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HK Express successfully conducts maiden flight for Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur route

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The Cathay Group’s low-cost carrier HK Express marked the inaugural launch of its new direct service between Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 1st August, with the arrival of flight UO716 at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang.

Gracing the occasion were Tourism Malaysia’s deputy director-general Samuel Lee as well as senior officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). 

Also aboard the inaugural flight were HK Express sales manager Rosita Tsang and popular TVB celebrities Tam Fai Chi and Che Yuen Yuen. 

The flight was specially chartered by Wing On Travel, bringing along fans in a celebration of travel and entertainment, a strong testament to the growing appeal of fan-based tourism experiences.

Lee said of the maiden flight: “This new connection reflects the strong and growing tourism ties between Malaysia and Hong Kong and supports our ongoing efforts to position Malaysia as a top travel destination in the region. We are excited to welcome more visitors to explore the rich, diverse experiences that Malaysia has to offer.”

A bridge between nations

This new Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur connection marks HK Express’ second destination in Malaysia, following the success of its Penang route. 

The airline will now operate daily direct flights between Hong Kong International Airport and Subang Airport, utilizing its modern Airbus A321 aircraft with 182 seats, offering passengers greater convenience and travel flexibility.

Strategically located just 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre, Subang Airport offers swift access to major attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang, and the vibrant food and cultural scenes of the capital. 

The new route also enhances connectivity for business travellers and regional explorers seeking quick, direct access to Malaysia’s urban and cultural hubs.

The Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur service is expected to further stimulate bilateral tourism and economic collaboration. 

It also supports the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which targets increased arrivals from strategic markets such as China and Hong Kong. 

From January to June 2025, Malaysia welcomed 2.17 million visitors from China, a remarkable 35.6 percent increase over the same period in 2024, signaling strong market recovery and demand.

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Source: traveldailymedia

Korean Air introduces Premium Class aboard its Boeing 777-300ER fleet

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Korean Air will introduce Premium Class service on its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, with the first flights launching on short- and mid-haul routes starting from mid-September. 

As part of this launch, Korean Air has invested approximately KRW 300 billion to fully retrofit 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with completely redesigned cabins, bringing them in line with the airline’s latest aircraft interiors and onboard technology.

The launch of Premium Class coincides with a complete interior overhaul of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet. Inspired by the design of Korean Air’s latest aircraft, the updated cabins offer a refreshed, modern experience across all classes. 

The aircraft now feature Korean Air’s newest seating products including Prestige Suites 2.0 in a 1-2-1 configuration for Prestige Class, and New Economy in a 3-4-3 layout. 

In a statement, the airline declared: “We’re committed to bringing the fully redesigned Boeing 777-300ER and new Premium Class to as many customers as possible. This fleet upgrade has been in progress since 2018 and, after delays due to the pandemic, we’re proud to now offer an elevated travel experience that meets our passengers’ evolving needs.” 

A new standard for inflight comfort

Premium Class is positioned between the airline’s Prestige and Economy Classes, offering more spacious seating and upgraded service. 

While pricing varies by route and travel dates, fares are generally around 110 percent of normal Economy fares.  

The new cabin features 40 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, designed for greater comfort. Premium Class offers approximately 50 percent more space than existing Economy Class seats, with a seat pitch of about 1 metre, offering more space than many premium economy products offered by major global airlines. 

Seats are about 50 cm wide, recline up to 130 degrees, and come equipped with both leg and footrests. 

The seats also feature ergonomic headrests for gentle support and include wing-shaped sides to provide a greater sense of privacy from adjacent passengers. 

Passengers can enjoy an enhanced in-flight entertainment experience with 15.6-inch 4K resolution screens, which are larger than the previous monitors in Prestige Class on the same aircraft.

On international routes, Premium Class passengers will enjoy a refined single-tray meal service, including a main course dish, appetizer, and dessert from the Prestige Class menu, served on Armani/Casa tableware. 

Beverages, including wine, coffee, and tea, are the same as those served in Prestige Class. 

Premium Class passengers will also benefit from priority ground services, including access to Morning Calm check-in counters, priority baggage handling and Sky Priority boarding.

Wi-Fi is available across all cabins, and in-flight entertainment systems have been significantly upgraded. 

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Booking Holdings reports US$2.25B in profits for Q2-2025

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Booking Holdings, parent company of online travel agencies Booking.com and Agoda, reported an operating profit of US$2.25 billion, representing 21 percent year-over-year growth.

Breaking down the 309 million room nights booked during the quarter which were up by eight percent year-on-year, Asia was the only region to achieve double-digit growth.

On the other hand, Europe and other regions maintained high single-digit growth. 

The United States, however, remained the weakest market during Q2-2025, showing growth in low single digits.

Paradigm shift

Based on the quarterly results, Asia is no longer just a supplemental growth area for Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries.

Instead, it is apparent that the region is now the company’s primary growth driver, as it forms a critical second growth curve for the future.

To be fair, Asia has long been central to Booking’s strategy thanks to its market scale, demographic dividends, infrastructural development, and rising income levels. 

With the combined expertise and exposure of Booking.com and Agoda within the Asia Pacific, the company believes it can continue to tap into the region’s momentum. 

As such, company executives expect Asia to maintain high single-digit room night growth over the medium term.

What China means for Booking Holdings

As he reported the results for the quarter, Booking Holdings’ chief executive Glenn Fogel spoke of where China stands with regard to the company’s progress.

Fogel said: “We have talked about how we don’t really think much of China as an area in which we will be able to compete well domestically. It’s also somewhat more problematic than we’d hoped around a decade ago when we had higher hopes of us being able to be a major player there for outbound business.”

Fogel nevertheless pointed out that inbound travel to China is showing resilience. 

He added that Booking Holdings and its subsidiaries continue to benefit from rising inbound bookings made by travelers in Europe, Asia, and other regions save for the US, all of which contribute meaningfully to platform revenue.

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Source: traveldailymedia

Air Astana releases its mid-year financials report

The post Air Astana releases its mid-year financials report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Astana JSC, the leading airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, announced its results for the second quarter and six months ended 30th June today, 6th August.  

The company reported strong growth and continued focus on yield management throughout the first half of the year, resulting in a 24.1 percent increase in EBITDAR.  

According to airline chief executive Peter Foster: “We continue to perform strongly with rising revenues and improved margins in H1, driving growth of  24.1 percent in EBITDAR and 132 percent in PAT. This is underpinned by an increase in both capacity and traffic of  17.8 percent and 17.3 percent respectively, despite the widely publicised macroeconomic and geopolitical  challenges. Our performance highlights once again the benefits of our central location and agile  approach as we successfully optimised costs and allocated capacity to our key markets to maximise  margins. We continue to balance unit revenues and costs due to the effectiveness of our ongoing  efficiency measures and the natural currency hedge within the business.”  

Foster pointed out that the increase in passenger numbers alongside capacity demonstrates the demand for Air Astana’s new routes  across the fastest-growing regions in Asia, particularly the megamarkets of India and China, as it is currently the only airline that offers true connectivity with the CIS region. 

Air Astana’s recently signed codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines is another important step in further developing such connectivity.

Fleet expansion 

Following the departure of its final E2, Air Astana’s fleet now consists of 61 aircraft, made up entirely of Airbus  A320 family and Boeing 767s.

This is the Group’s simplest fleet structure since 2003. 

Foster said: “Combined with our  investment in our in-house MRO and ground service capabilities we have increased our resilience, improved our passenger experience and enhanced the Group’s efficiency. These new capabilities and  additional capacity have enabled us to demonstrate our resilience in the management of the ongoing  industry wide Pratt and Whitney GTF engine challenges.” 

The Company remains very confident in both the outlook for 2025 and the Group’s medium-term prospects. I would like to personally thank all of my colleagues at Air Astana for their hard work in  delivering this performance and look forward to updating the market on our medium-term strategy and  ambitions at our Capital Markets Day in September 2025.”  

At present, the Air Astana Group is well positioned for the peak summer season with ASK 17.8 percent higher than in H1-2024 and  20 new routes launched during H1 2025. 

Notwithstanding the Pratt & Whitney engine issues, which  continue to be proactively managed through the Group’s mitigation plan and policy of dynamic capacity  allocation, the Group retains a positive outlook for the summer.  

Highlights from H1-2025

  • Total revenue and other income increased 12.1% to USD 658.2 million (H1 2024: USD 587.2  million). 
  • EBITDAR increased 24.1% to USD 157.0 million (H1 2024: USD 126.5 million). EBITDAR  margin improved by 2.3 pp to 23.9% (H1 2024: 21.6%).  
  • PAT increased 131.9% to USD 10.7 million (H1 2024: USD 4.6 million). 
  • ASK up 17.8% to 10.3 billion (H1 2024: 8.7 billion).  
  • RPK increased 17.3% to 8.4 billion (H1 2024: 7.1 billion). 
  • Unit revenues continue to be managed ahead of unit cost inflation, extending the positive trend  from Q4 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Group’s ongoing efficiency measures and  natural currency hedge. 
    • RASK decreased 4.9% to USD 6.41¢ (H1 2024: 6.74¢).  
    • CASK decreased 6.2% to USD 5.97¢ (H1 2024: 6.36¢). 
  • Group passengers carried increased 11.6% to 4.5 million (H1 2024: 4.0 million) with a stable average load factor of 81.7% (H1 2024: 82.0%). 
  • Group fleet expanded to 61 aircraft with the delivery of six A320 family aircraft. 

Highlights from Q2-2025

Throughout the second quarter, Air Astana noted robust revenue growth and double-digit EBITDAR expansion, underscoring increasing demand, cost  efficiency and operational resilience 

  • Total revenue and other income increased 13.5% to USD 365.8 million (Q2 2024: USD 322.4 million). 
  • EBITDAR increased 17.2% to USD 97.1 million (Q2 2024: USD 82.8 million). EBITDAR margin  improved by 0.8 pp to 26.5% (Q2 2024: 25.7%).  
  • PAT increased 11.0% to USD 18.0 million (Q2 2024: USD 16.2 million). 
  • ASK up 21.7% to 5.6 billion (Q2 2024: 4.6 billion).  
  • RPK increased 20.4% to 4.6 billion (Q2 2024: 3.8 billion). 
  • Despite the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, unit revenues and costs remain well-balanced,  reflecting operational resilience. 
    • RASK decreased 6.8% to USD 6.57¢ (Q2 2024: 7.05¢) largely driven by local currency  depreciation.
    • CASK decreased 6.5% to USD 5.87¢ (Q2 2024: 6.27¢) due to efficiency measures as well  as the reduction in Tenge denominated costs and lower fuel costs. 
  • Group passengers carried increased 15.6% to 2.5 million (Q2 2024: 2.2 million) with average  load factor remaining stable at 81.9% (Q2 2024: 82.8%). 

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Source: traveldailymedia

Hotel101-Fort continues partnership with Miss Asia Pacific International

The post Hotel101-Fort continues partnership with Miss Asia Pacific International appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hotel101 Group’s Bonifacio Global City property Hotel101-Fort announced the renewal of its partnership as the official residence of the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 pageant. 

The renewal marks another year of collaboration between two organizations that share a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and global representation.

Hotel101-Fort will serve as the home of this year’s Miss Asia Pacific International candidates, providing their candidates with a comfortable and memorable stay leading up to the grand coronation night on 8th October of this year in Cebu City.

Hotel101 Group general manager Charley Magabo enthused: “We are honoured to once again host the Miss Asia Pacific International candidates. This partnership reflects our shared values of celebrating diversity and empowering women. It is our privilege to provide a home where they can experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”

For her part, Miss Asia Pacific International president Eva Patalinjug-Lim remarked: “We are proud to renew our long-standing partnership with Hotel101, the trusted home to Miss Asia Pacific International for several years now. Hotel101’s continued support allows us to create a welcoming and meaningful experience for women from all over the world: a true testament to Filipino warmth and hospitality.”

A home away from home for the world’s beauties

Now on its 53rd edition, Miss Asia Pacific International continues to champion women empowerment by providing a global platform that celebrates individuality, progress, and purpose. 

With its ever-evolving vision, the organization remains committed to shaping meaningful journeys and creating lasting impact.

As the official residence, Hotel101-Fort ensures that every delegate experiences world-class hospitality. 

Each HappyRoom is thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, featuring premium beds from Emma Sleep, modern amenities, and access to the hotel’s facilities such as the gym and the pool, making it the perfect home for the candidates during the competition.

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The Cathay Group releases its interim results for 2025

The post The Cathay Group releases its interim results for 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Cathay Group revealed a sterling report regarding its 2025 Interim Results today, 6th August.

Along with the announcement came the exercise of purchase rights for an additional 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, bringing Cathay’s total commitment to 35 such aircraft.

Cathay group chair Patrick Healy remarked: “Over the past few years, we have embarked on an all-encompassing fleet renewal and expansion plan, which includes orders for over 100 new narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and large freighter aircraft. This new order brings our total investment to well over HK$100 billion, which also includes new cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, further strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub and elevating the customer experience to new heights.”

Healy added that the Group’s passenger airlines Cathay Pacific and HK Express have, so far, launched or announced 19 new destinations for this year, with more still to come. 

The Cathay Group’s airlines now fly to over 100 passenger destinations globally, as it continues to enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity with the world.  

Healy added: “We are also delighted to have been recognised in multiple renowned industry rankings and awards. Cathay Pacific was named one of the world’s top three airlines, as well as being recognised for having the world’s best Economy class and the world’s best inflight entertainment according to Skytrax. Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo was again named Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World, and HK Express was named one of the top five low-cost airlines in the world by Airline Ratings. These achievements would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our customers and the dedication of our people, for which we are extremely grateful.” 

Exceptional results for H1-2025

Cathay reported an attributable profit of HK$3.7 billion in the first half of 2025, a similar level to the first half of 2024. 

The Group’s first-half result was attributable to increased passenger capacity and volumes albeit at lower yields, a resilient cargo business and lower fuel costs. 

Meanwhile, the results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable loss of HK$181 million, compared with a loss of HK$342 million in the first half of 2024. 

The Group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend payment to ordinary shareholders of HK20 cents per ordinary share, totalling HK$1.3 billion. 

This is the same amount per ordinary share as the first interim dividend paid in 2024.

A better customer experience

Cathay is rolling out more customer experience enhancements over the coming years, including new cabin products, flagship lounges, dining experiences, and more. 

Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite Business class cabins and inflight entertainment system have received various recognitions in prestigious design industry awards. 

Building on these achievements, the airline will be introducing brand new cabins and a flat-bed Business class product on its existing Airbus A330s in 2026, followed by a world-leading First class experience onboard its Boeing 777-9s when the first aircraft is expected to arrive in 2027. 

Additionally, Cathay Pacific has been rolling out refinements to the design of its current regional Business class on selected A330-300 and 777-300 aircraft with an updated look and features, which are expected to be completed this year. 

Furthermore, starting this month Cathay Pacific is one of the very few airlines in the world to offer both 100 percent seatback inflight entertainment as well as 100 percent inflight connectivity across its entire fleet.  

On the ground, Cathay Pacific has commenced an extensive redevelopment plan for its lounges. 

Earlier this year, The Bridge was opened at Hong Kong International Airport following a full redesign. 

The redesigned Beijing flagship lounge is scheduled to open this month, while a brand-new flagship lounge will be launched in New York next year. 

Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo is continuing to strengthen its special solutions, digital capabilities and sustainability leadership to position itself for future growth. 

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Source: traveldailymedia

‘Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo remain MICE powerhouses’: Vikash Kejriwal

The post ‘Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo remain MICE powerhouses’: Vikash Kejriwal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vikash Kejriwal, CEO, SKIL

Top MICE destinations stay ahead as they show excellence in providing policy support, world-class infrastructure, and accessibility. Vikash Kejriwal feels that there has also been a rise of aspirational, sustainable destinations like Da Nang, Bali, and Langkawi that are now on corporate radars. Experience, safety, and personalisation are outweighing legacy price-point negotiations when it comes to procurement for events.

In an interview with Travel Daily Media (TDM) Vikash Kejriwal, CEO, SKIL shares more on event management, India outbound MICE trends, corporate travel trends and tells us about the privilege of creating moments that matter…

Travel Daily Media (TDM): What inspired you to choose a career in travel, hospitality and event management? What have been your best experiences in being part of this journey?
Vikash Kejriwal
(VK): My journey into this industry wasn’t planned ‐ it was instinctive. What started as an operational curiosity evolved into a deep appreciation for what travel and events can truly accomplish when done right. The sectors of mobility, hospitality, and experience management have historically functioned in silos. At SKIL, we set out to change that by building an integrated ecosystem where travel is not just about transit, and events are not just about glamour. They are both about purpose and impact.

One of the most fulfilling chapters was transforming SKIL Cabs from a conventional car rental provider into a tech-enabled mobility solution that supports both day-to-day corporate needs and large-scale movement during mega-events. To see that evolution recognised nationally reaffirmed the path we chose. And in a space that evolves by the minute ‐ with new platforms, shifting expectations, and global disruptions ‐ there’s always a reason to innovate.

TDM: Which are the top performing MICE cities in Asia Pacific? What trends do you see shaping business travel in Asia Pacific, especially post the pandemic?
VK: Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo remain MICE powerhouses due to policy support, world-class infrastructure, and accessibility. However, what’s interesting is the rise of aspirational, sustainable destinations like Da Nang, Bali, and Langkawi that are now on corporate radars.

Post-pandemic, we’re seeing a return of intent in business travel. There’s greater focus on ROI, purpose-driven engagements, hybrid models, and sustainability. Companies are consciously shrinking group sizes but raising experience standards. At SKIL, we’ve responded with MICE programs that are ESG-aligned, modular, and value-driven ‐ so clients get the best of both worlds: impact and efficiency.

TDM: Which are the top performing MICE cities in India? Which major corporate events have you covered here in 2025? What were the PAX statistics for the same? What’s on the cards for 2026?
VK: The Indian MICE circuit thrives in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Goa, and Jaipur. These cities combine strong aviation links, destination appeal, and operational depth. In 2025 alone, SKIL has executed over 120+ business events across India.

Two events stand out: A 20,000 pax multi-national networking and product launch event in a stadium in Delhi, and a 700+ pax Corporate Offsite in Goa focused on employee experience. Both events combined hybrid streaming, custom app engagement, and seamless backend logistics.

In 2026, we’re scaling further ‐ with cross-border MICE exchanges, high-impact industry fairs, and state-level government partnerships. We anticipate a 20‐25% growth in MICE-linked business travel volume.

TDM: What are the nuances of managing artist events across India? Which are the most popular cities for their events? How do you handle crowd management?
VK: Artist events are a high-octane blend of creativity and control. No two shows are the same, and no city follows a standard playbook. Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa continue to dominate because of their infrastructure and cultural appetite, but every market has its own quirks ‐ from noise regulations to licensing complexities.

What we’ve learned is that predictability comes from preparation. At SKIL, we’ve built custom dashboards and on-ground SOPs that track artist movement, crew rosters, equipment logistics, and real-time audience engagement. Crowd management, especially, is a multi-agency effort involving local law enforcement, private security, and emergency services. But beyond control, our intent is to enhance experience ‐ so the audience leaves with joy, not just a selfie.

Partnering with emergency personnel, private security, and local authorities so as to guarantee that visitors’ experiences don’t stop. We aim to create engaging, pleasant experiences, in addition to crowd administration.

TDM: What are the trends that you are seeing among business and corporate travellers across India? Could you please support the revert with some statistics?
VK: Today’s business traveller is informed, tech-savvy, and purpose-led. Our internal research across 40 enterprise clients reveals that:

  • 78% now prefer smartphone-first platforms for booking and trip management.
  • Over 60% of corporate travellers extended their trips for leisure (“bleisure”) in Q2 2025.
  • ESG is no longer an option ‐ it’s expected. Clients demand visibility into emissions, carbon tracking, and sustainability credentials.

There’s also a shift in procurement priorities. Experience, safety, and personalisation are outweighing legacy price-point negotiations. Our fastest-growing segment includes curated travel for women leaders, CXOs, and sector-specific delegations.

TDM: Where are India’s Top CXOs Travelling and why so?
VK: India’s top CXOs are traveling to places where the future is being written. We’ve seen strategic movement to Singapore, Dubai, Nairobi, Jakarta, and Tel Aviv ‐ centers of innovation, capital, and geo-economic relevance.

Domestically, Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore, Indore, and Bhubaneswar are drawing CXO interest due to industrial expansion and policy shifts. At SKIL, we’ve managed delegations for tech consortia, global board meetings, and private equity scouting tours. Interestingly, CXOs are also choosing unplugged locations like Udaipur or Kovalam for leadership offsites focused on recalibration, vision alignment, and culture-building.

TDM: What is the best part of being in your profession? What advice would you want to give to youngsters who want to be part of this field?
VK: The adrenaline. The diversity. The privilege of creating moments that matter.

In this line of work, you wear many hats ‐ producer, problem-solver, host, analyst. But if you love building meaningful experiences, you’ll never tire. My advice to the next generation: romanticise excellence, not just the industry. It’s not just about travel and events; it’s about delivering promises, managing chaos, and leading from the front.

Focus on the three E’s: Execution, Empathy, and Ethics. Clients remember reliability more than flash. And the best careers are not built on shortcuts ‐ they’re built on consistency, curiosity, and character.

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

BWH Hotels reveals a fresh look for the Best Western Plus Subic

The post BWH Hotels reveals a fresh look for the Best Western Plus Subic appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hospitality network BWH Hotels continues to strengthen its presence in the Philippines with the relaunch of the renovated Best Western Plus Hotel Subic.

The revitalised property is an elevated hotel that overlooks the sea and sunset on the west coast of Luzon Island.

Part of the BWH Hotels portfolio since its opening in 2018, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has reopened following an extensive refurbishment that will re-establish it as one of the leading destinations in Subic.

Its location is a dynamic freeport zone and popular tourist resort just 2.5 hours’ drive from Manila.

BWH Hotels’ vice-president in APAC Olivier Berrivin enthused: “We are thrilled to welcome guests back to Best Western Plus Hotel Subic following the property’s major refurbishment. With its prime location in the heart of this emerging destination, including a spectacular pool deck and sea views, this is set to become the hotel-of-choice for local and overseas visitors to Subic Bay, including our global network of Best Western Rewards members.”

A refreshing addition

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic joins the existing portfolio of BWH Hotels in the Philippines, which comprises six hotels and resorts spread across a wide range of vibrant cities and resort destinations, including guest-favored Best Western Plus properties in Clark, Panglao, and Puerto Princesa.

The redesigned Best Western Plus Hotel Subic now features bright and stylish interiors, international amenities and exceptional event spaces. 

Travellers can relax in contemporary king or twin rooms, stay connected with fast and free Wi-Fi, chill out at the sea-facing rooftop pool and deck, and work out at the well-equipped fitness center. 

Two inviting restaurants offer fresh local and international cuisine throughout the day, and the hotel’s dedicated events hall sets the stage for business and social gatherings, including weddings.

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Wonderfruit Festival to mark its tenth edition this December

The post Wonderfruit Festival to mark its tenth edition this December appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Wonderfruit, Thailand’s annual celebration of culture, art, music and nature, returns for a milestone 10th edition from 11th to 15th December at The Fields of Siam Country Club. 

This milestone edition continues Wonderfruit’s decade-long exploration of Mind, Nature, and Sound through human expressions, acting as a platform for audiences and artists alike to discover culture and new ways of thinking.

Renowned international artists, diverse regional and Thai acts, chefs’ table experiences, Thai Molam legends, as well as rituals, workshops, and talks are brought together at highly conceptualised venues, each built and designed with circularity and sustainability in mind.

An evolution in progress

Reflecting on the tenth anniversary of Wonderfruit, festival founder Pranitan “Pete” Phornprapha, shared: “Reaching ten years of Wonderfruit is a moment of real gratitude and celebration for us. It’s thanks to the shared energy, creativity and care of our community, our Wonderers, that we’ve come this far.” 

Phomprapha added that the festival is entering a new chapter, one that moves it beyond the idea of a once-a-year gathering, evolving into a year-round cultural platform rooted in creativity and collaboration. 

He said: “We’re transforming The Fields into a living and working space for learning, experimentation, and circular systems: from growing our own food, rewilding the land and hosting various cultural expressions that connect people to mind, sound and nature.”

What’s on for 2025?

Get a deeper look at the second official release of a Guide to Wonder, with much more to come.

  • Music designed for well-being. Through an initiative called Sonic Minds, Wonderfruit collaborates with MSCTY_Studio for year-round research, culminating in soundscapes that aim to improve how we feel. This initiative unravels through live performances (Shook, Elsa Hewitt, Scanner and more) and via sound installations appearing in unexpected places, like in the forest, restrooms or bridges.
  • Molam World takes Isaan root music to the global stage. Home for Northeastern Thai music, food and art, Molam World extends its curation across local and international artists, from fan favorites Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band to legendary Rungfa Kulachai and international artists like Giles Peterson and Ustad Noor Bakhsh. A new multipurpose space, Molam Theatre, designed by PO-D Architects, joins the iconic Molam Bus.
  • From natural amphitheaters to secret forest dancefloors, 40+ venues come alive: Beloved venues like The Quarry, Forbidden Fruit, Solar Village, Enfold and an expanded Living Village fill The Fields with a range of music, including a hybrid set from FKJ, Kerala Dust, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, Hatis Noit & Orly Anan, múm, Shubostar, A Guy Called Gerald, Pearson Sound, Tristan Perich & ensemble 0, Vanishing Twin, Dawn of Midi, DOTT, JPBS x DuckUnit, Red-i, Minyo Crusaders and much more. Appearing for the first time, Baan Bardo, a brand new venue designed by Wit Pimkanchanapong, features a kinetic maze and multi-dimensional curation from ROVR, Dhyana and Erased Tapes. Featuring artists eucamedix, Theo Parrish, Britta Arnold, yubass, Daniel Brandt, and Open Reel Ensemble, with an art performance from Lucky Vakharia, a Nepali Charya Nritya dance workshop with Punyasagara, a guided meditation experience with Black Turtle and more.
  • Thoughtful, interactive art fills The Fields: With over 20 installations, Wonderfruit aims to involve art that encourages human connection. From new Social Interventions by Ab Rogers Design to finding shelter in the dome of ‘Singing In My Mind’ by Satit Raksasri, to artist Pinaree Sanpitak’s crafted steel and stone tables that invite communal gatherings and Microtopia by TeaRoom offering introspection through tea smoking and ceremonies.
  • An expansive world of wellness rooted deeply in global traditions: Wonderness offers 100+ unique workshops, rituals and ceremonies with a variety of ways to feel and live better. Including frequency-based healing with Zen monks in Quantum Deep Healing Sound Bath & Light Breathing Meditation Workshop, exploring ancient wisdom of Tantra with Viv Kan The Art of Intimacy: A Tantric Approach to Connection and practices rooted in the indigenous Amazonian tradition in the Sacred Hapé Ceremony by Maxwell Honey & David Björkström.
  • Chefs’ tables return with matriarch-led kitchens, multi-sensory feasts and Michelin-star dining: Devoted to culinary experiences, Wonder Kitchen returns with 120+ person seating, featuring concepts from one Michelin-star and Green Star chef Deepanker Khosla from Haoma, a Mediterranean-Thai fusion feast and a sensory dining experience by Modern Biology x Electric Sheep that combines sound frequencies with Thai comfort food. Lady GooGoo hosts Ma’s Kitchen for the first time at Open Kitchen, with Burmese home cooking from one of the best views in The Fields. On the ground floor, Pa Chan’s Life’s Market features food, crafts and culinary workshops from the five regions of Thailand, inspired by how agriculture and culture impact recipes.

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The Lux Collective strengthens its presence in China

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Global luxury hospitality group The Lux Collective partnered with the Shaoguan Greater Nanhua Investment & Development Company Ltd for the signing of LUX Shaoguan, Guangdong. 

As the first international luxury hotel in Shaoguan City, the hotel management signing ceremony marks a key milestone in the development of this landmark luxury project in Northern Guangdong, China.

With a total investment of approximately US$ 50 million, LUX Shaoguan is envisioned as a luxury integrated resort where sophistication, Zen-inspired living, scenic nature and refined hospitality converge.

Through this partnership, The Lux Collective and Greater Nanhua Company are committed to shaping Shaoguan into a new regional tourism and economic hub, injecting lifestyle, cultural and hospitality opportunities, while uplifting the local community.

A collaboration where great minds think alike

Distinguished local government officials, representatives from both The Lux Collective and Greater Nanhua Company, and key project partners were invited to witness the momentous signing moment.

At the signing ceremony, Shaoguan City deputy mayor Jiang Wenhong underscored the strategic significance of this project in elevating Shaoguan’s cultural tourism landscape and establishing a new benchmark for regional tourism. 

For his part, Greater Nanhua Company chairman Ou Yang shared his vision behind launching the project: to infuse the art of Zen sophistication with world-class luxury hospitality. 

The Lux Collective’s chief operating officer in the Asia-Pacific Nitesh Pandey highlighted the luxury flagship LUX* brand’s philosophy, and expressed anticipation and confidence in the partnership. 

Project chief designer Du Heng was also on hand to present the hotel design concept, which thoughtfully blends the essence of Zen aesthetics with Shaoguan’s local heritage.

An enriching panel discussion on Harnessing Traditions and Local Cultures to Create Unique Resort Experiences was held after the signing, exploring immersive guest journeys that highlight local experiences, along with Zen Buddhism cultural insights of historic Nanhua Zen Temple located near the property’s vicinity.

Where tradition meets contemporary luxury

The signing of the LUX Shaoguan signals a like-minded collaboration between The Lux Collective and Greater Nanhua Company. 

As such, the resort will leverage the cultural richness of the legendary Cao Xi River and The Lux Collective’s renowned international expertise to elevate the tourism industry. 

It will offer guests extraordinary experiences and unveil a new chapter in Shaoguan’s cultural and tourism integration.

Nestled in a city with over 2100 years of rich history, LUX Shaoguan is located in Qujiang District, Shaoguan City, adjacent to the Nanhua Zen Temple, known as the cradle of Zen Buddhism. 

The region is also home to Danxia Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and Global Geopark, as well as Zhuji Ancient Lane, considered the ancestral home of the Cantonese community.

The resort will feature 108 elegant guestrooms, a multi-functional event space, cutting-edge fitness and spa centre, specialty restaurants, and a kids’ club. 

Set to be a new premier destination in the region, it will cater to discerning business and leisure travellers, families and wellness seekers alike.

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Source: traveldailymedia