The post India’s MICE Industry Set to Be a Major Economic Driver: Gajendra Singh appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), organized the Meet in India Conclave at Jaipur, Rajasthan on the sidelines of the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB).

More than 300 delegates and participants attended the event consisting of International MICE Companies/Operators, Domestic MICE Companies/Professional Conference organizers, Speakers, Foreign Tour Operators specialized in MICE invited for GITB, Secretaries from States / UTs, Media, Stakeholders from various Tourism and Hospitality Associations, Local Stakeholders (Hotels, DMCs, Associations, GITB, officials from States / UTs, exhibitors etc.) etc.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India addressed the conclave and said that India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Industry is set to be a major economic driver, generating high-quality jobs.

Speaking at the conclave, Shri Shekhawat said, “India’s MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, fuelled by robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure, and strong government backing. States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways — and now, it’s time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map.

“With iconic venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, and with MICE prioritized under the Incredible India campaign, we aim to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into the world’s top MICE destinations. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, and with states like Rajasthan leading through legacy and innovation, India is poised to become the world’s most admired tourism and events destination,” the Tourism Minister added while highlighting the growing potential of the country in the MICE segment.

Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, emphasized that tourism and hospitality are among the world’s largest employment generators. He highlighted the immense potential of the sector to create high-quality, skill-intensive jobs in India’s youthful, ambitious economy. Bery stated, “At NITI Aayog, we view MICE tourism not only as a promotional opportunity but as a development imperative,” urging for more than just infrastructure development. He stressed the need for centre-state coordination, deregulation, and the breaking down of silos across ministries to achieve this vision. He added that India must move towards a comprehensive tourism experience that integrates events, cultural infrastructure, and global best practices to fully unlock its potential.

Bery further emphasized, “The vision laid out by Hon’ble PM during India’s G20 presidency has opened new pathways. It is now up to states to build on this momentum. From deregulation to concert tourism, India has the opportunity to become a global hub for events and experiences.”

Traditions with transformations

Highlighting Rajasthan as an emerging MICE destination,  Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, said, “Rajasthan is not just a heritage destination — it is a vibrant, future-ready hub for MICE tourism. With state-of-the-art convention centres, seamless connectivity, digital infrastructure, and world-class hospitality, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that blends tradition with transformation.”

She further added, “From our cultural richness to rural tourism circuits and new destination development, every part of Rajasthan is being equipped to host high-impact events. We believe in the power of strong public-private partnerships — from local artisans to luxury hoteliers, from grassroots logistics teams to global planners, everyone plays a role.”

Elucidating Rajasthan’s commitment to MICE not as a short-term effort, but as a strategic priority to drive growth, innovation, and global visibility, the Deputy CM of Rajasthan said, “Rajasthan is ready — not just to welcome conferences, but to offer an unforgettable, enriching experience.”

Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Odisha, said: “Whether it’s conferences or exhibitions, India is ready to welcome the world—and Odisha stands proudly among the leading states. From the spiritual serenity of Puri to the architectural marvel of Konark, our state offers not only robust infrastructure but also a rich cultural tapestry for all to experience”.

Need for city-level convention promotion bureaus

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General of Tourism, Government of India, stated that India is poised to lead global MICE tourism, driven by booming aviation, enhanced connectivity, and world-class infrastructure. He added, “A unified national strategy, skilled talent, digital tools, and strong state-led promotion can propel us into the top five MICE markets by 2025.” While India already has the necessary infrastructure and market demand, he pointed out that the real challenge lies in coordination. Billa emphasized the need for city-level convention promotion bureaus, a strong national MICE brand, skill development academies, and a seamless digital portal. He concluded that India has the potential to become one of the leading global MICE destinations by 2035.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI; Mentor, FICCI Tourism Committee; CMD, The LaLit Suri Hospitality Group, highlighted that India is no longer just a leisure destination and said “We are now ready to take on the world as a leading MICE destination. With exceptional infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and the proven capabilities we demonstrated during the G20, we have everything it takes to host large-scale global conventions. Through platforms like the Great Indian Travel Bazaar and Meet in India, we are not just showcasing our potential — we are inviting the world to collaborate, catalyse, and say, ‘Let’s meet in India”.

The inaugural session was also graced by senior dignitaries and over 300 leading industry stakeholders. The platform spotlighted India’s readiness to lead in the global MICE landscape through robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships and destination-driven promotion.

The India MICE market generated a revenue of USD 49,402.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 103,686.5 million by 2030 while registering a growth of 13% CAGR. This growth is fuelled by the recent developments in MICE-ready destinations coming up in cities like Varanasi, Khajuraho, Kochi etc. Over the last decade, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure with be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways, more than 150 operational airports and over 2.48 million hotel rooms. Further, India’s hosting of G20 nations has reinforced India’s growing venue network and regional tourism potential.

Following the conclave, the 14th edition of GITB will commence from May 5–6 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura. With over 280 international buyers from 55 countries, and active participation from both domestic and foreign MICE and leisure operators, GITB continues to be the leading platform for inbound tourism business development in India.

 

 

 

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The post Club Med launches Family Oasis at Club Med Phuket  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Club Med just launched its first-ever dedicated space for families in the Asia Pacific at Club Med Phuket.

The new Family Oasis at Club Med Phuket is an exciting innovative offering reinforces Club Med’s commitment to providing unparalleled family experiences.

Inspired by beautifully intricate Thai patterns and design, also known as Lai Thai, the Lai Thai Family Oasis provides a dedicated haven for families, offering a space specially designed to foster connections and shared experiences, where quality, happy memories are created.

Within this space lies a vibrant Splash Park for endless fun for toddlers and young children.

Fun slides, colourful water canons, waterspouts and sprays, giant splash buckets and other interactive elements beckon families for a great time together.

Lounge chairs thoughtfully arranged around the splash park as well as a poolside snack bar offer a comfortable respite and provides all-day refreshment, ensuring an easy, safe and engaging environment.

Space enough for any size of family 

The Lai Thai Family Oasis features a variety of room configurations spread over two floors to suit a range of family needs.

Each room draws inspiration from the breathtaking natural landscape of Phuket whilst creatively incorporating Thai art and design and can comfortably accommodate up to two adults, two children under 11 and one baby.

The zone’s Family-Themed rooms offer a unique holiday experience with its whimsical banyan tree motif and playful forest-inspired design, inviting both young and young-at-heart to recapture the magic and wonderment of holidays.

Extra touches to enhance even the youngest guests’ stay include amenities for children of all ages, such as baby essentials, kids-friendly shower amenities and bathrobes, as well as age-appropriate activity and welcome kits.

Ground-floor rooms offer the luxury of a terrace where families can relax easily, and opens up directly to the Splash Park, while first-floor rooms boast private balconies overlooking the lively Splash Park.

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The post A reimagined Hyde Melbourne Place by Ennismore opened on 2 May 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ennismore announces its continued global growth with the signing of Melbourne Place in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. The celebrated property will be reimagined and relaunched as Hyde Melbourne Place, marking the group’s debut in Australia, set to officially open under the Hyde flag on 2 May 2025.

The hotel will offer a fresh and unique experience for locals and travellers, blending contemporary design with Melbourne’s synonymous cultural essence. Hyde, which has expanded its global presence to cities like Miami, Dubai, London, and Johannesburg, brings its bold vision for lifestyle hospitality to Australia. Hyde Melbourne Place will feature a variety of guest rooms and public spaces that reflect Melbourne’s renowned artistic and cultural vibrancy. In the coming weeks, full details on the hotel’s design features, music-led programming, and guest experiences will be revealed.

Hyde Melbourne Place will join Ennismore’s trio of flagship openings in Australia this year – Hyde Perth, Mondrian Gold Coast, and 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia – marking the group’s highly anticipated debut in the country.

“Melbourne’s creative spirit, bold energy, and cultural richness make it the perfect setting for Hyde’s Australian debut,” said Jodi Brown, newly appointed General Manager of Hyde Melbourne Place. “With its bohemian aesthetic, playful spirit, and deep roots in music and design, Hyde Melbourne Place will offer guests more than just a stay, it will be a full sensory experience. We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming, including vibrant spaces, live music moments, and design that truly speaks to the heart of Melbourne’s artistic community.”

Jodi Brown will help further cement Hyde’s commitment to excellence in its Australian debut. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality sector across various hotels and resorts throughout Australia, including a strong presence in Melbourne, Jodi brings proven leadership, deep industry insight, and a passion for creating extraordinary hospitality experiences.

Melbourne Place has already been recognised as one of the city’s most exciting new destinations, recently earning a coveted spot on the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2025. Celebrated for its distinctive design, central location, and connection to Melbourne’s creative pulse, the property’s next chapter under Hyde promises to build on this strong foundation, introducing bold new experiences while honouring the cultural vibrancy that defines it.

Originally designed by the renowned Melbourne-based architecture studio Kennedy Nolan. Known for their distinctive approach that blends urban sensitivity with bold, expressive forms, Nolan has ensured that every element of the hotel reflects a coherent and uniquely Melbourne character.

Hyde Melbourne Place will be part of Dis-loyalty, Ennismore’s game-changing travel and food membership that gives members up to 50% off 100+ hotels globally. Find out more at Dis-loyalty.com.

 

 

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The post Indonesia’s Archipelago offers options for kid-friendly vacations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesian hospitality firm Archipelago makes family vacations become more enjoyable thanks to a slew of kid-friendly amenities.

With the market for family-centric vacations booming, parents find themselves challenged when it comes to choosing a kid-friendly hotel that isn’t just comfortable but also provides valuable experiences for their kids. 

As the largest hotel operator in Southeast Asia, Archipelago offers a wide range of hotels with kid-friendly facilities, including Kids Clubs, Kids Corners, Playgrounds, Kids Pools, rooms with kids’ decorations, and a variety of fun activities such as cooking classes and kids’ movie nights.

All these facilities are specially designed to create a fun and memorable stay for the whole family.

According to Archipelago chief executive John Flood: “With the rising demand for family-friendly accommodations, we want to ensure that every family enjoys a stress-free vacation where children can have fun in a safe environment while parents unwind. Archipelago Hotels provide a variety of experiences that guarantee comfort and entertainment for all family members.”

Designed for kids

Kid-friendly hotels under the Archipelago group offer facilities such as play areas, educational activities, and interactive programs that keep kids active and entertained throughout the holiday. 

Specially designed to create a fun experience for kids, these hotels allow them to play, learn, and engage in exciting activities that help enhance their creativity and social skills.

These are what families are bound to find at several kid-friendly hotels within the Archipelago Group:

• Kids Club – An exclusive playroom specially designed for kids. The Kids Club offers a variety of interactive activities, arts, and crafts guided by professional staff. It provides a safe and fun environment where parents can leave their little ones to play and learn.
• Kids Corner – Located in public areas such as the lobby or restaurant. The Kids Corner features an educational play space for kids, offering a practical solution to keep children entertained while parents relax. However, parents are still expected to supervise their children in this area.
• Kids Playground – For kids who enjoy physical activities, the Kids Playground is equipped with slides, swings, and other play equipment that support children’s motor and social development. Parental supervision is also required in this area.
• Kids Cooking Class – A fun cooking class where kids can learn to make simple dishes like pizza, cupcakes, and more together with the hotel’s chef.
• Kids Movie Night – A special movie session for kids held in designated hotel areas, featuring educational and entertaining films along with tasty snacks. Kids Movie Night is one of the children’s favorite moments during their stay, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for family time.
• Kids Pool – Several Archipelago hotels also provide children’s swimming pools with shallow depths and kid-friendly designs. Located next to the main pool, this facility allows kids to enjoy the water safely under the direct supervision of their parents.
• Room with Kids Decoration – To enhance comfort and fun during the stay, guests can request special rooms with kids’ decorations. These include mini tents, cute ornaments, and other playful touches. This service is available at selected Archipelago hotels such as Aston Simatupang, Aston Cirebon, Alana Sentul, and Aston Sentul.

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The post AirAsia announces collaboration with beverage maker Hausboom appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia teamed up with Malaysian sparkling juice brand Hausboom for a unique collaboration to create beverages inspired by various flight destinations.

The collaboration brings together two homegrown names to celebrate local pride and a shared passion for connecting people.

In production till December of this year, the collaboration introduces nine limited-edition Hausboom bottles, each featuring a flavour inspired by a different AirAsia destination. 

From Strawberry for Seoul to Roti Bakar for Kuala Lumpur, the series is a playful nod to the diversity of AirAsia’s network and the wanderlust of Malaysian consumers. 

Other destinations include Almaty, Phu Quoc, Sihanoukville, Xi’an, Nairobi, Melbourne, and Amritsar. 

The destination-themed bottles will be available at over 6,800 retail locations including 7-Eleven, KK Mart nationwide; CKS Retail, Bataras Hypermarket & Superstore and Servay Supermarket in Sabah; as well as SEN SEN Department Store and Everwin in Kuching. 

Each bottle features a unique QR code for entry into the ‘Sip & Win’ contest, with monthly prizes including unlimited free flights and exclusive rewards from AirAsia’s travel and lifestyle ecosystem spanning SNAP, Hotels, RIDE, Ikhlas, and more.

Proudly homegrown

AirAsia head of commercial Liyana Mahizzan explained that the company is a Malaysian airline that is proudly committed to building strong, homegrown partnerships that resonate with the communities it serves. 

Mahizzan said: “Our collaboration with Hausboom aligns perfectly with our mission to champion local innovation and to engage with the growing lifestyle consumer segment, particularly among the 21–35 age group, which makes up more than 42 percent of our customer base. Through this campaign, we are not only connecting with new audiences through bold, familiar flavours, but also giving back to our loyal guests with a chance to win unlimited flights for a year, along with exclusive prizes from SNAP, Hotels, RIDE, Ikhlas, and more.”

She went on to say that the initiative is part of the airline’s broader strategy to deepen its emotional connection with consumers, unlock value across new market segments, and reinforce AirAsia’s role as more than just an airline, but a lifestyle brand that empowers Malaysian entrepreneurs and communities.

Mahizzan concluded with: “We remain committed to inspiring our guests to venture beyond conventional boundaries and explore new destinations. As the airline with the most extensive network in ASEAN, our goal is to enhance their travel experiences through unique and enriching journeys, while cultivating a deeper spirit of adventure throughout the region.”

For his part, Hausboom CEO Azri Zahier Azmi remarked: “As the fastest-growing beverage brand in Southeast Asia, Hausboom has always been about pushing boundaries and staying ahead of trends. In today’s fast-changing market, agility is key, and this collaboration with AirAsia is a perfect example of how we are adapting in bold, creative ways. We have laid a strong foundation by anchoring our brand around three core lifestyle pillars: Hausboom Music, Hausboom Style, and Hausboom Extreme, each connecting with diverse communities while staying true to our core audience. We are thrilled to be part of a campaign that not only showcases our best-selling drinks but also inspires our customers to dream bigger, travel further, and celebrate our local roots with pride.”

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The post Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park to open with 195 keys in late 2025 in Japan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IHG Hotels & Resorts had  announced an agreement with Minami Nijo Operations, a wholly-owned subsidiary of World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts, to open Japan’s second Holiday Inn & Suites later this year, which will be owned by a fund managed by Goldman Sachs.

The 195-room Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will open in late 2025 following an extensive renovation which includes all guest rooms, the addition of a new gym, and the introduction of a lobby café as part of Holiday Inn’s Open Lobby concept, a design-led and versatile space where guests can choose how they connect and relax.

When it opens, Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will join more than 1,200 Holiday Inn hotels and resorts around the world and eight Holiday Inn hotels in Japan. The brand has consistently evolved over the years, placing guests at the centre of its innovation and earning the reputation as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and recognised hotel brands.

Abhijay Sandilya, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts and Goldman Sachs to bring the Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the centre of Sapporo and lead this hotel into an exciting new chapter.

“At IHG, we have developed the brands, enterprise platform and excellent capabilities needed to successfully attract conversion opportunities and have them open in short time frames offering guests new experiences and options whether they are travelling for leisure, business or blended travel.

“This agreement adds to what will be the biggest year ever for the Holiday Inn brand family in Japan. Since the start of 2025 we have returned the brand to Kyoto and are set to open three more hotels under the Holiday Inn brand this year, including in Tokyo.”

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a bustling metropolis surrounded by incredible nature. It is renowned for beautiful seasonal scenery, great food experiences including fresh seafood and a year-round calendar of events including the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

The Hokkaido area continues to grow in popularity with a 40% increase in international travellers in 2024 versus 2019. Also, international weekly flight numbers have continued to increase during the first quarter of 2025 exceeding 2019 levels for the first time.

Hiroshi Komoto, Representative Director and President of World Brands Collection Hotels & Resortssaid: “Following our successful collaboration with IHG on the debut of the Six Senses brand in Japan, it’s wonderful to be expanding our partnership into a new segment and new destination.

“The Holiday Inn brand is globally recognised and enables visitors to stay with a brand they know and trust. We believe this property will be a fantastic choice for travellers to explore the beauty and wonders of Sapporo when it opens.”

Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will offer a choice of rooms or suites as well as a range of facilities including a gym, meeting spaces, a restaurant and a large public bath on an upper floor of the hotel.

Located at the end of the well-known Tanukikoji Shopping Street in the popular downtown Susukino area, and a short walk to Odori Park, which is host to many events, the hotel will cater to both international and domestic travellers.

IHG Hotels & Resorts operates five hotels in Hokkaido across three brands – Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and looks forward to the debut of the InterContinental brand later this year with the opening of InterContinental Sapporo.

Across Japan, IHG operates 52 hotels across 10 brands, with 14 hotels in the pipeline.

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The post Preferred Hotels & Resorts strengthen portfolio in Q1, 19 new members join appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand announces the addition of 19 new member properties to its global portfolio between January 1 and March 31, 2025. To celebrate, I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating locations for a limited time. Ranging from a family-oriented coastal retreat on the shores of Taiwan to a Blueridge mountainside adventurer’s escape, each of these distinct properties will greet travellers with thoughtful personalised service and unique unforgettable experiences that define independent luxury hospitality. Highlights include:

• Andronis Luxury Suites (Santorini, Greece) – Legend Collection: Slated to unveil a comprehensive transformation in May 2025, Andronis Luxury Suites presents an ideal tranquil escape perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini. Integrating effortlessly into the picturesque jigsaw of whitewashed buildings that define the famed village of Oia, the property boasts 39 elevated suites and villas, a new Greek-style Taverna and upgraded Mare Sanus Spa. With a commitment to preserving both the island’s rich heritage and the property’s enduring legacy, guests will enjoy uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, volcanic caldera, and picturesque beaches below— all from the indulgence of private infinity pools and hot tubs.

• Boar’s Head Resort (Charlottesville, Virginia) – L.V.X Collection: Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 168-room resort harmoniously blends classic Southern charm with modern comforts and natural beauty. The historic Boar’s Head Resort is nestled within 600 acres of picturesque countryside and features the newly restored Birdwood Mansion—preserved from its former life as a storied 19th century mansion—slated to debut as a boutique seven-room hotel and event venue in fall 2025. Well-equipped for active travellers, a range of adventurous activities are available, including falconry, axe throwing, and hiking, as well as standout facilities such as an 18-hole championship golf course, three swimming pools, a world-class racquet sports facility and four on-site restaurants.

• Hotel Convent de la Missio (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) – L.V.X Collection: Housed in a former 17th-century convent, this adults-only boutique hotel fuses rich history with modern design elements, seamlessly merging the past and present to create an atmosphere of refined luxury. Situated among narrow streets and lush courtyards in the bustling heart of Palma, Hotel Convent de la Missio is a peaceful retreat from the Island’s vibrant energy – featuring 27 minimalist guestrooms and suites, an exclusive spa, and idyllic rooftop terrace and solarium. Additional highlights include a stylish Mediterranean restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Marc Fosh and a bar that also serves as an art gallery, showcasing works by local contemporary artists.

• NÓR Hotel & Spa (São Roque, Brazil) – Lifestyle Collection: With a name that represents Nature, Origin and Refuge, NÓR Hotel & Spa is nestled amidst the Itapetinga Mountains in São Roque, offering a serene wellness retreat just beyond the reach of São Paulo. Each of the property’s 33 intimate suites feature a minimalist Nordic style, integrating elements of steel, wood, and concrete, and include a private deck and fireplace. Whether savouring modern contemporary cuisine at the signature restaurant, enjoying activities such as beach tennis and soccer, or taking in stunning landscape views from the outdoor pool, guests are invited to a world of tranquility, beauty, and deep connection with nature. Additional highlights for wine lovers include access to the picturesque wine route that winds through local vineyards and tastings in the mirrored glass cellar, featuring a selection of Brazilian and international varietals.

• The Archipelago (Yilan, Taiwan China) – Lifestyle Collection: A beachfront respite nestled on the shores of Taiwan’s Wushih Harbor, The Archipelago is a luxury destination overlooking the majestic Guishan Island as it rises from the Pacific Ocean. Where modern minimalism meets playful, bold design, the family-oriented hotel showcases 285 spacious rooms with balconies that provide panoramic mountain and sea vistas, complemented by stylish decor. The essence of the ocean shapes every aspect of the guest experience, from gourmet dining with fresh local seafood to interiors inspired by a journey from the ocean’s depths to the shore, and a rejuvenating Thermal Club that draws low pH sodium bicarbonate thermal water from deep underground for ultimate relaxation.

“We are delighted to welcome these 19 exceptional properties to our global portfolio in the first quarter of 2025,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “This strategic expansion in 12 countries highlights our commitment to providing a diverse range of luxury experiences that cater to every type of traveler, and it serves as a strong foundation for continued growth and momentum throughout the year.”

Many of thee new member hotels participate in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s points-based loyalty programme with 5 million travellers enrolled globally. Complimentary to join, members of I Prefer earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Titanium status, and other value-rich benefits from eligible stays at over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

For a limited time only, new and existing members of I Prefer Hotel Rewards will earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating new member properties. Valid on bookings made by June 30, 2025, for stays between April 3 and September 30, 2025.

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The post Etihad Airways and the DCT Abu Dhabi celebrate success of ‘Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways celebrated the  success of the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme at Arabian Travel Market 2025, with visitor numbers continuing to accelerate at an impressive pace.

The Stopover Programme has achieved 25,000 bookings in the first four months of 2025, representing a 47% growth in sales compared to the same period in 2024. More significantly, the number of visitors has surged to 44,000 between January and April 2025, marking a substantial 76% increase over the 25,000 visitors recorded during the same period last year.

The success of the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme extends beyond initial visits, with many travellers who first experienced the emirate during a short stopover returning for longer dedicated holidays. This growth builds on the strong performance throughout 2024, which welcomed 85,000 international stopover visitors compared to 12,000 in 2023. Etihad Airways anticipates hosting more than 130,000 stopover guests in 2025, continuing to bring incremental visitors to Abu Dhabi at an accelerated pace.

The programme attracts visitors from across Etihad’s global network, with notable interest from the United States and Canada, where travellers are increasingly breaking their journey to experience Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions. European visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are discovering the emirate’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The programme also resonates with travellers from India, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s diverse appeal to international visitors.

The programme’s appeal has been further enhanced by the new Abu Dhabi Pass launched in March, which provides additional benefits for travellers seeking to maximise their time in the emirate.

The digital Abu Dhabi Pass provides visitors with free airport transfers, a tourist SIM card with data connectivity, unlimited access to public buses, and 24-hour unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network. Pass holders also enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 15% at leading attractions including Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island’s entertainment destinations such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment in data-led marketing, diverse programming, and a culture-first approach is yielding significant tourism growth, evidenced by 1.4 million Q1 2025 overnight guests. With the success of our stopover programme, we aim to strengthen partnerships and broaden our global reach, ensuring our unique cultural identity remains central to our long-term tourism vision.

“The multi-sensory teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opened on 18 April and is the newest addition to Saadiyat Cultural District. This 17,000 sqm immersive art space features transformative exhibits at the intersection of art, science, and technology, adding to the emirate’s growing portfolio of world-class experiences.”

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our Stopover Programme continues to exceed expectations as more travellers choose to break their journey and discover Abu Dhabi. The 76% growth in visitors during the first four months of 2025 demonstrates the programme’s accelerating momentum. By offering up to two complimentary hotel nights, we’re giving visitors the perfect opportunity to experience our remarkable destination. The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass has further enhanced this experience, providing practical benefits and exclusive discounts that allow visitors to make the most of their time in the emirate.”

The average length of stay for stopover visitors has increased since 2024, with travellers exploring more attractions during their visit. This growth supports the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute AED 90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2030.

Looking ahead, DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways plan to further enhance the visitor experience through continued collaboration, with ambitious targets set for international visitor arrivals in the coming years.

 

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The post Blackout in Bali  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A power outage hit several regions of Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on Friday.  State utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) said all efforts were being  made to restore services to those affected. Power returned to most affected areas.

Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist hotspot, with 6.3 million foreign visitors last year, according to the island’s statistics bureau. The island’s airport was also impacted but inbound and outbound flight traffic continued using backup generators.

State utility PLN said it was investigating the cause of the outage and working on restoring the power connection.  Images shared on social media showed road traffic holdups in Bali as a result of the outage and long lines at the airport check-in counters.

 

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The post Amex GBT and Delta Air Lines reinforce long-term partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) and Delta Air Lines have announced an extension of their long-term strategic partnership. This multi-year extended partnership reinforces the strategic alignment between the two companies to provide enhanced value, seamless travel experiences and cutting-edge NDC solutions for corporate customers and travelers, through access to Delta Air Lines content and Amex GBT’s industry-leading travel marketplace. The agreement also covers access to the content of Delta Air Lines’ joint venture partners Aeromexico, LATAM Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM.

Rajiv Ahluwalia, Chief Revenue Officer at Amex GBT, said: “This partnership allows us to reimagine the corporate travel experience. It reinforces our mission to deliver maximum choice, value and experiences to corporate customers and travelers – by providing access within our marketplace to the most comprehensive and competitive content from the world’s best travel suppliers, through innovative shopping displays and offers.”

“Delta has a long history of partnership with Amex GBT and the TMC community, that underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled service and innovative solutions for our corporate customers,” said Bob Somers, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Delta. “Together, we are poised to build on this partnership to further define corporate travel excellence with seamless access to Delta’s premium products and services.”

The agreement strengthens alignment between the companies’ operations, sales and marketing teams, to transform customer service. Travelers will be able choose from Delta’s range of branded fares when shopping and booking, seamlessly in one display in Amex GBT’s booking channels. Amex GBT and Delta will continue working together to roll out NDC via the GDSs to provide even better shopping and servicing experiences, at scale.

This partnership amplifies the companies’ combined commitment to providing corporate customers with the most compelling travel content, delivered through modern retailing capabilities.

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia