The post Klook renews partnership with Wild Welfare appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Asian travel services platform Klook recently renewed its partnership with prominent international animal welfare charity Wild Welfare. 

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines the partnership’s commitment to promote responsible and ethical tourism practices. 

This significant collaboration will aim to elevate animal welfare standards within the travel and tourism sector; improving the standard of care and welfare of animals used for tourism across the world. 

Klook senior manager for sustainability Rebecca Keiller remarked:: “At Klook, we believe that travel should be a force for good. By renewing our partnership with Wild Welfare, we are reaffirming our commitment to promote responsible and ethical tourism practices. We are excited to continue working together to create a more sustainable and compassionate future for wild animals.” 

Likewise, Wild Welfare director Simon Marsh opined: “This partnership offers a unique opportunity to continue raising awareness of animal welfare issues within the tourism industry and to drive meaningful change. By working together, we can work towards making a positive and tangible difference to animals negatively affected by tourism activities around the globe.” 

By combining Klook’s global reach with Wild Welfare’s expertise, the two organisations are positioned to make a positive lasting impact on the lives of countless animals around the world. 

What is covered under the new understanding?

Expanding on the successful partnership, Wild Welfare will continue to offer educational resources, including webinars, to enhance Klook employees’ understanding of animal welfare best practices. 

The online programme trained participants how to recognise practices in which good animal welfare principles may be compromised within a touristic setting. Klook and Wild Welfare aim to leverage their combined expertise and influence to not only elevate welfare standards of partner location on the Klook platform, but also to drive positive change for the care and welfare of animals within the wider tourism sector. 

Both Klook and Wild Welfare are committed to continuing the development of staff training resources as the partnership grows. 

An evaluation process of partner activities featured on the Klook platform will also be developed. These assessments aim to highlight potential welfare concerns at listed facilities, in accordance with Klook’s animal protection policy. 

The initiative hopes to reassure customers that partner locations and tours are offering ethical and compliant experiences to tourists. Guidelines for these evaluations have been developed by Wild Welfare. 

Welfare-centric tourism

The partnership will continue to actively promote welfare-friendly tourism initiatives, such as responsible wildlife encounters, across Klook’s global platform. 

By increasing public awareness about the importance of making responsible choices, the programme hopes to encourage travelers to make informed decisions about the activities they pursue and the direct impact this may have on an animal’s welfare. 

This promotion of ethical tourism reaches across the board, from promoting responsible whale watching tours to the move away from traditional elephant riding experiences. 

Another key feature of this partnership will see Klook and Wild Welfare advocate for the development and implementation of stronger animal welfare regulations within tourism-related industries. 

This includes working with governments and associations to promote ethical practices, encouraging other travel agencies to adopt similar practices, and driving a broader shift towards sustainable options for tourists, when booking their next trip.

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The post Amanpulo presents new activities for October appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Amanpulo, an Aman Resort, in the Philippines announced a slew of new activities designed to further enrich the guest experience and celebrate the best of its spellbinding setting beginning October 2024.

These activities range from sumptuous culinary journeys to serene activities that are part of the Harmony by Nature retreat.

Along with this exciting new roster of activities, Amanpulo also introduces their new general manager Heinrich Morio who joined the team in May 2024. 

An international hotelier and an alumnus of the Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL, Morio comes to Amanpulo from Qatar, bringing over 25 years of experience leading hospitality teams across Asia and the Middle East.

Speaking on his appointment, Morio commented: “Harmony, kindness, fun, trust, and respect are essential ingredients for a positive work environment. These are the cornerstones of building a high-performance team, which in turn creates memorable guest experiences. I am humbled to join the Amanpulo team and bring this ethos to the shores of Pamalican.”

Adventurous dining options

Secluded locations for private picnics and romantic fine dining abound on the island, whether in an oceanfront cove or high on the hillside with views across the horizon. The cliff-top setting known as Gary’s Nest is one such venue, and several secret beachfront spots are also dotted around the coastline. It’s even possible to dine on the island’s runway, a one-of-a-kind setting for an evening under the stars. Enhancing its already extensive private dining offering, the resort is pleased to introduce a new Destination Dining Guide, designed to help guests curate personalised culinary journeys with effortless ease.

Choose from a collection of unique venues across the island, before selecting from a choice of new menus, with an option to suit every occasion. Awaken the senses with a multi-course Filipino feast; dine on fresh catch-of-the-day; or taste the island’s kitchen garden with a menu of vegetarian plates. There is also the opportunity to further enhance each menu, adding indulgent favourites such as lobster and A5 Waygu beef, perfect for celebrations. All that remains is to add a personal touch with music, entertainment and flowers, creating a personalised dining experience.

At the heart of the island is the resort’s convivial Clubhouse which welcomes a new culinary concept for the winter season ahead. Offering Filipino cuisine alongside Clubhouse classics and steaks, enjoy indoor or poolside dining in an ambiance enriched with solid wood columns and classic Filipino decor. Open all day, the Clubhouse is perfect for a nourishing breakfast, or a romantic evening serenaded by the soft sounds of a live guitar.

All set for active adventure

An exhilarating new experience on the Amanpulo runway, Go-Karting offers a unique way to embrace the beauty of the island’s surrounds. Guests aged eight and above can speed towards the horizon, feeling the rush of the breeze against their skin. While only ten-minutes in length, the experience leaves senses invigorated, and energy-levels lifted – ideal for families and groups.

The Amanpulo Climb, on the other hand, was designed to develop strength, flexibility, strategy and critical thinking, Amanpulo is pleased to introduce a new, state-of-the-art climbing wall, uniquely situated at the airport hangar. Guided by an expert, climbers of all levels and abilities can attempt a challenging ascent, with a mini climbing wall available for little ones also wishing to join the adventure. Standing at five metres tall, the wall is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with complimentary sessions available in the activity schedule on selected days.

Bubble up and unwind

Amanpulo’s renowned Kawayan Bar provides a serene and secluded spot for lounging, snorkelling and sunset cocktails, all while floating in the island’s turquoise waters. Reached by a short boat trip from Amanpulo’s shores, the entirely privatised Kawayan Bar Experience is now enhanced with the use of an iBubble watercraft, adding a new dimension to underwater adventures. With its dynamic controls, the iBubble allows guests to adjust their speed and effortlessly glide through the water, perfect for observing the rich marine life that surrounds.

Designed to harmonise body and mind through the healing power of sunrise and sunset, Amanpulo’s three-night Harmony by Nature retreat invites guests to reconnect with Mother Nature, promoting balance, relaxation and rejuvenation. Begin each day with Sunrise Yoga on the beach, or with a Nourishing Massage Ritual in the hilltop spa. Wind down at dusk with Sunset Canvas sessions, inspiring creativity, or a serenaded Sunset Cruise around the island. By night, Moon Yoga Meditation takes place on the sands, before Good Night Massages lull participants into a state of peaceful slumber in the comfort of their own pavilion or villa.

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The post Philippines working to become preferred medical tourism destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines is currently working to boost its medical tourism portfolio to become one of the world’s leading destinations for healthcare and wellness.

Aside from value for money healthcare services ranging from preventative care to aesthetic procedures, the country’s medical tourism portfolio is unique in a way that it also offers patients seeking medical care abroad a holistic wellness and travel experience.

At an interview on Thursday, 17 October, tourism secretary Christina Frasco declared: “In the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines ranks number three [in terms of tourism in general. This is] reflective of the beauty of our destinations and our capacity to offer unforgettable and healing tourism experiences in the Philippines.”

Currently, the Philippines ranks 20th among the world’s leading medical tourism destinations. Frasco pointed out that the country’s goal is to become a premier and preferred health and wellness tourism destination.

What the department has been doing

In May of this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) rolled out a Filipino Brand of Wellness module for tourism stakeholders and communities. 

It also partnered with various wellness associations to elevate the global standards of health and wellness travel in the country.

Frasco added that the government is working with the private sector and has also introduced its own accreditation for medical tourism facilities.

Among the institutions that have already undergone accreditation are The Medical City, Makati Medical Center, and St Luke’s Medical Center. Likewise, the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) remains the only DOT-recognised dental health facility.

More recently, the DOT also launched the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) on 14th October. The event brought together stakeholders and delegates from at least 38 countries. 

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The post Star Alliance reinforces key management appointments appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global airline alliance Star Alliance recently firmed up its key management appointments aimed at further enhancing its strategic focus on a seamless experience for member airline customers as they benefit from the Star Alliance network.

Star Alliance chief executive Theo Panagiotoulias said of these appointments: “I am delighted to work with such a diverse leadership team. They bring their extensive experience from within and outside the aviation industry to fast-track our mission of delivering a seamless customer experience at key touch points in their travels.”

He added that these new appointees are passionate about Star Alliance’s vision and executing on it, always with member airlines’ end-customer in mind.

Meet the team

Ambar Franco joins Star Alliance as vice-president for customer experience. Franco will lead the development and implementation of initiatives designed to enhance the overall customer journey across the alliance: their booking experience, the experience of customers at airports and when they connect between Star Alliance member airlines, and then to ensure their continuing loyalty post travel. She brings significant expertise from the travel industry, most recently having held senior customer experience related roles at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Luc Lachoix is Star Alliance’s vice-president for digital and technology. Lachoix is responsible for IT architecture, operations, and security, as well as supporting the IT needs of Star Alliance’s Customer Experience and Loyalty business areas. He has served in various roles in the airline industry, including leadership positions at key travel technology companies including Amadeus and Sabre.

Renato Ramos is the new vice-president for strategy. Ramos drives Star Alliance’s strategic initiatives, business planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Engaged at Star Alliance for the last seven years, he previously served as Director, Loyalty at Star Alliance. Ramos is a seasoned aviation expert who has held previous roles at Avianca and LATAM Airlines.

Gayatheri Silvakumer was appointed vice-president for people and culture. In this capacity, she leads the implementation of Star Alliance’s human capital and cultural development vision, focusing on talent retention and organisational development. She has held several senior HR roles across various industries, working with organisations such as McCann Worldgroup, Bombardier, and Rolls-Royce.

 

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The post Registration opened for ninth South Pacific Tourism Exchange appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Registrations are now open for the 9th South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) scheduled for 9 and 10 May 2025.

The event will be held at the luxurious Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in the heart of Fiji’s vibrant tourism hub, Nadi. 

This is the Pacific’s largest and most exciting tourism event, and registration is now open for all tourism operators and stakeholders.

SPTE 2025 promises to deliver more than just business. It’s an event that fosters lasting relationships, cultural exchange, and the growth of sustainable tourism across the Pacific. With sustainability at the forefront, this event will highlight the importance of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage that make the Pacific special.

Exploring hidden gems

Focused on the theme Unity in Diversity: Exploring the Pacific’s Hidden Gems, over 150 international visitors are expected to travel to Fiji for this spectacular event. Indeed, SPTE 2025 is poised to become a gathering like no other. 

Hosted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in collaboration with Fiji’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), the event is a golden opportunity for sellers across the Pacific to showcase their incredible offerings to global buyers.

SPTE 2025 will feature a dynamic mix of national tourism offices, inbound tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, resort owners, transport operators, and activity and shore excursion providers from SPTO’s 20 Pacific Island member countries.

Participants will be able to meet representatives from iconic destinations like American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Niue, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Rapanui Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis, and Futuna.

What’s in it for buyers?

But it’s not just about the sellers. International buyers, including travel wholesalers, agencies, planners, and online travel agencies (OTAs), from over 25 key global markets such as Australia, New Zealand, North America, the UK, Europe, China, and Asia will descend upon Fiji, seeking to connect and create partnerships with Pacific tourism providers.

SPTO chief executive Christopher Cocker also welcomed the sponsorship from Fiji Airways and Rosie Holiday who have confirmed their partnership for SPTE 2025. This collaboration demonstrates our sponsor’s dedication to supporting and revitalising tourism in the Pacific region.

Cocker mentioned that SPTE offered Sellers the chance to connect with international buyers and share the unique, authentic experiences the Pacific is known for. It’s a one-stop shop for buyers to discover new and exciting opportunities that will enrich their travel offerings.

He said: “Join us in May 2025 and be part of the future of Pacific tourism. This will be a dynamic showcase of the Pacific unfolding a vibrant journey of diverse cultures and tourism experiences. As we open registrations for this milestone event, we believe that SPTE 2025 will enhance global visibility for the Pacific’s tourism sector and create valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

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The post Centara Hotels and Resorts announces new appointments for David Martens appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thai hospitality firm Centara Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of David Martens as its new vice-president of operations, as well as general manager of the Centara Karon Resort Phuket which opens on 1st December 2024.

According to Centara’s chief operations officer Michael Henssler: “[Martens’] extensive background in the hospitality sector, combined with his unwavering commitment to Centara’s mission, positions him as an invaluable asset during this pivotal moment for our brand and the reopening of our flagship Centara Karon Resort Phuket. His deep knowledge of our properties and passion for exceptional guest experiences will be instrumental in propelling this resort into its next chapter of excellence.” 

For his part, Martens said: “Joining Centara has been a remarkable journey for me, and I am truly honoured to take on these new roles. I believe that a hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary for our guests. As we prepare to open Centara Karon Resort Phuket, I look forward to creating an atmosphere where every guest feels a deep connection to the beauty of our surroundings, the warmth of our hospitality, and the experiences that resonate long after their visit.”

A notable member of the team

With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Martens has been an integral part of the Centara family since 2012, demonstrating a profound understanding of the brand’s DNA, product offerings, and commitment to excellence.

Martens’ commitment to professional growth and excellence has not only shaped his trajectory but has also significantly impacted the success of the Centara brand.

In his previous stint as senior director of operations and general manager at Centara Karon, Martens made significant contributions to the resort’s operational success and strategic growth. 

His exemplary leadership was recognised in 2017 when he received the General Manager of the Year award for his outstanding performance at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin.

His industry journey began with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association, laying a strong foundation for a career marked by dedication and extensive training in sales, operations, and management. 

A native Australian, Martens has called Thailand home for the past 12 years, immersing himself in the local culture and hospitality landscape. 

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The post Philippine pilgrimage site Manaoag reports 3.2 million visitors so far for 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Municipal Tourism Office of the Northern Philippine pilgrimage site Manaoag in Panagsinan reports that 3.2 million pilgrims made their way there between January and September of this year.

According to municipal tourism operations officer Brendon Natividad, arrivals hit their peak in May, the height of the Philippine religious festival season, with 623,616 visitors.

Natividad added that Manaoag expects to welcome more visitors in the upcoming long weekend for the observance of All Souls’ Day, the Christmas break, and during the Galicayo Festival in December.

Tourism office data show 623, 616 tourists visited the town in May or during school break.

What can be seen in town

Natividad said religious tourism, mostly in the form of group or individual pilgrimages in or out of season, remains the town’s biggest draw.

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary of Manaoag, believed to be miraculous, tops the tourist destinations in the town, with around 3.2 million visitors.

Other attractions include the Virgin’s Well in the village of Purago with 44,814 visitors in the first three quarters of 2024; Amber’s Paradise, a hotel resort, with 15,518; One Alo Resort with 7,912; and Baba’s Eco Farm with 433.

Natividad added that they are also excited about the upcoming Paskuhan or Christmas events in the town and the annual Galicayo Festival in the first week of December.

Galicayo is a unique celebration of faith, culture, and arts in honour of the Our Lady of Rosary of Manaoag.

Natividad added: “We hope to even reach around six million tourist arrivals this year [thanks to these upcoming events.]”

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The post Journey Beyond announces five new appointments appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Journey Beyond announced the addition of five new positions to its sales team as part of its ongoing global expansion initiative.

These five new roles will help cement its position as Australia’s leading experiential tourism company. 

Led by executive general manager for sales and partnerships Alicia Triggs, these appointments mark an exciting growth period for Journey Beyond and includes the company’s first in-market position in New Zealand, a significant step forward for the New Zealand market. 

Triggs said of the new appointments: “We’re excited to further expand our team and welcome four new members to the Journey Beyond family. These appointments are centred around Journey Beyond’s manifesto and guest promise, ‘we go further, to take you beyond’ and represent our commitment to building our trade partnerships on a global scale.” 

A fresh beginning

As part of this growth, after 21 years with Journey Beyond, Renee Cornelissen has returned to her international roots, taking on another newly created leadership role as group manager for international sales. 

Likewise, the new positions will drive greater awareness of Journey Beyond as the curator of Australia’s most memorable and iconic travel experiences, which will be further enhanced with new positions on the horizon including in-market presence in China and Japan. 

Triggs added: “We know that Journey Beyond delivers special and unique access, authentic and immersive experiences, and extraordinary service, and we want the world to know that, too.”

Who’s who?

Thomas Gentz, business development manager for New Zealand, brings in extensive senior travel management experience, having previously worked with some leading travel and tourism brands in New Zealand, including Air New Zealand, Back-Roads Touring, Travel Advocates and most recently Hurtigruten & HX-Hurtigruten Expeditions. Gentz looks forward to bringing a strong strategic focus to this new role and as Journey Beyond’s first ever in-market New Zealand BDM, will be instrumental in growing awareness of the company’s entire portfolio and supporting agents to continue building the market in New Zealand. 

Cara Toovey is the new group manager for national sales. With over 21 years of diverse experience in the tourism industry, Toovey previously held multiple leadership roles within the travel industry including nine years leading six business development managers across the SA/WA/NSW regions at Intrepid Travel. Following a brief hiatus from tourism, Toovey joined RAA Travel as Experienced Product Specialist for South Australia, where she fortified relationships with local partners and expanded the South Australian product portfolio. She now brings her extensive sales and management experience to build Journey Beyond’s National Sales team. 

Josh Basir is the new business development manager for ITOs and the Americas. He joins Journey Beyond from his previous role as National Sales Manager – Leisure & Wholesale at Minor Hotels (Oaks & Avani Hotel chains), where he excelled in managing a diverse portfolio of 63 Hotels, Resorts & Suites across Australia and New Zealand. Basir is enthusiastic about collaborating with and supporting Journey Beyond’s international sales team, utilising his experience and relationships to drive growth and innovation in North American markets. In addition to his role at Journey Beyond, he serves as the current Chair of SA’s Young Australian Tourism Export Council (YATEC). 

Leia Marras is Journey Beyond’s business development coordinator. She spent many years honing her customer service skills in the hospitality industry. Recently promoted internally from the Travel Centre, she has expertise in reservations, product knowledge and going above and beyond for her clients. Marras joins the Industry Sales Team after two years in the Travel Centre and has extensive knowledge across all Journey Beyond brands and experiences. 

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