The post From Enrique to Akon, Concerts Drive More Domestic Travel to Mumbai: Agoda appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

“Aamchi Mumbai” is striking a new chord on the global stage as an increasing number of international artists add the city to their tour calendars. Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest data shows how concerts by global stars are attracting more and more domestic travellers, putting Mumbai firmly in the spotlight for music-led tourism.

Between February and July 2025, domestic accommodation searches for stays in Mumbai during concert dates rose noticeably compared to two weeks earlier. US singer songwriter Travis Scott’s Circus Maximus Tour scheduled for November 19 drove a 110% increase in accommodation searches, Spanish singer songwriter Enrique Iglesias’ shows on 29 and 30 October recorded a 160% rise, while US singer songwriter Akon’s 16 November performance registered 20% growth.

This momentum builds on the landmark Coldplay concerts in January 2025, which generated 3,300 times more domestic accommodation searches on Agoda compared to the week before the announcement. With more and more major names across a variety of musical genres scheduled to perform in the city, Mumbai is emerging as a key player on the global live music circuit.

“Mumbai’s live music calendar is more diverse than ever, attracting fans from across the country to experience global artists in world-class venues,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda. “The data shows a clear link between major concert announcements and travel interest, pointing to a healthy future for music-led tourism in the city.”

As more global acts include Mumbai in their tours, the city’s cultural rhythm is resonating far beyond its borders, opening new opportunities for hotels, venues, and local businesses. Travellers planning to attend these concerts can explore Agoda’s platform to find a wide range of accommodation options in Mumbai, along with activities and experiences to make the most of their visit to the city.

 

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The post StarCruises revolutionises onboard entertainment with Cycling at Sea appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

StarCruises recently teamed up with Flying Pigeon Bicycle and Shanhang Haisu to unveil a first-of-its-kind entertainment experience: one where participants get to cycle at sea.

Navigate Mountains and Seas: Embark  on a Cycling Journey, an experience available aboard the Star Voyager, is the world’s first intelligent cycling race at sea. 

This one-of-a-kind attraction was successfully launched aboard the Star Voyager during her five-night Naha and Ishigaki voyage from 17th to 22nd  August which sailed from Hong Kong. 

By blending immersive fitness with ocean travel, the event redefined traditional cruising, essentially transforming it into an interactive sporting adventure and offering guests a thrilling new way  to engage with their voyage. 

StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh said of the revolutionary offering: “We are thrilled to pioneer the first intelligent cycling race at sea, blending cutting-edge  technology with immersive fitness experiences. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, the integration of leading  Chinese brands into our onboard offerings and delivering unforgettable moments for our guests.  We’re proud to bring this collaboration to the international stage as we continue to redefine what  a cruise vacation can be.”

Tianjin Flying Pigeon Co general manager Yuan Bo added: “I believe that this strong partnership with StarCruises marks the beginning of a new journey in  the global market.”

Ushering in the evolution of cruise entertainment

Cycling on a cruise ship is more than a novelty: it’s an immersive full-body experience. 

Riders tackled simulated terrains with determination, while spectators cheered from the sidelines. 

The inaugural Cycle at Sea event featured three state-of-the-art smart cycling platforms that simulated nine  realistic road scenarios ranging from steep hills and sharp curves to rugged mountain paths. 

Guests  of all ages joined the challenge, forming teams with family and friends and racing through virtual  landscapes as cheers echoed across the ship. 

As one of the Star Voyager’s key homeports, Hong Kong plays a central role in this initiative.  

Guests embark at the conveniently located Ocean Terminal, making the experience accessible  and seamless. 

Celebrated as a cycling-friendly city from the New Territories Greenway to  the coastal trails of its outlying islands, Hong Kong provides a culturally rich and naturally  inspiring backdrop for this sea-based cycling debut. 

By bringing cycling culture onboard, StarCruises pays tribute to the city’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle while pushing the boundaries of  cruise entertainment innovation. 

That said, the  event fostered a spirit of community, fun and fitness that redefined what active cruising ought to be.

Likewise, this pioneering initiative marks a new chapter in how cultural brands connect with cruise travelers.  

In collaboration with the legendary Flying Pigeon Bicycle, StarCruises has introduced an experience – interaction – sales model that blends onboard entertainment with cultural storytelling and  commercial engagement. 

Building on this success, StarCruises is setting a new benchmark for interactive and culturally  resonant cruise experiences. 

Also, this milestone is just the beginning: more strategic  partnerships, localized programming and immersive guest offerings are currently in  development to ensure every voyage delivers something truly extraordinary.

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The post Dusit to manage the Tantawan Tented Camp appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its sustainable hospitality vision by taking on the management of Tantawan Tented Camp, a refined tented retreat where northern Thai traditions meet a strong commitment to sustainability, set amidst the scenic mountains of Chiang Rai.

Tantawan Tented Camp features 10 spacious safari-style tents – from two-bedroom family options to a romantic one-bedroom suite – each with a private bathroom, handcrafted teak furnishings, and modern comforts designed in harmony with nature.

Located just 40 minutes from Chiang Rai International Airport, this serene, boutique hideaway features 10 spacious safari-style tents – from two-bedroom family options to a romantic one-bedroom suite – each with private bathrooms, handcrafted teak furniture, modern comforts, and sweeping valley views. Guests can enjoy a curated programme of meaningful experiences, from trekking and cooking classes to tree-planting programmes and meditation sessions, all designed to connect them deeply with the local culture and environment.

Set to become a living showcase of Dusit’s group-wide Tree of Life programme, which integrates environmental stewardship, community engagement, and social impact across 31 criteria linked to selected UN Sustainable Development Goals, Tantawan Tented Camp is uniquely positioned to promote responsible tourism with measurable benefits for both local communities and the environment.

A cornerstone of this commitment is the resort’s close affiliation with Sunflower Organic Farm, a residential home for girls run by Friends of Thai Daughters, a non-profit that provides education, safe shelter, and emotional support to ethnic minority hill tribe girls at risk of trafficking. Dusit plans to further support the girls with training programmes and workshops conducted by institutions under Dusit Hospitality Education, namely Dusit Thani College and The Food School, as well as structured work experience at Tantawan Tented Camp and other Dusit properties, creating clear pathways for future careers in hospitality.

Guests are also invited to tour the farm, which supplies the camp with fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and free-range eggs. At the camp’s al fresco Reu Doo Gaan restaurant, northern Thai dishes and international favourites are prepared with these and other locally sourced ingredients, giving visitors a true taste of the region while supporting environmentally responsible practices.

“Managing Tantawan Tented Camp gives us a fantastic opportunity to bring the Tree of Life vision to life beyond our branded properties and showcase our commitment to having a positive impact wherever we operate,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “From sourcing food directly from the farm to providing education and training for girls and young women, this property shows how sustainability and hospitality can work hand in hand. With work experience opportunities through our educational arm, we can create transformative pathways for the next generation while offering guests an unforgettable and meaningful experience.”

Tantawan Tented Camp also offers a variety of facilities to enhance each stay, including a central swimming pool framed by tall palms and wildflowers with stunning mountain views, and an outdoor amphitheatre for movie nights under the stars, complete with a cosy bonfire. Guests seeking adventure can try archery, visit nearby hill tribes and an elephant sanctuary, or book a private ‘forest and field picnic’ featuring artisanal breads, seasonal salads, gourmet cheeses, and house-made delicacies. Guests are also welcome to play pickleball at Sunflower Farm’s two covered and lighted courts.

Families will appreciate a variety of creative activities, from pottery and glass painting to ‘Tung’ making – the creation of colourful banners once used by Lanna villagers to bless homes, temples, and festivals. Participants can learn the spiritual meanings behind each design, symbolising values such as good fortune, protection, and prosperity.

Tantawan Tented Camp joins a growing portfolio of distinctive independent properties managed by Dusit in Thailand, including Seapine Beach Golf and Resort, Hua Hin; Green Lake Resort, Chiang Mai; and Chainarai Riverside, Chiang Rai – each benefiting from Dusit’s service standards and operational expertise while retaining their own unique identity.

 

 

 

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The post Union of Myanmar Travel Association announces its training programme for tour and travel operators appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA) has opened the call for applicants for its 2025 Tour Operator and Travel Operation Management Programme.

Slated for October, the training course is currently being developed in compliance with ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals (ACCSTP).

Sessions will be conducted by representatives from UMTA Human Resource Development (HRD).

The programme is expected to deliver skills improvement in compliance with ASEAN standards, along with opportunities for business development, capacity improvement and developing competitiveness on a global scale.

Online yet comprehensive

The online course will run from 10th October to 30th November, on Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm to 9pm local time.

Sessions will revolve around tour product and service creation, business management, use of digital technology, customer service and communication, marketing strategy, tour arrangement and implementation, safety, travel insurance, travel police, and joint forces and communication course schedules. 

Participation in the programme is recommended for those planning to start a travel business, as well as experienced tour company staff and students considering careers in travel and tourism.

The course fee is K200,000 for UMTA members and K250,000 for non-members. 

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The post FlyUSA Recognized as the Fastest-Growing Private Aviation Company in the USA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

FlyUSA, a premier on-demand jet charter and private aviation solutions provider, ranks #419 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, its annual list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. Of the 5,000 companies, FlyUSA is also the 51st fastest growing in Florida and 10th fastest in the Travel and Hospitality Industry. For the second year in a row, FlyUSA is the fastest-growing private jet company on the list. These accolades underscore FlyUSA’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction.

This recognition comes alongside another significant achievement: securing the #4 spot on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Fast 50 list, which ranks the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Tampa Bay region.

“We are honored to be recognized both nationally and regionally for our growth, which is a result of our laser focus on client experience,” said Barry Shevlin, Co-Founder and CEO of FlyUSA. “Our employees, clients, owners and business partners all contribute to our success. We are proud to share these accolades with them as we continue to bring the highest standards to the private aviation industry.”

This marks Shevlin’s 13th year as CEO of a company on the Inc. 5000 list.

Inc. assesses companies on its Inc. 5000 list based on percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Fast 50 list, on the other hand, is based on revenue growth from 2022 to 2024. Both recognitions highlight companies that have successfully navigated the current challenges of an uncertain economy.

FlyUSA anticipates revenue to be $75 million to $80 million in 2025, reflecting a doubling of year-over-year revenue. To support this momentum and meet rising client demand, the company has expanded its staff to a total of 110 employees nationwide.

Since its inception in 2020, the company has expanded its services to include global private flight charters, aircraft acquisitions and management, co-ownership opportunities, the Ascend Club membership program, and the Freedom Jet Card program. The FlyUSA managed fleet has grown to 30 aircraft, with a focus on Pilatus PC-12 turboprops, Cessna Citation light and mid-size jets, and the larger Dassault Falcon Jets for transcontinental and trans-Atlantic travel.

Looking ahead to the future, FlyUSA is leveraging its asset-light model to drive innovation through technology. The company is set to launch a new mobile app designed to streamline and personalize the private flight booking experience. Informed by deep consumer insights, this digital platform will redefine how modern travelers discover, book and manage private air travel — delivering convenience, transparency and control at their fingertips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Azerbaijan Airlines to resume Baku-Tehran route this September appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Azerbaijani flag-carrier Azerbaijan Airlines announced the resumption of its Baku-Tehran route from 1st September.

The move is part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen its regional network and support the flow of tourism and trade between Azerbaijan and Iran.

In a statement, the airline declared: “The reintroduction of the Baku–Tehran schedule and the launch of the Baku–Tabriz route will provide travelers with more opportunities to discover the cultural and historical heritage of both countries.”

Route schedule

Azerbaijan Airlines’ Baku–Tehran flights take off four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays beginning 1st September.

Also, from 3rd September, the airline will introduce its new Baku–Tabriz service which flies on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The additional flights are expected to boost visitor numbers, strengthen cultural ties, and encourage cross-border trade.

Tehran, Iran’s capital, is a major gateway for business and cultural tourism, teeming with attractions that include the Golestan Palace, the National Museum and traditional bazaars. 

The new Tabriz route, on the other hand, connects Azerbaijani travelers to the historic northwestern Iranian city whilst offering Iranians easier access to Baku’s mix of contemporary architecture and storied UNESCO-listed landmarks.

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The post Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to see strong growth appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cambodia reports that its tourism sector continues to recover in the post-pandemic era, as shown by the figures in its mid-year report.

The national government has just released the Cambodia Tourism Statistics Report for 2025, highlighting solid year-to-date gains in both international arrivals and domestic travel.

According to the report, Cambodia welcomed 2.95 million international tourists in the first five months of 2025.

This represents a year-on-year increase of around 11.7 percent.

Meanwhile, the country’s domestic tourism sector continues to grow dynamically, recording 13.17 million Cambodian travellers, up 50 percent from mid-2024.

According to report author Oun: “These figures highlight the resilience of Cambodia’s tourism industry. While seasonal trends affected Q2 arrivals, the overall trajectory remains positive, with both regional and domestic travel driving growth.”

Other developments

It is likewise notable that Cambodia earned US$3.64 million in tourism revenues in the first half of the year, bringing the sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to 9.4 percent.
The country also saw an increase in arrivals from China, as visitor numbers rebounded strongly by 50 percent year-on-year.

While there was a 29.7 decline in international arrivals in Q2-2025, experts see this as driven by global economic fluctuations and seasonal factors as opposed to a long-term drop.

With regard to the future of the Cambodian tourism sector, the potent mix of infrastructure improvements, regional partnerships, and enhanced connectivity will continue to drive its steady growth into late 2025 and beyond.

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The post Water scarcity emerges as the next big challenge for data centers in Europe: GlobalData appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With a substantial increase in wildfires in Europe this year, amid record droughts and extreme heat, the availability of water for data center cooling is emerging as a critical challenge for the region. While industry debates have largely focused on soaring energy demands, water scarcity now poses an equally urgent risk to the sustainability and resilience of rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Robert Pritchard, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Technology & Services at GlobalData, comments: “Climate change has produced weather patterns from wildfires to flash floods  that are becoming more extreme worldwide. Superheated ground results in less rain getting absorbed into aquifers and instead running over dry soil, often destroying lives and livelihoods. Climate change also means that the requirement for water to cool the ever-expanding base of data centers is likely to become an issue that needs addressing.”

Infrastructure demands caused by data center growth have tended to focus on burgeoning energy requirements, with companies looking to use new nuclear technology among other solutions to meet their needs. Some countries and cities around the world, for example Singapore and Dublin, Ireland, have paused or prevented new data center construction to protect the provision of energy to their citizens over often overburdened infrastructure.

Pritchard adds: “Data center providers are using technology innovations to try to address the energy demands of their growth, particularly given the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI).”

Despite the efforts to find alternatives to water cooling and attempts to reduce the overall usage, the fact remains that water plays a huge role. The OECD estimates that by 2027 AI tools will require 4.2-6.6 billion cubic meters of water per year—more than the entire annual use for a country like Denmark, or nearly half of that of the UK.

Pritchard explains: “As with most things in tech, solutions will be found for the emerging challenges. The problem, however, is that any solutions must be set within the context of climate change and the immediate impact it is having on citizens’ lives. It is a political issue and a social issue, not just a technology issue.”

There are other points to note when comparing the issue of energy infrastructure and usage.

Pritchard concludes: “There is no water equivalent of carbon credits to hide behind – obfuscation tactics that have often saved blushes amongst greenwashers. More importantly, where energy can have on-site backup generators for grid failures, there is no equivalent (despite data lakes) for water. On top of that is the potential threat of terrorist attacks on critical water infrastructure, which looks like far more of an important issue.”

 

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The post Thailand introduces pilot programme to let travellers change cryptocurrency to baht appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand announced the introduction of a test programme allowing visitors to the country to convert cryptocurrency into baht for local payments.

Called TouristDigipay, the pilot programme kicks off later this year and will run for around 18 months.

TouristDigipay will be operated through a regulatory sandbox in a bid to stimulate the country’s tourism economy.

Boosting tourist spending

While TouristDigipay won’t exactly enable visitors to use crypto directly to make payments in the country, it can make matters easier by converting tokens to spendable baht.

Do note, however, that spending through the programme is limited to 500,000 baht per month.

According to Thai finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira: “We want to take every action to facilitate foreign tourists for their stays in Thailand. This new programme adds a new innovation to replace overseas visitors’ cash and credit card use here.”

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The post Labuan Bajo’s Bishop Regus calls for tourism that protects people and nature appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Bishop Maksimus Regus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia opened the 2025 Festival Golo Koe (FGK) by calling on the government and private sector to ensure that tourism never becomes a stage for greed and exploitation.

Per a report from Vatican News, Regus declared that the tourism sector needs to become a space that fosters fraternity, strengthens national unity, and safeguards creation.

In his remarks, Regus said: “May this festival be a sign that tourism in Labuan Bajo can grow in sustainability, synodality, and inclusivity.”

The prelate further pointed out that tourism must be rooted in ecological care, community well-being, and long-term sustainability rather than in short-term profits.

Indeed, Regus warned that a desire for unlimited profit puts Labuan Bajo at a risk of turning from a desirable island destination into nothing more than a greed-stricken wasteland offering little benefit for local communities.

For sustainable tourism today and beyond

FGK is one of eastern Indonesia’s most important annual cultural and religious celebrations. 

This year’s theme, Weaving National Unity and Sustainable Tourism that is Synodal and Inclusive, is especially relevant for Labuan Bajo, a fast-growing tourist hub internationally known for its pristine islands, vibrant marine life, and the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park.

Regus said of the region in his remarks: “Labuan Bajo is an image of boundless beauty, a lasting gift from God, a piece of His handiwork.”

Since its inception four years ago, FGK has promoted a multi-dimensional approach to tourism, integrating religious, cultural, economic, and interfaith perspectives.

Regus has described it as “a counter-narrative to the exploitative tendencies of tourism” and a model of collaboration between government authorities, the Church, and civil society.”

He likewise expressed gratitude to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the local government of Manggarai Barat, port authorities, police and military personnel, clergy, small business owners, and all who contributed to the festival’s success.

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