The post ikhlas.com unveils a new chapter in Muslim-friendly travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

khlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) unveils a bold new chapter in how journeys are imagined and experienced. At an exclusive relaunch event  ikhlas.com Travel offers a first glimpse into its thoughtfully redesigned approach to travel — one that resonates deeply with the needs of modern Muslim travellers.

Built on the values of affordability, inclusivity and comfort, ikhlas.com Travel offers curated travel packages, seamless booking mechanics and comprehensive Muslim-friendly itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist trail. From halal-certified and Muslim-friendly accommodations and local cuisines to prayer-friendly stops and culturally immersive experiences, the platform is poised to reshape how Muslims explore the world.

Chief Executive Officer of ikhlas.com, Ikhlas Kamarudin said: “Travel today is about more than just destinations — it’s about how we connect, reflect and return as better Muslims. At ikhlas.com, our travel services offer unforgettable experiences with the best value for comfort, convenience and peace of mind as Muslims.

“What makes us different is the depth of detail behind every journey. Each package is designed, personally experienced and refined by travel experts who have been to the destination multiple times. Our guides speak the local language, know where to go and include unique highlights — from viral cafés and thrift markets to curated halal cuisine and activities — often missing in typical itineraries.”

Every group trip is intentionally small, designed for comfort and personalisation, with special care given to elderly travellers and families with young children. Prayer obligations are prioritised between activities with proper prayer facilities and all meals are either halal-certified, Muslim-friendly or vegetarian, verified in advance by the ikhlas.com Travel experts.

Ikhlas adds: “Booking is entirely digital — no office visits required. Travellers can consult via chat or call, customise their itinerary, submit documents digitally and pay in flexible tranches via online transfer or using AirAsia Reward points. We are happy to announce that a new interactive “Travel Guide” feature will soon be launched within the ikhlas.com app, featuring local info, halal dining tips, weather updates, currency exchange rates and curated articles for each city.”

Ahead of each departure, travellers receive a full digital pre-trip briefing including packing checklists, halal-friendly points of interest (POI), prayer guides, itinerary overviews and optional city navigation tips for free-and-easy days. In-depth blog content also offers destination highlights, halal cuisine reviews and price breakdowns for optional activities for travellers to explore the city on their own.

“While we aim to serve the digital-savvy traveller, ikhlas.com Travel is always ready to serve those who prefer offline arrangements. Rest assured we will be with you every step of the way, from pre-departure (airport assistance, pre-checked in flights and hotels) to all your travel handling essentials.”

To celebrate the relaunch of ikhlas.com Travel, ikhlas.com is lowering the prices of its super affordable packages with special promotions including the Buy 1, Free 1 for private trips within South East Asia or RM1,000 off for couple bookings to non-SEA destinations. Travellers can also enjoy a RM2,000 discount for 4 pax on any group packages including to Japan, South Korea and Kazakhstan!

Launched at the height of the pandemic in October 2020, ikhlas.com is a Muslim-friendly lifestyle and travel platform designed to make it easier for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations. In addition to ikhlas.com Umrah and Muslim-friendly Travel offerings in collaboration with subsidiary airline, AirAsia, ikhlas.com also makes it easier for Muslims to perform Zakat, Sadaqah, Aqiqah, Fidyah, Qurban and more. For more information, visit ikhlas.com or download the mobile app through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

 

 

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The post Japan’s Niigata Prefecture launches UK representation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Japan’s Niigata Prefecture announced that its cultural and natural wonders are all set to be discovered by travellers from the United Kingdom.

With the prefectural slogan Discover Niigata; Shaped by Nature, Perfected by Time, the Japanese province is ready for the next chapter in its history as a destination, welcoming the world to discover its authentic charm, cultivated by over a thousand years of history in the heart of Japan’s snow country.

Kenichi Shirai, executive vice-president of the Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association advised travellers:  “Although Niigata may not yet be on your travel bucket list, you will discover the beauty of nature through its four distinct seasons, a sake culture passed down from generation to generation, as well as the human warmth of its inhabitants and their refined craftsmanship developed over time. We hope that the encounters and experiences we will build together from today for the UK market will be truly memorable.”

Lying between rugged shoreline and alpine mountains, Niigata Prefecture delivers a condensed dose of wild Japan. 

Winter blankets the prefecture beneath metres of powder across the Yuzawa and Naeba resorts, while spring greens the terraced paddies, high summer lures swimmers and kayakers to the clear bays of Sasagawa Nagare, and autumn turns mountain beech forests gold. 

Tasting Niigata

Niigata Prefecture is often called Japan’s rice basket, and for good reason: its Koshihikari grain, prized nationwide for its glossy texture and subtle sweetness, thrives in mineral‑rich snowmelt. 

That same water underpins Niigata’s most celebrated export, sake, whose clean, dry style has earned both domestic devotion and international awards.

The prefecture’s long Sea‑of‑Japan coastline delivers an equally revered seafood haul of sweet snow crab, richly flavored rock oysters and the famed Murakami salmon, prized for its deeply spread  umami flavour. 

Inland, mountain produce drives a roster of comfort dishes: sasa‑dango (sweet rice dumplings steamed in bamboo leaves) and hegi‑soba, buckwheat noodles bound with the seaweed funori that once served the local textile trade, giving the noodles their unusually smooth bite. 

Together these ingredients and traditions make Niigata a must‑visit for anyone in search of authentic Japanese regional cuisine.

Where traditions remain strong

Niigata’s cultural landscape is just as compelling. 

Stroll across the arched Bandai Bridge, linger in the sprawling contemporary installations of the Echigo‑Tsumari Art Field, or trace centuries‑old routes to Yahiko‑jinja, a Shintō shrine tucked against the slopes of Mount Yahiko. 

Each stop reveals another facet of a prefecture where nature, craftsmanship and quiet spirituality intersect.

The centre of Niigata is around two hours from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen, yet feels a world away, where the Sea of Japan meets snow‑draped mountains and centuries‑old traditions still shape daily life.

Visitors can ferry across to storied Sado Island for taiko drumming and gold‑mine heritage, sip award‑winning junmai ginjo in brewery cellars perfumed with fresh koji, join lantern‑lit parades at summer festivals, or sink into steamy onsen with outstanding amazing views of sea of Japan. 

This seamless blend of coastal scenery, alpine culture and living craft makes Niigata the ideal add‑on for travellers who want authentic nature and heritage without straying far from the capital.

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The post Emirates announces new commercial appointments in key markets across Africa and Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates is advancing strategic commercial team appointments designed to bolster its presence in key markets across West Asia, the Indian Ocean and Africa. The new appointments aim to further build the airline’s commercial and operational footprint in these regions whilst creating meaningful development opportunities for emerging UAE national talent to grow their expertise.

Effective 1 August, the following UAE National commercial leaders will take on new roles:

• Jaber Mohamed, currently Country Manager Bangladesh, will become Country Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
• Talal Al Gergawi, currently Country Manager Zimbabwe, will become Country Manager Bangladesh.
• Salem Almana, currently Regional Manager Pakistan, will become Country Manager Ghana.
• Omar Bushlaibi, currently Country Manager Zambia, will assume interim responsibility for Zimbabwe, alongside his ongoing duties in Zambia.

The latest rotations are part of Emirates’ commercial outstation managers programme, designed to offer UAE Nationals unique opportunities to diversify their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of local markets within the airline’s network. The programme also helps Emirati managers further expand their networks by engaging with local industry and government stakeholders, fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships.

Emirates is committed to the UAE’s Emiratisation strategy and continues to create opportunities for UAE Nationals to progress their careers and actively contribute to the organisation’s growth ambitions, while allowing them to play important roles in advancing the UAE’s aviation industry and economy.

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The post Plan your ultimate Grand Prix Weekend in Budapest, Hungary appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Since 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix has been a fan favourite, earning the nickname “Monaco without the walls” for its tight, technical track and thrilling race-day atmosphere. In 2025, the Hungaroring is unveiling the biggest upgrades in its history, from a sleek new paddock and main building to upgraded grandstands, promising fans the most comfortable and exciting race experience yet.

But the Grand Prix is more than just racing — it’s the ultimate Budapest weekend:

Friday – Practice & Culture:
Arrive early for Free Practice and watch teams dial in their setups before exploring the Hungaroring’s fan zones. Back in the city, swap the track buzz for a stroll in the peaceful ELTE Botanical Garden or dive into culture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian National Museum, or a playful spot like IKONO or the Klimt Immersive Experience. Toast the sunset with cocktails at one of Budapest’s rooftop bars, then enjoy dinner at a stylish bistro or modern fine‑dining spot.

Saturday – Qualifying & Indulgence:
Start the day with a revitalising soak in Széchenyi or Rudas Baths, or get some fresh air with a jog or cycle on Margaret Island. Head to the Hungaroring for Free Practice 3 and the all‑important Qualifying session, where the atmosphere builds to fever pitch. Afterward, explore the Buda Castle District, crossing the iconic Chain Bridge to wander its cobbled streets, Fisherman’s Bastion and the neo‑Gothic Matthias Church before dinner overlooking the Danube.

Sunday – Grand Prix & Grand Finale:
Fuel up with breakfast in the Buda Hills at Normafa, enjoying forest views and perhaps a ride on the Children’s Railway. Take in Budapest’s grand boulevards on your way to the track, from Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square. Gates open mid‑morning, giving fans time to explore the circuit before the lights go out for one of the most anticipated races of the season. After the chequered flag, unwind in City Park or celebrate Budapest‑style with an alfresco cinema screening or cocktails in the city’s famous ruin bars.

The Hungarian Grand Prix isn’t just a sporting event — it’s a reason to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful cities at its summer best.

 

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The post K-pop artist JENNIE appointed honorary ambassador of Seoul appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Globally-renowned K-pop artist JENNIE was recently appointed as the Honourary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul for 2025.

Part of the girl-group BLACKPINK, Jennie stars in a series of promotional videos set to release on Seoul’s official tourism YouTube channel, VisitSeoul TV, and other social media platforms tomorrow, 31st July.

Renowned for her influential presence in music, fashion, and various other fields, JENNIE has frequently expressed her deep affection for Seoul, calling it “a city of inspiration.” 

She actively participated in this campaign to spread Seoul’s diverse appeal worldwide.

In a statement, the Seoul Tourism Organisation declared: “Through this collaboration with JENNIE, we aim to highlight Seoul’s diverse charms globally and significantly contribute toward achieving our goal of attracting over 30 million international visitors.”

Absolutely in Seoul

The campaign centres around the message Absolutely in Seoul, capturing the city’s endless stories with visually stunning cinematography.

Presented as a short film, the first video DALTOKKI delves into immersion through storytelling as JENNIE explores iconic locations across Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Nodeulseom Island, and the Seongsu-dong.

The second video SEOUL CITY features the track “Seoul City” from JENNIE’s debut solo album Ruby, and highlights the unique synergy between JENNIE and Seoul.

In addition to the main videos, two short-form videos and an interview featuring JENNIE’s personal reflections and affection for Seoul will also be released.

Various online events are scheduled to accompany the video releases, including a highly anticipated digital goods random-drop event, where fans worldwide can obtain exclusive posters featuring JENNIE and captivating scenes of Seoul.

The campaign will also be prominently displayed on influential outdoor advertising in major international cities, including those in the United States and Australia, and broadcast through leading global TV channels like NBCUniversal, ensuring widespread exposure across North America, Europe, and Asia.

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The post MakeMyTrip Adds 900+ Premier Inn Hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

MakeMyTrip has partnered with Premier Inn, the UK’s largest hotel chain. Renowned for offering great value rooms in towns and cities, the addition of Premier Inn further strengthens MakeMyTrip’s international hotel portfolio with a brand known for its scale, reliability and value, offering Indian travellers more relevant choices across key cities in the United Kingdom.

MakeMyTrip has been steadily expanding its international hotel supply through a direct contracting strategy focused on high-demand outbound destinations. In the past year, the platform has added over 2,000 directly contracted hotels across 50 cities in 20 countries. These 50 cities collectively account for more than half of India’s outbound travel.

Speaking about the development, Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said: “Over the past twelve months, we have pursued a focused strategy to deepen our international accommodation offerings across key hubs, particularly in long haul markets such as the UK, Europe, and the USA. These initiatives are beginning to show results, with a steady uptick in the value contribution of international stays on our platform. Our partnership with Premier Inn in the UK, one of the most preferred destinations for Indian travellers, is a key part of this strategy.”

Tim Sleep, Director of Sales & Distribution at Premier Inn, said: “Connecting with MakeMyTrip is an exciting addition to our OTA partnerships and growth. It will drive increased awareness across India and surrounding markets for us, giving travellers even more opportunity to benefit from our unrivalled number of hotels across the UK, Germany and Ireland.”

 

 

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The post Philippine President calls for more jobs in the country’s tourism sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr called on the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) to create more jobs within the travel and tourism sectors.

Marcos pointed out the need for more industry professionals given the growing number of both foreign and domestic tourists following his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, 28th July.

For her part, Philippine tourism secretary Christina Frasco thanked the President for recognising the contributions of the tourism industry to the economy.

She said in the vernacular: “We thank President Marcos as his words highlighted the importance of tourism in the national economy, seeing how it generates employment for our citizens.”

A top contributor to the national economy

Speaking at a post-SONA forum held on Tuesday, 29th July, at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Centre in the northern Manila suburb of San Juan, Frasco pointed out how both foreign and domestic travellers spent PhP3.86 trillion in the country last year.

She told the assembly: “This is why the President has directed us to increase the number of employment opportunities in tourism and related fields.”

In her statement, the secretary quoted a recent report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) which showed that 6.75 million Filipinos currently have jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

An additional 10 million Filipinos likewise have jobs or employment options that are indirectly related to local tourism.

Given this, the Philippine tourism industry contributed 8.9 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product as of end-2024.

Moving forward, Frasco outlined the DOT’s ongoing commitment to human capital development, citing how more than 322,000 individuals trained under the department’s Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) programme.

FBSE is a flagship initiative that reinforces the country’s global reputation for world-class hospitality and service.

The secretary also highlighted the DOT’s ongoing partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which provides students, out-of-school youth, career shifters, and existing tourism workers access to learning, scholarships, upskilling support, and employment pathways. 

These include diploma and vocational courses on tour guiding, culinary arts, front office operations, food and beverage services, lifeguarding, and more.

In closing, Frasco said: “That is why tourism remains a dynamic and very exciting industry. Regardless of what happens, whether there is a climate crisis or emergency, whether there are geopolitical tensions, whether there are challenges in terms of anything that has to do with our economy, tourism will continue to be a stabilising force that provides livelihood and employment to our fellow Filipinos.”

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The post GlobalData: deal activity in the travel and tourism sector down 8% in H1-2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

International data and analytics firm GlobalData reports that the travel and tourism sector experienced a notable decline in deal activity in the first half of 2025, reflecting a shift in market dynamics and investor sentiment. 

The total number of deals ranging from mergers and acquisitions to private equity and venture financing dropped by around eight percent within the first six months of this year. 

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that all the deal types under coverage registered decline. 

The number of venture financing and private equity deals registered YoY decline of around 25 percent and 20 percent, respectively, during H1-2025 while M&A activity exhibited relative resilience with a slight contraction of 3.5 percent in deal volume.

GlobalData lead analyst Aurojyoti Bose opined: “The overall decline underscores a broader trend where macroeconomic factors and investor sentiments are reshaping deal-making strategies within the industry. The subdued activity suggests that dealmakers are becoming increasingly cautious likely due to the macroeconomic challenges and volatile market conditions. The decline in venture financing and private equity deals, suggests a dent in investor sentiment, emphasizing a trend of reduced risk appetite.”

Performance per region 

The Asia-Pacific market emerged as a bright spot, witnessing an increase of around 11 percent in deal volume in H1-2025. 

This growth can be attributed to countries like Japan and India showing improvement in deal activity.

Conversely, other regions witnessed significant decline in deal activity. 

Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, as well as South and Central America registered a decline of around 19 percent, 10 percent, 39 percent, and 12 percent in their respective deal volumes during H1-2025 compared to H1-2024.

The US, China, and Germany saw YoY decline in the number of deal announcements in H1-2025 while the UK managed to maintain the deal volume mostly at the same level.

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