The post GBTA, BTA and ITM call for pro-tourism measures in the UK Budget appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

GBTA, BTA and ITM issued the following statement on 21 November 2025 representing the business travel industry and their collective members related to potential impacts to the sector and the market as the UK government prepares to announce its Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025.

Spokesperson: Clive Wratten, CEO at Business Travel Association “Increasing the cost of travelling for work risks undermining growth at the very moment the UK economy needs it most.

“As we approach the Budget, our members are particularly concerned by reports of a new overnight visitor levy, a further rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD), and the potential introduction of a pay-per-mile levy on electric vehicles. Each of these measures, in isolation, adds friction to the UK’s economy. Taken together, they risk sending a signal that travelling for work, which is a key driver of national productivity, is being discouraged rather than supported.

An overnight visitor levy may appear modest, but for regional cities competing for conferences, investment and talent, it becomes a direct deterrent. Overnight levies will hit those very areas the Government is seeking to level up, penalising travellers whose visits fuel local economies.

An overnight visitor levy may appear modest, but for regional cities competing for conferences, investment and talent, it becomes a direct deterrent. Overnight levies will hit those very areas the Government is seeking to level up, penalising travellers whose visits fuel local economies.

Another increase in APD, already one of the world’s highest and most complicated aviation taxes, risks eroding the UK’s competitiveness as a place to do business. APD is not simply a passenger charge; it is a tax on global connectivity that directly penalises UK plc for engaging in international trade. “Consider an economy class flight to a trade partner like India, with whom just this year we signed a free trade agreement. The standard APD rate on that long-haul business journey is currently set to be £102 per passenger. This is not a necessarily cost for travelling boardroom executives; it’s more commonly for frontline professionals delivering practical work. It’s a policy that is profoundly counterintuitive, actively penalising the very business travel needed to maximise the benefit of a crucial new trade deal.”

“We also note speculation around a pay-per-mile charge on EVs. While we agree that future road taxation must be sustainable, an early levy risks sending mixed messages about the UK’s commitment to greener corporate travel. If the Government wants to shift travellers toward low-carbon alternatives, then rapid railway reform, reliable services and modern ticketing must come first. “Across all these measures, the BTA, GBTA and ITM stand ready to work with the Government on solutions that drive economic growth without inhibiting business travel. Business travel isn’t a luxury; it’s how the UK wins investment, delivers services and keeps supply chains running. We require a travel system that is affordable, reliable and competitive globally.”

 

 

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The post WTTC Announces Bain & Company as New Industry Partner appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Bain & Company as its newest Industry Partner, further strengthening the Council’s network of leading organisations supporting the strategic development of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

Renowned for its rigorous analytical approach and its role advising leading businesses through major industry transitions, Bain & Company has supported companies across the entire Travel & Tourism value chain for decades.

With teams in 67 cities across 40 countries, the firm brings a unique combination of global reach and sector depth, having advised airlines, hotels, online travel platforms, rental operators, cruise lines, location-based entertainment, and investors on how to stay competitive in an increasingly complex marketplace.

Bain & Company’s work spans customer insight, digital and technological transformation, performance improvement, experience design, and long-term commercial strategy. Its Travel and Leisure practice has helped organisations understand emerging traveller behaviour, strengthen commercial decision making, and adapt to shifts in demand and operating models.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim President & CEO, said: “Bain & Company joins WTTC at a moment when insight agility and evidence-driven strategies are more important than ever for Travel & Tourism. With experience advising organisations across the sector, they bring a unique combination of strategic vision and practical insight.

“Their dedication to rigorous analysis and long-term value creation reflects the Council’s commitment to supporting a resilient and competitive sector.”

Andrea Alori, Partner at Bain & Company, said: “We are delighted to join WTTC, an organisation that shares our commitment to helping companies in the Travel & Tourism sector better understand customer dynamics, navigate challenges and opportunities, and build strategies that ensure growth and sustainability.”

By joining as an Industry Partner, Bain & Company will contribute to WTTC’s evidence-based programmes, policy initiatives, and strategic dialogues. Its experience across global markets will support efforts to enhance long term resilience and ensure the sector continues to deliver economic and social value for travellers, businesses, and communities worldwide.

 

 

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The post AlUla Arts Festival marks fifth anniversary edition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

AlUla Arts Festival is set to return for its highly anticipated fifth edition in January 2026, transforming the ancient oasis city of AlUla into a vibrant stage for contemporary art, design and culture. Set against a dramatic backdrop of majestic desert canyons, lush palm groves and the vibrant AlJadidah Arts District, the 2026 edition promises to be the most diverse yet.

Running from 16 January to 14 February, the festival features bold new land art commissions as part of the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla. It also includes a major art exhibition, a collaboration between the contemporary art museum in AlUla – as part of its pre-opening programme – and Centre Pompidou; and a Design Space AlUla exhibition spotlighting Saudi and international talents and more.

Visitors will enjoy a dynamic spectrum of experiences, ranging from live music and immersive performances to educational programmes and design showcases.

AlUla Arts Festival is a landmark annual event that transforms the ancient city of AlUla into a vibrant canvas for artistic expression, solidifying its position as a year-round global hub for creativity and culture. Part of AlUla Moments 2025/2026 Calendar, the festival has grown into one of the region’s most celebrated arts events, bringing together groundbreaking works by diverse local, regional and international artists situated alongside the rich natural and cultural heritage of AlUla, creating spectacular moments of inspiration and wonder.

Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: “AlUla Arts Festival is the contemporary expression of ancient traditions of creativity and cultural exchange in AlUla. In this year’s diverse programme, AlUla becomes a canvas for creative dialogue and a catalyst for conversations in the Kingdom and beyond. We are proud to showcase ambitious works by some of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated artists alongside internationally renowned pioneers, all inspired by the unique culture and landscapes of AlUla. I look forward to welcoming visitors from the local community and across the world to experience this one-of-a-kind event and explore the wonders of AlUla.”

Desert X AlUla 2026 (16 January to 28 February) will return for its fourth edition, presenting 10 new site specific artworks from leading multigenerational artists curated into the landscape of AlUla. Inspired by the poetry of Kahlil Gibran, this year’s theme, Space Without Measure, presents each artwork as a point on a new map, marking flourishes of imagination, from flowering utopias to previously inconceivable vistas, and sound corridors. Desert X AlUla 2026 will showcase visionary contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists, under the vision of Artistic Directors Neville Wakefield and Raneem Farsi, and two guest curators reflecting the region’s long history of cross-cultural exchange.

Arduna (1 February to 15 April), which translates to ‘our land’ in Arabic, is a pioneering exhibition presented as part of the pre-opening programme of the upcoming contemporary art museum in AlUla. The compelling showcase will offer visitors a glimpse of the museum’s vision through a selection of more than 80 diverse artworks from Saudi Arabia, the region and beyond, exploring our evolving relationship to nature and land. Co-curated in collaboration with the acclaimed Centre Pompidou and the French Agency for AlUla development (AFALULA), Arduna features contemporary art from the Royal Commission for AlUla collection alongside pieces from the Musée National d’Art Moderne, including works by Kandinsky and Picasso. AlUla’s forthcoming contemporary art museum will be a centre for regional and global 21st-century art, rooted in AlUla’s unique cultural oasis and heritage.

AlJadidah Arts District is a vibrant hub for creativity in the heart of AlUla, connecting designers, visitors and communities through world-class arts, education, and cultural experiences. During the festival, the public spaces will become outdoor galleries, with newly commissioned public art installed along the Incense Road and around Gathering Square, breathing creativity into every corner of AlUla’s storied streets and oasis. AlUla Music Hub (1 November to 31 January) will present a series of concerts across the district featuring Arabic, fusion, vocal and jazz performances, while ATHR Gallery (January to February) will exhibit works by Saudi contemporary artist, Sara Abdu. Visitors to the art and design centre Madrasat Addeera (16 January to 30 April) will have an opportunity to engage with local artisans and witness how they are reviving traditional arts and handicrafts through contemporary design programmes and practices. The open-air Cinema AlJadidah, will present a special series of art-themed documentaries, shorts and feature films.

Design Space AlUla will host the AlUla Design Exhibition (16 January to 28 February), highlighting AlUla’s growing role as a hub for creativity and cultural innovation. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the work produced by the AlUla Artists Residency Programme and AlUla Design Award 2025, where leading international and regional designers immersed themselves in AlUla’s landscapes, heritage, and craft traditions to develop original works. Meanwhile, AlUla Design Stores (22 January to 28 February) will also showcase retail products developed during the fourth AlUla Design Award, Designathon and AlUla Design Residency, alongside collaborations with three designers from Madrasat Addeera.

Elsewhere in AlJadidah Arts District, adding to the atmosphere:

From 16 January to 14 February, Villa Hegra – the first Saudi–French cultural foundation – will host the photography exhibition Not Deserted: AlUla’s Archives in Movement, featuring early 20th-century photographs by Tony André, alongside an exhibition of cinematic images of desert landscapes by Saudi filmmaker and Villa Hegra resident Saad Tahaitah. On 16 January, “Vertigo”, a contemporary performance, will be presented in partnership with Chaillot – National Dance Theatre, with the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. The immersive show will take place at Wadi AlFann, featuring French highliner Nathan Paulin and performers from the AlUla community. Visitors will also be invited to experience a programme of curated initiatives at Villa Hegra, including workshops with musician Christophe Chassol, dancer Saido Lehlou, and choreographer Rachid Ouramdane, in dialogue with Saudi talents such as dancer Akram (16 and 17 January).

Additionally, from 16 January to 14 February, the British Council in KSA will present Reflections, two installations, which were awarded grants for cultural initiatives in AlUla. The Council will present works by Studio Ü London, which aims to create a sustainable capsule collection inspired by AlUla’s cultural and natural heritage through collaboration with Saudi artists and craftsmen. The other grant recipient is Musson and Retallick – Cries in the Desert, a collaboration transforming archived oral histories and music into immersive visual and sound installations, celebrating AlUla’s past and future.

Located a short distance from AlUla Old Town, Daimumah is a picturesque farm, blending nature, art and heritage into a slow, sensory-driven experience. During the festival, Daimumah invites visitors to reflect, connect and participate in the ongoing care and celebration of AlUla’s environment through a series of public art workshops, planting sessions, craft classes and cultural performances. The living cultural landscape also hosts a range of F&B options catering to every taste​.

 

 

 

 

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The post Experience-driven trips are up 18% YoY for couples appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thrillophilia, India’s AI-powered travel platform for discovering and personalizing multi-day trips, has released its Honeymoon Travel Report 2025-26, revealing that Indian honeymooners are rewriting the script on how they travel after marriage.

The classic two-week escape is giving way to a two-phase format: a quick, experience-rich “minimoon” (3–5 nights) right after the wedding, followed months later by a longer, more immersive “big-moon.” According to Thrillophilia’s Honeymoon Travel Report 2025–26, short, experience-driven trips are up 18% YoY, making it one of the most significant shifts in how couples are celebrating their first year together.

Abhishek Daga, Co-Founder, Thrillophilia, said, “Couples today want both rest and adventure, just not all at once. They’re choosing short, easy escapes right after the wedding, then planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip later when they can truly disconnect. This season is experience-first: Indian honeymooners are trading ‘checklist Europe’ for slow-luxury, private villas, heritage courtyards, and wellness resets. They’re spending smarter, not less, choosing experiences that feel personal over postcard-packed itineraries.”

Why the two-phase honeymoon works; The minimoon allows couples to recover immediately after wedding festivities without taking long leaves or managing complex logistics. The later big-moon, planned months after, becomes a deeper, more experiential journey, often international, offbeat, or nature-focused, that allows time to personalize, budget, and truly unwind. Together, these two phases are redefining what luxury and intimacy mean for the modern Indian couple.

Within India, Kerala (17%), Andaman (14%), Goa (13%), and Rajasthan (12%) continue to dominate honeymoon bookings, while quieter destinations such as Meghalaya, Coorg, and Himachal Pradesh are emerging as preferred alternatives for couples seeking privacy and nature. Internationally, Bali (21%), Maldives (18%), Thailand (16%), and Vietnam (14%) lead the charts, with Vietnam emerging as the breakout favourite, recording nearly a 90% surge in honeymoon bookings year-on-year. Other destinations such as Dubai–Abu Dhabi, Turkey, and Sri Lanka are also seeing strong growth. Visa ease, affordable mid-haul airfares, and privacy-led itineraries have collectively driven a 41% jump in international honeymoons compared to last year, signaling a growing appetite for short-haul yet premium experiences.

Across both phases of travel, experience has clearly become the new definition of luxury. Around 64% of couples now opt for romantic or private upgrades such as beach dinners, sunset cruises, villa stays, and private transfers. Meanwhile, 42% of itineraries include adventure-light activities like snorkeling, ziplining, or snow play, while wellness and nature-led escapes, including Ayurveda retreats and desert stargazing, are rapidly gaining traction.

Spending & Booking Behavior

• Average spend:India ₹1.05 lakh per couple; International ₹2.45 lakh
• Maldivesleads the premium bracket at ~₹2.8 lakh median.
• Pay-later:17% opt for EMI/pay-later, skewed to long-haul islands.
• Faster planning:lead times at 26 days (domestic) and 41 days (international).

Another defining trend is the rise of travelers from India’s smaller cities. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities now account for 46% of honeymoon bookings, up from 38% last year. Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, Surat, and Kochi are among the top contributors, while destinations such as Meghalaya and Andaman have seen domestic booking spikes of over 40%. Internationally, Vietnam, Georgia, and Sri Lanka are emerging as the newest favorites, reflecting how aspiration and access are spreading far beyond the metros.

The report also highlights how modern honeymooners are redefining luxury through offbeat experiences. Instead of sticking to traditional resort vacations, couples are choosing itineraries that blend intimacy with exploration, from road-trip romances across Spain’s white villages and South Africa’s Garden Route to wine-and-villa retreats in Tuscany and Georgia’s Kakheti valley. Self-drive adventures in New Zealand and Iceland are on the rise, offering glacial lakes, geothermal spas, and cabin-in-the-wild serenity. Winter continues to inspire “snowmance” seekers, with Switzerland and Finland’s Lapland leading for alpine chalets and glass-igloo stays. Meanwhile, desert and coastal escapes like Cappadocia, Wadi Rum, and Sri Lanka are growing fast, proving that Indian honeymooners are leaning toward personalized, experience-rich travel that’s as adventurous as it is indulgent.

 

 

 

 

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The post Aerotel Singapore claims accolade at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The hotel champions wellness, leisure, and sustainability to enhance guest comfort and responsible travel.

Aerotel Singapore was named the Airport Hotel of the Year – Singapore at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia for redefining airport transit with wellness, leisure, flexible stays, and sustainable initiatives that elevate the overall guest experience and convenience.

Located in the transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, Aerotel Singapore stands proud as the flagship airport hotel by Plaza Premium Group. The property remains the only airport transit hotel in Asia equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, poolside bar, fitness corner, and library, alongside 68 premium rooms, making it a perfect space for a moment of relaxation between flights.

For Aerotel, transit need not be a boring affair. Whether guests wish to stretch after a long flight or enjoy a few hours of rest before their onward journey, the hotel offers an inviting airport oasis outdoors. Visitors can unwind by the pool, enjoy cocktails and bar bites, and rejuvenate to a mix of relaxing and upbeat music.

The hotel also offers flexible hourly booking options with a minimum 6-hour block, catering perfectly to transit travellers. Members of Smart Traveller, Plaza Premium Group’s mobile loyalty programme, enjoy an additional 10% discount year-round.

In line with its commitment to sustainable hospitality, Aerotel Singapore continues to innovate for health-conscious and eco-aware travellers. The installation of filtered water taps in all 68 guest rooms and 4 solo room toilets in June 2025 marks another step in the group’s mission to “Make Travel Better” with responsibility towards society, the environment, and the economy.

This initiative reflects Plaza Premium Group’s commitment to responsible travel, offering a simple but meaningful change that helps both guests and the planet.

Whilst Singapore’s tap water is already safe to drink, the newly installed filtered water dispensers, which are positioned next to the regular taps in each room and solo toilet, provide further purification by removing extra sediments and reducing chlorine levels. With these, guests enjoy clean and great-tasting water with added peace of mind.

The installation of filtered water taps has also enabled the hotel to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles from guest rooms—a move that has helped the hotel reduce plastic waste by approximately 2,400 bottles per month. This serves as a significant contribution given the environmental challenges of plastic pollution in air travel.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with Plaza Premium Group’s focus on creating sustainable travel experiences. The group promotes greener operations, responsible sourcing, and the reduction of single-use plastics to push for a cleaner future for airport hospitality.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Pan Pacific Singapore, Keyaki, and Edge win at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The hotel and its restaurants were honoured for their offerings that embody excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

Pan Pacific Singapore, along with its restaurants Keyaki and Edge, reaped accolades at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia, with the hotel taking home the Business Hotel of the Year – Singapore, Meetings & Conferencing Property of the Year – Singapore, and Marketing Initiative of the Year – Singapore honours.

Meanwhile, Keyaki and Edge respectively received the Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Singapore and Dining Concept of the Year – Singapore awards.

Pan Pacific Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore has established itself as a premier choice for travellers and event organisers.

For intimate meetings or executive sessions, the hotel offers over 2,000 square metres of event space, and meeting suites on level 22 with panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. For guests looking to unwind, the hotel’s spa, St. Gregory, the outdoor pool and the hotel’s brand-new Technogym-equipped fitness centre are available for them.

Culinary enthusiasts can also indulge in diverse dining experiences at Hai Tien Lo, Keyaki, Edge, and Pacific Emporium, and crafted cocktails at PLUME.

Pan Pacific Singapore prides itself on sustainable hospitality, as it employs LED lighting, smart energy management systems, motion sensors, and low-flow water fixtures to reduce energy and water consumption. Dining venues have also removed shark’s fin and plastic straws, adopted biodegradable packaging, and introduced the EcoBurner system. Pan Pacific Singapore is GSTC-certified, ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems-certified, and has been awarded BCA Green Mark Gold.

In 2025, Pan Pacific Singapore celebrated Singapore’s 60th birthday with its signature campaign, “A Legacy of Love”. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the hotel’s numerous campaigns have distinguished themselves in a crowded market, leading to enhanced visibility and awareness with over 1,600 articles, and generating a total PR value of SG$33m.

Keyaki

Keyaki is helmed by executive Japanese Chef Teruya Noriyoshi, who is supported by Sous Chef Eamon Chan, Head Teppanyaki Chef Eric Yong, Head Sushi Chef Teoh Chun Keat, and Senior Operations Manager Vincent Yaw.

Its menu features premium bluefin tuna, sea urchin, botan shrimp, Japanese A4 Wagyu beef, foie gras, and whole lobster, amongst others, showcasing the finest of Japan’s culinary traditions. The restaurant also offers a signature Omakase experience, where each dish is curated by the chefs, and the Kaiseki-style brunch that is complemented by sake, wine, or Taittinger Champagne.

Edge

At Edge, with a buffet spread that is one of the largest in Singapore, guests can savour Singaporean favourites such as curry chicken with benggali bread, Char Kway Teow, creamy salted egg yolk prawns, and the signature Singapore laksa with yong tau foo.

Helmed by Executive Chef Andy Oh, and supported by Executive Sous Chef Patrick Ooi, Executive Pastry Chef Edina Si, and Operations Manager Crystal Wong, Edge also offers an impressive selection across live stations, including Spanish seafood squid ink paella and pan-seared Wagyu beef striploin, salt-baked fresh mud crab and churrasco slow-roasted whole lamb, as well as an extensive spread of house-made desserts.

During Sunday brunch, the restaurant offers a dedicated kids’ play area and a buffet of sweet treats for the little ones. For adults, meanwhile, there is option for free-flow Taittinger Champagne, wines, spirits, and handcrafted cocktails.

Moreover, Edge uses Lumitics Food Waste Management and the EcoBurner System to reduce carbon emissions, waste, and water use.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Mactan-Cebu International Airport wins Airport of the Year in Asia at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The airport was commended by the awards programme for operating the most efficient transfer facility in the Philippines.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) was named Airport of the Year – Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia, in recognition of its drive to deliver the most seamless transfer experience in the Philippines through its CEBConnects initiative.

CEBConnects focuses on providing smooth air-to-air transfers, supported by best-in-class Minimum Connection Time (MCT). Beyond efficiency, the programme also allows passengers more time to relax and enjoy MCIA’s retail and dining options.

To achieve this, MCIA redesigned its passenger flow and infrastructure by introducing dedicated transfer facilities and streamlined processes. As a result, the airport has reduced its minimum connection time from 60 minutes to just 35 minutes for domestic to domestic, and from 90 minutes to just 60 minutes for domestic to international, international to domestic, and international to international, now amongst the fastest in Asia. This improvement has contributed to a 45% increase in transfer passenger volume year on year.

As a national tourism catalyst, CEBConnects is helping travellers more easily reach the Philippines’ wide range of island destinations, supporting the dispersal of tourism benefits beyond traditional gateways. This leverages on the strategic geographical location of Cebu, being at the centre of the Philippines.

MCIA currently serves 25 airline partners, with a strong point-to-point network and an average on-time performance rate of almost 80%, further supported by joint route marketing and global promotions.

Through CEBConnects, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is shaping a more connected and traveller-centred future—one where the vacation experience begins the moment passengers arrive.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Capri by Fraser, China Square, Singapore scores win at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The hotel was recognised for its exemplary efforts in transforming extended-stay hospitality in Singapore.

Capri by Fraser, China Square, Singapore triumphed at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia, earning the City Centre Hotel of the Year – Singapore accolade, which highlighted the comfort, serviced apartment flexibility, and modern design the hotel offers.

The hotel, located in the heart of Chinatown and the Central Business District, caters to corporate guests and lifestyle-driven leisure travellers.
Whilst conventional extended-stay hotels focus purely on functionality, Capri by Fraser, China Square uses an experience-led approach. It has an “always-on” living concept for today’s digitally savvy travellers who value independence and interaction.

Each studio room also features a fully equipped kitchenette that integrates living and working spaces, whilst its communal hub, The Den, invites guests to connect and unwind without compromising on their privacy.

Additionally, the hotel blends Singapore’s cultural heritage with modern architecture, having local design elements and heritage-inspired motifs in its interiors. The lobby wall also features abacus beads arranged into the Chinese characters “和” (peace) and “祥” (luck), which reflect the hotel’s philosophy of balance and harmony.

Furthermore, the property promotes innovation by integrating advanced technology in its in-room smart controls for personalised comfort. They have a digital concierge, where guests can manage services, explore the neighbourhood, and interact with hotel amenities.

Beyond technology, the hotel reimagines traditional facilities through the Spin & Play laundrette, which transforms a routine chore into a social experience with gaming consoles. There are also collaborative co-working spaces with a conducive environment for business travellers.

To promote sustainability, which is another cornerstone of Capri by Fraser, China Square’s philosophy, the property implements passive and active energy-saving strategies. It has smart HVAC and lighting controls, which earned it the Green Mark Gold Plus Super Low Energy (SLE) certification. Capri by Fraser, China Square is the only non-resort hotel in Singapore’s CBD to earn this distinction.

Moreover, it achieved the GSTC Certification for Sustainable Tourism in 2024, which reinforces its commitment to responsible hospitality.

Guest satisfaction remains consistently high, with repeat corporate clients and long-stay visitors a part of its loyal base. The property also plays an active role in supporting its neighbourhood through collaborations with local businesses and cultural partners.

Capri by Fraser, China Square has merged technology, sustainability, and lifestyle design to stand at the forefront of next-generation hospitality. More than accommodation, it offers a holistic living experience for modern travellers.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Trip.Biz bags 2 accolades at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Trip.Biz earned recognition once again for contributing to the development of a unified platform, which has transformed business travel.

Trip.Biz, a digital-first and full-service Travel Management Company (TMC) powered by Trip.com Group, was named the recipient of the Business Travel Booking App of the Year – Singapore for the second consecutive year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia. Trip.Biz also won in the newly renamed category, Business Travel Booking Platform of the Year – Singapore, thanks to its All-in-One booking tool, Trip.Biz ONE.

The tool transforms how companies manage business travel by integrating booking, policy enforcement, reporting, and flexible payment options on one platform. It delivers a seamless experience across desktop and mobile, with full real-time synchronisation.

Trip.Biz ONE empowers companies with greater travel ROI, stronger policy compliance, and enhanced traveller satisfaction, being the only business travel platform that combines deep Asia Pacific expertise with global scalability.

Trip.Biz ONE goes beyond flights and hotels with the industry’s most comprehensive global inventory—multi-sourced, seamlessly integrated, and accessible across both online or offline channels. With extensive options for flights, hotels, and ground transportation (including trains, ride-hailing, and car rentals) at the rates companies want, Trip.Biz ONE delivers total cost control. One platform means no off-channel leakage, guaranteed negotiated rates, and full real-time spend visibility; stronger duty of care with real-time tracking across all transport modes; a sustainable travel culture; and a simplified user experience.

Moreover, Trip.Biz ONE has a hybrid model that combines AI automation with human expertise to offer multilingual assistance via chat, email, or call, along with proactive emergency support.

Additionally, the platform features a desktop-to-mobile sync that keeps bookings, approvals, and duty-of-care tracking fully synchronised across all devices. It also has a design that integrates eco-friendly travel choices, such as flight carbon emission tracking, directly into the booking path.

For multinational enterprises and SMEs, Trip.Biz ONE is a strategic advantage that brings compliance and efficiency together under one platform.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post BCD wins at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia for second consecutive year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The company has implemented initiatives that promote a culture of growth and well-being across the Asia Pacific region.

BCD earned the Employer of the Year – Singapore accolade at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia, which underscores its collaborative workplace. This marks the second consecutive year that the company had taken home an award in this category.

Every employee at BCD experiences a journey that is thoughtfully designed, from pre-onboarding before day one to offboarding and engagement through its retirees’ alumni network.

In the company’s Sri Lanka hub, there are monthly engagement activities that strengthen team bonds. The team recently celebrated its first anniversary with a masquerade ball, which reflected the spirit that defines the workplace.

The company’s development directory gives employees easy access to workshops, seminars, and online learning resources to support career growth. This year, BCD set a company-wide goal of a 25% increase in participation in training and development. 

New joiners and senior leaders have access to programmes including coaching workshops that are offered in half-day formats; people manager training; cultural awareness programmes; Power Hour and Thrive in 5, which are bite-sized learning sessions; ASPIRE which is a four-month programme for those ready to take the next step in their career; director & manager’s challenge; and personal development plans.

Additionally, BCD has a Wellbeing Hub on MySource, which features virtual workshops, e-learnings, and well-being resources for employees. Furthermore, BCD offers flexible working hours and the choice between remote, hybrid, or office-based work.

The company also has a Work From Anywhere policy where employees can work from any location for up to 60 days each year. To further support balance across time zones, it introduced global meeting guidelines, which include no Friday meetings and limited Monday and Thursday evening meetings.

When it comes to recognition, the company uses its platforms such as ShoutOuts and COE Star, where employees celebrate each other’s contributions. Top peer-nominated employees even have the chance to win a trip to Mexico. Most importantly, BCD prioritises open communication through its regular town halls, leadership Q&A sessions, engagement surveys, and digital platforms such as MySource and Viva Engage. 

BCD has fostered a culture built on partnership and growth, making people feel valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference every day.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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Source: traveldailymedia