The post Hong Kong’s 35th Food Expo to open on 14th August appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s 35th annual Food Expo is scheduled to open on 14th August, and will run until 18th August  at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.

The event will be held concurrently with the ninth Beauty & Wellness Expo and the 11th Home Delights Expo.

This year’s Food Expo also includes the trade-centric third Food Expo PRO as well as the 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair which runs from 14th to 16th August.

Collectively, these events will feature around 1,890 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse global gourmet foods and wines, teas, health and beauty products, and innovative home appliances, providing a one-stop sourcing and shopping experience for trade buyers and the public. 

At the same time, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), co-organised by the HKTDC, the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), and ten research institutions from across China, will be held on 14th and 15th August, offering industry professionals the latest insights into Chinese medicine.

A highlight of the Hong Kong MICE calendar

At the pre-event press conference held earlier today, 7th August, HKTDC deputy executive director Sophia Chong stated: “The 35th Hong Kong Food Expo and its concurrent events are key highlights in Hong Kong’s event calendar. There are five curated theme days across the fairs, each delivering diverse experiences for visitors seeking gourmet delights, wellness, and elevated lifestyles. This year, exhibitors will present a comprehensive line up of products and special deals, complemented by interactive activities and special celebrations for the 35th Food Expo, including lucky draws and engaging games with prizes. These initiatives aim to create a memorable experience for visitors and stimulate local consumption.”

The five fairs bring together exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, including first-time participants such as Brazil, Mongolia and Zimbabwe, and representatives from nine ASEAN countries highlighting diverse culinary cultures. 

Featuring 45 regional pavilions, the events showcase an extensive international presence, featuring provinces from Mainland China, as well as Macao, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Made for professionals

The third Food Expo PRO opens exclusively to trade buyers for the first two days, with both public and buyers welcome on the final day on 16th August. 

Global exhibitors present premium food products, services, and technologies, highlighted by the new “Coffee Zone”, featuring coffee products, accessories, and machines from various countries and regions. 

Mainland China’s leading coffee bean producer, Yunnan Province, presents enterprises from Pu’er City showcasing Kunlu Mountain and Jinpaoshan roasted beans, alongside other specialty products. 

On 16th August, the Hong Kong Specialty Coffee Association is set to host a coffee cupping competition, challenging professional baristas’ taste and smell, fostering exchange among coffee enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, the Food Science and Technology zone will highlight health-focused and future foods tailored for the silver economy, featuring innovative products like soft-textured mooncakes and cognitive health supplements developed by local exhibitors. 

The Food Technology Seminar will explore the development of additive-free foods in Hong Kong and advocate for a “Clean Label” standard.

More than just another cup of tea

Also, the 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair welcomes trade buyers and the public over three days, promoting tea culture through health-focused tea and tea-related activities. Visitors can sample premium teas, including Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle Tea), mild-acidity German fruit teas, cherry blossom black tea made from Yunnan’s century-old tea trees, raw Pu-erh tea from 1,500-meter-high ancient trees, award-winning Bai Yun Chun Hao tea, Iranian black and herbal teas, Kenyan orthodox tea, antioxidant-rich Sri Lankan purple tea, paired with exquisite teaware from various regions. 

The fair also features innovative tea beverages, such as Hong Kong-style Yuan Yang Tea capsules, herbal wellness tea capsules, sparkling tea, kombucha champagne tea, non-alcoholic ice wine tea, and matcha beverages. 

The “Friends of Tea” zone offers tea-infused snacks and perfumes, blending traditional and modern tea culture.

In collaboration with the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association, the fair hosts the inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Youth International Tea Art Competition 2025, with the theme of “Bridging Eras in Greater Bay Area’s Tea Culture”, fostering cultural exchange among youth in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong. 

The judging panel for the “Hong Kong International Tea Competition” will select the winners for the “Best Taste” and “Best Aroma” across six categories, with free tastings of the winning teas available to the public on 16th August. 

Additional event highlights include the “China & Greater Bay Area KamCha Competition 2025 (HK Milk Tea) – Hong Kong Final”, “2025 Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum and China Tea Tourism City Brand Ceremony”, and the “International Tea Event Space Design Competition 2025.”

Muslim-friendly additions

Building on the introduction of halal food and beverage brands at last year’s expo, Food Expo PRO and Food Expo will host over 120 exhibitors from Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and beyond, showcasing premium halal products and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international food hub. 

A seminar on the halal food market will feature Kowloon Shangri-La, the first Hong Kong hotel to earn a Level 5 Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Certification from Crescent Rating, alongside experts discussing opportunities in the halal industry and promoting Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination. 

In partnership with the Islamic Trust Fund of Hong Kong, the city’s recognised halal certification body, halal certification certificates will be awarded to local restaurants during the event, supporting businesses in tapping into the Islamic market.

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The post Sarah Casewit launches “Auroras & Orcas” in Northern Norway appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Luxury travel expert and founder of namesake company Sarah Casewit, launches “Auroras & Orcas,” a new eight-day travel experience in Northern Norway, curated in collaboration with Tyson Sadler, founder and lead expedition guide of Waterborn Expeditions, a company specializing in ethical marine encounters and ocean conservation.

Specializing in transformative journeys, Sarah Casewit’s new “Auroras & Orcas” experience takes adventurous and discerning travelers to the Arctic, exposing guests to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, immersive Nordic culture, and extraordinary accommodations all wrapped in the awe of the Polar Night. Venturing from the vibrant cultural capital of Tromsø to the remote fjords of Skjervøy and Lyngen, guests will be accompanied by whale expert and filmmaker Tyson Sadler to explore the best of winter in Norway.

The eight-day itinerary kicks off with arrivals in Tromsø before guests are transported to Havnnes Lodge, by car or helicopter, where they will have exclusive access to the Lodge for the duration of their stay, complete with a private chef, personal lodge host and access to the luxurious Nordic spa. Guests will then be brought onto the fjord daily, on a heated Sargo 37 boat, for a range of guided ‘whale safaris’ to witness migrating humpback whales and orcas. Depending on sea conditions, these will include whale watching, migration tracking across fjords and whale swimming, allowing guests to come face-to-face with these majestic creatures. While in the water, guests can immortalize their experience with underwater photography or videography.

On land, guests will be immersed in Arctic culture, with activities including mushing your own team of huskies across pristine terrain, meeting Sami reindeer herders and learning the art of Nordic wellness from cold plunges in the fjord to floating saunas with panoramic views. Whisky-drinkers can delight in an excursion to the world’s northernmost whisky distillery, while melophiles will delight in attending a candlelit concert by the Arctic Philharmonic inside the historic Tromsø Cathedral.

“Auroras & Orcas” is the first in a new series of “Alchemia Journeys” from Sarah Casewit, offering one-of–a-kind experiences to adventurous and discerning travelers. These itineraries will be co-created with a creative expert, in another field, to showcase off-the-grid locations around the world through their lens, bringing an outside perspective to the luxury travel industry. Alchemia, meaning the magical art of transformation, speaks to the magic that comes when experiencing a destination through another viewpoint, allowing for individual exploration and transformation.

“Auroras & Orcas” is now available to book for trips in October and November 2025, taking advantage of the Polar Night, where the sunlight hours are minimal and the sky glows with deep blues and flickers of the aurora. The itinerary starts at $13,300 USD per person based on 2 people traveling on a private basis, and is fully customisable to suit each traveler’s needs and interests.

 

 

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The post Saudi Arabia launches VAT refund for tourists appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi Arabia has officially begun implementing its value-added tax (VAT) refund program for tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, enabling eligible visitors to reclaim 15% VAT on qualifying purchases through 1,442 authorized retail outlets across the Kingdom, Saudi Gazette has learned.

The move is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance the tourism and shopping experience, increase Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a global destination. The VAT refund system is available to non-resident tourists aged 18 and older.
To qualify, total purchases must exceed SR500, and the goods must be unused, for personal use only, and exported within 90 days of purchase.

Services such as accommodation and meals are excluded, as well as specific items like vehicles, boats, aircraft, food and beverages, tobacco products, and petroleum derivatives.
Shoppers can request a VAT exemption form at the point of sale by presenting their passport or GCC ID, and may combine up to three invoices from the same retailer on the same day to reach the eligibility threshold.

Upon departure, travelers must validate their tax-free form at one of 18 verification points currently available at three international airports: 10 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, four at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and four at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Refunds can be issued either by card or in cash, with a daily cash refund cap of SR5,000 per person. However, cash refunds are not available at the North Terminal of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport. The VAT refund initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism spending, streamline shopping experiences, and encourage visitors to extend their stays and explore more of Saudi Arabia’s retail landscape.

 

 

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The post Avianca enhances its in-flight entertainment by adding premium content appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Avianca is elevating its in-flight experience by introducing new content, including HBO Max, Formula 1 TV, and much more, to its Avianca on Air entertainment catalog. This new initiative enables customers to enjoy over 350 titles at no extra cost, including children’s content, movies, documentaries, popular series, Formula 1 races, and more.

“The connection starts on board, and we have taken a step forward in enhancing our flight experience by adding content from HBO Max and Formula 1 TV, among others, so our customers can enjoy the best in entertainment while we connect them to their destination, thus improving their experience from takeoff to landing,” said Katherine Stradaioli, Vice President of Customer Delivery at Avianca.

Customers can access this content through Avianca on Air, available since July on their personal devices for Airbus A320 flights and on the integrated screens in the seats of Boeing 787 aircraft.

 

 

 

 

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The post Travelodge acquires four former Ibis hotels in the UK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has exchanged contracts to acquire four former Ibis hotels as part of its UK growth strategy focused on rebrand opportunities. This announcement brings the total number of other operators’ hotels acquired by Travelodge to 16 this year.

The hotels, located in Preston, Bradford Shipley, Chesterfield and Cardiff, comprise a total of 324 rooms. Travelodge has acquired the freehold interest in three of these properties, with Cardiff acquired under a new, 25-year lease agreement.

As part of Travelodge’s multi-million pound refit upgrade programme, these hotels will be refurbished later this year to reflect Travelodge’s latest design standards, including its contemporary reception area, next generation rooms, and enhanced interiors designed for comfort and functionality.

Each hotel is located in a strong position, with excellent transport links and access to local attractions:

• Preston North: Close to the M6, this 82-room hotel offers easy access to Preston city centre, Manchester and the Lake District.
• Bradford Shipley: A scenic, canal-side, 78-room hotel, a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire Village, and well connected to Leeds by rail.
• Chesterfield Town Centre: Within walking distance of the town centre and railway station, with nearby attractions including theatres, museums and the Peak District – this 86-room hotel is also just a short drive from Chatsworth House.
• Cardiff Gate: A 78-room hotel, located just off the M4, near Cardiff Gate Business Park and within easy reach of Cardiff city centre and Cardiff International Airport.

These latest acquisitions highlight Travelodge’s focus on rebrand opportunities as a key part of its wider UK development strategy, although the company also continues to open new hotels via new development projects and other building (office and retail) conversions.

Travelodge has identified 300 more locations to target in the UK and 20 more in Spain. The company intends to maintain its major investment in its growth programme, enhancing the value of its business through the diversification of freehold and leasehold assets, and is seeking more well-located hotels that meet its branding and customer experience criteria.

Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge, comments:  “These acquisitions are another strong addition to our UK portfolio and demonstrate the continued momentum behind our rebrand-led growth strategy.

“We’re seeing increasing opportunities to convert well-located, existing hotels into Travelodges, and we’re actively looking for more. These hotels are able to open much quicker than new development schemes, as no planning or other consents are required, and they also remove other competitors’ room stock from the market, rather than adding new supply, so they are a great way for Travelodge to open new rooms.

Our strategy remains focused on acquiring and developing hotels in areas where we know there is customer demand, to give even more people access to high-quality, great-value accommodation, and we have identified over 300 locations throughout the UK with sufficient demand drivers to open a new Travelodge.”

Travelodge now operates over 610 hotels, with a requirement to open more than 300 additional locations across the UK.

 

 

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The post As 60% of UAE travellers rely on AI to plan trips, human connection remains vital appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits.

According to the report, AI is becoming a key tool for travellers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten have used AI for travel planning, with 21% using it before their most recent trip. As AI adoption grows, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalised recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travellers. The research also confirmed that travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact.

In line with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts across the technology, hospitality and events industries to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalised service platforms, and data-led design become more prevalent.

Speaking during the event, Amy Read, VP Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, said: “It is important to recognise that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.”

Read acknowledged that it is vital for the industry to recognise that technology has changed guests’ expectations of hospitality providers as they now seek instant gratification and swift responses. This has led to the development of innovative solutions such as SynXis Concierge AI, which uses generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers, providing immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific queries, reducing the reliance on individual staff knowledge and ensuring consistent, high-quality service around the clock.

Other examples include Miral’s AI concierge, Majd Al, which is utilised at attractions such as Yas Bay Waterfront and Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The service offers tailored suggestions based on individual preferences, helping visitors maximise their experience.

Fellow panellists agreed that human-centric innovation begins with understanding consumer behaviour, with organisations like Almosafer adopting a co-creation approach, developing tools based on customer pain points. Similarly, travel agent platform Expedia TAAP builds technology informed by insights from travel agents themselves, ensuring that its tools are aligned with customer needs and are usable.

Meanwhile, the rise of AI in the business events (MICE) sector is delivering significant gains in efficiency and insight. With the global meetings and events industry set to reach USD 945 billion in 2025 and projected to exceed USD 2.3 trillion by 2032, the need for scalable, intelligent tools has never been greater. Data-led personalisation is now critical to driving attendee engagement and loyalty, with AI helping to automate sourcing, translate content in real time, and generate tailored event experiences.

However, speakers were united in warning against over-reliance on technology at the expense of authenticity. As AI becomes central to personalising travel experiences and improving operational efficiency, it does not replace human roles but rather reshapes them, encouraging organisations to realign talent towards more meaningful, guest-focused interactions. Ultimately, as event planners and travel providers aim to create experiences that resonate, the consensus remains that human connection must stay central to every digital advancement.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, commented: “When it comes to travel and tourism innovations, the most effective technologies are those that amplify human interactions, improve efficiency and respond directly to customer needs. The industry has a shared commitment to responsible innovation by placing people at the centre of every technology solution.”

Reflecting the travel industry’s total convergence with technology and innovation, ATM Travel Tech was larger than ever at the 2025 edition, with an increase of over 26% in the number of products showcased. ATM 2026, which takes place from 4-7 May, will build further on this innovation focus, showcasing the latest technologies that are shaping the future of travel.

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The post Tourism Plus Shanghai 2026 calls for exhibitors appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Scheduled for 29th March to 3rd April 2026, Tourism Plus Shanghai (TPS 2026) is set to draw in more than 6,000 global exhibitors to Shanghai, China.

The event aims to showcase comprehensive solutions across the tourism and lifestyle sectors, encompassing catering, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. 

Visitor attendance is projected to exceed the 2025 record of 445,737 participants from 148 countries and regions. 

As such, organisers have opened the call for potential exhibitors in 42 categories to come and showcase their work at three primary venues.

Schedules, venues, and featured categories are as follows: 

29th to 31st March 2026

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre

Tourist Destinations & Road trip route | Tourism & Cultural Technology | Tourism Operation & Facilities | Tourism & Cultural Consumption | Outdoor Sports | Health Plus | Boat | Boat Equipment and Accessories | Boat Service | Water sports | BBDS | Lure Fishing l Design company | Manufacturing factory | Internet-famous Prop | Light-based Art Display

30th March to 2nd April 2026 

National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)

Catering Equipment & Supplies | Central Kitchen Equipment & Food Machinery and Equipment | Refrigeration Equipment | Tableware | Finefood | Beverage | Coffee &Tea | Ice Cream & Dairy | Baking Equipment & Raw Materials | Food & Catering Packaging | The Bar & Drinks | Brand Franchising & Chain Store Resources

31st March to 3rd April 2026

Shanghai New International Expo Center

Hotel Supplies | Smart Hotel | Hotel Franchise | Building & Decoration | Engineering Design | Lighting | Commercial Retail | Smart Office | Landscape Gardens | Hotel Furniture | Sunshading Material | Cleaning Operation & Maintenance | Property Management | Urban Appearance & Environmental Sanitation

A gateway into Chinese markets

TPS 2026 is guided by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, co-sponsored by China Tourism Association, and hosted by Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co Ltd and Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Co Ltd. 

The expo accelerates the deep integration of “tourism + industries” and “industries + tourism”, serving as a catalyst for innovation in hospitality, retail, sports, and related sectors.

As such, it fosters emerging business models and establishes a new framework for global tourism industry development. 

Suppliers of tourism services, catering supply chain, hotel supplies, retail technology and equipment, boat and outdoor products, and entertainment projects will present their latest products and services to international buyers. 

Concurrently, TPS 2026 provides a strategic platform for overseas destinations to access the Chinese market and facilitates partnerships with Chinese investors and trade entities. 

Through targeted matchmaking conferences and digital tools, the event bridges global supply chains with demand-driven opportunities.

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The post Thailand Gastronomy Network Rolls Out “Train Journey to the Southern Soul” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Thailand Gastronomy Network has officially rolled out its latest culinary experience on rails. “Train Journey to the Southern Soul: รส + ราง เส้นทางอาหาร ความสุขแดนใต้” is a dynamic campaign that turns train travel into a flavor-forward journey across Southern Thailand—where every route reflects a distinct Thai taste, and every traveler becomes a storyteller.

Running from July to September 2025, this initiative encourages participants to design their own flavor journey, access digital perks from over 50 local vendors, and take part in three nationwide contests. It’s the latest project by the Thailand Gastronomy Network to promote Thailand’s culinary identity as a powerful force for sustainable tourism and cultural exchange.

9 Routes, 9 Flavors

The campaign features nine culinary-themed train routes across Southern Thailand, each tied to a distinct flavor profile:

1. Chumphon – Salty: Coastal activities, seafood, and sea air
2. Ranong – Bitter: Hot springs, wellness, and forest escapes
3. Chumphon–Ranong – Sour: Long-distance cycling with flavorful stops
4. Phatthalung – Sweet: Lotus lakes, sago desserts, and family-friendly fun
5. Hat Yai – Spicy & Nutty: From street food to nightlife eats
6. Songkhla Old Town – Well-Balanced: Architectural heritage and lakefront cafés
7. Bang Klam–Na Mom–Sadao – Hidden gems: Stingless bee farms, border bites, and local legends
8. Chumphon–Koh Tao/Samui – Fragrant: A seamless rail-boat-fly journey with island cuisine
9. Gastro Club Signature Trips – Expert-led curated experiences including “The Three Ages of Songkhla” and “Sweet Buzz of Bang Klam”

Digital Perks from 50+ Vendors

Travelers can unlock digital collectible art vouchers simply by riding the train and registering. These vouchers offer:

• Free dishes and desserts
• Discounts at cafés, restaurants, and food stalls
• Access to culinary workshops and experiences

Participating vendors are located in five key provinces: Chumphon, Ranong, Phatthalung, Hat Yai, and Songkhla.

Nationwide Contests with Prizes Worth Over 300,000 THB

Collector Hunter Challenge
Ride the train, collect digital rewards, and share your journey using campaign hashtags:
#TrainJourneytotheSouthernSoul and #9รสชาติความสุขแดนใต้
Top entries will win custom artwork by Thai illustrator Mig Chompoonoot.

Photo Diary Challenge
Share your best food or travel photo with a caption.
The winner receives a round-trip flight from Bangkok to Krabi courtesy of Bangkok Airways.

Be My Guest Challenge
Locals are invited to share videos or reels promoting their hometowns and local food culture.
Winners receive training opportunities and exposure on tourism channels.

How to Join

1. Add LINE: @thailandgastronomy
2. Upload a photo of your Southern train ticket
3. Type the keyword: “รถไฟใต้”
4. Access digital coupons and contest info

Follow campaign updates at:
facebook.com/ThailandGastronomyNetwork

About Thailand Gastronomy Network

The Thailand Gastronomy Network is a national platform created to elevate Thai food culture as a strategic asset in tourism, community development, and global engagement. Through campaigns like Train Journey to the Southern Soul, the network connects culinary creators, local storytellers, and travelers through authentic, meaningful experiences.

Get on board. Taste the South. And tell your story through the flavors that define Thailand.

 

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The post Explore the Business of Wellness at SKÅL Bangkok’s August Networking Lunch appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s wellness sector is growing rapidly, and SKÅL International Bangkok invites you to be part of the conversation.

Join us on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the iconic Sukhothai Bangkok for an exclusive gathering of leaders in wellness, travel, and hospitality.  Guests will enjoy a three-course lunch and a thought-provoking discussion on The Business of Wellness, one of Thailand’s most dynamic and fast-growing industries.

The networking lunch includes a  panel discussion, moderated by the one and only David Barrett, Consultant Events for The Slate Phuket and Host of Trends. Known for his sharp insights and global perspective, David has assembled a stellar panel of changemakers leading the charge in Thailand’s wellness economy:

David Boucher, MPH, FACHE – CEO, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Phuket & Market

Catherine Edwards – Chief Growth Officer, QUO

Jack Thomas – Founder & CEO of BASE, Co-founder of The Fit Guide, Host of Fitness Business Asia podcast

Victoria Sardain – Consultant and Founder, Teiah Hospitality

Expect fresh perspectives on wellness tourism, integrative health, hospitality innovation and meaningful travel.

“As Thailand continues to position itself as a global wellness destination, SKÅL Bangkok is proud to provide a platform for the industry’s thought leaders to connect and collaborate,” said James Thurlby, President of SKÅL International Bangkok. “Wellness isn’t just good business—it’s good for communities, good for travelers, and good for the future of tourism. This luncheon is about celebrating that.”

Guests will enjoy a special Western Set Lunch prepared by the celebrated culinary team at The Sukhothai Bangkok.

Starter
Duck confit served with fresh mesclun greens, red onion, walnuts, and citrus dressing or (vegetarian) Mixed green salad with roasted pumpkin and beetroot raspberry vinaigrette.

Main Course (choose one)

Salmon – Pan-fried Atlantic salmon filet with grilled asparagus, green pea purée, and tomato salsa.

Chicken – Sous vide chicken breast with herb-crusted potato, griddled green asparagus, and chicken-thyme jus.

(Vegetarian)- Wild mushroom risotto with parmesan and crispy shimeji mushrooms.

Dessert
Chocolate & praline mousse cake with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream or (vegan) cake served with rhubarb soup, strawberry sorbet, and strawberry balsamic jam.

Please indicate your main course preference when booking.

Rates:

SKÅL Members: 1,200 THB     (Guests of members receive the member rate.)

Non-Members: 1,900 THB

 To reserve your seat visit SKAL BKK EVENTS or email events@skalbangkok.com

Seats are limited and this event will sell out—secure your spot today!

 

 

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The post SIA Engineering Company Limited to begin operations at Manila’s NAIA next month appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singaporean aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) is expanding its presence in the Philippines through its local subsidiary, SIA Engineering (Philippines) Corporation (SIAEP).

SIAEP will begin operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by September 2025.

SIAEC’s entry into Manila’s largest aviation hub stands to benefit not only local carriers, but the broader aviation industry as it opens up more opportunities for skills development, knowledge transfer, and jobs in aircraft maintenance.

New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) president and chief executive Ramon S Ang said of this: “This is a big boost for NAIA and for Philippine aviation. We welcome SIAEP and look forward to working closely with them to improve support for airlines operating here.”

From Clark to Manila

A trusted MRO provider already operating out of Clark, SIAEP is the Philippine subsidiary of SIAEC, which is majority-owned by the Singapore Airlines Group. 

Known for supporting many of the world’s top airlines, SIAEP’s decision to expand to NAIA reflects growing confidence in the airport’s ongoing improvements and its potential to become a stronger hub for aviation services.

The presence of SIAEP at NAIA will help provide faster aircraft turnaround and improved technical support, benefitting both airlines and passengers.

Meanwhile, other major MRO companies have also expressed interest in establishing a presence at NAIA. 

With more players coming in, airlines will have more choices, leading to better service options and greater overall efficiency.

Ang remarked: “This is part of our broader push to raise NAIA’s standards and make it a better, more reliable gateway not only for travelers, but for the aviation industry as a whole.”

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