The post Spring into action in Canberra with the ultimate traveller’s guide appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Spring in Canberra has a floral spell that lingers in the air. As the days get longer, the city comes alive with the buzz of outdoor excitement, and it’s the perfect time to explore all that the capital city has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid photographer, or simply eager to bask in the sunshine, Canberra’s Spring season is filled with fun activities to delight every kind of adventurer. Say goodbye to winter and hello to spring with our top picks for enjoying the best that Canberra has to offer this season.

• Unleash your outdoorsy side

Canberra is like a nature park with iconic national attractions hidden in its green spaces, perfect for outdoor fun. Enjoy the warmer weather at Treetops Adventure Canberra, just a short drive from the city centre – truly a thrill for all ages. If you want to tackle a few peaks for the best views, try out the local’s favourite nature hikes at Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain. 

 

 

• Watch the best of the festivals unfold

The Forage is Canberra’s premier street food event, celebrated on November 9th. It showcases the best of local food culture. It brings together the community through an exciting mix of food trucks, restaurants, and mobile food vendors, all offering a celebration of diverse street food and great music. Supporting local businesses, The Forage is the go-to event for food lovers in Canberra. Another festival to look forward to this spring is the Canberra Writers Festival. Starting October 23rd, the festival runs for a total of 5 days, featuring over 100 speakers and 64 discussions—its biggest and most exciting program yet. Mark your calendars!

• Sip and savour by the shoreline

After a picnic by Lake Burley Griffin, unwind with a sunset drink at Margot Bar, The Jetty, or House of Bubbles, or step into the Waters Edge Restaurant’s Dining Domes for a unique dining experience by the shoreline of the lake. For those who would like a DIY sailing experience, hire your own private electric GoBoat or Love Boat and get set to marvel at stunning views of Canberra’s iconic landmarks. 

 

• Get culture-coded

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Canberra Art Biennial, running till October 26th. Discover a stunning festival of contemporary art as works are displayed in picturesque outdoor settings around Lake Burley Griffin, the National Arboretum Canberra, and throughout the city. Enhance your cultural experience by participating in Dhawura Tours or engaging with the Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, where you can learn about the land from the perspectives of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. Additionally, join a guided Ngala Tour at the National Arboretum Canberra, led by an Indigenous guide, to deepen your appreciation for Aboriginal traditions and culture while exploring the stunning landscape. 

 

• All things nature

As you soak up the sun, discovering the wonders of Canberra, take your little ones to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, featuring some of the world’s most comprehensive displays of living Australian plants. For a thrilling adventure, you can’t beat the National Zoo & Aquarium, where unforgettable family experiences await. Get up close and personal with wildlife—pat a cheetah, feed a bear, or meet a meerkat in some of Australia’s most exciting hands-on animal encounters! 

• India’s Squad Takes on the PM XI

Cricket fans are in for an exciting experience as India’s squad goes head-to-head with the Prime Minister’s XI (PM XI) for the first time in two decades! This thrilling two-day, day-night match from November 30th to December 1st at Manuka Oval, highlights the enduring sporting spirits of both the nations, Australia and India, and celebrates their vibrant cultural and community connections.

 

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The post United States, top source market to India for Diwali: Agoda appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top searched cities in India for Diwali celebrations, with New Delhi coming out on top among international visitors. Goa takes the top spot for domestic travel based on searches made for check-in during the Diwali week celebration. Agoda noted 17% more accommodation searches for Diwali compared to last year’s celebrations.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most significant festivals, celebrated with grand festivities, vibrant lights, and cultural events. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, attracting both domestic and international travelers to experience its unique charm.

International travelers showing most interest in experiencing the Diwali celebrations in India come from: the United States (#1), United Kingdom (#2), Singapore (#3), Malaysia (#4), and Japan (#5). The top cities in India that inbound travelers are looking to visit for the festivities are New Delhi (#1), Goa (#2), Mumbai (#3), Chennai (#4), and Jaipur (#5). These cities have become focal points for international visitors looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and festive spirit of Diwali.

Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and MEA, Agoda said:  ” Diwali is a time when the world increasingly turns its eyes to India. It comes as no surprise that New Delhi and Goa leading the charge in attracting both international and domestic travelers, as both destinations have so much to offer in terms of culture and exploration, especially at this festive time. At Agoda, we love being part of this celebration by helping travelers find the perfect place to stay and experience the magic of Diwali firsthand.”

Domestic travel has also seen a 23% growth in accommodation searches, with the top destinations for Diwali celebrations being Goa (#1), Udaipur (#2), Mumbai (#3), Pondicherry (#4), and Jaipur (#5). These cities provide a diverse range of experiences, from beachside festivities in Goa to the royal celebrations in Udaipur.

Agoda’s offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Travelers can explore these top Diwali destinations and more by visiting Agoda’s website.

 

 

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The post Heritage Expeditions releases brochure for 2025-2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Expedition cruise firm Heritage Expeditions recently released its new Authentic Small Ship Expedition Cruising 2025-2026 brochure.

This most recent release includes two new voyages to Japan and a cruise industry first in the Philippines, alongside Heritage Expeditions’ iconic adventure cruises.

Commercial director and expedition leader Aaron Russ said the family-owned and -operated company was excited to announce another season of sharing the world’s best-kept secrets with its intrepid travellers and supporting the remote communities and conservation of the wild and remote places they visit.

What’s new this year?

Highlights of the new brochure include new Japan voyages, Eternally Sacred Japan and Discover the Islands of Japan, alongside plans for another industry first for the leading expedition cruise company: visiting Polillo Island in the Philippines on its Asian Island Odyssey voyage.

Russ said: “We expect to make cruise history during this season as the first expedition ship to visit the remote tropical outpost of Polillo Island. It has the perfect mix of unexplored paradisiacal island, incredible wildlife both above and below the water and a fascinating conservation history.”

The new brochure likewise encapsulates Heritage Expeditions’ business ethos based on the luxury of experience and making a difference through authentic expedition travel.

As Russ puts it: “Many of the opportunities and experiences on our voyages are exclusive to Heritage Expeditions, whether it’s joining Malaita’s Kwaio people in a dance so sacred it can only be observed if you are invited to take part on our Discover the Secrets of Melanesia voyage, assisting Professor Tim Flannery to discover new mammal species on our Indonesian Explorer expedition, or joining leading penguin scientist Professor Steve Emslie collecting samples at the world’s largest and oldest Adelie Penguin colony in Antarctica on our In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton voyage, these really are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.”

Life-changing voyages

Heritage Expeditions Authentic Small Ship Expedition Cruising 2025-2026 brochure also features the company’s life-changing voyages exploring Australia’s Kimberley coast, rarely-visited New Zealand destinations accessible only by sea, down to the remote, wilderness and wildlife havens of Australia and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, and ‘into the heart of Antarctica’ the Ross Sea aboard its luxurious, 140-guest expedition flagship Heritage Adventurer.

While more intimate explorations of the ice-carved fiords of Fiordland, the primordial wilderness of Stewart and Ulva Islands, and the breathtaking beauty of Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park aboard 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer were honed by the company’s more than 40 years of exploration of these regions.

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The post AirAsia and the Mirror Foundation are “Flying for Relief” this month appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia and the Mirror Foundation have teamed up for “Flying for Relief” in support of the ongoing flood relief efforts in Chiang Rai.

Since 15th October, the airline has provided 10 return Don Mueang-Chiang Rai tickets each day at no cost to support the flood relief effort.

This programme will go on until 31st October, providing a total of 170 seats across a 17-day period to enable volunteers to join the clean-up efforts in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai.

Chatupong Hongwiset, head of ramp and ground service equipment for Thai AirAsia, released a statement, saying: “Thai AirAsia has seized many opportunities to provide help to those impacted by recent flooding. The airline has assisted passengers whose travel plans were disrupted, coordinated with different agencies, and transported necessities to Chiang Rai and other provinces affected by the disaster.

“After discussing the situation with the Mirror Foundation, which has also been working to provide relief, [we] saw a need to support the travel of volunteers to Mae Sai in Chiang Rai, one of the worst hit areas. It is hoped that by assisting in the travel of volunteers and residents of the landslide hit communities, the airline can speed up the normalisation of the situation for all of Chiang Rai.

“We are proud to be using the strengths of AirAsia, particularly our five  daily flights from Don Mueang to Chiang Rai, to support this rehabilitation. We thank the Mirror Foundation and all the volunteers while encouraging everyone in Chiang Rai and the other affected provinces to continue their restoration.”

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The post Accor is the official hotel partner of the ASEAN Football Federation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) officially named the Accor Group as the exclusive official hotel of the AFF’s four major national team and club events. 

These events are the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, the ASEAN Women’s Championship and the ASEAN U-23 Championship, collectively branded as ASEAN United FC. 

The deal was sealed by leading global sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE, the AFF’s exclusive commercial partner today, 18th October.

Strengthening ties

Accor’s chief operating officer for its premium, midscale, and economy division in Asia Garth Simmons said: “We are thrilled to partner with the ASEAN Football Federation and SPORTFIVE to further strengthen the presence of Accor and ALL across Asia. This partnership offers us an incredible opportunity to enhance brand visibility, while creating memorable experiences for members, including privileged match access and exclusive on-pitch moments that deepen their loyalty to ALL. By supporting ASEAN football, we are also proud to provide favourable stays for clubs, teams, and officials at our hotels across the region. This partnership reflects our commitment to building long-lasting connections with football fans and the broader sports community in ASEAN.”

AFF president Khiev Sameth responded by saying: “We warmly welcome Accor and ALL members to the ASEAN football family.  With fine accommodation and distinct hospitality services offered in every major destination in Southeast Asia, Accor, the Official Hotel of our four premier competitions will undoubtedly become a home away from home for the AFF, its Member Associations, club teams and fans.  We look forward to working with Accor and our Commercial Partner SPORTFIVE to provide a world of extraordinary and unforgettable ASEAN United FC event experiences for players, officials, fans and members of ALL at the ASEAN United FC events.”

SPORTFIVE’s president and chairman of the board for Asia Seamus O’Brien added: “We are pleased to partner with Accor, a global hospitality leader that shares a pioneering and innovative spirit with the AFF, the ASEAN football community and SPORTFIVE. The ASEAN United FC platform provides Accor extensive geographic reach in this dynamic economic region – also a burgeoning travel destination, as it pursues expansion in Southeast Asia.  Through the four ASEAN United FC events, Accor will be able to create new ways to engage meaningfully with Southeast Asians, from the region’s vibrant urban centres to its idyllic rural communities, in addition to limitless opportunities to elevate benefits and experiences for members of ALL.”

Revealing exceptional experiences

Through the partnership, Accor will open the doors of its world-renowned hotels and hospitality services, and unlock exceptional experiences for the AFF, its Member Associations, clubs and fans at each of the four ASEAN United FC events.  

In addition, members of ALL, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, will enjoy exclusive experiences at the four above mentioned events, including privileged access to matches, corporate hospitality and private stadium tours among other unique perks.

This partnership with ASEAN United FC, supports Accor’s strategy to extend its reach in Southeast Asia by heightening visibility of its hotel brands and fostering strong, long-term connections with the region’s football community.

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The post Starboard Luxury unveils Bvlgari boutique aboard its newest yacht appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Starboard Group’s luxury division Starboard Luxury recently launched a Bvlgari boutique aboard the fleet’s newest yacht Ilma.  

A collaborative effort with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Bvlgari, this exceptional tandem goes beyond conventional retail, infused as it is with the essence of Bvlgari in virtually every aspect of each guest’s journey aboard.

Starboard Luxury and Resorts senior vice-president Stacy Shaw said of this collaboration: “Starboard Luxury is thrilled to unite two iconic brands, Bvlgari and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, for a specially curated experience designed for sophisticated travellers.

Shaw added that this experience offers a very unique opportunity to discover Bvlgari’s magnificent creations while journeying to the world’s most desired destinations aboard an incredible yacht. The bespoke onboard and onshore experiences promise unforgettable memories that can only be made aboard Ilma.

Where artistry and elegance meet

In the spirit of Bvlgari’s renowned land-based boutiques where Italian artistry and Roman elegance meet contemporary sophistication, the Bvlgari boutique aboard Ilma delivers an immersive and seamless experience. 

Inside, guests can browse a curated selection of exquisite jewellery, watches, and accessories from several of Bvlgari’s brand collections: Serpenti, Bvlgari Bvlgari, B.zero1, Divas’ Dream, and Octo. 

Bvlgari president for Latin America and the Caribbean Elodie Thellier said: “We are immensely proud of this collaboration that embodies excellence and sophistication, and we’re confident that by partnering with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, we can redefine the luxury at sea experience. We look forward to welcoming Ilma guests to the Bvlgari boutique to discover not only our most iconic collections of jewellery, timepieces, and accessories but also to experience the richness of Italian hospitality.” 

The art of the exquisite

An array of bespoke experiences has been created to highlight the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. 

During each sailing, guests will have the opportunity to meet a Bvlgari representative to learn about the brand’s history, heritage, craftsmanship, and unique product offerings. 

Private viewings, in-suite appointments, or private shopping sessions with the Bvlgari representative can be arranged, providing a more personalised level of service. 

Also, guests will soon be able to reserve private appointments before boarding Ilma, allowing them to seamlessly integrate a personalised and exclusive shopping experience into their vacation plans. 

A series of bespoke experiences, such as chef-hosted five-star culinary events and shoreside adventures offering an exclusive behind-the-curtain view of Bvlgari, will be unveiled throughout Ilma’s inaugural season. 

According to Mark Lockwood, chief product officer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: “We are incredibly excited and proud to embark on this journey with Bvlgari. Bvlgari’s rich history, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship, combined with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s reputation for delivering world-class hospitality, makes this a truly special collaboration. With a shared vision of creating unique and immersive luxury experiences, we could not think of a more iconic fit than Bvlgari, to help us continue redefining luxury at sea.” 

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The post Cheval Blanc Seychelles to open on 1 Dec 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The sixth Maison Cheval Blanc, curled around the Anse Intendance beach on Mahé Island in the Seychelles, embodies an exceptional art of living in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. The 52 villas offer stunning, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean – 24 border the white sand beach and 28 are hidden in the green hills, blending into the Seychellois nature. Each villa, which range in size from 220m² to 620m², has its own 12,5-metre swimming pool, making it the perfect place to holiday as a couple, a family or with friends.

Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, responsible for the Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives, the contemporary architecture of this new Maison melds spacious volumes with local inspiration, where interior and exterior are in complete harmony. While discovering the Maison, you’ll find works by artists such as Joël Andrianomearisoa and Prune Nourry that complement the contemporary lines of Cheval Blanc Seychelles.

There are five distinct restaurant concepts: Le White, cosmopolitan food mixing Seychellois Creole flavours; Vivamento beside the main swimming pool, welcoming the sun-drenched tastes of Italy; the beach club Sula, with its Mediterranean spirit; Mizumi, devoted to contemporary Japanese food; and finally, the French gastronomy of Le 1947.

A haven of peace, the Spa Cheval Blanc, has been created to measure by Guerlain. Within the eight rooms, the specially developed treatments, inspired by the island’s natural wonders, combine expertise and well-being. With Le Carrousel, an expansive 1500m² play space for children, families and younger guests can discover the flora and fauna of the Seychelles with outdoor activities, a water park and interactive installations.

Committed to its quest for excellence and its deep connection to local identity, Cheval Blanc is anchoring its expertise in a new destination. After the Maldives, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Tropez, the Seychelles completes the brand’s seaside jewels, promising its future guests memories they will never forget.

 

 

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The post Minor Hotels clinches win at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for Thai restaurant appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hotel chain Minor Hotels secured the win as the Dining Concept of the Year at the sought-after TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for its modern Thai restaurant Dara Cuisine Phuket that offers a singular experience blending fine dining, mixology, cooking classes, and stargazing.

Nestled within Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Dara Cuisine Phuket features a unique concept that allows guests to enjoy a variety of experiences in one location. Its dining space overlooks the Andaman Sea, whilst references to the night sky are found inside in antique mirrors, black burnt wood, and high-polish antique copper.

Phuket’s rugged nature is celebrated with weather-worn wood, flamed stone, seashells, and local clay. Woven textiles, rattan baskets, wooden sculptures, and ceramics from across the country forge a connection to Thailand’s cultural legacy. A glassed-in show kitchen on the ground floor offers a glimpse into the heart of the restaurant during dinner service and hosts cooking classes with Dara chefs during the day.

As Thailand’s first dining and sky observatory, Dara Cuisine Phuket offers a dedicated Stargazing Guru and an Observatory Deck with a custom-built Ash dome, equipped with Phuket’s most powerful state-of-the-art telescope. This feature transforms the venue into a destination for celestial exploration, and allows guests to learn about the wonders of the night sky from an expert storyteller, who explains how Andaman seafarers used stars for navigation.

Apart from the carefully curated environment for stargazing, including a specialised telescope, the cocktails are inspired by constellations. The concept of “Celestial Mixology” introduces craft cocktails based on celestial themes, utilising local Thai spirits and ingredients like coconut, pandan, jasmine, and hibiscus. This creative mixology experience complements the fine dining aspect, offering guests a novel and immersive experience.

The restaurant also boasts an on-site fermentation kitchen, a barrel-aged fish sauce cellar, and an herb garden, showcasing a commitment to innovative culinary techniques and sustainable practices.

Since its opening, Dara Cuisine Phuket has quickly become a standout destination for both locals and international guests due to its unique and innovative concept of blending fine dining with stargazing. The educational sessions enrich the guest experience, merging culinary excellence with cultural and celestial exploration.

Its partnership with eco-conscious local farms and fisheries also underscores a commitment to sustainability, aligning with Anantara’s consciousness of preserving the beautiful location and its surrounding communities. The on-site fermentation kitchen and herb garden further reinforce the brand’s dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.

“There is no greater impact than the awareness of our place in the universe than by directly gazing into the night sky. This intimate experience leaves a lasting impression on guests, fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet and the universe,” Minor Hotels said.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences.

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The post InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping takes pride in unique, unforgettable MICE venue offerings appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A grand occasion requires a venue of grandeur.

The Mae Ping Grand Ballroom of 5-star luxury hotel InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping attains this by providing exclusive and private access for guests and VIPs.

Its large foyer ensures space for private hosted gatherings and cocktails before guests file into the splendid hall, which can be set for any event — from a large conference to a society wedding, a gala dinner, or a theatrical spectacular with an extravaganza of audio and visual presentation technology. Its hall can be scaled down into two self-contained venues whenever a more intimate occasion is required.

At the same time, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping’s Gad Lanna Lawn is another venue where such events can be held. It is a green expanse as flat and smooth as a billiard table. It is shaded by ancient trees and is a fragrant gathering space for all manner of social events, including gala dinners, garden parties, musical performances, coffee breaks, and team-building activities.

Seating is available with chairs and tables on the grass and alongside the neighbouring pavilion. The far end of the garden is distinguished by a Lanna-era white chedi, a part of the historic Wat Chang Kong temple, which is fascinating to visit for its architecture, history, and murals.

Guests of the hotel have flexibility and choice of events space, with each room having its own distinctive decor.

Meanwhile, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping’s event planners and chefs combine their skills to create the perfect menu for guests at every event, including Thai, Chinese, or International cuisines for intimate lunches and dinners, social gatherings, and international conferences.

Its kitchens also source organic food from the Royal Projects and from the local farming communities, whilst also crafting healthy menu options that include vegan, vegetarian, and special dietary needs to serve those with special requirements.

The hotel works with local communities so that 85% of the raw food materials are sourced from the local farmers, orchards, bee farms, and other producers. More than 50 herbs are grown in the hotel’s own herb garden. The partnership with the Royal Projects’ charitable initiative also aims to improve the lives of the hill tribe people and help support their agricultural communities.

InterContinental also offers exclusive access to a variety of venues and experiences, allowing visitors to discover a different side of a destination rarely seen by tourists, ranging from heritage sites to organic farms and workshops with a local expert in arts and crafts or sustainability. It also presents a range of team-building experiences for guests that can be based on-site, such as trekking to the top of a mountain or paddling along the Ping River.

The unique amenities offered by the hotel allow planners to craft events that utilise local knowledge based on the city’s colourful history, traditions, cuisine, and artistic heritage. It is an ideal way to engage and motivate guests whilst giving them a chance to interact with the local area.

These offerings have been recognised by the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand, with InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping earning the MICE Hotel of the Year category.

The inaugural awards programme celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.

 

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