The post Philippines reelected vice-president of UN Tourism General Assembly appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines was reelected vice-president of the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) and chair of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) from 2025 to 2027.

The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) made the announcement on the evening of Tuesday, 15th April.

At a press conference on the sidelines of the 56th Meeting of the UN Tourism CAP in Jakarta, Indonesia, DOT secretary Christina Frasco thanked the member states of the UN Tourism, saying Manila would push for stronger collaboration within the UN body.

Thanks to its reelection, the Philippines will continue to honour its commitment to global tourism cooperation and diplomacy.

The Philippines held the same positions after its election at the 55th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for East Asia and the Pacific in Cambodia in 2023.

In 2024, the country successfully hosted the 36th CAP – Commission for South Asia and the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum for Gastronomy Tourism, bringing together more than 600 delegates from more than 40 countries in Cebu.

Japan and Fiji have submitted their candidacies as vice chairs of the CAP. 

Meanwhile, Laos has been nominated as a member of the Credentials Committee.

For specialised committees, South Korea has been nominated for the Committee on Tourism Online Education.

In alignment with institutional foci

Frasco said the Philippine tourism agenda remains well-aligned with that of the UN Tourism, especially on improving tourism education and maximizing innovation and digitalization in the sector.

She said: “In the Philippines, these are topics that resonate very well with us, especially that our focus is on the development of quality tourism, to prioritize our stakeholders first and foremost that they’re able to benefit from the touristic activities that are conducted upon our shores.”

Frasco added that the Philippines is eager to work together with its regional neighbours  to ensure that all are able to bring regional tourism to its fullest potential, whilst sustaining the longevity of key destinations for generations to come.

For his part, UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili commended the Philippines for its continued leadership in regional tourism while citing the country’s successful hosting of the UN meetings last year.

The secretary-general underscored that the main objective now should be to invest in job creation and education. 

Pololikashvili likewise reaffirmed UN Tourism’s commitment to establishing a Tourism Academy in Cebu.

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The post HBX Group teams up with FinPay for HBX Group eWallet appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

B2B travel technology marketplace HBX Group announced the launch of HBX Group eWallet, a collaborative development with Spanish e-money firm FinPay, on Tuesday, 15th April.

HBX Group Wallet is an innovative B2B payments platform specifically designed for the travel industry. 

The product will be initially available in Spain in April 2025, with plans to expand to OECD countries starting in June.

According to HBX Group’s chief product and new business officer Daniel Nordholm: “HBX Group eWallet represents a decisive step toward modernising B2B payments in the travel ecosystem. We want to set a new standard for efficiency and security in the sector, and this partnership with FinPay allows us to achieve this with a solution tailored to the industry’s needs.”

FinPay chief executive Juan Antonio Soriano echoed Nordholm’s sentiments, adding: “This collaboration with HBX Group leverages the full potential of financial technology applied to real-world business contexts. FinPay represents a breakthrough in the digitalisation of B2B payments and financing, and we are proud to be the technology partner making it possible.”

What exactly is the HBX Group eWallet?

A B2B eWallet is a digital solution that allows companies to securely store and manage payments quickly, and efficiently. 

Operating similarly to a digital wallet for consumers, it is designed to facilitate instant, cross-border transactions between companies. 

That said, the HBX Group eWallet, developed specifically for the travel industry, goes a step further by incorporating advanced features such as integrated financing, invoice access, and full transaction traceability. 

Its aim is to digitise and automate B2B payments, reduce transaction costs, and improve the operational scalability of the travel ecosystem.

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The post The busiest airports in the world defy global uncertainty and hold top rankings: ACI appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Airports Council International (ACI) World offers an exclusive first look at the 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports, showcasing their resilience in navigating global uncertainty. Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, these airports have successfully held their top rankings, positioning themselves for continued growth.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said, “Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress.”

Passenger traffic highlights
• Preliminary figures indicate that the 2024 global total passengers are close to 9.5 billion, representing an increase of 9% from 2023 or a gain of 3.8% from pre-pandemic levels (2019).
• The Top 10 busiest airports, representing 9% of global traffic (855 million passengers), witnessed a gain of 8.8% from 2023 and a gain of 8.4% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (789 million pax in 2019).
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport defends its top position, followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
• The biggest jump in the Top 10 rankings was recorded for Shanghai Pudong International Airport, going from 21st position in 2023 to the 10th spot in 2024. The jump was fueled by expanded visa policies, the resumption and expansion of international flights, operational enhancements, and the recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China.
• The unwavering strength of Istanbul Airport and New Delhi International Airport keep them in top ranks, marking significant progress over 2019. Both airports have been thriving due to airline expansion, infrastructure growth, and enhanced global connectivity.

 

Navigating global uncertainty

2024 saw global passenger growth face significant uncertainties that stemmed from evolving economic and geopolitical landscapes. Ongoing supply chain challenges and production delays from aircraft manufacturers, as well as geopolitical tensions, posed a risk to growth opportunities by potentially altering flight routes, increasing operational costs, and affecting passenger sentiment. Additionally, the threat of tariffs raised concerns about potential disruptions to global trade, which indirectly affected international travel demand and increased constructions.

In 2025, global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.9 billion with a 4.8% year-over-year growth rate. While passenger demand remains strong, the pace of expansion is expected to slow as markets shift from recovery-driven surges to structural, long-term growth patterns.

Key challenges such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and capacity constraints are expected to increasingly shape the industry’s trajectory. In advanced markets, demand stabilization, supply chain bottlenecks in aircraft production and airport capacity shortage may temper growth, while in emerging markets, higher infrastructure investment and rising middle-class travel demand will likely continue to drive expansion. As the industry moves into a new era of growth, the airport industry must focus on financial viability, investment in infrastructure, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

Cargo traffic highlights

• Air cargo volumes are estimated to have increased by 8.4% year-over-year (+3.9% versus 2019), to over 124 million metric tonnes in 2024.

• Air cargo volumes in the top 10 airports–representing close to 26% (32.3 million metric tonnes) of the global volumes in 2024—gained 9.3% in 2024 year-over-year or a gain of 9.5% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (29.5 million tonnes in 2019). Air cargo traffic is more concentrated amongst the main airports.

• The increase in cargo is attributed mainly to strong e-commerce demand, maritime shipping disruptions, and declines in jet fuel prices.

• Hong Kong International Airport remained the top rank, followed by Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Memphis International Airport.

Aircraft movements
• 2024 global aircraft movements are estimated to be around 100 million, representing a gain of 4.3% from 2023 or -2.6% vs 2019 (i.e., a recovery of 97.4%).

• The Top 10 airports representing over 6% of global traffic (6.4 million movements), witnessed a gain of 6.5% from their 2023 results or a slight gain of 0.4% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (6.3 million).

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top, followed by Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

 

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The post Travel and tourism sees resilient M&A activity amid 5% dip in overall deal volume in Q1 2025: GlobalData appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Deal-making in the travel and tourism sector showed signs of cautious optimism in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, with overall activity experiencing only around 5% year-on-year (YoY) dip. While venture financing and private equity deals declined, mergers and acquisitions saw modest growth, highlighting investor selectivity and regional resilience as key themes amid the evolving macroeconomic conditions and shifting strategies across global markets, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the overall decline may reflect a more cautious investment climate as dealmakers reassess their strategies in light of prevailing market conditions, several countries maintained steady deal volumes and some also managed to register notable improvement, indicating resilience in these markets.”

The US, which is the top market globally in terms of deal activity, experienced approximately 25% YoY drop in the number of deals announced during Q1 2025. The UK also witnessed slight decline in deal volume. Meanwhile, Japan showcased notable improvement and the deal volume for India and Australia remained mostly at the same level.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the composition of deals showcased a mixed picture with M&A deal volume registering growth while the number of private equity deals and venture financing deals decreased.

Venture financing deals volume fell by around 44% during Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024 and private equity deal volume was down by around 25%. Meanwhile, the number of M&A deals announced in the sector globally were up by around 9%.

Bose concludes: “As travel demand stabilizes and digital innovation reshapes the sector, investors are likely to focus on scalable opportunities and resilient markets. The near-term outlook points to a selective but steady recovery in deal-making momentum.”

 

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The post JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort partners with BABOR appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort announces its exclusive partnership with BABOR, the globally renowned German expert skincare, marking a new era of luxury wellness in the Maldives. This collaboration brings BABOR’s unparalleled skincare expertise to the Overwater Spa by JW, offering guests an exclusive range of treatments that blend high-performance formulations with island-inspired relaxation.

“At JW Marriott, we curate experiences that celebrate the art of mindful living, sustainability and our partnership with BABOR reflects our commitment to unparalleled luxury and holistic well-being,” says Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “Together, we are redefining wellness with transformative treatments at Spa by JW, that harmonize precision skincare with the serene beauty of the Maldives.”

A First for the Maldives: BABOR’s Exclusive Spa Treatments

Guests at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort will be the first in the Maldives to experience BABOR’s innovative treatments, featuring the brand’s most prestigious anti-aging range, SeaCreation. Infused with powerful active ingredients from the depths of the ocean, SeaCreation harnesses marine-based biotechnology to deliver a rejuvenating experience that revitalizes the skin and restores radiance.

Signature Treatment: Ocean Bliss treatment, designed exclusively for the Overwater Spa by JW at the resort, epitomizes indulgence and renewal. This immersive ritual combines BABOR’s scientifically advanced SeaCreation products with soothing maritime elements, drawing inspiration from the surrounding azure waters to deliver visible results and deep relaxation. The treatment is available within the resort’s four expansive overwater treatment villas (featuring 6 treatment rooms), each designed to enhance the connection between the senses and the natural beauty of the Maldivian seascape.

Haven of Luxury and Tranquility

Nestled in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a sanctuary where luxury and nature exist in perfect harmony. Its 80 thoughtfully designed private pool villas—including 47 overwater pool villas—blend traditional island aesthetics with contemporary sophistication, creating an immersive retreat that fosters balance, renewal, and connection. Savor worldly flavors at five inspiring dining outposts and two bars that also celebrate the island’s produce from the JW Garden.

For BABOR, this collaboration represents a significant milestone in its global expansion, reinforcing its presence in the luxury spa and wellness space while bringing its award-winning skincare solutions to one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

“In today’s fast-paced world, true luxury lies in moments of tranquility and self-care,” says Tim Waller, Co-CEO of BABOR BEAUTY GROUP. “Our partnership with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort allows us to craft those moments, offering guests a skincare experience that is as indulgent as it is results driven.”

With a shared passion for excellence, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort and BABOR invite guests to embark on a wellness journey like no other—one where nature’s beauty and advanced skincare expertise converge in perfect harmony.

 

 

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The post Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo and NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS to sponsor PLMC 2025 in Japan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo Inc. and NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. are joining forces as platinum sponsors for the Pharma Logistics Masterclass 2025 (PLMC), a key industry event taking place in Osaka and Kyoto from 16-19, September 2025. This commitment is spearheaded by Yoshiyuki Yamaya, representative director and CEO of Kansai Airports; Kenichi Wakiya, president of ANA Cargo Inc.; and Satoshi Horikiri, president and representative director of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.

PLMC is an advanced training program designed to deepen logistics expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. Organized by Pharma.Aero* and the University of Antwerp, the program is held annually in various locations around the world. Japan, being one of the world’s top five pharmaceutical markets and a key player in the life sciences and medical technology supply chain industry, has been selected as the host for this year’s event.

The program unites industry experts and academics to explore the latest challenges and technologies in the pharmaceutical supply chain, offering a collaborative platform for sharing insights. Additionally, the program’s alliance with educational institutions creates a critical venue for strengthening robust industry-academia partnerships.

*Pharma.Aero: A joint alliance (non-profit organization) consisting of pharmaceutical companies, the CEIV Pharma-certified community, airport companies, and other stakeholders in the air cargo industry.

The PLMC key programs include:

・Market trends and future prospects

・Value chain strategy

・The role of technology in the sustainable life science logistics

・Impact on Japan’s global life science industry

・Life science supply chain ecosystem

・Conclude the program with a visit to the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, an opportunity made possible through PLMC’s partnership with the Expo.

Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo and NX Group will continue to support the development of the pharmaceutical industry through logistics.

 

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The post Travelgoogoo launches first eSIM Travel Club appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travelgoogoo, a  Singapore-based company redefining travel connectivity, introduced the Travelgoogoo365, a game-changing membership program offering the simplest, most affordable eSIM experience to date.

Travelgoogoo365 is a travel club that offers members free texting, data voice calls, and photo sharing on their favorite messaging apps across 123 destinations, 365 days a year — without the need to purchase a data plan. Powered by a lifetime global eSIM, Travelgoogoo365 removes the hassle of installing a new eSIM for every trip. Members also enjoy member-exclusive rates on additional data roaming purchases.

Richard Bok, Founder and CEO at Travelgoogoo, commented: “We want to be the last eSIM travelers will ever need to install. With Travelgoogoo365, there is no need to mull over what data roaming plan to get or swap eSIMs every trip. One membership, one eSIM, 123 destinations, and a full year of messaging and data voice calls that just work. That, to us, is brilliant basics — simple, affordable, and built for what travelers truly need: reliable access. We are not just introducing a product. We are rewriting the rules of roaming.”

Revolutionizing Connectivity with Travelgoogoo365

Travelgoogoo365 membership, priced at just USD14 (SGD19) per year, offers travelers basic data roaming across 123 destinations for 365 days. As part of an introductory offer, members receive a FREE 3GB high-speed data starter pack, usable in any one of the 123 destinations. After the initial data roaming is used, members continue to enjoy unlimited basic connectivity — ideal for staying in touch via messaging apps like WhatsApp, LINE, or Telegram — on all future trips within the year. For travelers who need more, full-speed data for other apps can be unlocked anytime through on-demand top-ups at exclusive member-only rates.

Key benefits of Travelgoogoo365:

• Ease of Use: A single global eSIM model eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple SIM cards or dealing with complex setup processes.

• Unlimited Messaging: Stay connected with WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, Viber, WeChat, Zalo, and other popular messaging apps through unlimited texts, data voice calls and photo sharing.

• Flexible Data Roaming: Unlock full-speed travel data on demand at member-exclusive rates, allowing members to purchase or add data roaming only when they need it.

Travelgoogoo365 also includes 24/7 chat support, available should members encounter any connectivity issues when they are traveling.

Reliable Connectivity and Robust Network 

Travelgoogoo provides international travelers with reliable connectivity by partnering with an established telecommunication service provider that offers robust infrastructure and high-performing network coverage.

This arrangement allows the Company to secure connectivity with multiple local carriers in key travel destinations, ensuring travelers enjoy reliable, high-speed data coverage at competitive rates. The strategic approach also enhances network redundancy, optimizes performance and eliminates roaming hassles, delivering a seamless mobile experience without the need for physical SIM cards.

A Global Vision Rooted in Expertise

Key members on the Travelgoogoo founding team also include Julian Wong, who assumed the role of CFO, and Tony Chew, who is Chief Partnerships and Investment Lead.

Julian emphasized: “At Travelgoogoo, we are revolutionizing connectivity with a frictionless eSIM solution designed for both our B2B2C partners and D2C users. Our focus on conversational commerce allows us to engage customers on their preferred messaging channels, starting with key platforms and expanding over time to ensure a seamless experience. Whether embedding connectivity into partner ecosystems or providing a direct, hassle-free journey, we are redefining how people stay connected, no matter where their journeys take them.”

Tony explained: “Travelgoogoo365 embodies our vision of uniting telecommunications, travel and digital services to deliver smarter, more connected experiences. Through strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, we are embedding seamless connectivity where it matters most — in the journeys people take, the platforms they use, and the communities they engage with. This is just the beginning of a more collaborative, borderless future for travel.”

As seasoned travelers and experts in international data roaming, the Travelgoogoo team is committed to redefining global travel connectivity.

 

 

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The post Greater Bay Airlines’ direct service to Guilin takes off appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA)’s new scheduled direct service to Guilin, China officially took off today, 15th April.

This new direct route between Hong Kong and Guilin further expands the airline’s network in Mainland China. 

Passengers of the inaugural flight were representatives from GBA, together with assistant general manager for air network development Ricky Chong of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

This new direct service flies twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

A warm welcome

The maiden flight arrived at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport at 9:00am this morning.

Passengers and crew were warmly welcomed by Wang Zixi, director-general of the Guilin Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism; and GBA chief operating officer Stephen Loh at a ceremony held on the apron.

Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery that is highly reckoned as incomparable with any other place on the planet.

The region’s most popular attractions include Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Riyue Shuangta (Sun and Moon Pagodas) Cultural Park, Seven Star Scenic Area, Jingjiang Palace, Yangshuo Park,  and the Big Banyan Tree.

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The post Cebu Pacific welcomes first aircraft delivery for this year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific took delivery of its first aircraft for the year, an A330neo, last 28th March.

The delivery marks another step in strengthening the carrier’s operations and further modernising its fleet.

The 459-seater aircraft was delivered to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and is the first of four A330neos expected to join the Cebu Pacific fleet this year. 

The airline is expecting a total of seven aircraft to be delivered in the later months of 2025.

Airline president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said of the delivery: “We are thrilled to welcome our first aircraft delivery for 2025. The arrival of our latest A330neo strengthens our operational resilience, allowing us to serve more passengers while continuing to offer affordable and sustainable air travel. We look forward to bringing dream destinations closer to everyone with this addition to our fleet.”

Flexibility for all manner of routes

Currently, Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified commercial fleet mix of 11 Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, 26 Airbus 321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

The Airbus A330neo provides CEB with the flexibility to serve regional and long-haul routes, as well as high-demand sectors. 

With increased range and capacity, the aircraft enables the airline to optimize its operations while maintaining cost efficiency.

Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. 

The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.

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