The post “Our next century of flight begins with you”: Ed Bastian appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

This month, Delta kicked off our Centennial year at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, celebrating their first 100 years of flight while offering our vision for the future of air travel. CEO Ed Bastian sent the following message to Delta SkyMiles members:

Over the decades, technology and innovation have propelled us forward, but we’ve always been guided by our values of putting people first in everything we do. As we embark on a new year, we’re committed to a bold vision that builds on our first century of excellence, driven by our goals of providing welcoming, elevated and caring service to you every time you fly.

Elevating the Power of SkyMiles

The future of SkyMiles Membership is about much more than earning rewards. It’s about access to travel and lifestyle benefits you can’t find anywhere else. Partners like American Express, Starbucks, and others broaden the range of benefits we provide to you. And as we shared at CES, we have a new partner to further enhance your experience: Uber. Beginning this spring, you’ll be able to start earning on eligible Uber rides to the airport as well as Premium and Uber Reserve rides. Plus, you’ll now earn on eligible Uber Eats deliveries, as we focus on providing value across your entire trip and beyond.

Making It All About You

For a century, the people of Delta have worked to make you and every single one of our customers feel special. Today, we’re building on that legacy to create a personalized experience for you that complements the signature, human touch that only our employees can provide.

At CES, we unveiled Delta Concierge, a digital tool built into the Fly Delta app as your own personal assistant, which uses generative AI to make your travel easier, reduce stress and inspire you to enjoy the journey. And we continue to evolve and personalize our Delta Sync platform, providing tailored entertainment and content directly to your seatback screen. We also announced that YouTube will be joining Delta, so SkyMiles Members will soon be able to enjoy their favorite creators, podcasts and music artists ad-free while on board most flights with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and on Delta Sync seatback.

Plus, coming soon, you can discover amazing destinations through the eyes of those who know them best. Delta Locals is a new, innovative platform connecting you to locally curated inspiration for your next trip.

Elevating Your Experience

We want every part of your trip to be enjoyable, whether on the ground or in the air. In the coming years, you’ll see everything from new cabin interiors designed to make you feel at home during your travels to next-generation aircraft. Delta also has ushered in a new era of premium travel for you with the opening of Delta One Lounges in New York-JFK, Boston, Los Angeles and, coming soon, Seattle. Our Lounges offer a variety of amenities for the premium traveler, from fine dining to spa-like wellness treatments and valet services. And we continue to invest in our Delta Sky Clubs, while opening new clubs, including our newest Club in Charlotte.

From its earliest days, flying has changed our world for the better, connecting people and communities in a way once unimaginable. We owe it to future generations to ensure that travel is accessible and sustainable as we bring the world closer than ever before. Together, we’re building a future of limitless possibilities.

Thank you for the trust you place in us and your continued loyalty as a valued SkyMiles Member. I’m inspired and exhilarated to have you on this journey with us.

 

 

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The post Finnair expands British Airways codeshare to target more UK customers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Finnair has expanded its codeshare with oneworld alliance member, British Airways, as the Finnish airline continues to expand its reach in the UK and targets new customers in the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.

The expanded agreement will see Finnair add its code to an additional seven of British Airways’ domestic routes, enabling customers to benefit from increased connectivity when travelling to Finland and beyond.

With immediate effect, Finnair will add its code to British Airways flights between London Heathrow and Aberdeen, Belfast City, Gibraltar, Inverness, Jersey, Manchester and Newcastle.

The move will enable customers to book the above services directly via Finnair, allowing travellers to fly from their chosen regional airport with British Airways, before connecting onto Finnair flights at Heathrow Airport.

From there, customers can enjoy direct flights with Finnair from Heathrow to Helsinki, or choose to connect onto the airline’s wide-range of destinations in Lapland, the Nordics, and the Baltics. Those looking to travel further afield, can also benefit from Finnair’s network in the Far-East, including routes to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Singapore and Seoul, among others.

The expanded codeshare means that customers based outside of Finnair’s current UK gateways of London, Manchester and Edinburgh can now enjoy connectivity to Finland and beyond, giving the Nordic airline a new pool of potential customers.

Anssi Partanen, Finnair Market Director Europe, said: “Over the past few years, we have seen a growing demand for our flights to Helsinki and beyond from destinations across not only the UK, but also the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.

“Therefore, we are extremely excited to be expanding our codeshare with British Airways, to ensure customers travelling from across the country can enjoy seamless connectivity onto Finnair’s flights from London.

“With the ability to now book end-to-end journeys with Finnair, while also collecting Avios as a British Airways Executive Club Member, we know this move will prove popular with customers planning their long and short-haul getaways for 2025.”

This news comes after Finnair launched its new expanded schedule from the UK in late 2024, adding 50% more flights between London Heathrow and Helsinki.

With this, Finnair will now offer customers six daily flights from Heathrow, double daily flights from Manchester and up to seven weekly flights from Edinburgh to the Finnish capital.

 

 

 

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The post The ultimate golf getaway with Delta appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta will offer its largest-ever schedule to Augusta Regional Airport, providing up to 1,900 daily seats and a 15% increase in capacity over last year’s Masters.

Delta is setting the course for an unforgettable 2025 Masters Tournament, offering its largest-ever schedule to Augusta Regional Airport (AGS). As an official Tournament Partner of the Masters, Delta will provide up to 1,900 daily seats and a 15% increase in capacity over last year’s event, leading the way in connecting golf fans to the action. With blooming azaleas, pimento cheese sandwiches and the world’s best golfers awaiting patrons at Augusta National Golf Club, Delta will provide a remarkable journey to the Masters.

“As Delta celebrates its Centennial year, we’re proud to welcome Masters patrons to our home state of Georgia for the iconic Masters Tournament,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “With new service from Minneapolis and White Plains, and increased frequency from LaGuardia, we’re making it easier than ever to connect to this world-renowned event.”

From April 6-14, 2025, Delta will operate an expanded schedule to the Masters including:

ORIGIN	SCHEDULE	AIRCRAFT
MSP	New 1x daily trip from Apr. 6-14	Mainline
HPN	New 1x daily trip on Apr. 9, 11, and 14	Delta Connection
ATL	8 daily trips from Apr. 6-14	Mixed Mainline & Delta Connection
LGA	2x daily trips from Apr. 6-14	Delta Connection with Mainline upgrade on Apr. 14 only
DTW	1x daily trip from Apr. 6-14	Mainline
BOS	1x daily trip from Apr. 6-14	Delta Connection
DCA	1x daily trip on Apr. 9, 11, and 14	Delta Connection
AUS	1x daily trip on Apr. 9, 11, and 14	Delta Connection
JFK	1x daily trip on Apr. 9, 11, and 14	Delta Connection

With this increased schedule, customers can look forward to unmatched connectivity, with more than 215 convenient one-stop connections to Augusta through its hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, New York, Boston, and now Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Delta is setting the stage for an extraordinary journey to the 2025 Masters Tournament, combining reliability, comfort, and luxury for golf fans everywhere. Recently crowned North America’s most on-time airline in 2024 and awarded Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for the fourth consecutive year, Delta provides the perfect start to your Masters experience.

Throughout the journey to Augusta, fans won’t miss a single swing. With live satellite TV available across much of the fleet, customers can watch the tournament unfold while cruising above the clouds. SkyMiles Members will also enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi on over 730 domestic mainline aircraft, perfect for streaming the action live or catching up on favorite shows and entertainment.

 

 

 

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The post Emirates to offer culinary delights for its vegan customers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Refined vegan cuisine is an important consideration at Emirates, as numbers of vegan customers continue to rise globally, and many non-vegan customers opt for vegan cuisine when flying, as a lighter option often considered easier to digest. Emirates continues to expand its portfolio of vegan cuisine by workshopping new dishes made with innovative ingredients, such as a lookalike solid egg substitute made entirely from legumes, which packs a tasty and nutritional punch for Emirates customers, as well as adding curated vegan meals for children, and new dishes onboard and in lounges.

Emirates’ continuous commitment to innovative vegan meals

Marking Veganuary, an initiative that has highlighted the benefits of a vegan diet for the last decade, a collective of Emirates’ talented chefs gather in Emirates Flight Catering Concept Development Kitchen to workshop new dishes, and experiment with the latest innovative ingredients on the market. At the workshop, chefs trialled the new solid egg substitute in a spicy shakshuka sauce and developed a premade vegan pastry sheet into savoury vegan cannelloni, as well as evaluating some of the celebrated ingredients and high-quality products already onboard.

Emirates offers an impressive selection of 300+ vegan recipes, served on flights to 140 destinations worldwide. The extensive menu showcases an array of high-quality plant-based products sourced from global suppliers, like plant-based proteins from Beyond Meat in California, soybean protein from UAE and Singapore brand Arlene, pressed tofu sourced from Japan’s Qian Ye for authentic Asian flavours, organic dark vegan chocolate crafted by Linnolat in France, vegan margarine from Meister Marken in Germany, vegan curry paste supplied by Pantai in Thailand and almond milk from Italy’s Koita. Emirates also emphasizes sustainability by integrating fresh produce from Bustanica, the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm. This farm is a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering that delivers pesticide and chemical-free leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach, directly to Emirates’ catering facilities. Emirates recently introduced individual vegan milk servings onboard in Economy and Premium Economy Class, with more than 30,000 customers a month selecting this option for their coffee and tea.

Highlighting its commitment to culinary excellence for all customers, Emirates recently introduced vegan meals for children. Kids vegan meals currently include tasty and tempting dishes like vegan pizza, sweet and sour vegetable casserole, vegetable fajitas, vegan muffins, cauliflower bites with sweet sauce and desserts like strawberry crumble and vegan chocolate pudding.

Vegan options are available to order and pre-order onboard, as well as in Emirates Lounges. Customers can request vegan meals on all Emirates flights and across all classes of travel up to 24 hours before departure. However, on high-demand routes, plant-based meals are also provided as part of the main menu options.

Emirates’ vegan cuisine in every class

Serving more than 400,000 plant based meals onboard every year, Emirates offers vegan cuisine  across every class. Last year, vegan meal consumption grew in line with passenger volumes, but in some regions, consumption has exceeded passenger volume growth –  such as  Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Many Emirates Cabin Crew also follow a plant-based diet, and Emirates has offered vegan meals for Cabin Crew for the last 9 years.

In Economy class, Emirates customers can enjoy dishes like crêpes filled with sautéed carrots and peppers, served with roasted potatoes, mushrooms and tomato concassé, or curried vegetable puffs, and chocolate mousse cake with chocolate sauce and blackberry crumble.

In Premium Economy class, customers choosing vegan cuisine will be served delicious dishes like braised mushrooms with vegetables in five spice soy sauce, served with steamed jasmine rice and blanched pak choi, followed by desserts like chocolate tart drizzled in apricot compote or raspberry tonka mousse cake with berry coulis.

In Business class, a range of elegant and creatively curated dishes are offered including Thai red curry tofu with aubergine, beans, mushrooms and taro in aromatic gravy, served with steamed jasmine rice. Customers who have room for dessert can feast on a tropical coconut pineapple cake or indulge in a chocolate pecan cake.

In First class, customers will be treated to exceptionally elevated vegan cuisine like creamy polenta cake with thyme mushroom ragout, sautéed spinach drizzled in a rich root vegetable jus. Dishes offering a burst of sophisticated flavours include aubergine curry with charred rice and turmeric potato, with a dash of coconut and mint chutney. Decadent desserts feature curated contrasts including the tartness of rhubarb tempered with strawberry charlotte, Chantilly cream and raspberry tuille, or a tempting warm chocolate fondant, dashed with salted caramel sauce and whipped cashew cream.

Crafted vegan options in Emirates’ Lounges Dubai

At Dubai International Airport, Emirates has 7 lounges located in its flagship Terminal 3 – 3 for First Class and 3 for Business Class customers, as well as newly opened Emirates’ Lounge catering to all premium customers. The lounges offer a wide array of vegan options, from soya and pea protein crispy pops at the Business Class Lounge Snack Counter, to Baharat and turmeric spiced kofta in coconut gravy at the buffet area, and an à la carte breakfast of warm amaranth porridge with compressed green apples, red grapes, raspberries and walnuts in the First Class Lounge, amongst many others. In addition to an array of popular vegan salads, the most in demand vegan dish in the lounges is the Emirates Green Burger – a soya and flax seed green burger, with a signature sauce and pickled cucumbers

 

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The post Boutique Group appoints Christoph Mares as CEO appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Boutique Group is pleased to announce a leadership succession that will position the company for continued success in the years to come through the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer Christoph Mares.

Building on the strong foundation laid by the group’s former CEO, Mark De Cocinis, Mares will be instrumental in driving Boutique Group towards its goal of introducing Saudi hospitality and culture to the world through its portfolio of iconic palaces, starting with the opening of its first hotel, The Red Palace in April 2026.

Boutique Group is confident in a seamless leadership transition as it welcomed Mares in January 2025. Mares comes with a wealth of experience, having previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he has spent the majority of his career. With over 25 years’ experience, Mares was also the COO for Emaar Hospitality Group LLC.

Christoph Mares said: “I am honored to join Boutique Group, a company that shares my passion for hospitality excellence and cultural preservation. Prior to now, I have watched the transformation of Saudi Arabia with a mix of admiration and fascination. As CEO of Boutique Group, I look forward to playing a part in writing the next inspirational chapter in the legacy of Saudi hospitality and sharing it with the world.”

Sabah Barakat, Member of the Board of Directors at Boutique Group, welcomed Mares to the role, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Christoph Mares to Boutique Group, as we continue to reach new milestones in the development of our palaces. This is a period of unprecedented growth for the emerging Saudi hospitality sector, and we are committed to generating new opportunities through this dynamic industry. Christoph’s decades of leadership experience in the luxury hotel sector will be invaluable as we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey at the pinnacle of Saudi hospitality.”

Boutique Group is excited about the opportunities that will arise through a fresh perspective, in alignment with the company’s growth.

 

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The post New flight routes from the UK make Emilia Romagna’s Rimini closer than ever appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Brand new flights to Rimini, on Emilia Romagna’s Adriatic coast, are about to kick off, meaning the city will be closer than ever to UK travellers. British Airways and easyJet are both launching flights to Federico Fellini International Airport for the summer 2025, adding to existing Stansted flights by Ryanair.

British Airways have added three weekly flights from London Heathrow between May 15 and September 27; and starting April 16, easyJet will introduce two weekly flights from London Gatwick. These flights will make it easier than ever for Brits to visit the stunning coastal city in Emilia Romagna.

Rimini, located on Emilia Romagna’s sunny Adriatic coast, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern attractions. Known for its long sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and cultural landmarks, Rimini offers a unique experience for visitors.

Here are ten compelling reasons to plan a trip to Rimini this year:

1. Stunning beaches:

Rimini boasts a 15km stretch of beautiful white sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. The beaches are well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and fun.

2. Delicious cuisine:

Visitors can savour the local cuisine, including Rimini’s signature flatbread, piadina, fresh seafood and local pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù

3. Rich history:

The historic centre of Rimini is home to ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture. Key sites include the Arch of Augustus, the oldest surviving Roman arch, and the Tempio Malatestiano, a stunning Renaissance church.

4. Cultural heritage:

The Federico Fellini International Museum is dedicated to the legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini, who was born in Rimini. The museum offers an immersive experience into Fellini’s life and works, showcasing his films, drawings and personal artifacts.

5. Family-friendly attractions:

Rimini offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks and water parks. Popular spots include Fiabilandia, a theme park for younger children, and Aquafan, one of Europe’s largest water parks.

6. Cycling paths:

Rimini is very flat, making it easy to bike from the town centre to the beach along dedicated bike paths. Visitors can rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride along the coast or through the scenic countryside.

7. Booming nightlife:

Rimini’s lively nightlife is filled with numerous bars, clubs and beach parties. The city comes alive after dark, offering a variety of entertainment options from trendy nightclubs to cosy beachside lounges.

8. Festivals and events:

Rimini features some incredible festivals and events throughout the summer months, such as the annual Notte Rosa (Pink Night) celebration. This festival includes concerts, fireworks and street performances, turning the entire city into a pink-themed party.

9. Scenic beauty:

Beyond Rimini, visitors can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the wider region of Emilia Romagna, from the serene beaches along the Adriatic coast to rolling hills. A scenic drive or hike through the region is a great option to fully appreciate its natural beauty.

10. Proximity to San Marino:

Visitors can take a day trip to the nearby Republic of San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics. Explore its medieval castles, narrow streets and stunning views from Mount Titano.

 

 

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The post Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers an immersive experience into the observance of Nyepi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites guests to experience the unique and tranquil observance of Nyepi, Bali’s annual Day of Silence in the heart of Ubud’s natural beauty. 

Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is a sacred day of silence, meditation, and self-reflection for the island’s Hindu community. 

This year, Mandapa offers an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and partake in the island’s most revered tradition, immersing oneself in the culture of Bali while embracing a moment of peace and stillness.

According to Mandapa director of sales and marketing Ariek Mahardika: “Nyepi is one of the most sacred and significant days in Bali, and we are honored to offer our guests the chance to experience the tranquility and spirituality of this unique cultural event at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. This is a special time for reflection, connection, and renewal. Our curated experiences before, during, and after Nyepi ensure that guests will not only witness the island’s rich traditions but also embark on a transformative journey that connects them with Bali’s timeless beauty and serenity.”

Meaningful observance

Nyepi marks the beginning of the year in the Hindu calendar. 

It is a day of self-reflection, meditation, and purification, designed to cleanse the soul and start the New Year with a clear mind and renewed spirit. 

On this day, the entire island of Bali comes to a halt, and all activities cease for 24 hours. 

The island’s usual vibrant energy is replaced by deep silence, and the focus shifts inward.

The ritual of silence is symbolic of spiritual renewal, as it gives the people of Bali the opportunity to reflect on their actions and behavior, and to rid themselves of negative influences. 

The day is also believed to purify the environment, ensuring peace and harmony in the coming year. 

From sunrise to sunrise the following day, the island is in a state of stillness, with no flights, no vehicles, and no noise.

Preparing for Nyepi on 28th March 2025

Before Nyepi, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and preparations for this sacred day. 

The days leading up to Nyepi are filled with cultural and ceremonial events, and Mandapa offers curated experiences to make the most of your time in Bali.

• Explore the Sacred Temples of Ubud: Take a private guided tour of the nearby temples, including the revered Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi, to experience Bali’s spiritual heritage and witness traditional purification rituals.
• Participate in the Ogoh-Ogoh Festival: Before Nyepi, join in the local Ogoh-Ogoh Festival, where enormous, colorful effigies are paraded through the streets and ceremonially burned. The festival symbolizes the casting away of evil spirits and is a feast for the eyes.
• Wellness Retreat for Inner Peace: Prepare for the silence of Nyepi with a rejuvenating ‘Disconnect to Reconnect” wellness experience. The “Water Purification”, conducted in our Mandapa Village sacred spaces, this practice is a cornerstone of Balinese culture, believed to restore harmony, dispel negative energy, and enhance overall spiritual well-being.

Nyepi: a day of stillness on 29th March

Nyepi itself is a day of stillness and quiet, where all activities on the island come to a halt. 

At Mandapa, guests are invited to join in the day’s reflections and moments of peace.

• Silent Day Meditation & Yoga: Begin the day with a guided meditation session amidst the serene surroundings of the property. A morning yoga class will help center the body and mind before embracing the sacred silence.
• Private Dining Experience: Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal in your private villa, with locally sourced ingredients and flavors, allowing you to savor Bali’s culinary delights without disturbing the tranquility of the day.
• Relax and Reflect: Spend the day reflecting and reconnecting with nature. Enjoy the lush landscapes, walk through the resort’s verdant gardens, or simply relax by the Ayung River, allowing the natural beauty of Bali to guide you through the peaceful day.

From stillness to dynamism on 30th March

Following the silence of Nyepi, guests can look forward to more dynamic and enriching activities.

• Post-Nyepi Nature Walk: Embark on a nature walk with a knowledgeable guide, discovering the hidden gems of Ubud’s verdant forests and rice terraces, which bloom even more vibrantly after the spiritual cleansing of Nyepi.
• Subak Farming: After the quiet of the day, experience the traditional Balinese system of rice farming that integrates spiritual, cultural, and environmental practices. At Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, guests can explore this agricultural heritage through scenic views of the resort’s surrounding rice terraces, where the Subak method is still actively practiced, promoting sustainable farming and harmony with nature.
• Echo From The Past, An Ubud Historical Walk: This tour is perfect for those who want to have deeper knowledge and experience about the Ubud center area. You will grow your appreciation of the town of Ubud that is not just a tourist hot spot but also rich with history, culture, and tradition echoing through the modern days of Ubud. Starting from witnessing the Balinese compound life to the artistic side of Ubud, your guided tour will give you a deeper insight about Ubud and its surroundings, their rich art and culture, with amazing traditions.

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