The post Disney Friends come together for a magical Christmas to mark 20 years of Hong Kong Disneyland appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The most wonderful time of the year gets more exciting at Hong Kong Disneyland as the celebrated theme park marks a stellar 20th anniversary.

For the holidays, the theme park presents its exclusive musical extravaganza Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle, as well as Friendtastic, its biggest parade yet.

The parade also sets the scene for the grand spectacle at this Momentous: Party in the Night Sky, a dazzling experience that is bound to leave viewers spellbound.

Filipino travellers making their way to Hong Kong Disneyland between 14th November 2025 and 4th January 2026 also get to enjoy the thrill of A Disney Christmas, a whimsical winter celebration hosted by their favourite Disney Friends, including Mickey and Friends, the Arendelle royals from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, and Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Disney Animation’s Zootopia.

With one surprise after another and parties within parties all year long, one day isn’t enough to soak in the vibe of the Most Magical Party of All! Enjoy a chance to double the magic with the “Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket” by adding HK$100 to upgrade a regular day ticket into a 2-day visit filled with never-ending festive fun.

Exciting attractions at every turn

The holiday fun doesn’t stop at Hong Kong Disneyland, especially when the following treats come to the fore:

Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Sparkle at World of Frozen

Step into the season with the most sparkly Christmas celebration yet, inspired by the magic of Disney Animation’s Frozen as the beloved authentic Arendellian holiday celebration returns. 

This year, the festive celebration will extend to Forest in Arendelle as Kristoff begins the party by unveiling a shimmering ice sculpture of Sven. 

Guests can meet Kristoff up close, twirl through magical snowfall alongside Anna and Elsa who will be in their winter attire, as well as the jolly citizens of Arendelle, bringing their beloved world to life. 

Sparkling Christmas decorations, snow-capped Christmas trees, and adorable snowgies will fill every corner of the world’s first and largest World of Frozen, creating a truly immersive holiday experience. 

Disney Friends Add New Surprises to Disney Traditions

From their sparkling anniversary party looks to festive holiday outfits, Mickey and Friends are switching it up to impress festival celebrators. Woody, Buzz, and Jessie in Toy Story Land will even debut brand-new Christmas party looks.

Over in Fantasyland, Cinderella Carousel will shimmer with seasonal cheer where enchanting Christmas touches will adorn the ceiling and carousel poles, and Ye Olde Christmas Market will transform into a glowing holiday wonderland filled with gingerbread, Christmas Cookies and more! 

Led by Santa Goofy, the treasured “A Holiday Wish-Come-True” Tree Lighting Ceremony will also make its return, featuring a heartwarming Frozen surprise.  

Guests will be enchanted by the beloved dazzling drone effect and magical snowfall along Main Street, U.S.A., which will be further elevated with new elements added for the 20th anniversary on top of Christmas magic. 

The joy continues with the time-limited “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!” where Santa Goofy and Disney Friends will be joined by the Hong Kong Children’s Choir and Cantopop singers, who will individually take the stage on each of three consecutive weekends starting 22nd November, leading guests on a star-studded, melodious Christmas journey filled with beloved Disney songs. 

Ring in 2026 with the most magical countdown of all during the “New Year’s Eve Countdown Party” filled with music and festive cheer! As the final hours of 2025 unfold, guests will gather at the Castle of Magical Dreams for the spectacular anniversary-only “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky.” Mickey and Friends will join and make a magical appearance to lead the countdown – fired up with pyrotechnics, new projections and drones.

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde Throw the Wildest Zootopia Celebration

This November, with the release of Zootopia 2, the dynamic duo Judy and Nick are hosting the season’s most thrilling celebration at HKDL, and everyone is invited. 

Kick off the party with them at the “Friendtastic!” parade. Meet the duo in Adventureland with an all-new Zootopia-themed photo backdrop, donning their brand-new outfits from the sequel’s adventure! Indulge in themed treats from the new Zootopia outdoor vending cart, where you might even find Officer Clawhauser’s favourite donuts.

Join them at the party and discover all-new exclusive Zootopia-themed merchandise, delicious treats, and unexpected experiences that will have you howling with delight.

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The post Choose your ‘Detour Destinations’ to ditch the crowds with BWH Hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang

With 18 distinct brands that cater to every type of traveller, and more than 4,300 hotels in 100+ countries, BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay^® Hotels, is inviting travellers to explore its world-class resorts and hotels with six “Detour Destinations.” This curated portfolio of unique properties, including immersive locations across Asia Pacific, aligns with the growing desire of discerning travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path escapes.

While travellers continue to venture to popular destinations worldwide, they are also looking to add stops along the way to explore lesser-known locations that offer a fresh perspective and new experiences. Recent data shows that 63% of travellers will likely explore a detour destination on their next getaway. Whether it’s an inspiring escape from Vietnam’s beautiful beaches or an intriguing urban retreat in Singapore’s culture-rich districts, BWH Hotels offers more than a place to sleep; it delivers authentic locations that provide opportunities to recharge and explore.

Goodwood Park Hotel, WorldHotels Elite 

Location: Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s most famous metropolises, with an array of iconic landmarks and world-class attractions. Guests who step off the tourist trail can uncover a wealth of cultural wonders, such as colorful shophouses, hawker markets street art and more. Curious explorers can take the MRT to vibrant districts, including Chinese, Indian and Arabian quarters, to soak up the buzzing street life.

Design Detour: This elegant heritage hotel dates from 1900 and its interior design has been faithfully restored to capture the colonial elegance of Singapore’s past.

Ambassador Hotel Hsinchu, WorldHotels Elite

Location: Hsinchu, Taiwan

Known as “Taiwan’s Silicon Valley,” Hsinchu is a dynamic city that makes a great alternative to the busy streets of Taipei. Explore Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple, which dates from 1747, and stay until sunset for the night market, where foodies can discover local delicacies like Hsinchu meatballs.

Delectable Detour: Perched on the 12^th floor, A Shabu is the city’s top shabu-shabu hotpot restaurant which specializes in imported Japanese beef.

Best Western Wellington 

Location: Wellington, New Zealand

While Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, it retains a laid-back vibe and feels a million miles away from the busy streets of Auckland. This makes it a great place for leisurely exploration, with many attractions in the compact city center. Hannah’s Laneway is the place to grab light bites and meet friendly locals, Lambton Quay is superb for shopping and the Wellington Cable Car promises panoramic views.

Self-Drive Detour: Travellers exploring New Zealand by car will appreciate the hotel’s EV car charging station and spacious apartments with kitchenettes for short or extended escapes.

SureStay by Best Western Vientiane 

Location: Vientiane, Laos

Southeast Asia’s dynamic capital cities attract millions of visitors each year, but for urban explorers who want to experience a more traditional way of life, the Lao capital of Vientiane offers a sense of laid-back charm. Nestled on the Mekong River, this captivating city has a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the golden Pha That Luang temple and exquisite Wat Sisaket, with its 10,000 Buddhist statues.

Dusk Detour: As the sun sets, travellers can head up to the Tipsy Elephant Rooftop Bar for cool drinks and stunning views of the cityscape and Mekong riverside.

Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang 

Location: Nha Trang, Vietnam

The seaside city of Nha Trang may seem like a modern resort destination with high-rise hotels and state-of-the-art attractions, but its roots run much deeper – all the way back to the ancient Champa Kingdom. Guests who want to take a break from the beach can explore the region’s rich history at Po Nagar, a magnificent mountaintop temple which dates back almost 1,300 years.

Driving Detour: Vietnam is a great golfing destination, and guests can practice their driving, chipping and putting skills with the hotel’s state-of-the-art 3D golf simulator.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic 

Location: Subic Bay, Philippines

Just a 2.5 hour drive from Manila, Subic Bay lets city dwellers enjoy some rest and relaxation by the sea with its soft sandy beaches. It is also an exceptional diving destination, with several shipwrecks that teem with marine life. Nature lovers who want a break from the beach can head 20 minutes inland to Pamulaklakin Nature Park, a lush forest with wildlife trails and indigenous villages.

Indigenous Detour: The elevated pool deck and bar at the newly-renovated Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the perfect place to sip cocktails and soak up the sunset.

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The post Emirates increases London Heathrow schedule to 48 weekly flights to cater to the winter rush appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is unlocking more opportunities for travel with the addition of six weekly flights to its London Heathrow schedule, starting 26 October 2025.  The boosted schedule for the winter season follows record growth and demand, providing more convenience and departure time choices for travellers journeying to and from London Heathrow, and is well-timed to serve the year-end travel peak.

Emirates already flies six times a day to and from London Heathrow, and all flights are served by its flagship Airbus A380. The additional flights will operate on all days except for Fridays during the winter period with the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER, offering over 350 seats each way in a three-class configuration split between First, Business, and Economy.

Strategically timed overnight departures from London Heathrow to Dubai provide convenient onward connections to destinations like Durban, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Jakarta. Flights to London Heathrow offer well-timed connectivity for travellers coming from cities across West Asia like Ahmedabad, Lahore, Maldives, Hyderabad and Chennai, Beijing and Shanghai in the Chinese mainland as well as several points within the Middle East including Bahrain, Dammam and Riyadh.

Flight EK41 will depart Dubai on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 13:40hrs, arriving in London Heathrow at 17:40hrs*. The return flight, EK42, departs London Heathrow at 22:35hrs on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, arriving in Dubai at 09:35hrs the next day. The return flight, EK42, departs London Heathrow at 21:20hrs on Tuesday and Saturday, arriving in Dubai at 08:20hrs the next day. On Thursdays, EK41 will depart Dubai at 12:55hrs, arriving in London Heathrow at 16:55hrs. The return flight, EK42, departs from London Heathrow at 21:20hrs, arriving in Dubai at 08:20hrs the next day. All times are local.

Enhanced frequencies at Emirates’ London hubs, including London Heathrow** and London Gatwick, will take the airline’s total weekly services to 90 flights by early next year. Last month, Emirates announced a fourth daily flight to London Gatwick, starting from 8^th February 2026, operated on the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350.

By February 2026, Emirates will serve the UK with 146 weekly flights across its three London airports London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, in addition to its regional gateways Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

All customers travelling with Emirates can expect to enjoy a best-in-class onboard experience with exceptional levels of comfort and hospitality. The airline offers its customers an unmatched culinary experience in the skies with regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs, complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages.

Customers can also enjoy more than 6,500 channels of the best global entertainment content with ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. This includes a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more.

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The post TAT x TCEB’s ‘Thailand Power Up’ campaign, to attract MICE appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s MICE market is gearing up for a major boost as the TAT x TCEB ‘Thailand Power Up’ campaign offers new support and incentives for long-haul and short-haul meeting and incentive travel organisers between October 2025 and July 2026. Aligned with the overarching collaboration, TCEB and TAT will co-host inVOYAGE Global 2026 and a series of international roadshows, further promoting incentive travel market, strengthening Thai MICE ecosystem and positioning Thailand as a premier MICE destination.

The campaign and joint initiatives between Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, led by Dr. Supawan Teerarat, the President and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), led by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor, were discussed and agreed following their joint press conference welcoming Amway Leadership Seminar – Bangkok of Amway China who will bring over 10,000 Chinese delegates to the seminar in the Thai capital between March and April 2026.

TAT collaborates with TCEB

TAT x TCEB ‘Thailand Power Up’ aims to attract premium meeting and incentive groups to Thailand. By combining their strengths, the partnership aims to boost economic growth in the MICE sector, enhance Thailand’s competitive edge, and create new opportunities to welcome high-quality international travellers. This collaboration aligns with the nation’s strategic goals for a creative economy and sustainable development, reflecting a unified commitment to delivering successful business outcomes and memorable experiences for visitors.

Dr Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, said: “Collaboration with TAT is one key strategy for TCEB in engaging related bodies within the travel industry to strengthen Thailand’s MICE ecosystem and to enable offerings for maximisation. We aim to ensure the success of events in Thailand with measurable Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Experience (ROX), delivering tangible business outcomes as well as exceptional participant experiences. This powerful partnership not only supports events but also shapes a sustainable and globally competitive MICE ecosystem for Thailand, backed by world-class infrastructure and services, while fostering business and investment connections and opportunities and boosting the national economy.”

To qualify for support under the campaign, events must host a minimum of 100 participants from long-haul markets, including Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania, or 200 participants from short-haul markets, which include Asia, with at least a four-night stay in Thailand. Eligible venues must be properly registered under Thai law and/or meet the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS). Requests for support must be coordinated and submitted at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event.

Support is offered in two forms – financial assistance and non-financial assistance. The non-financial one includes souvenirs from local communities, MICE Premium Lane Service for arrivals at airport, coordination with government agencies, Thailand-related information, performances, and Thai-style hospitality. This comprehensive assistance is designed to enhance the attendee experience and showcase Thailand’s unique offerings.

InVOYAGE Global 2026

As part of the collaboration, TCEB and TAT are co-hosting inVOYAGE Global 2026, a series of luxury incentive travel and events networking gatherings originating from the UK, along with joint marketing through roadshows in key and potential markets. The initiative is designed to strengthen Thailand’s presence in the global luxury MICE sector by connecting international event planners, corporate incentive buyers, destination specialists, luxury hotels, and experience providers with Thailand’s unique offerings.

InVOYAGE Global 2026 will take place from 17 to 20 April 2026 at The Peninsula Bangkok, bringing together 200 to 300 senior MICE professionals, with 80% from the UK, EU and North America and 20% from APAC, the Middle East and Latin America, mainly senior decision-makers. The programme includes a welcome reception, networking opportunities, prescheduled one-to-one meetings, educational sessions, immersive local experiences, and networking activities. By participating, Thailand will strengthen its position in the luxury incentive market, connect with selective international buyers, showcase distinctive local offerings, and create sustainable business opportunities that benefit the wider MICE and tourism ecosystem.

International roadshows

TCEB and TAT will also collaborate in 2026 to host a series of MICE roadshows across strategic international markets. Planned roadshows include China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany, UK, CIS and Kazakhstan. The events will connect top international buyers with Thai MICE operators. These initiatives are designed to create high-value business opportunities, strengthen Thailand’s MICE network, and position the country as a premier destination committed to the success of international events.

“The joint effort between TCEB and TAT is a powerful move to strategically attract premium MICE groups. This collaboration will significantly elevate the marketing and branding of Thailand on the global stage, ultimately leading to greater credibility in bidding for events and winning the trust of international visitors and event organisers. We expect that the collaboration will attract around 65,000 travellers and generate approximately 4.29 billion baht or 132 million USD in revenue.” said TCEB President.

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The post Conrad K Sangma launches key Tourism initiatives to champion Sustainable Travel in Meghalaya appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Barak river, Meghalaya, India-Bangladesh border. The river seen in the picture is in both India and Bangladesh. This majestic view can be observed from Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Embracing the spirit of World Tourism Day 2025 and its focus on inclusive and sustainable tourism, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, unveiled the OneConnect Meghalaya Tourism Helpline and the new Website for Meghalaya Tourism. The new revamped website is a one-click gateway, which serves as a unified platform for every traveller’s needs.

These launches, complemented with the release of Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission Scheme and the Community-led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme, position Meghalaya as a hub of responsible travel, nurturing authentic, human-centred experiences for every visitor.

In his keynote address, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister, presented a comprehensive vision for Meghalaya’s tourism sector, highlighting it as a top priority over the last seven and a half years. He showcased the impressive results of this focus, with domestic tourist arrivals growing to 1.6 million and a clear target to create 50,000 new jobs within the next three years. This growth is backed by a massive infrastructure push, with 210 ongoing projects valued at ₹3,625 crores and a recent sanction of an additional ₹260 crores from the DoNER Ministry specifically for developing the Sohra (Cherrapunji) destination. The centrepiece of his strategy is the new Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, designed to address a critical accommodation shortage.

He announced a ground-breaking plan to use these homestays for the upcoming National Games, quoting his rationale, “It is better that we invest our money into standardized homestays, which will then act as Games Village (rather than having one game-village) and after the games are over, these will be run as homestays and serve the tourists”.

This mission is complemented by a robust pipeline of high-end hotels, with a goal of having eight 5-star hotels by 2030, including one in Tura, and the expansion of Umroi Airport by 2027, which he termed a “major game changer” for enabling direct flights from major cities. He also spoke about the “concert economy,” revealing that a government spend of ₹23.5 crores yielded 5.6 times return of over ₹133 crores and has successfully branded Shillong as a premier global music destination.

Chief Minister noted the to create the right environment. He concluded with a direct appeal for stakeholders to utilize the scheme for homestays, with its unprecedented 70% subsidy solely by the State Government, and for existing owners to register to avail an additional ₹50,000 incentive.

Conrad K. Sangma iterated: “We must ensure a sense of environmental responsibility and create a welcoming atmosphere for tourists”, focusing on the behavioural as well as safety aspects of tourism.

The OneConnect Meghalaya Tourism Helpline marks a pioneering leap in travel assistance—the country’s inaugural multilingual service tailored exclusively for tourists. Available daily, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., it delivers guidance on safety, logistics, and hidden gems. Reach it effortlessly via toll-free number (1800-599-2026), WhatsApp and SMS (+91 76400 03050), or email (helpline@megh-tourism.com). Supporting English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Khasi, Pnar, and Garo, the helpline fosters true inclusivity, making every guest feel seen, heard, and empowered in their language of choice.

Since its inception in 2023, the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Scheme has flourished, with nearly 800 homestays sanctioned and an investment nearing ₹100 crore. Today, 237 are fully operational, broadening accommodation choices while generating over 1,600 direct jobs statewide. Notably,  Chief Minister flagged off new vehicles under the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Tourism, stated: “Tourism is all about empowerment of stakeholders on both sides. On one side, our own stakeholders in the state, then there is the demand side, which is basically the clientele who are coming into our state. All the initiatives that we are taking up are designed to empower these two sets of stakeholders.”

In a significant move to boost community involvement,  Conrad K. Sangma felicitated recipients of the Community-led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme with ₹ 10 lakh each. The Government of Meghalaya pledges up to ₹25 lakhs in financial aid per project to bolster vital infrastructure, from pathways to viewing decks. Grassroots organisations are playing a vital role in harnessing the tourism potential of Meghalaya. Currently, there are more than 47 registered cooperative societies affiliated with the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Cooperative Federation Ltd. In addition, several tourism societies operate under various district administrations, further contributing to the region’s tourism development.

One of the session, stakeholders affirmed their commitment to provide quality service, and the initiatives will go a long way to attract to visitors in Meghalaya. The program reached a fitting conclusion with the felicitation of Outlook Magazine’s Responsible Tourism Award winners, saluting innovation and stewardship in the sector.

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The post Saudi Engages Indian Market with Three-city Roadshow appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As Saudi continues to expand its global outreach of tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) held its latest three-city India roadshow from 15th to 19th September 2025 across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The effort highlights STA’s growing focus on the Indian market and shows a strong push in its ongoing effort to build strong trade ties and promote Saudi as a top choice for Indian leisure, GIT, MICE, and Wedding tourism segments.

The roadshows were well received by Indian trade and Saudi partners, providing a dynamic platform for 15 leading Saudi suppliers, including DMCs, DMOs, and airlines, to engage with over 500 top-tier Indian travel buyers. These interactions fostered strategic business relationships, enhanced product knowledge, and allowed Saudi partners to exchange insights, explore collaborations, and highlight Saudi’s diverse tourism offerings, from UNESCO sites and cultural landmarks to natural attractions and an exciting roster of events.

During the roadshow, Winter Season tourism products were launched, introducing new developments in leisure tourism, GIT packages, and showcasing Saudi’s rising appeal in MICE and destination weddings. These launches were enthusiastically received, reflecting the Indian market’s strong demand for authentic, high-quality travel. As highlighted by participating DMCs, Saudi is redefining luxury travel with world-class resorts, private desert retreats, and immersive cultural experiences. From the pristine Saudi Red Sea coast to Riyadh’s fine dining and designer boutiques, Saudi invites discerning travellers to enjoy unmatched hospitality.

The roadshow also amplified STA’s latest international campaign, “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More.” The campaign, featuring football icon Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7), brings to life a Saudi that offers visitors an extended season of high stakes sports, rousing entertainment, and breathtaking film, fashion and cultural events.

Commenting on the successful roadshows, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “The India roadshow is a key part of STA’s strategy to unlock India’s potential as an important source market. With rising prosperity, a young affluent population, improved air connectivity, and close proximity, India offers strong growth opportunities for Saudi. We will continue to work closely with our trade partners through initiatives such as roadshows, travel fairs, and marketing campaigns to unlock new opportunities. These efforts aim to support the development of curated itineraries that appeal to Indian travellers and position India as one of the key tourism source markets for Saudi.”

A key roadshow highlight was Six Flags Qiddiya City, set to open by the end of the year, with 28 thrill rides, including the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, Falcon Flight. Located in close proximity to Six Flags, Aquarabia Water Theme Park will feature 22 cutting-edge water rides, including record-breaking coasters and slides. Whereas Binban, north of Riyadh, hosts MDLBEAST Soundstorm, the region’s biggest electronic music festival, blending global stars with rising Saudi talent.

The roadshow spotlighted KAEC’s expanding appeal as a hub for both business and leisure, with strong potential as a MICE destination. Strategically located on the Saudi Red Sea near Jeddah, KAEC offers premium urban living and tourism experiences. It is also a key stop on the Haramain High-Speed Railway along with key gateways of Saudi.

The roadshow highlights also included gamification activities and an interactive competition, ‘The Art of Building a Saudi Itinerary.’ Both drew strong interest and full-house participation across all three cities.

The latest roadshow has marked another milestone in the country’s tourism journey to welcome the world and position Saudi as an iconic global travel destination. With over 500 Indian travel trade buyers engaged across three dynamic cities, there is momentum to engage and unlock opportunity in Saudi’s leisure, MICE, GIT, and Wedding segments.

It is also time to leverage on the energy built by the latest Unreal Calendar campaign “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More” that is helping shape Saudi’s legacy as a leader not only in global sports tourism, but wider entertainment.

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The post IndiGo launches Direct, Thrice Weekly Flights Between Kolkata and Siem Reap from 13 Nov 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

BAYON TEMPLE located in Angkor Thom area in Siem Reap Cambodia

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, announced the launch of direct flights between Kolkata and Siem Reap, Cambodia from 13 November 2025. IndiGo will operate these flights three times a week using its Airbus A320neo aircraft. This makes IndiGo the first Indian carrier to offer direct connectivity between the two countries, as the airline further enhances its network in Southeast Asia.  Bookings are now open on IndiGo website (www.goIndiGo.in), the IndiGo mobile app, and across authorized travel partners.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo,said: “In line with our commitment to connecting India to key global destinations, we are delighted to be the first Indian carrier to offer direct flights to Cambodia. This service not only enhances international connectivity from Kolkata but also provides convenient connection from the rest of India to Cambodia via Kolkata, leveraging IndiGo’s extensive domestic network. With Kolkata’s strategic location, and Siem Reap as our 7th international destination from the city, the route is a natural fit for our expanding network. With rising travel demand between the two countries fuelled by convenient Visa rules and growing trade, we are confident that these flights will not only boost tourism but also open new avenues for cultural exchange and economic cooperation.”

Schedule of Flights between Kolkata and Siem Reap Effective 13 November 2025

With Cambodia already witnessing a surge in Indian visitors, and Visa on Arrival or quick e-Visa options making travel convenient, IndiGo’s direct connectivity is poised to further boost tourism from India. For those travelling from Southeast Asia to India, this new service will enable seamless onward connections across IndiGo’s extensive domestic network of 90+ cities.

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The post Global investment in travel and tourism surpassed $1TN in 2024, up 9.9% year-on-year: WTTC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

At its 25^th Global Summit in Rome the World Travel & Tourism Council  (WTTC) launched its latest report, revealing that Europe remains the beating heart of  international tourism, with five of the world’s top 10 most powerful Travel & Tourism  markets by GDP.  

The return of the WTTC Global Summit to Europe, for the first time since the pandemic reflects the region’s enduring global leadership. Italy’s position as a G7 nation and as host of this year’s Global Summit further underlines its  leadership role, building on hosting last year’s first-ever G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.

According to the latest data, Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector reached $248.3BN last year,  underpinned by strong international visitor spend and a booming meetings and events  industry.  Germany, the world’s third most powerful Travel & Tourism market, contributed $525BN to  its GDP in 2024.

Despite losing £2.2BN international visitors spending last year, the UK added $367BN to its  economy, maintaining its position as one of the strongest and most dynamic markets  worldwide.

France, the world’s most visited destination, generated over $289BN from Travel & Tourism  in 2024, whilst Spain, the second most visited country in the world, added $270BN.

This broad-based growth demonstrates Europe’s ability to blend heritage with innovation,  maintain global competitiveness, and lead the way in sustainable tourism development.

WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “These results tell a story of strength and  opportunity. The U.S. remains the world’s largest Travel & Tourism market, China is surging  back, Europe is powering ahead, and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa are delivering record growth. This year, we are forecasting that our sector will contribute an  historic $2.1TN in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9TN in 2019, by $164BN.

“As Italy hosts this year’s Global Summit, its role as a G7 leader showcases the importance of  tourism in driving economies, creating jobs, and shaping our shared future.”

Around the World 

The report also reveals that the U.S. remains the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism  market, contributing $2.6TN to GDP in 2024, with its domestic market remaining the  strongest in the world, sustaining millions of jobs and underpinning sector resilience.

However, WTTC forecasts international visitor spending in the U.S. will fall by $12.5BN in  2025, leaving growth at just +0.7%. WTTC has warned that without destination promotion,  traveller-friendly policies, and reduced visa costs, it could lose its competitive edge.

China, the world’s second-largest Travel & Tourism market, contributed $1.64TN to its  economy in 2024, and is forecast to surge by 22.7% in 2025, adding $260BN to its economy,  highlighting China’s rapid return to international prominence and its pivotal role in shaping  global travel flows.

Japan, the world’s fifth largest Travel & Tourism economy with a $310.5BN contribution in  2024, is forecast to add a further $13.8BN to its GDP this year to reach almost $325BN.

Travel & Tourism is now growing faster than the consumer goods sector, showing how  people increasingly value experiences over material goods.

The Economic Impact Research Trends report shows that Travel & Tourism is cementing its  role as a cornerstone of the global economy.

Middle East Momentum 

The Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the world for Travel &  Tourism, with Saudi Arabia continuing to stand out as a global powerhouse, with inbound  visitor spend surging and infrastructure investment reaching record levels.

Across the region, capital is flowing into airports, cruise terminals, and cutting-edge  hospitality projects, signalling long-term confidence in its ambition to become a global  tourism hub.

Jobs Boom Across the World

According to the report, Travel & Tourism supported 357MN jobs in 2024 and is set to rise to  371MN in 2025, along with an increase in the sector’s share of global employment.

By 2035, one in eight jobs worldwide will be supported by Travel & Tourism, with an  additional 91MN new jobs supported, the majority in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in one  in three new jobs globally supported by the sector.

Long-Term Confidence 

Confidence in Travel & Tourism remains unshakable. Global investment in the sector  surpassed $1TN in 2024, up 9.9% year-on-year, and is forecast to continue climbing in 2025.

The U.S., China, Saudi Arabia, and France together accounted for more than half a trillion  dollars of that investment. 

Italy attracted €11.4BN in 2024, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most attractive  destinations for sustainable and innovative tourism development.

The Global Summit is hosted in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the  Italian national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region.

Other WTTC Partners include Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio Di Bolsonaro Philantrophy, Arsenale  Spa, Chase Travel (JPMC), Giacomo Milano, MMGY, MSC Group, Terme di Saturnia, and  Trip.com Group.

The post Global investment in travel and tourism surpassed $1TN in 2024, up 9.9% year-on-year: WTTC appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Tourism Authority of Thailand names four new deputy governors appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the appointment of four new deputy governors as part of its annual organisational reshuffle.

By doing so, TAT is able to strengthen leadership across key strategic areas.

At the same time, this annual move reflects TAT’s commitment to advancing its long-term tourism vision under a structure led by current governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and supported by eight deputy governors overseeing administration, policy, product development, marketing, and innovation. 

Kiatphaibool remarked: “This new leadership structure will strengthen TAT’s ability to deliver on the ‘New Thailand Vision 2026,’ ensuring that our tourism growth is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.”

Meet the new deputy governors

Akkarawit Taphasit was promoted to deputy governor for administration, having previously served as executive director of the Tourism Investment Promotion Department.

Meanwhile, Chuwit Sirivajjakul was promoted to deputy governor for policy and planning following his previous role as executive director for the East Asia Region.

Nat Kruthasoot was named to the post of  deputy governor for tourism products and business following his stint as executive director of the Events Department.

TAT’s new deputy governor for international marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas is Chiravadee Khunsub, her appointment becoming official for a position she has held since April of this year.

Prior to her appointment, Khunsub served as deputy governor for tourism products and business.

These latest appointments bolster the TAT leadership team which currently consists of deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai; deputy governor for digitalisation, research, and development Kittipong Prapattong, deputy governor for marketing communications Nithee Seeprae, and deputy governor for the domestic market Apichai Chatchalermkit.

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Source: traveldailymedia