The post Athar Festival 2024 spotlights the power of creative storytelling appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The second edition of Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, the Kingdom’s largest gathering of the creative marketing industry, kicked off  in Riyadh with over 1600 international and local industry leaders, experts, and young Saudi talent in attendance. Day one of the festival featured over 80 speakers, led by Manchester United’s Matt Mckie and global advertising industry icon, Sir Martin Sorrell, who highlighted the transformative role of creativity in bridging cultures, brands, and audiences. The latest industry trends, insights, and best practices, integral to the Kingdom’s efforts in achieving its 2030 ambitions through cultural creativity as a currency of influence, were explored in over 30 sessions, across two stages, including keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and presentations.

During his opening remarks, Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, said: “Athar Festival is a vital platform for Saudi Arabia’s creative marketing industry that nurtures innovation, fosters dialogue, and promotes growth. We encourage everyone to explore the wealth of knowledge and inspiration the festival offers. With cultural creativity emerging as a strategic focus and economic driver in the Kingdom, the onus is on the creative industry to craft groundbreaking narratives and content that will make a lasting impact on the country’s future.”

Adding to this, Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, stated: “The Kingdom has an immensely rich culture, heritage, and traditions, and showcasing these on the global stage through various forms of creative expression, is contributing to its overall image and attracting interest and investment – key factors for achieving its ambitions. Creativity is the heart and soul of its culture, driving growth, innovation, and social cohesion. Culture is undoubtedly Saudi Arabia’s new commodity and creativity is its new currency.”

A highlight of the day’s proceedings was a keynote delivered by Matt McKie, Director of Marketing at Manchester United, titled “Cultural Connection, Unbreakable Bonds and the Power of Stories: Lessons Learnt from a Career in Sports Marketing.” Drawing from his experience with Manchester United, Nike, the Olympics, and EA Sports, McKie demonstrated how creative narrative building can forge the strongest bonds with audiences. He explained that curiosity and emotion are critical ingredients that harness the power of stories to motivate people to action. “Crafting a powerful brand story means capturing the most intense moments that resonate deeply,” said McKie. “By tapping into our audience’s emotional instincts and forging authentic connections, we can create ideas that endure and become a meaningful part of their lives.”

Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder and Executive Chairman, S4 Capital PLC, shared his thoughts in another important session on what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive market. In his fireside chat “Navigating the Creative Landscape in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Sorrell highlighted AI’s practical impact on creative processes and the innovative opportunities at the intersection of creativity and technology.

Additionally, Day one of Athar Festival featured discussions and workshops that provided valuable insights into leveraging creativity to deepen connections with audiences, promote Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, drive tourism, and reshape the urban landscape. These included “The Pillars of Nation-Branding in Saudi Arabia: Tourism, Urban Space and the Power of Creativity” by Fahad AlAhmed, CEO of The Fullstop Creative Agency, and Serfi Altun, Founder and Global CEO of Idea Bakery Consultancy; “Leveraging Branding to Showcase Saudi’s Rich Culture to the World” by Mark Grossfield, VP Marketing at KAFD, AbdulGhafoor AbdulHaleem, Council Member of Saudi Leaders Society, and Ziyad Organji, Founder and Chairman of Brandship Consultancy; and “Community-Powered: A New Paradigm for the Creative Industry” by Bengi Turgan, Co-CEO of ATOLYE.

Running concurrently with the festival, the Young Talent Academies continued its mission to nurture the next generation of creative professionals. These academies offered approximately 73 participants the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, develop their skills, and network with professionals across four specialised programmes: the Student Creative Academy in partnership with MCN; the Student Marketers Academy in partnership with UTURN; the NextGen Creative Academy and the NextGen Marketers Academy in partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority.

 

 

 

 

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The post OMO7 Asahikawa to host Asahikawa: Ski City Declaration appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hoshino Resorts’ OMO7 Asahikawa will host the Asahikawa: Ski City Declaration event for the seventh consecutive year. 

The winter event which is scheduled to run from 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025 runs will help travellers make the most of their ski holiday and après-ski experience with ease. 

This year’s event will introduce the ‘Mountain City Pub’ inside OMO7 Asahikawa where guests can enjoy draft beer and delicious food. 

They can also view the weather conditions in real-time from live cameras at five nearby ski resorts at the OMO Base where the daily ‘Powder Info of the Day’ sessions take place. 

Likewise, those who base themselves in Asahikawa can not only explore Hokkaido’s breathtaking natural scenery but visit a variety of ski resorts in the region. 

Guests can decide on which ski resort to visit based on the detailed insights of the conditions at each ski resort.

The perfect place for a ski holiday

With unique attractions like Asahiyama Zoo and a rich culinary scene with over 2,000 dining establishments, Asahikawa is a key city for après-ski enjoyment. 

The OMO Rangers at OMO7 Asahikawa are hotel staff that are well-versed in Asahikawa’s culinary scene who can both recommend and guide guests to establishments loved by locals. 

Guests can avoid long wait times at ski resort ticket counters by purchasing lift tickets and vouchers inside the hotel in advance. 

A free shuttle bus from OMO7 Asahikawa will operate daily to Kamui Ski Links, Santa Present Park, Pippu Ski Resort, and Daisetsuzan Asahidake. 

Guests can travel in their ski wear, wasting no time to access the slopes upon arrival.

Where one can learn before hitting the slopes

OMO Powder Snow Sessions will be held every Saturday at OMO Base, featuring professional skiers and local field guides. 

Together with OMO Rangers, they will share the allure of Asahikawa’s powder snow, the unique features of each snowfield, and tips for après-ski enjoyment from a professional perspective.

OMO7 Asahikawa is also equipped with a secure dry room near the main entrance where all ski and snowboard gear can be dried and stored. 

The OMO WAX BAR provides 30 types of snow wax for free. 

Featuring wax from over five manufacturers, each with its own uniqueness, guests can choose the ideal wax for the day’s conditions.

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The post Royal Brunei Airlines launches direct flights to Chennai appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) announced the official launch of its new direct flight route between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai, India. 

RB’s Airbus A320neo landed at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday, 5th November, at approximately 22:50LT and was greeted by a water cannon salute. 

This new connection signifies a significant expansion in RB’s global network. 

It also marks a historic step in strengthening the cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties between Brunei Darussalam and India.

Royal Brunei Airlines’ new route offers three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing seamless travel for leisure and business passengers. 

Passengers will travel aboard the modern Airbus A320neo, known for its quiet and fuel-efficient performance. 

With the strategic codeshare agreement with Air India, passengers flying to and from Chennai can easily connect to other major destinations in RB’s network, including Melbourne, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Manila, and Taipei.

A celebration in India

The airline celebrated the launch in Chennai through a series of events in collaboration with the Brunei High Commission in India, the Brunei Economic and Development Board (BEDB), and Brunei Tourism (BT) at the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting Brunei as a unique destination, and showcasing investment opportunities for Indian businesses.

RB chief executive Sabirin bin Hj Abdul Hamid remarked during the celebrations: “Launching this new route is more than just a flight connection; it is a bridge between two nations. We are excited to open new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Brunei and India. This route connects Bruneians and our international guests to the vibrant city of Chennai and the many experiences it has to offer, and it enhances travel options for those from India wishing to explore the peaceful beauty of Brunei Darussalam.”

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The post Marina Bay Sands reveals new brand vision campaign appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) unveiled its new brand vision and campaign as it marks a significant milestone in its US$1.75 billion reinvestment programme.

The Singaporean hospitality icon recently completed the implementation of its exclusive Paiza Collection across all three hotel towers. 

This ambitious transformation, designed to elevate every facet of the guest and hospitality experience, was driven by a singular vision to create a destination that transcends imagination. 

The Paiza Collection, mostly made up of suites and served by Singapore’s largest butler team, forms a key part of Marina Bay Sands’ multi-year transformation towards brand and service elevation, as the integrated resort draws on the world’s best designers and craftsmen to create a new land of luxury.

A new vision: Above Beyond

Complementing the infrastructural changes, the new brand vision Above Beyond will herald a new era. 

The statement is designed to convey both the unique height and grandeur of its iconic architecture, as well as Marina Bay Sands’ unwavering ambition to surpass expectations and set new benchmarks in hospitality. 

A multi-million-dollar brand redesign and campaign envisioned in-house and executed by world-class creatives including Pentagram New York, Frosty, and acclaimed filmmaker Celine Song, articulates the resort’s ongoing ambition to cement its place as one of the leading destinations in the world.

MBS chief operating officer Paul Town said: “We are now at the next stage of development with our ambitious transformation that is pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality. The new brand vision and property refurbishment is timely as it mirrors and complements this vision, setting the tone as we enter the next phase of growth.”

The milestone was announced at a global press event held at Sands Theatre by Town, together with Sands Global Ambassador David Beckham and chief marketing officer Irene Lin.

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The post Dusit Hotels and Resorts to open a holistic wellness retreat in India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts announced that it entered a management agreement with Indian luxury hospitality developer Shravanthi Hotels and Resorts Private Limited for its first holistic wellness retreat in India.

The agreement involved Dusit’s operation of the Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat and was announced today, 7th November.

Set to open in March 2028, this landmark project marks the first Devarana – Dusit Retreat signed outside of China, underscoring Dusit’s commitment to expanding its luxury, wellness-focused resort brand across exclusive destinations worldwide.

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 301 properties operating across 18 countries, including 57 properties under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which manages a collection of luxury villas in Goa.This December, Dusit Hotels and Resorts will officially re-enter India with the soft opening of dusitD2 Fagu, in the forested Himalayan foothills near Shimla.

Four additional Dusit-branded hotels are planned for Karnataka, set to open in mid-2026.

Thai hospitality meets Indian serenity

Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz said of the agreement: “We are delighted to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Sakleshpur, where we see a perfect alignment between the area’s serene natural beauty and the holistic essence of Devarana – Dusit Retreats.This beautiful destination is an ideal fit for our luxury, wellness-focused brand, which is dedicated to creating bespoke healing and transformational experiences in stunningly curated, private sanctuaries around the globe. With Devarana Sakleshpur, we look forward to offering our guests a unique wellness journey that enriches the mind, body, and soul while honouring Karnataka state’s pristine environment and rich cultural heritage.”

Shravanthi Hotels’ executive director Santosh Balakrishna added: “Dusit’s commitment to authentic, transformative wellness experiences perfectly complements our vision for this unique project. With over three decades of experience in real estate and nearly two decades in hospitality, Shravanthi Group has developed a deep expertise in developing global standards of infrastructure while understanding modern travellers’ needs and requirements for rejuvenation and wellness-focused retreats. With Dusit’s expertise, we are confident that Devarana Sakleshpur Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat will offer an elevated stay experience that blends luxury and well-being to deliver a deep, meaningful connection with the destination, appealing to discerning travellers seeking renewal and inspiration in the serene beauty of Karnataka’s Western Ghats.”

A luxuriously relaxing retreat

Designed to deliver meaningful and transformative stay experiences for discerning domestic and international travellers, Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat will feature 75 luxurious villas and suites, ranging from 47 to 90 square metres, with 25 units also offering private plunge pools.

Guests will enjoy exclusive wellness facilities, including a dedicated Devarana Wellness Centre with a movement studio, gym, and herbal steam room.

A wellness consultation service and personalised programmes will be available to cater to guests on different wellness paths.

Additional facilities include an expansive infinity pool, a speciality restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine, and an all-day dining venue offering nutritious culinary delights.

Meditation in the heart of spice country

Located in the picturesque Western Ghats, a four-hour drive from Karnataka’s capital, Bangalore, Sakleshpur is known for its lush coffee, tea, and spice plantations, ancient temples, and beautiful trekking trails through the Bisle Reserve Forest, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot.

Popular attractions near the upcoming Devarana Sakleshpur retreat include the star-shaped Manjarabad Fort with panoramic mountain views, and Jenukallu Gudda peak, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Sea.

Mangalore International Airport is 130 km away, and Sakleshpur Railway Station is a short 20 km from the property.

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The post Airport Dimensions teams up with Vietnamese firm SASCO appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Airport experience firm Airport Dimensions recently entered a partnership with Vietnamese airport commercial services provider Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO).

This collaboration will leverage each organisation’s expertise to solidify and further enhance the market leading position in Vietnam. 

The first project delivered through this partnership will be the refurbishment of the Rose Lounge at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

What the agreement entails

Airport Dimensions will partner with SASCO on lounges throughout Vietnam, bringing world-class operational expertise to support the country’s growing status as a regional hub for business and tourism. 

This three-way collaboration will unite world-class operational excellence with expert local stakeholders to enhance the airport experience as Vietnam opens up to increased international investment, in line with the forecast from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that Vietnam is expected to become the 5th fastest-growing aviation market globally by 2035 with an estimated 150 million passengers projected to travel through its airports annually.

Regional expansion

This partnership with SASCO is part of Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy of rapid expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market. 

This latest project follows the successful opening of the Kyra Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in its growth across the region. With every new acquisition and partnership, 

Airport Dimensions continues to build its reputation for delivering world-class airport experiences tailored to the unique demands of each market. 

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The post New Ubuy study shows which countries make travellers feel like strangers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A new study by Ubuy ranked countries where visitors are most likely to feel like a stranger, based on key factors like English proficiency, friendliness, and safety.  

The key metrics analysed were English proficiency, friendliness rank, and safety index. 

Some other metrics, such as annual international tourist arrivals and the number of emigrants, were included in the content. In the end, a composite score was calculated to rank the countries. 

Higher scores indicated a greater likelihood of feeling like a stranger, helping identify countries where travellers may face challenges in communication, friendliness, and safety.

A spokesperson from Ubuy remarked: “When travelling, language, safety, and local friendliness play crucial roles in shaping the experience. This research highlights how some countries, despite their vibrant cultures and popular tourist spots, can still feel foreign and challenging for visitors. It’s essential to understand that language barriers, especially in countries with low English proficiency, can greatly impact how integrated or isolated a traveller feels.”

Interestingly, even the most popular destinations might feel less welcoming than anticipated, depending on safety levels and differing levels of friendliness, 

For anyone planning an international trip, experts advise that they consider not just the usual tourist attractions, but to also prepare for potential challenges in communication and cultural integration to make the journey more enjoyable and stress-free.

Where travellers feel wary

Thailand tops the list as the country where visitors are most likely to feel like outsiders, with a composite score of 98.9. Its very low English proficiency index of 416 means communication can be a serious challenge. Even though Thailand ranks high in friendliness, the language barrier and a moderate safety index of 62.2 can leave tourists feeling disconnected and out of their comfort zone. Despite the warm smiles, fully integrating into the local scene might still be tough.

The United Arab Emirates ranks second with a composite score of 96.9. Its low English proficiency score of 486 and friendliness rank of 18th make it less welcoming for travelers who aren’t familiar with the local culture or language. The country also sees fewer international tourists than others on the list, with 8.1 million annual arrivals.

Mexico is in third place with a score of 89.9. Despite being one of the most friendly destinations, Mexico’s low English proficiency index of 451 and its infamously low safety index of 46.3 might make you think twice. Additionally, Mexico has the second-highest number of emigrants, with 11,185,737 people seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Indonesia ranks fourth with a composite score of 83.9. The country has some real communication challenges with its low English proficiency index of 473. Add to that a moderate safety index of 54.0 and a relatively low number of tourists, and you might struggle to connect with locals and fellow travelers.

China takes the fifth spot with a composite score of 77.4. Despite its booming tourism industry, China’s low English proficiency index of 464 and a friendliness rank of 25th could make it tough to navigate. The high safety index might offer some comfort, but the language barrier remains an obstacle, leaving you feeling more alien than an adventurer.

Vietnam comes in sixth with a composite score of 74.7, striking a balance between welcoming and challenging. Its moderate English proficiency index of 505 means communication is a bit easier than in some other countries on the list, but it’s far from effortless. Despite a high friendliness rank of 5th, the safety index of 58.2 and relatively low tourist numbers (just 3.8 million annually) could leave you feeling like you’re exploring a beautiful but somewhat isolating destination. 

Japan ranks seventh with a score of 72.7. Despite having a high safety index of 77.3, its low English proficiency score of 457 and a friendliness rank of 36th make it a bit challenging for travelers who don’t speak Japanese. Japan attracts around 4.1 million tourists yearly, but visitors might feel less integrated due to language and cultural differences.

Brazil is eighth, with a composite score of 69.8. Although it ranks 2nd in friendliness, its low English proficiency index of 487 and the lowest safety index of 34.9 among the top countries may deter some visitors. It welcomes 6.4 million tourists annually, but safety concerns and language barriers could pose challenges.

India ranks ninth on the list with a composite score of 67.6. While its moderate English proficiency index of 504 might make communication easier, visitors could still feel out of sync. Despite attracting a significant 17.9 million tourists annually, India’s friendliness rank of 20th and safety index of 55.7 suggests it may not be as welcoming as expected. Interestingly, India also has the highest number of emigrants at 17,869,492, which could reflect the desire of many to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Turkey rounds out the top ten with a composite score of 58.9. Turkey might draw 16 million tourists annually, but with a low English proficiency index of 493 and a friendliness rank of 26th, you could easily find yourself lost in translation. Its moderate safety index of 59.0 doesn’t exactly help with feeling at home, either.

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The post RocketRez revolutionises guest communication for tours and attractions with Relay appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Canadian tours and attractions platform developer RocketRez is slated to launch a new communication automation platform on Tuesday, 12th November.

Named Relay, the platform is designed to revolutionise how attractions interact with guests.

RocketRez Relay will enable attraction operators to automate and personalise guest communication at every stage of the guest journey, from booking confirmations to real-time updates and even post-activity feedback requests, using workflows administered from a central console and messages delivered through SMS. 

This powerful tool enhances guest satisfaction, increases revenue through targeted upsell opportunities, and reduces operational overhead by automating routine communication tasks.

A need to simplify communication

RocketRez CEO John Pendergrast believes that Relay serves an immediate need in simplifying communication for tours and attractions, but also represents a step forward toward a longer-term vision.

Pendergast said: “Today’s Relay is all about simplifying communications, but that’s just the beginning. We want to focus on making communication between guests and attractions operators more seamless, but as we release more features, you’ll see that our broader goal is much bigger.”

He explained that he and his team are also looking at insights to help operators understand their data better in order to make informed decisions.

The new platform’s key features

Among the features built into Relay are:

• Automated Messaging Workflows that allow operators to tailor every message to fit the guest’s journey, ensuring they feel engaged and informed from the moment they book until they leave;
• AI-Powered Workflow Builder that intelligently analyses your website for key
• information, creating customised messaging sequences that fit your operations to save time and ensure every guest receives the right message at the right moment;
• Real-Time Updates that allow an attraction’s employee to send guests a direct
• message through SMS at any point in the journey; and
• Targeted Upsell Opportunities to allow attractions to drive additional revenue with personalised offers for dining, merchandise, membership upgrades, and more.

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