The post ASEAN Travel Exchange draws in significant numbers to Malaysia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As Malaysia hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) for the seventh time, its concurrent ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) attracted a significant turnout for 2025.

Held from 15th to 17th January, TRAVEX was attended by 221 sellers and 323 buyers from at least 42 countries.

The event served as a crucial platform which highlighted Malaysia’s tourism during its ASEAN Chairmanship, building momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026.

TRAVEX likewise marked Malaysia’s return to hosting the event after a decade since the province of Sarawak served as its venue.

As Malaysia hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) for the seventh time, its concurrent ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) attracted a significant turnout for 2025.

Held from 15th to 17th January, TRAVEX was attended by 221 sellers and 323 buyers from at least 42 countries.

The event served as a crucial platform which highlighted Malaysia’s tourism during its ASEAN Chairmanship, building momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026.

TRAVEX likewise marked Malaysia’s return to hosting the event after a decade since the province of Sarawak served as its venue.

Malaysian minister of tourism, arts, and culture Tiong King Sing declared: “It is heartening to witness such an overwhelming response to TRAVEX, with a total of 221 sellers showcasing the best of ASEAN tourism, 323 buyers from 42 countries, and 100 international media representatives from 35 countries participating in this event.”

Tiong pointed out that the turnout reflects the growing confidence in ASEAN’s tourism industry and the immense potential for partnerships, creating countless opportunities for collaboration and fostering a shared vision for the future of tourism within the region.

An excellent venue

The choice of Johor as the venue for this year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum and TRAVEX positioned Malaysia’s southern gateway in the international spotlight as the state prepares for Visit Johor Year 2026. 

Known for its unique blend of historic charm and modern attractions, Johor offers visitors access to diverse experiences, including the prestigious Desaru Coast integrated resort with its luxury accommodations; the rich biodiversity of Endau-Rompin National Park; Tanjung Piai National Park, the southernmost point of mainland Asia; LEGOLAND Malaysia and other family-friendly attractions; and the historic Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, the pristine Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (JDT Stadium) and other cultural landmarks. 

Eleven partner hotels served as a base for international delegates, generating a significant positive economic impact for the local hospitality sector.

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The post China’s holiday exodus underway as Lunar New Year looms appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Chinese authorities report that a new record could be set for the annual Lunar New Year migration as train stations and airports reported a peak in traveller numbers over the weekend.

With the Year of the Snake slated to begin on Wednesday, 29th January, China’s transport ministry predicts that travel numbers will hit record highs over the next several days.

During the traditional 40-day period that covers the time leading up to the holiday, the holiday itself, and at least a week after, some nine billion interprovincial passenger trips on various forms of transport will be made by citizens.

Based on that forecast, around 510 million train trips and 90 million air trips are expected during the period.

More trains for more passengers

China Railway, the country’s national passenger and freight railway company, reports that it added thousands of trains to meet the surge in passenger numbers as of Saturday, 25th January, the main peak at railroad stations.

Railway officials explained that data from ticket lists and waiting lists was used to forecast passenger numbers and regulate supply.

While train journeys across China used to take up to ten days, modern technology and innovation have significantly decreased travel time and increased comfort for passengers.

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The post DigiValet integrates with Crestron Control Systems appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

DigiValet, a global leader in experiential guest room solutions, today announced that its hospitality solutions are now fully integrated with control systems from Crestron, a leader in automation technology. This powerful integration combines DigiValet’s admired guest experience solutions with advanced control and automation products from Crestron, a company committed to delivering unparalleled experiences in the hospitality industry with reliable technology.

DigiValet’s tablet-based guest room solutions are installed in thousands of guest rooms at some of the most iconic hotels across the globe, including Wynn Las Vegas, Raffles Singapore, Bulgari Paris, and St Regis Maldives.

DigiValet offers comprehensive guest engagement and control, including lighting, shading, HVAC, hospitality television (including IPTV and OTT services), in-room dining ordering and PoS, housekeeping service requests through job dispatch systems, restaurant and spa reservation, and personalized messages and promotions.

Its hospitality dashboard empowers operations teams to customize the guest experience based on their loyalty status, VIP status, or group code. DigiValet’s 360-degree analytics engine also provides insights about guest preferences and is one of the most important contributors to building a true CRM.

“DigiValet is committed to offering its customers best-in-class guest room management systems (GRMS) that are well integrated into its guest-facing solutions,” says Rahul Salgia, founder and CEO of DigiValet. “Partnering with Crestron allows us to join one of the most trusted names and deliver a highly reliable and widely supported guestroom solution.”

“Providing a premium guest experience is essential in creating a memorable stay. This includes incorporating seamless in-room technology to maximize comfort, and the integration between DigiValet and Crestron helps bring those personalized control points to the next level,” says Bob Bavolacco, director of technology partnerships at Crestron. “Not only are guests benefitting from a better experience, but hotels also have an opportunity to use their solutions to help generate recurring revenue through repeat guest reservations.”

During the ISE® 2025 trade show, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with DigiValet and Crestron representatives to experience how this integration can enhance the guest room experience.

ISE attendees are invited to visit the Crestron booth in Hall 3, 3H300, to meet with our hospitality team and learn more about how DigiValet and Crestron are revolutionizing the hospitality industry.

 

 

 

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The post AHLA supports No Tax on Tips Legislation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

AHLA supports the hospitality industry workers’ ability to take home more of their pay, from housekeepers to bellhops and valets to food service professionals and spa and salon team members. Since the legislation was proposed, AHLA has educated leading offices about the many job functions that receive tips in the hotel and lodging industry as well as the varying modalities by which those tips are received.

American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Rosanna Maietta joined President Trump on stage in support of the proposed No Tax on Tips legislation in Nevada and issued the following statement:

“The hotel industry is a people-first business that supports millions of employees and welcomes guests every day,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “President Trump’s No Tax on Tips proposal is a crucial step in helping the more than 800,000 workers, who are the backbone of the hotel and lodging industry, that receive tips keep more of their earned income in their pockets. This proposal helps those seeking to achieve the American Dream have more resources to do so. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to further preserve and protect critical tax provisions that are key to ensuring long-term job growth and stability for thousands of small business owners within the industry.”

On stage  Maietta added, “I’m here to tell you that the American Dream is alive and well in the hotel industry today. It is still one of the few places where you can grow your career, starting a job as a housekeeper or a dishwasher or a bellhop, to running a hotel, to owning a hotel, or a few, and to even becoming a CEO of a global brand, or President of the United States.”

Background

In June, President Trump announced his plan to exclude workers’ tips from federal taxes.

The proposed No Tax on Tips Act of 2025 would enable an eligible taxpayer to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips with guardrails in place to prevent the highly compensated from using it other than how it was intended.

 

 

 

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The post ATIA releases accreditation stats for November / December 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) released the latest statistics for the ATIA Accreditation scheme today, 27th January, for the period running between November and December 2024.

This report underscores the rigorous standards and robust processes that maintain ATIA Accreditation as the gold standard in the travel industry.

The November and December 2024 figures reflect the stringent criteria that ATIA Accredited businesses must meet, ensuring the highest level of trust and excellence for consumers. 

Of those who apply, 25 percent are rejected, highlighting the robustness of achieving ATIA Accreditation.

Developments as 2024 drew to a close

ATIA formally welcomed five new businesses into the ATIA Accreditation community.

These were Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale, Helloworld Travel Highton, Let’s Travel Jindabyne, Snowsea Cruises, and Travellers Lounge.

However, accreditation was likewise revoked for one business. 

Additionally, three businesses have voluntarily opted to withdraw their participation from the accreditation scheme.

With regard to monitoring agreements, 19 members have already been accredited and are obligated to provide quarterly financial and operational disclosures.

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The post a&o Heidelberg: Europe’s largest hostel group expands in Germany appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

After opening new hostels in Brighton (August 2024), Antwerp (October 2024), and Brussels (December 2024), a&o Hostels, Europe’s largest hostel chain, is expanding further with the acquisition of a&o Heidelberg. This marks its 43rd property in Europe and 26th in Germany. The company operates 42 properties across ten countries, with 19 owned directly by a&o.

The a&o Heidelberg will be a new five-storey building, with 118 rooms and 320 beds. Scheduled for opening at the end of 2026, construction work will be starting in spring 2025. The associated property at Speyerer Strasse 5 was acquired from BHB Heidelberg GmbH, a subsidiary of Heureka Real Estate GmbH, as part of a forward sale.

Together with its owners, Proprium Capital Partners and StepStone Group, a&o has over 500 million euros available to invest in the expansion, conversion and modernization of existing and new properties.

Oliver Winter, CEO and Founder of a&o Hostels, said: “Last year, we set out some of our goals for a carefully accelerated growth strategy across 2024 and beyond, and with four new great locations acquired in just six months, we are well positioned to deliver on these.”

Philipp Westermann, Partner at Proprium Capital Partners, said: “We remain very confident in the huge opportunities for continuing long-term growth at a&o Hostels across Europe, which we look forward to continuing to support. a&o Hostels has a best-in-class business and brand, with enormous further potential that a&o are well on track to delivering on.”

“Germany remains a very exciting market”

With a population of 162,000, the city on the Neckar is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and attracts approximately 14 million visitors every year.

“Heidelberg has been a dream location for a long time, so we are delighted with this acquisition”, said Winter.

Robert Waidhaas, Managing Partner of Heureka Real Estate, adds: “We are delighted to realize this ambitious project together with an experienced partner like a&o and to contribute to the revitalization of Heidelberg’s Weststadt.”

Expansion across key cities in Europe

a&o has a strong and growing pipeline of attractive hostel investment opportunities across Europe and the UK. In February this year, a&o Firenze Campo di Marte (Florence) will be the second hostel to open in Italy with 121 rooms in a former municipal administration building,

In line with its sustainability drive, a&o predominantly seeks existing buildings to convert into hostels such as former office and commercial properties. In addition to ownership, renting also remains an attractive option emphasises Winter: “With the support of our owners, we now have the firepower to accelerate our expansion in key locations across gateway cities in Europe. We are really well positioned to take advantage of the significant opportunities we see in this hugely attractive and dynamic market environment and to take our budget hostel product to a new level.”

 

 

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The post Sabre adds Nok Air content to its Global Distribution System appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel software and technology provider Sabre Corporation announced that it is adding content from Nok Air, one of Thailand’s prominent budget carriers, to its Global Distribution System (GDS).  

By joining Sabre’s extensive travel marketplace, Nok Air will be able to enhance its visibility among travel agencies, corporate buyers, and travellers, driving bookings and revenue growth. 

The addition of Nok Air’s content reinforces Sabre’s commitment to delivering an extensive range of low-cost carrier options, empowering its travel agency partners to craft the most compelling offers for their customers.

A key to expansion

According to Nok Air chief executive Witthiphum Jurangkool: “We’re thrilled to bring Nok Air’s extensive route network and service offerings to a wider audience through Sabre. By making our content available via Sabre’s GDS, we’re broadening our global and market segment reach and ensuring both leisure and corporate travellers have more ways to discover and book our flights.”

Sabre’s vice-president for agency sales and airline distribution in the Asia Pacific Brett Thorstad added: “This is the first time that Nok Air has offered its content through a GDS which is testament to the value Sabre’s global marketplace brings for our airline and agency partners. By adding Nok Air to our growing portfolio of budget carrier content, we’re expanding the range of options available through Sabre’s multi-source content platform and enabling the airline to connect with new audiences through our global travel marketplace.”

Since it first took off in 2004, Nok Air continues to operate an extensive network within Thailand and to key destinations in the region. 

Additionally, Nok Air offers connecting flights through codeshare partnerships and fly-n-ferry services, providing travellers access to islands in Thailand that aren’t connected via air. 

Sabre’s multi-source content platform enables travel agencies to intuitively compare, shop, book, and service all types of content, including traditional EDIFACT offers, New Distribution Capability (NDC), and low-cost carrier.

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The post Quoz Arts Fest returns for its 12th edition on 25- 26 January 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Spanning Alserkal Avenue and the Quoz Creative Zone, the festival features public art installations, exhibitions, live performances, workshops, conversations, creative pop-ups and a dedicated kids’ programme.

Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal, the region’s leading community-driven arts and culture festival, will make its return on Saturday, 25, and Sunday, 26 January 2025. Taking place in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s vibrant cultural district, and the wider Quoz Creative Zone, the festival spotlights the best of homegrown and international talent in a thoughtfully curated mix of live music performances, art exhibitions, installations, food experiences, and conversations, alongside a special programme designed to inspire kids.

Gilda Gilantash, Director of Events, Programming and Partnerships at Alserkal Avenue, said: “Since its inception in 2012, Quoz Arts Fest has been a creative meeting ground for Dubai’s diverse communities—a place to come together and celebrate culture. Over the years, it’s grown into a major regional attraction while staying deeply connected to the grassroots, homegrown scene. It’s also become a platform for international artists redefining what’s next, offering a glimpse into the next wave of creative talent. This year, we’re proud to offer our most expansive programme yet, with cultural expression at its widest and the community at its heart.”

Festival Headliners 

At the forefront is Syrian rapper, poet, and storyteller Omar Offendum, who gives voice to the experiences of immigration. Tunisian singer and songwriter Emel Mathlouthi also takes the main stage, renowned for her soaring voice and fusion of traditional Arabic music with contemporary influences.

Joining them is the Tunisian alternative duo Ÿuma, composed of Sabrine Jenhani and Ramy Zoghlemi, whose minimalist folk sound offers an intimate, guitar-driven journey; House of Yanos, delivering an electrifying mix of Amapiano, Deep House, and Afro Tech, Dubai City Sound’s all-female choir stirs with breathtaking harmonies, BOUMPH, a bold Arab hip-hop voice, delivers a raw critique of cultural identity, and DJ Hend, presenting an eclectic blend of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Arabic classics, and old-school R&B, inspired by Dubai’s cultural richness.

The main stage will be hosted by Dubai’s own MC, Big Hass, bringing his signature energy to the festival.

Must-See Public Art 

A standout highlight of the festival is Forest Dancer and the Path to Pure Creation by Australia’s ENESS at Concrete. This immersive installation blends light, sound, and movement to create a space that emulates the feeling of stepping into unhindered creative flow.

Across the Avenue will be Bright Memories by Abdulla Alneyadi featuring a series of public water dispensers, iconic to the UAE, designed by the artist and a surprise site-specific outdoor installation by Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino.

On the Avenue’s corner facade, Emirati artist Lamya Gargash presents her large-scale commission—the enlarged photograph, A Corridor of Books. Renowned for her exploration of identity through both lived and abandoned spaces, Gargash turns to the private library of a prominent collector and patron of the arts in the UAE. At the heart of the photograph is a golden fabric draped through his library, guided by the Qibla—a compass pointing towards prayer. The installation invites a meditation on memory, devotion, and the stories woven into the spaces we inhabit.

Gallery Exhibitions 

The Avenue’s galleries and institutions will open an exciting lineup of exhibitions. At Ishara Art Foundation, Shilpa Gupta’s Lines of Flight takes center stage, while Lawrie Shabibi presents a solo show by Farhad Ahrarnia. Over at The Third Line, Neither Here ~ Nor Elsewhere, a group show curated by Sanaz Askari, and Green Art Gallery showcases Citadelles of Today by Chaouki Choukini. Aisha Alabbar Gallery brings Superficial Transactions, a solo exhibition by Eman Al Hashemi, while Gulf

Photo Plus The Life of an Itinerant through a Pinhole presents Behzad Khosravi Noori. 1×1 Art Gallery presents a solo show of Sohan Qadri, Custot Gallery features Photosynthetic Forms by Marc Quinn, and Zawyeh Gallery highlights a solo exhibition by Amirhossein Bayani.

Stage 2.0 

Throughout the weekend, Stage 2.0 showcases Quoz Encore performances, now in its third year, providing a platform for emerging UAE-based artists and talent making their debut, alongside afikra conversations with artists.

Reel Palestine Film Festival 

Cinema Akil hosts Reel Palestine, a film festival celebrating Palestinian stories with screenings and a souk featuring crafts and flavours inspired by Palestinian traditions.

Kids’ Lane 

The festival will have a dedicated Kids’ Lane offering interactive art workshops, reading sessions, and community activations led by Artful Minds, Wisdom Warehouse, The Junction, thejamjar, and The Happy Studio, engaging young audiences in creative play.

What The Food 

The culinary experiences will be curated by What The Food by Alserkal, featuring the city’s most loved chefs, artisanal producers, and food entrepreneurs.

Strategic partners for Quoz Arts Fest 2025 include Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Al Quoz Creative Zone, and Dubai Economy and Tourism. Lead partners are Mini AGMC, with supporting partners Ounass and Fujifilm.

 

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The post Antara Cruises introduces “Artisans of Bengal” on MV Bengal Ganga  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Antara Cruises, India’s premier river cruise operator, is thrilled to  announce that its celebrated Artisans of Bengal program will now be available aboard its boutique vessel, the MV Bengal Ganga. This 7-night/8-day immersive journey offers a unique opportunity for  guests to experience the heart of Bengal through its rich craftsmanship, vibrant artisan communities,  and historical landmarks. From Kolkata’s colonial splendour to the handloom weaving villages of Fulia,  the Artisans of Bengal cruise promises an unforgettable cultural exploration along the Hooghly River.

Rediscovering Bengal’s Artisanal Legacy 

Artisans of Bengal has long been one of Antara Cruises’ signature experiences, providing a window  into the time-honoured traditions that define Bengal’s artistic heritage. Now, guests can embark on this  transformative voyage aboard the newly added MV Bengal Ganga, a boutique river cruise vessel that  enhances the experience with modern comforts, personalized service, and panoramic views of the  scenic riverbanks.

The cruise weaves together Bengal’s diverse cultural tapestry, showcasing a variety of local crafts, from  the intricate terracotta sculptures of Kalna to the famous Jamdani sarees of Fulia. This immersive  journey allows guests to meet the artisans behind these crafts, explore their villages, and experience  first-hand the techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Itinerary Highlights 

∙ Day 1 – Kolkata Embarkation: The adventure begins in Kolkata with a panoramic city tour,  featuring the majestic Victoria Memorial, St. John’s Church, and other colonial landmarks.  Guests will then board the MV Bengal Ganga for an evening sail, kicking off their journey with  a delectable dinner onboard.

∙ Day 2 – Kolkata Flower Market & Kumartuli: A visit to Kolkata’s bustling Flower Market offers  guests a chance to witness local artisans creating intricate garlands and ornaments. The day  continues with a tour of Kumartuli, Kolkata’s famed potters’ quarter, where guests can observe  the age-old craft of clay idol making, a tradition that has been practiced for centuries.

∙ Day 3 – Chandernagore: A charming French colonial town, Chandernagore invites guests to  stroll along its promenade, past colonial-era buildings and the elegant Sacred Heart Church,  reflecting the region’s French influence.

∙ Day 4 – Kalna’s Temples & Terracotta Art: In Kalna, guests explore the Rajbari Temple  Complex, home to 108 Shiva shrines, and admire the intricate terracotta artwork that adorns  the temples, depicting themes from Hindu epics and local mythology.

∙ Day 5 – Nabadwip & Mayapur: The journey continues to Nabadwip, the birthplace of Saint  Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Guests will witness the art of handloom weaving in the village  before sailing across the river to Mayapur, home to the renowned ISKCON temple and an iconic  center of Vaishnavism.

∙ Day 6 – Guptipara & Fulia: Explore Guptipara’s terracotta temples and visit Fulia, a village  renowned for its Jamdani saree weaving. Guests will see how these exquisite fabrics are made,  blending cotton and gold thread in intricate designs.

∙ Day 7 – Bandel & Serampore: Visit the historic Hooghly Imambara in Bandel and then travel  to Serampore, once a Danish colony. Guests will walk through the charming old quarters,  visiting landmarks like St. Olav’s Church and the Danish Tavern.

∙ Day 8 – Kolkata Disembarkation: After breakfast onboard, guests disembark in Kolkata,  taking with them lasting memories of their journey through Bengal’s artistic heartland.

The Artisans of Bengal cruise is more than just a sightseeing trip – it’s a deep dive into the cultural  fabric of one of India’s most artistically rich regions. From handloom weaving to terracotta sculpture,  the journey provides guests with rare opportunities to meet artisans in their villages, learn about their  crafts, and even try their hand at traditional techniques. This unique cultural experience is designed for  those who wish to connect with the true essence of Bengal.

“As we introduce Artisans of Bengal aboard the MV Bengal Ganga, we are excited to offer our guests  an even more immersive way to experience this transformative journey,” says Raj Singh, Founder  & Chairman at Antara Cruises – Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd.

Raj Singh further adds: “The program celebrates the Artisans of Bengal, whose work has shaped  the region’s identity for centuries. This cruise is an invitation to immerse oneself in the rich cultural  traditions of Bengal, and to connect with the artisans who keep these practices alive.”

A Boutique Experience 

The MV Bengal Ganga is an intimate vessel with mix 20 cabins and suites, ensuring a personalized  experience for every guest. The newly refreshed decor combines contemporary 1970s styling with  traditional elements, providing a stylish yet restful setting for guests to relax and enjoy the voyage.  Onboard amenities include a wellness center, spa, fine dining, and panoramic viewing decks, perfect  for soaking in the spectacular views of the Ganges and the surrounding landscapes. Antara Cruises is  known for its exceptional service, ensuring that each guest feels completely pampered throughout their  journey.

Reservations & Availability 

Artisans of Bengal aboard the MV Bengal Ganga is now open for bookings. With select departures  available, guests are encouraged to book early to secure their spot on this unique and enriching cruise.

 

 

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