The post Cost concerns weigh in key markets for international travel plans to Europe in 2025: LHTB appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Long-haul travel sentiment globally and to Europe has weakened for 2025, as reported in the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) 1/2025, published by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV. This report provides valuable insights into long-haul travel sentiments for 2025, along with trends and plans for the year’s first four months. The barometer reveals cautious travel intentions, driven by affordability concerns and changing preferences, but also highlights opportunities to enhance Europe’s global competitiveness by better managing its tourism assets.

The report shows that 63% of respondents across key overseas markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States – intend to travel long-haul this year. Among them, 44% plan to visit Europe, highlighting its strong position despite current challenges. However, this reflects a decline from 49% in 2024, with weakening sentiment reported in markets such as South Korea, the US, Brazil and Australia. In contrast, Chinese travellers demonstrate growing interest, with 61% intending to visit Europe in the next twelve months.

Affordability remains the most significant barrier to international travel, cited by 46% of respondents not planning a European trip. In addition to affordability, travellers cited interest in visiting other overseas regions or limited vacation time as factors influencing their plans.

Miguel Sanz, President of ETC, commented: “The findings highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining Europe’s competitiveness as a global destination in an increasingly saturated market. To remain a top choice for international travellers, Europe must focus on managing Brand Europe strategically. By tracking consumer trends, promoting more competitive off-season and off-the-beaten-path travel options, and improving sustainable connectivity, Europe can offer richer, more rewarding travel experiences to our visitors”.

Safety Shapes Destination Choices

Safety remains the most important factor when choosing a destination, followed by iconic landmarks and well-developed infrastructure. This report explores travellers’ perceptions of safety for the first time. According to long-haul travellers, the top factors that make a destination safe are low crime rates, clean and well-maintained tourist establishments, visible security, political stability and friendly locals.

Travellers from each market tend to define safety differently. While political stability is viewed as paramount by travellers from certain markets, such as Japan (57%), Australia (44%), and Canada (42%), visible security takes precedence in others, especially in South Korea (55%), Brazil (51%), and China (42%).

Navigating Crowded Hotspots

Europe’s iconic attractions remain a major draw for international travellers in 2025, often leading to overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. Survey results indicate that long-haul travellers remain flexible in such situations—nearly one-third would adjust their plans to visit at quieter times, 28% would proceed despite long queues, 25% would explore less crowded areas within the destination, and only 5% would consider changing destinations entirely. These insights highlight the need for better travel flow management across Europe to ease congestion while boosting alternative destinations economically.

Multi-Destination Travel Gains Momentum

Despite affordability challenges, travellers are showing a growing preference for multi-destination trips. The report shows that 94% of respondents planning to visit Europe in the first four months of 2025 intend to explore more than one country. On average, long-haul travellers are looking to visit 3.4 countries, with South Korean travellers leading the trend, aiming to visit an average of 5.2 countries per trip. This trend is growing across all key markets, especially among Australian travellers, who have seen a 15% increase from 2024. The shift highlights the appeal of Europe’s connectivity and the need to ensure more seamless and sustainable transport options for travellers.

Evolving Budget and Experience Priorities

The report also highlights changing spending habits. In the first four months of 2025, 42% of respondents plan to allocate between €100 and €200 per day, showing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the percentage of travellers planning to spend over €200 per day has decreased to 30%, reflecting a 13% decline.

Food and drinks are emerging as the top spending category for most travellers (67%). However, market priorities vary: for Chinese travellers, shopping leads their budget (67%), while for US travellers, accommodation ranks second (55%), significantly higher than in other markets (24%). This highlights the diverse spending preferences across key markets.

 

 

 

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The post Amex GBT and Lufthansa Group expand partnership to accelerate NDC rollout appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has announced an enhanced agreement to expand and accelerate availability of new distribution capability (NDC) fares with Lufthansa Group (LHG). 

John Bukowski, Amex GBT’s Vice President, Content Acquisition & Strategic Sourcing, said: “This new agreement reflects our joint commitment with Lufthansa Group to create more value for our corporate customers by enabling NDC content at scale while supporting the integrity and strength of their corporate travel programs.”

Heinrich Lange, Lufthansa Group’s Vice President Digital Retailing, said: “We are excited to strengthen our continued partnership with Amex GBT, as we work together to deliver robust, NDC-enabled solutions for our joint corporate customers. This collaboration empowers us to enhance servicing capabilities, offering a seamless and personalized experience, while providing better value fares and exclusive offers.”

Amex GBT has been pioneering NDC implementation in corporate travel for more than five years – in 2019 becoming the first travel management company (TMC) to connect to global distribution systems (GDSs) for online NDC content.

Amex GBT currently has more than 20 carriers in its NDC program, with NDC content available to more than 15,000 of its customers, and NDC sales in 2024 into the hundreds of millions of dollars, across 16 point-of-sale countries.

The partnership with Lufthansa Group has shown exceptional growth, with NDC-enabled content currently available to Amex GBT customers in multiple countries across Europe, generating millions of dollars of Lufthansa Group NDC sales in 2024.

The renewed, expanded agreement will accelerate NDC content availability across Amex GBT’s proprietary platforms, offline booking, and third-party booking tools. The partnership emphasizes delivering enhanced customer value through NDC, including access to NDC-only rates and special promotions with Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines and Discover Airlines.

 

 

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The post Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok till 25th April appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

German flag-carrier Lufthansa announced that it is extending its Airbus A380 service from Bangkok to Munich till 25th April for the peak Songkran holiday season. 

In response to growing demand during this key travel period, Lufthansa will operate its flagship aircraft on this route, offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience between the two major cities.

Lufthansa vice-president for the Asia Pacific and joint ventures in the east Felipe Bonifatti said: “We are excited to extend our A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route during the Songkran holiday season. The A380 offers unparalleled comfort and capacity, and we are confident that our passengers will appreciate the extra space and top-tier service as they travel during the busy Thai New Year period.”

Lufthansa’s decision to continue the deployment of the A380 for the Songkran season follows the airline’s continued commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its passengers. 

With its wide-body design and cutting-edge technology, the Airbus A380 is ideal for long-haul flights, offering passengers an elevated level of comfort when flying with the national airline of Germany.

Comfort in the skies

The A380, known for its spacious cabins, cutting-edge amenities, and state-of-the-art technology, will be deployed for additional flights starting in early April 2025, coinciding with the annual Songkran Festival in Thailand. 

As one of the most significant cultural events in Thailand, the Songkran holiday attracts millions of travelers both domestically and internationally. 

Lufthansa’s decision to extend its A380 service aims to provide travelers with enhanced capacity and superior comfort during this busy travel period.

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The post Get your queries reverted to in Korean on DOT’s tourist hotline appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Beginning in February, tourists can access support from Korean-speaking agents through the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) expanded Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC). The DOT made the announcement on Saturday (Feb 1) on the expansion of the tourist hotline to provide Korean-speaking support, reflecting the Department’s commitment to enhancing service for travelers from South Korea, the country’s largest source of inbound tourists. 

Inquiring travellers can now receive direct assistance from a dedicated Korean-speaking agent available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time).

 “As South Korea continues to be our top inbound market, this initiative ensures that Korean travellers can easily access assistance, allowing them to fully enjoy the warmth, hospitality, and attractions that make the Philippines a  destination to love,” stated Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “In alignment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a digitally empowered government, the DOT is dedicated to improving its platforms to deliver accessible, efficient, and world-class service to all tourists, both domestic and international.” 

This enhancement aligns with the government’s broader goal of digitizing public services, promoting a seamless, responsive, and tech-driven approach to tourist assistance. 

The TACC has facilitated over 13,502 transactions as of January 30, 2025, servicing tourists from 71 different nationalities, with the Philippines, the United States, and Australia being the most represented. Common inquiries include general tourism questions, travel and tour services, DOT accreditation, and career opportunities. 

A flagship program of the DOT under Secretary Frasco, the TACC was recognized as one of Asia’s premier customer support platforms, and was recently awarded “Best in Service – Customer Support (Regional Level)’ award at the prestigious Asia Best of Best Awards 2024 at Westin Dubai, Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai UAE.  

In its ongoing commitment to tourist convenience and inclusivity, “the DOT is working to expand multilingual support services including Mandarin and other languages for a more diverse range of travelers. We understand the role of language accessibility in creating a smooth and enjoyable travel experience,” added Secretary Frasco.  

In 2024, the Philippines welcomed 1,574,152 visitors from South Korea, representing an 8.1% increase from 1,455,977 arrivals in 2023. This figure also indicates a 2.5% growth compared to the 1,539,402 arrivals in 2019, demonstrating a complete recovery that has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. South Korea remains the Philippines’ largest source of foreign visitors, capturing over 26.46% of the total tourist arrivals.

 

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The post Direct bookings surge 571% for Hospitable users in 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

In a dramatic sign of changing consumer habits, property management platform Hospitable announced that direct bookings surged 571% among its customers last year.

Over the course of 2024, Hospitable users generated an impressive $28.7 million in direct booking revenue globally — a 440% increase from the previous year.

Of the platform’s 15,000+ users, less than a third have a direct booking website — yet this group alone secured over 40,000 direct reservations in 2024, a massive leap from just 6,055 in 2023. This growth highlights the huge potential for hosts and property managers investing in direct channels.

Pierre-Camille Hamana, CEO and Founder of Hospitable, said: “For years, direct bookings were written off as too complicated or too risky, but that mindset is changing fast. More and more hosts are realizing that relying solely on OTAs isn’t a sustainable way to run a business. When they build their own direct channels, they’re not just increasing their revenue, they’re creating stronger connections with their guests, taking control of their pricing, and shaping their own brand rather than being just another listing on an OTA. .

“The biggest misconception is that direct bookings are harder or riskier, but the reality is quite the opposite. With the right tools, hosts can offer the same, if not better, security and booking protections as OTAs, while delivering a more personalized experience that keeps guests coming back. The numbers don’t lie: direct bookings are surging, and as more hosts take that leap, we’re going to see an industry where they have more power, more profits, and more control over their success.”

It also reflects a wider shift taking place across the short-term rental industry, where property owners are increasingly looking for ways to bypass online travel agencies (OTAs) and gain greater control of their profits, branding, and guest relationships.

At the same time, travelers are becoming more intentional about their booking choices, drawn to lower fees, personalized experiences, and the convenience of direct communication. As hosts invest in professional, frictionless booking websites with secure payment options and built-in protections, guest confidence in booking directly is rising — signaling a growing trust in host-owned websites as a mainstream alternative to OTAs.

Recognizing the momentum behind direct bookings, Hospitable has introduced new tools to help hosts maximize revenue. Its recently launched ‘Abandoned Bookings’ tool identifies and recovers lost reservations by detecting abandoned bookings and sending personalized follow-ups. In its first week alone, the feature reclaimed over $36,000 in lost direct booking revenue — further proving that direct channels aren’t just viable, but highly profitable.

The company also introduced a Guest Portal, allowing travelers to easily access booking details, house rules, and check-in instructions, as well as automated rental agreements to help hosts secure legally binding contracts without the manual hassle.

 

 

 

 

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The post Jaipur Music Stage 2025 concludes on a high note appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Held at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, the three-day Jaipur Music Stage came alive each evening as the Jaipur Literature Festival’s inspiring sessions concluded. The first night featured two performances celebrating the timeless verses of medieval mystics Amir Khusrau and Kabir Das—Abhijit Pohankar’s ‘Hazrat Amir Khusrau Project’ and a rock-opera interpretation of Kabir’s baani by the acclaimed Dastaan LIVE. The second evening had performances by singer-songwriter Kamakshi Khanna, followed by a remarkable collaboration between vocalist Susheela Raman, guitarist Sam Mills, and 13th-generation Nagada player Nathoo Lal Solanki. The evening drew to a close with Raman’s much-loved rendition of the evocative song Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai.

Lovers of music, literature, and the arts arrived in huge numbers for the grand finale as the Jaipur Music Stage prepared for two spectacular performances. The evening opened with Hrishi, the Carnatic-Pop sensation who has taken the internet by storm with his unique fusion of Western pop and Carnatic sounds. With over 300,000 followers and 30 million views online, his music has amassed 5 million streams and 2.4 million YouTube views. His magnetic stage presence, magical voice, and innovative sound captivated the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

The headliner of the evening was the legendary Kailash Kher and his band, KAILASA. A Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s most celebrated voices, Kher is a global ambassador of Indian music, known for his soul-stirring blend of folk, Sufi, and contemporary styles. With over 1,500 songs in 25+ languages and more than 2,000 concerts worldwide, his music has transcended borders. Since its formation in 2004, KAILASA has brought together some of India’s finest musicians, creating a distinctive fusion of traditional and modern sounds. As the Jaipur Music Stage crowd swayed to his iconic anthems like Teri Deewani and Saiyaan, the evening became an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, melody, and emotion.

The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will conclude with its final two days on the 2nd and 3rd of February at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Just like the first three days, the closing sessions will feature a dynamic line-up of thought-provoking conversations with some of the world’s most renowned thinkers, writers, and speakers. The Jaipur Music Stage promises to return in 2026 with yet another spectacular showcase of musical excellence.

 

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The post Sentosa Presents: A Big, Big World for the Big Year of the Snake appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The larger-than-life festivities continue on Sentosa with a refresh of “Sentosa Presents: A Big, Big World”, as the island destination ushers in the Year of the Snake. The three unique zones at Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Sensoryscape, and Palawan Beach will shed off the activations from the Christmas season to welcome the first buds of Spring. Guests arriving through the Sentosa Gateway will be greeted by an impressive installation of a peach orange Wood Snake with golden yellow motifs, created by local artist JOOheng Tan, diving among blossoms and welcoming guests to the island. Guests can also enjoy these interactive day-to-night offerings from 19 January to 16 February, alongside a range of attractive deals for DBS and POSB debit and credit cardholders.

This marks a continuation of the two-month-long inaugural joint activation of the Sentosa Precinct Partnership. The partnership established in May 2024 among Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), DBS Bank (DBS), and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) aims to propel tourism growth and solidify Sentosa’s position as Asia’s premier island resort getaway and leading lifestyle destination with new and enhanced experiences for both locals and international visitors to enjoy.

A Big, Big World of Excitement at Resorts World Sentosa

Don’t miss the chance to usher in an auspicious year ahead with exclusive meet and greet sessions at God of Fortune’s House of Huat! Be captivated by the Starlit Dragon Spectacular, a mesmerising dragon dance performance featuring an impressive 88-metre dragon. Watch as its dazzling scales illuminate the night with a symphony of coloured lights, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Follow the Starlit Dragon as it glides through RWS, passing dazzling displays of prosperity such as the Rising Abundance hot air balloon, before arriving at the beautifully decorated Lake of Dreams. There, the God of Fortune and Fu Lu Shou will greet the dragon, handing out chocolate gold coins and sharing New Year blessings with guests.

On 29 January, the first day of the Chinese New Year, a breathtaking eight-minute spectacle will unfold, featuring an Erhu soloist, Dragon Poi performers, LED drummers, modern dancers and the majestic Starlit Dragon. Celebrate the second day of Chinese New Year, 30 January, with a joyous lion dance performance at the Lake of Dreams.

Visitors will also experience the daily The Dragon Rises show at the towering 10-metre LED Pyramid of Prosperity, a light and sound spectacle that brings the vibrant Zodiac characters to life.

A Big, Big World of Dreams at Sentosa Sensoryscape

As guests continue on their journeys of discovery from Resorts World Sentosa to Sentosa Sensoryscape, they will be greeted by a profusion of cherry blossoms along the walkways encircling the Lookout Loop, signifying the arrival of spring.

For the first time, SDC will also set up “18 Blessings in Bloom”, floral installations at each of the resting areas that line the entire stretch. Each installation will feature an auspicious greeting, with massive organza flowers and real florals arranged artfully into each frame. Saunter towards Palate Playground and walk through a Wishing Tunnel, where guests are invited to pen their well wishes onto red placards and hang them along the walkway. Look out for the Zodiac readings for the Year of the Snake on large lantern towers to find out the fortune for the upcoming year.

This year, SDC has collaborated with renowned Xinyao (Singaporean Chinese folk songs) pioneer, singer-composer and Chinese literature academic Dr Liang Wern Fook, who composed a bespoke four-line poem about the beauty of Sentosa. Guests can appreciate this poem as they walk further into Sensoryscape, and can also redeem a set of exclusive Sentosa red packets featuring this rhyming couplet.

Additionally, look out for roving mascots of the ‘Fu, Lu, Shou, Xi’ deities (福禄寿喜) as they bestow well wishes and fortune, as well as lion dance and dragon dance performances during the festive period.

A Big, Big World of Discovery at Palawan Beach

Guests can participate in the Flight of Wishes kite fiesta at Palawan Beach with a refresh for the Chinese New Year season. This includes a continuation of the kite-making workshop, with four additional kite templates featuring icons of the festive period, such as a Chinese lantern, firecrackers, as well as one for the Year of the Snake. Be sure to watch out for the Dragon Kite, known for its long body and tail, as it dances across the skies, flown by expert kite flyers from the Singapore Kite Association. Come nightfall, the ethereal The Floating Marvels will continue to amaze guests as they discover more of Sentosa into the evening.

DBS will also be offering exclusive deals and promotions for DBS and POSB cardholders across attractions, hotels and dining establishments on the island including Skypark by AJ Hackett, Equarius Hotel, Hotel Ora, Siloso Beach Resort, iFly Singapore, Sentosa 4D AdventureLand and SkyHelix Sentosa for guests to indulge in the festivities as they explore these unique precinct-wide experiences. Sentosa Islander members can also earn Islander points when they enjoy these deals at participating merchants.

 

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The post Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience Bali’s exquisite culture first-hand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection in the exquisite natural sanctuary that is Sebatu offers travelers an immersive cultural journey with curated guest activities and a signature Melukat purification ritual. 

As the highlight of the resort’s cultural offerings, the Melukat purification ceremony, a sacred Balinese water blessing led by a Spiritual Leader from Sebatu Village. 

Designed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, this ritual embodies the Cicada Ubud’s signature experience, leaving guests refreshed and spiritually balanced.

Beyond ritual

As part of the Autograph Collection, this resort blends meaningful experiences with the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Ubud.

Guests are invited to embark on an enriching journey into the heart of Balinese culture through a thoughtfully curated selection of activities. 

For example, they feel the spiritual essence of the island by learning the art of making Canang Sari, a sacred offering crafted from fresh flowers and coconut leaves, symbolizing gratitude and devotion in Balinese Hinduism. 

They may also engage in hands-on workshops showcasing traditional Balinese crafts, where skilled artisans share time-honored techniques passed down through generations. 

For those seeking a deeper connection with the island’s heritage, guided village tours offer an intimate glimpse into rural life, unveiling timeless customs, architectural marvels, and vibrant community practices. 

These immersive experiences are designed to foster meaningful cultural exchanges, allowing guests to appreciate Bali’s profound traditions and create lasting memories rooted in authenticity.

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The post Valpas announces strategic entry into the Japanese hotel market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Valpas, the only travel platform for safe, sustainable and bed bug-free stays, has announced its strategic expansion into the Japanese market, building on its partnership with Canon MJ, Japan’s technology company, following their strategic investment in June.

In addition to its investment, Canon MJ will become a strategic partner in introducing the Valpas technology and certification to the significant and highly valuable Japanese market. This partnership will leverage Canon MJ’s extensive B2B customer base in Japan, enabling a strong market entry and widespread adoption. The first step of this collaboration will be showcasing Valpas solutions at the Hotel Restaurant Show 2025 (HCJ) in Tokyo, from February 4-7, at the booth of Canon IT Solutions, a Canon MJ group company.

The Valpas entry into Japan comes at a moment when Japan is experiencing record and unprecedented levels of inbound international tourism – something which typically significantly increases the risk of a bed bug infestation for a hotel or short-term rental property.

IT solutions account for roughly half of all revenues for Canon MJ Group and the investment was made by the Canon MJ division via its Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund.

Takuya Joshin, Director in charge of R&B Promotion Headquarters from Canon MJ commented:“The Valpas contribution to the safety and security of travelers appealed to us as an investment greatly and we feel that demand will continue to grow due to the increasing number of travelers worldwide. Additionally, we felt that with our experience and customer base in Japan, it made sense to partner with entry into this important market.”

Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas added:“We are honoured to not only have such an iconic brand as Canon – with its long-standing commitment to innovation – invest in our company but additionally become our partner for expanding the Valpas network into popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Most importantly, the Canon ethos of the old and the new, nature and technology, living side by side in harmony, is shared by Valpas. We’re excited for this already blossoming partnership with major announcements to follow in 2025.”

Valpas tackles a €15 billion annual problem for hotels and short-term rentals, driven by lost revenues, environmentally harmful pesticide cleaning fees, and immeasurable reputational damage. Valpas’ platform empowers hoteliers to guarantee bed bug-safe stays thanks to reliable digital certification identifiable on hotel websites and travel platforms. The certification is backed by Valpas proprietary in-room technology based on smart bed legs that capture and stop bed bugs at first contact, ensuring rooms remain safe and pest-free.

Today’s news follows Valpas unveiling at the end of 2024 ambitious plans to grow the number of hotel beds using the Valpas technology and certification by 50x to reach 2 million by the end of 2030. During 2024 the company also secured €4m in seed funding in a round led by Zenith VC alongside Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry Investment, Activum SG Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures and Morrow Ventures.

 

 

 

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