The post Improved convenience drives up inbound tourism in China appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As 2025’s Spring Festival draws to a close, several travel platforms report a significant increase in inbound tourism bookings throughout China.

According to the most recent reports, inbound tourism bookings in China were up by over 200 percent year on year, boosted by arrivals from key source markets like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.

Tourism authorities cite China’s optimised visa-free policy is one of the primary factors for this growth in numbers.

The visa-free policy pays off and then some

The National Immigration Administration extended the stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit last 17th December.

From the previous 72 hours and 144 hours, visa-free entry for those transiting in China was stretched to 240 hours or 10 days. 

At the same time, Chinese authorities added 21 ports of entry and exit for visa-free transit individuals, further expanding the areas allowed for visa-free transit travelers. 

The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry into China has also increased since December of last year, so authorities have been working to provide greater convenience for foreign visitors to China.

With the continuous relaxation and optimization of the country’s entry policies and the continuous enhancing of services to provide greater convenience for foreign visitors, the inbound travel surge will have a profound and lasting impact on the nation’s tourism market even beyond the Spring Festival rush.

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The post Azerbaijan Airlines renews content distribution agreement with Travelport appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global booking technologies firm Travelport and Azerbaijani flag-carrier Azerbaijan Airlines renewed their content distribution agreement today, 5th February.

Agencies using Travelport+ will have continued access to the airline’s full range of retail-ready content, including ancillary services.

Those using Travelport+ will be able to view and compare the full range of airline fares and services seamlessly in a single view, enhancing their ability to book the best offers for travelers. 

With Travelport’s AI-powered search enhancements, Content Curation Layer (CCL), agents can quickly and easily compare flight options and identify the most relevant offers from Azerbaijan Airlines. 

Travelport’s CCL uses AI to normalize and enrich aggregated content so that airline offers are easier to understand and compare.

To an exceptional partnership

Airline chief commercial officer Jamil Manizade said: “Travelport has been an exceptional partner supporting our significant growth by ensuring our content is normalized and easily accessible for agencies. This extended agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to empower travel retailers with the ability to deliver better experiences for our customers.”

Damian Hickey, Travelport’s global head of air partners, added that this new agreement ensures that agencies using Travelport+ will continue having streamlined access to enriched, retail-ready content from Azerbaijan Airlines.

Hickey said: “The airline’s growth strategy will be greatly supported by our agency customers who are using Travelport+ to search and book the latest offers and additional routes, along with the capabilities needed to service and deliver exceptional experiences to travelers.”

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The post Tajikistan’s Somon Air signs for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Somon Air, Tajikistan’s largest airline, has signed an agreement for the purchase of two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from DAE Capital, an aircraft leasing and management specialist from the United Arab Emirates.

These planes may join Somon Air’s fleet by 2026, augmenting the airline’s current fleet which consists of four Boeing 737-800 and two 737-900ER aircraft.

The deal for the purchase of the two new aircraft was signed in Somon Air’s offices in Taijikistan’s capital Dushanbe by airline chief executive Abdulkosim Valiev and David Houlihan, president of DAE Capital.

A timely decision

Somon Air has been considering the purchase of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as a replacement for its older 787-800s.

Prior to this most recent development, Somon Air mulled between Airbus and Embraer models before opting to go with Boeing via DAE Capital.

Valiev said: “The signing of this agreement is part of our long-term strategy to modernize the fleet and improve the quality of service. Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft are distinguished by high fuel efficiency, increased flight range, and improved operational characteristics, which will allow the airline to further improve the level of comfort and safety for passengers. The new Boeing 737 MAX-8 will allow us to expand our route network, increase operational efficiency, and offer our passengers modern conditions for comfortable flights, as well as increase the frequency of flights.”

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The post Camino Women and Khiri Travel introduce new hill trek route in Laos appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Laotian agency Khiri Travel and Australia’s Camino Women have teamed up for a new community based hill trekking route in northern Laos that is based on the principles of responsible tourism.

The inaugural four-day trek will commence on 16 February and six Australian women will be the initial participants.

The trek is part of a 12-day northern Laos journey which includes a slow boat ride on the Mekong river, a train ride, visits to Buddhist caves and an elephant park, walks in paddy fields, meetings with various ethnic group villagers, and experiencing the UNESCO world heritage township of Luang Prabang.

After the inaugural trip in February, Camino Women and Khiri Travel aim to bring five hiking groups to the Soum-son Trail in 2025, followed by two per month in the next high season, November 2025 to February 2026.

Each trip will have the same local guide from the villages and Khiri Travel’s own highly experienced Laotian community guide.

What makes this trek unique?

What makes this particular trek different from others lies in the inclusion, support, and training for villagers in three remote mountain hamlets on the new Soum-son Trail that the trip organisers believe is a positive example of responsible travel.

In preparation to receive the women hikers in mid-February, 26 residents from the three remote villages trained up for three days in Luang Prabang in December.

Camino Women and Khiri Travel’s charitable arm, Khiri Reach, paid for the aforementioned training.

The villagers learned about community based tourism, safety standards, housekeeping service, waste management, food preparation and customer service. 

There were hands-on practical sessions, and training was carried out by four community tourism experts from the Lao government which seeks to boost the quality of life for the villagers.

Learning from each other

Khiri Travel’s country manager in Laos Julie Beaufrère said: “Our approach is to treat tourism as a supplementary source of income for the villagers who are rice farmers. [But] we don’t want overdependency on tourism, and the cultural learning process is also very much both ways between villagers and the women hikers.”

Camino Women’s lead trip designer Lisa O’Donnell, who surveyed the trail with Beaufrère last year, is glad to see the preparation, training and hard work paying off.

She said: “We’re very positive with our partnership with the wonderful villagers and the proactive support from the Lao authorities and Khiri Travel. I believe our Camino women hikers are really going to enjoy their immersion in Laotian village life for four days.”

Khiri Travel founder Willem Niemeijer said: “The Soum-son Trail and the full 10-day greater Laos experience is a terrific example of close cooperation between Leatherback Travel and Khiri. We aim to develop more responsible and regenerative travel experiences with Leatherback Travel across Southeast Asia in the months ahead.”

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The post Wizz Air Abu Dhabi relaunches ‘All You Can Fly’ pass- But it won’t last long appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Budget airline Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has reintroduced its highly sought-after ‘All You Can Fly’ membership, offering unlimited travel across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—though only for a limited number of travelers.

The exclusive pass, priced at approximately USD 657 allows members to book unlimited flights, with a nominal USD 12 per flight booking fee. To sweeten the deal, the first flight is entirely free. However, availability is limited, and previous releases sold out within 48 hours.

“We are delighted to bring back our one-of-a-kind membership, offering even more travelers the freedom to seize the moment and explore our ever-expanding network with exceptional value,” said Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.

The airline’s decision to relaunch the membership follows overwhelming demand, with travelers eager to take advantage of budget-friendly travel options in 2025. While seats remain subject to availability, those who act quickly could unlock a year of affordable adventures.

Wizz Air’s expansion strategy continues to focus on affordability and accessibility, positioning the airline as a major player in the low-cost travel market. With the latest membership release expected to sell out rapidly, prospective travelers are urged to secure their passes without delay.

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The post Qatar’s stopover programme sees record surge, draws over 10,500 visitors in one month appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar’s tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Qatar Stopover programme attracting more than 10,500 visitors in January alone—a 165% year-on-year increase compared to 2023.

According to Discover Qatar, the surge reflects the nation’s rising prominence as a global tourism destination, fueled by strategic airline partnerships and growing demand for short-stay experiences. Since the program’s relaunch in August 2021, it has significantly boosted hotel bookings, with more than 100,000 hotel nights reserved—double the previous year’s figures.

The success of the initiative is largely credited to Qatar Airways Holidays, which has been responsible for over a third of bookings. The airline’s extensive marketing campaigns have helped attract travelers from key international markets, including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Additionally, 20% of travelers utilized Avios points from Qatar Airways’ loyalty programme to book their stopovers, further driving engagement. Industry backing from travel markets in Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand has also played a key role in expanding the program’s global reach.

Qatar’s tourism push is further bolstered by Hamad International Airport, recently named World’s Best Airport 2024 by Skytrax International. As the country continues to promote its rich cultural heritage, modern architecture, and luxury tourism offerings, the stopover program is expected to play an integral role in solidifying Qatar’s status as a premier travel hub.

Top of Form

 

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The post Delta to introduce nonstop service between Los Angeles and Melbourne from Dec 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Delta is further strengthening its presence in Australia and the South Pacific with the launch of nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL), beginning December 2025.

Delta is further strengthening its presence in Australia and the South Pacific with the launch of nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL), beginning December 2025. This new route combines easy connectivity to one of Australia’s most dynamic cities with the award-winning service Delta customers know and love. Additionally, travelers will enjoy the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 and Delta’s premium facilities at LAX, including the world-class Delta One Lounge.

“Delta’s new service to Melbourne reflects our commitment to connecting customers with the world’s most exciting destinations,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta. “As the largest carrier at LAX, we’re proud to provide a premium experience, whether customers are exploring Melbourne or connecting through our Los Angeles hub to destinations around the globe.”

Discover Melbourne: Australia’s cultural capital 

Melbourne isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, the city is full of creativity, flavor, and adventure. Explore its dynamic arts and music scene, from world-renowned galleries to vibrant street art. Savor the city’s food culture, where award-winning restaurants meet hidden laneway cafes or catch the excitement of iconic sporting events like the city’s Grand Slam tournament.

For nature lovers, Melbourne is the perfect gateway to some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches of the Great Ocean Road, the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, and the penguins of Phillip Island. Whether you’re an explorer, foodie, or sports fan, Melbourne promises a one-of-a-kind adventure waiting to be discovered.

This new route makes Melbourne Delta’s third nonstop destination in Australia, joining Sydney and Brisbane, and expands Delta’s reach in the South Pacific to five cities, including Auckland and Papeete.

A premium journey starts at LAX 

Delta continues to elevate the customer experience at Los Angeles International Airport, offering convenience and luxury at the start of your journey.

From LAX, the airline offers over 150 peak-day departures to nearly 60 destinations. For travelers coming from Melbourne, Delta provides convenient connections to more than 40 cities across the U.S., including major hubs like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Seattle (SEA), and Atlanta (ATL).

Delta One customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at LAX, featuring seating for nearly 200 guests, premium food and beverage offerings, one-on-one hospitality, a wellness area, and more. The lounge is conveniently connected to the dedicated Delta One Check-in, complete with white-glove service and private TSA screening, allowing guests to move from curb to lounge in minutes. Digital ID at LAX allows eligible customers to check bags and move through security without showing a physical ID, providing a more streamlined way to navigate the airport.

Delta’s $2.3 billion transformation at LAX features the Sky Way at LAX and the modern Terminal 3, a 1.2-million-square-foot, 27-gate complex. Highlights include a centralized check-in lobby, an expanded security checkpoint, and an award-winning Delta Sky Club.

An elevated standard for long-haul travel

This route will operate on the Airbus A350-900 with four product experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

Delta One customers experience increased privacy and the luxury of a fully reclining seat, accompanied by plush bedding crafted from recycled materials, artisan-made amenity kits, chef-curated meals and additional comforts.

Meanwhile, Delta Premium Select passengers enjoy a wider seat with a deeper recline and an adjustable footrest and leg rest, an enhanced dining experience and various other thoughtful amenities.

Customers can also anticipate a recently refreshed food and beverage program featuring carefully curated menu selections, including specialty snacks, as well as a premium array of beer, wine and spirit choices. And all passengers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options, with complimentary access to 1,000+ hours of content on Delta Studio.

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The post Moody’s upgrades Delta’s credit rating appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta achieved another exciting financial milestone when Moody’s Ratings, one of three major credit rating agencies, raised its credit rating based on Delta’s strong performance and financial outlook.

This ratings upgrade is the third that Delta has received in the last eight months, reflecting Delta’s momentum in continuing to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and financial foundation.

Moody’s was the only agency that maintained an investment-grade rating for Delta during the pandemic. S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings have since raised their ratings, and all rate Delta’s credit as investment grade.

“It’s gratifying to have Delta’s credit raised a notch above investment grade, as we work to make our 100^th year the best in our history,” said Delta CFO Dan Janki. “This achievement is thanks to the outstanding work of our team, who continue to differentiate us from the competition and lead our industry as we reduce debt and strengthen our financial foundation.”

Moody’s cited Delta’s improving operations, free cash flow and debt reduction as well as tailwinds that include moderating capacity growth in the U.S., strong international demand, robust premium offerings and loyalty.

“Delta’s business profile – characterized by its strong consumer brand, global network, competitive operating performance, emphasis on premium service offerings and the cash flows from its relationship with American Express – is strong,” the report noted.

Delta’s balance sheet strength remains a differentiator from the industry as we are one of only two airlines among our DOT-reporting competitors to hold the rating of investment grade across all three agencies – a sign of confidence in the durability of our business.

 

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