The post Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi hosts a solidarity march in honor of World White Cane Day appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Education and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, proudly celebrated World White Cane Day on October 15th, 2024. This annual observance raises awareness of the rights and achievements of people with visual impairments, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi marked the occasion by hosting a special solidarity march within the award-winning theme park, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi said: “World White Cane Day is an important occasion to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the visually impaired community while celebrating their contributions to society. At Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, we are committed to ensuring that our attraction is a place where everyone can experience joy, regardless of their abilities. This solidarity march is a testament to that commitment.”

Participants, including members of the public, and individuals from the visually impaired community, walked side by side in a show of solidarity, promoting the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for all.

As attendees entered Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, their journey started with a guided storytelling experience, where expert guides led them through the park, sharing the thrilling stories behind its award-winning rides and attractions. The tour highlighted Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to ensure its facilities cater to all visitors, including those with special needs, further cementing its role as a leader in inclusive entertainment.

The event was part of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s broader mission to create an environment that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. By partnering with the Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Education and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination Ferrari World Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for people of determination.

 

 

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The post Travelport and Air India Fast-Track NDC Content and Servicing Delivery on Travelport+ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, and Air India, India’s leading global airline,  announced that they are accelerating the launch of NDC content and servicing for Travelport-connected agencies. Travelport is the leading distributor for Air India content globally, connecting the airline to its network of travel agencies around the world via the Travelport+ platform. Agencies using Travelport+ will be able to quickly and easily view and compare the airline’s NDC offers alongside traditional content in the fourth quarter of this year.

“Globally, Travelport is the leading aggregator of Air India content for travel agencies,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “Our partnership is centered around our shared belief that agencies are an essential retailing channel to provide travelers with seamless, personalized experiences for every trip, even after booking. That is why Travelport’s end-to-end NDC solution will empower agencies to directly service Air India bookings, so they can manage changes across NDC and non-NDC content seamlessly.”

Travelport’s latest enhancement to the Travelport+ platform, Content Curation Layer (CCL), simplifies the process of accessing retail-ready content and identifying the most relevant options from airlines like Air India. Travelport’s CCL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to filter through aggregated multi-source content to deliver accurate search results that are standardized, making offers easier to understand and compare. This ensures that agents can then book the best options for their travelers from any source of Air India’s content, based on their unique needs and preferences.

“Travelport is one of our preferred technology providers,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer at Air India. “Together, we are looking to deliver a solution that makes it easy for agents to access, sell, and service Air India’s content and offers through Travelport+.”

 

 

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The post Avani Pattaya Resort transforms facilities under new brand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Nestled in the vibrant city of Pattaya, Avani Pattaya Resort is a renowned resort that offers a lush tropical oasis and family-friendly atmosphere only a few hours from Bangkok. It highlights a perfect blend of sun, sand, and sea, coupled with creative-themed rooms, a kids’ club, and a pool playground.

Whilst the resort is formerly a Marriott property with over 40 years of history, it has undergone a significant rebranding in 2016 to resonate with Avani’s own brand personality. This new phase exemplifies its commitment to deliver a balance between coolness and kindness, design and function, and service and privacy.

Avani has also undertaken three major refurbishment projects in the past year as part of this change — with upgrades reflected in the Sea View Corner Suite, The Hub, and the Garden View Corner Suite.

The Sea View Corner Suite has undergone a transformation from an ordinary-looking suite into a modern, stylish retreat. The interior and exterior spaces have been revamped to create a refreshing Thai beachfront ambience.

It now also features contemporary design elements, enhanced comfort, and a spacious terrace with a BBQ grill. This addition allows guests to enjoy private BBQs whilst watching the sunset over Pattaya’s skyline, creating an unforgettable beach vacation experience.

Meanwhile, The Hub has been reimagined to be an inclusive space for all guests, having been a former Executive Lounge only accessible to a select few. It offers comfortable workspaces, a vibrant atmosphere, a game zone, and all the connectivity needed for productivity. It caters to guests who need to work during their holiday or seek a change in their working environment.

With a variety of zones, The Hub has become a dynamic public area accessible to the community.

The last of the three projects it has improved upon is the Garden View Corner Suite, which has only started this year. Under this project, a standard room has been transformed into a stylish suite designed to offer an exceptional holiday experience amidst nature. It highlights an oversized terrace overlooking the area’s lush tropical garden, providing a private area for sunbathing and sunset canape.

Avani Pattaya Resort stands out in the industry through these unique and innovative projects. The Sea View Corner Suite’s modern transformation, The Hub’s inclusive and vibrant co-working space, and the Garden View Corner Suite’s nature-inspired design showcase its originality and creativity.

This outstanding renovation has been acknowledged by the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand, with Avani bagging the Resort Hotel of the Year category win.

“Our renovations in these three areas have significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and experience. The Sea View Corner Suite and Garden View Corner Suite have become top choices for guests seeking stylish yet comfortable stays in Pattaya. The Hub has attracted a diverse group of guests, including business travellers and remote workers, fostering a vibrant community,” the resort said.

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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The post WebBeds nabs TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for unique marketing campaign appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

WebBeds, the global marketplace for the travel trade, clinched the Content Marketing of the Year category win at the inaugural TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for its marketing campaign ‘Bangkok Unboxed’ that has elevated Bangkok as a top travel destination with its compelling content and targeted strategies to successfully drive destination sales and increase tourism spending.

The campaign, which was developed in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has been strategically launched from Q2 2024 to align with TAT’s broader goals, including increasing visitor spend, deepening segmentation strategy, and exploring emerging markets to diversify source markets.

WebBeds has developed eight dynamic videos, each focussing on a different aspect of the Bangkok experience: Eat, Nourish, Play, See, Shop, Explore, Relive, and Indulge. In addition to these thematic videos, two additional videos have been created: a 30-second teaser cut to generate initial interest and a 120-second full-length video to provide a more immersive experience.

The content has been distributed across multiple B2B platforms, including WebBeds’ booking platforms, email marketing, the monthly e-magazine “Travel Aggregator,” a dedicated campaign landing page, and social media channels. This comprehensive distribution strategy has ensured maximum visibility and engagement amongst travel trade partners, who are then able to promote these offerings to their direct consumers.

Bangkok Unboxed’s robust B2B engagement strategy is a key component to its success, with WebBeds leveraging its global distribution network and deep industry relationships to ensure that the campaign reaches the right audience at the right time. This has been achieved through a multi-channel approach that combines content creation and targeted sales messaging.

WebBed’s campaign has yielded impressive results across all key markets with a 39% average increase in room nights and a 26% average increase in Cost of Sale. The dynamic videos have also generated nearly three million views, with the top five videos achieving a combined watch time of over 35,000 hours and over 52,000 total engagements.

Beyond YouTube, the campaign has garnered over 3.4 million impressions through the company’s platforms. Moreover, the campaign has achieved 50.8 million impressions through strategic partnerships with travel trade partners.

The campaign is a testament to WebBeds’ ability to push the boundaries of traditional B2B distribution practices. Its adoption of a holistic approach to content marketing, as well as the originality it has demonstrated, serve as a benchmark for future initiatives in the travel and tourism industry.

“What sets this campaign apart is WebBeds’ strategic alignment with broader industry goals, its creative approach to content creation, and comprehensive execution across multiple channels. By focussing on dynamic, engaging content and leveraging on its global distribution network, WebBeds [has been] able to drive significant growth in key markets, demonstrating the power of collaboration between industry partners,” it said.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – 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.

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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The post Dusit Hotels and Resorts returns to India via dusitD2 Fagu appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts announced its return to India with the anticipated soft opening of dusitD2 Fagu. 

Located among Fagu’s serene mountain range near Shimla, the dusitD2 Fagu opens its doors this December, offering an exceptional blend of Thai hospitality and local charm.

In the midst of the Himalayas, dusitD2 Fagu promises a tranquil escape for leisure, wellness, and adventure seekers alike. 

Dusit International COO Gilles Cretallaz said of the property: “We are delighted to bring Dusit International’s signature Thai hospitality back to India with the upcoming launch of dusitD2 Fagu. This opening is a major milestone in our expansion, and we are excited to offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience in one of India’s most stunning locations.”

dusitD2 Fagu general manager Aashish Gawari added, “We look forward to welcoming guests to this serene retreat, where they can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Himalayas, enjoy exceptional dining, and rejuvenate with our wellness offerings. Our team is committed to creating unforgettable experiences that reflect Dusit’s blend of Thai warmth and local charm.”

Mountain elegance

The property features 80 elegantly appointed guest rooms, ranging from 38 sqm to 86 sqm, each designed to harmonize contemporary comforts with local cultural touches, and to showcase stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Guests at dusitD2 Fagu will be able to explore nearby attractions such as Kufri, Mashobra, Narkanda, Mahasu Peak, and the UNESCO-listed Shimla-Kalka Toy Train. These destinations offer a variety of experiences, including adventure sports, cultural landmarks, nature walks, and amusement parks.

The hotel will feature the renowned Namm’s Thai authentic Spa, which offers treatments aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being. Additionally, guests can relax in the city’s largest temperature-controlled swimming pool, with breathtaking views of the valley.

For meetings, weddings, and special events, dusitD2 Fagu will offer versatile function spaces, including the largest banquet and terrace lawn in the area.  The hotel’s Amphitheatre, the only open-air theatre in the city, will provide a unique venue for starlit performances, adding a touch of magic to any occasion. To complement its eco-friendly ethos, the property will also feature an EV charging station for guests’ convenience.

Dining at dusitD2 Fagu will be a culinary journey, with Dusit Gourmet offering a diverse selection of international dishes for all-day dining. SOI will serve rich Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine, while Fagu–The Destination Bar will offer guests the perfect spot to unwind with drinks and snacks, all while enjoying the panoramic views.

Located just 80 minutes from Shimla Airport and four-and-a-half hours from Chandigarh Airport, which offers daily flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, dusitD2 Fagu is also easily accessible from Kalka Railway Station, 18 kilometers away, which provides access to the scenic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.  For road travelers, Fagu is well-connected, just 7 km from Kufri, 20 km from Shimla, and 133 km from Chandigarh.

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The post Travel and hospitality initiatives celebrated at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand, hosted by Travel Daily Media, welcomes its inaugural year to shine a spotlight on exceptional hotels, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology providers setting new benchmarks for excellence.

Winners were celebrated at a prestigious Awards Dinner in InterContinental Bangkok, Thailand on 17 October 2024.

The awards programme honoured key players who exemplified the highest levels of customer service and innovative practices that enhance travel experiences. It celebrated pioneering technologies, eco-conscious initiatives, remarkable projects, and achievements across travel, leisure, and hospitality.

A distinguished panel of travel and hospitality experts served as judges for this year’s TDM Travel Excellence Awards – Thailand including Jon Cannon, Senior Vice President – Hotel Asset Management, Thailand and Vietnam, JLL; Karen Hay, Managing Director – Asia, Kristina Zanic Design Consultants; Bill Barnett, Founder & Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks; Jesper Palmqvist, Area Director – Asia Pacific, STR; and Ian Pascoe, CEO and Managing Partner, Grant Thornton.

Congratulations to all the winners!

TDM TRAVEL TRADE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024 – THAILAND WINNERS

137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok
Serviced Apartment of the Year – Thailand

Abercrombie & Kent Southeast Asia
Destination Management Company (DMC) of the Year – Thailand

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
Heritage Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao Phuket
Villa Resort of the Year – Thailand

Angsana Laguna Phuket
Digital Media Initiative of the Year – Thailand

Atiom (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Mobile Hospitality Solution of the Year – Thailand

Avani Pattaya Resort
Resort Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Bayphere By Wyndham Pattaya JC., Lunar Italian
Hotel Restaurant of the Year- Thailand

Booking.com Thailand
Employee Wellness Program of the Year – Thailand

Carnival Magic
Theme Park of the Year – Thailand

Centara Hotels & Resorts
Hotel & Resort Management of the Year – Thailand

Cross Hotels & Resorts
Marketing Initiative of the Year – Thailand

Elite Havens (Andaaman Beach Villas – Villa Anda)
New Villa of the Year – Thailand

Explorar Hotels & Resorts
Brand Initiative of the Year – Thailand

Tim Sargeant, Explorar Hotels & Resorts
Outstanding Achievement Award – Thailand

Golfasian
Inbound Golf Tour Operator of the Year – Thailand

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Environmental Initiative of the Year – Thailand

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping
MICE Hotel of the Year – Thailand

InterContinental Phuket Resort
Beach Resort of the Year – Thailand

iOL
Connectivity Initiative of the Year – Thailand

Island Escape Burasari
Spa Resort of the Year – Thailand

Laguna Phuket
Medical Tourism Initiative of the Year – Thailand
Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Thailand

Le Méridien Bangkok
Business Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
Wedding Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Lighthouse
Hotel Tech Provider of the Year – Thailand

Minor Hotels
Dining Concept of the Year – Thailand

Modena by Fraser Bangkok
Mid-sized Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre
Midscale Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Ocean Marina Jomtien
Tourist Attraction of the Year – Thailand

Onsen @ Moncham
Onsen Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Family Resort of the Year – Thailand

Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Boutique Hotel of the Year – Thailand

Su Va Na
Destination Restaurant of the Year – Thailand

Thai Airways International
Guest Experience of the Year – Thailand

The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Meetings & Conferencing Property of the Year – Thailand

The Nai Harn
Positive Hospitality of the Year – Thailand

TT Aviation Co.,Ltd.
General Sales Agent (GSA) of the Year – Thailand

W Koh Samui
Active Wellness Hotel of the Year – Thailand

WebBeds
Content Marketing of the Year – Thailand

Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay
Honeymoon Resort of the Year – Thailand

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards is presented by Travel Daily Media. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +65 3158 1386 ext. 217 or jane@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post 88% of UK holidaymakers considering changing where they holiday in 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Following a year of extreme heatwaves in Continental Europe, and backlash over overcrowding in popular destinations, new research* from Staysure travel insurance provider, finds that Britons are reconsidering their future holiday destinations. Nine in ten Britons (88%) have considered changing where they holiday during the summer months, with over a fifth (22%) citing concerns over extreme heat, nearly a quarter (23%) referencing overcrowding and a third (32%) stating it was down to increased costs.

Carbon footprint concerns account for one in ten (11%) people considering a change in location during the summer months, but this is of more of an issue in the 35-44 age group with 17% stating this as a reason for reconsidering.

Those who prefer overseas summer travel, are mostly drawn to southern countries such as Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and the South of France (38%). Meanwhile, only one in ten (10%) visit the northern countries like Lithuania and Estonia. Brits are drawn to Southern European mainly for the climate, with two thirds citing this as the primary draw (68%), followed by the culture and food (55%) and the scenery (48%). Extreme temperatures in Southern Europe have dominated headlines, with July seeing multiple countries bordering the Mediterranean suffering from extreme heatwaves.

One in two Brits (50%) prefer to staycation in the UK, during the summer months. This is particularly true of people in the South-West of England, with the figure rising to almost 60% in this region. This could be down to the proximity to some of the UK’s best beaches and better than average UK weather temperatures.

Conversely, a quarter of Britons (26%) would consider travelling to a country listed on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) ‘no travel’ list, with half of those (49%) stating that they’d do so to get outside of their comfort zone.

If the FCDO, World Health Organisation or local authorities have advised against all or all but essential travel to a destination, it may not be safe for you to travel there. If you travel against the FCDO’s advice, it may render your travel insurance policy void so it’s best to check with your provider.

Simon McCulloch, Chief Commercial Director at Staysure commented: “Holidays, be they in the UK or abroad, allow people time to down tools and enjoy a much-needed break, and hopefully some warm weather and sunshine. The extreme heat experienced by holidaymakers this year, is one of the reasons people are reconsidering their travel plans for Southern Europe. The soaring costs, against the backdrop of people feeling financially squeezed and reports of protests in response to overcrowding are also responsible for people considering their options.

“Ensuring you are well-prepared when travelling, wherever you go, is paramount. Having the right travel insurance policy in place as soon as you book your trip not only offers the peace of mind you deserve while on holiday, but also safeguards you from costly expenses and administrative hassles should unexpected issues arise before you depart and during your travels.”

 

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The post Sierra Leone and UN Tourism join forces to host Women in Tourism Regional Congress appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UN Tourism, announces the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, a pivotal three-day event aimed at reshaping the tourism landscape and opportunities for African women through enhanced education, technological innovation, and improved finance access.

Women make up 54% of the global tourism workforce and 70% in Africa, yet they often occupy lower-skilled, underpaid, and informal positions. According to UN Women, women undertake 2.5 times more unpaid household and care work than men, significantly limiting their financial independence and opportunities to thrive. Despite their strong presence in the tourism industry, only 25% of decision-making roles are held by women, and the gender gap widens as one looks up the leadership ladder. These statistics reveal the pressing barriers women face, including restricted access to finance, markets, technology, education, and training, further compounded by discriminatory laws and societal norms that impede their progression.

To address these challenges, and in line with SDG 5 and the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, spearheaded by the UN Tourism Secretary-General, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs (MTCA) will host the inaugural Women in Tourism Regional Congress in Freetown, from 29 to 31 October 2024. Under the visionary leadership of  Nabeela Farida Tunis, the event will go beyond empowerment to equip women with actionable insights, multi-faceted support, and equitable opportunities. Core priorities include advancing mentorship and education initiatives, promoting technological innovation, and improving access to financial resources, while advocating for gender-responsive policies to propel women into leadership positions.

This Congress comes at a crucial time, aligning with Sierra Leone’s newly launched 10-year National Strategic Tourism Plan, which emphasizes inclusivity through its “Tourism for All” campaign. By harnessing the full potential of women, Sierra Leone seeks to reinforce its emerging tourism industry and foster a more equitable future for all.

Driving Education and Technological Innovation

The Congress will feature dynamic panel discussions, showcase personal journeys and successful women-led initiatives, and highlight best practices and proven strategies to overcome disparities. Experts will discuss the power of mentorship and education in advancing women’s careers, along with specialized training programmes that enhance leadership and industry-specific skills. In parallel, technology and innovation will take center stage as a key enabler for business growth. Women in tourism will be encouraged to embrace cutting-edge digital tools and gain expertise in areas such as digital marketing and data analytics, fostering a culture of innovation and positioning women-led businesses for success in a fast-changing market.

Technical Workshop on Finance Access

On the sideline of the Congress, a technical workshop on finance access will empower women entrepreneurs, managers and leaders of tourism businesses, representatives from women-led NGOs, and government officials involved in tourism and economic development, by enhancing their financial literacy and access to capital. Key topics will include securing microfinance and small business loans, crafting winning business plans, and developing robust financial strategies. The workshop will also sharpen participants’ pitching skills and abilities to build strong investor relationships, hence equipping women-led businesses for long-term growth and sustainability.

The Women in Tourism Regional Congress will bring together women Ministers and key industry leaders, alongside women entrepreneurs, artisans, artists and performers, who form integral part of the tourism value chain. Delegates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Freetown’s vibrant culture and heritage, with local craft displays and a lively open-air carnival to conclude the Congress. This celebration will emphasize the vital role of cultural and creative industries in enriching the tourism sector and empowering women.

 

 

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