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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The post W Bali-Seminyak gets festive for the holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

W Bali-Seminyak is ready to celebrate the holiday season with a festive programme running from 3 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.

The programme is made up of unique experiences designed to make this holiday season extraordinary, setting the stage for a memorable start to 2025.

These range from a sweet December afternoon tea at W Lounge to New Year’s Eve on the dance floor at Woobar. From feasts spread out on a celebratory table, to champagne corks popping to send off 2024 and usher in 2025, there is something for everybody at the resort.

A delectable Christmas

W Bali-Seminyak begins its holiday feasting with an indulgent month-long celebration of sweets with W’s exclusive holiday season Afternoon Tea at W Lounge where one can share delightful treats and sparkling moments with loved ones. Prices start at IDR 700,000++ per couple, or elevate your experience with free-flow sparkling wine for IDR 1,350,000++ per couple. 

Likewise, Starfish Bloo sets a place for a lavish Christmas Eve Dinner where one can Indulge in a selection of exquisite dishes crafted to make the holiday magical. With bold flavors and indulgent offerings, this dinner is the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations. Prices begin at IDR 1,900,000++.

Continue the festivities on Christmas Day with a sensational brunch or dinner at Starfish Bloo and Fire. Delight in a lavish spread of succulent meats, fresh seafood, and holiday specialties, designed to fill your day with seasonal cheer. Prices for the Christmas Day Brunch start at IDR 2,500,000++, while the festive dinner begins at IDR 1,900,000++. Don’t miss this chance to make your Christmas celebration truly memorable with extraordinary dining.

Keep the holiday spirit alive on Thursday, 26 December, with a special Boxing Day Afternoon Tea at W Lounge. Relax and enjoy a variety of sweet and savoury treats in a chic, laid-back atmosphere. Prices start at IDR 800,000++ per couple. Upgrade to free-flow sparkling wine for just IDR 1,350,000++.

Welcome 2025 in style

End 2024 on a high note with a spectacular brunch at Starfish Bloo on Sunday, 29 December. This culinary experience showcases bold flavours and creative dishes, offering the perfect way to celebrate the last Sunday of the year. Prices start at IDR 1,300,000++, including food and soft drinks. Gather your loved ones for the ultimate feast in a vibrant, festive atmosphere.

Ring in 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve at W Bali – Seminyak. Start your evening with a luxurious dinner at Starfish Bloo or Fire, featuring an array of delectable dishes to delight your senses. Prices for this festive dining experience begin at IDR 3,700,000++, which includes food, soft drinks, and access to the exclusive New Year’s Eve party at Woobar.

After dinner, head to W Lounge and Woobar and dance the night away with spectacular performances on two dynamic stages. Enjoy top DJs, including Ferreck Dawn and W Bali’s Residents, on the main stage, or groove to R&B and hip-hop hits at the hip-hop stage with Stan, Jeremy Jay, B455, and Schizo. Early bird tickets for the party start at IDR 600,000, with door prices going up to IDR 1,500,000 (inclusive of a food and beverage credit of IDR 300,000).

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The post Hilton Osaka – a most convenient place to stay in Osaka appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hilton Osaka’s location across from JR Osaka Station makes it a most convenient place to stay in Osaka for both leisure travellers and those in the city on MICE business. A mere three minutes’ walk takes guests from the 5-star hotel to the major railway station as well as shopping malls – providing convenient travel connections around the city and further afield, as well as plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy.

A number of Osaka’s top attractions are nearby and easily reached, including Osaka Castle – one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, National Bunraku Theatre, Osaka Shiki Theatre and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. As are the two major event centres of Osaka International Conference Center and Intex Osaka.

The fascinating historic cities of Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are also close at hand, being around 30 minutes by train.

A Delightful Stay

Easily among the top hotels in Osaka, the 562 well-appointed rooms and suites at Hilton Osaka are a joy to stay in, thoughtfully designed and offering an inviting blend of comfort and modern amenities. With wonderful views of the city, each guestroom features plush bedding, a spacious work desk, Wi-Fi, LCD TV, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board and other appointments to help leisure and business travellers get the most out of their stay.

The different room categories available are Twin Deluxe Room, Twin Executive Room, King Deluxe Room, King Executive Room, King Hilton Room, King Executive Suite, Twin Executive Suite, Japanese Suite and King Presidential Suite.

Providing added convenience for families and groups, connecting rooms are available as well as rooms with pull-out beds and wheelchair-friendly rooms.

Executive rooms and suites come with access to the Executive Lounge, which offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and snacks and cocktails in the evening. Guests can also check-in and check-out from the lounge, and enjoy executive concierge services.

Meetings And Events Perfection 

With no less than 17 meeting rooms and over 4,000 sq m of event space, Hilton Osaka is one of the top hotels in Osaka for meetings and events. Along with multi-lingual event staff, world-class catering and state-of-the-art A/V technology, the hotel is the perfect venue for a variety of events in both size and nature, from international conferences to corporate think-tanks to elegant galas.

The standout jewel in Hilton Osaka’s MICE facilities is the magnificent Sakura Ballroom, boasting an area of 823 sq m and a seven metre high ceiling, and able to accommodate up to 1,000 people for receptions, 600 for banquets, or 1,000 theatre-style. Also notable is the stunning sky banquet Windows function room on the 35th floor, which can accommodate up to 150 people for receptions or banquets, or 190 theatre-style.

Between them the other different meeting spaces have capacities that range from 20 people for banquets or reception-style/24 people school-room style/50 people theatre-style through to 300 people for banquets/400 reception-style/330 school-room style/600 theatre-style.

Scintillating Dining

Dining and entertaining at Hilton Osaka is a scintillating experience, with five restaurants and bars each offering a distinctive experience. Guests and MICE delegates can enjoy – for example – grilled dishes and curated wines, seasonal Japanese and teppanyaki dishes, an all-day buffet, and delicious sweets and snacks.

Folk Kitchen

Folk Kitchen is the place for all-day dining from morning to night, with a fine variety of international cuisine and a buffet with seasonal selections to enjoy. Being in the easily accessible Umeda district means it’s also a great location for parties and other gatherings.

CENTRUM Grill & Wine

A modern grill with an outstanding selection of fine wines, CENTRUM Grill & Wine brings out the distinctive flavours of the best seasonal ingredients used in its cuisine. Thus, diners get to savour delightful and aromatic dishes for lunch and dinner. A sommelier is on hand to provide expert advice for pairing wines with chosen dishes, and a private room inside the wine cellar is perfect for celebrating special occasions.

KawaUme

KawaUme serves impeccably presented Japanese dishes featuring the finest seasonal ingredients and tastes, for lunch and dinner. The kaiseki menu – created under the talented eye of famed chef Takagi – showcases traditional style dishes that are renowned throughout Japan and abroad. An excellent choice of locally brewed sake can be enjoyed with a Japanese course menu, while at the sushi counter there’s a ‘front row’ view of master sushi chefs preparing their delicacies.

TENKA

This modern style teppanyaki restaurant serves seafood and prime meat including Kobe beef, served with perfect perfection and delectable sauces and accompanied by great views of the Nishi Umeda cityscape. Open for lunch and dinner, seating options include a counter that can be exclusively reserved for up to 12 people, ideal for celebrations, entertaining and dining, and a semi-private room for up to six guests.

MYPLACE Cafe & Bar

MYPLACE Cafe & Bar is a stylish place to eat, drink and relax in comfort. A tempting selection of dining and beverage options can be enjoyed throughout the day – tea and coffee, fresh juices and bakery items in the morning, tasty sandwiches and salads during the day, and cocktails and late evening bar snacks at the end of the day.

Among the other facilities and services at Hilton Osaka are a 24-hour fitness centre with cardio equipment and weights, 15 m heated indoor swimming pool along with a jet bath, water-bath, sauna and locker room, 24-hour in-room dining, and laundry and dry cleaning.

Contact Hilton Osaka now to book a holiday or event, and see why it’s the most convenient place to stay in Osaka whether for business or leisure. Visit osaka.hilton.com or call +81 (0) 6 6347 7111 for more information.

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The post Singapore works to draw more women into the aviation sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore chapter of Women in Aviation (WAI-SG) signed a memorandum of understanding that seeks to promote aviation-centric experiential activities for young women in a bid to increase the number of women in the aviation sector.

Signed on Thursday, 10th October, the MoU seeks to show those of the younger generation the diverse range of opportunities available for women in aviation. The memorandum was signed by CAAS director-general Han Kok Juan and WAI-SG president Lou-Ann Seet.

This agreement also entails the creation of initiatives geared towards encouraging young women interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to apply these skills to the aviation industry.

Training a new generation of leaders

A joint statement from CAAS and WAI-SG said the pact will promote aviation as a career for girls and young women and to develop the next generation of female aviation leaders.

At the same time, Singapore transport minister Chee Hong Tat said of this new understanding: “We want the younger generation to continue seeing aviation as an exciting sector, and ensure that our next generation of aviation enthusiasts are equipped with the necessary skills,” he said, adding that the aviation workforce is a critical factor to the industry’s success.

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The post W Singapore-Sentosa Cove hosts next run of “What She Said” speaker series appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove teams up with Sponsors In Tech for the latest edition of What She Said on 9th November from 10am to 2pm.

What She Said is an inspiring speaker series that showcases bold, innovative women from across industries. 

Centred on the theme Balance Beyond the Boardroom, the event aims to inspire, educate, and empower women to thrive in leadership by learning from real-life experiences of top executives.

What She Said continues to be a leading platform for celebrating women who push boundaries and shape the future. Attendees are invited to join this empowering day of inspiration, learning, and connection. 

Powering up for leadership

The event kicks off with an energising yoga session led by Malina Platon at 10am, offering the perfect start for attendees to centre themselves for the dynamic day ahead.

After a short break, the much-anticipated panel discussion at WOOBAR will follow, featuring prominent speakers: Kim Underhill from She Brilliance, Jillian Wood from ServiceNow, and Cassie Roberts from Mastercard. 

Moderated by Soo-Lin Lee from Sponsors In Tech,panellists will delve into the secrets of successful leadership, sharing their personal experiences and offering actionable tips for aspiring leaders.

An afternoon for wellness

The afternoon session begins at 1:10 pm, and features an engaging workshop led by Elika Tasker, a certified health coach, restaurateur, food consultant, and professional speaker. The session will focus on practical strategies for both career and lifestyle growth, offering attendees a unique opportunity to gain insights from the experiences and lessons learned by accomplished professionals.

Rounding out the day, participants are invited to explore the Experiential Marketplace, a curated showcase of wellness brands at WOOBAR such as She Brilliance, Leila & Co, Aboocha Kombucha, Anya Active, Coco Veda, and Dipsy Dips.

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The post TTS announces TMA 5.0: The biggest update ever to Travelport Mobile Agent appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

TTS – Travel Technology & Solutions announces the launch of Travelport Mobile Agent (TMA) 5.0, the biggest update to  Travelport Mobile Agent ever. For over 13 years, Travelport Mobile Agent (TMA) has empowered travel agents with the  mobility and flexibility to stay productive wherever they are. By providing agents full access  to the GDS terminal, TMA allows them to manage bookings, check availability, and handle  PNRs easily as if they were at their desks. But the role of a travel agent goes far beyond  managing bookings and handling logistical details. To address these challenges, TMA 5.0  introduces a set of new features specifically designed to reduce manual work and optimize  routine processes.

Refund Tracker: Automatically identify potential refunds from unused flight tickets without  the hassle. Refund Tracker scans ticketing systems for unused segments and notifies agents  instantly, ensuring no refund opportunity goes unnoticed. This feature saves time, maximizes  refunds, and increases agency profitability.

Send Quotes: Create and send personalized travel quotes in seconds. With TMA 5.0, agents  can quickly share quotes with clients, including multiple trip options in a single email. Plus, the  option to add markups ensures agents maintain control over pricing and revenue.

Send Itineraries: Simplify the itinerary creation process with just one click. TMA 5.0 enables  agents to send comprehensive itineraries, including check-in links and detailed city guides, to  clients. Maximize profits by incorporating custom markups directly into the prices.

City Guides: Provide clients with detailed city guides for over 3.000 destinations.  Automatically included when sending quotes or itineraries, these guides offer local  attractions, dining spots, transportation tips, and more, helping clients experience each  destination like a local.

Markups: Effortlessly increase profits by adding customizable markups to prices when sending  quotes and itineraries. TMA 5.0 offers the flexibility to set markups as a percentage or fixed  amount, with automatic calculations to save time and eliminate complex pricing tasks.

“We understand that travel agents do more than just manage bookings and handle logistics.  Routine tasks often get in the way, so TMA 5.0 was designed to help agents be more efficient,  profitable, and provide even better service,” said João Santos, CEO of TTS. “This free update  includes new tools that give agents more control, flexibility, and speed in their everyday  operations.”

For travel agents looking to elevate their services and streamline their workflow, TMA 5.0  represents a significant step forward. Integrating these new features into Travelport Mobile  Agent makes it the ultimate tool for travel professionals, combining power, flexibility, and  ease of use in one comprehensive solution.

 

 

 

 

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