The post Ground Team Red Launches Premium Private Jet Handling Services at LIMA 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), a ground services handler in Malaysia, announced the official launch of its Private Jet Handling service at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025.
The new premium service marks GTR’s strategic expansion into the VIP and business aviation segment, enhancing its comprehensive portfolio of aviation ground handling services.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Hasbi Habibollah. Through these agreements, GTR will be appointed as the official ground handler for non-scheduled flights, focusing specifically on private jets and military aircraft.

Musdalifa Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of GTR, highlighted the launch as a significant step in GTR’s growth trajectory: “This MoU marks an important milestone as we expand into the non-scheduled flight segment, supporting the unique demands of private and military aviation. We are honoured to be the ground handling partner of choice for Weststar and Sapura Aero and look forward to elevating the standard of handling in Malaysia.”

GTR’s new Private Jet Handling service will leverage the company’s extensive operational expertise and nationwide presence to deliver premium ground handling services tailored to the exacting requirements of private and military aviation. The service will initially be available at key airports across Malaysia, with plans for expansion in line with market demand.

The launch at LIMA 2025, Malaysia’s premier aerospace and maritime exhibition, underscores the strategic importance of this service expansion.
As the nation continues to develop its aviation infrastructure and capabilities, GTR’s entry into specialised handling services aligns with national objectives to enhance Malaysia’s position as a regional aviation hub.

 

 

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The post Samantha Briggs appointed Thailand/Laos general manager for Intrepid Travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

B-Corp certified travel company Intrepid Travel announced the appointment of Samantha Briggs as its new country general manager for Thailand and Laos.

This strategic appointment strengthens Intrepid Travel’s senior leadership team across Southeast Asia.

Intrepid’s regional general manager for Southeast Asia Mike Stewart said of the new appointee: “Sam brings the perfect blend of global expertise and regional understanding. Her growth mindset and values-driven leadership will be instrumental in our continued success across Thailand and Laos.”

Briggs herself remarked: “I’ve long admired Intrepid’s purpose-led approach to tourism. It’s a real privilege to return to Southeast Asia in this role and support a team that’s so passionate about creating positive change through travel.”

This appointment forms part of Intrepid’s refreshed leadership structure across Asia, as the company works toward its 2030 goal to welcome more than 600,000 travellers annually.

Asia remains central to that vision, with a focus on expanding operations and deepening Intrepid’s impact across the region.

Meet Samantha Briggs

Briggs brings over a decade of global experience in high-growth sales and team leadership, having previously served as Intrepid’s head of sales for the UK & Europe.

With a long-standing personal connection to Southeast Asia, where she lived growing up, she returns to the region with a mission to build on Intrepid’s strong foundations in sustainable and community-led travel.

Her new assignment is seen as a growth centre for the company as Intrepid DMC Thailand currently operates trips for multiple global tour operators, with a local team based in Bangkok that handles about 10,000 passengers annually.

Also, Intrepid DMC Thailand was recognised as one of Asia’s Best Places to Work by Great Place to Work last year, highlighting the company’s ongoing investment in its people and positive workplace culture.

Intrepid currently operates 28 destination management companies (DMCs) globally, delivering the majority of its own trips and designing tailored itineraries for other leading travel brands.

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The post “Revitalization of Mangroves” China-Indonesia Dialogue on Sustainable Development Held in Jakarta appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Recently the “Revitalization of Mangroves” China-Indonesia Dialogue on Sustainable Development was held in Jakarta. The event brought together over a hundred guests, including government representatives, experts, scholars, and business leaders from China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and other countries, to explore ecological protection and sustainable development pathways for mangrove ecosystems.

Balancing ecological protection with economic development

Gao Anming, Editor-in-Chief of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, noted that China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration will continue to act as a bridge in promoting mangrove conservation by building a platform for friendly exchange. He emphasized the importance of balancing ecological protection with economic development and showcasing the “green achievements” of China-Indonesia cooperation to the world.

Wang Siping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, stated in his remarks that China and Indonesia have enormous potential for cooperation in mangrove and biodiversity conservation. As 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China is willing to work with Indonesia to expand collaboration across economic, social, cultural, and ecological sectors, injecting new momentum into the China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Zhao Shibin, General Manager of GD Power under China Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy), remarked that ecological protection is not a multiple-choice question, but a necessary answer for the survival of civilization. The expansion of mangrove forests has increased employment opportunities for local communities and bolstered fishery resources. This reflects a shared responsibility for improving livelihoods and strengthens the bonds that unite our shared home.

During the conference, scholars from various countries delivered keynote speeches focused on mangrove conservation, offering valuable insights under the theme “Protecting Mangroves, Safeguarding Our Blue Planet”.

Mangrove restoration for marine ecosystem

Linda Krisnawati, Senior Environmental Extension Officer, Ministry of Environment of Indonesia, highlighted the multifaceted value of mangrove restoration for marine ecosystems and fisheries. She expressed hope for deeper cooperation with China in technological innovation and talent development. Meas Rithy, Deputy Director of Department of Coastal Zone and Marine Conservation of Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, said that mangrove restoration is not only an environmental goal, but also a symbol of cross-national and cross-sector collaboration. He called on all parties to join hands in reviving mangroves and restoring marine ecosystems to create a green, inclusive, and resilient future.

The event was co-hosted by China International Communications Group, China Energy Investment Corporation, and Indonesia’s State Electricity Company (PT PLN). During the dialogue, youth representatives from China and Indonesia jointly released The Earth’s Lung and the Guard of Coast: Jakarta Initiative on Conservation of Mangroves.

 

 

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The post Crystal launches its new original production Club Nights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Experiential cruise line Crystal announced the debut of its newest original production show Club Nights today, 21st May.

The initial run of the production premiered aboard Crystal Serenity to the enthusiastic reaction of World Cruise guests.

Club Nights will also make its way aboard the Crystal Symphony in late November 2025. 

Replacing Crystal on Broadway: The Show, this vibrant, high-energy musical journey is a bold departure from traditional cruise entertainment, immersing guests in a pulsating tour of iconic nightlife scenes through music, dance and cutting-edge design.

Club Nights is the first new show for the brand since its relaunch in 2023 under the new ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. 

It represents a thrilling step forward in Crystal’s entertainment evolution: an all-original concept built from the ground up to dazzle modern travellers seeking something bold, beautiful, and undeniably fun.

Distinct inspirations

Inspired by the distinct musical styles and electric atmospheres found in legendary nightclubs around the world, Club Nights is a sensory celebration of the sounds that define a night out: from the twang of country saloons to the glitz of Las Vegas, the grit of a biker bar, and the soul of a jazz lounge.

Crystal’s vice-president for entertainment Keith Cox said of Club Nights: “This show has lived in my imagination for years. The music was always the driving force: each scene builds around a specific club genre, creating an emotional and visual experience that transports our audience to places they know and love, or maybe have always dreamed of.” 

The show unfolds across five immersive club scenes, each with its own scenery, costumes, and musical setlist:

• Country Music Club: Get ready to two-step to top country hits.
• Bikers Saloon Club: Feel the raw edge of rock with some of the most legendary anthems.
• Las Vegas Night Club: Glamour takes the stage with popular Rat Pack medleys.
• Blues & Jazz City Club: Soulful and sultry, this scene features music by Albert King, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy.
• London Pub Club: The finale roars with a rock medley from legendary English band The Who, evoking the spirit of 70s Rock Opera.

From sparkly showgirl feathers in Vegas to leather vests in the biker bar, every detail of the costume design speaks to the character of each club. 

Developed in-house with hand-selected specialists, the production features moveable bar setups, motorcycles, custom-built props and original 3-D scenic art displayed on the ship’s expansive LED wall; all choreographed under dazzling, club-inspired lighting.

As Cox puts it: “We designed Club Nights to be unlike anything else at sea. It’s immersive, innovative, and infused with the energy of the world’s most iconic nightlife destinations. Our goal is to surprise and delight our guests at every turn, and this show delivers on every level.”

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The post Qatar Airways Group profit grows by more than 28% to over QAR7.85bn (US$2.15bn)    appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways Group has announced the strongest set of financial results in its history. Profits for the Group, which includes cargo, catering and Qatar Duty Free, reached QAR7.85bn (US$2.15bn) in the 24/25 fiscal year – an increase of more than QAR1.7bn (US$0.5bn) on the year before.

Qatar Airways Cargo shows 17% in growth

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading cargo carrier, has delivered a remarkable financial performance, recording a 17% growth in revenue and achieving the best financial results since the COVID period. This is attributed to its agility in adapting to shifting market conditions, a focus on investing in digitalisation, deeper data-driven analyses, and its best-in-class reliability.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across all of Qatar Airways Group. I know that none of the outstanding results we’re announcing today would be possible without our people – more than 55,000 of them across the globe – and it’s our focus on fostering that talent, which has been a core focus of our Qatar Airways 2.0 strategy.

“We have also successfully implemented strategic partnerships throughout the industry, in order for the Group to remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental.

“All of this means we continue to offer and develop exceptional service in the skies, whether it’s the award-winning Qsuite, fine dining, or super-fast complimentary Starlink internet connectivity for all passengers.”

Key achievements of Qatar Airways Group over the last financial year include:

• Record-breaking 28% increase in profit in 24/25 financial year.
• Expansion of Hamad International Airport, enabling it to cater for 65m passengers annually.
• First global airline, and first in MENA region, to install Starlink super-fast WiFi on its Boeing 777 fleet.
• 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.
• 25% acquisition of South African premier regional airline, Airlink.
• Introduction of conversational AI into its world-first digital cabin crew, Sama.
• A range of technical MoUs future-proofing and diversifying the business across the sector, as well as working to fulfil the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Looking ahead, Qatar Airways also recently made historic aircraft and engine orders, ensuring that its already modern and technologically-advanced fleet remains at the forefront of commercial aviation, providing world-leading service to passengers across the globe.

 

 

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The post Shanmugam Thangavelu appointed the GM of Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah is excited to announce the appointment of Shanmugam Thangavelu as its new General Manager. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years across luxury resorts and globally renowned hotel brands, Shan brings a wealth of leadership experience, operationalexpertise, and an infectious passion for hospitality to this vibrant property.

Shan’s journey through the hospitality world has taken him from the island shores of Seychelles to bustling cityscapes in Singapore and right back to the tropical paradise of Langkawi, where he’s no stranger. His impressive background includes leadership roles with Four Seasons, Raffles, Westin, and most recently, Fairfield by Marriott, where he served as General Manager of the Bintulu Paragon property. Shan’s track record highlights successful pre-openings, operational excellence, and consistently strong business results—qualities that will steer Aloft Langkawi toward even greater heights.

Reflecting on his decision to return to Langkawi, Shan shares, “I always loved Langkawi. It holds a special place in my heart. So when the opportunity came up to return, it honestly felt like something I couldn’t pass up. Taking on the role at Aloft Langkawi, a property with so much potential, felt like hitting a jackpot. The blend of location, brand energy, and the chance to make a real impact made it an easy ‘yes’ for me.”

Known for his empowering and disciplined leadership style, Shan lives by the motto: “Passion fuels my leadership, planning drives my success, and accountability shapes my team.”

He is committed to nurturing a high-performance culture while ensuring an energetic, guest-centric experience that matches Aloft’s fun and fresh DNA.

Outside of work, Shan leads by example in balancing life and work. Whether he’s powering through a workout, recharging with quality sleep, or escaping into his favorite shows, he knows that staying energized is key to strong leadership. A self-declared tea enthusiast, early riser, and beach lover, Shan fits right in with the laid-back yet upbeat vibe of Aloft Langkawi.

Shan’s advice to his team is simple yet impactful: “Mistakes are inevitable, but learning from them turns every misstep into an opportunity for growth.”

With his deep passion for hospitality, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence, Shan is set to lead Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah into an exciting new chapter. His leadership promises to further elevate the hotel’s vibrant spirit, deliver memorable guest experiences, and strengthen its position as a leading lifestyle destination in Langkawi.

As Shan embarks on this new journey, guests and associates alike can look forward to bold leadership, innovative ideas, and a renewed focus on creating unforgettable moments, all powered by Aloft’s signature style and spirit.

 

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The post Bakuun partners with HBX Group appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

HBX Group and Bakuun have joined forces to roll out a new integration that simplifies hotel connectivity and helps scale accommodation supply across key markets. The partnership brings Bakuun’s Channel Manager Aggregator, B-Aggregate, into HBX Group’s distribution ecosystem, creating new opportunities for hotels to connect and grow faster and with less complexity.

With this integration, HBX Group gains access to Bakuun’s over 200 Channel Managers and Property Management Systems through a single connection. This means that hotels which previously didn’t have the tech setup to connect with global distributors will now have a new tool to reach demand, unlocking faster onboarding, better efficiency, and stronger visibility.

“We’re thrilled to partner with a global travel powerhouse like HBX Group,” said Doros Theodorou, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Bakuun. “This integration reinforces our commitment to simplifying connectivity for the travel industry. With one seamless connection, HBX Group can now unlock direct connectivity to a broader, more diverse accommodation inventory, enabling faster time-to-market and enhanced booking potential.”

Paul Anthony, Senior Vice President Sourcing at HBX Group added: “Through this partnership with Bakuun we’re removing technical barriers and making it easier for hotels of all sizes to connect to HBX Group and access our global client base. We are simplifying the process and eliminating unnecessary complexity ensuring a more seamless experience for both sides. This is an important step in strengthening our supply strategy and delivering greater value to our network of partners and clients.”

The integration not only helps streamline the technical side of hotel onboarding, but also improves the flow of content, rates and availability — enhancing the overall booking experience for travel distributors. It opens up new revenue opportunities for thousands of hotels that, until now, haven’t had the infrastructure to engage with HBX Group’s platform directly.

 

 

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The post Hail International Airport set for expansion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is working to expand Hail International Airport with increasing its capacity to more than 2.2 million passengers annually. This is part of a comprehensive development project aimed at developing air transport infrastructure in the northern part of Saudi Arabia and enhancing the efficiency of vital facilities in the region.

This was revealed by Director General of the General Administration of Privatization at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saud Al-Arifi while attending a dialogue session titled “Investment opportunities in the transport and logistics sector” at the Hail Forum. He said that the project represents a key pillar of the ministry’s plan to transform Hail into an integrated logistics center. As informed by a news report in the Saudi Gazette

Al-Arifi said that the ministry, in cooperation with the Hail Region Development Authority, is also working on a massive logistics center project spanning an area exceeding 374,000 square meters. This project aims to serve supply chains and facilitate the movement of goods between various Saudi regions, he said.

Work is underway on a roadside services development project to provide integrated facilities that meet the needs of travelers and support the safety and efficiency of regional roads. These projects are in line with Hail’s geographical position as a central hub connecting the north, center, and west, enhancing its ability to play a pivotal role in the future of transportation and logistics services in the Kingdom.

It is noteworthy that Hail International Airport is only 60 minutes away from 11 Arab capitals and 200 minutes away from Central Europe. This is a geographical advantage that has qualified the airport as a major hub for logistics services.

Hail International Airport, Saudi

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The post Queensgate Investments sells European operations of Generator Hostels to Brookfield appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Queensgate Investments (“Queensgate”) announced the agreement to sell the European operations of Generator Group, a lifestyle hospitality platform, to private real estate funds managed by Brookfield Asset Management for EUR 776M. 

Queensgate transformed a regional hostel business with 12 assets, 1,894 rooms in 2016 to an internationally recognised hotel brand with 21 assets, 3,925 rooms in 2025.

Generator’s success is due to the focus on the Gen Z traveller seeking tier I city centre locations, lifestyle F&B and affordable shared accommodation. For ownership Generator’s success waterfalls into superior yield for its accommodation and attractive 50% plus operating margins.

Jason Kow, CEO of Queensgate Investment, commented: “Queensgate is proud to have acquired Generator smartly EUR at 440M, to have transformed the brand, earnings and asset base, and to successfully exit the European arm to Brookfield at EUR 776M.  We are proud of Generator’s journey and look forward to watching Generator’s continued success under Brookfield’s ownership”.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc. acted as sole financial advisor to Queensgate Investment. Brown Rudnick LLP and EY advised Queensgate. Kirkland & Ellis, DLA Piper, and KPMG advised Brookfield.

 

 

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The post Moscow Offers Tourist Cards for Non-Cash Payments at Cutting-Edge Tourists Center appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Starting from now, Indian travellers to Moscow can obtain the Tourist Card at the new travel and banking office of Sber, the largest Russian bank, located in the city center, not far from the Red Square — on Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street. 

The new travel and banking office of Sber combines the capabilities of Sber’s banking office and a Tourist Information Center, which is multifunctional space for guests of the capital where tourists can get essential information for their visit to Moscow. Right here travelers can pick up the plastic Tourist card, make necessary payments, currency exchanges and transfers. Consultations are possible in several languages — the Tourist Information Center specialists speak Russian, English and Arabic, while the Sber bank employees speak Russian and English.

At new space tourists can also create an individual travel plan based on their personal preferences and take free booklets with information about the city. The booklets are also provided in several languages — Russian, English, Chinese and Arabic. The travel and banking Sber office provides a lounge area where tourists can rest, try traditional Moscow treats, taste some selections from The Moscow Tea Shop. While adults are planning their itinerary, kids can play in the children’s zone that was created jointly with the animation studio “Soyuzmultfilm”, which gave the world legendary Soviet cartoons.

The Tourist Card operates with Russian MIR payment system and it is a new payment solution that helps foreign visitors make cashless payments, as VISA and Mastercard do not work in Russia. The Tourist Card is compatible with local merchants, public transport, and attractions. With no monthly maintenance fees, it’s a cost-effective choice for tourists, allowing seamless payments for dining, transportation, and more.

Travellers can register for a Yoomoney profile and obtain a virtual Tourist Card before leaving their home country. The process requires only a phone number — no Russian SIM card is needed—making it accessible for international visitors. It is also possible to order the card in advance and have it delivered by mail to their home country or a hotel, though a physical card isn’t always necessary, as most places in Moscow allow payments using QR codes through the YooMoney app. Android users can add the card to Yoomoney Pay in the mobile app and pay by tapping their phone via NFC. For iOS users, payments can be made by scanning QR codes through the app — a widely accepted method across the country. Once in Moscow, the card can be topped up with cash at ATMs that support Yoomoney, providing a straightforward way to add funds using local currency.

This initiative comes at a time when Moscow has witnessed a substantial influx of foreign guests.  For example, nearly 86,000 tourists visited Moscow from India in 2024, representing a 1.4-fold increase compared to 2023. This significant uptick in international arrivals underscores the city’s evolving status as a premier global travel destination.

 

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