUNGE and ANA LOUNGE in Honolulu are not included.
• ² This includes some selections that will be retained from the previous lineup, and others that are already being served.
• ³ THE CONNOISSEURS refers to the team responsible for producing ANA’s food and beverage offerings. The team is comprised of ANA’s own renowned chefs, along with famous chefs and alcohol professionals from both Japan and abroad

The collection was guided by renowned sommeliers from The Connoisseurs: Olivier Poussier, who was named World’s Best Sommelier in 2000, and Satoru Mori, a Japanese sommelier and 2022 recipient of the Medal with Yellow Ribbon.

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The post Luxury Awaits UAE Travellers This Eid Al Etihad at City of Dreams Mediterranean appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With the Eid Al Etihad holidays fast approaching, City of Dreams Mediterranean invites travellers to make the most of the long weekend with an unforgettable European getaway. Cyprus, one of the Mediterranean’s most charming and sought-after destinations, is now closer than ever, thanks to newly introduced direct flights from Abu Dhabi under just AED 800. Perfectly timed for the holiday period, the route offers UAE residents effortless access to Europe’s first integrated resort for a sun-soaked, luxurious retreat just under five hours away.

Whether seeking a quick family holiday, a relaxing couples’ escape, or a memorable trip with friends, City of Dreams Mediterranean offers a complete destination experience. Guests can look forward to five-star accommodation, immersive leisure facilities, and world-class dining, all set against Cyprus’s warm Mediterranean landscapes, an ideal setting for a refreshing National Day break.

Travellers can unwind at the serene Renu Spa, lounge by the island’s largest pool complex featuring a thrilling surf simulator, or embrace adventure at the outdoor Adventure Park with its zipline coaster, climbing structures, ropes courses, and mini-golf. While younger guests explore, adults can refine their game at the 12-court Tennis Academy or enjoy exclusive golf privileges at the soon-to-open Limassol Greens Golf Course neighbouring the resort.

With 500 rooms and suites overlooking lush gardens, sparkling pools, or the Mediterranean Sea, City of Dreams Mediterranean offers a tranquil escape infused with island charm. Dining options span international buffets and gourmet à la carte experiences, ensuring memorable culinary moments throughout the stay.

This Eid Al Etihad long weekend presents the perfect opportunity for travellers to explore Cyprus’ sunlit beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. With fares starting from AED 250, UAE residents can effortlessly experience Limassol and City of Dreams Mediterranean for a luxurious European getaway without the long-haul journey.

Room rates start at AED 3,299 (€780) for two nights

 

 

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The post Inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East Coming to Abu Dhabi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has officially opened registration for its inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East, set to take place from 30 March to 2 April 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

This landmark event marks the association’s first-ever Expo in the Middle East, created in response to a strong demand from both IAAPA members, as well as local and regional entities and organizations within the attractions and theme parks industry, to bring a world-class gathering of thousands of tourism industry experts to the region. With IAAPA’s presence, the attractions community can connect to build diverse perspectives, dynamic engagement, and broader reach across the industry.

Education sessions, special events, networking opportunities, and behind-the-scenes tours are all designed with the industry’s evolving needs in mind. This 2026 edition will showcase a robust program that only IAAPA, as the industry’s leading membership association, can deliver.

More than 300 exhibitors are already contracted for the trade show floor and global thought leaders will lead discussions on emerging trends, best practices, and strategies for entering and expanding into the Middle East market.

EDUTours will offer rare backstage access to local attractions on Yas Island, plus a unique yet-to-be-announced post-tour. As part of the agenda, Expo Middle East will also feature IAAPA’s staple career-advancing institutes, including the Institute for Attraction Professionals, Institute for Indoor Entertainment Professionals, and the Safety Institute – each earning participants credit hours towards IAAPA Certification. These programs exemplify the continued support and development of future talent.

Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA EMEA, shared: “After years of preparation, we are thrilled to bring IAAPA Expo to the Middle East. Beyond organizing this Expo, we’ve been actively shaping our presence in the region by hosting multiday summits and institutes, building strong partnerships with organizations like the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), and investing in local talent with our regional office. This event is a milestone in that journey.”

Jakob Wahl, IAAPA President and CEO, added: “The Middle East is experiencing tremendous growth and innovation, and IAAPA is eager to support and elevate the industry here. IAAPA Expo Middle East will provide a powerful platform for networking, learning, and discovering new opportunities. We are proud to host the very first edition of this annual event in Abu Dhabi.”

Abu Dhabi has rapidly become a leading destination for attractions and leisure, fueled by significant investments in world-class projects. The city is home to Seaworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first SeaWorld park outside the U.S., a development brought to life by Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi. The emirate is also preparing to welcome even more transformative projects such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Disneyland Abu Dhabi. These developments underscore Abu Dhabi’s strategy to position itself as a premier global hub for culture, entertainment, and tourism.

IAAPA Expo Middle East promises to provide unmatched opportunities to discover innovations, connect with industry leaders, and shape the future of attractions in the region. Attendees will have the chance to explore new products, meet with industry experts, and gain unique insights into the latest trends and technologies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Emirates to serve Baghdad with Airbus A350 from 1 Jan 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The A350 will replace the current Boeing 777 operating flights EK 943/944 four times weekly, offering customers it’s latest cabins for a more consistent travel experience on every flight. The introduction of the A350 across the full weekly schedule to/from Baghdad is part of Emirates’ commitment to delivering on its ‘Fly Better’ promise. Configured in three classes, the Emirates A350 offers 32 Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

Passengers can enjoy an elevated cinematic experience with the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice, wider aisles, quieter cabins, and advanced lighting designed to reduce jet lag.

The exclusive deployment of the A350 to Baghdad underscores Emirates’ long-standing commitment to Iraq and the wider region. The Airbus A350 was first deployed to Baghdad in August this year on flights EK941/942.

 

 

 

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The post Air Canada to Launch New Flights to Berlin, Nantes, Ponta Delgada appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Canada announced a further expansion of its Summer 2026 global schedule to Europe with new destinations from Toronto and Montréal, plus a new European route from Halifax. From Montréal, Air Canada will offer non-stop service three times weekly to Germany’s capital, Berlin, and three times per week to Nantes, France. The airline will launch service to Ponta Delgada in the Azores from Toronto, and it is also adding a second international destination from Halifax to Brussels. Additionally, Air Canada will be resuming its Montréal -Tel Aviv seasonal route for next summer.

“Air Canada is further expanding its comprehensive transatlantic network to offer customers even more exciting destinations to explore. From Canada to Berlin, Ponta Delgada, Nantes and more Brussels, we are strategically increasing new non-stop routes across Europe to bring convenient access to key destinations, while strengthening economic ties, and supporting tourism,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo.

“We look forward to connecting Montréal, Toronto and Halifax with new services and destinations, a natural next step in our continued International growth,” Mr. Galardo concluded.

The addition of these new services builds on Air Canada’s Summer 2026 international expansion announcement, with recently announced new services to Palma de Mallorca and Catania (Sicily) from Montréal, Shanghai and Budapest from Toronto, and extension of services to Bangkok year-round from Vancouver. In Summer 2026, Air Canada will connect Canada to more than 126 global destinations, representing up to 155,000 seats weekly across the Atlantic, Pacific and South America.

Montréal – Berlin

Flights to Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital will be onboard Air Canada’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A321XLR featuring Business Class with lie-flat seats and economy cabins.

 

From	To	Days of week	Seasonal operation
Montréal (YUL)	Berlin (BER)	Tue, Thu, Sat	Jul. 2, 2026 – Oct. 10, 2026
Berlin (BER)	Montréal (YUL)	Wed, Fri, Sun	Jul. 3, 2026 – Oct. 11, 2026

 

Montréal – Nantes

Air Canada’s new flights to Nantes brings additional travel choices to France’s Loire Valley, and will be operated with a narrow body aircraft offering a choice of Premium and Economy cabins.

 

From	To	Days of week	Seasonal operation
Montréal (YUL)	Nantes (NTE)	Wed, Fri, Sun	Jun. 10, 2026 – Oct. 11, 2026
Nantes (NTE)	Montréal (YUL)	Mon, Thu, Sat	Jun. 11, 2026 – Oct. 12, 2026

 

Toronto – Ponta Delgada

Air Canada’s new service to Ponta Delgada reflects the strong cultural ties between our two countries, and the Azores will now be closer than ever with non-stop service to São Miguel Island, off the Portuguese coast. Flights will be offered three times per week on a narrowbody aircraft with a choice of Premium or Economy cabins. Ponta Delgada is Air Canada’s third destination in Portugal.

 

From	To	Days of week	Seasonal operation
Toronto (YYZ)	Ponta Delgada (PDL)	Tue, Thu, Sat	Jun.11, 2026 – Sep. 5, 2026
Ponta Delgada (PDL)	Toronto (YYZ)	Wed, Fri, Sun	Jun.12, 2026 – Sep. 6 2026

 

Halifax – Brussels

Air Canada’s flights from Halifax to Brussels will be offered three times per week on a narrowbody aircraft configured with the airline’s Premium and Economy cabins. Brussels, which is a gateway to Europe and Africa via Air Canada’s Star Alliance partner Brussels Airlines, becomes Air Canada’s second international destination the carrier serves from Halifax, joining London Heathrow. The airline also connects the Nova Scotia capital to Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Deer Lake, Gander and St. John’s, and offers transborder service to Boston and Newark.

 

From	To	Days of week	Seasonal operation
Halifax (YHZ)	Brussels (BRU)	Tue, Thu, Sat	Jun.18, 2026 – Sep. 5, 2026
Brussels (BRU)	Halifax (YHZ)	Wed, Fri, Sun	Jun.19, 2026 – Sep. 6, 2026

 

Montréal -Tel Aviv

Air Canada’s Montreal to Tel Aviv seasonal flights will be operated onboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, complementing the airline’s Toronto to Tel Aviv service.

 

From	To	Days of week	Seasonal operation
Montréal (YUL)	Tel Aviv (TLV)	Fri, Sun	Jun. 5, 2026 – Oct. 23, 2026
Tel Aviv (TLV)	Montréal (YUL)	Mon, Sat	Jun. 6, 2026 – Oct, 24, 2026

 

All flights are available for booking now.

 

 

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The post Delta and Uber deepen partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta and Uber are giving Members new ways to earn and travel with ease – including a new pilot program at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) designed to enhance the airport drop-off experience just in time for the holidays.  

Since launching in April, Delta’s partnership with Uber continues to deliver meaningful value to SkyMiles Members. First announced at CES 2025, the collaboration between the two premium brands is reshaping what loyalty looks like – integrating travel, lifestyle and technology to create a more connected experience.

From road to runway, getting to your destination just got more rewarding. Starting this week, SkyMiles Members can visit delta.com/uber to link their SkyMiles and Uber accounts and automatically earn miles on eligible rides and orders.

Read on to see how Delta and Uber are giving Members new ways to earn and travel with ease – including a new pilot program at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) designed to enhance the airport drop-off experience just in time for the holidays.

Reimagining the airport drop-off experience at LGA  

Delta and Uber have launched a new airport drop-off pilot at LGA, designed to elevate the customer experience while reducing congestion.

Customers can now self-select “Express Drop Off, Checked-In” and be dropped off at the Express Drop Off area on the outer curb, where they’ll be greeted with curbside hospitality, wayfinding support, a direct path to security, and, for a limited time, giveaways. This will help redirect traffic to under-utilized spaces, easing flow and enhancing convenience for customers.

“This pilot is a great example of how we’re using partnerships to solve real customer pain points and elevate their experience,” said Joshua Kaehler, managing director of loyalty partnerships at Delta. “We’re rethinking what the end-to-end travel experience should feel like, starting with more choice, convenience and the hospitality that reflects both the Delta and Uber brands.”

 

 

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The post Growing trend of ‘Port hopping’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Reflecting on recent bookings, UK ferry operators have identified an emerging travel trend, which sees holidaymakers visiting multiple destinations within one trip. Port hoppers are eschewing traditional linear journeys to “sea more” during their holiday. These travellers are using transport networks to visit several locations, often departing on one ferry route and returning home via a different port.

Discover Ferries, the ferry industry body, has just made it even easier to port hop. It has launched an interactive route-planning map that instantly identifies the most convenient port for any journey. The tool allows users to destination stitch, by planning multi-destination itineraries that can be booked straight away. The new map provides the optimal route and links directly to each operator’s page for a seamless booking experience.

Abby Penlington, Director at Discover Ferries, says: “Recent years have seen resurging interest in land transport and sea journeys as travellers want more from transport than simply travel from A to B. This trend for so-called “slower” travel shows no signs of abating and is shaping the way holidaymakers plan itineraries. More Brits are embracing the flexibility and the different experiences ferry travel offers to immerse themselves in local culture. Prioritising exploration, they are prolonging their adventures to include detours, tack on different destinations and incorporate special journeys and ferry rides.

“Popular journeys include travelling to St Malo via Guernsey and sailing outbound from Dover to France to tour northern Europe before returning to the UK from the Netherlands. As more people yearn for trips off the beaten track, we expect this type of holiday to grow in popularity in 2026 and beyond, so we have developed a tool to help travellers find and book their best routes.”

To inspire travellers, Discover Ferries has charted the ultimate port hopping itinerary, encouraging use of the extensive networks of road, rail and sea networks that link Britain to a wide variety of holiday destinations.

The Great Island Hop – the ultimate ferry journey

Wiggling its way around the British Isles, this itinerary tours through 28 ports, incorporating travel to the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, Western France, Ireland, the Hebrides and the Isle of Man. Using a mix of local ferries, fast catamaran and international cruise-style ships, holidaymakers can visit in 11 different countries and islands within three weeks.

Starting from Southampton, the Great Island Hop takes travellers to the Isle of Wight before heading to Guernsey and Jersey on the way to St Malo. The journey continues aboard the luxury cruise ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin before travellers head to Scotland via Northern Ireland. With visits to Hebridean islands and locations across the Firth of Clyde there’s a chance to sample whisky and see whales and dolphins from the ferry before ending the tour at the summit of Mount Snaefell on the Isle of Man, which boast views of all Seven Kingdoms (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, The Isle of Man, the Kingdom of Heaven and The Kingdom of the Sea). As well as sailing details and timings, the itinerary suggests unmissable highlights in each location so, even if travellers aren’t going the whole distance, they can design shorter trips.

Discover Ferries has also developed Rail, Sail and Away Itineraries for staycationers, daytrippers and travellers looking to explore destinations on their doorstep. All accessible without a car, the journeys connect rail routes with ferry services and cover sightseeing day trips along the Thames, hopping through the Isles of Scilly and visits to the Isle of Wight.

What’s on travellers’ 2026 Bingo card?

Ferry operators see the trend for authentic travel experiences ranking highly on travellers’ wish lists when booking holidays for 2026. Holidaymakers still seek famed landmarks and iconic dishes but away from crowded tourist hotspots, making them increasingly intrepid in the search for unique connections with their destination.

Penlington continues: “Tourists may expect to see monuments such as the Eiffel Tower as part of their trip, but it is no longer their aim. Instead, they want to travel through more countries and collect different experiences such as sampling iconic dishes, stand up paddle boarding through Holland’s waterways, encountering wildlife in its natural habitat, or attending events including London’s New Year Fireworks.”

Discover Ferries has devised a Travel Bingo Road Trip, this continental travel itinerary enables visitors to gain a range of bucket list-worthy experiences from five Western European countries all in one trip. Covering 580 miles within four days, the road trip is curated so travellers can tick off unique experiences such as “See a Dutch Windmill”, “Eat chocolate in Belgium” and “Visit Europe’s richest country”. Plus, as travellers will have their own car with a boot load of space to fill, the itinerary even suggests the best souvenirs to bring home.

 

UK ferry operators,  emerging travel trend, holidaymakers, Port hoppers, “sea more”, Abby Penlington, Discover Ferries,

 

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The post Science Centre Singapore triumphs at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The company took home two awards for its Escape @ Science Centre (E.S.C.), and Curiosity Shop.

Science Centre Singapore claimed victory at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia, receiving the Destination Product of the Year – Singapore and Data Analytics of the Year – Singapore honours for promoting interactive entertainment and transforming retail operations.

Where science meets adventure

Science Centre Singapore’s Escape @ Science Centre (E.S.C.) is a first-of-its-kind escape room that transforms science into an immersive adventure. It blends STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts with the thrill of escape room gameplay.

The attraction was created to engage young adults and curious minds, combining educational principles, artistic design, and creative storytelling into an escape room. Unlike conventional ones that rely on horror elements, E.S.C. has narrative-driven challenges that focus on science, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 

E.S.C. features three distinctive experiences, the first being the Museum of Humankind, a post-apocalyptic survival challenge that explores human innovation. The second experience is Shangri-La, a world inspired by digital glitches and virtual metaverses; then Dr. X , a mission that puts participants on a quest to rescue a lost friend. 

Since its launch, E.S.C. has built a loyal following, earning over 100 glowing Google reviews and a stellar 4.7-star rating. Its immersive experiences continue to draw a steady stream of visitors and fans each month. Furthermore, E.S.C. has expanded its offerings with customised birthday and group packages, which have helped extend its appeal beyond students and science enthusiasts.

Curiosity Shop

Science Centre Singapore’s Curiosity Shop has transformed how retail operations are managed through the power of data analytics by introducing interactive dashboards. Being the first of their kind within the organisation, the Curiosity Shop turned historical data into clear and actionable insights for both the management and frontline staff.

Instead of just relying on experience and instinct, the dashboards created a single source of truth, empowering both management and frontline staff to make informed decisions. What truly sets this initiative apart is not only the technology itself but also the creative way analytics were applied in an education-focused retail environment.

The team used Pareto Analysis (the 80/20 principle) and identified that 20% of products contributed to 80% of sales. This insight guided smarter promotions and stock decisions. The dashboards sparked a cultural transformation, equipping the retail team with data-driven thinking. 

Additionally, the Curiosity Shop used predictive analytics to manage seasonal retail fluctuations. The dashboards tracked a wide range of indicators, including year-on-year sales growth, basket size, product category performance, discount effectiveness, and customer payment preferences.

These initiatives led the Curiosity Shop to achieve over SG$1m in sales in 2023 to 2024, followed by nearly SG$1.2m in 2024 to 2025. The average basket size also rose from SG$23 to $37, whilst educational books, which were once a low-performing category, improved by two ranks following data-led interventions.

What began as a data project has evolved into a model of resilience, adaptability, and growth. Science Centre Singapore’s Curiosity Shop has proven that science and strategy can work hand in hand even in retail.

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.

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