The post BCD Travel takes home 2 accolades at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

BCD Travel has been recognised in two major categories at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Asia, as it continues to push the boundaries of travel management and fulfil its vision of becoming the most trusted, innovative, and sustainable travel management company.

It was named the Global Travel Management Company of the Year – Singapore for its innovative solutions for travellers, as well as the Employer of the Year – Singapore for fostering a company culture of collaboration, fun, and service.

Under the Global Travel Management Company of the Year – Singapore category, the company was lauded for its efforts to simplify managed business travel, enhancing its services and capabilities to deliver quality solutions.

In 2023, BCD Travel embarked on a significant modernisation of its Contact Center, integrating blockchain technology, chatbots, machine learning, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. The investment paid off for the company, streamlining its operations by automating workflows, reducing manual processes, and enhancing business intelligence.

“This move aligns with our ‘Build Forward’ initiative, which aims to drive innovation and simplification, ultimately leading to faster response times, better traveller experiences, cost savings, and improved profitability,” said Andrew Yeo, Managing Director, Australia and Singapore at BCD Travel.

In addition to modernising its Contact Center, BCD Travel has also launched the BCD Marketplace, a platform that allows clients to partner with leading technology providers to create customised travel solutions. All partners in the marketplace are thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet the company’s standards for compatibility and reliability in managed travel programmes.

Amidst the increasing demand for partners with aligned sustainability principles, BCD Travel also developed a Sustainability Framework centred around four key audiences: company, people, business partners, and customers — with guiding principles like Beyond Carbon, Mindful Travel, Industry Advocacy, and High Standards.

“Technological advancements include integrating GATE4 Insights and Total Trip Insights with Concur® Travel and Concur® Expense, enabling customers to optimise their travel programmes whilst reducing carbon emissions,” Yeo added.

Just recently, BCD Travel announced the industry’s first end-to-end sustainability offering for corporate travel programmes.

BCD partnered with SQUAKE, a leading climate-tech company, to streamline carbon emission-related action across the various tools and touchpoints in the travel industry. This allows corporate travel programmes to centrally set targets, decide upon sustainability policies to achieve them, and distribute these across online and offline booking channels for each employee.

The technology provider established tooling to provide active nudging and steering tools within BCD agent frontends and online booking tools (OBTs). The tool encourages travellers to travel less and travel better. In addition to making travellers aware of air, train, hotel, and ground transportation emissions using one of multiple calculation methodologies, the tool displays the carbon cost of each trip.

In addition to driving traveller behaviour change, BCD and SQUAKE will provide carbon budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools to help clients set and manage carbon targets. This is key to complying with regulatory reporting requirements like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

BCD Travel continues to invest in its AgentSource booking platform as well, allowing agents to book travel directly from an aggregated content platform. With its API-first approach, it supports various travel booking sources and applies client-specific configurations, policies, and payment rules. This reduces training time and offers a user-friendly interface tailored to new generations of employees.

Meanwhile, for the Employer of the Year – Singapore, BCD Travel was awarded for its initiatives that allow teams to cultivate a sense of unity and camaraderie whilst contributing to the success of servicing clients.

BCD Travel provides extensive professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and online courses — on top of a new development directory where employees can easily access resources and plan their career paths.

Understanding the need for work-life balance, the company offers flexible working hours and remote, hybrid, or office work options. It also implemented a Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy, allowing employees to work remotely from a location of their choice for up to 60 days per year.

“As many of our APAC employees are part of a global team with colleagues in other regions, to safeguard our team’s work-life balance, a global encouragement is that meetings are not scheduled for APAC on Monday or Thursday evenings, and on Fridays, we don’t do internal meetings,” the company stated.

Open communication is highlighted throughout the company with regular town hall meetings, Q&A sessions with leadership, monthly engagement surveys, the intranet MySource, and the online community Viva Engage.

BCD Travel’s peer-to-peer recognition platform, ShoutOuts, meanwhile enables employees to show appreciation for each other’s contributions. Additionally, employees can win a trip to Mexico via peer-to-peer nominations.

DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) lies at the heart of BCD Travel’s DNA. It established local DEI efforts, responding to the needs of its global workforce, which reflected positively with its very high eNPS score of 64.

“We care for our people and our communities alike. Through our Making a Difference initiative, BCD employees across the globe engage in volunteering and fundraising activities for small, targeted projects that directly benefit children in their local communities,” the company added.

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 ATPI Indonesia recognised as premier MICE travel management company in Indonesia for incentive travel tour appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

ATPI Indonesia (PT Global Mandiri Tangguh) has been lauded at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Asia for its unparalleled expertise in organising and managing high-calibre business events, making it the go-to MICE travel management company in Indonesia.

The company was named the Business Events Travel Agency of the Year – Indonesia as it showcased a commitment to exceptional service, meticulous attention to detail, and an innovative approach to corporate travel management with its incentive tour for PT Sinta Prima Feedmill to Kyushu, Japan.

The 8-day/6-night journey rewarded 61 top-performing distributors (store owners) for their outstanding sales achievements throughout Indonesia.

“Our bespoke itinerary design leveraged extensive knowledge of Kyushu to craft a unique journey that seamlessly blended Japanese culture, natural beauty, and team-building activities,” said Sonia Yap, Marketing Manager – Asia at ATPI Indonesia.

The tour’s highlight experiences included kimono-wearing at Fukuoka Castle, where participants immersed themselves in Japanese tradition, and a sand bath experience in Beppu, offering a distinctive cultural and wellness component.

To enhance the overall experience, ATPI also included dedicated multilingual support with an ATPI tour leader and an Indonesian-speaking local guide, a customer e-tour book, and a WhatsApp group that facilitates real-time information sharing and coordination.

Every aspect of the journey was covered, from pre-departure assistance with visa processing and airport check-in handling to domestic flight arrangements from multiple cities. The company selected premium 4-star and 5-star hotels for accommodations whilst partnering with ANA Airways for flights. All participants were also provided comprehensive travel insurance.

ATPI Indonesia curated meal options, accommodating Muslim participants, and included personal amenities such as reusable tote bags, cabin-size luggage, and hand pouches for each attendee.

“The tour’s success was quantifiably demonstrated through a 98% participant satisfaction rate in post-tour surveys and overwhelmingly positive feedback from both PT Sinta Prima Feedmill and their distributor partners. The client’s expressed interest in future MICE collaborations indicated strong relationship building and trust, further solidifying our position as industry leaders,” Yap added.

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 Cygnett Inn Kharagpur, West Bengal opens with 75 keys appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the signing of Cygnett Inn Kharagpur in West Bengal, a strategic addition that reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint across India. This full-service, midscale hotel will cater to the rising demand for quality and affordable accommodations in Kharagpur.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has been focused on expanding its presence in secondary Indian cities and towns, catering to the growing demand for budget and midscale hotels. Cygnett Inn Kharagpur has an inventory of over 75 rooms positioned to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers. It will feature 6,000 square feet of banquet facilities and 5,000 square feet of manicured lawns for events and gatherings. The property also offers a diverse range of dining and leisure amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, a bar, health club and a swimming pool.

Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, commented: “The Indian hospitality sector is experiencing steady demand growth across major markets with the midscale segment playing a significant role in fueling room demand nationwide. Kharagpur as a key industrial city has a substantial corporate travel base and Cygnett Inn Kharagpur will serve as a preferred accommodation option in the region.”

The opening of Cygnett Inn Kharagpur is part of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts larger expansion plan to reach over 100 operational hotels in the near future by 2029. The group’s growth strategy targets regions with strong tourism potential and active business hubs, ensuring that travellers benefit from quality accommodations, consistent service and sustainable practices.

“In the coming years, we are committed to expand strategically across destinations with high tourism appeal and strong business activity. From bustling urban centers to emerging tourist destinations, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts will be launching a number of new properties, offering travellers a diverse and inclusive hospitality experience,” added Sarkar.

Quality hotels, value for money, safety, consistent service, good food and sustainable practices are some of the Cygnett Inn brand’s value propositions. Industry estimates placed the global budget hotel market at $276.3 billion in 2022, with projections indicating it could reach $430.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2032.

 

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The post Etihad unveils 10 new routes in a single day appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is thrilled to announce the launch of ten new destinations starting in 2025. This announcement, part of the airline’s rapid expansion programme, fulfills its promise to provide guests with a route map featuring destinations they want to fly to, with connections and frequencies that suit their needs. It also allows Abu Dhabi to extend its renowned hospitality to more visitors from around the globe as a world-class tourism and business hub.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to listening to our valued guests. We’ve carefully chosen cities that embody the experiences, adventures, and opportunities that matter to them. Whether seeking inspiring landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, reuniting with family and friends, pursuing business growth, or educational journeys, our new routes will help make their travel dreams a reality.

“This moment is not just about expanding our network; it’s about sharing Abu Dhabi with the world. With its endless sunshine, diverse cuisine, rich culture, exhilarating family theme parks, and safe, beautiful beaches, Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone. Our expanded network will make it easier than ever for guests to experience everything our home city has to offer.

“Launching ten new destinations in a single day underscores our unwavering commitment to growing our airline with a fantastic route network and world-class, customer-focused service. This incredible milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our team and the ongoing support of our guests.”

The ten routes announced today will complement Etihad’s previously revealed new destinations for 2025: Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein.

Etihad’s expansion is set to bring tens of thousands of new visitors directly to Abu Dhabi, boosting its position as a premier destination for leisure, business, and cultural tourism. The move aligns with the UAE capital’s efforts to attract international travellers and reinforces its reputation as a hub of connectivity, innovation, and hospitality.

“The launch of these ten destinations is supported by our impressive hub, Zayed International Airport, which boasts the ‘wow’ factor and ample space to accommodate our rapid growth, further enhancing the exceptional guest experience,” said Neves.

Additionally, it offers more guests the chance to take advantage of Etihad’s free stopover offer, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Travellers booking flights with Etihad can easily add a stopover and choose a complimentary hotel stay for one or two nights from a selection of premier hotels across the city.

Neves added: “2025 marks a pivotal year for Etihad, with more than 90 destinations in over 50 countries, a fleet of more than 110 aircraft – including our amazing new A321LRs – welcoming over 20 million guests onboard. Most importantly, it will support us in bringing over a million visitors to Abu Dhabi to enjoy our home.”

As the airline accelerates its growth, Etihad Guest, its award-winning loyalty programme, will also expand its reach, offering more guests the opportunity to earn and redeem miles while unlocking exclusive benefits.

New Destinations:

• Algiers: The capital of Algeria, Algiers, boasts a stunning blend of historic architecture and traditional Islamic influences. The Casbah’s narrow streets offer a glimpse into its rich history, while the Mediterranean coastline provides beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

• Atlanta: The state capital of Georgia, Atlanta, is a bustling metropolis and a major business and transportation hub. Known for its Southern hospitality, Atlanta boasts a thriving tech scene, professional sports teams, craft breweries, and dining spots. The state of Georgia is also famous for its charming small towns, historic plantations, and rich agricultural heritage.

• Chiang Mai: Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the country’s cultural heart, renowned for its ancient temples, vibrant night markets, and lush mountainous surroundings. The city’s Old Town is a cultural treasure trove with historic walls and moats.

• Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French traditions. The bustling Old Quarter and serene Hoan Kiem Lake are central to the city’s charm.

• Hong Kong: A dynamic city where East meets West, Hong Kong offers a stunning skyline, bustling markets, and a rich culinary scene. Victoria Peak provides breathtaking views of the harbour and skyscrapers.

• Krabi: Located in southern Thailand, Krabi is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters, and beautiful beaches like Railay and Ao Nang. The area is a haven for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, snorkeling, and island hopping.

• Medan: The vibrant gateway to island of Sumatra, Indonesia, offering rich cultural diversity, colonial-era architecture, and a thriving food scene renowned for its local delicacies like rendang and durian. It provides easy access to breathtaking natural wonders, including Lake Toba and the orangutans of Bukit Lawang.

• Phnom Penh: The vibrant capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, blends historic charm with modern energy, featuring stunning landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Its riverside promenade, lively markets, and emerging culinary scene make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
• Taipei is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyline dominated by Taipei 101, as well as its lively night markets and historic temples. The city’s blend of traditional and contemporary culture makes it a fascinating destination.
• Tunis: The vibrant capital of Tunisia, Tunis, is known for its bustling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with souks, mosques, and historic buildings. The nearby ruins of Carthage offer a fascinating journey into ancient history.

Start Date	Frequency	Departure Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Airport	Arrival Time		Aircraft type
2-Jul-25	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Abu Dhabi	9:30	Atlanta	16:30	A350
2-Jul-25	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Atlanta	22:00	Abu Dhabi	19:30	A350
7-Sep-25	Daily	Abu Dhabi	21:45	Taipei	9:50	787
8-Sep-25	Daily	Taipei	19:35	Abu Dhabi	0:15	787
2-Oct-25	Tue, Thu, Sat	Abu Dhabi	21:10	Medan	7:10	A321LR
3-Oct-25	Wed, Fri, Sun	Medan	9:05	Abu Dhabi	13:00	A321LR
3-Oct-25	Mon, Wed, Thu*, Fri, Sun	Abu Dhabi	21:10	Phnom Penh	7:20	A321LR
4-Oct-25	Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri,* Sat	Phnom Penh	8:40	Abu Dhabi	13:00	A321LR
9-Oct-25	Daily	Abu Dhabi	8:50	Krabi	18:40	A321LR
9-Oct-25	Daily	Krabi	20:40	Abu Dhabi	0:30	A321LR
1-Nov-25	Tue, Thu, Sat	Abu Dhabi	2:50	Tunis	6:50	A321LR
1-Nov-25	Tue, Thu, Sat	Tunis	10:20	Abu Dhabi	19:10	A321LR
3-Nov-25	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Abu Dhabi	21:10	Chiang Mai	5:55	A321LR
4-Nov-25	Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat	Chiang Mai	8:45	Abu Dhabi	13:00	A321LR
3-Nov-25	Daily	Abu Dhabi	8:50	Hanoi	18:10	A321LR
3-Nov-25	Daily	Hanoi	19:25	Abu Dhabi	0:30	A321LR
3-Nov-25	Daily except Tue and Sat	Abu Dhabi	21:45	Hong Kong	8:40	787
4-Nov-25	Daily except Wed and Sun	Hong Kong	19:25	Abu Dhabi	0:15	787
7-Nov-25	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Abu Dhabi	2:50	Algiers	7:40	A321LR
7-Nov-25	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Algiers	9:40	Abu Dhabi	19:10	A321LR

*Starting 06 November, 2025

 

 

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The post British Airways unveils its brand-new First class appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

British Airways has unveiled its brand-new First seat, combining elegant design with expert British craftsmanship, reflective of modern British luxury travel. The new cabin forms part of the airline’s A380 retrofit plans, expected to take to the skies in mid-2026.

The airline’s new First has been carefully designed to provide the feel of a modern luxury hotel, alongside home comforts and thoughtful British touches at 35,000ft. The seat has been beautifully curated by expert designers and world-class manufacturers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland, including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel and Dublin.

The new seat is ultra-wide (36.5inches), with a bed length of 79inches, and features a multi-purpose ottoman and elegant stowable table, a 32-inch 4K TV screen, adjustable mood lighting including scenes such as ‘relax’, ‘dine’ and ‘cinema’. The seat can be adjusted with the touch of a button to find the perfect level of comfort and is located within a cocooned 60-inch curved wall for ultimate privacy, whilst still providing a spacious environment.

For customers travelling together in the centre of the cabin, the divider slides open to create a shared lounge space, and the stowable tables mean customers can enjoy ‘buddy dining’ in the seat with their travel companion.

The elegant curves throughout the cabin take inspiration from British Airways’ Concorde wings, giving a natural flow to the space and creating a welcoming environment. Customers can now simply wheel their luggage into their personal luggage space, making it even easier to settle in before their flight.

Elsewhere, the suite features an ambient light with an eye-catching design that subtly references the airline’s speedmarque and further nods to Concorde. The suite features window blinds, activated by buttons on the internal control panel for all three windows per seat. The soft panelling inside the seat also helps with acoustics and absorbing sound, which adds to the sense of being in a cocooned, private space. Customers can also use the seat’s brand-new ‘do not disturb’ functionality on its wireless control tablet, which notifies crew if they wish to maximise their rest on board.

British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said: “We’re incredibly proud to launch the next era of First that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity, taking into consideration customer preferences and expectations to the finest detail.

“This coupled with our incredible colleagues delivering a world-class service, following the launch of our First Service Specialists scheme, as well as the many benefits of flying First such as First Wing entry, access to our award-winning lounges including our Concorde Room and priority boarding, means we truly believe we offer a winning combination in delivering an extraordinary experience for our customers.”

The airline listened to colleagues and customers to help shape design elements and specific features to suit preferences, such as the carefully placed stowage with useability and purpose in mind. The airline also introduced its fully rectangular bed following customer feedback that replicates all the comforts of a home environment.

The airline also worked closely with world-class manufacturer, Collins Aerospace RTX business, to create the First seat, following its involvement in carefully crafting British Airways’ Club Suite and short-haul aircraft seats earlier this year.

British Airways is proud to be the only European carrier from the UK to offer a First product across the Atlantic. Customers travelling in First can experience the airline’s most luxurious way to travel, from a stylish seat, exclusive access to lounges, fast-track security, use of the First Wing at Heathrow and excellent service on board. The airline offers the most premium experience for travellers from the moment they book to when they land in their destination.

The airline is continuing to invest in its overall customer experience and has already rolled out over 120 initiatives as part of its £7billion transformation focus, from brand-new short-haul seats, free Wi-Fi messaging on board to refreshing its lounges across its global network.

 

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The post Mecomed launches Women in MedTech Network (WMN) appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mecomed, the Medical Technology Association in the Middle East and Africa, proudly announces the official launch of the Women in MedTech Network (WMN), a platform dedicated to empowering women professionals across the MedTech sector in the MEA region. The inaugural event marked a significant milestone in promoting diversity, inclusion, and career advancement for women in this rapidly evolving industry.

The Women in MedTech Network is set to promote a supportive environment for female professionals in MedTech by offering networking opportunities, a structured mentorship program, and resources for professional growth. This initiative is designed to inspire, equip, and empower women to achieve new heights in the MedTech field, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

“We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation and advancement in MedTech,” said Farah N. Hamdan, Mecomed Board Member & CEEMA GM, Zimmer Biomet. “The launch of the Women in MedTech Network reflects our commitment to supporting women professionals as they take on leadership roles and make significant contributions to healthcare in the MEA region.”

Rami Rajab, CEO, Mecomed, emphasized that “The Women in MedTech Network is a vital initiative for the industry, addressing the fact that only 1% of CEO positions in the MEA MedTech sector are held by women. By providing essential resources and mentorship, this platform empowers women to excel and lead innovation within MedTech, ultimately enhancing healthcare outcomes for our region.”

The launch event featured key sessions on the network’s vision and objectives, an introduction to the mentorship program, and networking opportunities. These sessions aim to inspire attendees and lay a strong foundation for a community that will uplift, support, and connect female professionals across the MedTech industry.

 

 

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The post Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents conducts 48th annual convention in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA) successfully hosted  its 48th annual overseas convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 22nd to 24th November 2024. 

The event attracted over 100 delegates and marked the fifth occasion that HATA has  chosen Malaysia for this signature event since its inception in 1972. 

Centred on the theme Service Beyond Expectations, this year’s Business Session for the event brought in a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, including Tourism Malaysia’s Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi; Marriott Hotel Group general manager Mahmoud Skaf; DTH Travel Sdn Bhd general manager Renee Osman; and AirAsia Malaysia Fareh Mazputra. 

The business session also featured an engaging panel discussion that encouraged enthusiastic participation from delegates. 

In addition to the informative sessions, the convention included enjoyable social activities,  culminating in a post-convention tour of the historic city of Malacca. 

HATA chairman James Tung said of the event: “We are privileged to have distinguished speakers from Malaysia share their insights, alongside participation from key tourism-related bodies in Hong  Kong, including legislative councillor for tourism, The Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, and senior  representatives from the Tourism Commission, the Travel Industry Authority, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Their contributions made this event both enjoyable and successful.”

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