The post Turkish Airlines secures first sustainability-linked loan for Two Airbus A321NEO Aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global brand continues to break new ground as it financed its two A321NEO, new generation aircraft with outstanding environmental performance, with a multicurrency JOLCO structure containing sustainability linked loan facility. 

Turkish Airlines, which distinguished itself by achieving one of the lowest financing costs in the industry with its award winning creative and first-of-its-kind financing models, has now taken a notable step in sustainable aviation finance.

Structured by Societe Generale, the facility is linked to flag carrier’s achievement of Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) with respect to its Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of carbon intensity reduction of its fleet, aligned with international standards for the aviation sector.

On this new development, Turkish Airlines’ Member of the Board and the Executive Committee, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker stated; “As an airline, awarded by World Finance as the ‘Most Sustainable Flag Carrier Airline’ for three years in a row, we are glad to integrate our sustainability endeavors into aircraft finance, an area where our success is consistently recognized by awards from world-renowned organizations. We are confident that this integration will foster our sustainable growth and fleet renewal strategy while contributing to our goal of becoming a carbon-neutral airline by 2050.”

With its experienced team, Turkish Airlines’ aircraft financing team has not only achieved one of the lowest financing costs in the airline industry but has also been recognized annually with various financing awards from globally renowned organizations such as Global Transport Finance, Airline Economics, Airfinance Journal, and Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Türkiye as a result of employing innovative financing models, many of which were groundbreaking in the industry. Turkish Airlines has crowned its success in this regard, as having won over 30 international aircraft finance awards in the last ten years for its successful executions amounting to approximately 16 billion USD.

 

 

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The post Qatar Airways becomes the Official Airline Partner of the UEFA Champions League appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Strengthening its European presence, Qatar Airways builds on the success of previous partnerships with UEFA EURO 2020 and UEFA EURO 2024. Qatar Airways announces its partnership with the UEFA Champions League in a deal that runs until 2030, further solidifying its mission in uniting people through the power of sport. The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2024, builds on the success of sponsoring UEFA EURO 2020 and UEFA EURO 2024 in an agreement which includes sponsorship rights to the UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League and UEFA Futsal Champions League.

Known for its electrifying competition and showcase of top tier talent, the UEFA Champions League captivates millions of football fans around the world each season. This premier tournament not only represents the pinnacle of European club football but also embodies the values of excellence, perseverance, and international unity principles that resonate deeply with Qatar Airways’ own mission and values.

The new UEFA Champions League format features a thrilling 36-team league phase, which perfectly aligns with Qatar Airways’ connectivity with Europe, serving over 50 European destinations from its home and hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha – The World’s Best Airport as voted by Skytrax in 2024. This new partnership underscores the airline’s dedication to delivering world-class services and creating memorable experiences for football fans in Europe and across the globe, further solidifying its position as the World’s Best Airline.

To celebrate the partnership, the Qatar Airways Privilege Club will be offering UEFA Champions League fans discounts of up to 12 per cent on flight fares along with exclusive ticket promotions. Fans will also have access to exclusive promotions and bespoke travel solutions, such as UEFA Champions League travel packages, all designed to celebrate the spirit of sport while delivering unforgettable experiences to football enthusiasts worldwide.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are thrilled to join forces with UEFA. As the Official Airline Partner of the UEFA Champions League, Qatar Airways is dedicated to transporting thousands of fans to this esteemed competition.

“Our partnership with the UEFA Champions League not only strengthens our connection with Europe but also aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering unity and celebrating excellence. This partnership highlights our commitment to connecting people worldwide through our network of over 170 destinations, while supporting this remarkable competition.”

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, said: “Qatar Airways and UEFA are united in their passion for sports and global business excellence. This shared commitment is the foundation of our long-lasting partnership as we strive to provide football fans worldwide with exceptional experiences. We are delighted to expand our partnership to another level as we embark on a new era of the UEFA Champions League.”

Kicking off the announcement in style, Qatar Airways launched a special campaign video featuring Brazilian football legend, Ricardo Kaka, playing the role of a pilot making a special passenger announcement onboard, with English football legend, Rio Ferdinand, seated onboard the airline’s celebrated Business Class Qsuite, and Fabrizio Romano, one of the world’s leading football journalists who delivers his famous catchphrase, “Here we go!”. The airline’s cabin crew adds a touch of class to the star-studded campaign, which also features appearances from Paris Saint-Germain Féminines football star, Sakina Karchaoui, and renowned football content creator, OussiFooty.

 

 

 

 

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The post Top ten most popular cuisines in the United States  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The study, carried out by restaurant furniture experts Seating Masters examined the search volume for over 300 cuisine-related searches in the US over the past 12 months. Different combinations of search terms were used to demonstrate the overall search volume, and the results were then averaged over the past 12 months. These findings were aggregated by each cuisine to determine the most popular food in each state. For example, search terms such as “[cuisine_origin] food”, “[cuisine_origin] restaurant” or “[cuisine_origin] take-out” were used to gather data.

Chinese is the most popular type of cuisine in the US, with an average monthly search volume of 8,599,933. Chinese food is widely consumed nationwide due to its convenience, affordability and exotic yet exciting flavors. Chinese residents have adapted to creating American-Chinese food, which has evolved into its own cuisine. Menu favorites such as Crab Rangoon, General Tso’s Chicken, and Chop Suey are all dishes created for the American palate yet inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine. The most popular day of the year for Chinese consumption is Christmas Day in the US.

The second most popular cuisine in the US is Mexican, with an average monthly search volume of 7,726,160. Mexican cuisine is well-known for its colorful, flavorful, and exquisite delicacies. From fajitas to burritos to tacos, there are so many desirable dishes to indulge in. Mexican food has become an integral part of American mainstream life, and not only have restaurants mastered the art of flavorful dishes, but there is also a wide variety of delicious Mexican drinks to choose from, including a range of Margaritas and the famous Tequila Sunrise.

In third place is Indian, with an average monthly search volume of 3,543,987. The traditional food of India has been widely appreciated for its fabulous use of herbs and spices. Indian cuisine consists of a diverse range of curries, rice dishes, meats, vegetables, and bread, all flavored with a traditional range of spices.

Italian is the fourth most popular cuisine in the US, with an average monthly search volume of 3,070,734. Typical Italian ingredients, methods, and dishes influence other palettes across the globe and even spread to sub-cultures such as American-Italian food. The cuisine is well known for its splendid range of pasta, pizza, and risottos, not to mention its array of cheeses and herbs. Italian restaurants and takeaways are widespread across the US, enriched in traditional and American-Italian flavors.

In fifth place is Thai, with an average monthly search volume of 2,666,218. Thai cuisine provides an array of meat and seafood with rice, seasonal vegetables, and traditional Thai herbs and spices. These are used in many Thai specialties including Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and Khao Pad among many other delicacies. The Thai restaurant scene is widespread in the US and has consistently grown in popularity.

 

 

The top ten most popular cuisines in the US

Rank	Cuisine	Average Monthly Search Volume
1	Chinese	8,599,933
2	Mexican	7,726,160
3	Indian	3,543,987
4	Italian	3,070,734
5	Thai	2,666,218
6	Korean	1,165,571
7	Japanese	1,085,735
8	Vietnamese	805,956
9	Jamaican	732,216
10	Greek	674,700

 

The sixth most popular cuisine is Korean, with an average monthly search volume of 1,165,571. Korean cuisine reflects a complex interaction of natural ingredients and different cultural trends. Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, vegetables, seafood, and meats. The most popular dishes devoured globally include Japchae, Tteokguk, Gimbap, and Bibimbap.

Japanese is in seventh place, with an average monthly search volume of 1,085,735. Japanese foods are well known due to their unique and intricate flavors, not to mention their wide variety. Some of their most popular dishes include Sushi and Sashimi, Tempura, Yakitori, and Onigiri.

In eighth place is Vietnamese, with an average of 805,956 searches per month. Vietnamese cuisine is well known for its many flavor combinations, which include lemongrass, ginger, mint, long coriander, and many other herbs and spices. Traditional dishes include Phở , Bánh Mì, Cơm Tấm and Bún Bò Huế

Jamaican is the ninth most popular cuisine in the US, with an average monthly search volume of 732,216. The Jamaican cuisine consists of a huge variety of flavors, spices, and influences from many food cultures. Jamaican foods’ rich and tasty flavors have helped produce gourmet dishes like Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Callaloo and Bammy.

In tenth place is Greek, with an average monthly search volume of 674,700. Similarly to other Mediterranean cuisines, it heavily uses wheat, olive oil and wine in their dishes. Olive oil is collected fresh from local olive trees and is used to cook most vegetables and proteins. Some favorite Greek dishes include Moussaka, Pastitsio, Gyros and their infamous Tzatziki sauce.

The least popular cuisine in the US is Tunisian, with an average monthly search volume of 5,902.

Nick Warren, Head of Ecommerce from Seating Masters has commented on the findings: “This data shows America’s keen passion to indulge in different cuisines from all around the world. From Asian to European, there are so many varieties of food that the US favours over their own and with a limitless selection, the choice is huge.

“It is interesting to see how different cuisines have adapted their traditional style to fit the American palette for success in the food industry. Not only have such cuisines grown in popularity, but they have also expanded into new environments and adapted to make themselves more well-known in the US”.

Google search data has revealed that Chinese is the nation’s most popular cuisine, with an average of 8,599,933 monthly searches.

The study, carried out by restaurant furniture experts Seating Masters

 

 

 

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The post Luxury Lodges Collection Partners with Dreams & Wishes Charity to Create Unforgettable Experiences for Families appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury Lodges Collection, a portfolio of five-star self-catering resorts across Britain’s most loved holiday destinations announces its partnership with Dreams & Wishes charity at its south Wales site, Dylan Coastal Resort. Dreams & Wishes is an entirely volunteer run charity, dedicated to making dreams come true for ill children and their families, by creating unforgettable experiences. By partnering with Dreams & Wishes, Luxury Lodges Collection will offer families a relaxing sanctuary to retreat to, in which to create beautiful, lasting memories by the coast.

As current owners of a Residence at Dylan Coastal Resort, Dreams & Wishes has worked with Luxury Lodges Collection to create a brand new Dreams & Wishes Lodge, to offer a respite from hospital visits and ultimately a safe haven for families going through difficult times. The new lodge is of exceptional quality, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for all guests. Luxury Lodges Collection has ensured that the lodge can accommodate everyone, regardless of their mobility needs, by including amenities such as a disabled ramp and a wet room. The new Dreams & Wishes Lodge features panoramic views of surrounding countryside and coast, providing a perfect setting for families to relax and enjoy quality time together.

In addition to the breath-taking scenery, families and beneficiaries of the charity are invited to make the most of the Dylan Coastal Resort’s luxurious on-site amenities to ensure their stay as comfortable and entertaining as possible. This includes the luxurious glass-fronted Milk Wood House, which houses Milk Wood Bar & Kitchen and Milk Wood Spa. A sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, the state-of-the-art spa facilities offer striking views that seamlessly blend the serenity of nature with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy the tranquil indoor pool, indulge in the herbal steam room, and enjoy the impressive outdoor infinity pool with mesmerising views of the estuary ahead.

Tony Curtis MBE, Chairman of Dreams & Wishes said: “We explored numerous lodges in West Wales, but when we visited Dylan Coastal Resort, we were impressed by the exceptional quality of the resort. The team has been fantastic, providing support from day one and continuing to help us bring smiles to the faces of seriously ill children and their families. The leisure facilities at the resort are truly five-star, and we wanted our families to experience the ‘wow factor’, creating special memories that they will cherish. The beautiful lodge that we have purchased at the resort is no doubt going to be crucial in helping us to deliver our mission of bringing joy and respite to those who need it most.’’

Jack Hurley, Commercial Director of Luxury Lodges Collection, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with such a fantastic charity and be able to support families going through difficult times. The new Dreams & Wishes Lodge at our beautiful Dylan Coastal Resort is a safe haven and a place for togetherness, where families can create special lasting memories.”

The new Dreams & Wishes lodge will officially open in September, with the opening set to be attended by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and his wife Lady Lindsay Hoyle. Their support highlights the importance of this initiative and the positive impact it will have on the lives of children and their families. Luxury Lodges Collection are honoured to support Dreams & Wishes in their mission and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing extraordinary experiences and support to those who need it most.

With many businesses offering more flexible working policies and work from home opportunities, guests seek longer-term staycation opportunities and a place to call home, year after year. As well as Dylan Coastal Resort, Luxury Lodges Collection offers Residence lodges for purchase at Bude Coastal Resort. The team continued to invest in adding various new Residence types across resorts to offer prospective buyers the opportunity to purchase a second home and benefit from a complete turnkey solution and investment opportunity. Owners can choose from a selection of Residence options for purchase, all of which come fully furnished, and can make the most of various optional add ons including roof terraces and hot tubs. All Residences boast access to full resort amenities and experiences, including membership to the spa and discount at all F&B outlets. For those wishing to sublet their properties, Luxury Lodges is an extremely lucrative and flexible option, with a 12 month rental season, and the Luxury Lodges team handle everything, from bookings to ongoing maintenance.

Following high-level rental figures in Q1 of 2024 for owners at both resorts, Luxury Lodges Collection recently confirmed that owners of their Residences are on track to earn more than the Luxury Lodges guarantee, proving now is a better time than ever to invest in a Luxury Lodges Collection Residence.

 

 

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The post 60% of UK holidaymakers travel off peak season to save money appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

As the school term begins and the peak summer holiday season winds down, 60% of UK holidaymakers are planning to save money by taking advantage of cut-price, off-peak getaways.

This trend reflects a growing desire to make holidays more affordable, according to a recent Opinium survey* of 1,000 holidaymakers commissioned by Multitrip.com, a specialist travel insurance provider.

The survey finds that nearly nine in ten (89%) holidaymakers are taking steps to reduce their holiday costs, with many travelling off-peak as an effort to save money (60%). Additionally, more than a third (35%) say avoiding the extreme heat in Europe during July and August is a key benefit of travelling outside peak season.

Holidays continue to be a top priority for more than half (56%), despite financial pressures, and will be one of the last things they cut back on. While two fifths take multiple holidays each year, three fifths (58%) enjoy one holiday annually.

To protect their holiday investment, Christian Bennett at Multitrip.com stresses the importance of purchasing travel insurance as soon as they book, or ‘ASAB’, to ensure coverage starts immediately. “If you wait until closer to your departure date to arrange travel insurance, you might find yourself unable to recover the cost of your trip if you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, for instance if you or your travel companion or a close relative is diagnosed with a serious illness. That’s why we’re urging UK holidaymakers to secure their cover as soon as they book their flight or holiday, especially since the cost doesn’t decrease if you leave it until the last minute.”

However, the survey also reveals that many holidaymakers may not be adequately protecting themselves. Almost a quarter (22%) opt for the cheapest travel insurance available, and only a third (33%) check that their policy’s cancellation limit would cover the cost of their holiday if they had to cancel. The same proportion also fails to check that their luggage coverage is enough to cover the costs of lost or damaged luggage and contents.

Christian Bennett adds: “It’s also crucial to thoroughly research travel insurance options to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs. At Multitrip.com, we offer three levels of cover with optional add-ons, allowing customers to tailor their policy to suit them. It’s vital for customers to carefully review their chosen policy, paying attention to coverage limits, excesses, and essential add-ons such as Cruise Cover and Travel Disruption coverage.”

Multitrip.com offers a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets. The Annual ‘Essential Cover’ policy, starting from just £19.99**, includes up to £1,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and £1,600 for baggage or baggage delay. For those seeking more comprehensive protection, the Premier Cover provides up to £3,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and up to £2,000 for baggage. The Premier Plus Cover offers the most extensive protection, with up to £5,000 for cancellation or curtailment and up to £3,500 for baggage or baggage delay.

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The post Mayfair Spring Valley Resort opens new ‘Kids Zone’ in Guwahati appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, a well-known luxury destination in Guwahati, has launched its brand-new Kids Zone to make the experience more engaging for young adults. This exciting addition is designed to provide both children and parents with a fun-filled and enriching experience during their stay.

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the resort, the new Kids Zone has been designed to cater to the youngest guests with a variety of exciting and engaging activities such as Kiddy Ride, Naughty Bean, Gun shooting, Single Car 32, Air Hockey, Basketball Football, among other activities. The vibrant space also features safe, fun-filled attractions, including a jungle gym, interactive games, and creative art corners, ensuring that children can play, learn, and socialize in a secure environment.

‘We are delighted to introduce our new Kids Zone, which reflects our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for families. We believe that a family vacation should be a time of relaxation, enjoyment, and quality bonding, and our Kids Zone is designed to enhance these precious moments, and this new area will allow kids to make lasting memories while enjoying their holiday.” said Pardeep Siwach, Dy. General Manager- Accommodation at Mayfair Spring Valley Resort Guwahati.

The Kids Zone also offers a supervised play area where trained professionals are present to assist and engage with children, giving parents some much-needed time to relax and enjoy the various amenities the resort has to offer. From yoga sessions, nature walks to the luxury spa, parents can indulge in their preferred activities while their little ones are entertained.

With the addition of the Kids Zone, the resort aims to strengthen its appeal as a perfect getaway for families in the region. It reinforces the resort’s commitment to delivering premium services tailored to the needs of travelers of all ages.

To celebrate the launch of the Kids Zone, the resort will be designing a special family package, which includes exclusive access to the new play area, family-friendly amenities, and discounted rates on rooms and dining.

 

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The post RateHawk wins in TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East for platform innovation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

RateHawk, an online B2B platform for booking hotels, air tickets, and transfers, has earned recognition at the inaugural TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East. The platform was named the Online Travel Agency (OTA) of the Year – United Arab Emirates category for improvements and innovations in the B2B booking technology sector.

RateHawk offers one of the most extensive hotel inventories in the market, consisting of more than 2.6 million accommodations worldwide, consolidated from over 260 suppliers, OTAs, and destination management companies, as well as over 100,000 directly contracted properties. The platform provides a full range of travel services, including flights from over 400 airlines, transfers in 150 countries, car rentals, and other travel-related services.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East selected RateHawk as a winner for its extensive hotel supply, user-friendly interface, and seamless user experience, which have driven record-breaking sales and rapid scalability.

“In the past year, RateHawk has experienced significant growth of 32% in its accommodation supply and a 60% year-on-year increase in the number of partners, bringing the total to over 80,000 in 120 countries. The platform is very well received in the Middle East and is used by over 5,600 partners in the GCC region. Our net booking value also doubled, whilst the number of bookings increased by 85%. We have ambitious plans and aim to further develop our presence in the MENA region to provide local travel professionals with advanced technological tools,” commented Regional Director, Middle East,  Serkan Ozbay.

Amongst the new solutions introduced by the company within the last year is the upgraded Selection Tool, which allows agents to save time in compiling comprehensive hotel selections for clients. It features a dedicated template that simplifies the process of adding a range of hotel rooms and rates directly from the hotel’s website, greatly assisting travel professionals in organising their work. Nearly 60% of RateHawk’s agents use this tool regularly.

The company offers various payment options, including bank transfers, debit or credit cards, credit lines, or digital payments via a payment link sent to clients. In response to customer feedback, RateHawk introduced new tech-driven payment methods in 2024—Open Banking and PayPal, including their BNPL tool—all of which have simplified and accelerated the payment process.

To help travel agents make more informed hotel recommendations to their clients, RateHawk has introduced neurolinguistic generative artificial intelligence tools to enable the translation of the extensive collection of reviews into all languages supported by the platform. This gives travel agents access to a huge base of shared experiences, overcoming language barriers.

Another key service highly regarded by travel professionals, including those in the MENA region, is Pre-Check, which verifies each accommodation booking with the hotel in advance, giving travel agents greater control over their reservations. This proactive approach helps minimise the risk of incidents at check-in, reducing stress for travel agents.

“We are honoured to be chosen as the Online Travel Agency of the Year in our domestic region. This recognition motivates us to continue helping travel agencies adapt to digital transformation and increase the efficiency of their businesses,” added Serkan Ozbay.

The prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East puts a spotlight on leading companies in the travel sector that have paved the way for unique experiences, with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability amidst the rapidly changing industry.

About RateHawk

RateHawk is an innovative B2B booking platform developed by the Dubai-based company Emerging Travel Group, offering hotels, flight tickets, transfers, car rentals, and other travel-related services.

RateHawk provides its partners with the best prices for any type of travel service in any location.

RateHawk offers its clients 2.6 million hotels and other accommodation types from over 100,000 properties contracted directly and 260 wholesalers, flight tickets from over 400 airlines, and transfers in over 150 countries.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Barceló Mussanah Resort clinches win at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Barceló Mussanah Resort emerged as the Beach Resort of the Year – Oman at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Middle East, with the hotel being recognised for the outstanding experience it offers guests.

A place of adventure and relaxation

Located on its own pristine beach, Barceló Mussanah Resort offers a unique array of amenities and activities that include five swimming pools, a water park, zip lines, various water sports, nine dining options, a kids’ club, a spa, tennis courts, mini golf, a private marina, and many more. This exceptional combination of offerings solidifies the hotel’s position as the choice for travellers who are seeking leisure and adventure, water sports and at the same time, relaxation.

Barceló Mussanah Resort is a leader in the Omani tourism sector, and it has played a pivotal role in boosting the country’s tourist numbers by 12% in recent years. Its influence also goes beyond its luxurious accommodations, as it has pioneered the introduction of the first charter market to Muscat. In addition to this, the hotel’s exclusive partnerships with two charter companies have continued to excel, with remarkable year-on-year growth and success.

High-standard service

Barceló Mussanah Resort boasts outstanding guest survey scores, which reflect its commitment to excellence. It has also earned a place within the top 10% of Barceló properties globally, thus securing the approval of the owners for a comprehensive refurbishment initiative. Recent upgrades include the complete renovation of the Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita, the creation of a new signature dining venue, and the development of a brand-new water park—all designed to elevate the guests’ experience.

Furthermore, the hotel employs more than 53% Omani nationals, making it a significant contributor to the local community. It is committed to regional development that it extends its efforts to sponsoring the Olympic Team of Oman and will also serve as the future home of the new Sports City. Additionally, Barceló Mussanah Resort runs and supports Oman Sailing Events, investing in the training and development of new hospitality apprentices.

With the visionary leadership of its general manager, David Faull, the hotel has successfully diversified its markets and cultivated a new local market. The new contracting season has demonstrated the power of the resort’s brand and partnerships, which secured a season extension and resulted in an unprecedented eight-month season — a milestone in the national market.

This season, Barceló Mussanah Resort has introduced several exciting enhancements to enrich the guest experience. Amongst these are camels onto the resort and performances from a traditional Omani band to warmly welcome guests and immerse them in the rich cultural heritage of the locals.

The resort will also host a weekly market where traditional items as well as local arts and products will be featured, further integrating guests into the vibrant Omani culture. These additions, along with thrilling water sports and city tours, underscore the resort’s commitment to providing a truly unique guest experience.

Amidst these extensive amenities and high standards, Barceló Mussanah Resort is firmly committed to maintaining its status as a 4-star hotel. This approach ensures that the hotel continues to attract a wide range of guests whilst maintaining occupancy rates in the mid-90% throughout the entire season. The resort’s balance of luxury, local engagement and high standards of service reflects the effectiveness of its vision and partnerships.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Middle East is a prestigious awards programme that recognises key players that redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences in the travel industry.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2024 is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Indonesia continues tough stance on unruly tourist behaviour in Bali appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Indonesian government continues to uphold its hard-line approach against unruly and illegal behaviour on the part of foreign tourists in Bali.

According to coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister Luhut Pandjaitan, this tough stance against violators is meant to preserve Bali’s unique culture and to uplift the local tourism sector through a zero-tolerance approach against drug use, public nudity, and open drunkenness.

The minister added that misbehaviour on the part of foreign tourists has caused a great deal of unease and anger among locals.

Despite stricter laws and the imposition of a US$10 cultural preservation tax, Bali attracted around 3.89 million tourists in the first half of this year. Island officials also deployed a specialised police unit to assist travellers.

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Balinese officials began implementing stricter laws on public behaviour last year in light of numerous incidents of indecent exposure and blatant disrespect for local customs on the part of foreigners.

As of August 2024, the regional office of Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights reported that 157 foreign nationals were sent away from the island. At the same time, an additional 194 individuals were held in the island’s immigration detention centre to await deportation.

According to the regional office of the ministry of law and human rights in Bali, 157 foreigners were ejected from the island in the first eight months of the year, while 194 people had been temporarily held at the immigration detention centre awaiting deportation.

This prompted immigration director-general Silmy Karim to say: “The increasing mobility of foreigners must be aligned with greater vigilance towards their activities.”

The majority of those breaching conditions of stay in Bali were from Australia, China, Nigeria, and Russia.

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