Archive for category: Uncategorized

Visa presents its 2025 Money Travels remittances report for the Asia-Pacific

The post Visa presents its 2025 Money Travels remittances report for the Asia-Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global digital payments platform Visa announced the results of its annual Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report on Wednesday, 13th August.

The report is based on responses from 44,000 senders and receivers across 20 countries and territories, tracking remittance trends around the world, including Asia Pacific, a key region in the $905 billion global remittance landscape.

Key findings in this year’s survey show digital applications as the most popular method for sending and receiving remittances, and ease of use, safety, privacy, and security as the top four user experience benefits driving such preference.

According to Visa’s senior vice-president and head of commercial and money movement solutions in the Asia-Pacific Chavi Jafa: “Remittances have long driven growth across Asia Pacific, uplifting many economies in the region. The clear shift to app-based remittances reflects the region’s demographics, the growing prominence of digital payment modes, as well as user preferences for easy, safe and quick ways to send and receive money. This shift is an important one for banks, remitters and fintechs to note as it will shape how they engage and serve evolving consumer expectations.”

Key findings for the Asia-Pacific

Digital apps remain the most popular and are perceived as the fastest option
  • Digital apps are the most preferred channel to send/receive remittances in Asia Pacific, with usage rates reaching its highest in India (74%/76%), the Philippines (74%/66%), and Singapore (70%/75%).
  • Japan is also seeing steady growth, with digital app usage rising by 10% (58%/56%) in 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • Over half of the respondents in the Philippines (73%/73%), Australia (58%/55%), Singapore (67%/66%), and India (55%/53%) perceive digital payments as the fastest way to access funds (73%).
  • Most Asia Pacific remittance users surveyed report experiencing no issues with sending/receiving digital remittance transfers across all Asian markets, most positively in Australia (48%/53%), Japan (37%/41%), Singapore (36%/37%), and Mainland China (38%/31%, rising significantly since 2024 at +13%/+8%).
Remittance rationale varies across the region
  • Contributing to accounts/investments is a primary reason to send/receive remittances across several markets including Mainland China (45%/36%), Singapore (38%/33%), and Japan (27%/23%).
  • Sending for general/specific humanitarian need is a key reason for remittances, cited by respondents in Mainland China (45%/33%), India (40%), Singapore (27%), and Australia (25%).
  • Sending remittances for an unexpected need was highest in India (44%), the Philippines (41%), and Australia (31%).
  • Receiving regular remittances was cited by approximately a third of respondents in the Philippines (39%), Mainland China (34%), and India (30%).
Security and convenience outweigh pain points such as fees
  • Digital apps are viewed as the most secure way to send/receive remittances in Asia Pacific, with top responses from India (50%/53%), Australia (49%/45%), and Singapore (44%/42%).
  • Ease of use to send/receive digital remittances was noted most by respondents in Singapore (51%/51%) the Philippines (48%/54%), Japan (47%/42%), and Australia (42%/40%).
  • Digital app fees for sending/receiving remittances were highlighted as a top pain point across Asia Pacific, led by the Philippines (43%/30%), India (36%/33%), and Singapore (32%/32%).
  • Similarly, high fees were noted as the top pain point for sending physical remittances across all markets, with top responses from the Philippines (45%/29%), India (41%/37%), Singapore (38%/30%), Australia (29%/30%).
  • Inconvenience and long travel distances remain key challenges for sending physical remittances, with respondents in India (36%) and Mainland China (27%) citing travel as a barrier. In Australia and Singapore, 29% of respondents each noted the physical remittance process as inconvenient and time-consuming alongside concerns about high fees.
  • Across most Asia Pacific countries surveyed, the perceived security of physical remittances was low (3%-6%), with Mainland China reporting slightly higher levels of confidence (10%-12%).

A need to constantly innovate

With one billion people relying every year on remittance services and platforms, Visa continues to innovate and build solutions to enable payments businesses to enhance operational efficiency in money movement and broaden financial access for their customers.

Rhidoi Krishnakumar, vice-president and head of Visa Direct in the Asia-Pacific, said: “Remittances have long been a lifeline across Asia Pacific, and they will continue to play a vital role in uplifting communities and livelihoods. At the same time, many small businesses are also beneficiaries of remittances driving local growth in local economies.”

Visa recognises the enduring purpose of our role in delivering remittances on behalf of its clients and continues to innovate and build solutions to enable more efficient, reliable and secure ways to move money.

With that in mind, Visa works in collaboration with global remitters, such as MOIN, WireBarley, Money Chain World Remittance and EzRemit, to help enable efficient money movement through digitised remittances.

The post Visa presents its 2025 Money Travels remittances report for the Asia-Pacific appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

S Hotels and Resorts reports record-breaking profits for the first-time ever in Q2-2025

The post S Hotels and Resorts reports record-breaking profits for the first-time ever in Q2-2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singha Estate Public Company Limited’s hospitality management arm S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited announced the results of its financial performance for Q2-2025, reporting a net profit increased over 100 percent to THB 24 million.

This landmark announcement marks the first time that the company has reported a positive net profit for the second quarter, since this quarter falls during the low season for the company’s key hotel assets in Thailand and the Maldives and coincides with the transition period into the peak travel season for its hotels in Fiji and the United Kingdom. 

Furthermore, the first half of 2025 saw a net profit of THB 200 million, another all-time high; as a result, the Board of Directors Meeting approved the interim dividend payment of THB 0.015 per share with ex-dividend date set to 26 August 2025, record date on 27 August 2025, and expected payment date of 10 September 2025.

S Hotels and Resorts chief executive Michael Marshall stated that the company achieved revenue from its hospitality business and other related services for the second quarter of 2025 in total THB 2,401 million-at the same level as the previous year, although there were impacts from Thai Baht appreciation and hotel closure for renovation and rebranding in UK. 

Performance in the second quarter

However, hotels in Thailand continued to deliver outstanding performance, with revenue increasing by 24 percent compared to the same period last year, particularly from SAii Laguna Phuket that achieved impressive results despite the low season. 

During the second quarter of 2025, SAii Laguna Phuket reported Average Daily Rate (ADR) at THB 6,800 per night. 

This increase of approximately 34 percent led to a significant improvement in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), which increased by more than double. 

In addition, Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection marked improvement since its first peak season following a brand enhancement, with RevPAR lifted around ten percent YoY.

Aligned with the company asset rotation strategy, during the second quarter, SHR successfully completed its divestment in a subsidiary of a joint venture of three hotels in the UK: Mercure Sheffield Parkway, Holiday Inn Darlington North, and Holiday Inn Dumfries with total sale proceeds of approximately GBP 12.5 million. 

The proceeds are used to repay debt and provide dividends and capital returns to shareholders.

Furthermore, the company has successfully refinanced its loan facility in the United Kingdom, achieving an interest rate reduction of two to three percent a year. 

This refinancing will help reduce financial burden, enhance competitiveness, and increase the company’s capacity for future investments.

Revenues during the period

For the first half of 2025, SHR reported revenue from its hospitality business and other related services in total THB 5,023 million, slightly lower than the previous year by approximately four percent. 

Earnings before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization reported at THB 1,324 million, reflecting an increase of approximately two percent YoY thanks to effective cost control. 

Furthermore, with a downward trend in interest rates, and the company’s ability to refinance high-cost debt with lower-cost loans, interest expenses have decreased significantly compared to the same period last year, 

The result is net profit for the first half of 2025 to nearly quadruple YoY, reaching THB 200 million, reflecting a strong growth momentum. 

For the second half of the year, the company anticipates continued growth in performance, driven mainly by its properties in Thailand, which can further enhance room rates, and hotels in the Maldives, which will grow in line with the tourism sector. 

Marshall declared: “In addition to continuous efficient management, the company enrolled four hotels in Thailand under the SAii Hotels & Resorts and Santiburi brands into the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme in July 2025, operating under the name SAii DISCOVERY. This programme is part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), which has over 30 million members worldwide.”

He added that the 2024 performance reflects SHR’s commitment to stable and sustainable growth. We are pleased to reward our shareholders’ trust with this year’s dividend payment. 

Marshall concluded by saying: “Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to enhance our assets and elevate SAii Hotels & Resorts on the global stage, reinforcing our leadership in sustainable luxury tourism.”

The post S Hotels and Resorts reports record-breaking profits for the first-time ever in Q2-2025 appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Abercrombie & Kent teams up with Leica Camera AG

The post Abercrombie & Kent teams up with Leica Camera AG appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent announced a partnership with optics manufacturer Leica Camera AG today, 14th August.

This collaboration aims to elevate the wildlife viewing experience for guests staying at A&K’s Sanctuary portfolio of camps, lodges and riverboats.

The partnership will provide A&K guests with access to Leica Camera’s unparalleled optical technology, ensuring they don’t miss a single detail of the incredible wildlife around them. 

A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis said of the partnership: “Leica’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with A&K’s mission to provide the most exceptional travel experiences in the world. This partnership will allow our guests to connect with the natural world on a deeper level and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Dr Ronny Fritsche, a member of the executive board of Leica Camera AG, likewise remarked: “We are excited about our close collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent: two internationally successful premium brands united by a shared commitment to quality, exceptional experiences, and the fascination of the moment. This partnership brings together exclusive luxury travel and high-precision optics, creating a genuine win-win situation: A&K can offer its clients unforgettable encounters with nature, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife, while enabling a deeper immersion into extraordinary moments through our products. In turn, Leica gains valuable access to a discerning and quality-conscious audience.”

All set to explore with gear and guides

Each guest and guide will be equipped with a pair of world-renowned Leica binoculars, allowing for close-up encounters with some of the world’s most iconic animals from big cats and great apes to herds of elephants and colourful birdlife across Africa and South America.

A&K, renowned for its exceptional guiding, will further elevate its guest experience through specialised Leica training for its guides. 

This programme will complement their deep expertise with advanced techniques in wildlife identification and tracking, harnessing the full potential of Leica’s cutting-edge optics. 

Guests will benefit from sharper insights and more immersive encounters in the field, thus gaining a richer, more informed perspective on Africa’s extraordinary wildlife.

To celebrate and amplify this partnership, Abercrombie & Kent and Leica will embark on a multifaceted joint campaign. 

The collaboration will be brought to life from a dedicated photoshoot in Botswana and through captivating editorial features on A&K’s website and social media channels, highlighting the extraordinary wildlife encounters made possible by Leica’s exceptional optics. 

The campaign will also be activated within Leica and A&K’s presence in Harrods, brought to life through striking printed merchandise and engaging video content.

The post Abercrombie & Kent teams up with Leica Camera AG appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Hong Kong to host 3rd IATA World Sustainability Symposium

The post Hong Kong to host 3rd IATA World Sustainability Symposium appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that its third World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) will be held in Hong Kong SAR, China this year. 

Slated for 21st and 22nd October and hosted by Cathay Pacific, the event will bring together leaders from aviation, energy, finance, and policy to advance the industry’s commitment to achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

This is the first time that the symposium will be staged in Asia.

Cathay Group chief executive Ronald Lam said: “We are honoured that Hong Kong has been selected as the location and Cathay Pacific as the host airline. Collaboration across multiple sectors and regulators is essential for aviation to achieve its decarbonization goals, and gatherings like this provide a valuable platform for leading voices to come together to drive meaningful change. Such cooperation is especially important as the industry works to develop the ecosystem of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Hong Kong having the potential to become one of Asia’s major centres for SAF in the future.”

Aviation sustainability is at a critical point

According to IATA director-general Willie Walsh, sustainability in aviation is now at a crucial point. 

While airlines are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the industry has not seen sufficient, timely action by policymakers, aerospace manufacturers, oil companies, or fuel producers to support this commitment. 

In which case, the upcoming symposium is a timely one, especially because it follows the 42nd ICAO Assembly at which the industry will have advocated for stronger government policies to support aviation’s energy transition to SAF and the integrity of CORSIA. 

As Walsh puts it: “This event is an essential rallying call for all those who have a stake in air transport’s future to overcome any challenges in the way of accelerating the pace of this crucial energy transition.”

At the same time, the symposium precedes COP30 which is focusing on turning pledges into actions. 

That said, it seeks to bridge these two global milestones with in-depth explorations of pragmatic measures to accelerate aviation’s decarbonization by:

  • Removing hurdles standing in the way of expanding SAF production
  • Attracting financing for the $4.7 trillion cost of decarbonization
  • Integrating emerging technology developments by existing players and start-ups
  • Increasing collaboration across the value chain

What to expect at the 3rd IATA WSS

The Symposium will open with a welcome speech from Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay Group, and a keynote address from Mable Chan, secretary of transport and logistics for the Hong Kong SAR Government. 

These will be followed by a leadership conversation between Patrick Healy, Chair of the Cathay Group, and Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, to candidly review progress on decarbonization.  

The speaker lineup of global experts for the remainder of the symposium includes:

  • Dr. Jun Ma, Chairman & President, Hong Kong Green Finance Association
  • Dr. Fabiano Piccino, Air Logistics Global Head of Sustainability, Kuehne+Nagel
  • Jouk Boeye, Managing Director Corporate Sourcing, Supply Chain Sustainability & Net Zero Operations, HSBC
  • Christopher Au, Director Asia Pacific Climate Risk Centre, WTW
  • Ayesha Choudhury, Chief Commercial Officer, Infinium

IATA senior vice-president for sustainability and chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen said: “WSS is where airlines and all stakeholders get together to develop the understanding and the policies that are necessary to achieve the financial and environmental sustainability of airlines. It is a platform for radical collaboration, involving all disciplines and sectors, and where efforts can be coordinated to bring practical solutions to the market. Decarbonizing the airline industry is not just an industry issue but part of the global energy-transition that cuts across the whole world economy. If treated as such, adopting a holistic approach encompassing policy, energy and finance to agriculture, technology and more, it will be possible to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions in 2050.”

The post Hong Kong to host 3rd IATA World Sustainability Symposium appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

LOT Polish Airlines to begin new flights to Rovaniemi and Málaga from winter 2025/2026

The post LOT Polish Airlines to begin new flights to Rovaniemi and Málaga from winter 2025/2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

LOT Polish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, keeps expanding its flight schedule and by adding two exciting new destinations for the upcoming winter schedule 2025/ season: Rovaniemi (Finland) and Málaga (Spain). While the Rovaniemi flights will take place seasonally in the winter months, Málaga will be LOT Polish Airlines’ third year-round Spanish destination after Barcelona and Madrid. Both services are operated from the airline’s global hub in Warsaw, which LOT Polish Airlines serves daily from India.

Twice a week to the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi

LOT Polish Airlines will be flying to Rovaniemi, the capital of the northern Finnish region of Lapland, every Thursday and Sunday from 27th November 2025 to 1st February 2026 with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, offering a winter wonderland experience. The town near the Arctic Circle is the official home of Santa Claus, but also offers many opportunities for snowy winter days with sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, reindeer encounters and much more. Departure from Warsaw is at 11:35h with arrival in Rovaniemi after 2:45 hours at 15:20h local time.

Up to six times a week to the Costa del Sol and Málaga

The new LOT Polish Airlines flight to Málaga will be launched on 15th January 2026. During the winter season, the airline will operate this route every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday; in the summer season, Wednesday and Saturday will be added as additional flight days. Thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate of the Costa del Sol, Málaga is a popular holiday destination all year round, offering a wide range of beaches, restaurants, cultural activities, as well as design, outlet and boutique shopping. The city’s most famous son is the artist Pablo Picasso who even has its own museum dedicated to him. The departure time of the LOT Polish Airlines flights in Warsaw is 10:20h with arrival in Málaga at 14:35h (4:15 hours flight time). This service is operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

“With Rovaniemi and Málaga, LOT Polish Airlines will add two new destinations to its global network that are worth visiting for leisure travellers when travelling from India to Europe,” adds Amit Ray, Director India, DACH Markets, Italy, Malta, & Head of Global Corporate & Strategic Sales.

LOT Polish Airlines operates daily from India to its global hub in Warsaw: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Delhi; Sundays and Wednesdays from Mumbai. In Warsaw, travellers can easily connect to many flights within the airline’s vast European network and even to North America.

 

 

 

The post LOT Polish Airlines to begin new flights to Rovaniemi and Málaga from winter 2025/2026 appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Bitaug designated as the Philippines’ latest Marine Protected Area

The post Bitaug designated as the Philippines’ latest Marine Protected Area appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Photo courtesy of WCS Philippines

It may have taken the better part of 18 years, but the Philippines officially designated Bitaug in the province of Siquijor as a Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Today, Bitaug is the province’s largest MPA, covering 149.46 hectares of vibrant coastal ocean.

Siquijor State College’s assistant extension director Peachy Baquita said of the designation: “This momentous event is not just the launching or inauguration of a protected site, it is a powerful step forward in our collective journey toward environmental sustainability, coastal resilience, and community empowerment.”

Kristine Kate Lim, country director of WCS Philippines, added: “Our coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves are interconnected. They must be protected together if we truly want to secure our environment and our future. This initiative is a powerful step in that direction.”

The MPA designation reflects years of participatory planning and consultations, community leadership, and support from a huge variety of agencies and NGO partners like WCS. 

Bitaug is home to climate-resilient coral reefs, seagrass meadows, commercially important fish stocks, and vibrant populations of sea turtles and sharks. 

It is notable that the area has explicit rules prohibiting the catch of sharks and rays unless these are meant for research purposes.

This makes Bitaug part of a growing roster of MPAs around the world with targeted protections for these vulnerable species.

Locals matter 

Central to the MPA’s success is the Bitaug Fisherfolk Association (BitFA), which co-manages the site with the local government. 

BitFA members advocated for the creation of the MPA for years and will play a key role in enforcement, operations, and awareness-building for the new MPA, with support from Siquijor State College, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and WCS Philippines.

BitFA president Othello Manos remarked: “We are willing to be of service to this MPA. Hopefully, in time, we will truly take charge of managing and caring for our MPA. This is the beginning of what we’ve been dreaming of for almost eighteen years.”

The initiative is a testament to the power of persistence, strong community leadership, and multi-sectoral collaboration, and now stands as a roadmap for the other coastal municipalities in the province.

In a turn of innovative MPA design, Bitaug is to be governed by a management framework that includes revenue-sharing from eco-tourism activities like snorkeling and diving, ensuring conservation benefits are reinvested into local conservation and community development. 

As the largest marine protected area in Siquijor, Bitaug MPA is more than a boundary on a map, but serves as a beacon of hope for ocean health and community resilience.

The post Bitaug designated as the Philippines’ latest Marine Protected Area appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Bird Travels announces its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN

The post Bird Travels announces its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Bird Travels, announces its exclusive partnership with AEGEAN, Greece’s flag carrier and the launch of direct flight operations from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens (Greece), commencing in the first quarter of 2026. The official flight schedule will be announced by the end of September, when ticket sales will be available.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Bird Travels, a trusted and eminent aviation partner in India, as we prepare to launch direct flights from both Delhi and Mumbai to Athens starting in early 2026. This marks a significant milestone in our international expansion and reflects our strong commitment to strengthening connectivity between Greece and India. The addition of our new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft, along with the four A321neo LRs, accelerates our access to the extremely important Indian market but also allows for the immediate upgrade of our product and services to destinations outside the EU, longer than 4 hours in which we already operate. We are confident that, with Bird Travels’ expertise, AEGEAN will successfully establish its footprint in India, offering travelers a seamless and premium gateway to Europe and beyond”, stated Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer of AEGEAN.

“We are very excited to see this promising partnership with AEGEAN, beginning to unfold into a myriad elevated travel experiences from New Delhi & Mumbai very shortly, connecting to Athens and further to Europe & the rest of the world. AEGEAN is a renowned airline with a strong reputation for quality service and connectivity. Given our expertise and network, there are exciting times ahead for the dynamic Indian travel market and discerning Indian travellers.” said Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group.

AEGEAN will shortly add two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft with an even longer range of up to 10.5 hours, accelerating the initiation of its flights to India, early next year. The capabilities and comfort features of the new aircraft facilitate AEGEAN’s options for new additional connections, while at the same time provide a new level of comfort & services, more personal space, an inflight entertainment system with 4K screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB and device charging ports and extra-large bins, specially designed for long-haul flights. These aircraft have a customized configuration of only 138 seats in total, of which 24 are Business Class Suites with fully lie-flat beds, increased privacy and full aisle access.

AEGEAN plans to commence 5 weekly flights to New Delhi (March 2026) and soon thereafter 3 weekly flights to Mumbai (May 2026), the second destination of the company’s network in India, exclusively represented by the General Sales Agent (GSA), Bird Travels.

 

The post Bird Travels announces its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ Launches Exclusive Deals for Tourists

The post ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ Launches Exclusive Deals for Tourists appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi, Welcome to Arabia, has launched a series of exclusive Summer Deals to offer tourists great value nation-wide, bookable only on VisitSaudi.com. Ranging from accommodation and experiences to car hire, there is plenty to help visitors get the most out of their trip for the best prices out there.

Super savings at Marriot Properties

Elevate your stay with exclusive offers through VisitSaudi.com: 15% off premium rooms and suites when you stay two nights or more, 20% off dining at participating restaurants, and a complimentary experience with every stay — from culinary moments to spa indulgences or destination discoveries. Uncover the heritage of Diriyah, feel the buzz of Riyadh, or escape to the stunning coastlines of the Red Sea. Claim discounts at a range of properties across Saudi, including the St Regis Red Sea Resort, Bab Samhan a Luxury Collection Diriyah, Le Méridien Riyadh, Nujuma a Ritz Carlton Reserve and The Jeddah EDITION.

Offer valid 7 days a week for stays until 30 September 2025 at participating Marriott International hotels in Saudi Arabia.

Double the fun: bonus activities with DRB Arabia

Activities company DRB Arabia are offering thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies a range of bumper packages, boasting complimentary activities when booked through VisitSaudi.com:

  • Book the Family Evening Escape stargazing package, and get a free hike included (package for two adults and children, including a meal for £205*/1020 SAR)
  • Book the Peaceful Escape in Aseer buggy ride and archery package and get free axe throwing and hiking included (package for two adults, including a meal for £70*/345 SAR)
  • Book the Summer Challenge on Wild Trails archery and hiking package, and get axe throwing and mountain biking included (£30*/149 SAR per person including a meal)

 Sign Up for Serious Savings

Those who sign up to the Visit Saudi savings platform can benefit from even more discounts this summer. Foodies will be spoilt by a myriad of restaurant offers, including 20% discounts at Riyadh’s top Japanese restaurant, Myazu, or COYA’s authentic Peruvian fare.

Party-goers and music lovers looking for a night out in Riyadh will be delighted by 20% off the epic AFT_r EWC afterparties, whose star-studded line up included the Black Eyed Peas on 7th August.

…And with 20% off car hire from Sixt and 30% off rides with taxi app Bolt, zipping between activities and accommodation will be nothing short of a bargain.

 

 

 

The post ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ Launches Exclusive Deals for Tourists appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Qatar Airways Launches Travel Packages for the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Open and Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Open Tennis Tournaments

The post Qatar Airways Launches Travel Packages for the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Open and Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Open Tennis Tournaments appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Bookings are now open for world-class tennis experiences in Doha with Qatar Airways Holidays’ curated travel packages for Qatar TotalEnergies Open from 8-14 February 2026, and Qatar ExxonMobil Open from 16-21 February 2026. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide can now book their packages in advance, combining premium access to one of the most prestigious events on the WTA 1000 and ATP 500 tours with exceptional hospitality and 5-star accommodation in Doha. They will witness a masterclass in tennis where the best players in the world compete for glory at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex, all while enjoying the beautiful seasonal weather of Doha and activities ranging from cultural experiences to exciting adventures. The experiences can be booked along with Flight + Hotel packages from Qatar Airways Holidays.

Last year’s matchups have set the stage for an electrifying 2026. Andrey Rublev had a captivating run to the championship trophy at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, battling with stars like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 champion Amanda Anisimova seized the title by defeating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Qatar Airways Holidays & Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds said: “We have once again introduced our tennis travel packages for what promises to be an exciting 2026 tennis season here in Doha. With the Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Open and Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Open on the horizon, these packages offer seamless travel solutions and unmatched access to the action. Our goal is to ensure that tennis fans enjoy every step of the journey when travelling through the award-winning Hamad International Airport with the World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time.”

Qatar Airways’ tennis travel packages include return flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, hotel stays in 4- or 5-star properties, and access to all matches played on the Centre Court along with access to the vibrant fanzone. The arena promises a truly intimate experience with seating designed to see the stars up close by offering the best vantage points. Fans can choose from three seating categories – Upper, Middle, or Lower.

Available on a first-come, first-served basis, these packages provide convenience and accessibility through Qatar Airways Holidays’ user-friendly booking platform. All packages are available at qatarairways.com/qatartennis.

Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on the flights, plus on the total package value, redeeming packages using Cash + Avios. Fans can also add airport transfers and tours to the package.

This partnership marks another milestone in Qatar Airways’ portfolio of high-profile global sports partnerships, including the likes of FIFA, UEFA, Formula 1®, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), FC Internazionale Milano, AFC, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, motor racing, padel, squash, and tennis.

 

 

 

The post Qatar Airways Launches Travel Packages for the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Open and Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Open Tennis Tournaments appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Cargo Corridors

The post Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Cargo Corridors appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With 44 freighters, 13 charters and 311 passenger flights, Emirates offers a weekly capacity of 21,000 tonnes into 25 gateways across East and Southeast Asia, every week.  With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly tonnage in and out of East and Southeast Asia every week, across the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline. Deepening its footprint in the region, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories.

Firmly entrenched as the ‘factory of the world’, East and Southeast Asia has established thriving economic corridors, and require significant air freight capacity to shift goods worldwide. Dedicated Emirates SkyCargo freighters serve 9 gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights, the highest freighter flight density on the airline’s vast global network; this schedule is complemented by 13 charter services to and from East Asia every week, delivering consistent capacity and stable connectivity for Asian businesses into Europe and the Middle East. Freighter and charter operations are underpinned by 311 weekly passenger flights, moving travellers and cargo via a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

With the high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour.

“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia.  “From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.”

Fostering economic growth

As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, and boasting a thriving agricultural sector, East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. In an average week, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts over 450 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and other perishable products, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, 75 tonnes of electronics, semi-conductors and smart goods, 180 tonnes of garments and over 1,300 tonnes of eCommerce.

The ‘Aerial Silk Road’ – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets. With a vast network of over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to facilitate global trade. In fact, Emirates SkyCargo plays a significant support role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating swift and reliable connectivity to over 50 countries participating in the initiative.

Strength through partnership

Beyond its own network and capacity, Emirates SkyCargo forged a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to better support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai. Unlocking over 100 primary, secondary and tertiary regional airports, Emirates SkyCargo is able to better serve global customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia; conversely, Emirates SkyCargo supports Southeast Asian businesses with better connectivity into Europe, the USA and Canada.

A series of ‘firsts’

Emirates has been setting benchmarks since the beginning of operations in East Asia. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland, and pre-dating passenger operations by 18 months.

The streak continued in 2025, as Emirates SkyCargo launched a weekly freighter to Japan’s Narita International Airport, marking the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East. Enabling faster and more flexible shipments, the freighter from Narita uplifts pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor parts and large or oddly-shaped shipments such as machinery parts.

As Emirates SkyCargo advances its ambitious 10-year growth strategy, East Asia and Southeast Asia remain priority markets for increased capacity, whether through additional flight schedules or brand-new routes. By deepening connectivity across the region and maintaining seamless links with key markets worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening global supply chains, supporting bilateral economic growth and shape the future of global logistics.

 

The post Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Cargo Corridors appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia