The post Alaminos Sky Garden to boost tourism into Philippine region of Northern Luzon appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr led the ground-breaking for the PHP249.8-million Sky Garden project in Alaminos City, Pangasinan on Friday, 23rd May.

This initiative is a flagship development that is expected to boost the tourism landscape of the Northern Philippines whilst generating employment for residents of local communities. 

A potential game-changer for the Philippine tourism sector, the Sky Garden is envisioned as a modern green space featuring elevated gardens, panoramic viewing decks, interactive zones, walkways, and retail spaces designed to attract both local and foreign tourists.

According to the President: “This isn’t just a garden; it’s a symbol of growth and collaboration. The Sky Garden is a collaboration among the local government of Alaminos City, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Department of Tourism (DOT). One of the features of the Sky Garden is that it is for the whole family. Gen-Z may do vlogs and My-Day posts here; while, for their parents, there is the elevated garden. But we need to make sure they will not have a hard time climbing the area so they can enjoy this attraction.”

A necessary economic boost

Marcos further underscored the Sky Garden’s role in strengthening local economic, environmental, and social systems, noting that it is expected to generate around 200 jobs and improve the livelihood of about 30 local concessionaires.

He said: “Tourism uplifts rural economies. It supports farmers, fisherfolk, souvenir vendors, hotels, and the transport sector. We envision the Sky Garden as a magnet for more visitors and a source of jobs for residents.”

The project is seen as a dynamic space for relaxation, social interaction, and sustainable urban biodiversity conservation.

Designed to be inclusive, it will offer opportunities to local entrepreneurs to set up cafés, souvenir shops, and eco-tours, while supporting nearby attractions like the Hundred Islands National Park and the eight-hectare Mangrove Eco-Park.

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The post China Eastern Airlines takes maiden flight on its Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

China Eastern Airlines successfully flew the maiden flight of its new Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur route on Wednesday, 21st May.

The new itinerary connects Lanzhou, the capital of the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu, with the Malaysian capital.

This milestone represents a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral tourism and economic relations between Malaysia and China.

The inaugural flight received a warm welcome at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from a contingent led by Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Samuel Lee Thai Hung and representatives from China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Tourism Malaysia, and AeroDarat, the airline’s ground handling partner.

This collaborative effort highlights the shared commitment to strengthening tourism and cultural ties between Malaysia and China. It also reflects Malaysia’s proactive approach in leveraging the resurgence of outbound travel from China.

Thrice weekly

The new Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur route will operate thrice weekly using an Airbus A320 aircraft with 156 seats. 

This service complements the existing daily Kunming–Kuala Lumpur flights and marks the first direct air link between Lanzhou and Malaysia. 

Moreover, by offering connecting routes via Kunming, this expansion creates broader opportunities to attract outbound travelers from key Chinese cities to Malaysia.

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand sets Taiwanese students off on a railway adventure appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a special welcome ceremony at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station for 240 students and teachers from Taiwan’s top international schools on Thursday, 22nd May. 

Led by TAT deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and the South Pacific Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, the event included a traditional cultural performance and the presentation of souvenirs, reinforcing Thailand’s reputation for warm, gracious hospitality.

This visit marked the beginning of a week-long educational rail journey running from 22nd to 29th May, which seeks to immerse students and their teachers into Thailand’s cultural depth and the appeal of train travel through the northern region. 

The group will explore a range of iconic sites, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, and Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, all while experiencing the country’s landscapes and local life along the rail route.

Ongoing efforts

The initiative is part of TAT’s broader strategy to diversify Thailand’s tourism offerings and attract new segments of travellers. 

With a goal of welcoming 1.2 million Taiwanese visitors in 2025 in order to achieve an eight percent increase in tourism revenue, TAT is focused on high-value, experience-rich travel. 

From 1st January to 21st May, Thailand received 405,503 Taiwanese visitors, reflecting a slight decline of 2.21 percent compared to the same period last year. 

However, the outlook remains positive, with flight capacity between Taiwan and Thailand up by six percent, totalling over 2.1 million seats in 2025. 

Taiwanese tourists currently average 6.25 nights per visit and spend about 5,896 baht daily, or roughly 36,850 Baht per trip.

This student rail tour is one of many efforts aligned with the government’s Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign, designed to boost international arrivals through exclusive incentives and fresh travel experiences. 

TAT anticipates that this programme will not only create lasting impressions but also inspire a new wave of educational and experiential tourism in Thailand.

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The post Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to offer more efficient services at Aseana hub appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) opened an express lane geared towards more efficient delivery of passport and consular services at its primary hub at Aseana City in the southern Manila suburb of  Parañaque..

The establishment of the lane is in line with Presidential Proclamation No 818, declaring the month of May as Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month.

Referred to as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) lane, this will be open to eligible individuals, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant, minors, overseas Filipinos, individuals with exceptional and emergency cases, and Muslim-Filipinos who are intending to join the annual Hajj pilgrimage between June and July. 

The DFA-Office of Consular Affairs added that the EODB Lane is currently integrated into its Passport Courtesy Lane May until Friday, 30th May.

In the name of more efficient services

The commemoration of EODB Month aims to raise awareness, promote reforms, and encourage collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and the general public to enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

This initiative is in compliance with Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

This specific law mandates the streamlining, standardization and automation of government processes to enhance public service delivery. 

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The post Dubai Airports hosts ‘senior citizen visit’ to DXB appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dubai Airports welcomed 30 senior citizens and their companions to Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) on marking the UAE’s Year of Community – a powerful initiative for 2025 launched under the slogan “Hand in Hand”, focusing on fostering collaboration, strengthening family and community bonds, and preserving cultural heritage.

The visit, organised by the Citizens Affairs Office in Ajman in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Happiness Center of the Ministry of Family, provided the senior delegation with an overview of airport facilities, including check-in procedures, terminal services, and available assistance. The programme included a guided tour with personalised support, reflecting Dubai Airports’ ongoing efforts to ensure an accessible, seamless, and welcoming airport environment for all guests.

E. Mariam Ali Al Maamari, Executive Director of the Citizens Affairs Office in Ajman, and Rashed Alghumlasi, Director of the Seniors’ Citizens Happiness Center, attended the event. Representing Dubai Airports were H. E. Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO, Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, and Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Service Delivery.

Representatives from key one DXB partners, including the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Emirates, Dubai Customs, Dubai Duty Free, dnata, and Dubai Police, also participated, highlighting a shared commitment to inclusive guest experiences.

This initiative aligns with Dubai Airports’ broader strategy to support national priorities and contribute to community-focused programmes under the Year of Community.

 

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The post Emirates serves another year of “fly better” experiences at Roland-Garros 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates is back on the iconic clay courts for the 13th consecutive year as the Official Airline and Premium Partner of Roland-Garros 2025. Taking place from 25 May until 8 June – Roland-Garros combines world-class tennis and the airline’s ‘fly better’ moments.

From top-notch hospitality, an interactive booth with fantastic giveaways, to complimentary ice-cream – Emirates is on the ground to deliver the ultimate in experiences this year at Roland-Garros.

World-class hospitality

Emirates is rolling out the red carpet at the Salon Phillipe-Chatrier private lounge, and guests can look forward to the finest hospitality experience with exceptional views of the Philippe-Chatrier court. Guests will be spoilt for choice with an array of gourmet dishes, desserts, and cheese pairings.

Stop and ‘snap’ at the Emirates booth 

Tennis fans can visit the Emirates’ interactive photo booth to snap pictures, play interactive games, and enter a draw to win fantastic prizes including tennis match tickets, branded merchandise, and 2 Economy Class tickets from Paris to Dubai.*

Beat the heat with free ice cream 

Eventgoers can beat the heat this summer with a refreshing treat while watching exciting matches at Roland-Garros. Emirates will be serving complimentary ice cream on 24 May, 28 May, and 4 June at the famous Jardin des Mousquetaires.

Supporting local communities 

The airline has once again partnered with a local organisation, Fête le Mur, to offer youth a chance to participate in the Trophée des Légendes. Fête le Mur’s mission is to provide children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods a chance to partake in sporting activities, including tennis lessons.

As a presenting partner of Trophée des Légendes, Emirates will offer a handful of children a chance to meet tennis legends, take images with Emirates’ friendly cabin crew, and ‘toss the coin’ to kickstart the matches.

Emirates also offered a group of children from Fête le Mur a chance to experience ‘fly better’ moments at the airline’s’ world-class hospitality suite, including exclusive match access with prime seating in Philippe-Chatrier court, offering unparalleled views of the matches.

Serving ‘fly better’ experiences worldwide 

Emirates is the Official Airline and Premier Partner of the ATP World Tour. The airline became a Premium Partner of Roland-Garros in 2018 and will continue to be a Premium Partner of the Grand Slam until 2027. Along with Roland-Garros, Emirates’ tennis portfolio includes some of the highest profile events in the world, including of the other three Grand Slams, including the Australian Open, US Open, and Wimbledon, and 60 other tournaments across the year.

In France, the airline is also the Official Main Sponsor of Olympique Lyonnaise until 2030; and a proud sponsor of UAE Team Emirates, which has captured top spots at some of the biggest cycling tours in the world, including the Tour De France.

Serving France for 30 years 

Emirates has been operating to France for more than 30 years. The airline currently serves Paris with 21 weekly flights, including 3 daily A380 flights; a daily A380 service to Nice; and a daily Boeing 777 flight to Lyon (to be served with the airline’s A350 aircraft from June 2025).

Emirates’ customers travelling to/from Paris, Lyon and Nice from 25 May until 8 June will enjoy specially curated menus; co-branded Roland-Garros headrests and coasters; and more than 50 movies and documentaries on tennis, as well as live matches available on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra on ice – the airline’s inflight entertainment system.

First and Business Class passengers can also look forward to delicious pastries, lemon and yogurt bundt cake featuring Roland-Garros logo dessert toppers, and refreshing welcome drinks served in the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge.

Premium customers travelling from Paris will also enjoy refreshing drinks and tennis-themed dishes and desserts at the Emirates Lounge in Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, located in Terminal 2C.

The airline’s extensive network of more than 140 destinations offers French customers access to an array of onward connections to Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

 

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The post RAKTDA debuts ‘Tourism Excellence Awards’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) held its first-ever Tourism Excellence Awards, a programme created to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, the awards ceremony brought together leaders and professionals from across the industry to celebrate those who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership in advancing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing tourism destinations.

The inaugural edition featured six award categories, spanning Corporate Hospitality Excellence, Individual Innovation, Culinary Artistry, Hospitality Leadership, Community Involvement, and Environmental Responsibility. This comprehensive framework was designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the tourism ecosystem and to reward contributions at every level – from individual talent to corporate initiatives.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), commented: “The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement. Our goal is to inspire the entire tourism ecosystem to reach new heights, and these awards are testament to the incredible progress we are making together.”

The 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards align with RAKTDA’s broader vision of building a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism destination. In addition to recognising exceptional service delivery, the programme aims to:

• Enhance travellers’ confidence in Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination;
• Promote best practices and elevate service standards in the hospitality and tourism sector;
• Attract and retain top-tier industry talent and foster a strong sense of belonging;
• Encourage creativity and innovation across the sector;
• Strengthen collaboration between businesses, government entities, and local communities.

Phillips concluded: “The awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah’s exceptional tourism story – one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint, consolidating our position as a destination of the future.”

Raki Phillips, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, RAKTDA, The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards,

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The post Wego introduces Qibla Finder appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Exciting update for Wego users: The popular Qibla Finder feature has returned to the Wego app with enhanced functionality. Responding to high user demand, Wego has reinstated the Qibla Finder and introduced a convenient home screen widget for streamlined access to prayer times.

How to access the Qibla Finder:

Navigating to the Qibla & Prayer Times section is straightforward:

• Open the Wego app and select the “Account” tab located on the bottom navigation bar.
• Scroll down to the “Qibla & Prayer Times” option under the Settings menu to view the day’s prayer schedule.
• Customize your location to reflect your current city and monitor the countdown to the next prayer.

To use the Qibla Finder, grant location access and rotate your phone until the black compass line aligns with the mosque icon. This will accurately indicate the Qibla direction.

How to enable the prayer times widget:

Stay updated with prayer times directly from your home screen:

• Within the Qibla & Prayer Times section, select the checkbox next to “Show Widget” to activate the widget.
• To remove the widget, simply uncheck the box.

With this enhancement, Wego ensures users have easy and immediate access to essential prayer information, simplifying your spiritual routine.

 

 

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The post Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches seasonal flights to Giza appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s first low-cost carrier, has launched new seasonal flights between Abu Dhabi and Giza in Egypt. The new route, which will operate during the summer, reflects the airline’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable travel options for customers to travel between the two countries during this peak season, the airline said.

“The launch of our new seasonal non-stop service between the UAE and Egypt reflects our continued focus on expanding connectivity to cater to the growing travel demand during the summer period,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “This route supports our broader strategy of offering greater convenience and reliable travel options across key regional markets. We remain committed to unlocking new opportunities that enhance the customer experience while delivering affordable and value-driven air travel.”

The new service will commence on June 26, 2025, and continue through September 11, 2025, between Zayed International Airport and Sphinx International Airport with a frequency of three flights per week.

 

 

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The post Taiwan opens new tourism service centre in The Netherlands appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Taiwan’s Tourism Administration opened a service center in Amsterdam last 15th May.

The new office is expected to make things easier for the rising number of Dutch travellers who are making their way to Taiwan.

This is the second tourism office to be established in Europe under the Taiwanese government’s current administration, and comes on the heels of the one in Paris which opened last year.

Rising numbers

Taiwanese authorities report that, as of the end of Q1-2025, the number of Dutch visitors to their country is up 14 percent from the total seen in Q1-2024.Thursday amid growing travel from the Netherlands to Taiwan.

Tourism Administration director-general Chou Yung-hui remarked: “As Amsterdam is an important transportation and cultural hub, the service center should strengthen Taiwan’s brand image in Europe and deepen links with local consumers, media, and business.”

Chou further explained the vital role played by airlines like China Airlines, EVA Air, and KLM in boosting tourism, as these operate direct flights between the two nations.

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