The post Video is the new battleground in the “Experiences” economy appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

It’s official! Video is the new battleground in tours and activities. 

 

Last week GetYourGuide CEO Johannes Reck posted on LinkedIn about their fall release day, Unlocked 2024. 

 

Among some new AI productivity hacks around listing creation and language, Reck spent a full paragraph explaining GYG’s ambitions around video.

 

“We believe videos are the best way to show travelers what their next trip will feel like, but they have to be authentic to work,” said Reck. “So we’ve teamed up with our 10,000-strong creator community to produce authentic, high-quality content at scale.” 

 

This follows an earlier announcement from GYG competitor Klook, who has teamed up with social media giant TikTok. According to a report on Social Discovery Insights, “This new feature makes it easier for both individual users and entire friend groups to book trips directly through TikTok, and is unlikely to be the only travel partnership that the platform makes in the near future.”

 

Klook claims double the amount of creators to GYG. “Klook’s “Kreator” influencer program, which has enlisted over 20,000 content creators, is central to this initiative.”

 

A cursory glance at the Klook app showed video headers for products already in place. Of the two I looked at, one had a professional supplier provided video of Puffing Billy and then next a seemingly UGC video of a koala in a tree as part of the Great Ocean Road tour.

 

Why the sudden rush to the video door? The answer is probably a combination of two things – conversion uplift and Airbnb.

 

A widely quoted report by EyeView states that by adding video to a product page you can increase conversion by up to a staggering 80%. Even if the result was only half of that, it is already enough to stop everything else and get video on those pages. And that seems to be what GYG are now madly rushing to catch up on.

 

The second is the ever looming shadow of Airbnb. On an earnings call in August this year, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky foreshadowed the relaunch of their experiences platform for around May 2025. 

 

Pointedly Chesky stated; “Experiences should be sold video first.” and “Experiences need to be marketed with videos, not just photos. They need to be discoverable in the Airbnb app…”

 

We can definitely expect Airbnb to take video a step further than the others by making video part of discovery and possibly using AI to personalise with “intent based search” capabilities. This fits perfectly with Chesky’s 11 star experience vision. 

 

With its brand strength and marketing power, Airbnb has the ability to really put a dent in the “experiences” world. Chesky said he is only interested in building billion dollar verticals within his business. And experiences are first among those after short term accommodation rental. 

No doubt they’ll have their own creator program (30,000 strong! maybe). This should be an absolute boon for existing influencers and casual creators to make a bit of money whilst travelling around over the next few years.

 

Viator, the other major OTA in the space has no videos on product pages that we could find nor has made any announcements to change this. And that seems very strange. Except video has always been hard to execute and maybe it just sits in the too-hard-basket of their roadmap currently.

 

As usual, the suppliers in travel and some of the less sophisticated re-sellers could be left flatfooted in the video onslaught. But it doesn’t need to be that way. And actually, with the addition of Videreo, it doesn’t need to be.

 

Videreo is a new startup that is giving everyone in travel the opportunity of playing on the same ground as these larger players. And for SMB’s they can do it absolutely for free. 

 

“Any small business can upload their best 10 videos and use our platform absolutely free” said Videreo co-founder Adrian Villabruna. “Supporting small businesses is part of our values. The little guy or girl in travel often is left out of technological innovation. We don’t think that is right or fair, if we want travel to reach its potential of creating true value in the world.”

 

With Videreo, a travel business can display scrolling vertical videos just like in social media but here they sit alongside a map to give the user more context and functionality. The user can see on the map where an experience that takes their interest is located to know whether that is really practical for their trip or can search the map first for their area of interest and watch videos from there to make their choices.

 

Once the user finds the right experience for them, they simply click the link on the video straight to the experience product page to checkout.

 

“The whole thing can be up and running in 20 mins if you’ve already got the videos” said Villabruna. Most tour operators would have at least 10 videos of their products and business already created for Instagram and TikTiok.

 

We can expect the Airbnb experience to be closer to what Videreo offers than what is seen on GYG or Klook currently. 

 

For bigger players, Videreo has a lot more tech to offer including the ability to offer intent based search with video from leveraging deep AI tech and extensive video and product tagging. “We can take the next levels down from the major OTA’s from last position to first position in less than a day,” said Villabruna.

 

Disclosure: Tony Carne is the other co-founder of Videreo.

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The post Kempinski Group signs agreement to manage exclusive residences in Azerbaijan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kempinski Residences Bayil Bay is slated to become the most coveted address in Azerbaijan when it opens next year.

Rising above the steel-blue waters of the Caspian Sea, and sporting a modern, undulating façade inspired by the gentle movements of the waves, this architectural marvel will be home to 37 elegantly appointed private residences, providing a stylish base for owners and investors looking for a home in Baku. 

The project, already built and currently under finalisation on Seafront Boulevard, is being developed by Azerbaijani real estate company Baku City Residences, which has currently completed seven residential real estate projects totalling more than 2,500 homes, and has an additional five new projects in the pipeline.

Kempinski Residences Bayil Bay is located within close proximity to some of Baku’s most iconic attractions including the Old City, Maiden Tower, and the Azerbaijani National Carpet Museum, as well as key business and events venues such as Baku Crystal Hall and the iconic Flame Towers, a symbol of Azerbaijan’s economic success and abundant natural resources. 

Kempinski Group CEO Barbara Muckermann said of the development: “In Kempinski Residences Bayil Bay, we will introduce owners to a standard of luxury lifestyle that reflects the timeless elegance of Kempinski hospitality, accompanied by inspiring views of the Caspian Sea and the most beautifully appointed interiors in Baku.”

A range of exquisite luxuries

Five different categories of private residences ranging from 249 to 436.6 sqm will be available for full ownership, affording investors the chance to experience the benefits of a Kempinski hotel stay courtesy of a team of dedicated Kempinski hosts. 

In addition to the 37 residences, which all boast spacious private terraces, the project will include three floors of luxury retail, a private lounge area with meeting spaces, a gym, video conferencing room, and a fine-dining restaurant with panoramic outdoor terraces overlooking the tranquil waters of Bayil Bay.

A state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre managed by a leading international brand will provide a sanctuary in which owners can relax and rejuvenate, complete with infinity-edge swimming pool, Turkish bath, Pilates studio, salt room and a Finnish sauna, while a subterranean parking garage for the exclusive use of residence owners will be fitted with electric car charging points and a car wash station. 

The clever architectural design by renowned Italian architect Mauro Lipparini incorporates a vented façade with thermal insulation and an abundance of leafy plants draped between private terraces, designed to create an ambient environment all year round.

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The post PAL Express expands its Philippine domestic route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine Airlines Express (PAL Express) will be flying between Manila and the northern Philippine city of Cauayan, Isabela beginning 15 January 2025.

This new route will shorten travel time to and from the northern city compared to the current driving time of ten hours on land. 

The airline will service the route with an 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft.

Flights will leave the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 1:25pm and arrive at Cauayan Airport at 2:30pm. The return flight leaves Isabela at 3:25pm, arriving in Manila at 4:40pm.

In a statement, PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang said of the new route: “Philippine Airlines looks forward to serving the people of Isabela province with our daily flights as our latest investment in building connectivity between key cities in Luzon for the benefit of local tourism and economic growth.”

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The post Tourism Malaysia launches the Edu+ programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Malaysia, an agency of the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, recently launched its much anticipated edutourism programme Edu+.

This initiative targets foreign students, especially those under the age of 16, who hold tourist visas to pursue short-term education programmes whilst vacationing in Malaysia. 

Developed in collaboration with the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI), a well-established organisation with over 36 years of experience, Edu+ reflects the synergy between the tourism and education sectors to create unique learning opportunities.

Deputy minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said: “As a country rich in diversity, history, arts and culture, Malaysia has great potential in this tourism segment where Edu+ is set to have a key role in attracting young tourists to explore the uniqueness of the country.”

Khan added that the ministry estimates that as many as 10,000 students will enrol in the programme this year, generating around RM50 million of income for Malaysia.

This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s broader tourism goals ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, a national campaign aimed at drawing in 23.5 million tourists and RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts.

Also, Edu+ is poised to enhance the national tourism industry by indirectly driving Malaysia towards a preferred tourist destination in the region.

Who can avail of the programme and what does it entail?

The initiative is designed to promote cultural exchange, educational enrichment, and tourism growth between nations.

In its initial phase, the Edu+ programme focuses on the Japanese market, with plans to expand to other high-potential regions such as Korea, China, Russia, and Vietnam. 

Featuring a comprehensive model centred around learning English at educational institutions in Malaysia, the Edu+ programme encompasses various components, including education, cultural and heritage experiences, collaborations with local schools, homestay experiences, sports tourism learning, eco and nature experiences, and Sustainable Development Goals programmes.

Currently, 19 private educational institutions and eight travel agencies have committed to developing Edu+ packages under this programme.

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The post Hainan Airlines releases flight schedule for winter 2024 / spring 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hainan Airlines announced that it will implement its winter and spring flight plan beginning 27th October, adding new routes and increasing flights to meet the needs of holiday travellers.

The airline also announced its plans to introduce a new range of innovative products and services, as well as making travel more convenient for passengers in the coming seasons.

For winter 2024 / spring 2025, Hainan Airlines plans to operate up to 500 domestic routes covering 80 cities. It will also add 40 new routes to its domestic network.

New destinations

Among the routes for addition to the network are flights going to and from Haikou, Changsha, Lanzhou, Urumqi, among other places.

The airline will also increase the frequency of popular flights, including Haikou-Changsha / Xi’an / Nanchang, Beijing Capital-Sanya / Shanghai Pudong / Xi’an, Sanya-Nanchang / Jinan / Zhengzhou. 

In terms of international routes, Hainan Airlines aims to fly over 50 international and regional round-trip passenger routes departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chongqing, Xi’an, Changsha, Taiyuan, Dalian, and Guangzhou to more than 30 countries and regions, further meeting the entry and exit needs of passengers. 

In addition, the airline will add international routes such as Shenzhen-Madrid, Haikou-Seoul, Beijing-Vladivostok, and increase the frequency of flights on popular international routes such as Haikou-Bangkok / Singapore and Chongqing-Paris.

Catering to different passenger needs

During the upcoming season, Hainan Airlines’ focus will be on the core public and business markets.

That said, the airline plans to create special route products such as “Boutique Express” and “Free Trade Port Express”, covering routes in and out of Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Haikou, and Sanya. 

The airline also seeks to create a better and more efficient travel experience for passengers by optimising flight scheduling, upgrading cabin and ground services, and integrating convenient travel rights. 

In addition, Hainan Airlines will continue to launch reservation products such as “Free Flight” and “Enjoy the Sea Flight”, as well as customer care products such as “Exclusive for Students” and “Exclusive Preferential Services for Passengers with Outstanding Contributions” to give back to the support and love of the majority of passengers.

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The post The Westin Resort and Spa Ubud, Bali offers guests a luxuriously sustainable experience appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Westin Resort and Spa Ubud, Bali continues to weave innovation into its guest offerings, presenting travellers with exciting new initiatives that seamlessly blend sustainability with unforgettable experiences. 

From the introduction of Trigona stingless bees to the launch of the resort’s Hydro Haven hydroponic garden, guests can now engage with nature in unique and meaningful ways while enjoying fresh benefits as Marriott Bonvoy members.

Likewise, to further enhance the guest experience, Marriott Bonvoy members can now enjoy an exclusive points redemption offer. With up to 20 percent off points redemptions starting from just 25,000 points per night, this limited-time promotion provides significant savings for members looking to enjoy a premium stay in Ubud’s serene surroundings. 

A garden of sustainable delights

To enhance its eco-conscious practices, the resort proudly introduces the Trigona bee hive, home to stingless bees that play a crucial role in supporting the environment. 

Guests can immerse themselves in this initiative by observing the bees at work, tasting honey straight from the hive, and even adopting a bee. Honey produced by the hive also makes its way into wellness treatments such as Turmeric Honey Jamu and Honey Scrub treatments, allowing guests to enjoy its natural benefits throughout their stay.

Building on its sustainable journey, The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud has also launched Hydro Haven, a hydroponic garden where fresh vegetables are grown to supply the resort’s farm-to-table dining experiences. 

This innovative approach ensures that guests enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting a more eco-friendly lifestyle during their visit.

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The post Expedia report shows how tourism sector can meet needs of Asia’s mass-affluent travellers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Expedia Group recently presented the results of a study highlighting the travel preferences of the growing Asian middle class, particularly those who make up the group of upper income or mass-affluent travellers.

The study provides travel industry professionals with the context to better serve the increasing number of Asian mass-affluent travellers and specifically tailor offerings to their preferences.

Research was conducted in partnership with Atomik Research, including a survey featuring 4,000 respondents from across Asia.

According to Expedia’s chief commercial officer Greg Schulze: “We’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth of the Asian travel market and are committed to providing unparalleled insights and solutions to our partners By leveraging our industry-leading technology, extensive global network, and deep understanding of traveller behaviour, we’re able to deliver personalised experiences that resonate with Asian consumers. Our innovative platform empowers partners to reach travellers at every stage of their journey, from inspiration to booking and beyond.”

Increased spending despite inflation

Through deals, discounts, and packages or, for many, a tendency to prioritise travel over other forms of discretionary spending, mass-affluent Asian consumers are finding ways to alleviate the impacts of inflation and keep room in their budget for travel. 

These travellers plan to spend an average of 23 percent of their income on travel in the next 12 months, and four in five report travel is a priority despite inflation. Moreover, nearly two in five said they would prioritise travel over buying a new car or upgrading electronics, and close to one in three on dining out.

Investing in long-haul tours and experiences

While many mass-affluent Asian travellers plan to visit other countries in the Eastern and Southeastern Asian regions, a significant number are drawn to international destinations farther afield. Overall countries such as Japan, the United States, Canada, France, South Korea, Australia, and Germany top their lists.

On average, these travellers plan four destinations over ten days for the next international trip. Interestingly, travel length and total destinations vary significantly across regions. 

Indian travellers plan for longer trips, averaging 14 days compared to Vietnam’s with the lowest length at 8 days. Indian travellers often plan for five or more destinations on their next international trip, while Singaporean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indonesian travellers often report planning for four or fewer.

When it comes to travel planning, more than one in three respondents relied on travel agents, 72 percent said they use platforms like Expedia when booking. They commonly cite using a travel app for booking hotels, booking flights, and finding activities or excursions. This reliance on digital tools is further emphasised by the fact that 83 percent of people in Asia-Pacific have a travel brand’s app installed on their device, and 36 percent use the app regularly.

Seeking a luxurious experience

The survey found that mass-affluent Asian travellers prioritise premium amenities and high-end accommodations, making these key factors for partners across the industry. To meet this demand, Expedia Group offers a wide range of tools and resources to help partners attract and convert these discerning travellers.

Despite regional variations, flight upgrades, premium accommodations, and exclusive experiences are top of mind. Chinese, Singaporean, and Vietnamese travellers strongly prefer gourmet dining, while Indian travellers favour first-class or business-class seats and Indonesian travellers desire private tours. 

Across the board, airline and accommodation upgrades emerge as the two most popular choices. All-inclusive packages are one of the most likely buys among travellers in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Peter O’Connor, co-director of the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE) at the University of South Australia, said of the findings: “The mass-affluent consumer market in Asia is rapidly emerging as one of the most crucial population segments to reach and serve,” stated. “With their inclination towards long-haul trips and a preference for luxury amenities, they are poised to significantly impact the travel economy, as indicated by this research. Expedia Group’s latest insights highlight the growing demand for personalised and premium travel experiences among Asian middle-class travellers.”

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Source: traveldailymedia