The post FHRAI signs MoU with CIRC  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 “It is important to bridge the gaps between hospitality law and practice, as regulatory uncertainty and overlaps create hurdles for the industry.” said K. Shyama Raju, President of FHRAI, while signing the MoU with CIRC  to strengthen legal and compliance capacity across the hospitality sector.

India’s tourism and hospitality sector holds immense potential, with projected revenues exceeding Rs. 5.12 lakh crore (US$59 billion) by 2028. However, startups and smaller enterprises struggle to navigate a complex web of regulatory requirements involving multiple licenses, labour laws, and compliance mandates. This not only delays business setup and expansion in hospitality space but also negatively impacts the consumers.

Adding to this burden, evolving environmental regulations now demand compliance with strict standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. While these are critical for sustainable development, the cost and complexity of implementation—especially for green building certifications and ESG disclosures—pose significant challenges to the businesses in the industry. These requirements, though aligned with global investment trends, are difficult to meet for many businesses without adequate awareness, support or incentives.

In the backdrop of the same  K Shyama Raju, President, FHRAI, stated “Today, understanding of the law is not just an advantage—it is a necessity in the hospitality industry. With laws constantly evolving, compliance demands growing, and customers expecting more, it’s crucial for hospitality professionals to understand the legal systems that impact their day-to-day work. Therefore, Federation of Hotel and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI) is proud to collaborate with CIRC on the ‘Navigating the Legal Landscape of Hospitality’ course. It is a timely and much-needed initiative that will help professionals gain the legal know-how to run their businesses more responsibly and efficiently.

Spanning eight weeks, the course is designed to benefit a diverse audience— hoteliers, restaurant owners, HR professionals, legal advisors, entrepreneurs, and even hospitality students. It covers essential topics like licensing, contract law, labour regulations, intellectual property, taxation, and dispute resolution. In short, it is the kind of practical knowledge every hospitality leader needs to stay compliant and future-ready.”

Pradeep Mehta, Chairman, CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) commented: “With years of experience in public policy, I have seen a critical gap in legal knowledge within the hospitality industry. This shortfall often leads to unintentional consumer rights violations and regulatory missteps. Strengthening legal awareness among hospitality professionals is essential to uphold consumer protection, ensure compliance, and foster trust in an increasingly regulated service landscape. A comprehensive capacity-building programme will help individuals and the industry navigate these challenges more effectively.”

Mehta added, “To unlock the full potential of the sector, a more streamlined regulatory environment and greater support for sustainability compliance are essential. Equally important is creating widespread awareness of compliance requirements across the hospitality industry. When businesses are well-informed, they can plan proactively, avoid penalties, build investor confidence, and align better with global standards—paving the way for sustainable, long-term growth.”

Explaining the importance of the course, Raju added, “What really sets this course apart is its focus on real-world application. With weekend live sessions, industry experts as instructors, and case-based learning, participants don’t just learn theory—they gain insights they can use immediately. It empowers them to spot legal risks early, make smarter decisions, and better safeguard their businesses.

As the representative voice of India’s hospitality sector, FHRAI urges all professionals across hotels, restaurants, resorts, and allied services to take advantage of this opportunity. This course is not just about understanding legal frameworks—it is about building stronger, more credible institutions and ensuring long-term success. We believe this initiative marks an important step toward raising legal awareness across the industry. Programmes like these play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of hospitality in India, and we are confident it will make a lasting impact.”

 

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The post MakeMyTrip Delivered Record $9.8 Bn Gross Bookings for FY25 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

MakeMyTrip Limited announced its unaudited financial and operating results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended 31 March 2025.  Commenting on the results, Rajesh Magow, Group Chief Executive Officer, MakeMyTrip, said: “We delivered record gross bookings and revenue this fiscal year with robust growth and expanding margins  underscoring the strength of our platform, the popularity of our brands, and the sustained momentum in both domestic and international travel demand. Our investments in new demand segments and personalized  customer experiences across our platform have helped us to grow our customer base as well as drive high  repeat bookings.”

Commenting on the results, Mohit Kabra, Group Chief Financial Officer, MakeMyTrip, said: “Our strong customer-centric focus — especially in offering an ever-expanding range of personalized travel  services — is enabling us to consistently deliver strong financial performance. At the same time, we remain  committed to driving operational efficiency and leveraging our fixed cost base. This has helped us to expand  margins while we continue to strategically reinvest in key growth areas across our platform.”

 

 

 

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The post Mastercard Economics Institute reports that Asian destinations are travellers’ picks for summer 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) reports that eight of the 15 trending summer travel destinations are within the Asia-Pacific.

MEI released its annual report on consumer spending in the travel economy which listed the top 15 destinations that travellers are opting for in the upcoming season.

The report highlighted that passions and purpose-driven motivations remain strong drivers shaping the travel industry, even more so than political or socio-economic issues. 

Drawing on a unique analysis of aggregated and anonymised transaction data and third-party data sources, the report uncovers what is shaping travel choices today. 

Mastercard’s chief economist in the Asia-Pacific David Mann remarked: “The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travelers around the world. Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences. From exchange rates to regional accessibility, travelers are making smarter, more intentional choices about where they go and why, with a clear shift toward more personal, purposeful journeys.”

Why Asia is the place to be

Tokyo and Osaka are the world’s #1 and #2 top trending destinations for the period between June and September of this year, marking the two largest increases in tourism demand relative to previous levels.

Last year, the Japanese capital rose from the number two spot that it held in 2023 to lead global travel demand heading into the peak summer season, reflecting its continued appeal. 

Meanwhile, Nha Trang in Vietnam made a surprise entry into the list, climbing in popularity thanks to its beautiful beaches, enviable coastline and vibrant nightlife.  

At the same time, Mainland China retained its position as the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024. 

Chinese travelers are increasingly prioritising value and visa-friendly destinations including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. 

Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also increasing.

India again posted the country’s highest number of outbound travelers on record in 2024. Indian tourists are exploring a broad mix of destinations, the top three being Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali.

Growth in this particular market is supported by expanded direct flight connections and a rapidly growing middle class that is eager to travel. 

Together, the Chinese and Indian markets continue to play an outsized role in shaping global travel flows.

Quality of experiences trumps quantity of destinations

Across the Asia-Pacific, travellers are prioritising dining, nature, and wellness as key motivators for travel, seeking meaningful moments over traditional sightseeing. 

Destinations like Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, known for its iconic babi guling [spit-roasted pork,] and Queenstown in New Zealand whose restaurants welcomed tourists from 44 countries in 2024 are standing out as globalized culinary hotspots. 

According to MEI’s Wellness Trend Index (WTI), Thailand is among the destinations leading the way in relaxation experiences and self-care, where visitors can reconnect with nature in immersive eco lodges or find calm in meditation retreats. 

At the same time, the rising WTI score for New Zealand suggests a growing effort to be part of this popular movement. 

Overall, the trend toward purpose-driven travel reflects people’s broader desire for experiences that nourish both body and spirit.

The rise of sports tourism continues, with major events like the Australian Open tennis tournament and Baseball World Series in Los Angeles drawing significant international spending. 

Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut saw spending by Japanese visitors surge by 91 percent, six times the broader cross-border boost, highlighting how sporting events are proving to be powerful travel catalysts for fans.

Keeping an eye on exchange rates

Travelers from the Asia-Pacific tend to be more sensitive to exchange rate shifts. 

A weaker yen throughout much of 2024 played a significant role in boosting Japan’s inbound tourism, making the country a compelling destination for visitors in search of value. 

Notably, a one percent depreciation of the JPY against the RMB is associated with a 1.5 percent increase in tourists from the Chinese Mainland. 

However, visitors from New Zealand and the US rose only around 0.2 percent in response to the same degree of depreciation relative to their currencies. 

In 2024, the number of Singaporean visitors to Japan hit record highs thanks to a 40 percent rise in the Singapore Dollar (SGD) vs. Japanese Yen (JPY), even as airfare and hotels got pricier.

Turning to the US, MEI’s analysis shows that tourists from India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are particularly sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations, after accounting for other factors. 

Specifically, a one percent depreciation of the United States Dollar (USD) against their local currencies corresponds to an approximate 0.6 to 0.8 percent increase in the number of tourists traveling to the U.S. 

These findings, consistent with our earlier analysis of tourism to Japan, suggest that these travelers are more responsive to exchange rate movements when selecting outbound destinations.

Current trends in business travel

Corporates today are limiting global travel in favor of regional trips.

But while people are taking fewer business trips overall, the average duration is longer, suggesting efforts to stretch travel budgets. 

For example, US-based travellers’ trips to Asia-Pacific increased from 8.8 days to 10.2 days. 

Meanwhile, MEI also reported that fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28 percent during peak seasons. 

Common scams include inflated charges in restaurants and taxis, fake tour companies, and fraudulent property listings. 

To combat these, Mastercard employs advanced fraud prevention technologies, including digital wallets and AI-driven systems, to protect travelers. 

This ensures that travelers can focus on their journeys without worrying about security threats.

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The post Finalists announced for Phocuswright’s 2025 Global Startup Pitch appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Organisers have named the 19 travel tech startups selected for the Finals of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch. 

Now in its fourth year, the competition jointly produced by WiT and Phocuswright seeks to discover the brightest stars in early-stage travel tech.

The Global Startup Pitch Competition is supported by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a Phocuswright Strategic Partner of Innovation. 

Previously held in a virtual format, this year the finalists will compete in-person for the first time ever on the Startup Stage at Phocuswright Europe on 10th June.

WiT founder Yeoh Siew Hoon said: “We thank our panel of judges from around the world who’ve put in considerable time and effort to help us select this promising group of finalists. They are as committed as we are to sparking innovation and surfacing new voices in the global community of travel startups.”

Phocuswright managing director Pete Comeau added: “The feedback from judges on our applicants this year has been great. We received an even spread of entries across the four regions and are encouraged by the growing number of entries from new markets which validates that our mission to run a global competition is truly reflecting the global ecosystem of startups.”

An arduous selection process

A panel of external judges selected these startups from a crop of nearly 200 entries received for the global competition to surface the best travel startups across four different regions of the world.

As with previous years, an additional Wildcard category was created by Phocuswright and WiT to surface ideas that are particularly global, future-oriented, hard to solve and address next-generation challenges.

Companies will compete in two categories: seed stage for firms less than three years old who have raised no more than US$5 million; and scaling startups which are firms up to eight years old but have raised no greater than US$10 million.

Seedups will compete against Seedups, and Scaleups against Scaleups for each region, and winners for each region will be chosen during Phocuswright Europe. 

Nine winners will be selected who will travel to Singapore for showcase presentations at WiT Singapore in October of this year.

The audience at WiT Singapore will vote on their favorite Seedup and Scaleup, and the People’s Choice winners will be showcased at The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, CA this November.

Meet the finalists

APAC

• Plandora (Seedup)
• Replyr (Seedup)
• Loyalty Status Co. (Scaleup)
• Zentrum (Scaleup) 

Europe

• ImpersonAlly (Seedup)
• SnapIQ (Seedup)
• Arcube (Scaleup)
• Tryp (Scaleup)

North America

• Levee (Seedup)
• Traversing.ai (Seedup)
• Sion (Scaleup)
• PassiveBolt (Scaleup)

Emerging Markets

• Kijani Supplies (Seedup)
• Tuki-Travel (Seedup)
• Buzz (Scaleup)
• Turpal (Scaleup)

Wildcards

• Videreo (Seedup)
• Toraru (Scaleup)
• Me Protocol (Scaleup)

The perks of winning

Winners from the APAC region will receive a complimentary ASEAN Traveller Pass sponsored by AirAsia MOVE, which covers nine countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Additionally, one winner will be chosen at random for a complimentary consulting strategy session with Travel Again Advisory.

The Global Startup Pitch competition is part of an ongoing commitment by Phocuswright and WiT to cultivate innovation through a platform of events and programs including WiT Bootcamps, Phocuswright’s Startup Program, PhocusWire’s Hot25 Travel Startups, and Phocuswright’s Launch pitch competition.

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The post London reaffirms its position as a hub for businesses to connect: Amex GBT appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Amex GBT has launched its inaugural ‘Business Travel Pulse’ – a quarterly benchmark offering fresh insights into the evolving landscape of global business travel. The first pulse focuses on London and reveals the top sectors travelling into the city this year align with the UK government’s key growth driving sectors.

This highlights the way industries recognise the importance of meeting in person to secure investment – with the capital reaffirming its position as a hub for businesses to connect amid global uncertainty. Hotel booking figures in Q1 show financial services, professional services, IT and healthcare were the top industries staying in London for business (with growth remaining positive among multinationals in these sectors during the quarter).

Rank	Industry
1	Financial Services & Insurance
2	Business & Professional Services
3	Information Technology
4	Pharma & Healthcare
5	Consumer Goods & Retail

The same pattern can be seen when looking at the industries meeting and holding events in London, with the energy sector playing a leading role:

 

Rank	Industry
1	Pharma & Healthcare
2	Mining, Oil, Energy & Utilities
3	Consumer Goods & Retail
4	Information Technology
5	Financial Services & Insurance

The meetings and events sector is proving to be a significant economic driver for the UK economy. Recent data from UK Events Research shows conferences and meetings contribute £16.3bn – compared to £9.75bn from Sport & Entertainment, underscoring their crucial role in the nation’s economic growth.

Sara Andell, Director of Strategy, Amex GBT Consulting, explains: “London remains a priority destination on the global stage, with international businesses keen to capitalise on opportunities in the UK. Recent landmark trade agreements underscore the city’s role as a hub for meeting and dealmaking and it’s particularly interesting to see the growth in travel from emerging tech hubs like Helsinki and Bengaluru – further evidence of London’s magnetic pull for innovation-led industries.”

 

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The post Agoda partners with Nok Air appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Digital travel platform Agoda and Thailand’s premier budget carrier, Nok Air have formed a strategic partnership to give even more customers access to Nok Air flights. Under the collaboration, travellers will be able to book Nok Air flights via Agoda’s platform, offering greater flexibility and a streamlined booking experience.

Real-time access to fares, seat availability, and instant booking confirmations

The partnership leverages a seamless integration between Agoda’s digital travel platform and Nok Air’s reservation system, ensuring real-time access to fares, seat availability, and instant booking confirmations. The move will ensure a faster, more reliable booking experience for travelers, while strengthening both companies’ commitment to customer-centric innovation.

“We are proud to formalize our partnership with Agoda after extensive collaboration over the past years,” said Panarat Jitthanongsak, Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development, Nok Air. “Agoda’s extensive network in Thailand and beyond creates a powerful proposition for customers. The direct integration enables us to better serve customers with faster, more accurate flight booking options.”

One-stop travel solution for both Thai and international users

As Agoda continues to expand its flight offerings, the addition of Nok Air strengthens its position as a one-stop travel solution for both Thai and international users alike. Travelers can now book Nok Air flights directly on Agoda’s platform, enjoying the benefits of a connected trip by bundling flights and accommodation in a single transaction.

Kamil Diouri, Senior Director and Head of Flights at Agoda said: “We are delighted to have Nok Air join Agoda’s platform. This partnership will ensure a smoother booking process for travelers while reinforcing Agoda’s commitment to helping them see the world for less. Through building partnerships with trusted providers like Nok Air, we’re enabling more affordable and seamless travel experiences for everyone.”

 

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The post Vietjet is offering Summer deals and baggage allowance up to 20kg appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietjet is kicking off summer 2025 with an exciting promotion, offering millions of tickets from just INR11 plus taxes and fees across its India-Vietnam flight network, and other Vietnam domestic and international routes. The airline is also introducing a variety of special summer perks to enhance the travel experience.

Promotional tickets are available for booking from now until 18 May, 2025, via www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app. These promotional fares are valid for travel between 1 June  2025, and 28 March 2026 (**), making them ideal for summer holidays, autumn getaways, and early 2026 trips.

To make summer travel even more convenient, the airline is offering 20kg of free checked baggage (*) on all flights between India and Vietnam for travellers booking or modifying tickets via official Vietjet channels from now until 31 May, 2025. Those flying between Vietnam and Australia will enjoy 40kg of free checked baggage. This offer is valid for travel until 31 July 2025 (**), perfect for summer holidays and overseas getaways.

Indian travellers can explore Vietnam’s top destinations of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and coastal cities—Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang—or venture to vibrant international destinations across the Asia-Pacific region in Australia, Northeast and Southeast Asia.

In addition to the attractive fares, Vietjet is offering a limited-edition summer travel kit, featuring must-have items including bucket hats, bandanas, luggage tags, passport covers, badges, and exclusive souvenirs. For young flyers, Vietjet’s Kid’s Combo offers a special in-flight meal paired with adorable, never-before-seen gifts (**).

Vietjet invites travellers to embrace the spirit of summer with unforgettable experiences—from vibrant festivals to scenic escapes and exciting urban adventures—made even better with the airline’s modern, fuel-efficient fleet, professional service, and warm, attentive crew.

Vietjet has further strengthened its presence in India by launching two new non-stop routes from Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub. With these additions, Vietjet now operates 10 direct routes between the two countries, offering a total of 78 flights per week—making it the airline with the most comprehensive India–Vietnam network. These routes connect New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru with Vietnam’s key destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

 

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The post You can now book Megan Thee Stallion, Michelin-Star meals, and spa days—Airbnb just got a luxe upgrade appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Airbnb has unveiled one of its boldest pivots yet, expanding far beyond home rentals with the launch of Airbnb Services, reimagined Experiences, and a completely redesigned app. The 2025 Summer Release comes as Airbnb doubles down on lifestyle travel—and seeks to position itself as the go-to platform not just for where you stay, but for how you live, eat, and explore while traveling.

The update follows a wave of strategic moves by the company, including its push into AI-powered itinerary planning, growing focus on premium travel segments, and a stronger embrace of personality-led experiences. With travel demand continuing to lean into personalization, Airbnb’s expansion comes at a time when consumers are seeking more curated, immersive moments.

Seventeen years after its founding, Airbnb says it’s reinventing itself once again. “Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb,” said co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. Since 2007, over 2 billion guests have booked through the platform, and this latest release aims to offer those guests everything from in-home massages to celebrity-led experiences.

Services That Feel Like a Five-Star Hotel—Without Leaving Your Airbnb

With Airbnb Services, guests in 260 cities can now book personal chefs, spa treatments, fitness sessions, stylists, photographers, and more—whether they’re staying at an Airbnb or not. The service is designed to rival traditional hotel amenities but with far more customization and flexibility. Service providers are verified professionals, many with elite backgrounds—think chefs from Michelin-starred kitchens, award-winning photographers, and trainers to celebrities. Prices vary widely, with many entry-level offerings available for under $50, making it accessible for travelers who want to elevate their stay without overspending.

From Paris Pastry Classes to Anime Quests

The revamped Airbnb Experiences program now spans 650 cities and features a growing catalog of locally hosted tours, workshops, and deep-dive cultural immersions. From ramen-making in Tokyo to horseback rides through Incan ruins, each experience is led by hosts deeply rooted in their city and craft. At the top tier are Airbnb Originals—premium experiences hosted by public figures and celebrities. Highlights include a beach volleyball session with Olympian Carol Solberg in Rio, a glam day on set with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and even a cosplay-themed journey hosted by Megan Thee Stallion.

Later this year, Airbnb will roll out social booking features that let guests see who else is attending an experience, message participants, and stay connected afterward—catering to the growing demand for socially connected travel.

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The post Thailand Tourism: Time to Rethink, Rebuild, and Regenerate appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

By Andrew J Wood

I have had the privilege of living and working in Thailand since 1991, and over the decades I’ve seen this beautiful country evolve into one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations. From the post-Gulf War recovery years to the boom of the early 2000s, and more recently the challenges of COVID-19, Thai tourism has been through its share of highs and lows.

Today, Thailand faces another pivotal moment. A downturn in international arrivals is challenging us to pause, reassess, and reimagine what tourism in Thailand could—and should—look like. And in my view, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I believe it’s a much-needed opportunity.

Sustainability: A Foundation for the Future

One of the most promising shifts I’ve observed in recent years is the hospitality sector’s growing commitment to sustainability. Eco-lodges, organic farms, and community-based tourism projects have emerged across the country—from Chiang Rai to Trang. In my experience, these ventures not only appeal to conscientious travellers but also build stronger links between tourism and local livelihoods.

It’s this momentum that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) should be building upon. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. We now need a coherent national strategy that positions Thailand as a leader in regenerative tourism.

Khao Yai: A Missed Opportunity

Let me give a concrete example. One place that’s close to my heart and glaringly under-promoted is Khao Yai. Just a few hours from Bangkok, this area spans four provinces—Nakhon Ratchasima (Pak Chong), Saraburi, Prachin Buri, and Nakhon Nayok. Its dramatic mountain landscapes, cool climate, and European-style vineyards make it a unique destination. And yet, when I search for it on the TAT website, it’s virtually invisible.

This oversight, I suspect, stems from both its geographical complexity and infrastructural limitations. But in my view, those are exactly the kinds of challenges a national tourism body should be addressing—not avoiding. The absence of clear public transport, limited taxis, and scant nightlife shouldn’t be reasons to ignore such a gem. They should be priorities to fix.

Why Bilingual Marketing Matters

Another observation I’ve made over the years is how much Thailand’s tourism potential is limited by language. So many of TAT’s regional campaigns—such as the Green Season promotions—are only available in Thai. That’s fine if you’re targeting Bangkok-based Thais, but what about the millions of expatriates and repeat international visitors who want to discover more than just Phuket or Pattaya?

A simple shift to bilingual content could open up a world of hidden destinations to foreign eyes. Take Phu Ruea in Loei, or Nakhon Phanom along the Mekong—places rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. These places deserve attention, and a few lines of English copy could make all the difference.

Domestic Tourism: Think Beyond the Capital

During COVID, I watched with interest as the Thai government rolled out domestic tourism schemes like We Travel Together (Rao Tiao Duay Kan) and Thai Rak Thai. These were vital during the crisis and showed how quick action could support local economies. However, they often presumed a certain profile: middle-class, urban, and Bangkok-based.

But in my experience, Thai domestic tourists come from all walks of life. The vibrant communities of Isan, for example, represent a huge market that is still largely overlooked in national planning. If we want tourism to be more inclusive and sustainable, we must design programmes that reflect Thailand’s true regional diversity.

That’s why I believe a new hybrid campaign—something like Love Thailand (Rak Thailand)—could be a game-changer. Combining incentives for both domestic and international travellers, it could promote overlooked destinations, support SMEs, and encourage travel that’s environmentally responsible and locally rooted.

Regional Promotion: A Smart Strategy

TAT’s offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, and Mumbai play a vital role in promoting Thailand. But I’d suggest that it’s time to broaden the narrative they’re sharing. Instead of just selling the same beach holidays, why not highlight off-the-beaten-track gems like Phatthalung, Nan, or even the cultural quarters of Nakhon Ratchasima?

With better air links, improved signage, and more local guides, these regions could easily become favourites for international travellers—especially those looking for authenticity over crowds.

A Chance to Reimagine

Thailand’s natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people continue to be our greatest assets. But we can no longer rely solely on those strengths. If we want to future-proof our tourism sector, we must act now—with creativity, inclusivity, and a bold vision.

My hope is that we use this moment not to return to business as usual, but to shape a tourism industry that’s smarter, greener, and more regionally diverse.

After all these years in Thailand, I remain as optimistic as ever. This country has everything it needs to thrive. Now it’s time to share all of it with the world.

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The post Qatar Airways creates history with the Largest Boeing Widebody Order  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways  announced that the carrier has placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing.  As part of its strategic fleet growth plan, the landmark order includes up to 210 Boeing widebody jets – 160 firm and 50 option – which is the largest widebody order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the American aerospace company’s history.

Qatar Airways has also signed an agreement GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft – the largest widebody engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace.

Qatar Airways’ Historic Boeing Widebody Order

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history and the biggest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation.  This is so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone.”

He continued: “After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our partners at Boeing for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together.”

The order includes:

130 787 Dreamliners, the long-range, ultra-efficient widebody airplane family that has delivered a 25% fuel-use improvement and superior comfort for passengers.

30 777-9s, the world’s largest twin-engine airplane that is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces, while elevating the passenger flight experience.

Options for an additional 50 787 and 777X airplanes

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, said: “We are deeply honoured that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its centre. Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 Freighters. With this new purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East. 

Qatar Airways’ Largest Widebody Engine Deal in GE Aerospace History

The new GE Aerospace agreements solidify the company’s commitment to Qatar’s thriving aviation industry and build on the previous order for 188 GE9X engines, bringing the total to 248 engines. The addition of GEnx engines for the Boeing 787 fleet supplements their existing 124 engine order, further strengthening the national carrier’s commitment to efficiency and performance.  The two deals also include service agreements to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our latest agreement with GE Aerospace reflects our confidence in the performance of the GE9X and GEnx engines to power our fleet of Boeing 777-9 and 787 aircraft. These next-generation engines are critical components in our strategy to ensure our fleet remains modern and efficient. Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future, and we value our continued partnership with GE Aerospace and their commitment to supporting our operational needs.”

GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said: “We are extremely honoured to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest ever widebody engine deal. Our widebody engines – the GE9X and GEnx – are marvels of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances. We appreciate President Trump’s support for this historic agreement.”

Qatar Airways has one of the most modern fleets in the industry and these historic orders with Boeing and GE Aerospace will solidify that leadership for years to come.

 

 

 

 

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