Archive for category: Uncategorized

New Vietnam Exposition Centre welcomes crowds for Independence Day exhibition

The post New Vietnam Exposition Centre welcomes crowds for Independence Day exhibition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

People from all over Vietnam flocked to the new Vietnam Exhibition Centre in Đông Anh District to view the commemorative exhibition 80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness

The event brought Vietnam’s history, its people, and recent achievements to life, drawing tens of thousands of visitors in the opening week.

The exhibition’s appeal may be attributed to the Centre’s unique role: not only is it the largest facility of its kind in Southeast Asia, covering nearly 90 hectares, but it also stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam, a nation that endured decades of war and hardship yet has risen to remarkable growth throughout this historic journey.

Beyond its impressive scale and modern architecture, the Centre embodies Vietnam’s aspirations for international integration and innovation. 

It signifies an openness to hosting world-class conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, a core aspect fuelling Vietnam’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector and growing cultural industries. 

Likewise, it notably carries the mark of Vingroup, the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam, which envisions the Centre not only as an iconic landmark, but also as a “bridge” connecting Vietnamese enterprises with the global business community through world-class exhibitions and trade fairs.

The way to a new centre

The journey to build this modern infrastructure for the capital began with the Prime Minister’s approval in 2015, with the goal of meeting the demand for large-scale events. 

The site was strategically chosen at the northeastern gateway of Hanoi, providing easy access to Nội Bài International Airport and major transportation routes, making it convenient for both domestic and international guests.

The importance of this location is further underscored by the upcoming launch of the Tu Lien Bridge, a key infrastructure project spanning the Red River, which will provide a fast connection between the city center and the exhibition complex. 

This will give the Centre a major advantage in terms of accessibility, making it a convenient destination for large-scale national and international events.

One distinctive aspect of the project is its blend of tradition and modernity. The Center stands on land closely tied to the ancient Co Loa Citadel, a historic site associated with legends of Vietnam’s founding and defense. 

In just over ten months of accelerated construction, cutting the original timeline in half, a striking 24,000-tonne steel dome was completed, marking new standards for Vietnam’s construction industry and a spirit of innovation in infrastructure development.

The post New Vietnam Exposition Centre welcomes crowds for Independence Day exhibition appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Business travel gets a boost with 45% of corporates projected to spend more in FY26: FCTG

The post Business travel gets a boost with 45% of corporates projected to spend more in FY26: FCTG appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) corporate landmark global State of the Market survey* has revealed that 45 per cent of customers intend to increase their travel spend versus last year – a three per cent uplift when compared to FY25 intentions.  Overall, for flagship businesses FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, nine per cent of customers surveyed intend to spend over 20 per cent more on their travel, 36 per cent plan to increase by up to 20 per cent more, and 37 per cent believe the amount spent will be similar to last year. In comparison, only eight per cent anticipate reducing.

In the EMEA specifically, customers intending to spend more on travel lifted from 39 per cent in FY25 to 46 per cent in FY26. Perhaps more significantly, the intention to reduce travel spend this year versus last year dropped from 21 per cent to just seven per cent.

It follows the release of end-of-financial-year results to the Australian Securities Exchange. The results showed that FCTG achieved a record total transaction value (TTV) of AUD$24.5 billion, up three per cent year-on-year (YOY) in a challenging global trading cycle, and an AUD$289.1 million UPBT, at the midpoint of the recently revised range.

The corporate business again delivered a record TTV of AUD$12.3 billion, up two per cent YOY, with FCM Travel securing a large pipeline of new accounts, expanding addressable markets, and set to benefit from industry consolidation. Corporate Traveller is also set to become a AUD$5 billion-per-year TTV business and outperform in the large US market.

FCTG Global Corporate CEO Chris Galanty stated that the survey findings indicated customers had a brighter outlook for the new financial year, with some macroeconomic challenges now easing globally.

“There’s no question corporate travel is deemed to be a non-discretionary spend for businesses as a critical facet to surviving and thriving worldwide – this is now evidenced by a significant percentage of our customers planning to increase their travel spend in FY26,” said Galanty.

“These figures paint a positive picture for the world of business travel in the new financial year.

“Significant technology advancements in AI through our Centre of Excellence, combined with an uplift in the utilisation of FCM Platform and Melon, have enabled us to automate the ordinary, allowing us to provide our customers with the extraordinary.

“Companies, whether they be large multi-nationals, SMEs or start-up businesses, are vital to economies across the globe, and it’s with great pride that we get to deliver our unique blend of the expertise of our people and our innovative technology to service them in their aspirations.”

FCTG Managing Director EMEA, Steve Norris, said there were several highlights and milestones across the corporate businesses for FY25.

“The FCM UK business experienced another solid year of growth (15 per cent year-on-year), and we’re excited by the implementation pipeline that’s on its way. Our specialist divisions of FCM Meetings & Events and Stage, Screen and Sports also enjoyed European growth,” Norris said.

“Positive macro-economic milestones are on the horizon, like the ratification of the UK-USA trade deal, meaning that businesses will need to ramp up their travel to ensure they are ‘first’ in what is ultimately a contact sport to secure new contracts and deals. “Our productive operations projects across Europe are almost complete – this has freed up our people to do what they do best – servicing our customers to the highest possible standard.

“Productivity has jumped in many areas, and our focus on living by our ingrained Family, Village, Tribe structure means our subject matter experts are more empowered to make much quicker decisions – allowing them to shine alongside our FCM Platform and Melon technologies.”

 

 

 

The post Business travel gets a boost with 45% of corporates projected to spend more in FY26: FCTG appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Launch Interline Partnership

The post EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Launch Interline Partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Co. have entered a new interline agreement effective immediately. This collaboration now connects EVA Air passengers in four key cities: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Chicago (ORD) to other cities in the United States with Southwest Airlines’ extensive network. The partnership expands connectivity across the United States and provides travelers with increased convenience and access to a wider range of destinations.

This strategic agreement creates an integrated network across the participating gateway airports of both airlines. Passengers can now book a single itinerary including flights operated by both carriers, with coordinated ticketing and through-checked baggage service to their final destination. Travelers will also receive boarding passes for all segments of their journey at the first point of departure, making connections more straightforward and efficient.

“This partnership positions EVA Air for long-term growth in an evolving market by combining resources with Southwest Airlines,” said EVA Air America Head Office Executive Vice President Andrew Su. “Together, we’re streamlining operations, connecting with a broader range of travelers, and responding more swiftly to changing market needs. Beyond simply adding flight options, we are dedicated to reimagining how we serve our passengers and providing travel experiences that are more personalized, more flexible, and thoughtfully designed around their needs.”

“Our relationship with EVA Air brings new opportunities for access between Asia and the United States through our unmatched domestic network,” said Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson. “We’re grateful for this new partnership and the additional dimension it brings to our ongoing work to bring more choice in travel experiences with global reach.”

Beyond facilitating travel logistics, this interline partnership aims to offer competitive fares and broaden access in key routes, enhancing transpacific options for travelers throughout the United States. Now in effect, tickets are available through EVA Air’s website, booking platforms, or major travel agency platforms. Through a unified booking process, customers can access interconnected networks that link major cities in the U.S. and Asia, unlocking new travel opportunities. Through its key U.S. gateways in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago, the partnership connects customers with Southwest Airlines flights to more than 30 destinations, including Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Tampa, Baltimore, and more.

EVA Air currently offers 89 weekly flights to major cities in the U.S. and Canada, making it the Taiwanese airline with the most destinations and frequent flights in North America. By the end of the year, this number will reach 94 weekly flights. Through our partnership with Southwest Airlines, passengers will have access to more than 100 cities across the United States, delivering comprehensive air services to a global customer base.

 

 

 

 

The post EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Launch Interline Partnership appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

ATPI Invests in Asia to Support the Region’s Growing Businesses 

The post ATPI Invests in Asia to Support the Region’s Growing Businesses  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Asia Pacific continues to lead the worldwide market for corporate travel,  with the region generating US$506.6 billion in 2024 – a figure expected to reach US$851.3 billion by 2033  with a 5.64% compounded annual growth rate from 2025 to 2033.  The region’s sustained growth performance has created a unique market opportunity that ATPI is  positioned to support through targeted expansion, including four new offices across India and planned  expansion in China and South Korea.

ATPI’s expansion directly addresses a critical market gap facing regional companies entering new markets:  the choice between local agencies lacking global reach or large travel management companies (TMCs)  where they often lack personal service. ATPI offers a balanced alternative—a travel partner specifically  designed for businesses navigating this middle ground. A high tech best of global & local technology  combined with local service support.

“Asia Pacific’s growth trajectory is growing steadily, accounting for more than 41% of global business travel  spend in 2024”, said Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI Asia. “This growth trajectory,  combined with increasingly sophisticated regional requirements, presents an exceptional opportunity for  companies that understand the nuances of rapid expansion in this dynamic market.”

“We are strategically positioned to serve rapidly expanding companies that require reliable, region-wide  travel support while demanding a partner with deep industry expertise and meticulous attention to detail – transforming travel from an operational challenge into a strategic enabler.”

Built for the Realities of Growth 

With an established track record across marine, energy, technology, and education sectors, ATPI has  earned the confidence of leading organisations including NVIDIA, Lumus Technologies and BW  Group, who rely on travel as a critical business function.

These clients, alongside others spanning the globe, benefit from detailed sector-specific insights and  customised solutions from one of the industry’s most experienced travel and event management  companies – securing a travel partner that enables growing companies to sustain and accelerate their  business momentum.

ATPI’s operational architecture is purpose-built for scale and consistency. Wholly-owned operations across  Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America ensure clients benefit from standardised travel policies,  comprehensive reporting, and unified duty of care across all locations, while local teams provide essential  market insight and cultural intelligence for successful market penetration. These specialised teams  possess deep sector expertise across key industries: we support critical sectors in Energy, Maritime,  Technology, Education to name a few.

This strategic approach eliminates the traditional compromise between global capability and local market  expertise.

A Different Kind of TMC 

What sets ATPI apart from local agencies and global travel giants is its ability to deliver enterprise-level  service without losing the flexibility and personalised approach that mid-sized businesses value. Key  advantages include:

Local Infrastructure, Global Reach 

ATPI combines a global network of more than 100 locations, a strong local presence in key Asian markets  and a supplier network of over 500 partners worldwide, enabling consistent business service. This ensures  the best rates, optimum multi-country itinerary management and complex travel regulation navigation, all  backed by teams that deliver local know-how with global reliability. The company’s insights in tech-driven  industries in mainland China, for example, will help boost travel demand in its AI, electric vehicle and  renewable energy sectors. In Indonesia, the ATPI office in Balikpapan is in the heart of the oil, gas, and  mining industries while the new offices in Chennai and Hyderabad taps into Southern India’s booming IT  sector.

Business Continuity from Regional Hubs 

Regional service centres in India and the Philippines operate 24/7, ensuring continuity even during  disruptions. These hubs handle everything from last-minute itinerary changes to complex travel challenges  to keep travellers supported at all times.

Tailored Technology that Works for You 

ATPI’s travel technology transcends one-size-fits-all approaches. Each application is meticulously  tailored to align with client structure, workflows, and strategic objectives, accelerating value realisation  with minimal friction. These advanced solutions deliver best-in-market, customised capabilities on an  integrated platform, contrasting with traditional single-platform solutions that function effectively in select  markets but fail in others. In a fast-evolving technological world, ATPI remains flexible in developing open  architecture on intelligent workflow systems designed to ease the entire travel workflow.

Integrated travel booking systems – Our customers want a travel platform that unites travel  managers, travellers and policy within an intelligent personalised booking experience. ATPI is  working with an architecture focused on integrated applications, flexibility and ease of use.

EventsHub – A comprehensive guest management platform utilising innovative technology and real time insights, managing everything from travel logistics and seamless communication to real-time  tracking within one intelligent, integrated system.

A Scalable Partnership 

Whether our customers are a small startup or a large multi-national organisation, ATPI offers a travel  programme that works for you and grows alongside customers success. A travel programme that expands into new markets or supports self-booking for one division and high touch service for another, enabling  businesses to focus on strategic objectives rather than investing valuable time, resources, and capital in  TMC transitions with each growth phase.

The post ATPI Invests in Asia to Support the Region’s Growing Businesses  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Get insights for the perfect ‘Holiday Happiness Formula’ 

The post Get insights for the perfect ‘Holiday Happiness Formula’  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

The formula for the perfect holiday has been revealed, with no fewer than 4.8 hours of sunshine, 6.1 hours of sleep and 2.2 hours of physical activity required to reach optimum happiness.  

The perfect holiday happiness formula

The new formula has been revealed by package holiday provider easyJet Holidays and Doctor of Happiness Andy Cope to help Brits capture every ounce of holiday happiness this summer.

Alongside sunshine, sleep and physical activity, research found for holiday happiness we need 3.9 hours away from our screens to help lower stress.

The research lifts the lid on when a holiday truly gets underway, with one in five (19%) saying they are in holiday mode as soon as their ‘out of office’ is on, while over a quarter (27%) believe it is from the moment you leave the house and almost one in 10 (8%) believe it is when you reach your destination.

And it takes Brits an average of two days to fully ‘switch off’ from work while on holidays, according to the study, with 4% even taking 7 days or more to truly wind down.

Dr Cope suggests that holiday happiness can be multiplied by the power of p, people, saying the optimum mix is 70% family time and 30% me time. Quality beats quantity, with the Happiness Doctor revealing that it’s not how much time you spend with loved ones, but how present and relaxed you are during it.

He also recommends nine hours of rest per day, three litres of water to improve overall brain function and mood and a small daily indulgence of a sweet treat by the pool – because you are on holiday after all.

In addition to the happiness formula, the top 10 holiday activities that make British holidaymakers happy have also been revealed:

Top 10 holiday activities 

  1. Going to the beach
  2. Swimming in the pool
  3. Visiting a cultural monument
  4. Trying the local cuisine
  5. Laying on a sun lounger
  6. Reading a book
  7. Watching a sunrise/sunset
  8. Exploring the local shops
  9. Capturing holiday moments on camera
  10. Going for a hike

Dr Andy Cope says: “Most people are living life fast, but we’re not necessarily living it well. Holidays give us all a chance to rest, rejuvenate and come back fully charged. Human brains are great at pre-living and re-living, which means we can start enjoying the holiday the moment it’s booked, and retain our happiness glow long after we get back.

The happiest holidays aren’t about ticking off sights, they’re about feeling relaxed, present, and a little bit more like ourselves. My prescription for holiday heaven: aim for 25°C-ish, with sunshine, a light breeze, lovely people and zero emails.”

Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet Holidays said: “At easyJet holidays, we believe the secret to a truly happy holiday lies in simplicity, inspiration, and ease. When you travel, you want to focus on what really matters –discovering new places, spending quality time with loved ones, and enjoying a well-deserved break from everyday life. That’s why we’re delighted to reveal the holiday happiness formula, which can easily be achieved on one of our brilliant holidays. With over 8,000 hotels to choose from, we offer an incredible range of options for relaxation, delicious cuisine, fantastic weather, rich culture, and activities to suit everyone.”

 

 

 

The post Get insights for the perfect ‘Holiday Happiness Formula’  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

IWTA interviews Carissa Nimah on “Balance in travel”

The post IWTA interviews Carissa Nimah on “Balance in travel” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

 

IWTA interviews Carissa Nimah on “Balance in travel”

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to hear their story, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!

 

NOMINATE SOMEONE

 

NOMINATE YOURSELF

 

 

The post IWTA interviews Carissa Nimah on “Balance in travel” appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

UNESCO x Royal Enfield returns with the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration in Himachal Pradesh

The post UNESCO x Royal Enfield returns with the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration in Himachal Pradesh appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

UNESCO and Royal Enfield announces the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration, a unique motorcycling expedition dedicated to documenting the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of the Indian Himalayan region. This year, the journey ventures to Himachal Pradesh, with a mission to explore and preserve 12 unique ICH practices through an immersive, rider-led documentation.

The expedition was flagged off by Shashank Gupta, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Shri Sidharth Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Theog, Himachal Pradesh on 27 August 2025 from the Himalayan Hub, Theog, Shimla. A select group of 20 rider-researchers will traverse the state’s scenic landscapes until October 9, 2025. Divided into four groups, the riders will interact with local communities, gaining firsthand insight into living traditions that have been passed down for generations.

The Great Himalayan Exploration will be captured in a four-part docuseries presented by National Geographic, offering audiences an intimate view of the riders’ journeys and the region’s cultural treasures.

Documenting Himachal’s Cultural Heritage

The 20 rider-researchers will follow four distinct routes across Himachal Pradesh, immersing themselves in local communities and documenting living traditions through video and immersive participant observation. Some of the traditions being documented include:

  • Himachali Dham: A traditional vegetarian festive feast prepared by hereditary Boti chefs, served in a fixed order on leaf plates during weddings and festivals.
  • Chamba Thaal: An ornate brass or metal platter, often embellished with traditional motifs, crafted in Chamba for religious or ceremonial occasions.
  • Kangra Paintings: An 18th–19th century miniature art form celebrated for its fine detailing and use of natural pigments and gold.
  • Kath-Kuni Architecture: An indigenous, earthquake-resistant construction style using interlocking deodar wood and stone beams without mortar.
  • Spiti Jewellery: Traditional silver and turquoise ornaments worn by Spiti women that reflect Tibetan influences and symbolic motifs.
  • Himachali Topi: A distinctive woollen cap with a colorful band, worn by men and representing regional identity.
  • Kullu Dussehra: A week-long international festival where over 300 village deities gather to honor Lord Raghunath, featuring grand processions and mass dance performances.

As defined by UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage is the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and sometimes individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage. Also called living cultural heritage, it is usually expressed in one of the following forms: oral traditions; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship.

 

 

The post UNESCO x Royal Enfield returns with the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration in Himachal Pradesh appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Onam, Malayalis’ iconic festival celebrations enrich Kerala

The post Onam, Malayalis’ iconic festival celebrations enrich Kerala appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Malayalis’ eagerly-awaited annual festival Onam stands out as one of the few celebrations in the world that blends mythology, veneration of nature  and cultural expressions in a captivating tapestry.  This year, the ten-day Onam season starts on August 26, bringing in its wake a zealously-preserved tradition celebrated by Malayalis since ancient times, cutting across social and economic barriers. The festival culminates with the ‘Thiruvonam’ Day on September  5.

Onam is defined by its beauty, grace, charm and inclusivity. Though at its core is a Hindu myth, Onam is a festival that blurs borderlines of faith and social rankings.

The festival is deeply ingrained in the socio-cultural ethos of Malayalis, whether they live in Kerala or in any part of the world.

Onam, which falls in the month of ‘Chingam’ in  the Malayalam calendar, comes after three months of southwest monsoon, with fresh shoots springing from the bowels of the Mother Earth.

For an agricultural community, which Kerala essentially was until not-so-distant past, the season implied the paddy harvest time, mainly the principal crop rice.

The Mahabali myth

Onam has a legend linked to it. The region comprising Kerala was eons ago ruled by the Asura King Mahabali. So ideal was his reign that the kingdom was like a paradise on earth— no trace of theft, deception or malice of any kind.

Could such a harmony allowed to be flourished in the mundane world?  Of course, it  made the Devas envious. They hatched plans to bring an end to the golden era. Instigated by them, Lord Vishnu transfigured into a dwarf (Vamana) and came down before Mahabali. Always keen to welcome guests, the king expressed his willingness to grant anything the visitor would request.

The dwarf asked for three steps of earth. Mahabali agreed. Ahead of taking his first step, Vamana suddenly grew in size to emerge like a titan.  Thus, his one foot covered the whole of earth, the second the whole of heaven. As there was no ground left, Mahabali offered his head for the Brahmin to place his foot on a third time. The emperor was stomped down to the netherworld (Patal).  Resolved to his downfall, the king asked for a favour: “Can I visit my subjects once a year?” Yes, said Vishnu generously. And, that’s Onam season, the homecoming of Mahabali every year, to be welcomed by his subjects with all honours.

Floral carpet

The most enduring and colourful image of Onam is the tradition of laying out floral carpets to welcome Mahabali. It is also known as ‘Atha Pookkalam’ as it starts at homes on the’Atham Day’ of the zodiac almanac, 10 days ahead of the Thiruvonam.

These days Onam has assumed a larger social dimension, with festivities spilling over to community cultural spaces. So, Pookkalam is laid out in schools, offices and even tech campuses.

A visitor to the state during the Onam is greeted with the Pookalam, laid out with a variety of flowers adorning the front yard of homes. Members of the families, including little ones, give full play of their aesthetic sensibility in making the floral carpet.

With fast-paced urbanisation turning vast swaths of land into concrete jungles, the flowers for pookkalam now mostly come from neighbouring states.

Onam Sadhya, the multi-dish feast 

The Onam Sadhya, the multi-dish feast served on plantain leaf, is a mouth-welling highlight of the festival. Traditionally, the Sadhya used to be prepared by women at homes, with menfolk lending a helping hand to fry banana chips and fritters.

The dishes, laid out in banana leaves,  are classically vegetarian. Rice, sambhar, avial, rasam , olan, erissery,  pappadam, fried banana chips and pickles make the list pretty long, along with savouries like sweet ‘pradhaman.’ In parts of the Malabar region (north Kerala)  fish and meat are added to enliven the menu.

These days, the full-course Sadhya with even the banana leaf to serve will get delivered at homes. Scores of restaurants and caterers make a roaring business during the season.

Onam Sadhya is available in major restaurants and star hotels during Onam in major cities in India and also in the Middle East, USA and UK.

Women at the centre of festivities

Onam has been a time for people to engage in arts and sports. The season see the return of many sporting traditions.

At a time when women were essentially home-makers, Onam was an occasion for them to give expression to their artistic talent, though essentially before the joint family audience.

There are choreographic expressions Kaikottikali, in which the dancers clap their hands in unison while moving clockwise and anti- clockwise rhythmically. The themes are drawn on from the Hindu mythology. However, an off-shoot of this in Christian houses is called Margamkali, where the lyrics are largely Biblical. The Islamic tap-and-sing tradition of DuffMuttu and Arbanakali  are also popular.

Sporting season for men and children

In parts of Kerala, Onam offers an occasion for men to display their physical prowess by engaging in a pastime fight called Onathallu, which has its body-fighting tactics borrowed from the martial art of Kalaripayattu. They also engage in many other rural sports like.

Community cultural spaces 

From homes grounds , these cultural expression have moved to community spaces. The State Government organises Onam Celebrations on a grand scale for a whole week in the state capital, district headquarters and cities and towns across the state. In suburban and rural areas, local cultural outfits take the lead in organising the festival.

Tourism Week Celebrations   

The season also see inflow of tourists to Kerala in large numbers. For hosting and taking them around the festival venues, the Tourism Department has made special arrangements.

“The week-long tourism festival organised by the government showcases the best of Kerala’s classical, folk and ethnic art forms. It provides an opportunity for hundreds of artists to perform in the capital city and centres across the state,” said Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas.

The Onam season also see a lot of tourist footfall in Kerala, where they can have a hands on feel of the eclectic culture of the people, the Minister added.

This year, the week-long Tourism Week Celebrations, organised by the Tourism Department, will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan at Thiruvananthapuram on September 3. The celebrations, dominated by cultural programmes, illumination of main thoroughfares and landmark buildings, will conclude with a grand colourful pageantry on September 9.

Boat races 

Onam is also the season of boat races. Kerala has a string of sprawling backwaters. Travancore, especially the rice-bowl of low-lying Kuttanad, has been a hub for boat races. The prime attraction is the chundanvallam: snake-boats with as much as 140 feet of length and accommodating 120 paddlers. There are smaller varieties of boats,  enabling women as well to contest.

Ironic twist

Though Onam is a festival that welcomes the return of Mahabali, in some regions the celebrations also get an ironic twist. For many, it is also an occasion to worship Maha Vishnu , who transfigured as Vamana to banish Mahabali to the nether world.

As part of this tradition, clay cubes that taper towards the tip are made, and floral offerings are made at the base. These are called Thrikkakarayappan or Onathappan. They represent, Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have ended the mythological Mahabali regime. But this in no way dampens the festive spirit whose focus is the visit of  Mababali.

 

 

The post Onam, Malayalis’ iconic festival celebrations enrich Kerala appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The Leela Hyderabad becomes a living canvas for Pochampally Ikat

The post The Leela Hyderabad becomes a living canvas for Pochampally Ikat appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In a tribute to the rich textile traditions of Telangana, The Leela Hyderabad presents a conscious celebration of craftsmanship and cultural heritage by integrating the iconic Pochampally Ikat into the fabric of its guest experience. From the attire of its associates to carefully curated design elements across the hotel, this initiative is a reflection of The Leela’s continued commitment to preserving and showcasing India’s artisanal legacy through contemporary expressions of Indian luxury.

Located in the heart of Banjara Hills, The Leela Hyderabad is the brand’s latest foray into one of India’s most dynamic cities—where tradition and innovation meet in equal measure. In keeping with The Leela’s ethos of celebrating India’s diverse culture, art, and heritage across each of its destinations, the hotel becomes a canvas that honours Telangana’s famed handloom traditions, most notably its globally renowned Ikat weave.

The region of Pochampally in Telangana has long been celebrated as the birthplace of a distinctive double Ikat weave that carries with it, centuries of tradition. Crafted through a complex tie-and-dye technique on both warp and weft threads before weaving, the Pochampally Ikat is known for its vivid patterns and mathematical precision. It is one of the few handloom traditions in the world to master this intricate process, placing it in the company of Japan’s Kasuri and Indonesia’s Patola.

In a move that goes beyond design storytelling, The Leela Hyderabad has consciously partnered with local weaving communities to commission handwoven Ikat textiles—replacing machine-made alternatives with bespoke fabrics that hold cultural and artistic value. These are thoughtfully incorporated into upholstery, drapery, ceremonial rituals, and most notably, the attire worn by associates at the hotel.

As part of this initiative, the hotel has introduced custom-woven Ikat sarees for all female associates to be worn during Aarthi, The Leela’s signature evening ritual, as well as during key events and celebrations. Male associates and members of the hotel’s leadership team also wear handcrafted Ikat ties and pocket squares, bringing a refined, sartorial elegance to their daily presence while honouring the heritage of the land they serve in.

“At The Leela Hyderabad, we are privileged to be custodians of a cultural legacy that continues to thrive through the hands of master weavers. By integrating Pochampally Ikat into the very rhythm of our hotel—be it through rituals, design, or attire—we seek to create a living tribute to the heritage of Telangana,” said Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, General Manager, The Leela Hyderabad.

As Hyderabad continues to emerge as a leading destination for innovation, business, and global enterprise, The Leela Hyderabad offers a rare balance—where modern sophistication is beautifully anchored in cultural integrity.

The post The Leela Hyderabad becomes a living canvas for Pochampally Ikat appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Scoot introduces new routes to Chiang Rai, Haneda, and Okinawa

The post Scoot introduces new routes to Chiang Rai, Haneda, and Okinawa appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier Scoot announced the launch of new flight services to Chiang Rai in Thailand, and Okinawa and Tokyo by way of Haneda on Thursday, 28th August. 

These flights will commence progressively between December 2025 and March 2026, offering more options for holidaymakers planning their year-end and new year travels.

Scoot CEO Leslie Thng said of the route expansion: “We are thrilled to expand Scoot’s network in Asia with new routes to Chiang Rai, Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda), offering our customers even more travel options. In addition, the upcoming increase in services to some cities will support stronger demand for air travel during the year-end and new year holiday periods. We will continue to look for opportunities to connect our customers to new travel experiences and memorable journeys with Scoot.”

New destinations

One-way economy class fares start from INR 17,500 to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Okinawa, and from INR 10,500 to Chiang Rai. 

With seamless connections via. Singapore, Indian travellers can now explore these destinations with Scoot.

The new flights are now available for booking via Scoot’s website, mobile application, and will be rolled out progressively through other channels.

With the launch of services to Chiang Rai, Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda), Scoot will operate 111 weekly flights to Thailand and 45 weekly flights to Japan. 

With the new additions to its network, the airline will operate to 76 destinations (including Singapore) across 18 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe.

Other developments

Aside from the new destinations, Scoot will be increasing flight frequencies within its network to support anticipated demand for air travel during the upcoming holiday periods.

Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, flights to Bangkok increased from 35 to 39 times weekly from August 2025. Ipoh will see increased services from 17 to 21 times weekly from November 2025. 

Chiang Mai will also see progressive increase in frequencies to 14 times weekly by December 2025, up from seven times weekly.

North Asia 

In North Asia, services to Tokyo (Narita) (via Taipei) will progressively increase to 14 times weekly from October 2025, up from 12 times weekly. Services to Sapporo (Hokkaido) (via Taipei) will also increase from four to seven times weekly from December 2025. 

Correspondingly, services between Singapore and Taipei will gradually increase from 23 to 25 times from October 2025 and 25 to 28 times from December 2025. 

Additionally, flights to Jeju will increase from five to seven times weekly from January 2026.

Europe 

In Europe, frequencies to Vienna will increase from three to four times weekly from March 2026.

The post Scoot introduces new routes to Chiang Rai, Haneda, and Okinawa appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia