The post Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Nidhi Berry as Commercial Director appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru announces the appointment of Nidhi Berry as its new Commercial Director. With over two decades of distinguished experience across India’s premier hospitality brands, Nidhi brings a nuanced understanding of the country’s dynamic travel landscape, coupled with a strategic commercial acumen and an empathetic, people-centric leadership style. Her appointment marks a significant step forward in the luxury major’s journey, perfectly mirroring the brand’s ethos of intuitive luxury and heartfelt hospitality.

“Nidhi’s appointment marks an exciting chapter,” says Biswajiy Chakraborty, General Manager. “Her strategic clarity, authentic leadership style, and nuanced understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape make her an exceptional addition to our executive team. With a proven track record across key markets and a sharp commercial instinct, Nidhi is positioned to lead our commercial efforts with both precision and purpose.”

Among her notable accomplishments, Nidhi played a pivotal role in securing the Vande Bharat business for hotels during the first wave of the pandemic—an achievement that ensured 80% of the segment’s market share remained with her properties.

She also led the seamless rollout of key platforms such as CRS SynXis, Opera PMS, and IDeaS RMS across multiple hotel chains—bringing in both innovation and efficiency at scale. Her work has been recognised with multiple accolades, including being named Best Sales Person of the Year, and she holds a Gold Certification as an assessor for the Tata Business Excellence Model.

Since joining Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru in July 2024 as Director of Revenue Management and Yield, Nidhi has played a pivotal role in crafting the hotel’s commercial strategy. In her expanded capacity as Commercial Director, she will now oversee Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and Reservations—bringing a unified, strategic vision to the hotel’s growth trajectory and market positioning.

 

 

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The post WiT Queenstown to Debut in July 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s travel tech media and events platform, will make its New Zealand debut with WiT Queenstown in July 2026, marking a milestone for the region as it aims to establish itself as a hub for travel and hospitality technology innovation.

The one-day event will be held in partnership with Technology Queenstown, a not-for-profit agency founded by Roger Sharp, who chairs global travel business WEB Travel Group and regional tech investment bank North Ridge Partners, and who witnessed firsthand the power of WiT’s global community at WiT Singapore and WiT Japan & North Asia last year.

With more than three million visitors annually, Queenstown offers a unique southern hemisphere testing ground for innovations that enhance travel experiences. WiT Queenstown will spotlight this potential, bringing together travel operators, tech companies, DMOs, tourism boards, investors, and senior executives from global travel tech brands.

Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder of WiT, said: “We’ve long had our sights set on Oceania. After the success of WiT Australia in Sydney in 2011, we’re excited to return with WiT Queenstown, set in one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations on earth.

“Our mission has always been to spark innovation in travel tech, from Singapore to Tokyo, Seoul, Cape Town, and Dubai,” she added. “We’re excited to collaborate with Technology Queenstown to build a unique edition that marries WiT insights with local strategic vision and talent.”

Technology Queenstown is spearheading efforts to diversify Queenstown Lakes District’s economy, where tourism and hospitality account for more than 60%, by developing a world-class tech sector.

“Covid showed us how vulnerable a tourism-dependent economy can be,” said Sharp.

“Bringing WiT to town is a cornerstone of our strategy,” said Sharp. “I was struck by the dynamism, camaraderie and deep knowledge at WiT events. We’re thrilled to bring that energy to Queenstown.”

Appointed in December, Technology Queenstown’s inaugural CEO Sarah Russell has hit the ground running and this partnership with WiT is evidence of that.

“With a strategic blueprint developed by Accenture, strong corporate support, and plans to launch a tech university campus, we’re building the foundation. Travel tech is the first cluster we’re backing, and WiT is central to making that happen,” said Russell.

The launch of WiT Queenstown underscores a broader ambition: to make Queenstown not just a world-class destination for adventure, but also for tech.

“Launching a globally successful event is central to the process of building out our travel tech sector, which already has several nascent rockstar companies being built,” said Russell.

“By amplifying what already exists, we aim to make Queenstown known for solving real-world travel problems through tech. We’re inviting the world’s travel tech community to experience this for themselves against the stunning backdrop of alpine lakes, snowy peaks, and world-famous wines.”

 

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The post Dida appoints Luca Plotegher to the role of European Director – Direct Hotel Partnerships appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dida has announced the appointment of Luca Plotegher to the role of European Director – Direct Hotel Partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, including strategic commercial roles at Expedia Group where he led high performing business development and account management teams across Europe, Luca is well placed to drive forward Dida’s European ambitions.

Luca joins Dida, the no.1 B2B outbound player in China and a leader across APAC, at a time of rapid European expansion for the company, where it has been registering fast inbound growth from source markets globally. Dida’s top 5 European destination countries in terms of volume and year-to-date growth include UK (+86%), France (+85%), Germany (+79%), Spain (+104%) and Italy (+87%)*.

 

The top source markets driving this inbound growth include China, USA, Germany, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, providing Dida’s hotel partners with easy access to high-value yet often harder-to-reach source markets. With distribution via tour operators, travel agents, travel management companies (TMCs) and loyalty and point redemption companies, Dida provides hoteliers with an important additional channel of distribution that drives incremental bookings that fully complement their direct marketing activities.

Commenting on Luca’s appointment, Rikin Wu, Dida’s CEO & Founder said “We are really pleased to welcome Luca to Dida at this pivotal time for the company. His experience will be invaluable to us as we look to fulfil the growing demand we are receiving for European destinations from source markets worldwide”.

Luca Plotegher, Dida’s new European Director – Direct Hotel Partnerships commented “I’m excited to be joining Dida at this time of rapid expansion for the company. Dida is already famous for its success across China and APAC and we have clear opportunity to replicate this in Europe.

Alongside the wider team, I am looking forward to further enhancing our relationship with our valued European hotel partners while further building on Dida’s impressive performance to date”.

 

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The post The Soul of Luxury: Jason Friedman Headlines The Boutique Hotel Series Bangkok to Redefine Unforgettable Experiences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In the world of boutique luxury, few names command as much respect—or reverence—as Jason M. Friedman. On May 29, 2025, at the serene Sukhothai Bangkok, Friedman will take the stage at The Boutique Hotel Series: The Summit Bangkok for a high-impact, TED Talk–style keynote titled:
“The Soul of Luxury: Boutique Hotels Re-defining Unforgettable Experiences in the Luxury Market”.

This much-anticipated session will be more than a talk—it’s a masterclass in designing guest experiences that stir the soul and set new benchmarks for luxury hospitality.

Jason M. Friedman, a native New Yorker with over three decades in the industry, is the Founder and Managing Director of J.M. Friedman Hospitality, a boutique consulting firm focused on the development and operation of small luxury resorts, tented camps, and expedition ships across Southeast Asia. His client list reads like a who’s who of global hospitality—Four Seasons, Raffles, Amanresorts, Rosewood, InterContinental, and independents like The Siam and Qualia.

A graduate of Cornell University and Lewis & Clark College, Jason is known for pairing vision with precision, creating experiences that are as operationally sound as they are emotionally resonant.

“Luxury today is not about a beautiful room, or great car, or a great meal. Luxury today in the sense of travel is about an experience you are providing. That experience is a collection of key attributes, like service, people, physical room, location, and food. All these things must come together in the right way to provide truly unique luxury experiences. It’s about an aggregation of all the components of a travel experience; it’s entirely about how you put it all together.”, said Jason.

It’s this philosophy—elevated, integrated, and experience-driven—that defines Friedman’s work, from iconic projects like The Siam Bangkok to remote luxury tented camps and expedition vessels like the Kudanil Explorer.

Founded in 2016, J.M. Friedman Hospitality was created to fill a rising demand for specialized luxury hospitality services in Asia. The firm has since worked with top-tier clients including Shinta Mani, Aqua Expeditions, AlUla, El Secreto Belize, and Phu Chaisai. Based in Singapore, the company assembles bespoke teams of experts for each project, while Jason remains hands-on with every client.

As a founding Advisory Board Member of The Boutique Hotel Series, Jason’s keynote is both a cornerstone of the Summit and a call to action: to bring intention, creativity, and humanity back to the heart of hospitality.

Event Details

The Sukhothai Bangkok
May 28–29, 2025
Keynote Session: “The Soul of Luxury” – May 29
Register now: www.theboutiquehotelseries.com

Contact:
The Boutique Hotel Series
Email: hello@theboutiquehotelseries.com
Website: www.theboutiquehotelseries.com

 

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The post Vietjet introduces two new direct routes to China appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietjet introduces two new direct routes from Vietnam’s capital Hanoi to Chengdu and Xi’an in China.

Inaugural flights will be taking off on the 1st and 6th July respectively, offering four round trip flights each per week.

These new services bring the airline’s total number of Vietnam–China direct routes introduced in the first half of 2025 to seven, further strengthening its expanding flight network. 

For Singaporean travellers, this opens up a more seamless journey to China via Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering more flexible and affordable travel options across the region. 

To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is offering promotional fares for new services through its website and mobile app.

Inroads to China

These new services follow Vietjet’s recent launches connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as the Hanoi-Shanghai route introduced in March and April. 

The two additional services will strengthen comprehensive air connectivity between Vietnam and China, promoting tourism and trade while offering greater access between China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Vietjet has been rapidly expanding its international flight network, particularly between Vietnam and China, with direct routes now linking Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing, and Guangzhou. 

Beyond China, the airline is also boosting regional connectivity with a new direct service between Singapore and Phu Quoc to be launched on May 30. In the first and second quarters, 

Vietjet also launched new services to India linking Ho Chi Minh City to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, and to Japan’s Nagoya and Fukuoka. 

These strategic expansions reflect Vietjet’s strong commitment to enhancing international cooperation and making travel across the Asia–Pacific region more accessible and affordable.     

In line with its global ambitions, Vietjet continues to broaden its global flight network while providing travellers with a comfortable and seamless journey aboard modern, eco-friendly aircraft and professional service that reflects the authentic spirit of Vietnam.      

As part of its passenger-first approach, Vietjet also offers complimentary SkyCare travel insurance and exclusive rewards through its SkyJoy loyalty program.    

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The post Japan foreign arrivals up 28.5 percent in April 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) released its monthly arrivals report for April yesterday, 21st May.

According to the report, foreign arrivals in the country showed a year-on-year increase of 28.5 percent, a record-breaking 3.91 million within April alone.

In an accompanying statement, the JNTO explained: “Spring cherry blossom season boosted demand for visits to Japan in many markets, as in the previous month, and overseas travel demand increased in some Asian countries, in Europe, the US and Australia to coincide with the Easter holidays.”

Rising numbers

The JNTO report also shows that, in the first trimester of 2025, Japan has already welcomed 14.4 million foreign visitors, reflecting a 24.5 increase from the figure seen on 30th April 2024.

Likewise, the April total has surpassed that of January 2025 which saw the entry of 3.78 million visitors; April is also the first month to exceed 3.9 million arrivals.

While JNTO experts cited the spring holidays as a factor for the increase, they also pointed out how the weakened yen has contributed significantly to the influx of foreign visitors.

Indeed, national tourism figures released at the end of January 2025 show that a total of 36.8 million foreign travellers made their way to Japan in 2024.

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The post Philippine tourism department to provide seniors with employment opportunities appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that it plans to aid qualified Filipino senior citizens with training and job opportunities in the field of tourism.

This programme is part of a new understanding between the DOTand the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) which was formally signed yesterday, 21st May.

Through this partnership, the DOT will activate its regional offices to include senior citizens in its training for tourism stakeholders.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said: “Senior citizens simply have to approach our regional offices or the NCSC and we can definitely include them in our training modules.”

Tailor-fit to those willing to work

As of press time, the NCSC is conducting a “needs assessment” to tailor-fit the training program for beneficiaries.

Once formally rolled out, NCSC officer-in-charge and chairperson Mary Jean Loreche said a senior citizen needs only to be physically and mentally fit to qualify for the training program.

Loreche said in Filipino: “Each region has its own tourist destinations, so if our seniors wish to become tour guides, then so be it. If they want to work in the resorts and hotels and be part of the personnel that’s also possible. This initiative offers numerous opportunities for them.”

On top of training, the MOU would help the DOT craft more inclusive policies that are sensitive to the needs of traveling senior citizens.

It would also facilitate the development of infrastructure and tourism products that cater to the sector.

Frasco added: “We will make a conscious effort so that there are opportunities for seniors to enjoy in the tourism programmes and circuits that we’re launching in our destinations, that aren’t just discounts, but also expanded opportunities to enjoy different kinds of tourism products.”

The secretary pointed out that the new understanding improves on the existing engagement between DOT and NCSC by ensuring that it is neither a seasonal nor a one-off endeavour.

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The post Emirates inaugurates experiential Emirates Travel Store in Accra appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates has unveiled its interactive and experiential Emirates Travel Store in Accra, Ghana, elevating its customer experience with exciting product showcases, smart technologies and expert travel consultants. The opening marks the first travel retail store in West Africa, and the 13^th globally.

The Emirates Travel Store, located at the vibrant and prestigious Stanbic Heights in Airport City, was inaugurated by Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre, in the presence of the Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Hon. Joseph Nikpe, Ghana’s Minister of Transport. The opening ceremony was also attended by other distinguished guests, trade and media partners.

Commenting on the opening, Adil Al Ghaith said: “For over twenty years, Ghana has been an anchor of our African network, serving as a gateway to West Africa. The introduction of our refreshed retail strategy to Accra, demonstrates our ongoing commitment, bringing our ‘Fly Better’ promise to life. The seamless blend of expert consultation and smart, self-service technologies, coupled with the immersive product and destination experiences, elevates our customers’ journey, ensuring they receive the support and inspiration they need to discover more with Emirates.”

Elevating the travel experience

Centrally located and easily accessible, the Emirates Travel Store in Accra unites personalised service and immersive brand experiences under one roof. The 310 m² store is designed like an open-plan and luxurious lounge, in the airline’s signature light and airy colour palette with Ghaf Tree emblem adorning the walls.

The centrepiece of the store is the full-size Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge experience, bringing one of Emirates’ most iconic and widely renowned products closer to travellers from Ghana, and giving them a taste of onward travel experiences from Dubai.

Smart technologies such as the ‘selfie mirror’ snap pictures of travellers against scenic destination backdrops, inspiring customers to explore more; while self-service kiosks empower customers with a self-service touchpoint, minimising wait time and offering a faster service.

Five customer service counters staffed by expert consultants offer a comprehensive range of services from planning travel itineraries, supporting reservations and ticketing as well as general enquiries. Delivering Emirates’ signature hospitality at the highest standard, the team ensures every visitor enjoys a seamless, thoughtful, and elevated experience from the moment they step into the store.

Serving Ghana since 2004

For over two decades, Emirates has been connecting Ghana to the world and serving as an unwavering partner of the country’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors. Since the inaugural flight, Emirates has flown over 2 million passengers, facilitating business and leisure to key destinations such as Canada, India, Australia, Singapore and, of course, Dubai. Today, Emirates serves Accra with a daily flight, operated on a three-class Boeing 777.

 

 

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The post  IndiGo announces direct flights from Madurai to Abu Dhabi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo announces new direct flights connecting the culturally vibrant city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Abu Dhabi, from June 13, 2025. Madurai will be the 16th Indian city with direct connectivity to Abu Dhabi and comes days after the airline announced direct flights from Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The tri-weekly flights between Madurai and Abu Dhabi further strengthens IndiGo’s international connectivity and making global travel more seamless and affordable for Indian travellers.

By connecting tier-2 cities like Madurai to key global hubs, IndiGo is unlocking new across sectors. This direct flight will facilitate the seamless export of agricultural products, textiles, and other key commodities from the region to the UAE and beyond, boosting local businesses and fostering economic growth. The direct flight between the cities eliminates the need for connections, reducing travel time for business travelers, students, and families, and providing more convenient travel experience. This strategic addition reinforces IndiGo’s position as the preferred carrier, operating over 280 weekly flights to five destinations in the UAE from 20 Indian cities.

 Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a cultural and historical gem in Tamil Nadu. Known as the “Athens of the East,” it is home to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture that draws millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. Beyond its spiritual significance, Madurai is a thriving hub for textiles, education, and healthcare, with a growing footprint in technology and manufacturing. Its strategic location and economic diversity make it a key regional centre in southern India. With a rich legacy dating back over 2,500 years, Madurai blends tradition and progress, making it an important city for both cultural tourism and business travel.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its elegant fusion of tradition and modernity, featuring UNESCO-listed Cultural Sites of Al Ain, including ancient tombs and forts. Iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi add to its global cultural appeal. As the UAE’s financial hub, it hosts major energy firms while growing in tourism, aviation, and technology. Known for its luxury resorts, pristine coastline, and Formula 1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi offers both economic opportunities and world-class leisure experiences.

 

 

Flight Schedule:

 

Flight No.	Origin	Destination	Frequency	Effective	Departure	Arrival
6E 1514	Abu Dhabi	Madurai	Mon, Wed, Fri	June 13, 2025	7:20	13:05
6E 1513	Madurai	Abu Dhabi	Mon, Wed, Fri	June 13, 2025	14:35	17:20

 

 

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The post Moscow Metro Marks 90 Years with Technological Advancements and Heritage Events appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Established in 1935, the Moscow Metro has grown into one of the world’s largest urban transit networks, spanning over 550 kilometers and serving more than 8 million passengers daily. Its 90th anniversary is marked by historical exhibitions and continued advancements in digital transport technology.

The Moscow Metro has reached its 90th year of operation, marking a significant milestone for one of the world’s largest and longest-running urban transit systems. Since its inauguration in 1935, the system has expanded to cover over 550 kilometers of track, with 302 stations, serving an average of 8 million passenger trips per weekday.

Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, said, “The opening of the Metro in 1935 was a historic event for our capital and the entire country. Even then, decades ago, the workers and builders set the highest standards for passenger service. Today, in line with the goals set by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, we continue to uphold that standard. More than 65,000 people are currently employed by the Moscow Metro. They not only help serve millions of passengers every day, but also work hard to earn the continued trust of Muscovites, so that each journey leaves a positive impression. I want to thank every employee for their dedication and wish them continued success.”

Initially launched with a single line spanning 11.5 kilometers and 13 stations, the Moscow Metro has expanded steadily over the past nine decades. In 2024 alone, the system transported 2.7 billion passengers.

Modernization has been a continuous process. Today, more than 75% of trains are newly developed models equipped with features such as automated speed control, open gangways, and updated safety systems. These advancements enable high-frequency operations, with intervals as short as 90 seconds during peak hours.

The system has also implemented digital ticketing solutions, including smart cards, virtual ticket options, and biometric payments, now used in the majority of daily trips. These technologies aim to streamline passenger flow and improve accessibility.

To mark the anniversary, a series of events and exhibitions were organized in the city, highlighting both the history and evolution of the metro system. Public displays featured restored early-generation trains and archival materials documenting the network’s development.

As one of the world’s most heavily used metro systems, the Moscow Metro continues to play a central role in urban transportation, reflecting broader trends in infrastructure investment, technological integration, and mass transit development over the past century.

 

 

 

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