The post Frankie Mordi joins culinary team at City Cruises appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

City Cruises announced that culinary veteran Frankie Mordi is its new head chef, and will regale passengers with his signature dishes aboard each trip.

Known for his work across some of London’s finest restaurants, Mordi is set to bring a fresh perspective and expertise in classic French haute cuisine, as well as modern European and global gastronomy to the brand’s dining offerings throughout 2025.  

Mordi has garnered praise throughout the culinary world for his talent, having honed his craft at establishments including Village East, The Pigalle Club, Le Boudin Blanc, and Hamiltons Restaurant, where he led the kitchens to critical acclaim. 

He has a wealth of experience creating both formal à-la-carte menus and more relaxed brasserie-style offerings and has been at the helm of large teams that cater to hundreds of diners.  

City Cruises commercial director Ian Hailes expressed his excitement at having Mordi join the team, saying; “As one of the only dining experiences on the River Thames, we want to ensure we are providing our customers with the best experience possible starting with the quality of our food dishes onboard. Frankie joining the team promises to give our food that elevated feel.” 

Changing the game when it comes to dining on board

At City Cruises, Mordi aims to elevate the on-board dining experience with menus that celebrate his own background using both global and personal influences. 

Guests aboard the line’s different trips, including the Lunch Cruise, Dinner Cruise, and Afternoon Tea Cruise, can look forward to meticulously crafted menus, creative dishes and a commitment to culinary excellence that promises to elevate City Cruises’ dining offerings to new heights. 

Fresh, seasonal ingredients will be the star of the show as Mordi celebrates the best of local produce and the UK’s culinary heritage while offering a contemporary twist.  

The chef’s skills will be showcased throughout the City Cruises fleet: the Lunch Cruise invites guests to savour a sumptuous two-course meal while enjoying the best of London’s riverside landmarks. 

The Dinner Cruise on the Thames consists of a four-course dining experience accompanied by live music and signature city views, as the event’s VIP package includes premium seating, champagne, canapés, and a cheese board to top it all off. 

The Afternoon Tea Cruise is complete with a selection of culinary delights including delicate sandwiches, sweet scones, and macarons. 

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The post Philippine Ports Authority optimistic of growth in cruise tourism for 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expressed optimism that the country’s cruise tourism sector is bound to get stronger this year.

Port authorities made the statement following the arrival of two international cruise vessels at key tourist destinations towards the end of January 2025.

Since the beginning of the year, a total of seven cruise vessels have made port calls at various destinations across the country, further signaling the Philippines’ growing appeal in the global cruise industry.  

Who’s been sailing in?

The Maltese-flagged cruise ship MS Europa 2 arrived in the Visayan province of Bohol last 31st January as part of its Asian itinerary. 

The vessel, which sailed from Indonesia, spans 225 metres in length with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 42,830, and carried 372 crew members and 453 passengers, mostly German and European nationals.  

Guests aboard MS Europa 2 explored some of Bohol’s most famous attractions, including Baclayon Church, the Chocolate Hills, and the Tarsier Sanctuary. 

The ship later set sail for Kalanggaman Island, Leyte.  

Meanwhile, the international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbour on 30th January, following its previous call on the 17th of the month for a turn-around operation. 

Arriving from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the vessel carried nearly 2,000 passengers, most of whom were Filipinos. 

Before docking in Manila, it made a stop in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.  

To ensure a seamless experience for its guests, ten buses were provided for guided tours around Manila. 

The ship remained at Manila South Harbour until sunset, before departing for its next destination, Boracay Island.  

Steadily rising numbers

The PPA recorded a remarkable 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024, a total of 142,574 passengers.

This marks the highest post-pandemic figure for the country, and the agency projects continued growth in 2025, expecting 185,000 cruise passengers, a 29.8 percent increase from the previous year.  

In order to support this surge in growth, the PPA is investing in new and improved port infrastructure. 

Notable projects include the construction of dedicated cruise terminals in Coron, Aklan, and Camiguin, as well as a cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

Last year, the PPA completed the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.  

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said: “The PPA cruise dedicated terminals serve as the gateway between the international culture and the Filipino brand of service and warm hospitality, making the Philippines recognized as the Best Port Call and World’s Best Cruise Destination in Asia. With the cruise passenger arrivals and vessel calls increasing over the years, the local communities, businesses, and the economy will definitely thrive with the booming cruise tourism.”

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The post BizAway named Best European NDC Client for 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Italian travel management scale-up BizAway was recognised as the only Italian company to receive the prestigious Best European NDC Client 2024 award, alongside 15 other global travel agencies at FITUR in Madrid, Spain.

This acknowledgment highlights BizAway’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the travel industry, confirming the company as a key player in the adoption of NDC technology.

This recognition comes from the results BizAway achieved and for its strong growth in IB NDC adoption, reaching 70 percent from 29 percent in 2024. 

BizAway chief executive Luca Carlucci said of the distinction: “We are proud to have received this important recognition. Our commitment in this area is always high, and our goal is to continue to grow by offering the best possible experience to our customers, in line with market evolution. While the NDC standard continues to present challenges in Europe, we believe that this, combined with our customer care and the experience of our professionals, fits perfectly into a comprehensive and efficient solution. This also represents a significant driver of innovation for the future.”

A pioneer keeps winning

BizAway was among the first Italian companies to adopt the NDC standard.

Since 2021, the platform has provided its customers with more competitive fares and an increasingly diverse range of options. 

Today, 18 percent of bookings are made directly on the BizAway platform, resulting in an estimated 10 percent reduction in ticket costs.

Today, the company has eight operational locations in Italy, Spain, Albania, and Dubai. 

Likewise, BizAway has grown from just 150 employees in 2022 to over 300  as of end-2024, while revenues grew 40-fold from 2020 to 2025. 

The company recently closed a €35 million round in September 2024 to finance its further development, following the €10 million Series A round in 2022.

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The post ChristchurchNZ reveals initial results of The Conference Legacy Project appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The first phase of ChristchurchNZ’s three-year research programme The Conference Legacy Project revealed the positive impacts of four international conferences held in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2024.

Kath Low, head of visitor economy for ChristchurchNZ ,presented the findings today, 11th February, at AIME 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. 

Internationally-recognised business events researcher, Carmel Foley, professor of business events at University of Technology, Sydney conducted the surveys and compiled the 2024 Interim Report with her colleague Dr Anja Hergesell from UTS Business School. 

Their research was supported by ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand.

Low said: “We have seen some excellent results so far from the Christchurch conference surveys. These four conferences proved to be particularly strong facilitators of knowledge sharing and collaboration, driving scientific advancement and industry innovation.”

An insightful presentation

Delegates gave high ratings for scientific advancement, early career capabilities, and personal attendee impacts: 89 percent of respondents agreed the conference facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaborations while 85 percent reported the conferences were valuable platforms for advancing their fields.

According to the report, early career delegates benefited greatly, enhancing their knowledge, networks and capabilities, which supports the future health of key industry sectors in New Zealand.

The beyond-economic benefits of business events include attracting global talent; a 20 percent of respondents reported that they are actively seeking to relocate to Christchurch to live, work and/or study.

Attracting global talent enriches the local workforce, drives economic growth, and fosters a culture of innovation that can propel industries forward.

Low added: “Ōtautahi Christchurch has a thriving business events ecosystem and we recognise that evidence-based information has the potential to catalyse innovation in priority sectors and contribute to solutions for environmental and social issues. The research is going to provide insights to generate funding, inform strategies and global marketing.

Respondents likewise gave high ratings for the inclusivity of the conferences, the strategies used to minimise environmental impacts, networking and the sharing of knowledge. They equipped delegates with new knowledge, ideas and techniques which drove workplace innovation, benefiting communities.

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The post Over 80% of international convention attendees intend to return to New Zealand for a holiday: Delegate Survey appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has marked another year of significant achievements, with strong event demand as well as industry-leading sustainability and standards contributing to a major economic, environmental and social impact for the region.

Te Pae attracted over 80,000 visitors to attend more than 220 events in the 2024-year, with a strong pipeline of bookings for 2025, 2026 and beyond. The convention centre is also making a broad contribution to the city and wider region – from promoting local businesses to increasing awareness of New Zealand as a destination. According to the organisation’s delegate surveys, over 80% of international convention attendees intend to return to New Zealand for a holiday over the next five years.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre General Manager Ross Steele says the organisation takes the investment the community has made in developing the purpose-built convention centre very seriously.

“We recognise how significant our role is, both as a showcase for the region and as driver of economic development,” says Ross Steele. “We also see it as our responsibility to provide an international-standard platform for local businesses and organisations – from agri-tech to space exploration, and health sciences to education – to reach a national and international audience.”

Steele says Te Pae Christchurch also understands the importance of taking on a leadership role in the international events industry, especially when it comes to key issues like sustainability.

“That approach informs every part of our decision making, enabling us to demonstrate real leadership on issues that are vitally important to conference organisers, decision-makers and delegates, as well as our community,” Mr Steele says.

It is understood that Te Pae Christchurch is currently the only convention centre in the world to be a certified Toitū Net Carbon Zero venue, recently renewed for the second year running. The venue also takes proactive measures to reduce their environmental impact, reflected in their achievements of Toitū Environmark Gold Certification, as well as Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Accreditation.

Meeting these standards reflects considerable environmental improvements across the operation. The convention centre saw a 12% overall reduction in carbon emissions in 2024, including a 20% decrease in power consumption and a 35% decrease in transport emissions. The organisation offset scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as the measured scope 3 emissions – beyond what was required to achieve the standards. The focus on sustainability is also reflected throughout the organisation, with a broad range of initiatives designed to reduce waste. These include replacing plastic milk bottles with kegs – saving over 2,400 plastic bottles from going to waste, the use of an eWater system for natural sanitisation and dehydration of food waste to create soil food for community gardens.

Belinda Mathers, Chief Science and Advisory Officer at Toitū Envirocare says, “Te Pae Christchurch sets an impressive example of climate leadership in the hospitality industry to reduce their emissions and environmental impact. They’re not afraid to try new ways of operating, and it’s this innovative approach and willingness to share their journey that sets them apart. The efforts by organisations such as Te Pae Christchurch is critical for New Zealand to meet its climate targets and make a positive difference.”

The venue has also been focused on continuous standards improvement, with the achievement of Gold Certification in the AIPC Quality Standards programme in December 2024, putting Te Pae Christchurch among a select group of only 30 convention centres worldwide.

Steele says the organisation is looking forward to demonstrating what it has achieved to the wider industry when Te Pae Christchurch hosts the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) conference in December.

“From the quality of our award-winning building to the outstanding flavours, sights and sounds of our dynamic region, we’re looking forward to providing the industry with a taste of what our team and our wider community have worked so hard to achieve over the past three years.”

 

 

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The post American tour operator Sky Vacations reveals its Japan slate for 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

North American tour firm Sky Vacations announced a slate of authentic travel experiences in Japan for this year. 

These thoughtfully designed journeys invite travelers to connect deeply with the spirit of Japan through its people, traditions, and landscapes. 

From participating in cultural rituals to exploring hidden trails and bustling cityscapes, each programme creates a meaningful bond between travelers and the places they visit.

What’s on for 2025?

The highlights include the nine-day From Tokyo Towers to Kyoto Temples, offering opportunities to meet maiko (geisha apprentices) during a traditional tea ceremony, savor regional cuisine through hands-on sushi-making, and walk alongside friendly deer in Nara Park. 

Other immersive options include the Nakasendo and Kiso Valley hiking tour, where guests stay in family-run inns, and the Land of Temples, Gardens and Wabi Sabi, which showcases the beauty of Japan’s sacred sites and natural wonders.

Sky Vacations director Richard Krieger said: “Travel should be transformative, and Japan offers the perfect canvas for those moments of connection. Our programs are not just about seeing Japan; they’re about feeling it: its warmth, its history, its innovation. From intimate exchanges with locals to the quiet serenity of a tea garden, our itineraries are crafted to ensure guests return home with memories that resonate deeply.”

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The post Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay celebrates first anniversary with a grand opening appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay celebrated its first anniversary on Monday, 10th February, with its formal grand opening.

The event marked the hotel’s full provision of all guestrooms, oceanfront villas, spa, 24/7 fitness center, two restaurants, one beach-club, six meeting rooms and an outdoor events space, and other extensive facilities. 

With this milestone, the hotel solidifies its position as a top choice for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and warm hospitality in the serene heart of Bintan’s Lagoi Bay.

General manager Andi Bagistav Oddek said: “We are thrilled to officially celebrate the Grand Opening of Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay. Over the past year, we have had the privilege of welcoming guests from around the world, and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our commitment remains the same: to offer the perfect blend of comfort and style while showcasing Bintan’s natural beauty and rich culture. With a dedicated team providing personalized and uncomplicated service, we aim to create lasting memories for every guest, whether they’re here for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure.”

A tropical gem

With direct beach access, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay boasts a spacious tropical outdoor swimming pool and a vibrant beach club setting. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Singapore Strait, the hotel offers a seamless blend of ultimate comfort and tranquility. 

Its prime location provides guests with beautiful ocean views and peaceful surroundings, completed by thoughtfully designed amenities for a truly memorable stay.

The hotel likewise features 300 stylish guest rooms and eight ocean-front villas. 

Exceptional accommodations

With every room now available for stay, guests can choose among various accommodations, including the standard Deluxe Room, Executive Suites, Cabana Ocean Suites with spacious terraces, and the luxurious Oceanfront Villas.

The Oceanfront Villa, in particular, offers an exclusive retreat with breathtaking sea views, perfect for honeymooners or those seeking greater comfort and privacy. 

Designed for ultimate relaxation, it features elegantly curated interiors with premium furnishings, a private pool for a secluded swim, and exclusive amenities, including high quality bath essentials, in-room dining, and personalized services. 

Guests can wake up to the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean, creating a serene and romantic ambiance—ideal for couples celebrating special moments.

Exotic flavours and ample space for relaxation and celebration

Guests can savor authentic Indonesian flavours at Rempah Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, or enjoy light snacks and beverages at Ararinda Lounge. 

For a more vibrant experience, El Lagoi Beach Club offers a lively atmosphere with live DJ sets, fresh seafood, grilled favorites, and signature drinks, including Indonesian craft beer on tap as part of Four Points’ Best Brews program.

With 800 sqm of flexible function space including six meeting rooms and an outdoor events space, Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay offers venues for all types of corporate or social gatherings. 

For relaxation, guests can visit Sa’kai Spa, featuring specially curated Indonesian treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. 

Those looking to stay active can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center, while families with children can take advantage of the complimentary and fully-supervised Kids Club.

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The post Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort offers an enchanting stay in fascinating northern Thailand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The luxury hotel in Chiang Rai of choice, Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort promises an enchanting stay in a picturesque location beside the Kok River, blending the rich Lanna history, culture and landscape of Thailand’s northernmost province with traditional Lanna architecture and welcoming Thai hospitality.

The resort is just a 10 minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from the city centre.

Charmingly Refined Rooms And Suites

The 159 rooms and suites at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort invite guests in with a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. The comfortable furnishings, bold decor and sophisticated colour palette create a sublime and at the same time complementary juxtaposition to the natural beauty of the hotel’s surroundings.

Each features luxury signature bedding, a separate shower and tub, enriching amenities and a private balcony or terrace affording views of the picturesque resort grounds and Chiang Rai countryside beyond. They come with a writing desk, TV with cable/satellite, complimentary wireless internet, USB outlets, in-room safe, minibar, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, and iron and ironing board.

Guests can choose from Deluxe Garden View, Deluxe River View, Grande Deluxe Pool View, Grande Deluxe Garden Terrace and Grand Suite room types. Some connecting rooms are available, providing an ideal option for families or friends travelling together who need that extra bit of space and flexibility.

Located on the resort’s top floor is the majestic 1 Bedroom Suite, covering a palatial 132 sq m and which boasts stunning views of the Kok River from two spacious private balconies. An absolute joy to stay in, the suite features a separate living room, dining area and bedroom, two elegant marbled bathrooms with rainforest shower and separate large deep sunken bathtub island, and walk-in closet with private dressing room.

Tasty Local Cuisine, Classic Italian Fare… It’s All Here

From morning to evening, each day spent at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort is a chance for guests to immerse themselves in a culinary experience that’ll have their tastebuds tingling.

Favola

The resort’s signature restaurant, Favola, is a contemporary mid-century Italian-designed venue that serves classic Italian dishes in an enchanting riverside setting. Open from 12pm til 10pm, it’s a lovely atmosphere for all dining occasions whether families on holiday, a gathering of friends or couples on a romantic date.

Latest Recipe

Open throughout the day from 6.30am til 10pm, the all-day dining Latest Recipe signature restaurant offers a choice of international cuisine. There’s an interactive buffet breakfast and an extensive a la carte array of Thai and Lanna favourites for lunch and dinner.

Latitude 19

Latitude 19 lobby bar is a haven of modern Lanna, a stylish and inviting spot in which to relax and savour a selection of specialty coffees, artfully crafted cocktails, wines and some unique beverage creations. And some pastries and cakes if it’s a sweet touch that’s desired. It’s open from 8am til 12am.

Exceptional Experiences

Indulging in a signature treatment at Parvati Spa or joining an inspiring yoga session on the landscaped lawn are two wonderful ways to relish the serenity and privacy of Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort.

Parvati Spa transports guests into a world beyond the everyday, where they can recharge, relax and rejuvenate. Parvati translates to “daughter of the mountain” and the spa aims to bring guests back to nature. The skilled therapists use sophisticated blends of natural spa products and East-meets-West massage techniques to melt away stress and bestow upon guests inner peace and tranquillity. The spa menu includes body scrubs and wraps, massages, couples massages and facials, and there is a steam room and therapy bath.

The resort also has a three-tiered swimming pool set alongside a tranquil lake next to the Kok River, and a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with the latest cardiovascular equipment, elliptical machines, weight machines, free weights, exercise bikes and treadmills.

Discover Chiang Rai’s Many Wonders

For guests wanting to explore Chiang Rai beyond the resort, there are many enriching experiences and memorable opportunities to do just that.

The concierge has information on excursions and tours that showcase the rich Lanna culture, heritage and natural beauty of northern Thailand. Visits to the region’s hilltribe villages, ethical elephant encounters, mountain bike adventures along scenic jungle trails, historical and cultural sightseeing trips, and local shopping expeditions are just some of the options.

Resort guests can also use their room key card for complimentary access to Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park. This is thanks to the Le Meridien UNLOCK ART initiative, in which Le Meridien properties use collectible keys that feature commissioned art and allow free entry to select cultural centres nearby.

Memorable Meetings And Events – Indoor And Outdoor

With almost 21,000 sq ft of venue space, Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort offers both indoor and outdoor options for meetings and events in Chiang Rai. Suitable for events of up to 1,000 people, Utopia is among the largest function spaces in northern Thailand and boasts a stylish blend of hilltribe-inspired decor, fibre-optic lighting, a 23 ft ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows.

For smaller events of up to 300 people, Utopia 2 also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows for views across the treetops. Chamcha Room is ideal for meetings and gatherings of up to 50 people, while the ceremonial Sala, pool deck, riverside terrace and manicured lawn are wonderful outdoor locations. The perfect wedding can also be held at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, whether it’s a traditional Lanna ceremony, Thai-inspired celebration or a completely unique theme.

Book your stay at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort and see why this luxury hotel in Chiang Rai has won over 40 international awards and accolades since its 2008 opening. Visit the resort’s website or call +66 53-603333.

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