The post Etihad has flown more than 20 million passengers in a 12-month period, for the first time in its history appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad continues to soar with a record-breaking year, reaching new milestones for the first time in the airline’s history. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, commented: “The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing rate. Following a record Q1, with AED 685 million profit and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20 million guests in the last year, for the first time in the airline’s history.

“We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth story that has seen our annual passenger numbers more than double from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years. This sustained growth is driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus.” He added, “We are the only airline in the region growing at this pace and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our biggest year yet.”

To celebrate flying 20 million passengers across the world, Etihad surprised one lucky couple travelling from New Delhi to visit their daughters in Toronto with a series of surprises. Mr and Mrs Chopra were surprised with upgrades throughout their trip which began with a lie-flat Business class experience on Etihad’s A350 from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi. “We have never travelled in Business or First before […] It’s a lifetime experience – a once in a lifetime achievement [for us]!” exclaimed Mr Chopra.

When they touched down at Zayed International, the couple were delighted with an upgrade to Etihad Guest’s Gold tier status at the First Lounge by Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest. Saving the best for last, Mr and Mrs Chopra were gifted upgrades to The Residence, Etihad’s unique three-room suite in the sky, on their A380 flight from Abu Dhabi to Toronto. “Oh wow – thank you very much! This is an excellent surprise, unforgettable! Thank you, Etihad – we feel like celebrities right now, thank you!” The couple shared as they were welcomed in to The Residence by crew.

Achieving another milestone, Etihad has introduced three more aircraft into its expanding fleet, bringing the operational fleet size to more than 100 aircraft. The airline welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 to service and received a brand-new Boeing B787-9 delivered from Charleston, US, with an all-Emirati flight crew. Etihad also received the first of three brand-new Airbus 350-1000s delivered today (18 July).

Boasting one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the industry, Etihad continues to make strategic investments to meet the overwhelming demand from guests. The airline is expecting to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including the delivery of its new A321LR fleet which will enter into service from 1 August. Refining luxury, the new A321LR fleet will offer First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens and high-speed super Wi-Fi in all cabins, allowing guests to stay connected via messages, calls and stream while in the air. Earlier this year, Etihad announced the order of 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth and connectivity, operational efficiency and guest experience.

Following the airline’s recent announcement of seven additional destinations, Etihad will have added 27 new routes this year, a remarkable milestone that reflects its ambition and commitment to increase the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi. Flying to almost 90 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Europe and Asia, this expansion is part of Etihad’s ongoing strategy to support the economic growth of Abu Dhabi.

These achievements are a huge step toward the goals the Etihad set out in its ambitious growth strategy which would see the network grow to more than 125 destinations, fleet to more than 170 aircraft, and passenger numbers to 38 million per year, by 2030. With rapid growth in every direction, the airline is set to exceed the expectations of its seven-year growth plan, a reflection of demand and extraordinary customer satisfaction. Etihad’s success is a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s strong aviation sector which continues to demonstrate robust growth and strategic momentum, underscoring its position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo.

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The post IndiGo Takes Off from Hindon with Direct Flights to 9 Indian Cities appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo has taken a strategic leap in strengthening its offerings from the National Capital Region (NCR) by commencing operations from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, its second airport in the NCR after Delhi. Starting today, IndiGo will operate direct flights connecting Hindon with nine major Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi. This development offers convenient travel options for millions of residents in Ghaziabad, Noida, East and Central Delhi, and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh.

The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, had graced the occasion with his presence at the Hindon airport and said: “We are committed to enhancing the aviation infrastructure across India to enable seamless and convenient service connecting the smallest towns in the country with the growing cities and metros. The Hindon Airport developed under the UDAN Scheme in Ghaziabad is offering the convenience of proximity to people living in Ghaziabad, Noida and the Western UP. With the growing connectivity and passenger footfall at Hindon, we are working for the expansion of the terminal building. I congratulate IndiGo on launch of operations from Hindon airport, a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity. IndiGo has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Indian aviation infrastructure, and together, we aim to elevate India to its rightful position in global aviation.”

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of IndiGo’s operation from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, our second airport in the National Capital Region, offering direct flights to nine key Indian cities. With nearly 70 weekly departures from the airport, we aim to enhance point-to-point travel for customers from the region, offering them the option of taking a flight from an airport closer to their homes. We are grateful to the Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu Ji, for his presence at the inauguration ceremony and also for his constant support and guidance.”

Whether it’s a business trip to Bengaluru, a spiritual journey to Varanasi, or a weekend escape to Goa, customers in NCR can now enjoy enhanced choices and connectivity options with the convenience of proximity of airport.

Flight Schedule:

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The post Accenture and Google Cloud Support Air France-KLM appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Accenture and Google Cloud are collaborating with Air France-KLM to establish a cutting-edge generative AI (gen AI) factory. This cloud-based framework provides the technological infrastructure and strategic foundation to scale gen AI across the group, accelerating the identification of high-value use cases and enabling more efficient delivery. It allows Air France-KLM to develop, test, and manage a tailored catalog of pre-evaluated gen AI, agentic, and machine learning models, specifically targeting business areas with the highest potential for transformational impact and measurable returns.

Earlier this year, Accenture worked with Air France-KLM to modernize its digital core by migrating existing applications to the cloud, enabling faster, more effective adoption of gen AI solutions. The airline has since deployed a private gen AI assistant and developed retrieval-augmented generation use cases that blend language generation with internal document search, improving response quality for tasks like diagnosing and repairing aircraft damage. This work is now scaling across the organization.

Together with Accenture, the company built a gen AI projects factory hosted on Google Cloud, that supports agentic AI capabilities. Leveraging this technological infrastructure, the gen AI factory empowers Air France-KLM to identify high-impact AI use cases, execute them at scale using shared tools and methods, and bring together the right expertise to design, test and operationalize applications across operations. By streamlining the transition from experimentation to enterprise readiness, Air France-KLM can accelerate development cycles by over 35%. The airline group has already seen tangible results across critical business areas, such as ground operations, engineering & maintenance, and customer service.

To drive ongoing innovation, Air France-KLM and Accenture established a structured process that helps employees turn real-world challenges into practical generative AI solutions. It starts with identifying a problem, then moves quickly through design, prototyping, testing, and finally scaling successful ideas across the business. A standout example was the co-hosted GenAI Days, where teams learned to use the gen AI factory tools through real use cases, resulting in concrete ideas to cut costs and grow revenue.

“This collaboration demonstrates how investing in a robust cloud-powered digital core strengthens organizational resilience and agility. By simplifying complex processes, it positions Air France-KLM to drive competitiveness in an environment of rapid digital acceleration,” said Sabine Bechelani, managing director for Travel and client account lead at Accenture. “By leveraging gen AI, we are not only simplifying the journey for customers but also unlocking significant business value. It’s a powerful example of how technology can drive both operational excellence and strategic differentiation.”

“With this collaboration, Air France-KLM and Accenture demonstrate their capacity to imagine and redesign the future of the travel industry with generative AI. We are thrilled to be part of this journey and to bring the best of our cloud and AI technology and expertise to accelerate this business transformation, enhance the group’s operations and foster the creation of new experiences for travelers,” said Isabelle Fraine, managing director of Google Cloud France.

“Leveraging (gen) AI is more than technical innovation—it drives a fundamental business transformation,” declared Julie Pozzi, head of data & AI at Air France-KLM. “Thanks to Accenture and Google Cloud, we aim at leveraging generative AI to reinvent the operational backbone of the airline industry. This collaboration will empower us to anticipate and respond to the evolving travel landscape, delivering a truly personalized and transformative experience for every passenger and every operation.”

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The post UK, Spain, and Germany lead Nordic travel interest in summer amid heat waves appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image: Beautiful Nature Norway natural landscape aerial photography.

As Southern Europe braces for another summer of soaring temperatures, a growing number of travellers are heading north in search of cooler weather, unspoiled nature, and sustainable travel experiences. From Norway’s fjords to Finland’s lakes and Sweden’s walkable cities, the Nordic countries are fast becoming the new summer favourites—ushering in the age of the “coolcation”.

The Data Appeal Company and Mabrian, tourism intelligence platforms that are part of the Almawave Group, have both recorded a significant uptick in demand for Northern European destinations in 2024 and 2025. While the Mediterranean continues to attract millions, climate perception is increasingly shaping destination choices, especially among travellers from France, the UK, and the US. This trend is captured in the exclusive report “Coolcations and Green Tourism: Five Trends Transforming Northern European Travel.”

Nature, climate, and a shift in expectations

According to the report, Norway leads the surge in travel intent for the summer season among the Nordic countries analyzed, with strong interest from the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Denmark, and Italy. While no direct causation has been confirmed, the timing of this shift coincides with record-breaking summer temperatures across Southern Europe. In fact, some of these source markets are showing more sensitivity to extreme weather conditions, which can influence travel decisions and preferences.

Mabrian’s Perception of Climate Index (PCI) suggests travellers are becoming more sensitive to extreme weather. In contrast to countries like Spain and Italy, where heatwaves are becoming the norm, Northern Europe’s milder climate is increasingly seen as a refuge—especially among couples, who represent nearly 44% of travellers to Norway in 2024.

“Travellers’ expectations and motivations are evolving,” said Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mabrian. “Seasonal comfort, nature, and wellness are emerging as key travel drivers among major source markets—especially among travellers who typically favor warm-weather destinations but are now seeking alternatives with milder climates.”

Nature-focused travel redefines North appeal

Data Appeal and Mabrian’s insights outlines how nature-focused travel, sustainability, and modern infrastructure are redefining Northern Europe’s appeal.

These destinations are seeing a rise in active and outdoor tourism, previously more typical of shoulder seasons in urban centres. Hiking, cycling, and lakeside retreats are increasingly popular, appealing not only to couples but also to families and solo travellers looking for immersive, eco-conscious experiences.

A large-scale analysis of online reviews from the past 12 months, conducted using the D / AI Destinations platform, reveals just how powerful nature is as a travel motivator in these regions—highlighting patterns shared across all three countries.

The Attractions sector—which covers everything from museums and churches to scenic viewpoints, parks, and botanical gardens— show incredibly positive Sentiment Score (90 out of 100). Outdoor and nature-focused attractions stand out for the sheer number of comments: between 16 and 26% of overall attractions’ reviews.

Across Norway, Sweden, and Finland, two aspects consistently stand out with the highest sentiment scores: position and atmosphere—the beauty of the surroundings, the views, and the overall experience in museums, parks, and more—while accessibility, organisation, and costs emerge as topics of mild concern.

According to Mabrian, in 2024 the three main drivers—Nature, Culture, and Active Tourism—accounted for between 68% and over 76% of travel motivations in the countries analysed, confirming their dominant role. At the same time, wellness and gastro experiences have proven to be growing drivers.

Selective growth over mass tourism

Despite growing demand, air capacity to Nordic countries hasn’t risen at the same pace. This may be partially due to economic uncertainty, inflation, and the high cost of travel in the region. But it also reflects deliberate policy choices: Nordic destinations are not aiming for volume-based growth. Instead, their tourism strategies prioritise sustainability and quality over quantity.

“Instead of pursuing mass tourism growth, these Nordic countries are pioneering a new paradigm—one that prioritizes sustainable development and aims to create a harmonious experience for both residents and visitors,” said Mirko Lalli, CEO and founder of The Data Appeal Company. “This long-term vision not only protects local communities but also enhances the quality and authenticity of the visitor experience, proving to be a successful and forward-thinking approach.”

As global temperatures continue to rise, Northern Europe’s blend of comfort, nature, and conscious travel is positioning it as one of the most resilient and attractive summer destinations for years to come.

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The post TAT Unveils “The New Thailand” Vision under the theme “Value is the New Volume” to Redefine Tourism in 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has unveiled its 2026 strategy under the theme “Value is the New Volume”—ushering in The New Thailand and signalling a bold shift to redefine Thai tourism through quality, balance, and sustainability.

The announcement took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, attended by Minister of Culture, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, along with Deputy Minister of Interior, Teerarat Samretvanich, tourism ministry executives including TAT, tourism operators and stakeholders from across the country.

Redefining Thai tourism through quality, balance, and sustainability

Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that despite global tourism has faced several challenges in 2024, Thailand remains a leading destination, having welcomed more than 18.08 million international visitors and generated 1.4 trillion Baht in revenue so far this year. In response to the shifting tourism landscape, the government has approved a 4.5-billion-Baht budget to drive 22 strategic initiatives.

These are built around a forward-looking framework of five new paradigms: New Customer, New Product, New Partnerships, New Marketing Strategy, and New Key Performance Indicators. The objective is to build trust, elevate safety and accessibility, unlock new opportunities through sport tourism, and promote hidden destinations aligned with UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Additionally, a strong emphasis will be placed on soft power and Thailand’s cultural identity to strengthen its international appeal.

About trust, value, and inclusivity

“Tourism is no longer just about numbers—it’s about trust, value, and inclusivity. Thailand is not simply bouncing back, but building forward—with safety, innovation, and sustainable growth as the foundation for a new era of Thai tourism,” Sorawong added.

Building on the government’s vision, TAT’s 2026 strategy marks the start of a paradigm shift—transforming Thai tourism into The New Thailand. With a sharp focus on quality over quantity, the agency is moving beyond image restoration to build a more balanced, resilient, and experience-led tourism economy. At its heart: integrity, safety, authentic connection, and long-term value—laying the foundation for sustainable growth across every sector.

The strategy stands on four pillars: prioritising Value over Volume through precision marketing and a deeper understanding of traveller segments—amplified by soft power and data-driven storytelling; Balancing Tourism across regions and seasons by spotlighting local identity and decentralising flow; Advancing Creative and Thematic Tourism with curated, niche experiences that engage diverse audiences; and embedding Sustainability as a measurable, sector-wide standard.

Transforming Thai tourism into The New Thailand

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, stated: “2026 marks the beginning of a fundamental shift towards The New Thailand—where tourism success is defined by value, not volume. Through our ‘Stay Focus’ approach, we will emphasise quality, balance, and long-term growth rooted in genuine experiences for visitors and tangible benefits for Thai communities. Tourism will not only bring joy, but lasting prosperity.”

On the international front, TAT will sharpen its focus through two lenses: high-potential traveller segments and tiered market priorities. Key segments include Millennials craving meaningful, diverse experiences; Gen Z travellers driven by digital trends and identity; luxury tourists seeking exclusivity and personalisation; and health-conscious visitors drawn to Thailand’s holistic wellness strengths. These groups reflect the country’s evolving tourism identity—one that is immersive, emotionally rich, and value-led.

“New Million Market” strategy

To support this, TAT has mapped out three strategic market tiers. Priority markets include mature destinations like China and Hong Kong, where efforts will focus on rebuilding safety perceptions and expanding into secondary cities. In short-haul markets such as Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore, TAT will continue to grow new segments while nurturing existing audiences. Growth markets in the short-haul category, including India and Japan, will be further cultivated, while long-haul destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia will be developed under the “New Million Market” strategy to attract high-value travellers. Mid-sized and emerging markets—including Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines—will be expanded through new target segments and geographic areas. Meanwhile, markets such as Australia, Scandinavia, Italy, and Spain will be positioned under Thailand’s “Green Destination” and “Long Stay Paradise” concepts. High-value markets in the Middle East will receive tailored offerings in premium wellness and leisure, alongside continued momentum in markets like Israel.

Communications will shift from transactional promotion to purpose-led storytelling under the theme “Unforgettable Experience.” Thailand will be presented not just as a scenic getaway, but as a sanctuary for healing and emotional depth—brought to life through the global concept “Healing is the New Luxury.” This refreshed narrative invites the world to experience Thailand’s true essence: peace, connection, and cultural resonance.

Domestic tourism to be promoted

As Thailand repositions itself globally around purpose and value, the domestic strategy will be just as pivotal—placing Thai travellers at the heart of the country’s tourism renewal. TAT will reinforce the “Grand Moment” concept to inspire travel that uplifts communities and creates deeper personal meaning. Rather than simply promoting more trips, campaigns will encourage journeys that foster connection—whether through time with loved ones, peaceful escapes in nature, or authentic local encounters that turn everyday travel into unforgettable memories.

This strategy will be rooted in area-based marketing and experience-led design, tailored to the evolving lifestyles of three high-potential groups: Millennials, high-end travellers, and multi-generational families. Exclusive offerings—such as wellness retreats, sport tourism, and cultural immersion—will be deployed to stimulate year-round and repeat travel across both flagship and emerging destinations. Regional campaigns will spotlight each area’s distinct strengths: music festivals and luxury escapes in Central Thailand; soft adventure and gastronomy in the East; seasonal storytelling and community culture in the North; rich traditions in the Northeast; and nature-based wellness in the South. Meanwhile, signature routes in Thailand’s UNESCO Creative Cities—Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, and Suphan Buri—will help craft a deeper, more compelling domestic travel narrative.

To support this multi-directional strategy, TAT is elevating Thailand’s tourism products through innovation, identity, and inclusivity. The focus is on crafting distinctive, locally grounded offerings that resonate with diverse traveller motivations and showcase Thailand’s cultural depth. Key product clusters will span nature-based escapes, wellness and meditation retreats, spiritual and belief-based tourism (Mu-Telu), LGBTQ+ travel, solo journeys, cinematic trails, arts and craft fashion, sports and adventure, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic “5 Must-Do” Thai soft power experiences. All will be developed through deep collaboration with government, private sector, communities, and media—ensuring every offering is rooted in authenticity and geared toward long-term value.

Improving connectivity

TAT will also strengthen connectivity and standards to support these enhanced experiences. New travel routes—by land, sea, air, and rail—will link major cities and emerging destinations both within Thailand and across the region. New travel options—like Mekong cruises, themed trains (Kiha, Royal Blossom, Blue Jasmine, STR Prestige), and private air travel—will make journeys more seamless, immersive, and connected. On the quality front, flagship certifications such as the Thailand Tourism Awards, TAT Certified (STGs STAR and STAR Plus), and CF Hotels will raise the bar across the industry. Krabi, continuing as a prototype of sustainable tourism under the “Blue Zones” concept, will lead with ten certified routes showcased internationally. This will be reinforced by the Trusted Thailand (Safe Travel Stamp) launching in August—ensuring safety, accessibility, and service excellence are not just promised, but proven.

Festivals as emotional touchpoints

Complementing these efforts, TAT will harness the power of world-class events and festivals as emotional touchpoints and key demand drivers under the International Festival Focus strategy. Thailand’s cultural calendar will be filled with standout moments—from heritage-rooted celebrations like Maha Loy Krathong in Sukhothai, which fuses tradition with creative innovation, to large-scale spectacles like the Amazing Thailand Countdown, the 45-day Vijitr Chao Phraya light show, and the globally iconic Maha Songkran World Water Festival. On the sports front, marquee events such as the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2025, the 33rd SEA Games, and Honda LPGA Thailand will reinforce Thailand’s status as a premier sport tourism hub—amplified by global ambassadors like Eliud Kipchoge.

Lifestyle and entertainment will also take centre stage, with crowd-pulling festivals like Wonderfruit, Big Mountain, H2O, Thailand Illumination, and the International Balloon Fiesta drawing diverse audiences. TAT will further elevate beloved cultural moments, including the World Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony, Chinese New Year, and Grand Diwali 2025. A milestone moment will arrive with Tomorrowland Thailand 2026, marking the first full-scale edition of the legendary Belgian music festival in Asia. In parallel, TAT will champion three homegrown traditions on the global stage: the Nakhon Phanom Fire Boat Festival, Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession, and the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon—all part of Thailand’s strategy to amplify cultural soft power through celebrations that resonate worldwide.

“In 2026, success will be defined not solely by arrival numbers, but by the quality of experiences delivered, the satisfaction of all stakeholders, and Thailand’s ascent into the world’s top 15 tourism economies. This is our moment to shift from popularity to purpose—rebalancing the industry and advancing toward true quality. With sustainability, collaboration, and local identity at the core, Thailand is ready to become not just a destination to visit, but a destination of enduring value,” Thapanee concluded.

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The post Singapore MICE Forum 2025 dares to ask: “What’s Next?” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) is all set for the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) this week, possibly its most expansive edition to date.

On from 23rd to 25th July at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, SMF 2025 draws in over 1500 attendees across five major programme tracks spanning the full spectrum of the MICE ecosystem from business innovation to industry recognition, talent development, next-generation competition, and association events.

The three-day event will feature future-focused dialogue and collaboration, offering a comprehensive platform to shape what’s next for the industry.

According to SACEOS president Richard Ireland: “SMF has always been about pushing boundaries. This year, we’re proud to welcome new programmes, new collaborators and new voices. The conversations happening here will shape the trajectory of our industry and inspire the next chapter of growth for Singapore and the region.”

A day of discussions and distinctions

Singapore MICE Forum (Main Forum) | 24 July 

Centred around the bold theme “What’s Next?”, SMF 2025 challenges the MICE community to move beyond convention and embrace transformative ideas that redefine the future of business events.

This year’s edition brings together thought leaders from adjacent industries ranging from geopolitics, luxury hospitality, and design thinking, to technology, sport, and digital media.

Participants will interact with MICE professionals in future-focused dialogue.

Key sessions include:

• A fireside chat with Melissa Ow, chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board; and
• A fireside chat with Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of the Banyan Group.

The forum welcomes over 300 participants, 28 speakers, and more than 20 companies showcasing solutions and services at the Marketplace.

SMF/SMA co-chair Dylan Sharma added: “To shape what’s next for the MICE industry, we must look beyond ourselves and learn from the best minds across all industries. SMF 2025 is about exploring new behaviours, technologies, and global forces that will empower us to create more impactful business events.”

It is also worth noting that this year’s SMF welcomes a 20-member delegation from Indonesia, convened by the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (ASPERAPI).

The delegation includes key MICE organisations such as ICE BSD, Dyandra Promosindo, NICE, Royalindo Expoduta, and others, reflecting
growing regional collaboration in advancing the business events industry.

Signing Ceremony: Collaborative Agreements for Industry Growth

As a platform for progress, SMF 2025 witness the signing of four Collaborative Agreements (CAs)
aimed at strengthening talent pipelines, enhancing training standards, and driving sustainable
innovation:

BEInspiredSG: A new business event incubator and accelerator programme launched by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and SACEOS, designed to grow high-quality business event concepts and support industry talent through mentorship and resources.

As STB executive director for exhibitions and conferences Poh Chi Chuan explains: “BEInspiredSG marks a strategic step forward in the way we drive growth in Singapore’s MICE industry, creating and cultivating homegrown concepts aligned with Singapore’s key economic clusters to help them scale sustainably. This pilot programme harnesses the collective wisdom of our events industry: combining SACEOS’ mentorship, market feasibility studies, and STB’s support to develop the capabilities of our local players in running impactful international events that will strengthen Singapore’s position as the World’s Best MICE City.”

SACEOS – Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS): To incorporate an event sustainability
module in SUSS’ BSc Events Management programme.

SUSS – International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE): Enhancing the Bachelor of
Science Events Management programme with an internationally recognised Certified in Exhibition
Management certification.

NTUC LearningHub – Earth Productions: Expanding NTUC LHUB’s Certified Event Sustainability
(CES) Programme to Hong Kong & Macau.

These partnerships reinforce SMF’s commitment to shaping a future-ready, resilient, and globally
competitive MICE ecosystem.

Singapore MICE Awards (SMA) | 24 July 2025

Taking place on the evening of 24th July, the Singapore MICE Awards (SMA) Gala Dinner honours excellence and innovation across 16 award categories, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in the business events industry.

This year marks a record milestone, with nearly 70 nominations received: a testament to the sector’s resilience and creative excellence.

A Special Edition Trophy, co-designed with RISIS, will also be presented to organisations that have achieved three consecutive wins, recognising their sustained impact and leadership.

Minister of state for the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as the Ministry of National Development Alvin Tan will officiate as Guest-of-Honour for the evening.

Adeline Lim, SMF and SMA co-chair, remarked: “It’s inspiring to witness the passion and excellence shown by our peers and partners across the MICE sector. SMA isn’t just about recognition: it’s a platform for shared celebration and future ambition,”

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The post Delta to launch new services from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Chicago in 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta is expanding its reach from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with two new nonstop routes: daily service to Hong Kong (HKG) beginning 6 June, 2026, and three daily flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) starting 7 June, 2026. These additions underscore Delta’s continued investment in LAX as a premier coastal gateway for both international and domestic travel.

“Launching service to Hong Kong and Chicago from LAX strengthens our presence in two of the world’s most dynamic markets,” said Paul Baldoni, SVP of Network Planning. “As the largest global carrier at LAX, we’re continuing to invest in routes that matter to our customers and deliver the premium travel experience that they’ve come to expect from Delta.”

Expanding global and domestic options from LAX 

A dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity, Hong Kong draws travelers with its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class shopping, dining and cultural experiences. From bustling street markets and ancient temples to cutting-edge architecture and luxury boutiques, the city offers something for every kind of traveler. Delta’s new nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong provides direct access to this global city, while also unlocking more than 30 convenient one-stop connections to and from LAX.

In addition to serving growing passenger demand, the new route significantly strengthens Delta Cargo’s transpacific network, creating a vital new freight corridor between two of the world’s most robust cargo markets. Operated by a widebody Airbus A350 aircraft with the capacity to carry more than 20 tons of cargo per flight, the service expands our ability to transport high-value shipments — including electronics, e-commerce and perishables. This launch enhances Delta’s ability to support global supply chains and deliver seamless, reliable logistics solutions between Asia and North America.

The addition of Hong Kong also strengthens the Delta–Korean Air Joint Venture, further expanding the partnership’s reach and enhancing travel options for customers across the Pacific.

To the east, Delta’s new service between LAX and Chicago O’Hare connects two of the nation’s most influential cities, each a hub for commerce, culture and travel. With schedules tailored for both business and leisure, the route offers Angelenos quick access to Chicago’s manufacturing, insurance and financial sectors, as well as its legendary culinary scene. For Midwestern travelers, it provides a convenient gateway to LA’s tech and entertainment industries, along with seamless connections to Delta’s growing West Coast and transpacific network via LAX.

“As one of the world’s busiest airports, LAX is proud to welcome Delta’s new nonstop service to two critical global hubs, Hong Kong and Chicago,” said Doug Webster, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. “These routes not only enhance our trans-Pacific and domestic reach but also reflect the strength of our partnership with Delta in delivering world-class service to travelers across the Pacific and to key destinations throughout the United States.”

A comfortable journey from curb to gate 

Whether you’re heading to Hong Kong or Chicago, Delta customers departing from LAX can enjoy a smooth and comfortable travel experience, beginning with an upgraded airport journey designed to make every step more relaxing and efficient.

Customers flying Delta One to Hong Kong receive exclusive access to the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, offering nearly 200 seats, a rotating chef-curated menu, year-round sushi bar, wellness room with full-body massage chairs, and a design aesthetic inspired by the natural and architectural beauty of Southern California. These travelers also benefit from Delta One check-in, a dedicated, concierge-style service from curb to gate.

A premium experience in the air

Flights to Hong Kong will be operated daily on Delta’s flagship Airbus A350-900, featuring four product experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta One offers lie-flat seating, premium bedding and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities for a more spacious and relaxing journey.
Flights to Chicago O’Hare will operate three times daily on the Boeing 737-800, featuring Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. All cabins are equipped with seatback entertainment, fast, free Wi-Fi for Sky Miles Members, power at every seat, and consistent onboard service designed to make the journey enjoyable from takeoff to landing.

All passengers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options, with complimentary access to 1,000+ hours of content on Delta Studio.

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