The post Sentosa to upskill 15,000 employees in the tourism sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singapore’s popular resort island Sentosa recently took a pro-active step towards ensuring that its workforce is ready for the challenges posed by the tourism sector in the 21st century.

Management firm Sentosa Development Corporate (SDC) signed a historic partnership with the National Trades Union Congress’ Learning Hub (NTUC-LHUB) to upskill up to 15,000 employees in the tourism and hospitality sectors across the island, including from notable industry partners like Resorts World Sentosa.

This landmark initiative was formalised via a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and aims to foster lifelong learning, as well as employee empowerment through skills education for a rapidly evolving industry.

The joint targeted programmes were unveiled during the inaugural Sentosa Learning Festival (SLF) before an audience of almost 1,000 participants. Slated to be held annually, the SLF provides employees with a platform to explore increasingly relevant topics and collaborate on innovative solutions for the future of tourism.

A pioneering framework

This dynamic learning programme is built upon the One Sentosa Transformation and Equipping Platform (1-STEP), an innovative skills training framework meant to drive the island’s transformation into a global tourism destination.

As such, its focus is on emergent capabilities, including customer experience, wellness and regenerative tourism, sustainability, as well as data and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the contemporary workplace. With these skills in hand, the workforce will meet today’s demands and drive the tourism industry forward in the future.

SDC assistant chief executive for corporate and sustainability Lee Cheh Hsien said of the initiative:  “The dynamic tourism sector today is constantly evolving, driven by key trends and shifting challenges such as sustainability, digital transformation, and changing consumer expectations. Recognising this, it was crucial to ensure our workforce at Sentosa is future-ready and equipped with the right skills to navigate these emerging demands.”

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The post How to create awards programmes that resonate appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Awards programmes need to constantly adapt to remain relevant and generate revenue.

Evessio, an award management company, recently published a report that sheds light on the newest strategies and innovations for making awards programmes stand out.

Whether you’re aiming to increase revenue or enhance participation, the report’s findings ensure your awards programme stays competitive, engaging, and valuable for entrants and sponsors. Here is a summary of the report’s practical ways to create awards programmes that resonate.

Make sure your judging criteria is easily understood

Being transparent is key to establishing trust. Participants who understand the judging process tend to recognise the value of participating. Clearly explain judging criteria online, including entry forms, your website, and promo materials. Everyone should know what exactly the judges will assess, which is crucial in the age of vanity awards or “pay-to-win” programmes. With consistency and frankness, you’ll win more entrants over and can improve your programme’s credibility.

Emphasise inclusion and diversity

Awards programmes are a powerful tool to present talents and their views to the best advantage. By appreciating and searching for diverse participants, you make sure everyone is heard and represented. You can do that via categories that centre around people. Discounted entry fees for startups can also lead to higher quality of registrations, which improves the award’s credibility. Highlighting both inclusion and diversity rightly creates the impression of a forward-thinking programme.

Ask an amount of money for your service

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Contrary to popular belief and according to Evessio’s research, charging for your awards may positively affect the number of submissions. Entry fees add exclusivity and improve people’s perceived value of your awards. They may also result in better-quality entries because participants will consider more carefully what they submit.

Offer strategic discounts

Discounts such as early bird rates or bulk entries may attract a broader range of participants, as may special rates for returning entrants or companies that submit entries on a regular basis.

Choose an appealing prize package

Apart from the prestige of winning an award, a prize package that includes attractive goods will increase engagement and the quality of entries. It can also strengthen partnerships with sponsors and be a marketing tool after the event. Either way, make it clear what winners will get.

Invite knowledgeable judges

Influential judges with a wealth of knowledge are key to your award’s prestige and thus to a successful event. Aside from bringing their expertise and network, experts in the industry improve the award’s appeal. Participants will rightly anticipate fair evaluation of their work, and well-known judges can also help you spread the word, which will expand your award’s reach.

Get industry organisations on board

Strategic partners can make a huge impact on your awards. Pre-event collaboration with organisations that are relevant adds credibility, which can result in a higher number of entries hence more income.

Find sponsors in your network

Why bank on the same sponsors every year when better partners may exist outside your network? Check out AI-powered platforms such as SponsorPitch, which can determine industries that align with your programme. Finding sponsors that relate to your values is beneficial to both you and your partners, bringing new ideas and financial stability.

Use cross-selling to your advantage

A great way to increase revenue without using other resources is cross-selling. For instance, you can bundle submissions with tickets to the ceremony or let entrants register for several categories at a lower price. Whatever you offer, make sure your entry fees are transparent.

Create competition with leaderboards

Competition does no harm when it comes to engagement with your programme. That can be via an awards format that allows participants to score differently. Seeing somebody’s progress makes people excited and creates a sense of urgency. That will result in better engagement with your awards programme because people will try to improve their standings.

Conversations within the sector create visibility, which can attract even more entrants and new sponsors keen to be part of a prestigious award.

Announce shortlisted candidates

Using a shortlist before revealing winners builds suspense and offers exposure for those who do not win. That way, chances are more people will submit an entry. Now picture what happens when they announce their nomination in the world of social media. By spreading the word online, they will also drum up business for sponsors as they get increased visibility as well, more so when the audience associates brands with nominees. Shortlists can also create anticipation for the awards ceremony, attracting a larger audience.

Ensure your awards ceremony is sustainable

Whether you choose plant-based catering or an environmentally friendly venue, by making sustainability a priority, you demonstrate that your awards programme is socially responsible and forward-looking. Other ways can include digital solutions instead of printed invitation letters, and avoiding single-use materials is always a good choice as it reduces waste. You can also encourage people to take the bus or train, which may attract participants and sponsors who share your values.

Share judges’ feedback with participants

Giving feedback to people who don’t make it will keep them engaged. That ensures you won’t lose them in the future. Artificial intelligence can also come in handy as you can summarise scores or comments, sharing insights that are easily understood. Many people find feedback to be as valuable as the awards programme itself as it can show them the way forward. This can help in terms of future participation as constructive comments foster loyalty.

Turn participants into brand ambassadors

Instead of one-time registrations, aim for organic brand ambassadors. You can do that by creating a community around your programme, keeping them engaged all year. This marketing tool will boost participation as a community will likely share experiences with others in the industry.

Download Evessio’s awards report here and apply these strategies. They will help you expand your reach and engage new audiences, which leads to a financially sustainable awards programme that’s more credible and engaging.

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The post NexusTours invests over USD 4 million in new fleet appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

During the GoBeyond Summit, held in Cancún on September 24 and 27, NexusTours  a  experiences and mobility travel group, has announced a major step in its operational excellence strategy with an investment of over $4 million to expand its transport fleet across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. NexusTours has expanded its fleet with 66 new vans, in addition to 100 newly rebranded vans in multiple destinations.

At the event, which has brought together over 100 company leaders, Rubén Gutiérrez, President of GoNexus Group, shared the company’s vision and purpose: “Making Vacation Dreams Come True,” emphasizing that “Excellence is not negotiable.” The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure that every stage of the customer journey reflects NexusTours’s commitment to excellence. The company aims to infuse the “NexusTours DNA” into every aspect of the customer experience, ensuring a seamless and high-quality service for all travellers.

All vans will be operational starting October 1, offering key services such as onboard Wi-Fi and NexusTours’s signature look and feel. All operators will receive service etiquette training as part of NexusTours’ commitment to excellence. They will also follow standardized scripts to ensure consistent, high-quality service throughout. Each unit will implement a “quality assurance checklist” to ensure compliance with the highest standards.

To make the experience even more memorable, NexusTours is working on incorporating a “wow factor” upon customer arrival, including special touches to enhance the VIP experience. In addition to offering onboard Wi-Fi, passengers will be able to interact with a specially designed audiovisual experience, download the NexusTours App, and effortlessly select activities, keeping their entire itinerary at their fingertips. This seamless digital integration allows for real-time engagement and makes the journey both enjoyable and highly convenient, while also enabling the company to gather direct feedback on service quality through a brief in-transit survey.

 

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The post Sunil Kumar elected as the new President of TAAI for 2024-2026 term appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sunil Kumar has been elected as the new President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) at the TAAI national elections held in Mumbai at ITC Maratha. The other two contenders for the President’s post were former President, Jyoti Mayal and Harmandeep Singh Anand.

The newly appointed leadership team includes Lokesh Bettaiah as Vice President, Shreeram Patel as Honorary Secretary, and Paras Lakhia as Honorary Treasurer.

Other members of the managing committee include key industry figures Gopal Unadkt, Manav Soni, Amish Desai, Lalit Kumar, Hema Chander, Sameer Karnani, and Rajan Sehgal.

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The post Shanghai puts its best foot forward for its World Tourism Day showcase appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Shanghai showed off the best it had to offer travellers at its World Tourism Day showcase event on Friday, 27th September, at the Liu Haisu Art Museum.

Titled Feel Shanghai: Travel as a Local, the event was organised by the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism and handled by Shanghai Daily.

Its aim was to enable travellers to experience the city through a local’s point of view whilst presenting its numerous cultural and commercial attractions. 

A global community

The initiative invited foreigners living in Shanghai to share their personal city discoveries and must-try local experiences in order to provide valuable insights for foreign visitors.

Ten international residents from six countries, grouped into nine teams, served as local expat guides for the event, each of whom covered an area of interest from art to cuisine. 

The showcase also aimed to boost global interest in exploring Shanghai and support the city’s development as a top destination for inbound travel in China.

The event also saw the launch of the promotional video “Feel Shanghai: Travel as a Local,” where participants shared their favourite local experiences.

The event concluded with the launch of the “Homie Hunt” project, featuring street challenges at major cultural and tourism spots. This project highlights Shanghai’s role as an open, inclusive international hub for vibrant cultural exchanges and diverse perspectives.

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The post Philippine tourism campaign cited at Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that its Love the Philippines global promotional campaign received a special citation at Tourism EXPO Japan on Thursday, 26th September.

The EXPO Jury’s Special Award acknowledged the campaign’s outstanding efforts in promoting the richness of Philippine culture, the country’s natural wonders, and the current administration’s commitment to ensure sustainable tourism through a collaborative approach.

In a statement released on Sunday, 29th September, tourism secretary Christina Frasco said: “This jury citation reflects the shared passion and commitment of Filipinos to showcase the best of our nation to the world, aligning with the government’s vision for the tourism industry.”

Frasco added that the Love the Philippines campaign will continue to highlight the nation’s rich history, stunning landscapes and the warmth of our people, in order to resonate with both local and foreign travellers.

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The post The iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok officially reopens appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dusit Thani Bangkok, the flagship hotel of Dusit International, officially reopened on Friday, 27th September, following extensive renovations.

The hotel management firm marked the reopening with a special ceremony wherein its chairman of the executive committee / vice-chairman of the board Chanin Donavanik became the first guest to check in. This symbolic act honoured the legacy of Donavanik’s mother who opened the original Dusit Thani Bangkok in 1970.

Donavanik said of the revitalised hotel: “Just as my mother envisioned the original Dusit Thani Bangkok as a beacon of Thai hospitality on the world stage, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok aims to elevate that legacy.”

He added that the reopening marks not only a new chapter for Dusit, but also a new era for Thai hospitality.                     

He added: “We are excited to welcome our guests to experience this extraordinary transformation, where heritage and tradition seamlessly blend with innovation to establish a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in Bangkok.”

The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is the centrepiece of Dusit Central Park, a landmark THB 46 billion mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m Roof Park. These additional components are expected to open gradually in 2025.

Elegant by design

Guests from across the globe travelled to be among the first to experience the hotel’s exquisitely designed suites and club rooms, where expansive, cantilevered picture frame windows capture breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park, providing an unmatched accommodation experience in the city.

Set to launch soon is Devarana Wellness, a unique urban wellness sanctuary concept designed to provide tailored wellness experiences for guests, visitors, and locals, ensuring that every stay is an opportunity for rejuvenation.

Special opening offers with exclusive privileges, including a complimentary airport limousine service in a Porsche Panamera Executive – the first of its kind in Thailand – are now available for guests’ enjoyment.

Exceptional events, delectable dining

The newly transformed hotel also unveiled its expansive meeting and events space, which in keeping with the grandeur of its predecessor, boasts one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok. 

The Napalai Grand Ballroom, with its soaring eight-metre-high ceiling and full-width, 55-metre-wide panoramic window, frames picturesque park and cityscape views, creating a dramatic backdrop for any event.

The hotel’s dining venues are equally captivating, each with its own signature touch. Initial offerings include The Pavilion, where guests can savour Thai, Chinese, and international delicacies, and Dusit Gourmet, which offers artisanal bites and international favourites from an open kitchen. 

Guests will soon be able to enjoy four more dining concepts, including collaborations with world-class chefs and a chic, multi-level rooftop bar situated alongside the hotel’s iconic spire.

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The post PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur receives five Haute Grandeur awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur came away with five honours at this year’s Haute Grandeur Awards.

The two-year-old luxury hotel garnered the titles proudly Best New Hotel – Global Level, a distinction given to hotels that have been operating for three years or less; Best  Lifestyle Hotel in Malaysia, Best Luxury Hotel in Malaysia, Best Prime Location Hotel in  Malaysia, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Malaysia. 

Indeed, the sustainability award honours the way the hotel has expanded eco-conscious hospitality beyond four walls, integrating initiatives that align with its values. This commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in the hotel’s DNA, making it a brand promise to customers, business associates, stakeholders, employees, as well as future generations. 

In all, these accolades highlight the hotel’s exceptional service, luxurious amenities, prime location,  and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Indeed, since it opened in June 2022, PARKROYAL COLLECTION  Kuala Lumpur has raised the bar in terms of the Malaysian capital’s hospitality sector as it offers guests unparalleled experiences in the heart of the city. 

An urban sanctuary

Located in the very modern heart of Kuala Lumpur, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur is a luxurious sanctuary offering opulent rooms and suites, in-house wellness facilities including the St Gregory spa, a modern gymnasium, fitness studio, and a swimming pool set amidst a verdant garden. 

The hotel has also contributed greatly to Kuala Lumpur’s gastronomic scene thanks to Thyme and Botanist Lounge and Bar. It also makes the evenings more exciting as its Skye Chill deck transforms into a scenic terrace lounge  at night. 

More than just a hotel, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur is also a destination for inspiring  events and celebrations. With experienced Celebration Curators and culinary teams, the hotel  executes each event with precision, creating memorable experiences through epicurean  menus, chic décor, and refined settings.

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The post Freedom and flexibility make Centara Life among the most popular hotels in Thailand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With a collection of popular hotels in Thailand and Oman, Centara Life puts freedom and flexibility at the centre of the guest experience through its core concept of “Elevating the Essentials”- enabling guests to tailor their stay to their needs and lifestyle.

Whether guests are travelling on holiday or for business, to the city or the beach, Centara Life hotels prioritise comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour stay, with no check-in or check-out time restrictions, flexible breakfast until 4 pm, and daily delights such as complimentary snacks that offer a taste of the local culture.

Centara Hotels & Resorts rebranded Centra by Centara as Centara Life, launching with it a fresh and exciting new brand identity and a commitment to offering flexible and seamless stays for all to enjoy. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the convenience and comfort of Centara Life for an ‘unforgettable escape’ designed around them.

Hotels across Thailand and in Oman

Centara Life hotels are located around Thailand, in Bangkok, Pattaya, Cha-Am, Krabi, Samui and Mae Sot, and in Oman.

The 51-room Centara Life Avenue Hotel Pattaya is a kosher hotel centrally located with easy access to shopping areas and Pattaya Beach. Ideal for single holidaymakers, couples, small families and business travellers, the resort’s facilities include a rooftop swimming pool with Jacuzzi, fitness centre, and sauna and steam rooms.

The 282-room Centara Life Maris Resort Jomtien is an oasis of relaxation amid the frenzy of Jomtien Beach. Great for families, friends and couples, the resort’s facilities include two restaurants and a bar, swimming pool with Jacuzzis, children’s pool with waterslide and water playground, Thailand’s first hobbit-themed Kids’ Club, fitness centre and Cense by SPA Cenvaree.

The 158-room Centara Life Phu Pano Resort Krabi is nestled in beautiful tropical surroundings characterised by limestone cliffs and azure waters. Facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, children’s pool, fitness centre and PADI diving centre. Rooms with bunk beds and interconnecting rooms add to the resort’s idealness for families and groups.

The 190-room Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin enjoys an ideal setting on the shores of Cha-Am Beach. Designed for single travellers, couples and families alike, the resort’s faciliites include two restaurants and a bar, two swimming pools with separate children’s pool and a waterslide, Nemo-themed Kids’ Club, Cense by SPA Cenvaree and fitness centre.

Set next to a picturesque lake in the mountains along the Thai-Myanmar border is the 113-room Centara Life Hotel Mae Sot, with the welcoming charm and character of a hillside resort. Located not far from Mae Sot Airport, the resort’s facilities include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, fitness centre and Thai massage service on request.

In Bangkok, the 180-room Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon is located in the historic old Bangkok area near landmark attractions like The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, world-famous Khaosan Road, and the Chao Phraya express boat and MRT subway services. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, pool terrace and fitness centre.

Located within the Government Complex at Chaeng Watthana, the 212-room Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana is perfect for those travelling on government-related business and for events. Hotel facilities include two restaurants and a coffee corner, fitness centre, Thai massage service and a convention centre for events of up to 3,000 delegates.

The 78-room Centara Life Muscat Dunes Hotel is located in the heart of Oman’s Muscat City, close to major sights like the Muscat Grand Mosque and National Museum of Oman as well as popular shopping malls like Panorama Mall, Muscat Grand Mall and Avenue Mall. The hotel’s facilities include a restaurant, rooftop pool, fitness center, SPA Cenvaree and business centre.

The 61-room Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui is the newest addition to the Centara Life brand, located at Lamai Beach. Ideal for singles, couples and families on holiday as well as those travelling for business, the resort’s facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre.

A special opening offer is available at Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui for bookings made between now and 30 September 2024 for stays up to 20 December 2024 and includes celebratory room rates, an additional 15% discount for CentaraThe1 members, Bt250 in daily food and drinks credits per room for use during the stay, daily breakfast for two persons and welcome drink upon arrival.

“Centara Life: Uplift Your Everyday”

To celebrate the launch, the “Centara Life: Uplift Your Everyday” promotion is available for bookings made from now until 31^st October 2024, and stays taken through 20^th December 2024. Members of CentaraThe1 who stay for three nights will only pay for two nights. In addition to the brand’s unique offerings, guests will enjoy “buy 1 get 1 free” deals on selected food and drinks, plus double CentaraThe1 points on every stay. For more information and reservations, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara-life-elevating-essentials.

Imagine the freedom and flexibility that comes without the rush of traditional check-in and check-out times, the choice to start your stay at any time of the day or night and to make the most of every moment.

Picture the perfect day when you can rise nice and early or enjoy a few more hours in bed, and know that either way there’s a delightful breakfast waiting for you. They say breakfast is the right way to start the day, and at Centara Life it certainly is – whether you’re starting the day in the morning or the afternoon.

Late at night, should the munchies hit, there’s a handy Noodle Station that provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in a tasty helping of local culinary culture.

Book a stay now and discover for yourself why Centara Life hotels are among the most popular hotels in Thailand with guests who love freedom, flexibility, comfort and convenience on their holiday. Go to https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara-life-elevating-essentials.

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