The post flydubai touches down in Bhairahawa appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, inaugurated its operations to Bhairahawa on 09 November. The inaugural flight touched down at Bhairahawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA), and was met with a water cannon salute and a warm welcome by airport officials.

The inaugural flight marks the start of the carrier’s daily service to Bhairahawa, located in Siddharthanagar city, and flydubai’s second destination in Nepal since the launch of its direct flights to Kathmandu in 2009, carrying more than three million passengers and stimulating free flows of trade and tourism between Nepal and the UAE.

Commenting on the start of operations, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “we are committed to opening up underserved destinations and creating free flows of trade and tourism and we are pleased to add Bhairahawa to our service offering in Nepal. We are always exploring opportunities to better serve our customers and the inauguration of our new daily flights to Bhairahawa underscores our commitment to offer reliable and convenient travel options via Dubai’s aviation hub.”

flydubai’s daily service to Bhairahawa will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB), offering customers a convenient travel option to a new gateway in Nepal. Return flights to Dubai will be operated via Kathmandu, supporting the growing demand for travel between Dubai and Nepal.

flydubai recently started operations to Basel in Switzerland, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan and Kerman and Kish Island in Iran, growing its network to more than 125 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia.

Flight details

Flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB).

Return Business Class fares from DXB to BWA start from AED 3,600 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,800. Return Business Class fares from BWA to DXB start from NPR 145,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from NPR 70,000.

Flight Number	Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time
FZ 8639	DXB	BWA	08:15	14:00
FZ 8639	BWA	KTM	15:00	15:45
FZ 8639	KTM	DXB	16:45	20:10

All Times Local

 

 

 

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The post Travelex launches NCR Atleos appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Travelex, a foreign exchange brand, has launched a major refresh of its international ATM estate, replacing the hardware and software of its entire portfolio of 600 ATMs across eight countries. The new portfolio unlocks a wide range of innovative new features for Travelex customers, including contactless cash withdrawals.

Travelex is replacing its network of ATMs with NCR Atleos’ SelfServ ATM range, alongside NCR Atleos’ software and SaaS monitoring tool called Vision, across the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Australia and New Zealand. NCR Atleos has previously powered Travelex ATMs in other markets at high volume airports and travel hubs, delivering operational efficiencies and a convenient, consistent customer experience.

In addition to supporting FX and domestic currency transactions, the NCR Atleos SelfServ ATMs will offer Travelex customers a range of enhanced capabilities, including touch screens (rather than traditional buttons), barcode readers, and contactless readers in certain territories.

Contactless readers enable customers to withdraw cash by tapping a card or any other NFC enabled device (such as a phone or smartwatch). The ability to withdraw cash without physically inserting a card isn’t yet widespread across many territories, but will now be offered to Travelex customers across select ATMs in some of the European markets.

The NCR Atleos SelfServ ATM also supports Travelex’s unique Click and Collect function, which enables customers in the UK to pre-order foreign cash online at Travelex’s best possible rate before collecting it from more than 50 key airport ATM locations in the UK.

“Travelex is dedicated to simplifying our customers’ access to international money, however and whenever they choose, and our expanded partnership with Atleos directly supports this mission,” said Simon Jackson, Chief Customer Officer from Travelex. “By relying on the experts at NCR Atleos for the implementation of modern ATM technology, we gain efficiencies and streamlined operations while adding value for our customers, ensuring travellers across the globe have reliable, secure and easy access to their cash.”

“We are making it possible for travellers to access currency exchange via self-service,” explained Diego Navarrete, executive vice president, Global Sales for NCR Atleos. “We are proud to support Travelex in enhancing their ATM infrastructure, ultimately continuing to expand financial access for consumers around the world.”

 

 

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The post Mastercard partners with Emirates NBD appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates NBD, a banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region and Mastercard have partnered to introduce the Emirates NBD Wholesale. Travel Solution, an innovative virtual card based B2B payment product now available to travel agencies.

This new collaboration marks the continuation of a long-standing strategic partnership between the two companies and aims to digitize and optimize payment flows between travel agencies and the various suppliers associated with travel bookings.

By harnessing Mastercard’s virtual card innovation, through the Mastercard Wholesale Program (MWP), to digitize the way travel buyers pay travel suppliers, the new Emirates NBD Wholesale Travel Solution will improve cash flow through extended credit line and payment guarantee, increase visibility and enhance security through enriched data intelligence and fraud controls, and build efficiency across the travel value chain for domestic & cross border payments.

“With the volume of business-to-business payments in the EEMEA region increasing rapidly, the need for digitization has never been greater. At Mastercard, we are doubling down on corporate solutions and enabling new digital payment solutions to better support the markets we serve. We are excited to build on our longstanding relationship with Emirates NBD to extend the benefits of our virtual card to its travel agency customers, empowering them to reap the full benefits of the digital economy,” said J.K. Khalil, EVP & Division President, East Arabia, Mastercard.

“Emirates NBD is proud to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the travel industry. Our newly launched Wholesale Travel Solution Corporate Card developed in collaboration with Mastercard, addresses the sector’s unique requirements for secure and efficient B2B payments to global suppliers. This solution enables us to enhance payment processes, providing businesses with a seamless, reliable solution for their transactional needs,” said Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, Emirates NBD.

Insights from the International Air Traffic Association (IATA) predict that 4.7 billion people will travel by air in 2024, a historic high that exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion recorded in 2019. As consumers return to travel and the industry continues to grow, it is essential that the sector re-thinks the processes and technologies that bring these bookings to life. B2B Payments power the travel economy, and the Mastercard Wholesale Program brings benefits across the travel value chain by accelerating the adoption of virtual cards for travel transactions.

 

 

 

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The post AIME 2025 gears up to become the Asia Pacific’s leading business event appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is set to cement its status as the number one business event in the Asia Pacific region with a blockbuster 2025 event.
Set to be hosted in Australia at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 10th to 12th February, AIME 2025 will have an expanded footprint accommodating more than 600 exhibitors, 650 hosted buyers, and the 20,000 meetings that are set to take place on the show-floor.
AIME connects international and local buyers with world-class exhibitors from Asia Pacific and around the world.
At the same time, the global exhibitions association UFI will co-locate its 2025 Asia-Pacific Conference with AIME at MCEC for the first time in history, with its event to follow AIME on the 13th and 14th February 2025.

Four in a row

AIME 2025 will be the fourth event delivered by event director Silke Calder and her team from Talk2 Media and Events, which manages the show on behalf of Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).

Calder says the team is thrilled to have UFI delegates in Melbourne in the same week as AIME 2025.

She said: “The senior level attendees from large global organisations will be a welcome addition to our event, and we will be working with UFI to make sure that they feel welcome at AIME.”

AIME 2025 is set to eclipse last year’s smash hit event, where business traded between exhibitors and buyers was estimated to be worth more than $330 million over the following 12 months.

Who’s heading over?

Exhibitors include convention bureaux, convention centres, hotels and resorts, unique venues, event technology companies, production and AV companies, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines, cruise companies, and suppliers from across Australia.

Kicking off the first day of AIME, the highly anticipated Knowledge Program has the theme, “We Matter!”, which will highlight and celebrate the global business events industry as a powerful catalyst for economic growth.

Two incredible speakers will deliver keynote addresses that are guaranteed to spark interest, stir debate and engage all areas of the events industry.

Former CTO of Lonely Planet, Gus Balbontin is described as an “investor, explorer, advisor, rebel, thinker and adventurer.” An executive, founder, and investor with a deep understanding of disruption and business transformation and with a focus on using the latest technology advancements to solve customer problems, Balbontin will deliver one of the two keynotes.

Balbontin says he’s looking forward to challenging the AIME audience with his keynote address, Adapt, which is sponsored by AIME speaker bureau partner ICMI.

He said: “I’m excited to provoke them, to challenge them, to make them feel a bit uncomfortable, to make them think new thoughts, to make them connect or reconnect with the rebellious thinking, the rebellious thoughts, that are the basis for innovation.”

Joining him is Dr Kristy Goodwin, a renowned neuro-performance scientist. Through cutting-edge science and neurotechnology, Goodwin equips high-achievers with the tools to lead, live, and work more effectively in today’s digitally demanding environment.

Goodwin’s expertise is highly sought after by senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their performance without sacrificing wellbeing.

In her keynote sponsored by speaker bureau Ovations!, Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age, Goodwin will equip AIME delegates with cutting-edge insights and practical brain-based micro-habits to enhance productivity, manage stress, and maximise energy in today’s digitally intense environment.

Drawing from her personal journey through stress and burnout, she will offer strategies to avoid burnout and create a personalised “Power-Up Plan” for each participant.

According to Goodwin: “I’ll share simple things that events professionals can integrate into their days so they can be a high-res, powered-up, thriving version of themselves where they don’t have to pay a success tax, such as compromised physical health, mental wellbeing, and/or relationships in the pursuit of success.”

Come and learn

Joining the keynote speakers, a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals will address more than 1500 global event professionals attending the Knowledge Program on the first day of AIME 2025.

The AIME 2025 Knowledge Program is attended by Hosted Buyers, Media, Exhibitors and Visitor Buyers who upgrade their ticket, but opportunities for education and inspiration continue for all attendees on the following days of AIME, with the Ideas Academy presented by Spice.

The Ideas Academy is an intimate space providing visitors access to short, thought-provoking panel discussions and sessions. Ideas Academy sessions will run continuously on Tuesday, 11, and Wednesday, 12 February and are free for all attendees.

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The post Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough gets a glow-up for summer 2024/2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

TFE Hotels’ Rendezvous Perth Scarborough is getting a summer glow-up thanks to a multi-million-dollar investment from its owner Far East Orchard. 

The hotel, originally called Observation City, was built for late tycoon Alan Bond in 1986, with wife Eileen styling interiors at the time. 

Bondy, as he was affectionately known, had anticipated the demand for accommodation during the 1987 America’s Cup challenge in Fremantle and wanted a view to see the yachts. 

Bond’s design choices and desire for that all-important view have left a legacy of spectacular events spaces for leisure and MICE clients, including the Mentelle Deck, which is used for the hotel’s popular open-air Film Club, which starts 5 December.

The luxury of space 

The rolling two-year refurbishment program will see 330 hotel rooms refreshed; upgrades to the hotel’s front entrance and conference space with additional works planned for the hotel’s iconic swimming pool, and public areas.

TFE Hotels’ WA regional general manager Warwick Kahl said that, when it came to the new-look rooms, designers U Studio took inspiration from the hotel’s uninterrupted views to the Indian Ocean and rolled out a beach-inspired theme throughout.

Kahl said: “The carpets reflect the swash of the Indian Ocean as it reaches the Scarborough shoreline, whilst the newly painted walls imitate the colours of the dunes in the early morning. The hotel’s balconies will also get a refresh with new furniture expected to roll out early in the new year.”

The spacious guest rooms will also sport new marble-topped credenzas, a new luggage rack area, mounted 55” TVs with casting capabilities and IPTV interactive entertainment system, new soft furnishings, and new artwork.

According to Kahl, the rooms naturally take a back seat to Scarborough’s dazzling sunsets, surf, and gorgeous beach along one of Perth’s longest uninterrupted stretches of sand which he says are a must-do on any visit to Australia’s sunniest capital.

More to do on the shore

According to Kahl: “With the recent $100M revitalisation to the bustling Scarborough foreshore, there are loads of activities for tourists and locals alike. People come from all over for the Scarborough Sunset Markets. During this time, Scarborough is transformed into a hive of activity with pop-up bars, food vans, craft stalls, and live music.”

A state-of-the-art playground, skate park, tennis, basketball, swimming, and barbecue facilities make the Scarborough foreshore a great destination for the whole family.

Daring young (and young-at-heart) skateboarders can head to the Snake Pit, whilst a climbing wall caters for small children right through to serious climbers.

Early this month, the hotel welcomed a brand-new spa offering, Solace Day Spa, with new owners working to open treatment rooms, ice baths and sauna area for the summer peak.

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The post Visit IOI Resort City launches campaign “Think Again” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The “Think Again” campaign is the most comprehensive initiative from IOI Properties Group Berhad’s Hospitality & Leisure Segment, uniting all our hotels, leisure attractions, and IOI City Mall within our flagship township of IOI Resort City under the new brand, Visit IOI Resort City.

Lee Yeow Seng, Group Chief Executive Officer of IOI Properties Group, shared, “The launch of ‘Visit IOI Resort City’ and the ‘Think Again’ campaign marks an exciting new chapter for us. We are eager to challenge the belief that there is nothing to do here and showcase how innovation and hospitality come together to create a dynamic destination for everyone.”

A highlight of the “Think Again” campaign is the first-ever 3D digital billboard to incorporate illusionary billboards in Malaysia, located at KLCC. This pioneering setup introduces an innovative three-part split-screen, where the left and right sections mimic traditional billboards. As the animation unfolds, these “physical” billboards seemingly launch products and elements into the central 3D screen, creating a seamless flow of vibrant 3D effects that showcase IOI Resort City’s attractions. This groundbreaking approach redefines outdoor advertising by blending traditional visuals with advanced 3D technology, offering audiences an unexpected and engaging experience that brings IOI Resort City’s diverse experiences to life in a captivating way.

This campaign aims to raise brand awareness, drive visitation to the destination, and establish IOI Resort City as the premier choice for both domestic and international tourists. They invite visitors to explore their new website, visitioiresortcity.com, to discover and learn about the multitude of activities available here.

 

Think Again! in Bukit Bintang 

If there is a belief that there is nothing to do at IOI Resort City or that it is too far from Kuala Lumpur—Think Again! This campaign invites everyone to explore the vibrant experiences awaiting them. Utilizing dynamic digital and outdoor advertising, we aim to challenge common misconceptions and highlight the diverse activities IOI Resort City has to offer.

The effort also enhances connectivity to IOI Resort City, making travel easier for guests with the launch of new shuttle services from KLIA and Kuala Lumpur city center, along with a direct coach service from Suntec City, Singapore, starting November 15, 2024. Additionally, from November 1 to November 30, travelers using Grab to reach IOI Resort City can enjoy a RM 10 discount with their promo code, applicable for a minimum fare of RM 30.

“Connecting IOI Resort City to the world is a big-picture goal for IOI Properties Group. These shuttle and coach services are just the first part of their overall plan, and we will look into the continuity of the campaign to connect IOI Resort City to neighboring countries, perhaps Thailand, provided that these services prove sustainable,” explained Chris Chong Voon Fooi, Chief Operating Officer, Property Investment (Malaysia), IOI Properties Group.

The relaunch of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, the first Marriott hotel in Malaysia, is set for November 14, 2024, following extensive renovations that enhance its luxury and sophistication. This repositioned hotel will be recognized as the premier destination for business, an international convention venue, and the center of social events, while also offering a welcoming space for leisure activities that connect friends and families.  With its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for both leisure and business travelers, the hotel features state-of-the-art meeting spaces, a resort style pool, a waterpark, along with scenic trails and sports amenities, making it a vibrant destination for all.

This campaign invites adventure and leisure seekers to save the date for various exciting events, including the highly anticipated IOI Wedding Fair at the IOI City Mall from November 20 to 24, 2024, followed by a Popcorn Run organized by GSC on December 1. Additionally, we will host the annual New Year’s Eve countdown party featuring a performance by a renowned Hong Kong singer, which will further strengthen their ties with the community and showcasing the vibrant experiences of IOI Resort City.

Meet OOLI OOLI: Visit IOI Resort City’s New Adventure Companion

Adding a lively touch to the “Think Again” campaign is their new mascot, OOLI OOLI! This spirited character loves to dance, embodying the fun and vibrant atmosphere we hope to cultivate at IOI Resort City. OOLI OOLI encourages everyone to uncover the hidden gems that make their destination unique, bringing joy and energy to every experience.

Tan Lee Fong, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, IOI Properties Group Marriott Bonvoy Hotels, IRC & Puchong, added, “We are committed to crafting innovative marketing strategies that truly resonate with Malaysians. Their upcoming initiatives will focus on engaging the community and challenging the perception that there’s nothing to do outside Kuala Lumpur. We want to ensure that everyone discovers the wealth of activities available at IOI Resort City. There’s so much more in the pipeline that we can’t wait to share!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Finnair’s first renewed Embraer aircraft is ready  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Finnair is renewing the cabins of its Embraer fleet to increase passenger comfort also on shorter routes. The first refurbished Embraer cabin is now completed, and the target is to renew the entire fleet of 12 Embraer aircraft by spring 2026. Seven aircraft will be renewed during the winter season 2024–2025, and the remaining Embraer aircraft will be renewed during the winter season 2025–2026.

The Embraer fleet is used on routes to many of Finnair’s destinations in Finland and the rest of Europe, especially shorter routes in Northern and Central Europe.

The colour scheme and atmosphere of the new cabins have been designed to match that of Finnair’s recently refurbished wide-body fleet and Finnair’s new Schengen lounge at Helsinki Airport.

“We wanted to create a harmonious, fresh and inviting travel environment for our customers, with dark blue and grey colours and a hint of wooden laminate – elements familiar from our long-haul aircraft,” says Eerika Enne, Head of Inflight Customer Experience.

“The renewed cabin will feature two new seats. The seats on rows 1– 9 offer a bit of additional comfort thanks to its design and cushioning. The seats in the first rows recline slightly, while from row 10, the seat does not recline. The service concept will remain unchanged in connection with the cabin renewal,” says Enne.

The number of seats remains unchanged, with 100 seats in Finnair’s E190 aircraft as before. In connection with the cabin renewal, lighting was also renewed to LED lighting.

One of the targets of the Embraer cabin renewal has been to reduce the weight of the aircraft, as reduced weight means lower fuel consumption and, thus, lower carbon dioxide emissions. Weight has thus been a consideration for all elements in the cabin.

“Both the Business Class seat and the Economy Class seat are lighter than the previous Embraer cabin seats, and also the cabin carpet is made of a lighter material than before. With these changes, we aim to reduce the weight of the aircraft by approximately 150 kg per aircraft,” Enne notes.

 

 

 

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The post True automated AI in travel is coming: Phocuswright appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The travel industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by the rise of autonomous AI agents, according to a new report from Phocuswright.  These intelligent assistants, capable of learning, adapting, and executing tasks without constant human supervision, have the potential to revolutionize how we plan, book, and experience travel.

In its report, “True Automated AI in Travel Is Coming,” Phocuswright, the leading travel industry research authority, delves into the emergence of autonomous agents and their implications for the future of travel.  The report explores the capabilities of these agents, the potential impact on various industry roles, and the key questions surrounding their adoption and regulation.

“Autonomous AI agents are poised to reshape the travel landscape, automating tasks, personalizing experiences, and potentially even negotiating on our behalf,” said Norm Rose, Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst at Phocuswright and co-author of the report.  “While this technology is still in its early stages, its potential to transform the industry is undeniable.  Travel companies need to understand the implications of autonomous agents and prepare for a future where AI plays an increasingly central role.”

Key takeaways from the report include:

 

• Increased efficiency and personalization: Autonomous agents can truly automate the travel booking process, potentially replacing the manual research and booking tasks that travelers currently perform, leading to increased efficiency and personalization.
• Challenges for legacy systems: The increased volume of shopping inquiries generated by autonomous agents could pose challenges for legacy travel systems, requiring the industry to adapt and optimize infrastructure.    The report estimates that autonomous agents could increase the number of shopping calls to travel systems by up to 40%.
• Enhanced personalization: Personalization efforts will be enhanced by autonomous agents, leveraging vast amounts of data to tailor travel recommendations and experiences to individual preferences.
• Ownership and competition: The question of “ownership” of autonomous agents remains open, with tech giants, OTAs, and specialized travel companies all vying for a position in this emerging market.
• Impact on the workforce: The impact on the travel workforce could be significant, with some jobs potentially being replaced by AI while others are augmented and enhanced.  The report suggests that up to 30% of travel agent jobs could be automated by AI agents in the next decade.
• Legal and regulatory concerns: Legal and regulatory concerns surrounding autonomous agents, particularly regarding liability and data privacy, will need to be addressed as the technology matures.

The rise of autonomous agents and other key trends in AI will be further explored at The Phocuswright Conference, taking place November 19-21, 2024, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

The session “A glimpse of the new Age(nts)” will delve deeper into where leading AI companies can demonstrate their autonomous agent technology and discuss its potential to transform the travel industry.  Industry experts will provide critical analysis and insights based on their experience at the forefront of AI in travel.

Speakers:

• Div Garg, Co-Founder and CEO, MultiOn
• Humayun Sheikh, CEO, Fetch.ai
• Talkbackers: Noreen Henry, Chief Revenue Officer, Sojern; Terry Jones, Chairman, AMGiNE
• Moderator: Norman Rose, Senior Technology and Corporate Market Analyst, Phocuswright Inc.

 

 

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