The post Virgin Atlantic Holidays glides into the festive season appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is bringing the sunshine to chilly London town this Christmas, as it launches its partnership with SKATE at Somerset House, the premier winter experience in the heart of the capital. And, to add some festive sparkle to the occasion, the holiday company has teamed up with renowned ice skating choreographer Vanessa Bauer to launch the partnership in style.

Ahead of SKATE’s official opening on 13^th November, Vanessa choreographed an immersive routine, designed to highlight the array of experiences available in Virgin Atlantic Holidays destinations. Working with fellow professional skaters, who donned the iconic red Vivienne Westwood uniform, the routine subtly incorporates nods to holidays and the different experiences customers can enjoy including diving, hiking, water sports and wellness.

Vanessa’s routine also features guest appearances from two of Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ own people, with Captain Jean-Patrick Fays and check in agent Emily Horner assisting in bringing Vanessa’s vision to life.  Jean-Patrick regularly flies to New York, using his spare time to brush up on his skating in Times Square, whilst Emily loves to skate in between her busy shifts.

Those wishing to escape to warmer climes following the festive break can get one step closer to the sun by attending SKATE at Somerset House.  Any guests coming to SKATE at Somerset House during the winter season can enter a competition to win £5,000 of holiday vouchers, courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Holidays to jet off hiking in the Hollywood Hills, scuba diving in the Maldives or a spa break in the Caribbean.

Vanessa Bauer, ice skating chorographer, commented: “I’m so excited to be here with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to bring a little bit of sunshine to a crisp London town. We’ve had great fun on the ice developing a special travel themed routine showcasing the incredible destinations Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers, from exploring the desert in Dubai, hiking in the Hollywood hills or reenergising in the Maldives. And it’s really inspiring me to swap my ice skates for my roller blades as when I’m not on the ice you can find me soaking up the sun in LA, roller blading at Venice Beach.

“I’ve brought some of my professional skaters with me today but we’ve also got a skating check-in agent and Captain. They can definitely skate with me again if they fancy a career change – their red uniform looks amazing on the ice!”

Jean- Patrick Fays, Virgin Atlantic Captain, commented: “Today I’ve swapped the cockpit for the ice rink! I always find local ice rinks in the destinations we fly to – Somerset House is obviously my favourite in London and I also love skating in Central Park in New York, so it’s been incredible to work alongside some skating icons today.  I’m so lucky to fly our customers around the world to such a mix of destinations and it’s great to see these reflected in the routine.

“I’m also delighted our customers can get a slice of the action too! So make sure you come on down to SKATE at Somerset House and you never know – you could be skating in Manhattan instead of London, snorkelling in the Caribbean or roller blading in LA very soon!”

 

 

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The post ORAVEL launches SUNDAY Hotel in Manesar with 82 keys appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Oravel Stays has announced the launch of SUNDAY Hotel & Resort spread over 5 acres in Manesar to cater to the growing demand of business travelers coming to Gurgaon, Manesar and other nearby business centers. The hotel has 82 rooms and suites to meet the requirements of both short-term and extended-stay travellers. It has two spacious event halls with a combined capacity of up to 700 guests, making it an ideal venue for corporate events, conferences, and weddings. In addition to this, the hotel also has a spacious lawn spread over 15,000 square feet capable of hosting 1500 guests.

Some of the other facilities include a poolside bar, state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness spa, and an outdoor pool, ensuring a rejuvenating stay.

Located strategically located very close to the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Sunday Hotel & Resort in Manesar offers convenient access to Gurgaon’s bustling city center and Indira Gandhi International Airport, making it a top choice for both business and leisure travelers. In addition to this, some of the other nearby tourist attractions include Heritage Transport Museum, Sultanpur National Park, Damdama Lake and Manesar Shopping Center.

Speaking on the development Aditya Sharma, Country Head, SUNDAY Hotels said:  “This initiative is part of our ongoing program to expand our premium property footprint globally. With Manesar emerging as a prime destination for corporate gatherings due to its strategic location, we are confident that SUNDAY Hotel will soon become the preferred choice for both weddings, corporate events and guests looking for a relaxing weekend getaway destination”.

The brand SUNDAY has been conceptualised to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the new-age travelers and provide them a perfect getaway for a reset. SUNDAY will cater to the growing demand for premium stays, combining sophisticated design, top-notch amenities and services. It breaks away from the mold of traditional hotels and offers a unique proposition of modern-day luxury coupled with mindfully curated experiences that enable guests to unwind at their own pace.

SUNDAY Hotels offer an immersive experience, designed to engage the local community, and showcase creativity. Each property has a dedicated team of highly trained hospitality professionals that ensure personalised services for every guest. From the moment of arrival, guests are treated to a seamless check-in process, with staff available around the clock to cater to their needs.

One of the hallmarks of the SUNDAY brand is its luxurious amenities, designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Each hotel features spacious and elegantly furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, premium bedding, and well-appointed bathrooms. Many SUNDAY hotels also offer additional luxuries such as in-room dining, mini-bars, and premium toiletries. The concierge service is exemplary, providing travel arrangements, local recommendations, and any special requests, ensuring a memorable stay for all visitors.

Oravel Stays, the parent company of OYO Hotels & Homes, is a leading global hospitality chain with a presence in over 35 countries. The initiative is a part of Oravel’s ongoing program to spread premium hotel footprint across the globe

 

 

 

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The post Abdeali Zoomkawala appointed as director of operations at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Abdeali Zoomkawala comes to The Khyber, Gulmarg with more than two decades of work experience in the hospitality industry. “We are happy to welcome Abdeali on board The Khyber as he brings with him a solid and varied experience in the hospitality industry. With The Khyber completing twelve years this year, his contribution to taking it to greater heights is eagerly anticipated,” says Vinit Chhabra, General Manager, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg.

Abdeali honed his professional skills whilst working with renowned brands such as The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, The Trident Mumbai, The Leela Palace Bangalore, The Ritz Carlton Bangalore, Trident Hyderabad, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore, Bookmark, Manali (Justa Hotels & Resorts) and most recently with IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate — a 140 year old ice factory that is now A place for the creative—A place for the community in the heart of Mumbai.

Abdeali has extensive experience in hotel management, pre-opening operations, and strategic leadership roles. Proven track record of achieving operational excellence, maximizing revenue and fostering guest satisfaction.

An alumnus of IIHM Aurangabad and Huddersfield University, Yorkshire, Abdeali holds a  BA in Hotel/ Motel Administration and Management. He further enhanced his skills by enrolling in various training programmes including on Positive & Effective Communication, Certificate of Recognition for Sales & Service Foundations Training, Sales Advantage Training by Dale Carnegie, “Magic of Fish” training by Interactive Skills, a course of ISABS (International Society for Applied Behavioural Sciences), Programme on Team Synergy conducted by Academy of Human Excellence and Certification in Butler Training Programme from the Ivor Spencer School of Butlers, United Kingdom. 

Speaking on his appointment, Abdeali Zoomkawala, said: “I look forward to working with the talented team at The Khyber, India’s only luxury ski Resort. As a team we will strive to keep the flag flying high with world-class services, while continuously innovating to exceed the expectations of our guests. I hope to curate bespoke experiences, enhancing the property’s brand identity.

Proficient in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Arabic (reading only) Abdeali is an avid and voracious reader and sports enthusiast.

 

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The post IndiGo connects Goa and Bhopal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo announces the launch of a new and exclusive direct route between Goa and Bhopal, beginning December 01, 2024. The airline will operate six times weekly, providing convenient travel options and supporting tourism and trade growth in both regions.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, commented: “We are pleased to connect Goa with yet another city in our network in India. With our exclusive direct connection between Goa and Bhopal, we will now offer 400 average weekly flights to Goa (Dabolim & Mopa) from 22 cities in India. This new route aims to promote economic, cultural, and tourism exchange between these important regions. As India’s leading carrier, we remain committed to providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across an unparalleled network.”

Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, Goa offers a mix of sun, sand, and culture. Visitors can explore historic churches in Old Goa, indulge in watersports, or unwind at the scenic shacks in one of the pristine beaches.

Often called the “City of Lakes,” Bhopal is a blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty. Must-visit spots include the serene Upper Lake, the UNESCO-listed Bhimbetka rock shelters, and the exquisite Taj-ul-Masajid, one of India’s largest mosques. From Bhopal, IndiGo operates over 100 weekly departures connecting with 11 domestic destinations. Bhopal is poised to emerge as a key business hub, with substantial potential for development. In alignment with the Madhya Pradesh Government’s vision for balanced and sustainable economic growth, the Invest Madhya Pradesh Global Investor Summit 2025, scheduled for February 2025 in Bhopal, will serve as a premier platform to highlight the state’s diverse investment opportunities.

Flight Schedule:

 

Flight No.	Origin	Destination	Frequency	Effective	Departure	Arrival
6E 366	Goa	Bhopal	Daily except Sat	Dec 01, 2024	13:00	14:50
6E 367	Bhopal	Goa	Daily except Sat	Dec 01, 2024	15:20	17:10

 

 

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The post Japan Airlines flying the flag high for Expo 2025 Osaka appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Japan Airlines is playing its part in helping ensure the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, with special livery promoting what will be Japan’s third World Expo on one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating select international routes.

The design adorning the ‘JAL MYAKU-MYAKU JET’ features Expo 2025 Osaka’s official character MYAKU-MYAKU and other original elements of the event. From June 2024 to August 2025 the 206-seat aircraft is deployed on flights between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Seoul, Taipei, Dalian, Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City, between Tokyo’s Narita Airport and Bangkok, and between Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and Bangkok and Taipei.

The Boeing 787-8 is the second aircraft to feature the special livery, after an Embraer 190 operated by J-AIR – the regional airline of the Japan Airlines Group – out of Osaka International (Itami) Airport.

The ‘JAL MYAKU-MYAKU JET’ aims to promote Expo 2025 Osaka to both domestic and international passengers and encourage them to visit not only the exposition but also various destinations around Japan.

Connecting Japan With The World

The Japanese national flag carrier and a member of the oneworld Alliance, Japan Airlines’ international route network spans nearly 40 destinations across Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. This includes New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Seattle, Vancouver, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Sydney, Melbourne, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Delhi.

Domestically within Japan, the airline serves some 60 destinations throughout Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto/Shinetsu, Tokai/Hokuriku, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyusyu and Okinawa – including the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya and Fukuoka.

For those planning to visit Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan Airlines has a dedicated Expo 2025 Osaka page on its website that provides handy information and tips on navigating Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, Okinawa’s Naha Airport, Kansai International Airport and Osaka International (Itami) Airport.

Also featured are the JAL Japan Explorer Pass with fares available to over 30 cities across the carrier’s domestic network, and recommendations on things to see and do in Osaka and Kansai for a taste of the region’s rich culinary, cultural and historical offerings.

Business Class Comfort And Style

For those travelling to Japan for Expo 2025 Osaka, flying JAL Business Class can make all the difference. Promising ‘a pleasant, refined, and unrestricted experience’, JAL Business Class passengers enjoy spacious and inviting seating, delectable dining with menus specially created by selected chefs and specially selected wines from around the world as well as Champagne and sake, and the MAGIC JAL inflight entertainment system.

JAL Business Class on 787-8, 787-9 and 777-300ER aircraft features the JAL Sky Suite with a fully-flat bed, Airweave mattress and pillow, retractable privacy partition, 23-inch LCD monitor with touch-panel controller, swivel table and USB port, video input and AC power outlet.

On 767-300ER aircraft, the JAL Sky Suite II features a fully-flat bed, 15.4-inch touch-panel monitor, adjustable reading light, side table and meal table and USB port, video input and AC power outlet.

The JAL Sky Suite III on 787-9 aircraft offers a fully-flat bed, 17-inch personal screen, movable table, movable dividers and USB port and AC power outlet.

The JAL Shell Flat Neo on 787-8 aircraft has an enveloping shell design and privacy partition, with a 15.4-inch personal monitor and laptop power outlet, while the JAL Skyluxe Seat on 737-800 aircraft has a deeply-reclining seat, adjustable reading light and laptop power outlet.

New high-privacy seating on A350-1000 aircraft features doors with translucent panels, panels on the outside for communication, built-in headrest speakers, 24-inch 4K personal monitor, pressure-dispersing cushions, retractable privacy partition, personal wardrobe and wireless charging for devices.

EXPO 2025 Osaka

The third World Expo to be held in Japan – following Expo 1970 in Osaka and Expo 2005 in Aichi – Expo 2025 Osaka will take place over 184 days from 13 April to 13 October 2025 in Yumeshima, an artificial island located on the waterfront in Osaka.

The 1970 World Expo was the first ever held in Asia, and became a symbol of Japan’s rapid economic growth and one of the country’s most lauded events.

Next year when Expo 2025 Osaka brings the international community back to Japan exactly two decades after the 2005 World Expo, the world will be just five years away from 2030 – the year the United Nations has set as the target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As such, a key goal of Expo 2025 Osaka is to contribute to the reaching of the SDGs at what will be the turn of the fourth decade of the 21st Century.

Another key goal is the achievement of Japan’s national strategy Society 5.0. This envisions a human-centered society that progresses economically and resolves social issues through a system that combines both cyber and physical spaces in a sophisticated manner. It refers to a new form of society chronologically following hunting, farming, industry and information societies.

A society that is able to resolve a variety of issues on a global scale with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, big data and biotechnology is a society that will have achieved the SDGs.

The various pavilions to feature at Expo 2025 Osaka are promising a ‘beautiful, futuristic exhibition that will undoubtedly impress visitors in their own unique ways.’

The theme of Expo 2025 Osaka is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. The main EXPO Hall will feature a large golden-shimmering, circular roof and strong, rough-looking walls rising from the earth – creating a symbol for the entire Expo site, reminiscent of the Tower of the Sun at Expo 1970. The amphitheatre, integrating the audience and stage, will be wrapped in a textured pure white fabric to create a festive space that symbolises ‘a bright future for our lives.’

The EXPO National Day Hall, as an architectural embodiment of a geographic life form, symbolises a future memory, encapsulating the energies of wind, water and light. It celebrates the historic role of the area as a continuous international exchange gateway from ancient times, focusing on its connection with the sea and land.

Visit the Japan Airlines website to find out more about Expo 2025 Osaka and book your flights now.

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The post Nectar360 partners with Marriott Bonvoy appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Nectar360 which owns and operates Nectar, the UK’s largest coalition loyalty scheme, has announced a partnership with Marriott Bonvoy that will give its Nectar members more flexibility on how they earn and use points for hotel bookings around the world.

From early 2025, Nectar members who are signed up to/or sign up to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme and link their Nectar account will be able to earn Nectar points on bookings with participating hotels across more than 30 brands and 10,000 global destinations. They will also be able to convert Marriott Bonvoy points into Nectar points, and Nectar points into Marriott Bonvoy points. Linking Nectar and Marriott Bonvoy accounts will open up access to year-round promotions and Nectar members will also receive Nectar points upon signing up to the Marriott Bonvoy programme.

This new partnership will help drive acquisition, retention, long-term loyalty and brand engagement for both Nectar and Marriott Bonvoy, offering customers even more choice and flexibility on how they use their points.

Amir Rasekh, Managing Director of Nectar360, said: “This is another brilliant addition to our Nectar coalition, and an example of our commitment to find new ways for Nectar customers to earn and redeem points. Research tells us that customers want to be able to earn value and utility on hotel bookings and, by partnering with Marriott Bonvoy, we’re opening up a new opportunity for them to do this, through their travel experiences – further broadening the range of rewards and choice we’re able to offer to customers.”

Phil Andreopoulos, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International – Europe, Middle East and Africa, commented: “The ethos behind Nectar360’s loyalty offering perfectly complements our Marriott Bonvoy programme. Both companies understand and recognise the value of customer loyalty, with a mutual focus on delivering ever-greater choice and variety to our members. The synergies of this partnership and the strength of our combined customer base creates an exciting opportunity to turn household shopping into amazing travel experiences for UK consumers.”

 

 

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The post Philips MediaSuite TVs take guestroom entertainment to the NEXT level appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The new Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel in Gothenburg turned to PPDS and Speeron to deliver a fully tailored, all-inclusive TV entertainment solution inside all 457 hotel rooms, giving guests the freedom to take full control of their viewing experiences, while adding advanced communication and interactive capabilities. 

PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is excited to announce that its industry-leading range of Google Cast and Netflix-ready Philips MediaSuite TVs has been selected and installed inside all 457 guestrooms at the brand new ‘fantasy-filled’ family retreat, the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel in Gothenburg.

Housed on the grounds of the award-winning Liseberg Park theme park, the 29,000 square metre, star-shaped, nine-story Grand Curiosa Hotel is truly a vacation setting like no other, with oddities and remarkable items awaiting them at every turn, providing the perfect blend of fantasy, innovation, and opulence.

Ahead of its grand opening, the Grand Curiosa’s owners sought an intuitive, imaginative and future-proof TV solution to bring unparalleled entertainment choice – including seamless access to current and future streaming services – together with a variety of interactive and communication opportunities – to all 457 guestrooms.

Teaming up with Speeron – a leading PPDS Partner in the Nordic hospitality industry – Philips MediaSuite, the world’s first and only available dedicated Google Cast and Netflix ready hospitality TV – was quickly identified as the standout choice to fulfil its ambitions.

Powered by the Speeron NEXT TV platform, and fully integrated into the Grand Curiosa’s existing PMS, 457 customised 50” Philips MediaSuite TVs were installed, extending the capabilities far beyond that of a traditional hotel TV for an enhanced stay.

NEXT level experiences

In addition to a wide selection of local and international TV channels and catch-up services, the built-in Google Cast technology lets Grand Curiosa Hotel guests enjoy the same TV viewing experiences as at home. At the touch of a button, guests can effortlessly access and cast all their favourite content from their preferred accounts (including DAZN, Disney+, Prime, YouTube, and more) directly onto the TV using their own personal connected device, whatever the operating system.

The built in design ensures no additional cables or hardware are needed, eliminating the risk of tampering or costly dongle thefts experienced with other solutions currently available in the market. All customer data – such as login credentials – is automatically cleared upon checkout, adding peace of mind to guests, while saving hotel staff significant time spent on clearing manually.

Running on Android, Philips MediaSuite offers something for all the family, with instant access to the Google Play store, bringing a multitude of apps, games, and entertainment, which can be controlled via the TV remote or by using a connected smart device.

A personal touch

With visitors from around the world, guests can immediately select their preferred language to navigate their TV, with a range of interactive services also available directly from the comfort of their rooms through the custom TV interface.

The hotel’s IT team can also effortlessly customise Philips MediaSuite screens with fun and seasonal content, as well as providing regular communication updates, ranging from in-house marketing and promotions (park information, restaurant details, etc.), through to more personalised messaging for individual guests, such as for those celebrating special occasions.

Malin Thiel, Digital Specialist, Liseberg, commented: “Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel has an exciting and adventurous atmosphere, and we wanted the concept of the hotel TV to have the same expression. We wanted to attract the guests with curiosity, and at the same time, we needed to communicate practical information about the stay. Our goal was to create a great experience for the whole family.”

A Speeron spokesperson commented: “At Speeron, we’re all about transforming visions into reality. Partnering with PPDS, we provided a custom in-room entertainment solution that exceeded all expectations, resulting in a remarkable guest experience where fantasy is brought to life through technology. We’re proud to have played a part in creating such a grand experience.”

Mikael da Fonseca, Global Director for International Hotel Chains at PPDS added: “As a brand new hotel, the Grand Curiosa team were able to work from a blank canvas, identifying all the things they wanted from their TV, rather than being forced to make potentially costly compromises which may impact on their ambitions and the guest experience. From early on, it was clear Philips MediaSuite with Google Cast was the only dedicated hospitality TV range capable of not only matching their needs but surpassing them.”

“We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with Speeron on this exciting project. PPDS is dedicated to bringing exceptional experiences through the use of cutting-edge displays designed to empower unique installations, whether for a small, localised hotel or an international chain with a plethora of brands under a group umbrella. We’ve been delighted by the feedback from the Grand Curiosa Hotel team, and most importantly, from their guests.”

 

 

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