The post IATA and ASA Strengthen Cooperation  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport  Services Association (ASA) are strengthening their collaboration to improve ground handling safety and efficiency. Together, the organizations will work to reinforce standardization, promote safety  data sharing, and explore new approaches to enhance sector resilience.

“Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA and its members have been pivotal in helping  develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today. By sharing data, we will be able to  support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions. Maximizing the impact of data relies  on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective  insights,” said Nick Careen, Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety and Security at IATA.

“This partnership is a significant milestone that leverages the expertise of both IATA and ASA. By  coordinating our approach, we will ensure more robust support for ground and cargo handling  professionals worldwide. Our goal is to ensure that standards and best practices are in place that the  entire industry can rely on,” said Fabio Gamba, ASA’s Director General.

IATA and ASA collaboration will include:

• Safety Data: Through ASA’s Safety Incident Database and IATA’s Incident Data Exchange (a  part of IATA’s Global Aviation Data Management—GADM—initiative), both organizations will  share and analyze safety information to proactively address safety issues related to ground  and cargo handling.
• Industry Standards: ASA will continue to work with IATA in the development of industry best  practices and standards related to ground and cargo handling, taking advantage of relevant  data. In particular, this work will focus on key documents such as the IATA Ground Operations  Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), their adoption by the industry and  reduction of variations.

 

 

The post IATA and ASA Strengthen Cooperation  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Holidaymakers owed £44.7 million in refunds for little-known fee appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

UK travellers could be owed an estimated £44.7 million in refunds for Air Passenger Duty (APD), according to new research. The study says that around one in 10 Brits could be eligible, but more than three-quarters (77%) of these travellers are unaware they might be owed a refund. In this case, it means millions potentially going unclaimed from airlines.^[1][2]

The figures come from Go.Compare, which asked Brits about their travel experiences over the last year to find out how many could be owed a refund. It then multiplied this by the average APD paid per passenger to uncover how much flyers could be entitled to.

APD, sometimes referred to as airport tax, is an excise tax on flights from the UK designed to raise funds for the government and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport. Although airlines are required to pay the tax, the expense is often passed on to the customer in the ticket price.

However, the tax is only payable once the traveller has flown, meaning anyone who bought a ticket but then didn’t travel should be able to claim back the tax – even on a non-refundable ticket.

The insurance comparison site says that only a third of Brits have heard of APD. As a result, 3.6 million UK adults could be owed the refund without them even realising, equal to a small fortune in unclaimed repayments. Now it’s urging travellers to check if they could be entitled to claim their money back.

Holidaymakers could be reimbursed for the tax if they missed a flight and had to buy a second ticket, cancelled a booking for a non-refundable plane ticket or didn’t fly because their flight was cancelled. Eligible travellers could be owed up to £224 depending on the destination and flight class of their journey, and can claim by contacting the airline and providing their trip details.

Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at Go.Compare, says: “Very few travellers know what Air Passenger Duty is and understand how it works. This means millions could be entitled to some money from their airline without even realising it.

“Your eligibility for the refund and how much you can claim depends on the circumstances of your trip, so you will need to check if you’re entitled to anything first. Keep in mind that you’ll likely only be refunded if you didn’t travel, so if you were placed on another flight as a result of a cancellation, for instance, you probably won’t be eligible, since you still flew.

“But, if for example you missed your flight and had to buy another ticket for a later departure, you could claim back the tax on the original ticket, as you paid the APD twice but only flew once. Some airlines do impose a deadline and an admin fee to claim, which can mean it isn’t worthwhile for some trips, but not all of them do this, so it’s worth looking into for your journey.

“You won’t be able to claim for any knock-on expenses as a result of an incomplete journey here either, that’s what your travel insurance is for. But, it’s a great way to take the sting out of a disappointing day at the airport.”

 

The post Holidaymakers owed £44.7 million in refunds for little-known fee appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Banyan Group establishes its Rewilding Banyan Fund appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, sustainable hospitality pioneer Banyan Group announced the establishment of its Rewilding Banyan Fund. 

As of 1st November, USD $1 from every direct booking of Banyan Group’s hotels and resorts will be pledged to the new fund, supporting long-term rewilding efforts to restore natural habitats in destinations where the Group operates.  

Building upon the success of the rewilding initiative piloted at Laguna Phuket in 2023, where 7,500 saplings from 84 native species were planted to create high-density, self-sustaining bio-diverse pocket forests, the new fund will drive the expansion of the Group’s rewilding efforts to at least 10 more destinations.

Banyan Group will continue working with rewilding specialists, SUGI, as a partner for various pocket forest projects in the pipeline.

Part of the brand’s history

According to Banyan Group deputy CEO Ho Ren Yung, rewilding is deeply rooted in the hospitality group’s history. 

Ho said: “The land of our flagship Banyan Tree resort in Phuket was rehabilitated from a barren tin mine into a lush sanctuary through an extensive clean up and tree planting efforts, laying the foundation for our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

That said, the Rewilding Banyan Fund now gives Banyan Group the opportunity to do the same with even more communities around the world, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world for a long time to come.

SUGI founder and chief executive Elise Van Middelem added: “Banyan Group’s commitment to responsible stewardship is closely aligned with SUGI’s goal to build biodiversity, climate resilience and wellbeing in communities. Following the successful pilot at Laguna Phuket, we are hopeful that our collaborative effort will drive lasting, positive impact on the environment and communities around the world, one pocket forest at a time.”

The Rewilding Banyan Fund joins Banyan Group’s collection of sustainability initiatives, among them, the Green Imperative Fund, which was established in 2001 to support environmental and community projects across the Group’s global portfolio. Together, both funds will support Banyan Group’s founding ethos and commitment of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.

(Images all courtesy of SUGI)

The post Banyan Group establishes its Rewilding Banyan Fund appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Frasers Hospitality opens its first hotel residence in Northern Vietnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Frasers Hospitality announced the opening of Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen, its first hotel residence in the Vinh Phuc province of Northern Vietnam. 

Centrally located in the heart of the city’s old quarters, it is the preferred address for urban dwellers in search of flexibility and comfort with easy access to authentic local experiences.

Ideal for exploring all that the city has to offer, Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen features 88 fully furnished serviced apartments comprising studios and one- to three-bedroom units, which are well-equipped with a kitchenette, separate large living and dining areas for both business and leisure travellers alike. 

For absolute peace of mind, the brand’s renowned hospitality excellence is evident in its 24/7 reception, security and concierge team, as well as housekeeping services.

Frasers Hospitality CEO Eu Chin Fen said of the Modena: “As we continue to drive growth in Vietnam, we are excited to introduce the distinctive experience of the Modena by Fraser brand to Vinh Yen. The launch of our third brand in Vietnam complements our existing portfolio in Hanoi to provide enriched living experiences for today’s travellers.

An excellent location

Home to thriving industrial parks as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam, Vinh Yen is in the northern part of the country and a 50-minute drive from Hanoi. 

A vibrant city known for its rich history, and stunning landscapes, guests visiting this vibrant city can look forward to the picturesque scenery of the breathtaking Tam Dao Mountain range and tranquil Dai Lai Lake. 

This provincial capital is also home to numerous cultural and historical sites, such as the Vinh Son Pagoda and the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel.  

Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen’s strategic location provides myriad leisure activities for an enriching weekend getaway.

Foodies will enjoy exploring the famed Kim Ngoc Food Street, which offers a range of delicious street foods and snacks.

Avid golfers will appreciate the short 30-minute drive to three of the largest golf courses in Vinh Phuc, namely Thanh Lang Valley Golf & Resort; Dai Lai Golf Club; and Tam Dao Golf & Resort. 

Other amenities are easily accessible, such as supermarkets, Vinh Yen train station, and the Noi Bai International Airport, which is a mere 46-minute drive.

Great amenities for everyone to enjoy

The all-day dining restaurant, Yên Ả Café & Dining, offers a diverse menu of local and international cuisine, complemented by a selection of signature bubble teas inspired by the rich history and flavours of Vietnam, making it a versatile place for corporate events, evening cocktails, and business meetings. 

Gone are the days when movie lovers must travel to Hanoi to catch blockbusters from the silver screen: Beta@Modena, the first and only cinematic experience in Vinh Yen, will bring entertainment and pop culture closer to the local community with its seating capacity of 160.

Other thoughtful amenities include an outdoor pool and two sauna rooms while fitness enthusiasts can look forward to an invigorating workout at the 24-hour gym. 

Families travelling with young children will enjoy the Kids’ Playzone, an indoor play area for children 12 years and below.

The post Frasers Hospitality opens its first hotel residence in Northern Vietnam appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai offers omakase dining for the holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As part of this year’s holiday celebration, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai presents an exclusive four-hands omakase experience at its signature Japanese restaurant, NAYUU. 

From 25 to 31 December, chef Alex Moranda of NAYUU will join forces with visiting chef Quynh Brown of The Dandy Collection in Singapore to curate an exemplary menu that promises to delight discerning palates. 

The intimate omakase counter at NAYUU will play host to this rare partnership, inviting diners to witness two master chefs at the peak of their craft.

The Nam Hai’s general manager Marcel Oostenbrink said of this culinary collaboration: “We are thrilled to bring together two exceptional talents who share a passion for pushing boundaries while respecting culinary traditions. This special collaboration is set to take our guests on a unique journey of discovery this festive season.”

Dinner and a show

Framed by striking views of the Central Vietnamese coast, NAYUU puts culinary artistry centre stage, merging the liveliness of yakiniku, Japan’s famed grilled meat cuisine, with the theatre of omakase, a face-to-face dining experience that leaves the details “up to the chefs.”

Taking their seats at the counter, guests are invited to surrender to Morada and Brown’s expertise and creativity. 

Each dish is freshly prepared and personally presented by the culinary maestros themselves, immersing diners in a refined and interactive dialogue of tastes, textures and stories.

The 14-course omakase menu, priced at VND 6,800,000 nett, is an evolving showcase of seasonal ingredients, expertly selected and crafted into dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavourful. 

Each evening offers two seating options: 5:30 to 7:30 pm and 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot.

The post Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai offers omakase dining for the holidays appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post SKIL Events hosts grand launch of Bürkert’s 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Pune appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SKIL Events, a player in India’s event management industry, recently orchestrated the grand launch of Bürkert’s expansive new 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Talegaon, Pune. Bürkert, an innovative name in fluid control systems since 1946 and active in India since 2005, marked this milestone event attended by over 200 guests, including global leadership, employees, and esteemed clients from across India.

Bürkert’s new facility emphasizes its strategic growth in India, complementing existing offices in Chennai, Pune, and Gujarat, and expanding the company’s production capacity. SKIL Events meticulously planned the inauguration over three months, managing all aspects from travel and logistics to a seamless event experience. International guests were treated to immersive cultural tours of Mumbai, allowing them to experience India’s rich heritage firsthand.

The grand event on October 16, 2024, featured thoughtful details at every touchpoint. Guests were greeted by traditional Dhol drummers, setting a festive tone for the day. A Ganesh Pooja ceremony followed, symbolizing prosperity, and the ribbon-cutting signalled the official start of operations. The celebration included a tree-planting ceremony, underscoring Bürkert’s commitment to sustainability.

Entertainment was lively and engaging, with emcee Tanya Narang, a prominent industry figure, bringing energy and cohesion to the day’s proceedings. Guests were further captivated by a high-energy dance performance from Piyush Malhotra Dance Studio (PMDS), featuring IIFA performers and a celebrity troupe. The performances not only provided entertainment but also celebrated the region’s vibrant culture.

In alignment with Bürkert’s dedication to community impact, the event concluded with a CSR team-building activity, where the global leadership team assembled bicycles later donated to a local NGO. This initiative highlighted Bürkert’s focus on social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the local community.

Reflecting on the successful event, Sadiq Khan, Managing Director,  Bürkert shared, “SKIL Events brought our brand vision to life, offering our stakeholders a rich cultural experience and a commitment to sustainability. This new facility in Pune strengthens our ability to meet growing demand across industries, from water treatment to automation.”Ramanpreet Singh, Vice President, SKIL Events added, “We were honored to partner with Bürkert on this meaningful occasion. From seamless logistics to showcasing India’s rich heritage, every detail was crafted to create an impactful event. Integrating cultural, entertainment, and CSR elements made it a truly memorable day for all involved.”

Bürkert’s excellence in manufacturing fluid control systems has inspired many industries across the world right from Pharmaceuticals to Biotech. The new facility in Pune will aid the firm in bolstering its pioneering position in meeting the growing needs of customers in India and overseas.

 

The post SKIL Events hosts grand launch of Bürkert’s 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Pune appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Philippine province of Biliran to promote Higatangan Island as cruise destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The first visit of a cruise ship to Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran inspired its local government unit to step up its effort to draw more tourists to the picturesque island.

The local government reported on Monday, 4th November, that Australian expedition cruise firm Coral Expeditions’ Coral Geographer visited Higatangan Island on Thursday, 31st October, with 40 Australian guests on a cultural immersion experience.

In a statement, the local government said: “[We aspire] to promote [the island’s] esteemed attractions not only throughout the Philippines but also to a global audience, as Higatangan Island is truly a source of pride for us.”

Upon the guests’ arrival, locals offered them halo-halo, a popular local iced dessert, in coconut shells as a warm introduction to the locals’ hospitality, according to the Department of Tourism.

The guests joined the Tangan-Tangan Festival, where young dancers showcased Higatangan’s heritage. They also observed and experienced mat weaving, relaxing herbal massage, traditional fishing, traditional boodle fight, and relaxing on the iconic sandbar.

Higatangan is an island within Naval, the capital town of Biliran province. It has two villages, Mabini and Libertad, with a population of around 2,000 people.

The island is popular for its shifting sandbar; the Capilla del Mar, an underwater chapel with a 12-foot cross and eight benches that represent the eight municipalities of the province; a cliff diving spot; as well as areas suitable for scuba diving.

The post Philippine province of Biliran to promote Higatangan Island as cruise destination appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post SITA digital travel solutions revolutionise passenger experience at Singapore Cruise Centre appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel and transport technologies developer SITA is set to revolutionise the ferry passenger experience in Singapore with its digital travel solutions.

SITA recently signed an agreement with the Singapore Cruise Center (SCC) to revamp the passenger experience at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) and HarbourFront Ferry Terminal (HFFT). 

As part of this project SITA will deliver its advanced technology solutions, Smart Path hardware and Flex as a Service, to SCC.

SITA president in the Asia Pacific Sumesh Patel said: “Seamless travel, by air, sea, or land will be one of the drivers of growth for the travel and transport industry, with transport hubs seeing a need to quickly digitise their infrastructure to remain ahead of the curve. At SITA, we help these transport hubs do just that through our innovative solutions. Singapore Cruise Centre is a clear example of this, as it shows how technology can make passenger processing more efficient, secure, and enjoyable.”

What does the agreement include?

The project involves the installation of 45 SITA Smart Path Kiosks across both terminals, also providing a platform for biometric authentication implementation in the future as part of OneID initiative. 10 SITA Smart Path Bag Drop solutions will streamline the bag check-in process with SITA’s cutting-edge TS6 Kiosks, and 13 new SITA Smart Path Gates will be used for efficient boarding procedures.

SCC will integrate its new cloud-based Departure Control System (Cruise and Ferry Operation System) via SITA Flex. This project will significantly improve passenger processing capabilities and unlock future possibilities for the maritime passenger industry.

SITA’s Smart Path technology, including biometric-ready kiosks, self-bag drop, and gates, will modernise the passenger experience at TMFT and HFFT. 

SCC is also adopting SITA’s Flex as a Service across all passenger processing touchpoints, which enables agile and responsive passenger processing, and creates a platform for SCC to build custom passenger-facing applications. 

The upgraded ferry terminals, which serve as Singapore’s gateway to the Riau Islands and south-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, are expected to handle over 7 million passengers annually.

The post SITA digital travel solutions revolutionise passenger experience at Singapore Cruise Centre appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia