The post Goa and Israel discuss direct air link appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) and Goa’s Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, have engaged in discussions to strengthen tourism ties, focusing on the potential establishment of a direct air link between Tel Aviv and Goa. The meeting, held in Panaji, aimed to address the growing travel demand between the two regions.

The IMOT delegation, including Galit Hoffman, Consul – Tourism Affairs for India, and Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT India, expressed Israel’s interest in enhancing accessibility through a direct flight. Khaunte acknowledged Goa’s pivotal role in India’s tourism sector and expressed support for international connectivity, stating, “Goa welcomes every opportunity to strengthen its global tourism partnerships. A direct connection with Tel Aviv holds strong potential to enhance two-way travel.”

The dialogue also included plans for a roadshow in Goa to highlight Israel’s tourism offerings and engage key travel trade partners. Hoffman remarked on the significance of Goa for Israeli travellers, noting, “Goa has long held a special place for Israeli travellers, and strengthening connectivity will only deepen this relationship.”

Goa, renowned for its beaches and culture, attracts around 50,000 Israeli visitors annually. Meanwhile, Israel, with its rich history and diverse attractions, continues to draw Indian tourists, with Goa emerging as a key source market. From January to November 2025, Israel recorded 1.18 million international tourist arrivals, with India as a leading source market from Asia.

The proposed air link is expected to enhance accessibility and foster further collaboration between Goa and Israel, benefiting both regions’ tourism sectors.
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The post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix draws record 339,000 fans appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, organised by Ethara, set a new attendance record with 339,000 fans flocking to Yas Island. The season finale, held at Yas Marina Circuit, captivated audiences with a dramatic three-way title battle between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, resulting in a record 203,000 attendees—a 6% increase from 2024.

The excitement extended beyond the track, with Verstappen’s victory and Norris clinching his first drivers’ title. Yasalam, presented by e&, attracted 136,000 fans to the Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts, featuring performances by Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica, and Katy Perry. Official After-Parties were headlined by Idris Elba, Calvin Harris, and Keinemusik.

Ethara’s CEO, Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, remarked, “This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be remembered for decades with the F1 title battle unfolding under the floodlights of Yas Marina Circuit.” The event showcased new hospitality concepts, onsite activations, and enhanced ticket inclusions, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as the ultimate F1 season finale destination.

Innovations included extended track access with public pit lane walks and FAB Track Walks, and a record-breaking Thursday concert by Benson Boone. The event’s glamour was heightened by appearances from celebrities such as Ana de Armas, Jason Statham, and sporting legends Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho.

Ethara also focused on sustainability, tripling the use of temporary solar power and employing biofuel blends to reduce emissions. A partnership with UAE-based MaHawa produced over 260,000 litres of water, eliminating the need for 520,000 plastic bottles.

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a historic and thrilling conclusion to the 75th season of Grand Prix racing. Registration for the 2026 event is now open at AbuDhabiGP.com.
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The post flydubai launches direct flights to Vilnius appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

flydubai has inaugurated its first direct flight service to Vilnius, marking a significant expansion of its network into Central and Eastern Europe. This new route, operating three times a week, establishes flydubai as the first UAE airline to connect directly with Lithuania, offering increased convenience for both business and leisure travellers.

The launch was celebrated with remarks from key figures, including the UAE’s non-resident Ambassador to Lithuania, who highlighted the new route as a bridge for cultural and economic exchange. “Today, we celebrate a new link between two cities and two countries,” she stated, emphasising the potential for mutual benefits.

Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications noted the strategic importance of this new connection, stating, “A direct connection with one of the most important hubs in the Middle East not only increases Lithuania’s accessibility but also opens entirely new travel destinations.”

The service is expected to carry around 40,000 passengers in its first year, boosting tourism and trade between the two nations. Jeyhun Efendi, flydubai’s Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce, commented on the airline’s commitment to expanding into underserved markets, saying, “These new flights will play an important role in stimulating tourism and trade flows between the UAE and Lithuania.”

Passengers will benefit from flydubai’s codeshare partnership with Emirates, offering seamless travel to over 240 destinations. The new route promises to enhance economic cooperation and provide Lithuanian travellers with access to Dubai’s attractions and further destinations like the Maldives and Thailand.
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The post Mastercard and McLaren launch ‘Team Priceless’ for fans appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mastercard has teamed up with the McLaren Formula 1 Team to launch ‘Team Priceless’, a global initiative offering fans unprecedented access to the team. This collaboration, announced on 12 December 2025, aims to transform the 2026 Formula 1 season by providing McLaren enthusiasts with unique insights and experiences. The initiative will see four regional fans travel to five race locations worldwide, starting in Melbourne and continuing to Miami, the UK, Mexico City, and Abu Dhabi.

Team Priceless members will enjoy exclusive experiences, including the best seat in the McLaren Racing garage and opportunities to meet drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Fans will also create content to share their journey, bringing the global papaya fan community closer to the race weekend excitement.

Raja Rajamannar, Senior Fellow at Mastercard, stated, “We’ve long believed that experiences bring people closer to each other and to the things they care about most – Team Priceless brings that belief to life.” Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Racing, added, “This programme gives supporters around the world the chance to see what goes into a race weekend from behind the scenes.”

The initiative not only enhances fan engagement but also marks the beginning of Mastercard’s role as the official naming partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team from the 2026 season. Fans interested in joining can find more information and updates at priceless.com/TeamPriceless. The captains leading Team Priceless will be revealed during testing in Bahrain in February.
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The post Dusit Thani College launches hospitality programme in Saudi Arabia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dusit Thani College (DTC), Thailand’s premier hospitality education institute, has partnered with Alkhaleej Training and Education to introduce its Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration marks DTC’s first global licence partnership and is a significant step in its international expansion efforts.

The TOP programme, set to launch in January 2026, is designed to prepare Saudi talent for entry-level roles in the hospitality sector within six months. It combines over 280 hours of intensive practical learning with a two-month classroom phase, followed by a guaranteed four-month internship at leading hotels. The programme will be delivered exclusively at Alkhaleej’s state-of-the-art training centre in Riyadh.

Dr Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Introducing our TOP programme to the Saudi Arabian market marks another important step in our mission to make high-quality hospitality education accessible to all.”

Alkhaleej will also offer specialised short courses and B2B upskilling programmes to meet evolving market needs. Graduates seeking further education can pursue degree-level qualifications at Dusit Thani College’s Bangkok campus.

John Lohr, Executive Director of External Affairs at DTC, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential, noting, “By licensing TOP to esteemed international partners such as Alkhaleej, we aim to support national tourism strategies and strengthen local workforces.”

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as the country’s hospitality sector is rapidly expanding. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects that travel and tourism will contribute over 10% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2025, creating significant opportunities for programmes like TOP.
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The post Radisson partners with Samoan-owned resort appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Radisson Hotel Group has signed a partnership with Return to Paradise Resort, marking the first collaboration between an international hotel group and a fully Samoan-owned resort. This agreement, celebrated by Samoan government officials and local leaders, aims to boost Samoa’s tourism by integrating the resort into the Radisson Individuals brand.

Located on the renowned Return to Paradise Beach in Lefaga, the resort will maintain its unique Samoan identity whilst gaining international visibility and support. The partnership will see the resort undergo a refurbishment to align with Radisson’s global standards, enhancing guest comfort whilst preserving its Samoan heritage. The resort features 117 rooms, including self-contained villas, and offers dining experiences that highlight local ingredients.

Aiono Hinauri Petana, Board Chairperson of Return to Paradise Resort, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to remain fully Samoan-owned and operated, staying true to our values, people, and culture whilst partnering with one of the world’s most respected hotel groups.”

Afamasaga Ramona Sua Pale, General Manager, emphasised the importance of retaining local ownership, noting that the collaboration will benefit the resort’s shareholders and staff through Radisson’s global marketing and training support.

Danilo Curcuruto, Director of Development Australasia for Radisson, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with Radisson Individuals’ ethos, which respects the identity and heritage of independent resorts. This collaboration is expected to elevate Samoa’s profile as a key destination in the South Pacific, attracting more travellers to experience its cultural richness and natural beauty.
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The post Grab promotes Southeast Asia tourism in Times Square appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Representative Image

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, has launched a vibrant advertising campaign in Times Square, New York, showcasing the region’s iconic sights and flavours. Running from 2 to 12 December 2025, the campaign features a series of 15-second ads supported by multiple national tourism boards across Southeast Asia, aiming to attract more travellers to the region.

The ads spotlight destinations such as Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport, Malaysia’s nasi lemak, Indonesia’s Pink Beach, Vietnam’s pancakes, and Thailand’s Ko Tapu. This initiative aligns with Grab’s mission to enhance lives and livelihoods in Southeast Asia by promoting its tourism ecosystem. Alex Hungate, President and COO of Grab, stated, “With this campaign, Grab is bringing the warmth of Southeast Asia to this iconic location.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts Southeast Asia’s Travel & Tourism GDP to grow at an average annual rate of 5.5% from 2024 to 2034. Grab, operating in over 800 cities, plays a crucial role in this growth by offering services like safe rides, local food discovery, and cashless payments through its superapp. This seamless experience is designed to make journeys simpler and safer for travellers.

Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have praised Grab’s efforts. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the collaboration’s role in enhancing Malaysia’s global positioning, whilst Nithee Seeprae, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications at TAT, emphasised the partnership’s contribution to sustainable tourism in Thailand.

As Southeast Asia’s tourism sector rebounds, Grab’s campaign in Times Square serves as a beacon, inviting global travellers to explore the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
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The post RateHawk plans major US expansion in 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

RateHawk, a B2B online booking system for travel professionals, has announced its ambitious expansion plans for the US market in 2026. Following a 70% year-over-year increase in net transaction value in Q3 and a 37% rise in US partners, the company is setting its sights on further growth. Currently, 15,500 travel professionals in the US utilise RateHawk’s services, contributing to a global network of over 110,000 users.

The company has established a dedicated commercial team of 25 specialists across the US to support this expansion. RateHawk’s Regional Director for North America, Ron Fenska, stated, “Our mission is simple: help every US travel adviser earn more whilst spending less time jumping between systems.” The platform offers travel advisers enhanced productivity and profitability through features like customisable commissions and access to 2.9 million properties, including 220,000 directly contracted hotels.

RateHawk is witnessing strong demand for European, Mexican, and Caribbean destinations, as well as multi-city and experiential itineraries. The platform’s extensive inventory, sourced from 330 suppliers, includes unique accommodation types such as cottages and glamping, which have grown by 41% in the past year. This reflects a rising interest among American travellers in distinctive stays and local experiences.

In addition to its desktop platform, RateHawk offers a mobile app for Android and iOS, allowing advisers to manage bookings on the go. As part of the UAE-based Emerging Travel Group, RateHawk is well-positioned to support the expanding US travel adviser market, projected to reach $172 billion by 2035.
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The post Advantage Travel unveils ‘Holiday Dreams. Made Simple.’ for members appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Advantage Travel Partnership has launched its new Turn of Year Peaks campaign, “Holiday Dreams. Made Simple.”, designed to boost sales for its members during the peak travel season. This initiative, crafted with input from Advantage members, aims to provide independent travel agents with marketing materials that evoke the holiday spirit and facilitate easy customer engagement.

The campaign allows members to choose between two creative routes, each tailored to different customer demographics whilst maintaining the core idea. Marketing Director David Forder highlighted the campaign’s focus on emotional engagement and ease of booking, stating, “Holiday Dreams. Made Simple. puts the emotion and the experience front and centre.”

Advantage members can personalise static assets with their own branding, ensuring a cohesive customer experience across all touchpoints, including in-store and on the Advantage TV Network. Responding to member feedback, the campaign also includes dynamic social media content, such as interactive reels and videos, to enhance online presence.

To further support members, Advantage will distribute an 84-page consumer magazine in January, combining its “Journeys” and “Navigate” titles. This will be available in both print and digital formats, personalised for each branch.

Additionally, Advantage will host a series of webinars and introduce gamified learning to help members maximise the campaign’s effectiveness. Forder emphasised the campaign’s goal to empower smaller agencies, saying, “We want our members to show up like a national brand, without losing their own identity.”

The campaign reflects Advantage’s commitment to providing practical and profitable marketing support tailored to the needs of independent travel agencies.
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The post PATA UK & Ireland raises £36,400 for charity appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland, in collaboration with TravelUni, hosted its annual Christmas charity lunch at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London on 10 December 2025. The event, which supports The Salvation Army, raised £36,400 through a festive menu, carol singing, and a raffle and auction. This year’s gathering saw 216 guests in attendance, contributing generously to the cause.

Chris Crampton, Chairman of PATA UK & Ireland, expressed gratitude to attendees and donors, highlighting the event as a favourite for raising funds for worthy charities. He also acknowledged Sir Mike Gooley for his significant contribution. “The afternoon was also a great way to reflect on and celebrate 2025’s achievements,” Crampton noted, citing growth and engagement in the Pacific Asia region.

Mark Rose of The Salvation Army thanked PATA for the donation, stating, “The money raised will help support our community wardrobe and the homeless drop-in service, which has supported over 6,000 drop-ins this year.”

The event also celebrated industry talent, with Dawn Page, Marketing Director at True Traveller, receiving the ‘Outstanding Industry Contribution Award 2025’. Page expressed her delight, saying, “I’m totally amazed, honoured and absolutely delighted.”

The festivities concluded with carol singing and prize giveaways, including luxury hotel stays and Christmas hampers. PATA’s schedule for 2026 events will be announced in the new year.
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