The post Qatar Airways ensures luxury and sustainability complement each other: Ejetta appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): What does luxury travel mean to Qatar Airways, and how do you translate that into the passenger experience for travellers from Thailand? The QSuite has been a game-changer in business class travel. How does this product cater specifically to the preferences and needs of Thai passengers?

Boru Tilahun Ejetta (BTE): Qatar Airways takes great pride in its premium branding and exceptional service, having been recognized as the only airline in the world to win the Skytrax Airline of the Year award eight times and the Skytrax World’s Best Business Class award eleven times. From the moment passengers arrive, Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounge in Bangkok offers a serene retreat before their flight. Designed with modern Arabian aesthetics and infused with Thai hospitality, the lounge provides tranquil views of airport gardens, exclusive amenities by Diptyque, and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Our award-winning business class, Qsuite, incorporates many elements typically found in first-class cabins into a business class product. Qsuite delivers an unparalleled experience with private suites, fully lie-flat beds, dine-on-demand service, and customizable cabin configurations to accommodate individual, double, and quad travel needs. It also features a premium amenity kit from the luxury French beauty brand Diptyque and Swiss chocolate from Läderach, ensuring guests can travel in comfort while wearing The White Company loungewear set. Thai passengers can expect a genuinely restful and luxurious experience, enhancing their journey from boarding to arrival. Furthermore, Hamad International Airport (HIA), voted Skytrax World’s Best Airport in 2021, 2022, and 2024, further elevates the travel experience. Elite passengers can unwind in the exclusive Louis Vuitton Lounge, where they can indulge in world-class luxury alongside culinary offerings by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Flying with Qatar Airways guarantees an exceptional experience at every touchpoint. From our premium lounges and award-winning dining to the luxurious Qsuite and world-class facilities at HIA, Thai passengers can look forward to a seamless and unforgettable journey with us.

Qatar Airways introduces Caviar on select Business Class flights, elevating the onboard experience

TDM: In what ways do you see Starlink Wi-Fi setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity, particularly for passengers travelling between Thailand and global destinations?

BTE: Starlink Wi-Fi is revolutionizing in-flight connectivity by providing ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet, allowing passengers to stay connected at 35,000 feet. With seamless, gate-to-gate access to fast internet, Starlink ensures reliable connectivity even over oceans and remote areas. Best of all, it is free of charge for all passengers! This makes activities like streaming, gaming, and work uninterrupted. As Qatar Airways leads the way with this groundbreaking technology, Thai passengers on select aircraft equipped with Starlink can enjoy a connected, productive, and enjoyable journey, wherever their travels take them.

TDM: Qatar Airways has partnered with Chef Ton, a celebrated Thai chef, to elevate its onboard dining experience. How does this collaboration reflect the airline’s commitment to Thai passengers? Can you elaborate on the caviar service and other gourmet offerings?

BTE: Qatar Airways’ partnership with Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, a celebrated Thai chef known for his Michelin-starred restaurants Le Du and Nusara, underscores the airline’s commitment to offering a world-class dining experience. Chef Ton has curated a menu featuring Thai-inspired dishes, blending traditional flavors with innovative presentations to enhance the inflight dining experience.

In addition to Chef Ton’s exquisite Thai dishes, Qatar Airways offers an exclusive caviar service, further elevating the dining experience. Passengers in First and Business Class can indulge in premium caviar, served with all the traditional accompaniments, as part of a carefully crafted gourmet menu. The airline’s commitment to high-end dining extends beyond this with a variety of gourmet offerings, including an extensive wine list and on-demand dining, ensuring that every aspect of the culinary experience on board meets the highest standards of luxury and refinement. This collaboration reflects Qatar Airways’ passion for integrating exceptional culinary talent to provide a memorable, luxurious journey for Thai passengers.

TDM: The reopening of the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Bangkok has been highly anticipated. What unique features does the lounge offer to Thai passengers?

BTE: Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounge in Bangkok offers Thai passengers an elevated and luxurious pre-flight experience, designed to reflect the airline’s commitment to comfort and exclusivity. Also, the Bangkok Premium Lounge is one of the five self-operated premium lounges Qatar Airways have globally outside of Doha. Located in Suvarnabhumi Airport, the lounge combines modern Arabian aesthetics with the warmth and hospitality of Thailand, providing an inviting atmosphere for all passengers.

One of the standout features of the lounge is its serene ambiance, with tranquil views of the airport gardens. The lounge is thoughtfully designed to create a relaxing environment, allowing passengers to unwind and refresh before their flight.

To further enhance the premium experience, the lounge features exclusive amenities crafted by the renowned French perfumier Diptyque, adding a touch of luxury to every detail. Gourmet dining options are another key highlight of the lounge, it features two expansive dining areas – The Brasserie for a formal dining experience offering a range of international cuisines from an à la carte menu and The Global Deli for a more relaxed buffet-style dining.

The reopening of the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Bangkok is a significant step in providing Thai passengers with a truly exceptional and seamless travel experience, blending luxury, comfort, and attentive service in one stunning space.

TDM: Qatar Airways has appointed a Master of Wine to curate its onboard beverage selection. How does this enhance the travel experience for Thai passengers, particularly those with a taste for fine wines?

BTE: Qatar Airways’ appointment of a Master of Wine, Anne Krebiehl, to curate its onboard beverage selection significantly enhances the travel experience for all passengers, including those from Thailand with a refined taste for fine wines. Anne, the appointed Master of Wine, brings valuable expertise in selecting the finest wines, ensuring a premium and thoughtfully curated collection that pairs perfectly with in-flight meals at 35,000 feet.

There are a number of factors that affect the taste of wine in the sky, such as lower humidity and cabin pressure, which temporarily reduce passengers’ capacity to smell and taste intricate flavors. Recognizing these challenges, Qatar Airways carefully selects wines that are able to perform well at high altitudes, ensuring an enjoyable and optimal wine experience despite the unique conditions of the sky.

In recognition of its exceptional wine offerings, Qatar Airways recently won the prestigious “Best Business Class Cellar” award at the 2024 Cellars in the Sky Awards, further solidifying our position as a leader in inflight wine service. This accolade highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to offering an unparalleled selection of fine wines, handpicked for their quality, character, and versatility. The Master of Wine ensures that each wine complements and works harmoniously with the airline’s world-class food, elevating the overall dining experience for passengers.

Whether Thai passengers are enjoying a gourmet meal, a refreshing aperitif, or a quiet moment of relaxation, they can indulge in wines that cater to every palate, served with the highest level of quality and attention to detail.

TDM: What was the inspiration behind choosing Diptyque, and how does it resonate with the preferences of Thai travellers?

BTE: Qatar Airways’ collaboration with the iconic French perfumer Diptyque for its exclusive amenity kits was driven by a shared commitment to luxury, quality, and exceptional service. Diptyque, renowned for its exquisite fragrances and premium products, was selected to enhance the passenger experience with a touch of refinement. The luxurious amenity kits, featuring Diptyque’s high-end toiletries such as perfumes, hand creams, and body balms, offer passengers an elevated in-flight experience, adding a layer of sophistication and indulgence.

For Thai travelers, the choice of Diptyque resonates deeply with their appreciation for high-quality, premium products and luxury experiences. Thai culture places a strong emphasis on fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, and Diptyque’s reputation for creating beautifully crafted, sensory-rich products aligns with these values. This partnership reflects Qatar Airways’ dedication to providing an exceptional experience tailored to the preferences of its passengers, ensuring that each aspect of the journey, from luxurious amenities to attentive onboard service, meets the highest standards of air travel.

TDM: As luxury travel evolves, how is Qatar Airways balancing opulence with sustainability, and what role do Thai passengers play in this journey?

BTE: As luxury travel evolves, Qatar Airways is committed to reducing its environmental footprint while offering world-class service.

We have invested in a fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that minimize carbon emissions, and we are pioneers in using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), with a target of 10% SAF fuel by 2030, alongside a robust fuel optimization strategy. Eco-friendly practices, such as introducing lightweight PET wine bottles and reducing up to 80% of single-use plastics in Quisine meal servings, ensure that luxury and sustainability complement each other.

For Thai passengers, who are increasingly mindful of sustainability in their travel choices, Qatar Airways offers the Voluntary Carbon Offset Program, which allows passengers to contribute to renewable energy projects. They can opt-in while purchasing their tickets online.

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The post Vietjet releases Q1-2025 financials appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company reported a 24 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated profit for Q1 2025, driven by strong international expansion and operational excellence, reinforcing the airline’s leadership in regional connectivity. 

The airline will soon operate direct flights between Singapore and Phu Quoc by the end of May, adding to the services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. 

This new route adds to, increasing the total number of weekly single-leg flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78. 

According to its Q1 2025 financial statements, Vietjet reported air revenue of VND17.92 trillion, with a pre-tax profit of VND820 billion, marking a 25 percent increase YoY. 

Consolidated revenue totalled VND17.952 trillion while pre-tax profit was of VND836 billion, up 24 percent YoY.

Ancillary revenue reached over VND6.223 trillion in Q1 2025, accounting for more than 35% of Vietjet’s total revenue.

As of 31st March, Vietjet’s total assets reached VND98.766 trillion, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.12 and a liquidity ratio of 1.5, maintaining a safe level within the aviation industry. 

A busy first quarter

In the first three months of 2025, Vietjet operated nearly 38,700 flights and transported over 6.87 million passengers, representing YoY growth of more than 12 percent and nine percent, respectively. 

The airline operated a total of 137 routes, including 40 domestic and 97 international routes.

In Q1-2025, Vietjet added two new aircraft, expanding its fleet to 106 of the most modern aircraft in the region. 

The airline reported strong operational metrics with a seat load factor of 87 percent and a technical reliability rate of 99.72 percent.  

Vietjet also introduced four new international routes connecting Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with major cities in China (Beijing, Guangzhou) and India (Bengaluru, Hyderabad), further strengthening connectivity and expanding growth opportunities in key Asian markets. 

Additionally, the airline announced two upcoming direct routes: Phu Quoc—Singapore, set to launch on 30 May 2025, and Ho Chi Minh City—Auckland (New Zealand), expected to begin in September 2025.

Highlights from the quarter

Vietjet began 2025 with its inaugural flight to the United States, leading to strategic partnership discussions with key partners worth US$14 billion. 

Combined with existing deals with its longstanding partners such as Boeing, GE, Pratt & Whitney, and others, Vietjet’s total cooperation value now approaches US$50 billion. 

The airline also signed a US$300 million aircraft financing agreement with Carlyle Aviation Partners.

Beyond business performance, Vietjet delivered over 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Myanmar and partnered with a leading bank to construct 500 homes for low-income families in Vietnam. 

On the innovation and service front, Vietjet’s SkyJoy loyalty program won “Best Use of Digital Technology” at the 2025 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards. 

The airline also received three global HR excellence awards and was named “World’s Best Ultra Low-Cost Carrier 2025” and one of the world’s safest airlines by AirlineRatings.

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The post ATIA highlights the contribution of travel businesses on Global Travel Advisor Day appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As Global Travel Advisor Day will be marked tomorrow, 7th May, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will use the occasion to highlight the critical contribution of accredited travel businesses and their incredible staff to the nation.

Travel advisors act every day to ensure safer, smarter travel for millions of Australians, and ATIA champions their value as trusted professionals in a vital industry.

ATIA chief executive Dean Long declared: “Global Travel Advisor Day is a powerful reminder of the critical role our members play in supporting Australians before, during and after they travel. ATIA is proud to champion accredited travel businesses every day and ensure their value is recognised across government, industry and the public. As the travel environment grows more complex, our focus remains on strengthening the visibility, capability and influence of Australia’s travel professionals.”

Advisors are the heart of the industry

As Long puts it: “We are in the golden age of travel professionals, as more Australians, many of whom were burnt by COVID-travel experiences, turn to expert advisors for complex travel needs and crisis support.”

At the heart of each ATIA accredited business are the team members that make each travel experience, delivering trusted, expert advice to millions of Australians. 

Whether guiding complex international itineraries, navigating flight disruptions, managing documentation, or providing emergency assistance abroad, travel advisors are proving more essential than ever. As the industry evolves, so too does the role of accredited travel professionals – now central to delivering smarter, safer, and more personalised travel.

This demand is reflected in robust booking volumes. In 2024, ATIA members booked $13.5 billion in retail travel, $11.8 billion in corporate travel, and $5.6 billion in land operations. 

More than 70 percent of international air sales and over 90 percent of corporate travel bookings are made through agents, with Australians increasingly turning to trusted professionals for peace of mind and expert support.

ATIA continues to lead efforts to raise the visibility, value and viability of accredited travel advisors across government, industry and the travelling public. 

Through sustained advocacy, workforce development initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, the Association is ensuring that the policy, funding and regulatory environment enables its members to thrive. 

With 92 percent of members being small businesses and 72 percent of the workforce made up of women, ATIA’s membership reflects one of Australia’s most diverse, innovative and customer-focused sectors.

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The post TPConnects Technologies marks significant increase in Qantas NDC bookings appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IATA-certified global travel aggregator TPConnects Technologies announced a tenfold increase in Qantas NDC (New Distribution Capability) bookings today, 6th May.

TPConnects reported a significant increase in NDC bookings for the Australian flag carrier via its Iris platform in just six months.

This development is seen as a clear signal of the growing demand for modern airline retailing solutions among travel sellers.

TPConnects Technologies director of product Stephanos Kykkotis declared: “Our success story with Qantas is a shining example of how airlines can leverage Iris to drive NDC adoption and harness the full potential of NDC. We are proud to be live with Qantas and to provide tremendous value to travel agencies globally, and even more so for Australia and New Zealand, by simplifying access to their rich NDC content.”

For her part, Qantas head of distribution and payments Nadine Dawood Morgan remarked: “Our collaboration with TPConnects and the Iris platform is an important step in our NDC strategy. By making our NDC content, features, and benefits available on Iris, we’re empowering travel sellers with the tools they need to offer our customers a wider range of products and a more personalized experience.”

Travel sellers using Iris may access a wide array of Qantas’ content and services via NDC, enhancing their ability to cater to the diverse needs of travelers.

Australia and New Zealand have emerged as key markets for TPConnects Technologies, now accounting for 30 percent of the company’s global booking volume. Qantas represents a significant portion of this volume. 

As a Flight Centre Travel Group company, TPConnects is uniquely positioned to ensure travel sellers in the region have access to the most comprehensive content.

Primary features

Among the key features offered by TPConnects’ solution are:

1. Access to Qantas NDC offers, including tailored offers for frequent flyers and corporates, enhancing customer loyalty.
2. Multiple payment methods, including IATA BSP, credit or debit cards, and IATA EasyPay, providing flexibility and convenience.
3. Streamlined booking and servicing functionalities and the ability to subsequently modify, void, refund or exchange an NDC ticket, reducing operational costs.
4. Easy management of involuntary changes, improving customer service and minimizing disruptions.
5. Split ticketing capability, enabling better efficiency and lower fares for customers.

TPConnects Technologies’ Iris is a leading aggregator with a global customer base. Travel agencies using Iris have access to Qantas’ NDC content alongside traditional EDIFACT, LCC, and other NDC content, all within a single, user-friendly interface. 

Iris simplifies the shopping and servicing of air travel, ensuring travel sellers can offer the most relevant fares and products from Qantas to their clients.

Furthermore, Iris features NDC content from major airlines globally, supporting travel sellers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. 

Travel sellers can take advantage of advanced retailing features such as smart pricing, commission management and content control, as well as access rich content, and utilise end-to-end servicing options directly through Iris.

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The post Iloilo city government inks agreement with Iloilo Tourism Foundation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The city government of Iloilo in the Central Philippines and the Iloilo Tourism Foundation Inc formally signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday, 5th May.

This agreement aims to enhance local tourism through several initiatives, including revisions to Iloilo’s existing tourism development plan as well as its decade-old tourism code.

Mayor Jerry Treñas and Iloilo City Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) Centre Maria Lea Victoria Lara signed the MOA on behalf of the city, while Foundation president Joseph Del Rosario and vice president Sandra Gomez represented the private sector.

Collaborative action

Lara explained that the agreement outlines collaboration on various tourism initiatives, with a primary focus on aligning local strategies with the Philippine Tourism Plan and integrating recent developments like the newly-passed MICE Ordinance.

She also pointed out that the current tourism code which was enacted in 2013 is now outdated, particularly in areas such as tour circuits and the city’s culinary tourism offerings.

Lara said the partnership aims to complete updates to the development plan within the year, followed by amendments to the tourism code.

Alongside the MOA signing, Treñas issued Executive Order No 40, series of 2025, which revitalizes the Iloilo City Tourism Council.

The council is tasked with crafting a strategic tourism plan, overseeing local tourism activities, recommending development programs for tourist sites, regulating tourism-related businesses, and promoting investment in the sector.

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The post DailyCo acquires Indonesian catering market leader Waku appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Rapidly-growing Indonesian multi-brand F&B operator DailyCo announced its acquisition of Wadah Kuliner (Waku), a local F&B company that has become the country’s market leader when it comes to comprehensive catering and canteen management services for corporate and government clients. 

The strategic acquisition is designed to bolster DailyCo’s capabilities in providing scalable and innovative dining solutions to businesses and institutions across Indonesia. 

The Waku brand will continue operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of DailyCo, retaining its existing partners, systems, and customer base. 

Integration efforts will focus on unlocking operational synergies across kitchen infrastructure, procurement, supply chain, and enterprise sales, while enhancing workforce development and internal alignment.

Over the past several weeks, DailyCo also signed a noteworthy deal with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to begin supplying Indonesia’s Hajj Pilgrimage with pre-packaged meals, representing a significant new revenue channel for the business. 

The agreement marks an important new chapter for the merged entity. 

The high-volume, high-complexity nature of the contract is seen as a proving ground for DailyCo’s ability to serve national-scale institutional clients with operational excellence. 

With this acquisition, DailyCo now manages one of the largest institutional catering networks in the country, positioning itself at the forefront of an F&B segment that is increasingly driven by consolidation, digitization, and evolving workplace expectations. 

Investing in people

As part of the acquisition, Waku founder and CEO Anthony Gunawan was formally appointed Chief HR Officer (CHRO) at DailyCo.

DailyCo Founder and CEO Kelvin Subowo said: “At DailyCo, we don’t just acquire businesses—we invest in people. From the outset, we saw exceptional potential in Anthony’s ability to build and scale a high-impact team grounded in world-class company culture practices. The strength of Waku’s internal culture was a key driver of its operational excellence, and we knew that bringing Anthony on as CHRO would be critical to replicating that success across the broader DailyCo as a group.”

For his part, Gunawan said: “Joining DailyCo opens up new possibilities to expand our impact, while keeping our mission and brand DNA intact. Together, we’re not only building a larger business, we’re also raising the bar for how institutional meals can be delivered: with consistency, care, and scale.”

The acquisition is a key step in DailyCo’s push to lead Indonesia’s institutional food services sector, a fast-growing but highly fragmented market traditionally dominated by smaller, localized providers. 

With increased demand for safety, reliability, and nutritional standards in workplace and institutional dining, DailyCo is strategically expanding its B2B footprint by acquiring high-performing businesses with strong operational infrastructure, with Waku serving as a prime example.

That said, DailyCo remains actively focused on identifying strategic M&A opportunities that align with its mission to feed the nation. 

Serving a booming market

Established in 2017, Waku offers an array of services, including daily meals, snack boxes, buffets, coffee breaks, pantry supplies, and more. 

Among its primary corporate entities are the likes of Lazada, Bank Central Asia, BRI Group, Mandiri Group, and Tokopedia, and the company has also catered for large-scale events such as the FIFA World Cup.

The B2B catering market in Jakarta and West Java alone is a US$62 billion opportunity. In recent years, 

Waku has clocked an 88 percent YoY growth in revenue and reached EBITDA positivity, serving more than 10 million meals annually to over 658 clients across 20 cities in Indonesia, maintaining a 98 percent repeat order rate. 

The company partners with over 60 kitchens and features a menu selection of more than 15,000 options, catering to diverse dietary preferences and event requirements.

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The post Sunlight Air brings its Grand Travel Fest to Central Luzon appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sunlight Air is bringing its Grand Travel Fest to Clark, Pampanga from 9th to 11th May. 

This will be the first time that the Grand Travel Fest is being staged in Pampanga since the event first launched in 2023.

An annual tradition of the boutique airline, the Grand Travel Fest offers visitors an abundance of airfare discounts and travel deals from the partner hotels, tour operators, and rental service providers.

According to Sunlight Air chief executive Ryna Brito-Garcia: “We at Sunlight Air are committed to providing customers with more opportunities to explore the Philippines. After our Grand Travel Fest in Cebu, we’ve found that more and more Filipinos are looking to travel domestically, and the market has been progressively growing. Thanks to our partners and loyal customers who made this event happen, we are happy to share more exciting deals at this year’s Grand Travel Fest in Clark to help our passengers fulfill their travel goals with Sunlight Air.”

Turning the dream of travel into a reality

Following the success of its last Grand Travel Fest in Cebu, Sunlight Air continues to make travel dreams a reality with the return of the highly anticipated three-day expo. 

Alongside deals from its partners, Sunlight Air will also be offering exclusive discounts at the travel fair. 

For as low as PHP 6, customers can purchase one-way base fares to Coron, Siargao, Boracay, and more. 

Customers can also get ten percent off SmartPass vouchers that are purchased five to 45 days prior to their departure, while special discounted rates for Sunlight Air Vacations, the airline’s signature all-inclusive travel package,will also be up for grabs.

Key partnerships

This year’s event is in partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Clark International Airport, and DITO Business. 

The travel fair will feature exhibitors such as Sunlight Hotels & Resorts, Hue Hotels & Resorts, TAG Resort Coron, and Discovery Resorts with up to 50 percent in discounts on room bookings. 

Southwest Tours will be offering exclusive deals for Boracay airport transfers starting at PHP 1,250, island tours and water activities starting at PHP 2,000, and half- or whole day services starting at PHP 12,000. 

Car rental company Hertz Philippines will also offer up to 20 percent off on self-driven rentals and 10% off chauffeur-driven services in Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, and other island destinations. For extra safe travels, 

Starr Insurance offers 20 percent off on international and domestic travel insurance for eventgoers. 

For BPI and Robinson’s Bank cardholders, visitors can get 50 percent off of Sunlight Air’s Value and Plus airfare tiers, while GCash users can get up to ten percent off, with free goodies also being distributed at their booths.

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The post Malaysia Airlines Signs Strategic MoUs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Promotion Group (APG) – Strengthening Reach and Content Delivery in Offline Markets

Malaysia Airlines announces the signing of three strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with key global trade partners – APG (Air Promotion Group), StudentUniverse, and ATPI (Advanced Travel Partners International) – as part of its continuous efforts to enhance market reach, deliver greater value to its diverse customer base, and strengthen its global distribution and commercial presence.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said:“These partnerships reflect Malaysia Airlines’ strategic ambition to deepen our reach across multiple customer segments and geographies. Whether it’s extending our content to offline markets, creating added value for students, or enhancing our marine segment capabilities – we are focused on providing seamless, value-driven experiences for travellers worldwide. We look forward to working closely with our partners to unlock new opportunities and deliver mutual growth.”

Malaysia Airlines is poised to strengthen its global distribution strategy through a strategic partnership with APG, the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network. By joining the APG Platform—APG’s NDC (New Distribution Capability) portal—the airline will expand its presence in offline markets and unlock wider access to its complete NDC content.
Leveraging APG’s network in over 150 countries, Malaysia Airlines will expand its reach to travel agents globally, driving revenue growth and strengthening its presence in offline markets. The APG Platform also enables cost-effective distribution of enriched content—like dynamic offers and bundled fares—while giving agents access to a wider travel portfolio, including hotels and car rentals.
StudentUniverse – Connecting with the Student Traveller Segment

Malaysia Airlines and StudentUniverse have significantly strengthened their strategic alliance, expanding its global footprint and officially designating Malaysia Airlines as one of its Global Airline partners. This underscores its commitment to the student travel market by offering exclusive fares, discounts, and value packages. As the world’s leading student travel platform, StudentUniverse will feature Malaysia Airlines as its preferred partner, boosting brand visibility and providing full marketing support. This collaboration combines both brands’ strengths to deliver top-tier, tailored travel options while promoting cultural exchange and accessible travel for the next generation of global explorers.
Since its collaboration in 2024, StudentUniverse has significantly contributed to student segment revenue growth, particularly in key markets such as Australia and New Zealand. To date, the platform has generated substantial revenue, with significant contributions from student movements in Australia, the UK, and the US.

ATPI – Strengthening the Marine Travel Segment

The MoU with ATPI designates them as Malaysia Airlines’ preferred marine travel partner from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026. This strategic partnership will focus on jointly promoting Malaysia Airlines’ flights to the marine and energy sectors, leveraging ATPI’s global reach and specialised expertise in the marine travel market.
By leveraging ATPI’s industry insights and global footprint, Malaysia Airlines aims to enhance its appeal and accessibility to key marine hubs and routes, positioning itself as a preferred airline for companies and professionals operating in these vital industries. The partnership also reflects Malaysia Airlines’ broader strategy to tap into niche travel markets and drive sustainable growth through targeted commercial collaborations.
 

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The post Ananda in the Himalayas adds sound healing to its wellness repertoire appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Renowned wellness retreat Ananda in the Himalayas raises the bar for integrative healing experiences with the inclusion of sound healing and mantra chanting to its standard offerings.

Known for its personalised approach to health and well-being, Ananda continues to build on ancient traditions while aligning with modern holistic practices, allowing guests to explore inner clarity, emotional release, and spiritual renewal through sound. 

Just last month, the retreat hosted a dedicated Vedic Mantra and Sound Healing Retreat that garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback and participation, further reaffirming the power and relevance of these practices.

Where silence and sound come together to heal

In today’s noisy, fast-paced world, true silence is a rare treasure, but sound has been used as a potent healing tool throughout the world for centuries.

At Ananda, guests are invited to experience immersive sound baths led by skilled practitioners using Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, and crystal instruments. 

These deeply calming sessions are paired with guided mantra chanting, introducing sacred Vedic sounds that align the nervous system and support emotional resilience. 

Such offerings are available weekly and are tailored to both new and seasoned wellness seekers.

At Ananda, sound and the silence that follows become medicine that gently dissolves tension and draws guests into a state of deep inner peace. 

Through vocal toning, chakra-aligned frequencies, and intentional silence, these sound offerings support healing across physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Mantra chanting, a cornerstone of Ananda’s spiritual awakening framework, includes sacred recitations for deep healing. 

These guided sessions are designed not just for spiritual practice but for real, measurable shifts in energy and awareness; enhancing clarity, focus, and emotional resilience.

Set against the stillness of the Himalayan foothills, these offerings become more than just therapies, they become tools of transformation, drawing from Vedic philosophy, yogic breathwork, and meditative listening. 

Sound and mantra are not positioned as isolated techniques, but as integrated dimensions of Ananda’s broader commitment to healing and self-discovery.

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The post Qatar Airways increases flights to Toronto and São Paulo appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways is broadening horizons for travellers to and from the Americas with its upcoming increase in flights to Toronto and São Paulo. Reaffirming its focus on serving growing demand, the airline will serve Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) with five weekly flights from 19 June 2025, and São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) with 17 weekly flights from 25 June 2025.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer,Thierry Antinori, said: “We launched our services to Toronto Pearson Airport less than six months ago and have seen a strong response in the market. We are proud to announce the increase in flights to meet the growing demand for our award-winning travel experience.”

“At the same time, we are expanding in South America with additional flights to São Paulo, a key gateway and strategic hub for business and leisure travel. These expansions underscore our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity through Hamad International Airport – voted World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2025.”

Qatar Airways flights to Toronto (YYZ)

The airline inaugurated its flights to Toronto in December 2024 ahead of the festive season, and is planning to offer daily flights to the city this coming winter to provide passengers across Canada enhanced connectivity to Doha and beyond.

Summer schedule

Departing every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

Doha (DOH) to Toronto (YYZ) – Flight QR767: Departure 08:10, Arrival 15:00
Toronto (YYZ) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR768: Departure 21:00, Arrival 16:40

Winter schedule

The flights will depart daily:

Doha (DOH) to Toronto (YYZ) – Flight QR767: Departure 08:25, Arrival 14:40
Toronto (YYZ) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR768: Departure 20:10, Arrival 16:55

Qatar Airways flights to São Paulo (GRU)

Much to the joy of travellers from across the Far East, the Middle East and Australia, Qatar Airways is also increasing flights to São Paulo from 14 to 17 weekly flights. Travellers can soon enjoy the relaxing winter season in the lively metropolis with greater choice and convenience.

Departing every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday:

Doha (DOH) to São Paulo (GRU) – Flight QR785: Departure 00:10, Arrival 09:00
São Paulo (GRU) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR786: Departure 10:30, Arrival 06:45

Passengers will continue to benefit from Qatar Airways’ seamless connections to 55 destinations in Latin America through LATAM Airlines, including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Santiago de Chile.

Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, remains a prominent leader in global connectivity and operates to over 170 destinations worldwide. Bookings for the getaways can be made at: qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile application.

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia