The post Traditional sweets see 55% surge in pre- festive sales appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Scandalous Foods, a B2B innovator in Indian sweets for the restaurant and catering industry, has released a revealing survey detailing consumer preferences during the festive season. The report sheds light on the dominant position of traditional Indian sweets, which have surged ahead of Western desserts and ice creams in festive consumption patterns.

The survey, conducted among a mix of over 1,000 consumers and 100 restaurants, underscores a clear preference for classic Indian mithais prior to the festivities, which now account for 55% of all festive dessert sales. By comparison, Western desserts make up only 25% of sales, with ice creams and chocolates rounding out the remaining 20%. Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and innovative fusion desserts such as Rasmalai Tiramisu have emerged as top choices, especially in the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) segment.

Scandalous Foods attributes this growth to several factors, including the growing trend toward healthier, innovative dessert options and a pricing strategy that resonates with both consumers and businesses. Expanding their distribution network from 400 to over 1,500 touchpoints in the last year alone has also contributed to the increased availability and accessibility of these beloved sweets, particularly during the festive season.

Commenting on the findings, Sanket S, Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods, stated:  “It has never been in doubt that Indian sweets are world-beaters when it comes to satisfying sweet cravings, especially during festive seasons. Our latest survey reinforces that traditional mithais continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers, particularly in moments of celebration. As we scale our operations and innovate with fusion desserts, we are excited to meet the evolving demands of the market while staying true to the rich heritage of Indian sweets.”

The survey also highlights the pivotal role that the HoReCa sector plays in the resurgence of traditional Indian desserts. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and cloud kitchens, in particular, have driven the surge in orders, with festive gifting also contributing strongly to sales growth. Additionally, the rise of fusion sweets, blending traditional and modern flavors, reflects a growing trend toward culinary experimentation, especially among younger consumers.

As the festive season continues to unfold, Scandalous Foods anticipates sustained demand for both classic and innovative sweets, predicting that Indian mithais will continue to capture a dominant share of the market well into the wedding season and beyond.

 

 

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The post Discover Seoul in Style with 4x Weekly Flights from MAI appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A holiday represents an unforgettable journey that commences with meticulous planning, booking, and arrival at the destination. The significance of a comfortable flight cannot be understated as it enriches the holiday experience and initiates a journey characterised by eager anticipation. In alignment with this ethos, Myanmar Airways International (MAI) extends to its patrons a proposition of cost-effective, adaptable, and seamless travel.

The expedition commences in Yangon, where one can immerse oneself in the historical ambience of Mandalay, linger by the tranquil banks of the Irrawaddy River, or traverse Yangon’s spirited and dynamic streets. The day concludes in the vibrant city of Seoul, a realm of stark contrasts, where ancient palaces harmonize with contemporary skyscrapers, and bustling markets coexist with serene parks. From its animated nightlife to tranquil temples, Seoul beckons to explore its diverse and intricate tapestry.

A Trip to Remember

We acknowledge the unpredictability of life and the corresponding impact on travel plans. Therefore, with MAI, we offer the assurance of booking with confidence. Our airline provides four weekly flights from Yangon to Seoul-Incheon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, catering to a diverse range of travel purposes, including weekend getaways, business endeavours, and cultural explorations. We aim to be your reliable companion, ensuring that your journey is seamless, cost-effective, and memorable.

Each destination holds a myriad of offerings, whether commencing your expedition in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar and a hub of cultural diversity or immersing yourself in the dynamic city of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Yangon showcases colonial-era architecture, the resplendent Shwedagon Pagoda, and vibrant street markets abounding with local culinary delights. Meanwhile, Seoul stands as a sprawling metropolis that seamlessly interweaves Buddhist temples, palaces, and traditional markets with contemporary skyscrapers, state-of-the-art subways, and a thriving pop culture scene. Noteworthy attractions in Seoul include the modern Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace boasting over 7,000 rooms, and the serene Jogyesa Temple, adorned with ancient pine and locust trees.

The Ease of Travelling

MAI Airlines recognises and caters to the evolving demands of contemporary travellers. The airline’s service is anchored by three fundamental principles: Convenience, Affordability, and Flexibility. Each route is meticulously crafted to provide seamless connections, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience for both business and leisure purposes. Emphasis is placed on comfort and convenience, complemented by a user-friendly booking interface, streamlined check-in processes, and a range of flight options.

Passengers are afforded the convenience of hassle-free date changes. Individuals uncertain of their itineraries can request modifications at least 14 days before departure through the Customer Service Center, a service provided without incurring additional fees. This flexibility enables travellers to secure favourable fares while remaining adaptable to future adjustments.

The journey experience commences upon boarding, where MAI Airlines endeavours to deliver a delightful travel experience. Passengers have the opportunity to savour the comfort of two onboard meals as they traverse the skies. Moreover, Business Class patrons receive an exclusive amenity kit, inclusive of essentials to ensure a rejuvenated arrival in Seoul.

MAI Airlines extends generous baggage allowances, facilitating worry-free travel for passengers. Business class travellers are entitled to two checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg, in addition to a seven kg carry-on. Meanwhile, economy class passengers are permitted one checked-in bag weighing up to 23 kg, accompanied by a seven kg carry-on. Families travelling with infants benefit from added flexibility, with an allowance of two checked bags, each weighing up to 10 kg.

The Bright Embrace

As the Thadingyut Festival lights up the skies, it presents an opportune moment to plan your upcoming journey. Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is pleased to offer exceptional fares in celebration of this occasion, providing travellers with the chance to secure the most advantageous travel deals for their future trips. Whether your travel is leisure-oriented or involves reuniting with family, this is an opportunity of significant value. With prices anticipated to surge due to heightened demand, organising your travel during MAI’s Thadingyut Fare Sale not only circumvents the rush but also ensures access to some of the most competitive fares available. These fares enable affordable travel, making them an attractive proposition. During this limited-time offer, you can secure your tickets at special rates. Acting promptly enhances the likelihood of securing the most competitive prices. Ticket bookings are open from October 1st to October 31st, 2024, for travel between October 1st and December 31st, 2024. This travel window offers flexibility, allowing you to select dates that align with your requirements, making it ideal for planning year-end holidays or much-needed respites.

To book your next trip to Seoul, visit www.maiair.com or engage our Passenger Sales Agents (PSAs). Alternatively, you can opt to download the MAI Xtra App for convenient on-the-go bookings or reach out through Facebook Messenger. Our dedicated team is poised to ensure that your Thadingyut travels are truly exceptional.

At MAI, we aim to offer more than just a flight—we endeavour to craft an enriching experience. From our amiable service to our in-flight amenities, we go the extra mile to ensure that you feel well cared for throughout your journey. Whether travelling in Business or Economy Class, you will discern the distinction in our personalised attention to detail, enhancing the enjoyment of your trip from take-off to landing.

“Experience your seamless and adaptable trip from Yangon to Seoul with MAI’s exclusive codeshare partners. Experience the utmost in travel convenience!”

Your next exceptional journey awaits with just a simple click. Act promptly to capitalize on these exceptional offers and commence your exploration of the heart of Seoul!

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE HERE

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The post Sandy Shen is The Lux Collective’s new sales VP for the Asia-Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Lux Collective announced the appointment of Sandy Shen as its new vice-president for sales and marketing in the Asia-Pacific.

Shen will be responsible for leading the Sales & Marketing teams in Asia Pacific, developing strategies to expand its market presence and deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders. 

Her leadership and professional expertise at both corporate office and property levels will be invaluable as the Group strives to achieve ambitious business goals and grow the Group’s portfolio of hotels worldwide.

She will be based in the Shanghai Office and will report to Nitesh Pandey, chief operating officer for the Asia-Pacific.

Pandey said of Shen: “We are delighted to welcome her to The Lux Collective hospitality group. With her extensive industry experience in regional sales and marketing, she will contribute to the Group’s strategic direction as we expand our global footprint.”

Who is Sandy Shen?

With over 20 years of experience, Shen has a proven track record in driving growth and innovation in sales and marketing within the industry. 

Having worked in renowned hospitality companies, she was with Tonino Lamborghini Hotels & Resorts as vice-president for sales and marketing. She also held key positions with The Edition, Alila Hotels & Resorts, and Jumeirah Hotel Group amongst others, overseeing the Greater China and Korea markets.

Shen majored in Hotel Management at the Institute of Tourism in China, and began her career as assistant sales manager at Hilton Group’s National Sales Office in China. 

Prior to joining The Lux Collective, she was the director of sales and marketing at Regent Shanghai on The Bund. 

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The post CapitaLand Ascott Trust’s Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto divested for JPY6.18 billion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) divested Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto in Japan to an unrelated third party for about JPY6.18 billion.

The 124-unit property was divested at 40.1 percent above book value at an exit EBITDA yield of about 0.3 percent.  Net proceeds of the divestment are JPY4.4 billion and CLAS has recognised a net gain of JPY0.9 billion. 

Serena Teo, chief executive of CLAS’ management firms CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management Limited and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management Pte Ltd, said: “The divestment of Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto is in line with [our] active portfolio reconstitution strategy.  The mature property has reached the optimal stage of its lifecycle.  We plan to redeploy the divestment proceeds into higher-yielding investments to further grow our returns to Stapled Securityholders.”  

At present, Japan remains a key market for CLAS and is one of the company’s strongest performing markets.  In light of the divestment, CLAS will continue to seek opportunities to strengthen its portfolio in the East Asian country.

Other developments

Teo added that the recently announced proposal to acquire lyf Funan Singapore also demonstrates CLAS’ ability to enhance value for Stapled Securityholders by using proceeds from its divestment of Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore at an exit EBITDA yield of 3.2 percent towards the proposed acquisition of lyf Funan Singapore at a higher yield of 4.7 percent.  

In the first half of this year, CLAS also completed the acquisition of Teriha Ocean Stage, a rental housing property in Fukuoka, Japan, and fully acquired Standard at Columbia, a student accommodation property in the United States of America.  

Teo said of these: “The acquisitions will strengthen our income stream, creating sustainable value for our Stapled Securityholders.”

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The post Virgin Voyages completes second phase of European expansion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Virgin Voyages announced that it has completed the second phase of its European expansion and sales in both France and Italy are open. 

This follows an additional six European source markets opening for business over the past three weeks, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. 

Earlier this year, Virgin Voyages kick-started its European expansion by opening sales in three new markets, including Spain, Portugal and Ireland, delivering unprecedented results with sales performance up nearly 50 percent within the first year.

The addition of 11 new markets this year means Virgin Voyages now has a global distribution footprint with plans to continue to build throughout 2025 and beyond, with six additional new markets in scope.

Virgin Voyages’ head of European sales Matt Lebbern said of this development: “We are very excited to open our doors locally in all of these markets, bringing our reimagined cruise experience to both the millions of existing cruisers and to those that may not have considered a cruise previously. As part of an extensive family of Virgin companies, we already enjoy great brand recognition in these markets and look forward to welcoming these Sailors on-board our fleet of Lady Ships.”

Returning to Europe in 2025

This recent announcement comes in the wake of the launch of Virgin Voyages’ biggest ever European deployment in 2025. 

Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady will be returning to European shores, offering a selection of voyages from six to 13 nights from April through October 2025. 

The line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, will explore the western Mediterranean and northern Europe, stopping in popular destinations such as the Balearic Islands, British Isles, Ligurian coast, and Iceland while offering departures from Barcelona, Portsmouth, Reykjavik, and Rome. 

Meanwhile, Resilient Lady will homeport in Athens and set sail to the Greek Isles and Adriatic Coast, featuring stops in Bodrum, Dubrovnik, and Santorini, as well as overnight stays in Istanbul and Mykonos.

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The post Hotel Toranomon Hills brings The Unbound Collection by Hyatt to Tokyo in grand fashion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Opened in December 2023, Hotel Toranomon Hills represents the landmark arrival in Tokyo of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a remarkable portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels that feature a unique character and charm all their own. Ideally situated within the new Toranomon Hills Station Tower in Toranomon Hills, it is a fitting debut property with its unique features, engaging spaces and immersive culinary experience that is Le Pristine Tokyo.

Hotel Toranomon Hills is in fact a debut property in the multiple sense. Not only is it the first The Unbound Collection by Hyatt hotel in the Japanese capital, it also marks the Japan debut of Danish design studio Space Copenhagen and the first restaurant in Asia by Michelin-starred Dutch chef Sergio Herman.

The hotel’s location could not be better, being in central Tokyo with easy access to shopping and entertainment hubs like Ginza and Roppongi, within walking distance of the iconic Imperial Palace, and connected directly to Toranomon Hills subway station providing easy travel around the city. As part of Toranomon Hills Station Tower, it is also neighbours with TOKYO NODE which features a presentation/performance hall and art galleries, and a commercial centre incorporating some 70 stores and restaurants.

Toranomon Hills Station Tower is in turn itself part of the Toranomon Hills international hub and global business centre, which is also home to the ARCH and CIC Tokyo hotspot for creatives and start-ups.

The Place For ‘Bleisure Travel’

Hotel Toranomon Hills caters to the growing trend of ‘bleisure travel’ that combines business and leisure, as seen throughout the property with relaxing and inspirational spaces where guests can unwind, work and socialize.

The Space Copenhagen-created interiors of the hotel blend ‘slow aesthetics’ with the beauty of ‘less is more’ and masterfully blend Danish and Japanese influences.

Uniquely Designed Rooms And Suites

The 205 well-appointed rooms and suites feature Wi-Fi internet access, flatscreen TV, safe, hairdryer, coffee maker and electric kettle, iron and ironing board, sustainable built-in hydration station and NEMOHAMO bath amenities, and boast views of the surrounding city or the famed Tokyo Tower. The suites also feature a Japanese-style hot tub, while the two Toranomon Suite duplexes come with a flexible area for meeting, dining and entertaining, a living room and kitchen.

The different guestroom categories available are: 1 King Bed with Shower; 2 Twin Beds with Shower; 1 King Bed with City View, Shower; 1 King Bed with Tower View, Shower; 1 King Bed, Deluxe with Shower; 2 Twin Beds, Deluxe with Shower; 1 King Bed, Deluxe with Sofa Bed and Shower; 1 King Bed with City View, Deluxe with Shower; 1 King Bed, Premium with Bathtub; 1 King Bed with City View, Premium with Bathtub; Suite King; Deluxe Suite King; Deluxe Suite Twin; Corner Suite King; Corner Suite Twin with Tower View; Deluxe Corner Suite King with City View; Panorama Corner Suite King with Tower View; and Toranomon Suite.

All guests staying at Hotel Toranomon Hills have 24-hour access to The Lounge – even before check-in and after check-out – which offers co-working and meeting spaces, showers, private relaxation areas and complimentary refreshments.

The Lounge is an ideal setting in which to catch up on e-mails, plan the day ahead or the next day with the concierge, or simply relax.

‘New Italian’ Cuisine

As Sergio Herman’s first restaurant in Asia, he has brought to the Le Pristine Tokyo kitchen a festive and energetic approach to Italian flavours and his own deep-rooted Zeeland heritage to create what is best described as ‘New Italian’ cuisine. Le Pristine Tokyo comprises two distinctive spaces – an immersive casual fine dining restaurant and a cafe with streetside outdoor terrace.

It is a culinary hotspot that celebrates life’s vibrancy and joy, and infuses Sergio’s love for food, music, art, design and fashion.

The music played accompanies the chefs’ creation as they prepare dishes in the open kitchens. On display are striking art and objects d’art by such Dutch artists as Maarten Baas, Rinus van de Velde and Rotganzen. Reflecting the pursuit of immaculate design, the food is served on wabi-sabi inspired INKU tableware. Aiming for a memorable experience for each and every guest, Le Pristine is about ‘pret a-porter’ dining in a ‘haute couture’ ambiance.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Pristine Tokyo serves a scintillating array of creative dishes that use locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and a unique cocktail collection and exclusive beverage list. A wine pairing package is available, curated by the resident sommelier, and there are also two private dining rooms ideal for intimate celebrations.

The flavours to be savoured at Le Pristine Tokyo are based on European cuisine with a touch of contemporary flair and the Zeeland ‘terroir’. Zeeland being the coastal Southwest province of the Netherlands facing the North Sea, a large farming region known for producing some of Europe’s most succulent crustaceans.

Le Pristine Cafe Tokyo with its outdoor terrace welcomes guests from breakfast to dinner, with an all-day curated selection of bar food from flavorful pizzettes to comforting pasta dishes, signature cocktails and a large selection of wines.

Book a stay now at Hotel Toranomon Hills, and experience the unique character and charm of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s first property in Tokyo. For more information, visit the hotel’s website or call +81 3 6834 5678.

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The post Crystal Coast Tourism names FerebeeLane Agency of Record appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Agency Known for Placemaking to Promote North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks as one of the East Coast’s Premier Coastal Destinations. Insight-led and strategy-driven advertising agency FerebeeLane, known for their work with premium brands and premier destinations, has been selected by the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority (CCTDA) in North Carolina to help increase visitation and revenue outside of the region’s busy summer season. While the goals of the campaign are tied to these key business objectives, FerebeeLane will apply its strategic approach to placemaking to elevate and enrich all aspects of the iconic coastal destination.

The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of beaches and small towns in the Southern Outer Banks^® known for its charming restaurants and shops, plentiful outdoor recreation, and stunning natural scenery.  The CCTDA will tap into FerebeeLane’s extensive hospitality industry experience to drive overnight visitation and heighten its brand awareness as one of the East Coast’s premier coastal destinations.

“Our primary job is to increase overnight stays, but we also see so much potential in shaping and sharing the authentic story of this special place,” said Matt Ferebee, Chief Creative Officer, and Co-Founder. “We’re so excited to have the opportunity to work with the Crystal Coast’s TDA to attract travelers seeking a truly classic southern beach experience.”

As part of the goal to reach prospective year-round travelers, FerebeeLane will create a comprehensive marketing program to increase interest in Crystal Coast as a destination for leisure travel from a number of drive markets. In addition, the agency will develop an advertising plan that will include television, radio, print, digital, sponsorship and social campaigns in key and opportunity markets.

“Many people visit the Crystal Coast and, even with a short stay, they feel as though they’ve developed a relationship with us. Maybe it’s with a local craftsperson or artisan, an innkeeper, or a family restaurateur.  Our unique shoreline, which faces south rather than east, has a calming and welcoming presence that we enjoy year-round,” said Jim Browder, Executive Director of the CCTDA.  “FerebeeLane has a long history of working with some of the world’s most beloved destinations, capturing the feel and the experience people can enjoy beyond having gone on a trip.  They understand how to convey the unspoiled and authentic nature of our communities – and with their proven track record of driving results in the hospitality and tourism industry, the decision to select them as our partner was clear.”

“We first met with the CCTDA in 2020 to discuss working together,” said Josh Lane, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at FerebeeLane. “Although we didn’t win the business back then, we knew there was great chemistry between our two teams. I think they saw our enthusiasm and were intrigued by our strategic perspective on how to attack the assignment.  When an opportunity to partner with them came up again, we jumped at the chance.  Based on the relationship we started building in 2020, we knew this was a group we wanted to work with — great people doing great work and making a real difference in their region. We are thrilled to be working with the Crystal Coast team and proud to be their new agency of record.”

Chris Cavanaugh, Magellan Strategy Group, oversaw the RFP process.

 

 

 

Matt Ferebee,

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The post Cloudbeds integrates PXier to enhance sales, catering, and spa management capabilities appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cloudbeds has announced a preferred partnership with PXier, a leader in sales, catering, and spa management software solutions. The agreement will provide Cloudbeds’ property management system (PMS) users with seamless access to PXier’s advanced suite of tools, allowing for tighter operational control and enhanced guest service capabilities.

PXier’s highly specialized sales, catering, and spa management modules will enable Cloudbeds customers to automate and streamline essential hospitality operations such as event management, catering logistics, and spa scheduling, ensuring a holistic and efficient workflow within a single ecosystem.

Richard Castle, COO of Cloudbeds, said: “Our collaboration with PXier aligns with our commitment to delivering highly scalable and flexible solutions to the hospitality sector. With this technical integration, we’ve made it possible for properties to manage complex operations, such as catering and spa services, all within the Cloudbeds ecosystem, empowering users to streamline workflows and deliver better guest experiences.”

Jay Manon, Chief Technology Officer at PXier, added: “By integrating our advanced Sales, Catering, and Spa Management systems with Cloudbeds’ PMS, we are unlocking new efficiencies for hospitality operators. Our API-first approach ensures that real-time data exchange between systems allows properties to stay agile and responsive to guest needs.”

Technical highlights of the partnership include:

• Seamless API integration: The partnership leverages Cloudbeds’ open API architecture, enabling real-time data synchronization between Cloudbeds’ PMS and PXier’s sales and catering software. This allows users to manage bookings, event setups, and catering requests directly through Cloudbeds, without the need for manual data entry or external software switching.
• Centralized event management: PXier’s event and catering systems are fully integrated into Cloudbeds’ centralized dashboard. This enables property managers to track and coordinate event bookings, resources, and room block allocations from a unified interface, ensuring accurate, up-to-date availability and pricing information across systems.
• Spa management automation: Through the integration, Cloudbeds users can leverage PXier’s spa scheduling and management tools, allowing seamless appointment booking, therapist scheduling, and spa package management. Real-time updates ensure that spa services are aligned with the guest booking experience, reducing double bookings and manual errors.
• Advanced reporting and analytics: Cloudbeds users will have access to PXier’s in-depth analytics and reporting tools, giving properties the ability to generate real-time reports on event performance, sales forecasts, catering profitability, and guest satisfaction metrics. This data helps properties make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve operational performance.
• Scalability and flexibility: Designed with scalability in mind, the integration allows properties of all sizes, from boutique hotels to large resorts, to adapt their operations efficiently. Cloudbeds and PXier’s partnership delivers a flexible infrastructure that supports complex event setups, large group bookings, and multi-venue management.

This partnership highlights Cloudbeds and PXier’s shared commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline hospitality operations, reduce complexity, and enhance guest experiences.

 

 

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