The post Preferred Hotels & Resorts partners with Dayblink GPO to centralise distribution appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, announced a strategic partnership with DayBlink GPO (Global Procurement Organization) to support its member hotels in gaining greater control over their distribution ecosystem and reducing reliance on higher-cost channels. Phase one of the collaboration introduces chain-level agreements with Hotelbeds and WebBeds – two of the world’s leading B2B travel distributors – unlocking more equitable terms for participating hotels, resorts, and residences across the global Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio of over 600 properties.

This partnership comes at an important time as distribution dynamics shift globally. Preferred Hotels & Resorts is empowering its member hotels to reclaim control, strengthen direct booking strategies, and compete on more equitable terms through trusted, scalable partnerships.

“As the distribution landscape continues to evolve, it’s vital to work with partners who can boost both booking results and profitability for our hotels,” said Cheryl Williams, Chief Revenue Officer at Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “Our partnership with DayBlink GPO brings better commercial terms, improved rate parity across different distribution partners, and greater control over inventory distribution, providing our hotels with the support they need to succeed. This collaboration is a significant step forward in ensuring that our hotels can thrive in today’s competitive market.”

“Now more than ever, it’s important for our partner hotels to regain control over their inventory and benefit from fair terms,” said Michael Wong, CEO of DayBlink GPO. “In the future, we plan to continue consolidating distribution among a select group of like-minded partners. This approach will help us create a more streamlined and efficient distribution network, ultimately benefiting all parties involved.”

Reflecting Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing commitment to helping independent hotels succeed in a competitive global market, this initiative forms part of a broader, holistic commercial strategy – including distribution, global sales, marketing and PR, and guest loyalty. Preferred delivers the scale of a global brand while preserving each property’s individuality. Key benefits of this partnership include:

• Chain-level commercial terms
• Rate parity-safe distribution
• Centralized inventory control via SynXis

Following its unveiling at the 2025 Global Conference, Preferred member hotels are encouraged to join this collective initiative to improve distribution performance, reduce distribution costs, and strengthen long-term optimization strategies.

 

 

 

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The post AirAsia X launches a new direct route between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15 Oct appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia X (AAX), the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, announced its upcoming entry into Uzbekistan with the launch of a new direct route between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Scheduled to commence on 15 October 2025 with three flights weekly, the new service forms part of AAX’s broader strategy to connect emerging Central Asian markets to its extensive network of over 130 destinations through its Fly-Thru hub in Kuala Lumpur.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time as Uzbekistan targets 15.8 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025. The new connection is expected to boost two-way traffic, bringing more travellers from Southeast Asia into Uzbekistan while offering Uzbeks greater access to destinations across Asia, Australia, and beyond.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: “Our mission has always been to make medium-haul travel more accessible and affordable, and we are excited to extend this offering to travellers from Uzbekistan with our entry into Tashkent. The strong performance of our Almaty route has reaffirmed the potential of Central Asia, prompting us to grow further in the region.

“Through Kuala Lumpur, guests from Tashkent can now connect to over 130 destinations, including top cities in Southeast Asia, China, Australia, and more. Similarly, we are already seeing encouraging forward bookings for the Tashkent route, with strong demand from Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Singapore, showing clear interest from travellers across the region.

“This new route also reflects the growing ties between Malaysia and Uzbekistan, as both countries deepen cooperation in trade, education, Islamic tourism, and cultural exchange. While supporting Uzbekistan’s tourism goals, this route also supports broader national initiatives, including Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to attract more travellers from Central Asia.”

Dr. Mukhtaramin Bekzod, Chairman of AA Aviation Management Group said: “We are confident this service will be well-received by Uzbek travellers seeking affordable and convenient access to Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond. With AirAsia X’s extensive Fly-Thru network via Kuala Lumpur, this route opens the door to new markets for outbound travel, while also encouraging more inbound visitors from across Southeast Asia into Uzbekistan. This connectivity will play a vital role in supporting Uzbekistan’s tourism and economic growth by creating new opportunities for leisure, business, and cultural exchange.”

In celebration of the new route, AAX is offering promotional fares from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur, starting from only or UZS2,719,000 (USD199) all-in* one-way, with an additional 20%** off. The promotional fares are available for booking through AA Aviation Management Group, AAX’s official sales agent*** in Uzbekistan, or on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com. The promotional fare is available from now until 3 August 2025 for the travel period between 15 October 2025 and 15 December 2025.

 

 

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The post Anantara Koh Yao Yai introduces a new transfer route from Krabi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is now even more accessible with the launch of a new scheduled speedboat transfer connecting the resort to Krabi’s Thalane Pier. 

The new route joins the existing Phuket service, providing guests increased flexibility and faster access to one of Thailand’s last unspoiled island retreats.

According to resort general manager Stuart De San Nicolas: “Anantara Koh Yao Yai sits at the heart of the Andaman, offering a rare balance of seclusion and connectivity. With the new Krabi route, we give guests more freedom to explore the region’s most iconic natural and cultural wonders, all from a serene island base.”

A short but immersive journey

This 30-minute journey through Phang Nga Bay is the beginning of an immersive experience. 

The route traces the mythical path of the great Naga serpent, as described in local lore to have formed the scattered islands of Phang Nga Bay. 

Along the way, guests are treated to dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and untouched islets that serve as a cinematic introduction to the region’s natural grandeur.

Where exploration comes first

Anantara Koh Yao Yai serves as the perfect base for cinematic discovery and natural adventure. 

Guests can explore dramatic seascapes featured in Jurassic World: Rebirth and the upcoming Alien: Earth through the resort’s Scene Unseen yacht experience, which reveals hidden caves, untouched beaches, and secret filming locations only accessible by sea. 

Guided by a local expert, the aboard the resort’s My SKY luxury yacht blends breathtaking scenery with behind-the-scenes stories and film trivia. 

On land, curated excursions take guests to Krabi’s cultural and natural icons, including the Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool, and the region’s revered hot springs and island-hopping escapes to Hong Island, James Bond Island, and other filming locations throughout Phang Nga Bay.

What’s the schedule like?

Shared speedboat transfers operate twice daily between Krabi’s Thalane Pier, a 40-minute drive from Krabi International Airport, and Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. 

Departures from the pier to the resort are available at 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm, and return journeys from the resort to the pier at 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm. 

Guests can also arrange private land transfers from Krabi International Airport to Thalane Pier through the resort with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.

Benefits for those who book direct

Guests who book directly for a minimum of three consecutive nights enjoy exclusive benefits designed to make their journey even more seamless. 

All room types receive complimentary roundtrip speedboat transfers from either Phuket’s Leam Sai Pier or Krabi’s Thalane Pier. 

For those staying in select premium accommodations, including the Grand Family Sea View Suite, Lagoon Pool Villa, Wellness Lagoon Pool Villa, Beachfront Pool Villa, Sea View Pool Penthouse, Crystal Sea View Penthouse, and Two Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa, an additional complimentary roundtrip airport transfer is included from Phuket International Airport or Krabi International Airport.

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The post IATA: Air passenger growth slowed down in June 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its global passenger demand report for June 2025, showing how growth in the sector slowed during the month.

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 2.6 percent compared to June 2024; while total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was also up 3.4 percent year-on-year. 

Meanwhile, the load factor in June was at 84.5 percent, around  0.6 ppt lower compared to June 2024.

Meanwhile, international demand rose 3.2 percent compared to June 2024, with capacity up 4.2 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.4 percent.

On the other hand, domestic demand rose by 1.6 percent compared to June 2024, with capacity up 2.1 percent year-on-year. 

The load factor in terms of domestic demand was at 84.7 percent, lower by 0.4 ppt compared to June 2024.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh opined: “In June, demand for air travel grew by 2.6 percent. That’s a slower pace than we have seen in previous months and reflects disruptions around military conflict in the Middle East. With demand growth lagging the 3.4 percent capacity expansion, load factors dipped 0.6 percentage points from their all-time record-high levels. At 84.5 percent globally, however, load factors are still very strong. And with a modest 1.8 percent capacity growth visible in August schedules, load factors over the Northern summer are unlikely to stray far from their recent historic highs.”

International passenger market performance in June 2025

International RPK growth reached 3.2 percent in June year-on-year, but load factor fell across all regions as capacity growth outstripped demand. 

The steepest fall in RPK growth from May was in the Middle East, where international traffic contracted 0.4 percent year-on-year, impacted by military conflict.

Regional performance is as follows: 

• Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 7.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to June 2024).
• European carriers had a 2.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 3.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.4% (-0.4 ppt compared to June 2024).
• North American carriers saw a 0.3% year-on-year fall in demand. Capacity increased 2.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 86.9% (-2.2 ppt compared to June 2024).
• Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.4% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity increased 1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.7% (-1.2 ppt compared to June 2024). Military conflict particularly impacted traffic on routes to North America (-7.0% year-on-year) and Europe (-4.4% year-on-year).
• Latin American airlines saw a 9.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.3% (-1.9 ppt compared to June 2024).
• African airlines saw a 0.3% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity was up 0.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.6% (-0.5 ppt compared to June 2024). The decline in African load factor may be due to increased competition from European and Middle Eastern carriers.

How domestic markets fared in June

Domestic RPK rose 1.6 percent over June 2024 and load factor fell by 0.4 ppt to 84.7 percent.

These developments were on the back of a 2.1 percent capacity expansion. 

Brazil was the standout performer, and the US domestic market saw a very slight expansion for the first time in four months.

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The post Philippine government allocates US$6.8 million to tourism initiatives appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine government announced that it is allocating around US$6.8 million in grants to fund tourism projects across 21 destinations nationwide.

The allocation was announced by the Department of Tourism (DOT) earlier today, 31st July.

At the same time, the DOT also opened the submission of proposals for the second cycle of the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC), a programme designed to empower local government units (LGUs) to propose and implement community-based tourism projects.

Empowering tourism development at the local government level

During a media briefing at the DOT headquarters in Makati City, tourism secretary Christina Frasco declared: “The TCC, in its first cycle, has managed to empower local government units from all over the Philippines to propose community-based tourism infrastructure projects that will provide livelihood to their community-based tourism organisations.”

Frasco hoped that, through the continuation of the well-received programme, tourism development among local government units could be experienced even in the farthest reaches of the country.

The TCC is funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the developmental arm of the DOT.

In April, President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr awarded nearly US$4.4 million in grants to 15 LGUs that submitted winning proposals.

In TCC’s first cycle, a total of 90 LGUs submitted at least 98 project proposals to the DOT.

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The post Japan’s Tobu Railway introduces digital ticket platform appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tobu Railway has officially launched TOBU Japan Trip Tickets, its new digital ticket platform for inbound tourists. 

Designed to streamline travel across eastern Japan, this English-language website allows international visitors to book rail and bus tickets in advance using just their smartphone, removing the need to queue at station counters.

Through the site, travellers can purchase limited express trains including the award-winning SPACIA X; reserved seat tickets for the nostalgic SL Taiju steam train; as well as area passes such as the NIKKO PASS and KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS

Each transaction can cover up to eight tickets, which can be shared with fellow travellers.

To use the tickets, each person must register their email address on the official platform site, even for shared bookings.

Also, English language support is enabled to make railway travel more accessible to foreign travellers in Japan.

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The post IATA: Global air cargo sector sees growth in total demand despite trade disruptions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2025 global air cargo markets showing how total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 0.8 percent compared to June 2024 levels.

At the same time, capacity as measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK) was up 1.7 percent from June 2024.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh remarked: “Overall, air cargo demand grew by a modest 0.8 percent year-on-year in June, but there are very differing stories behind that number for the industry’s major players. Trade tensions saw North American traffic fall by 8.3 percent and European growth stagnate at 0.8 percent. But Asia-Pacific bucked the trend to report a nine percent expansion. Meanwhile, disruptions from military conflict in the Middle East saw the region’s cargo traffic fall by 3.2 percent.”

Stability and predictability are necessary for growth

Walsh consequently pointed out how the June air cargo data made it very clear that stability and predictability are essential supports for trade. 

He said: “Emerging clarity on US tariffs allows businesses greater confidence in planning. But we cannot overlook the fact that the deals being struck are resulting in significantly higher tariffs on goods imported into the US than we had just a few months ago.” 

Walsh warned that the economic damage of these cost barriers to trade remains to be seen. 

In the meantime, governments should redouble efforts to make trade facilitation simpler, faster, cheaper and more secure with digitalisation.

Given this scenario, several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

• Year-on-year, world industrial production rose 3.2 percent in May and global goods trade grew by 3.5 percent;
• The June jet fuel price was 12 percent lower year-on-year, a fourth consecutive year-on-year monthly decline. It was, however, 8.6 percent up on May prices; and
• Global manufacturing rebounded in June, with the PMI rising above the 50 mark to 51.2. The PMI for new export orders improved by 1.2 index points but remained in negative territory under pressure from recent US trade policy shifts.

Regional performance as of end-June 2025

Asia-Pacific airlines saw year-on-year demand growth of nine percent for air cargo in June, the strongest growth of all regions, while capacity increased by 7.8 percent year-on-year.

North American carriers saw an 8.3 percent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in June, the slowest growth of all regions; plus, capacity dropped by 5.1 percent year-on-year.

European carriers, on the other hand, saw 0.8% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in June, while capacity increased 2.6 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers likewise saw a 3.2 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in June while capacity increased by 1.5 percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Latin American carriers saw a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in June even as capacity decreased by 0.4 percent year-on-year.

Finally, African airlines saw a 3.9 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in June, and capacity up by 6.2 percent year-on-year.  

With regard to trade lane growth, air freight volumes in June 2025 increased for major trade corridors from/within Europe and Middle East-Asia. 

However, other relevant trade routes from/within Asia and from North America have decreased significantly in the most recent month.

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The post ‘A friendship worth flying for’ with Loganair appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Loganair is calling on the public to help track down some of the country’s longest distance friendships across its network, as the regional airline looks to bring one deserving duo back together with complimentary flights.

Whether it’s childhood best friends who now live hundreds of miles apart, or university flatmates who haven’t seen each other since graduation, Loganair’s latest Season of Connections campaign is a celebration of friendship that endures, no matter the postcode.

The competition, launching this week on the airline’s Instagram and Facebook channels, invites people to share their story and explain why their long-distance friendship deserves a long-overdue reunion. The winning pair will receive return flights to each other’s city, helping bridge the gap.

It follows the huge response to Loganair’s Christmas giveaway, inspired by its festive advert, Loganair, Actually, offering one lucky winner a year of free flights across Loganair’s extensive network.

Now, Loganair hopes to bring another memorable reunion to life, this time between two friends kept apart by distance but still closely connected.

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together. Whether it’s been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible.”

The competition runs until Saturday 17 August. To take part, visit Loganair’s Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in bio to submit your story.

The winning friends will be announced later this summer, with their reunion taking place in the autumn.

Loganair’s extensive network of flights allows passengers from across the UK and beyond to explore a wide range of destinations. The airline’s 21kg (15kg hold allowance plus 6kg carry-on bag) ensures passengers can bring all they need for trips to reunite with friends and loved ones.

The UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair connects communities across the UK, from remote islands like Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, to bustling business hubs including Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Codeshare agreements with partner airlines, including British Airways and KLM, open up even more opportunities to connect with friends and family further afield.

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness.

 

 

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The post In its Global Winter Schedule, Qatar Airways will increase Flights to Over 15 Destinations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways has introduced increased flights to over 15 global destinations for this year’s winter season. The airline is facilitating demand for its services for travellers from all around the globe and continues to offer greater choice and connectivity through its Doha hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport.

The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for a record ninth time, has also announced its landmark frequency to London. Qatar Airways marks up to 10 daily flights to London as its highest-ever frequency, which is complemented by British Airways’ double daily flights.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is consistently witnessing a steady rise in demand for our 5-star services to some of the most prominent destinations in the world, most notably for London, Dublin, Cape Town, and São Paulo. This winter, in partnership with Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will launch flights from Melbourne to Doha, increasing capacity to three daily flights between the two cities. Qatar Airways will also restart services to Canberra, reinforcing its commitment to enhance connectivity between Australia and the world.

“The latest increase in flight frequency is testament to our continual and unmatched enhancements of experiences for our passengers travelling through the Best Airport in the Middle East – our hub, Hamad International Airport.”

Passengers have greater choice when travelling with Qatar Airways this winter:

Abu Dhabi – increased from five daily flights to up to six

Berlin – increased from 18 weekly flights to up to 21

Cape Town – increased from 10 weekly flights to up to 12

Casablanca – increased from four weekly flights to five

Dublin – increased from 14 weekly flights to 17

Frankfurt – increased from 18 weekly flights to up to 21

Johannesburg – increased from 14 weekly flights to 18

London Heathrow – increased from eight daily flights to up to 10

Madrid – increased from 14 weekly flights to 17

Maldives – increased from three daily flights to up to four

Manchester – increased from 21 weekly flights to up to 24

Phuket – increased from three daily flights to up to four

São Paulo – increased from 14 weekly flights to 18

Sharjah – increased from three daily flights to up to seven

Tokyo Narita – increased from 11 weekly flights to up to 14

Toronto – increased from five weekly flights to seven

The airline’s global connectivity is supported by its diverse fleet of young aircraft that includes 54 Boeing 777s equipped with ultra-high-speed Starlink on-board Wi-Fi that is free for all passengers. Qatar Airways is first airline in the world to fully equip and operate over 50 widebody aircraft with Starlink, and the only carrier in the MENA region offering the service. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft.

The airline is now equipping its Airbus A350 fleet, aiming to complete Starlink installation within the next year.

 

 

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