The post Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet passes the 1bln passengers milestone appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Boeing shared that the 787 Dreamliner fleet has surpassed 1 billion passengers faster than any widebody commercial airplane in history, accomplishing the feat in less than 14 years since entering service. The global 787 fleet of more than 1,175 airplanes has flown nearly 5 million flights covering more than 30 million flight hours.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of our customers in operating the 787, and we are incredibly grateful for each of them,” said Scott Stocker, Boeing 787 program vice president and general manager. “The 787 Dreamliner family was designed to connect people and places like never before. Flying over 1 billion passengers in this relatively short time is a testament to how the airplane has delivered on its promises to transform air travel with operational versatility, efficiency and comfort. This achievement reflects the dedication, talent and innovation of the teammates and partners who have brought the 787 family to life. To every operator flying the 787 and every one of the 1 billion passengers who have flown on a Dreamliner, thank you.”

Join the celebration

Boeing is inviting everyone connected to the 787, including operators, passengers, suppliers and Boeing employees to share their memories on social media using #Dreamliner.

By the numbers: 787 Dreamliner since entering service in 2011

• 1 billion+ passengers, 1,175+ jets, nearly 5 million flights, 30+ million flight hours
• Bestselling passenger widebody: 2,000+ orders from 89 customers
• The Dreamliner fleet operates across 85+ countries at 520+ airports, including 425+ new nonstop routes to destinations that were never served previously
• 2,100 flights each day: 480,000+ passengers daily and about 14.5 million people a month
• On average, each 787 is in the air more than 12 hours per day — showcasing strong global demand and reliability.
• Longest nonstop route: London to Perth (7,829 nmi), flown by Qantas
• Shortest nonstop route: Aruba to Curaçao (65 nmi), flown by TUI

The 787 family is 25% more fuel efficient than the airplanes it replaces, thanks in large part to new engines, an expanded use of lightweight composite materials, more efficient systems applications and modern aerodynamics.

 

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The post Travel agencies: lasting relevance despite the onslaught of the digital age appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Considering the number of online travel agencies (OTAs) currently operating, in-person travel agencies remain a key player in the global travel and tourism sectors.

It was quite telling, per recent experience, that over 500 travel buyers joined the recently concluded Macao International Travel and over 26,000 travel sector professionals took part in the most recent Arabian Travel Market.

The attendance rates at both events are proof that travel agencies remain alive, well, and are even thriving despite the aggressive movement of their digital counterparts.

But how is it that analog agencies continue to loom large in the awareness of travellers despite the increasingly widespread use of OTA platforms for booking everything from flights and hotel stays to tickets for popular events and attractions?

The global travel agency sector as it currently stands

To gain some perspective on just how big the global travel agency sector is, research firm IBISWorld reports as of end-April 2025 that there are currently 571,541 registered travel agencies operating worldwide.

Indeed, to quote Statista’s latest report released on 31st March of this year: “Despite having lost ground to OTAs, brick-and-mortar shops are still relevant in the market, with consumers often preferring to rely on travel agents when in need of an expert’s opinion.” This is particularly true for the cruise industry, where bookings could be more complex. When looking at the sales channels of the global cruise industry, offline channels generated over three-quarters of that market’s revenue in 2024.”

M Atif Hashaam Hasmi, assistant manager at TravelHouseUK in London, opines that travel agencies have something that even the most efficient OTA could never have artificial intelligence (AI) notwithstanding: the human touch.

As Hasmi puts it: “While the digital age offers convenience, traditional travel agencies’ unparalleled personal touch and expertise remain unmatched. In the realm of travel, where experiences matter, the human connection becomes invaluable. As you plan your next journey, consider the timeless charm and reliability of a traditional travel agency, where your dreams are crafted with a personal touch.”

Points to consider

Many experts have pointed out that utilising the services of in-person travel agencies as opposed to booking with OTAs offer several specific advantages.

These are:

A personalised approach to travel bolstered by extensive knowledge and experience

When one deals with a travel agent, one is bound to receive not only personalised service, but advice born of years of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the sector.

Thanks to this, in-person travel agencies are able to offer their clients trip packages to suit their specific needs and purposes.

This is particularly important for clients who are travelling with either very young children or the elderly, travellers with medical conditions, and business travellers who have specific requirements.

Greater savings

Also, a travel agent’s knowledge of the field means that clients could get better rates on flights, stays, and attractions than any offered to them online.

Not only that, we have noted over the past several years that there are a number of hidden costs that OTAs charge, and customers only see these on payment; indeed, additional fees take the cost of a trip booked online well above the tag price that drew them to the platform in the first place.

Travel agencies can also save clients time as they do everything from booking to arranging transport; all clients really need to do is show up on time.

We should also mention the fact that many travel agencies have exclusive access to deals and packages that offer more bang for a client’s buck.

Ready for anything…even the unexpected

Another key reason why travel agencies are still top of mind for many travellers is that they can assist with complex itineraries and changes. 

OTAs are good enough for booking simple trips, but it takes an in-person agency to handle more complicated arrangements, making them a better choice for those travelling with family, those on the move for medical reasons, and luxury travellers.

While online booking sites may be convenient for booking simple trips, they may not be equipped to handle more complicated travel arrangements.

Also, if there are any changes, travel agencies can do whatever is necessary, thus decreasing stress on the part of their clients.

Clients have nothing to worry about

Since we’re on the subject of lessening stress, keep in mind that one of the biggest benefits of working with an in-person travel agency is the peace of mind they can give their clients thanks to their constant support.

If anything goes wrong during the trip from cancelled flights and lost luggage to overbooked hotels and chaotic tours, a travel agent can help travellers navigate the situation and find a solution.

Even before one heads out, their travel agent will be able to give relevant updates on the destination and even offer recommendations to make their trip more fun and memorable.

A matter of security

While OTAs are convenient, the rising incidence of online fraud and identity theft is enough to make travellers think twice about booking their trips through the internet.

In which case, the interpersonal interaction with a brick-and-mortar travel agency offers a welcome modicum of security.

Hasmi says of this: “While reputable online platforms employ security measures, traditional travel agencies build trust through years of reliable service and face-to-face interactions. Their long-standing reputation in the community speaks volumes.”

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The post Verteil Technologies becomes launch NDC aggregator for Riyadh Air appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Riyadh Air and Verteil Technologies have announced a strategic partnership that will see Verteil become the launch NDC (New Distribution Capability) aggregator, marking a major milestone in Riyadh Air’s offer and order-based digital distribution journey. Through this collaboration, travel sellers across the globe will gain seamless access to Riyadh Air’s NDC content via Verteil’s industry-leading platform, Verteil Direct Connect (VDC), reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in airline retailing.

With this partnership, Riyadh Air NDC content will be accessible to travel sellers globally as it rolls out a modern and efficient distribution strategy that prioritises transparency, personalisation, and direct connectivity. Verteil’s proven expertise in deploying scalable NDC solutions for leading airlines ensures that travel sellers can access a full suite of content and functionalities, including real-time availability, rich fare options, ancillary services, and instant ticketing across multiple points of sale.

Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air, said: “Riyadh Air aims to set a new global standard for airline connectivity and innovation. Partnering with Verteil at this early stage allows us to ensure a strong foundation for modern distribution technology that is both future-ready and aligned with our digital-first strategy.”

Jerrin Jos, Founder and CEO of Verteil Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Riyadh Air as their launch NDC aggregator. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to modernising airline distribution, facilitating true retailing and enabling global travel sellers with direct access to richer content and better customer experiences.”

Verteil’s robust integration and flexible deployment capabilities make it easier for travel sellers – whether OTAs, TMCs, or Consolidators – to adopt NDC without heavy technical or operational burdens. As Riyadh Air prepares to launch its inaugural flights, this partnership ensures that distribution is already live and ready, empowering sellers to start doing business in the offer order world without delay.

 

 

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The post The English Riviera Airshow 2025: Where the Skies Come Alive appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The English Riviera BID Company, in partnership with Torbay Council, is proud to announce the return of the much-anticipated English Riviera Airshow, promising a weekend packed with thrilling aerial displays, live music, and family entertainment from 30 May – 01 June along Paignton seafront.

Kicking off the celebrations, ‘The English Riviera Airshow Take Off’ event on Friday evening will set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. Festivities begin with a special welcome from the Civic Mayor, Cllr Hannah Stevens, at 5:50pm, followed by live music from 6pm to 9:30pm. Audiences will be treated to a sunset Spitfire Flypast at approximately 9pm, followed by the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team’s stunning pyrotechnic performance. After a short break for more live music, the evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks finale at 10pm.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “We are thrilled to bring such an exciting and inspiring Airshow programme to the English Riviera for another incredible year.

“The Airshow is not just about incredible aerial displays; it’s about creating magical moments for visitors and our local community and celebrating the very best that the region has to offer. With the return of iconic aviation teams including the Red Arrows and the Red Devils, plus an outstanding live music line-up, this promises to be one of our biggest and best events yet.”

The flying programme across Saturday and Sunday will feature some of the biggest names in aviation. From the military, crowds can look forward to displays from the world-famous RAF Red Arrows, the thrilling RAF Typhoon, and the nostalgic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). The Royal Navy’s Black Cats Helicopter Display Team will demonstrate their agility and precision, and the British Army’s Red Devils Parachute Display Team will deliver breathtaking free-fall performances.

Civilian highlights include jaw-dropping aerobatics from Rich Goodwin in his G-JPIT aircraft, graceful formation flying from Team Raven, and the daring feats of the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers. Audiences will also be wowed by The Harvard – an advanced single-engine trainer that played a pivotal role in preparing aircrew during World War II, training over 100,000 pilots for the American, Canadian, and British air forces.

At ground level, the entertainment continues with a vibrant programme of live music and performances. On Saturday, the stage will come alive from 10am to 10pm. The morning programme will focus on children’s entertainment, followed by an afternoon filled with performances from BBC Introducing solo artists. In the evening, from 6pm to 10pm, BBC Radio Presenter Daniel Pascoe will host a special BBC Introducing Night, featuring some of the UK’s best up-and-coming talent including Bailey Tomkinson and The Locals, Haytor, Will Eason, and headliners Tors, who are expected to draw travelling fans to the English Riviera.

On Sunday, the stage programme will run from 10am to 9pm, celebrating the rich pool of local musical talent from across the region, with performances from a wide range of homegrown artists. Other incredible must-visit activities include the military village, the funfair and craft fair, as well as an array of local traders and exhibitors.

For guests who are looking to make a weekend of this exciting event, the English Riviera Airshow is free to attend, making it the perfect family date to kick off the summer season. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the stunning seafront setting, and experience the very best of the English Riviera’s hospitality.

 

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The post Mercure Khamis Mushait opens with 93 keys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mercure, a locally-inspired brand from Accor, announces the opening of Mercure Khamis Mushait in the Aseer region, under the management of Amsa Hospitality. Located 15 kilometers away from Abha International Airport, the hotel is the first internationally branded hotel in Khamis Mushait offering 93 modern and comfortable rooms. Infused with Mercure’s signature warmth and deep connection to place, the hotel blends authentic Saudi hospitality with the rich cultural offerings of the Aseer region.

Designed for business and leisure travelers, Mercure Khamis Mushait features an all-day dining restaurant, a coffee shop, a modern gym, an indoor swimming pool, and a fully equipped meeting room. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of 24/7 in-room dining and laundry services.

The hotel’s design incorporates locally-inspired elements, with thoughtfully curated interiors across its rooms and public spaces that pay tribute to the region’s cultural richness.

Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has been dedicated to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address, creating a truly local experience for guests. Through its “Discover Local” programme, Mercure ensures that guests are instantly immersed in a locally inspired atmosphere. The brand has recently achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 1,000 hotels worldwide.

Hameed Ali, General Manager, said: “We take immense pride in bringing Mercure’s renowned hospitality to the Aseer region. Our dedicated team is committed to providing guests with a unique blend of local character and exceptional service, whether visiting for business or leisure.”

Aamir Riaz, Chief Operating Officer of Amsa Hospitality, said: “We at Amsa Hospitality are beyond delighted to start welcoming guests to Mercure Khamis Mushait. We thank the Accor team for their excellent collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together to make sure our guests experience the warmth of Mercure.”

Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in the Middle East, commented: “The rising demand for midscale and economy brands in Saudi Arabia’s secondary cities highlights the nation’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. Mercure Khamis Mushait is a key milestone in Accor’s commitment to expanding its footprint in alignment with Vision 2030 enhancing tourism and economic diversification. As the first opening under the master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, it paves the way for additional hotels in key cities like Ha’il, Jubail, and Al-Ula. Together, we are bringing our globally recognized brands, including Handwritten Collection, ibis Styles, Mercure, and Novotel closer to travelers seeking quality, comfort, and local authenticity.”

To celebrate its opening, members of ALL – Accor’s award winning loyalty programme, can take advantage of 20% savings on the best available rate and 4Xbonus reward points.  The offer is available until 31 August 2025, with a flexible cancellation policy and blackout dates, including Eid Al Adha.

Mercure Khamis Mushait is owned by Amsa Hospitality and is the first hotel to open under the master development agreement with Accor.

 

 

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The post Saudi Tourism Authority partners with Radisson Hotel Group appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Radisson Hotel Group, marking a new chapter in their mutual commitment to driving tourism and enhancing the Kingdom’s global visibility as a leading destination.

The MoU outlines a strategic framework for collaboration, with both parties set to explore opportunities that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambition to welcome 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. As part of this partnership, Saudi Tourism Authority and Radisson Hotel Group will evaluate a range of potential initiatives. These include amplifying the visibility of the ‘Visit Saudi’ brand across Radisson’s global marketing platforms and developing co-branded campaigns that spotlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse attractions.

Basel Talal, Managing Director, KSA, Kuwait & Levant Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic travel destinations globally, and we are proud to support its tourism ambitions through this MoU with the Saudi Tourism Authority. This agreement sets the foundation for impactful collaborations that will enhance the Kingdom’s visibility, attract new travelers, and offer unforgettable experiences to guests across our growing portfolio of hotels in Saudi Arabia.”

With nearly 50 hotels operating and under development across the Kingdom, Radisson Hotel Group is a major hospitality partner supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation and Vision 2030 objectives. Recent openings in the Kingdom include the launch of Radisson Hotel Group’s first hotel in Madinah, Radisson Hotel Madinh and Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center Riyadh Minhal, further strengthening its presence across the holy cities. Upcoming openings include Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh Al Sahafa, Radisson Hotel Jeddah Tahlia Street, Radisson Collection Residence Riyadh, and Radisson Hotel Makkah Thakher City.

 

 

 

 

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The post SeaLink reveals new developments at 2025 Australian Tourism Exchange appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism revealed a host of new experiences, tours, and investments at the recently concluded Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2025 in Brisbane. 

As one of Australia’s leading marine transport and tourism providers, SeaLink continues to offer unparalleled access to some of the country’s most stunning destinations.

With a focus on both domestic and international markets, SeaLink showcased its commitment to creating unforgettable travel moments across Australia’s coastlines, islands, rivers, and heritage-rich landscapes.

Showing off the best of Australia

SeaLink chief executive Donna Gauci remarked at the event: “Our mission is to connect people with Australia’s most unique and beautiful places sustainably and meaningfully. From new product offerings and infrastructure upgrades to immersive cultural experiences, we’re continuing to innovate and invest in ways that invite more travellers to discover the brilliance of our backyard.”

SeaLink general manager of global sales and distribution Richard Doyle added: “ATE is an exciting opportunity to showcase the breadth and diversity of SeaLink’s tourism offerings to the world. We’re proud to collaborate with our global travel trade partners to boost visitation to Australia, create unforgettable memories, and share meaningful stories—both ancient and contemporary.”

With a footprint spanning six states and territories, SeaLink Marine & Tourism continues to redefine how travellers connect with the places and cultures that make Australia extraordinary.

New developments in 2025

• $57 Million Investment in Two New Kangaroo Island Ferries – Two purpose-built, state-of-the-art ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi, will launch in 2025. These larger, more accessible vessels will significantly increase passenger and vehicle capacity, enhancing connectivity to Kangaroo Island.

• Daily Departures + Tours – SeaLink offers daily ferry services and a range of day and multi-day tours on Kangaroo Island, providing access to some of the world’s best beaches, wildlife encounters, local produce, and eco-certified experiences across the island.

• Captain Cook Cruises Celebrates 55 Years – Captain Cook Cruises is marking its 55th anniversary with special sailings, events, and giveaways throughout 2025. Highlights include premium dinner cruises and sightseeing sailings offering front-row views of the city’s most iconic sights.
  • Vivid Sydney 2025 with The Jackson – Luxury vantage point cruises aboard The Jackson offer the ultimate way to experience Vivid Sydney, with front-row views of the harbour’s iconic light installations. Guests enjoy premium dining, curated cocktails, and uninterrupted panoramic views from Sydney’s most elegant on-water venue.

• New Sunset Premium Dinner Cruise – An elevated evening experience showcasing Sydney’s culinary and scenic offerings, featuring a curated menu with locally sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines, all while guests enjoy stunning sunset views over the Harbour.

• New Indigenous Tours
  • Kangaroo Island (Ngarrindjeri Country) – Led by Ngarrindjeri elder Mark Koolmatrie, this full-day cultural tour explores Dreamtime stories, sacred sites, bush tucker, and traditional medicines—offering a deeper understanding of the Island’s ancient landscapes and First Nations heritage.

• • North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) – Launching soon, this half-day tour led by Matt Burns, a proud Noonuccal and Nughi man of the Quandamooka People, features storytelling, bush tucker, didgeridoo and dance demonstrations, as well as traditional skills passed down through generations.

• • Illumina on K’gari (Fraser Island) – Queensland’s first permanent light and projection show has captivated more than 11,400 guests since its launch last year. Set at Kingfisher Bay Resort, this after-dark experience blends nature, storytelling, and technology. No two nights are the same, with the display responding to the island’s natural surroundings and weather for a uniquely atmospheric show.

• Expanded Product in the Whitsundays
  • Red Cat Adventures – Offers even more ways to explore the Whitsundays, including fast boat and catamaran day sails to Whitehaven Beach and the reef. Guests can also learn about local reef restoration and marine conservation efforts during their journey.

• • Whitsunday Jetski Tours – Award-winning tours through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, guided by experts. Guests can go at their own pace to experience an adrenaline filled ride or slow down to take in the breathtaking scenery.

• Perth – River Cruises expansion – Swan Valley Wine Cruise and Dinner experiences will now run twice weekly—Friday and Saturday—during peak periods. A new High Tea option is also available on Perth to Fremantle sailings, offering guests a relaxed and indulgent riverside experience.
• Tiwi by Design Tour Returns – The Northern Territory’s premier Indigenous art and culture experience recommences in April 2025. This immersive tour offers guests the unique opportunity to explore the Tiwi Islands, engaging with local artists and learning about the Tiwi people’s rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and contemporary art—with a hands-on art experience and souvenir to take home.
• North Queensland MOUA Snorkelling Day Tour – The Ocean Sentinels at John Brewer Reef’s Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) experience is a must-see! Guests embark on a snorkelling day tour to the Reef to explore the stunning Ocean Sentinels underwater sculpture trail and learn about reef conservation efforts and the vibrant life in the Great Barrier Reef.
• Eco-Certification Milestones – SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s Queensland businesses, including Red Cat Adventures, Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours, K’gari/Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari Day Tours, Magnetic Island, and South East Queensland, have earned Eco and Advanced Ecotourism Certifications, along with Best of Queensland accolades. Nationwide, we also champion sustainability through conservation efforts on Kangaroo Island, Rottnest Island beach clean-ups with Containers for Change, and Seabin programs in Sydney Harbour.

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The post China’s travel spending surges during ‘Golden Week’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Data from Alipay and other Alipay+ partner payment apps indicates a notable increase in both outbound and inbound tourism spending in China during the 2025 Labor Day holiday (Golden Week).

Outbound Travel: Chinese tourists explore local experiences through digital platforms in overseas destinations

Through Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitization services developed by Ant International, users of 36 e-wallets in Asia and Europe—including Chinese travellers—can use their own home payment apps across over 70 markets without the need to exchange currency or carry cash. During China’s Labor Day holiday, global Alipay+ merchants have joined Alipay in an exclusive campaign to lure travellers.

The top destinations for Chinese travellers, based on total Alipay spending, are Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Macao SAR, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Canada, and Italy.

Thanks to Alipay+’s 100 million-strong and diverse global merchant network, Chinese tourists are increasingly seeking more personalized, local experiences. Switzerland recorded the highest average Alipay spending per user, while in South Korea, average spending exceeded USD 100—driven in part by the growing trend of traveling for cosmetic surgery. In addition, the growing desire for immersive local travel experiences is driving increased use of local transportation, with Alipay transactions rising 53% year-over-year. Public transit has become the most frequently used Alipay service among travellers. Taking buses and subways with Alipay is especially popular in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, where travellers are already familiar with using it for daily commutes. Other emerging trends include buying train tickets in Europe and unlocking shared bikes in Japan with Alipay.

Furthermore, Alipay’s real-time tax refund service saw a 33% year-on-year increase in the refund value per transaction, while the number of claims for Alipay’s instant discount offer increased by 46% compared to the New Year’s Day holiday.

Inbound Travel: Visa-free entry, updated tax refund policies, and new payment options attract international travellers 

Since September 2023, the Alipay+ solutions have supported 13 leading payment apps in Asia to serve their roaming users across Alipay’s extensive merchant network in China.

Thanks to China’s updated tax refund and visa-free policies, more international travellers are heading to the country. During the Labor Day holiday, both the number of transactions and the total spending by travellers using the 13 overseas e-wallets rose by over 100% year-on-year. AlipayHK topped the list for total spending, followed by Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go e-Wallet, Kazakhstan’s Kaspi.kz, Macao SAR’s MPay, and Thailand’s TrueMoney.

With Alipay+, international travellers may also bind their Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover^®, Diners Club International^®, and UnionPay International credit or debit cards to Alipay for a seamless travel experience in China. This enables smooth payments and access to a wide range of digital services on the Alipay platform, including ride-hailing, hotel bookings, and plane or train ticket purchases.

Alipay Tap!—a contactless payment and customer engagement solution introduced by Alipay in China in June 2024—has also quickly become a preferred payment method among international travellers to China. The solution is essentially a simplified QR-code method that enables users to access services hosted on Alipay simply by tapping a merchant’s terminal or an Alipay Tap! Tag, without needing to open an app, scan a code, or navigate multiple screens. As of April 2025, Alipay Tap! had attracted over 100 million users in China within just 11 months of launch. During the Labor Day holiday, travellers from the 54 countries covered by China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy spent 50% more via Alipay Tap! compared to the same period in April.

 

 

 

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The post Japanese travellers are thinking twice about their Golden Week holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A recent report from AFP shows that Japanese travellers are thinking twice about spending for the annual Golden Week holiday period in light of soaring prices for hotels and entry to local attractions.

Inflation driven by record inbound tourism has caused a massive increase in hotel and attractions rates, forcing many domestic travellers to put off their vacations despite the fact that the holiday already began on Saturday, 3rd May.

Golden Week spans the first week of May, covering three consecutive public holidays.

It is the longest break of the year, and gives Japanese workers time off to visit family, as well as travel domestically or internationally.

When trends trump tradition

Over the past couple of years, however, the surge in prices for everything from basic commodities and utilities to flight and hotel bookings have forced many Japanese to shy away from heading out for the holiday.

If we look at how Japan is faring economically, the yen has already lost about a third of its value since 2022, something which helped propel the surge in inbound tourism over the past three years.

While the return of tourists has been a great help to the economy, it has also meant overcrowding in popular destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka, meriting the ire and frustration of locals over outrageous tourist behaviour.

Likewise, the inflow of tourists sent demand for hotel bookings spiraling upward, with the room rate in Japan’s five major cities around 16 percent more expensive at the onset of this year’s Golden Week than last year.

This has resulted in many locals opting to shelve their travel plans for this year.

Experts at Yamanashi University explained: “The biggest reason seems to be the inflation that has curtailed their willingness to spend lavishly”, Atsushi Tanaka, a tourism studies professor at Yamanashi University. Because the inbound tourism is booming so much, hotel operators don’t need to lower their accommodation prices, which is making it harder for Japanese people to travel.”

These findings were bolstered by the results of a poll conducted by the JTB Group last month wherein the number of respondents planning to go on trips decreased by 5.6 percent from last year’s total.

Another survey by marketing research firm Intage, also conducted last month, shows that the percentage of those planning to travel domestically during the holiday period dipped by two percent from a year earlier to 13.6 percent.

The same study, however, showed the average budget for Golden Week outings this year has edged up to US$201 from US$192, underscoring holidaymakers’ acceptance of the status quo.

Japan logged more than 36.8 million tourist arrivals in 2024, topping 2019’s record of nearly 32 million.

The government has set an ambitious target of almost doubling tourist numbers to 60 million annually by 2030.

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The post Singapore Tourism Board appoints Serene Woon as Area Director, India, Middle East and South Asia  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced the appointment of Serene Woon as Area Director-Designate, India, Middle East, and South Asia (Mumbai), on 1st May, 2025 and will assume the full director role on 1^st July, 2025.

Based in Mumbai, Woon will oversee West and South India markets, as well as the Middle East and South Asia regions, while leading STB’s pan-India destination marketing efforts.

Woon brings over a decade of experience at STB since 2010, having served as Area Director in South Korea and Malaysia where she drove significant market growth. She successfully led STB’s branded entertainment initiatives in South Korea and expanded the Board’s presence in Greater Busan and East Malaysia. Most recently, as Deputy Director at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), she played a crucial role in the Cross Border Travel Office, helping shape policies for Singapore’s border reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic.Prior to assuming her role as Area Director (Mumbai), she served as the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning at the STB, where she worked on the Tourism 2040 (T2040) strategy which charts out the next bound of tourism growth for Singapore.

Commenting on the new appointment,Markus Tan, Regional Director for India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa (IMESA), STB,said: “India represents immense potential as one of our key markets. Serene’s deep experience and keen understanding of modern traveller preferences will bring valuable new perspectives to strengthen Singapore’s connections with Indian travellers. We look forward to her leadership in this crucial market.”

Serene Woon,commenting on her new role, said: “I am honoured to take on this position at such an exciting time for India’s outbound travel market. India’s culture, diversity, and growing global influence make it a key focus and growth market for us at STB. Together with my team and our partners, I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have established and bringing Singapore closer to Indian travellers.”

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