The post A sky-high nod to the 53rd UAE Eid Al Etihad at Emirates Dubai 7’s appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thousands of sports fans and families were treated to a spectacular low-level flypast over the Sevens Stadium today, in celebration of the 53^rd UAE Eid Al Etihad. The flypast took place on the final day of the biggest and longest-running sports and entertainment festival in the Middle East – Emirates Dubai 7s.

As the iconic Emirates A380 took to the skies to salute the crowd below, fans snapped videos and selfies from the stands. After a take-off from Dubai International Airport, the Emirates A380 made its approach above the stadium at 15:42hrs, and back over again at 15:47hrs, cruising by at a gentle speed and an altitude of just 500 feet. Commanding the Emirates A380 was UAE National Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, supported by Captain Abdalla Al Hammadi.

Emirates memorable flypast with the signature aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to the long-standing Emirates Dubai 7s. Taking place during the UAE National Day weekend in December and hosted at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, Emirates Dubai 7s builds on a 54-year history of the unique Rugby Sevens tournament, welcoming the very best international teams each year.

The 2024 edition of the Emirates Dubai 7s took place during the Eid al Etihad weekend, from 29 November to 1 December, and welcomed an impressive line-up of world-class international athletes, global artists, and array of hospitality experiences, in addition to amateur rugby, netball, cricket, and fitness teams. Catering to a wide range of audiences, including families, sports enthusiasts, festival goers and music lovers, Emirates Dubai 7s offers something for everyone across a fun-filled weekend.

Visitors at Emirates Dubai 7s boosted their Skywards Miles with the Skywards Everyday app, earning at over 35 F&B outlets, including Beats on 2, Frequency on 8, Costa Coffee, Grab & Go, and more. Members also had a chance to win a whopping 250,000 Skywards Miles, by spending at participating outlets during the tournament.

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The post Philippines seeks to draw in more Indian tourists via new e-Visa system appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism announced that it is ready to capture India’s rising outbound market through the implementation of its new e-Visa system in India.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco lauded the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) issuance of e-Visas to Indian nationals, saying local destinations are ready to welcome more of them.

Frasco said: “We welcome the announcement of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the full automation of the electronic visa system for India. This is something that the administration has been working on for some time, and we greatly appreciate all the efforts to launch this, especially that we’re looking at India as a very robust outbound market to come into the Philippines.”

A market with great potential

India’s outbound travel is expected to grow into a US$55.39 billion market by 2034 while the number of Indians traveling overseas is projected to increase to 50 million in 2030, according to India-based consultancy firm Nangia NXT.

In its latest report, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) pointed out how India is set to become the future growth engine for global tourism, with the rapid expansion of the middle classes and scaling up of air connectivity across the country.

The Philippines has been in talks with the Indian government since 2023 to develop this market and cater to its traveling public, including through this e-Visa initiative and the possibility of more flights to the Philippines.

The government, Frasco said, is also coordinating with local tour operators to make sure the market is ripe for travel to the Philippines.

She said: “We are excited to welcome our friends from India, especially that we offer tourism products that are very attractive to the Indian market.”

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The post Emirates inaugurates Emirates World in Casablanca, its largest globally appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, unveils Emirates World in Morocco, introducing its refreshed travel retail store concept to North Africa for the first time. At 534m², Emirates World Casablanca is the largest store on Emirates global network to date, elevating the customer experience and reaffirming the airline’s longstanding commitment to market.

Located on the central and upscale Franklin Roosevelt Boulevard, Emirates World invites customers to visit for expert travel advice and destination inspiration, either from the airline’s seasoned consultants or via smart technologies.

The Emirates World store was inaugurated by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre, in the presence of His Excellency Alasri Aldhaheri Ambassador UAE to Morocco. The opening ceremony was also attended by other distinguished guests, trade and media partners.

Commenting on the milestone, Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said:  “The opening of Emirates World in Casablanca comes just three weeks after the inauguration of our first store in Africa, delivering on our promise to enhance the customer journey across our network of 19 cities on the continent.”

He continued: “Our global retail strategy goes beyond a simple transaction and instead brings our ‘Fly Better’ promise to life, through dedicated and personalised services, smart and efficient technologies and hands-on product displays. Emirates World enables us to connect more deeply with our customers, inspiring them to discover more with Emirates.”

Personalised and dedicated levels of service

Emirates World is designed to enrich the customer experience through immersive experiences and personalised touchpoints. Designed in a light and airy colour palette, the concept store is reminiscent of the signature inflight look and feel, which is further amplified by the open-plan, lounge-like environment. Nine customer service counters staffed by expert consultants offer a comprehensive range of services from planning travel itineraries, supporting reservations and ticketing as well as general enquiries.

The centrepiece at the Casablanca store is the full-size showcase of the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge experience and the Premium Economy seat display, bringing Emirates signature product closer to travellers from Morocco. Smart technologies such as the ‘selfie mirror’ snap pictures of travellers against scenic destination backdrops, inspiring customers to explore more; while self-service kiosks empower customers with a self-service touchpoint, minimising wait time and offering a faster service.

Underscoring Emirates’ commitment to Morocco

For over two decades, Emirates has been a steadfast partner of aviation, tourism and trade in Morocco. Since the first flight in 2002, Emirates has flown over 3.65 million passengers on the Dubai-Casablanca daily flight.

In 2022, Emirates established a codeshare partnership with Royal Air Maroc, offering seamless connectivity to a further 18 domestic points in Morocco, such as Fez, Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Tangier and more.  In the last year, over 28,600 passengers have travelled via the codeshare partnership, exploring more with frictionless travel.

Emirates has also created significant employment opportunities, with over 860 Moroccan nationals currently serving as cabin crew members, contributing to local job creation and ensuring that Moroccan hospitality and culture are represented on a global stage.

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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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