The post Indigo strengths its presence at Abu Dhabi with new routes from India’s Tier – 2 cities appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Abu Dhabi Airports is continuing to cement its position as a key enabler of economic growth and global connectivity, reporting double-digit passenger traffic growth for a 17th consecutive quarter as well as strong flight movement and cargo growth in the first half of 2025.

Between 1 January to 30 June 2025, Abu Dhabi Airports welcomed more than 15.8 million passengers, a significant 13.1 per cent increase over figures from the first half of 2024. Zayed International Airport (AUH) played a pivotal role in the increase, with 15.5 million passengers walking through its gates until the end of June – up 13.2 per cent year-on-year. This rise in passenger traffic was also supported by 133,533 total flights across the five airports in the first half of 2025, representing a 9.2 per cent rise from the same period last year. AUH registered 93,858 aircraft movements, 11.4 per cent over H1 2024 when it recorded 84,286 flights.

Expanding its global footprint remains central to Abu Dhabi Airports’ growth strategy. In the first half of the year, the network added 16 new destinations and welcomed new airline partners. Notable additions include China Eastern Airlines’ four-times-weekly Shanghai service (with daily service commencing in September), Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, and Fly Cham’s service to Damascus. IndiGo also strengthened its presence at AUH with new routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam, further cementing AUH as the airline’s most connected hub in the UAE.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The first six months of this year have posed some operational challenges, yet our expectational mid-year results demonstrate the resilience of our network and the collaborative partnerships that underpin our growth. Consistently delivering positive growth for the past 17 quarters is testament to the dedication and collective effort of the entire Abu Dhabi Airports team. It reflects our operational agility and commitment to delivering an exceptional aviation experience and attracting international investors. As Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade prospects rapidly advance, our airports are well positioned to support and scale that growth.”

Abu Dhabi Airports also demonstrated significant growth in cargo operations highlighting the emirate’s growing significance in global trade. In the first six months of 2025, it handled a total of 344,795 tonnes of cargo year-to-date, bolstered by strategic partnerships and ongoing infrastructure enhancements. These include a major joint venture agreement signed with JD Property, the infrastructure arm of China’s e-commerce giant JD.com. The agreement will see the development of a state-of-the-art 70,000sqm advanced-tech facility that aims to meet the growing east-west demand for e-commerce and specialised cargo logistics throughout the GCC and broader MENA region.

The first half of 2025 was also marked by several strategic milestones across Abu Dhabi Airports’ network. The completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport reflects the commitment to strengthening the UAE’s aviation infrastructure and supporting Al Dhafra Region’s eco-tourism ambitions. AUH was awarded the prestigious 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction and was also recognised as the Best Airport at Arrivals Globally for the third consecutive year at the ACI ASQ Awards, further reinforcing its role as a world-class gateway to Abu Dhabi. At Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports’ collaboration with Bombardier progressed with the establishment of a dedicated service facility, advancing Abu Dhabi’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to position the emirate as a centre of excellence for aviation services. A new agreement signed with TAQA Distribution will explore the integration of next-generation utility technologies across the airport portfolio, reinforcing Abu Dhabi Airports’ long-term vision for innovation and sustainable development.

As Abu Dhabi Airports advances its long-term growth strategy, it remains focused on expanding global partnerships, advancing major infrastructure projects, and driving sustainable innovation, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for the UAE’s economic diversification and global aviation leadership ambitions.

 

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The post Where to Go in Costa Rica: A Guide to the 5 Best Tours appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Exploring Costa Rica through guided tours is a great way to experience the country’s natural beauty and rich culture.

A guided tour lets you explore the best things the country has to offer, including its beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests, with ease and confidence. Local experts who know the land and history are on hand to share must-know information about the area, bringing more life to each destination.

The best Los Suenos tours handle the logistics, which means you don’t have to worry about anything. This allows you to focus on and enjoy the journey regardless of where you’re going.

Tours also offer added safety and convenience, especially in remote areas where language barriers or unfamiliar roads might slow you down.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with your family to Costa Rica, a well-organized tour takes the stress out of planning and adds layers of insight you simply wouldn’t get on your own.

 

Best Tours to Take in Costa Rica

If it’s your first time in Costa Rica, sign up for these tours to visit great destinations and make the most of your vacation here:

 

1. Tortuga Island              

Also known as Isla Tortuga, Tortuga Island is an island located off the Nicoya Peninsula’s southeast area. The area has a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters and picturesque palm trees.

The best way to get here is by water. You can choose between a Catamaran tour, a private boat tour, or a fishing island combo tour.

The island is often included in some Costa Rica fishing vacation packages.

Once you reach the island, you can relax on the beach, frolic, and cool down in the water. Depending on the tour, you can also enjoy other activities.

For instance, the Tortuga Island Catamaran Tour includes banana boating, snorkeling, and hiking. For an additional fee, you can also enjoy jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and playing beach volleyball.

If you want to relax by the beach, rent a beach chair and be on the lookout for whales and dolphins that frequent the coastal waters.

The hiking tour takes you to the island’s summit, which is teeming with a wide array of birds, monkeys, peccaries, and other wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for the canopy tour and ride the zip line to get an adrenaline rush and enjoy incredible panoramic views of Isla Tortuga.

 

1. Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica. This small park is found in the Central Pacific Conservation Area in the southern part of Quepos, Puntarenas.

This park is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, and hiking trails. It is also home to a variety of fascinating flora and fauna.

The beaches, which are considered some of the most picturesque in the country, are bordered by eye-catching green forests. The calm, clear waters and coral reefs make them the ideal spots for snorkeling.

The guided hiking tour allows you to get up close with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, wild deer, reptiles, and birds. You can also see different species of orchids, ferns, and other flowers and plants.

Certain tours also allow you to use Pentax and Swarovski spotting scopes to look at interesting animals in their natural habitats.  

 

1. Tárcoles River

The Tárcoles River is located in Costa Rica’s central Pacific region. It is known for its large crocodile population, one of the largest in Central America.

On a Tárcoles River tour, you’ll get to see plenty of crocodiles, some of which are three to four meters long, aboard a boat. You’ll also find caimans, basilisks, and massive iguanas.

The river is also home to a variety of bird species, such as brown pelicans, royal terns, mangrove swallows, and scarlet macaws.  

The Tárcoles River is one of the best places to explore Costa Rica’s exotic and exciting natural ecosystem.

 

1. Carara National Park

The Carara National Park is near the Tárcoles River. You can take a tour of this popular park after your crocodile tour.

This popular park and rainforest is the habitat of over 80% of the country’s mammal population and dozens of bird species. The animals that live here include monkeys, armadillos, jaguars, and white-tailed deer. There are also a variety of snakes and other reptiles here.

Many of the birds found in the Tárcoles River can also be seen here. You’ll also come across other species, such as collared and fiery-billed aracari, American egret, keel-billed toucan, and great tinamou.

The Carara National Park also boasts a diverse array of plants.

 

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest

Exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the best things you can do in Costa Rica. This place is popular among tourists and locals due to its cool climate and lush rainforests.

You can explore this forest biological reserve via a network of paths. You’ll get to bathe in nature and see a variety of beautiful trees, flowers, and other plants. Be on the lookout for over 420 species of orchids and 200 species of ferns.

While here, you might see quetzals, three-wattled bellbirds, monkeys, jaguars, pumas, red-eyed tree frogs, and other birds and animals.

The tour takes you to the La Ventana lookout, the mountain’s peak. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the area and the continental divide between the Atlantic and the Pacific.

You can reach the mountain peak by hiking, walking on the hanging bridges, or taking a ziplining tour.

Costa Rica’s best tours show you the sights and connect you to the heart of the country. If you’re ready to go beyond the postcard views, sign up for these guided adventures.

AUTHOR BIO:

Eloisa Mangilinan is a full-time content writer at SEO Sherpa – Global Best Large SEO Agency Winner, with over 13 years of experience in writing, content optimization, and digital marketing roles, including link prospecting and outreach management. Today, she produces top-notch content across various niches, from travel and lifestyle to food and home improvement, for blogs and client websites.

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The post Indonesia’s Archipelago expands its reach into the Dominican Republic appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesian hospitality group Archipelago has announced the opening of Reserva Real by HARPER in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The new property is the result of a partnership with local real estate developer Noval Properties, a company known for excellence in design, development, and management of top-tier residential, commercial, and hospitality assets.

This opening marks a strategic milestone in Archipelago’s expansion plans across the Caribbean and Latin America. 

According to Archipelago’s executive vice-president in the Americas José Luis Leonardo: “With Reserva Real by HARPER, we’re proud to introduce a new hospitality standard in Punta Cana: one that fuses freedom, flexibility, and warm, personalised service. This property reflects our commitment to innovative solutions that align with the evolving expectations of today’s travelers, and we are excited to introduce our HARPER brand to one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations.”

A new era in a new location

In a rapidly evolving tourism landscape, where travelers increasingly value flexibility, Reserva Real by HARPER meets this new demand with an innovative residential-style hospitality concept. 

Designed for modern travelers, whether for business or leisure, this model combines extended stays with premium services, delivering an authentic, comfortable, and refined experience aligned with today’s travel expectations.

The launch of Reserva Real by Harper is part of Archipelago’s strategic vision to strengthen its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

With several active projects in the region, the company continues to develop properties that embrace local culture while upholding the highest standards of international hospitality.

What to expect at Reserva Real by HARPER 

Located within the exclusive Cocotal Golf & Country Club, this new hotel concept blends Mediterranean elegance with Caribbean serenity. 

Inspired by the colorful structures and coastal charm of Portofino, the architectural design evokes a picturesque and sophisticated ambiance, with vibrant facades, open balconies, and inviting spaces. 

Tailored for travelers seeking extended stays, the property offers all the comforts of home backed by world-class hotel standards and amenities.

Suite accommodations

• Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suite     Ideal for families or small groups, this suite offers two separate bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining area, and private balcony. Its elegant furnishings and spacious layout deliver a truly residential feel.
• One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite     Designed for privacy and comfort, this suite includes a separate bedroom and integrated living, dining, and kitchenette spaces. Perfect for couples or digital nomads seeking space and functionality.
• Studio Suite     Modern and efficient, this compact option includes a king bed, kitchenette, cozy dining area, and private balcony, making it ideal for couples or young travelers.
• Standard Studio     Featuring a more spacious layout optimized for extended stays, it includes a full kitchenette, integrated living and dining areas, and private balcony. Ideal for guests seeking added comfort without sacrificing modern design.
• Standard Studio MZ (Mezzanine)     An ideal and functional choice for solo travelers. With a king-size bed on a cozy mezzanine level and integrated kitchenette, it provides a modern and practical space for short stays in Punta Cana.

Resort-style amenities

Reserva Real by HARPER redefines the condo-hotel stay experience through a range of exclusive amenities designed to enrich each guest’s stay:

• Cielo Beach Club: An exclusive beachfront club offering panoramic ocean views and a sophisticated vibe. Located just 900 meters from the hotel, guests enjoy complimentary access and private shuttle service to this seaside oasis with lounge areas, fine dining, and a relaxing atmosphere. 
• Golf Courses with 27 Holes: Located within Cocotal, this premium golf course features 27 holes (18 + 9) surrounded by palm trees, lakes, and tropical landscapes. Ideal for all skill levels, this experience is available to guests at a special preferential rate, just steps from the hotel
  
• Modern Gym: A climate-controlled space equipped with high-end cardio and strength-training machines, ideal for staying fit during your stay
  
• Five Outdoor Pools: The property includes four pools on the ground level, easily accessible from all suites. A fifth rooftop lounge pool on the fourth floor offers a more private space, elevated views, and relaxing rest areas
  
• Wellness & Leisure Spaces: Guests can unwind at the on-site massage center or enjoy outdoor activities like a game of pétanque. These amenities ensure a well-rounded, enjoyable stay for all preferences

Additionally, guests enjoy direct access to an on-site shopping plaza with a diverse offering of services and dining options, including a pizzeria, bar, beauty salon, gelato shop, barbershop, mini-market, and pharmacy, making it an ideal choice for extended stays or hassle-free getaways.

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The post China reports polarisation in domestic air travel for summer 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

China has begun to release its insights regarding the travel market’s summer performance, covering July and the first week of August 2025.

Based on the latest report from China Travel News, the situation has been less than favourable, the numbers having been driven down by heavy downpours over the past several weeks.

While a number of key domestic destinations have shown fairly strong booking figures, others have been straggling behind.

Beijing is doing well, but others not so much

As of 9th August, the number of passengers with booked tickets to Beijing based on departure date rose steadily, reflecting growth of over six percent on several days.

However, bookings scheduled after 18th August have gone into decline. 

Another city whose numbers have risen is Sanya where the daily totals have risen over seven percent and bookings for 17th August are up by 15 percent from last year’s total.

Consequently, the surge among air bookings in Sanya also led to improved performance on the part of its hospitality sector.

According to Liu Kaiqiang, president of the Sanya Tourism Hotel Association, hotel bookings are currently at normal peak season levels and RevPAR rose by around seven points.

Unfortunately, Shanghai has so far shown only one day with growth over five percent and overall passenger numbers have been static throughout the season.

Guangzhou and Shenzhen are also seeing their air bookings plateau, primarily driven down by a recent chikungunya outbreak, resulting in smaller numbers of passengers booking flights to the two destinations.

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The post La Résidence Phou Vao enters temporary closure to undergo extensive transformation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Iconic Laotian heritage boutique hotel La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang will be closing its doors temporarily as it undergoes a comprehensive transformation.

Hotel officials say that the property is scheduled to reopen in November of this year.

The extensive project follows HMD Asia’s acquisition of the property from Belmond in late 2024 and marks a significant step towards elevating it to more authentically reflect its cultural and historical identity, while preserving its reputation as the preferred address in the unique and charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.

The transformation is being led by HMD Asia, the company behind Cambodia’s Shinta Mani Hotels, under the guidance of executive director Anthony Lark. 

The hotel’s restyling is being overseen by Sanya Souvanna Phouma, a direct descendant of the Laotian royal family, to ensure the design and guest experience are deeply rooted in traditional Lao hospitality and enriched by the refinement of French arts de vivre, a blend that has long defined the region’s distinctive elegance.

Lark said of the property: “La Résidence Phou Vao has long been a sanctuary of serenity and sophistication in Luang Prabang. This transformation will deepen the property’s cultural character while preserving its reputation as the preferred destination for guests seeking authentic connection to this remarkable region.”

A storied history

Originally a guest house for state guests and other distinguished visitors, La Résidence Phou Vao is steeped in history and is the only hotel that directly overlooks the breathtaking UNESCO-listed temples of Luang Prabang. 

Located on Phou Vao Hill, known as the “Hill of Kites,” its commanding location offers panoramic views of the Mekong Valley and sacred mountains, with the old town and its landmarks just a short walk away.

According to brand and heritage architect Sanya Souvanna Phouma: “La Résidence has always been a place where French elegance and Lao heritage come together in a unique expression of style and soul. As we begin this next chapter, the renovation will enhance the property’s unique identity with thoughtful design updates, locally rooted experiences, and a renewed sense of quiet luxury. Our aim is simple: to ensure La Résidence continues to offer a truly rare and enriching stay, true to its origins and timeless in its appeal.”

Coming soon

Set within three acres of lush tropical gardens, the hotel’s architecture is a seamless blend of traditional Lao design and French colonial charm. 

Following the transformation, guests will enjoy interiors that fuse contemporary luxury with timeless Lao elegance.

All guest suites will receive a complete makeover, featuring newly rebuilt bathrooms, bespoke furnishings, handwoven textiles, and curated artworks that celebrate the property’s storied past. 

Every detail is designed to evoke an atmosphere of quiet grandeur and cultural depth.

The restaurant will be completely reimagined as a French Brasserie, offering a refined yet approachable menu of timeless and contemporary French dishes. 

Alongside this, guests will be invited to discover a thoughtfully crafted Lao tasting menu, celebrating the rich flavours and culinary heritage of the region.

A renewed cultural programme led by local historians and tastemakers will offer deeper ways to engage with the spirit of Luang Prabang, while personalised service will remain the hallmark of the guest experience, reflecting the genuine warmth of Lao hospitality.

The hotel’s reopening in November 2025 will mark a new chapter in its legacy, reinforcing its position as the ideal address from which to explore the soul of Luang Prabang in refined, authentic style.

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The post Five key takeaways from Digital Travel APAC 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital Travel APAC 2025, the tenth edition of the annual event, came to a successful conclusion on Wednesday, 13th August.

Throughout its two-day run, a total of 33 speakers shared their insights regarding the most pressing tech-related issues currently pressing the travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality sectors.

Travel Daily Media was honoured to be a media partner for the event and, by being present, gained a significant understanding of a number of key concepts that are set to transform the travel industry over the next several years.

That said, we would like to share the following insights that stood out from the conference.

Do not fear the coming of AI

Artificial intelligence is, understandably, the single most controversial subject that comes up in the context of technology.

In the case of travel technology, experts opine that it is not something to fear, but more of a tool that can make things easier for both businesses and their customers.

Consider this: rather than use ChatGPT and similar generative AI platforms to simply answer questions, some people are learning to use them to book flights, hotel rooms, and even plan whole trips.

While understandably imperfect at this current stage of development, this changes the game for all players as the process of searching for travel options and consequently planning trips becomes considerably easier. 

At the same time, tourism boards should also consider the use of nascent technologies to program their promotional campaigns, building on relevant insights on traveller preferences which, much like technology, are evolving at a rapid pace.

Companies should be more than SEO-savvy; they need to be AEO/GEO-savvy, too

One of the more insightful talks during Digital Travel APAC was a fireside chat featuring Dusit International’s vice-president of marketing Chetan Patel and Chroma Hospitality’s vice-president for e-commerce Sunish Sadasivan who talked about how companies need to think beyond search engine optimisation (SEO).

Indeed, the terms we now need to know are AI search engine optimisation and generative AI engine optimisation, AEO and GEO respectively.

Sadasivan, in particular, pointed out that Google may still be the go-to when doing online searches, but other platforms now need to be considered.

He said: “If you look at recent search activity worldwide, 92 percent of the searches are still happening on Google. On the other hand, AI engines like Open AI, Gemini, and everybody else only get around one percent. But that one percent is rapidly increasing, which is something to look at for the future. What’s happening now is that we are also seeing a lot of other searches happening on newer platforms.”

However, the platforms that are coming into use these days have yet to reach a point when they become the tools of choice for sales and marketing professionals; after all, experts claimed that social media would prove to be more influential than search engines for the travel industry.

Sadasivan invited listeners to think about how just a decade ago experts said that social media was going to be big.

He said: “Ten years ago, people said that social media is going to be big. But today, you cannot really see any kind of return on social media, and that’s been my biggest challenge in marketing or in e-commerce.”

For his part, Patel feels that a hybrid scenario wherein both standard search engines and AI-centric options will be used simultaneously.

He said: “I think AI is coming in, and the approach we are taking is that it’s still a hybrid scenario. We don’t necessarily see that it’s going to lead to a zero-clicks situation; but if somebody is asking a specific question about your hotel, and your website can either give that answer or your AI tool can give that answer, that traffic was not meant for conversion.”

Patel added that the approach that Dusit is currently taking revolves around what customer behaviour is like and what questions are they asking.

He said: “Instead of trying to interrupt the customers with loud noise and a lot of irrelevant messages, how can we be helpful? What we are trying to do is make our content a bit more conversational, a little more AI-summarisable.”

By doing so, anyone using a generative AI tool to scope out options for a hotel stay can get more concise and accurate descriptions of a property, and this goes a long way towards driving them towards a booking which they could also ask their platform to do for them.

The use of cryptocurrencies as the coin of the realm is still up for debate

While Travala.com ‘s CMO Sam Woollard gave a compelling presentation on how crypto payments can help travel and hospitality firms tap into a 700 million-strong market base, people are still ambivalent about the use of both cryptocurrencies and digital wallets in the sector.

In fact, in a piece we featured on our site just a week ago, a report from TerraPay pointed out that there is still a great deal of resistance, particularly on the part of smaller hospitality management companies who stand to lose a great deal if tokens go south.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that digital wallets in the long run could prove to be a more secure option than most financial instruments currently in use on both analog and digital levels.

The travel sector needs to be more open to innovation

Admittedly, many companies get comfortable when they find a system that makes work easier and more productive for them.

However, given the rapid pace of technological development as well as evolving tastes among consumers, what works today may be obsolete and useless tomorrow.

Attending events like Digital Travel APAC is a great way for companies to keep themselves on their toes, seeing how the bulk of the discussions presented throughout the event centred on topics that most aren’t aware of or are aware of only on the surface level.

Such events expose professionals to innovative ways of thinking, as well as working concepts that could significantly improve operational efficiency throughout organisations.

Innovation also covers sustainability, drawing professionals out of the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mindset and into regenerative ways of thinking that will lead to greater community involvement, a much better use of available resources, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

There is definitely a place for women in leadership positions throughout the industry

We had the privilege of taking part in Dr Nisha Abu Bakar’s spotlight hour on women in leadership wherein she discussed the ongoing challenges of women in the sector and how they need to take ownership of their careers if they are to make it to the top of the game.

Currently, 80 percent of travel decisions worldwide are made by women; but only 21 percent of C-Suite posts in the travel and hospitality sectors are held by women.

Abu Bakar said of this: “It’s good but it feels like we can do better. Can we do better? We can go the distance! It’s not too bad in the hospitality sector, as about 49 percent of those in leadership roles are women. But look: did you know that there are only five female general managers in Singapore?”

This, in and of itself, is a galling revelation, given how Singapore is one of the leading destinations in Southeast Asia and one that has a particularly dynamic hospitality sector!

It also comes as a shock that only 20 percent of the world’s tourism ministers are women, putting those like the Philippines’ Christina Frasco and Indonesia’s Widyanti Putri Wardhana in a particularly elevated position.

As both situations merely skirt the bare minimum for gender equality, Abu Bakar reminded participants of the banner-cry for International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action.

Accelerating action in this context calls for women to become more proactive when it comes to their professional growth.

In the context of the forum, this calls for personalised coaching by qualified professionals and investing in relevant courses to augment their working knowledge of both contemporary and nascent technologies, both of which will help drive their individual advancement.

Where AI is concerned, trust and transparency remain key

As we draw to a close, let’s take a look back at what conference chair Chris Legaspi said at the beginning of the event regarding the challenge posed by the rapid adoption of AI and related developments.

Earning and keeping the public’s trust moving forward will be difficult, given how AI has been used to run scams, produce deepfakes, and a means of bolstering false information.

Legaspi quickly pointed out: “Research is clear. Transparency, data ethics, and human oversight are the foundations of AI trust in travel. Be upfront about how and why AI is used. If we lead in this transparency, we’ll not only win in terms of efficiency, but we’ll win with regard to customer loyalty.”

That is not just a challenge to developers working on the advancement of such technologies, but also the rest of us who will be in a position to use them in our work, possibly now and certainly in the future.

Indeed, what we need to think about is how we can make the use of AI visible in our respective operations and use it to enhance human judgement and not replace it.

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The post Philippine tourism secretary encourages Bollywood producers to film in the country appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine tourism secretary Christina Frasco sees that Bollywood productions hold the key to drawing more Indian tourists to the country as she recently extended an invitation to India’s film executives to explore the Philippines as a premier filming destination.

On 6th August, Frasco met with film executives from Bollylands.com and the National Film Development Corporation of India during the recent state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr to India.

Frasco pitched the Philippines as an ideal backdrop for Bollywood films, showcasing the country’s diverse filming locations as she outlined the various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for filmmakers considering shooting in the Southeast Asian country.

As she put it: “Film tourism is a priority product, India is the benchmark for film and film tourism, and we look to forging partnerships and collaborations to be able to pitch the Philippines as a viable film tourism destination for India.”

The Philippines as a backdrop for recent productions

In recent months, the Philippines has figured prominently in a number of programmes developed for television and streaming media platforms.

The culinary-centric show Somebody Feed Phil, for example, showcased the country’s rich gastronomic traditions and unique offerings.

Likewise, the country also previously welcomed a number of international productions, particularly the reality show Survivor, as well as films like Almost Paradise and The Bourne Legacy.

Ample support for cineastes

To support filmmakers, the Philippines offers competitive fiscal incentives through its Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), including up to seven years of Income Tax Holiday and duty-free importation of film equipment.

By partnering with local entities, foreign production companies can access these benefits.

Frasco added that the DOT provides, through its newly created Office of Film and Sports Tourism (OFST) and the regional offices, direct support with location scouting and logistical assistance, ensuring seamless access to diverse landscapes and historical sites.

The DOT-OFST is dedicated to supporting film productions highlighting stunning tourist destinations in the Philippines by helping filmmakers identify suitable locations for their projects to ensure that they capture the essence of our beautiful landscapes.

Additionally, it aims to integrate the Filipinization initiative of the Department by showcasing local culture, cuisine, festivals, and traditional crafts that distinctly represent the Philippines.

Films shot in the country don’t merely tell compelling stories, but also inspire viewers to travel and explore the destinations featured on screen.

As Frasco puts it: “Local filming is one that is growing at an immensely fast rate, and we would also be able to offer assistance in terms of liaising with these local film production companies. Beyond the fiscal incentives that the government is able to offer are the non-fiscal incentives, such as location scouting, the processing of permits, liaising with local government units, and extending logistic assistance.”

Language isn’t a problem

As one of the largest English-speaking nations, the Philippines facilitates smooth collaboration with international film crews.

Frasco explained: “One of the major advantages of the Philippines, apart from our natural hospitality, is the fact that we are an English-speaking population. Our faculty for English, sets us apart from other filming locations in ASEAN. And therefore, with this ease of communication, as well as a host of highly skilled production crew, there’s a lot of opportunities for collaboration and filmmaking.”

She added that the improved connectivity between India and the Philippines as Air India offers direct flights from New Delhi to Manila, reducing travel time to just six hours.

Meanwhile, with visa-free entry for 150 countries, including India, the Philippines is more accessible than ever for filmmakers.

Frasco concluded by saying: “The good news is that our government has made it infinitely easier to come to the Philippines with direct flights from Air India, commencing on October 1, flying five times a week, and with our government actively seeking more connections from other cities to other islands in the Philippines, not just Manila. In addition to this, more good news is that Indians can now go to the Philippines visa-free, and that will be for a period of 14 days, and for certain other visa holders, that can extend to up to 30 days.”

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The post Air India Express expands network to 58 destinations – adds Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cementing its position as the country’s fastest growing airline with a fleet of 116 aircraft, Air India Express is expanding its footprint with the addition of three new cities to its network – Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. In the first phase, the airline will connect these cities with its Bengaluru hub from September 1, 2025. Flyers can book these flights at attractive introductory one-way fares starting from ₹4100 on Air India Express’ award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, and other major booking channels.

The airline will operate twice daily flights on the Ahmedabad – Bengaluru and Chandigarh – Bengaluru routes, and daily flights on the Dehradun- Bengaluru route.

Flight Schedule from September 1, 2025 (All timings are local)
Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
Ahmedabad	Bengaluru	11:00; 23:00	13:25; 01:30	2x Daily *
Bengaluru	Ahmedabad	07:55; 19:55	10:30; 22:30	2x Daily *
Chandigarh	Bengaluru	16:40; 23:25	19:40; 02:25	2x Daily
Bengaluru	Chandigarh	13:15; 20:00	16:10; 22:55	2x Daily
Flight Schedule from September 15, 2025 (All timings are local)
Dehradun	Bengaluru	16:30	19:30	Daily
Bengaluru	Dehradun	12:50	16:00	Daily
*The second daily flight on  Ahmedabad – Bengaluru route will operate from Sept.16

 

Commenting on the addition of three new cities, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said: “With our fleet now exceeding 115 aircraft, we continue to build a robust network focusing on connectivity between metros and emerging cities, offering great value and comfort. Our guests can look forward to a warm, reliable flying experience featuring hot meals, comfortable seats, and thoughtfully curated fare options tailored to individual travel needs. These new destinations on our network are part of a broader strategy to open new opportunities in high-potential markets.”

From Ahmedabad’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage to Chandigarh’s modernist architecture, and Dehradun’s scenic beauty and role as a gateway to Uttarakhand’s spiritual and Himalayan attractions, these new connections unlock direct access to key destinations for both business and leisure travellers.

In addition to booking flights, travellers can also take advantage of Air India Express’s ‘Xpress Holidays’ platform, offering curated holiday packages, including accommodation, transport, and activities. ‘Xpress Holidays’ can be easily accessed with other Products and Services on the airline’s website.

Celebrating the soul of the nation through design, Air India Express brings its Tales of India initiative to the skies. More than just patterns, each livery is a visual story, inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage and regional artistry. From Gujarat’s Bandhani and Punjab’s Phulkari to Uttarakhand’s sacred Aipan, every design reflects the identity of its people and place.

With each aircraft, they honour the traditions that connect India’s many cultures, a flying tribute to stories that deserve to be seen, shared, and celebrated.

 

 

 

The post Air India Express expands network to 58 destinations – adds Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Ryanair announces winter 2025/26 Lapland schedule from Birmingham Airport appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ryanair has announced a new twice-weekly service from Birmingham to Lapland-Rovaniemi for Winter 2025/26. Lapland is a winter wonderland like no other, with enchanting reindeer and husky sleigh rides through snow-covered forests, skies filled with dancing lights, and endless activities that will leave lasting memories, not to mention being the home of Santa Claus himself. So, whether you’re seeking adventure, festive fun, or a wholesome weekend away with family/friends, Lapland offers an unforgettable experience.

Ryanair’s Winter 2025/26 Lapland-Rovaniemi flights are available to book now at ryanair.com. Ryanair’s Director of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said:

“Christmas has come early for our UK customers with the launch of Ryanair’s Winter 2025/26 Lapland schedule, offering 2x weekly return flights from Birmingham. Lapland is like waking up in a dream, filled with magical experiences that you will share forever, including miles of glistening snow, reindeer & husky rides, snowball fights, the northern lights, Christmas-themed parks and of course, home to the big man himself. It’s never too early to start your Christmas planning. Book your Winter 2025/26 Lapland flights at ryanair.com now.”

Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director at Birmingham Airport said:  “We’re delighted that Ryanair is expanding its presence at Birmingham Airport this winter with an all-new route to Lapland-Rovaniemi which accompanies our existing services. Lapland is always a popular pick for the winter season and this new service will provide even more of our customers with the chance to create some unforgettable memories this Christmas.

 

The post Ryanair announces winter 2025/26 Lapland schedule from Birmingham Airport appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia