The post Railbookers Group flagship brands make their way to Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Independent rail holiday provider Railbookers Group announced the launch of its two flagship brands, Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations, in the Asian market today, 13th October. 

This marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth, bringing its expertise and wide portfolio of rail journeys to Asia and its dynamic and fast-growing travel markets by hiring Singapore-based staff in the sales and business development departments, with additional growth expected in 2026 and beyond.

With Asian travellers known for their strong appetite for international journeys, this expansion provides access to curated, independent holidays by rail. 

Travellers may now explore iconic destinations in Europe, the United States, Canada and beyond, all with the flexibility of booking and travelling any day the train goes from last-minute to two years out, the convenience of expertly arranged itineraries inclusive of rail, hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more, as well as dedicated on-trip customer care.

A much-anticipated debut

Railbookers Group president and chief executive Frank Marini expressed pleasure at finally being able to bring the company’s flagship brands to Asia whilst setting up shop with an entirely local staff.

Marini said: “Travellers here have a deep passion for exploring the world, and we are proud to offer them unforgettable rail holidays across six continents as independent travellers or perhaps in small unescorted groups. This expansion is part of our continued global growth and commitment to bringing our complete rail holidays to more customers around the world.”

Indeed, with the addition of Singapore as its Asian hub, Railbookers Group is now serving customers in six global source markets: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. 

The Railbookers difference

Through Railbookers, guests and travel agents across Asia can book journeys aboard world-renowned trains such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rocky Mountaineer and Glacier Express, with flexible departure dates and hand-picked hotels, choosing from 3-, 4-, and 5-star options at each destination. 

The offering includes Amtrak Vacations, the official tour operator for Amtrak in the United States, who create scenic rail adventures across America from national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone to iconic cities including New York, Chicago and San Francisco. 

Railbookers brands enable travellers to easily shop for their ideal rail journeys, packaged together with the hard work and logistics already handled. 

The expert sales support team can also customise journeys to suit each travellers’ own pace, with the reassurance of Railbookers Group’s expertise in planning rail holidays that take the hassle out of travel while maximising experiences on and off the train. 

The post Railbookers Group flagship brands make their way to Asia appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post G-DRAGON’s Ubermensch tour cements Vietnam’s position as a world-class venue for mega-events appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietnam makes waves yet again where mega-events are concerned as it’s one of the stops on South Korean rapper / pop icon G-DRAGON’s 2025 world tour.

The Southeast Asian nation’s inclusion in the Übermensch tour itinerary is no coincidence: it is the result of the consistent efforts of 8Wonder, one of the country’s few internationally recognized music festival brands. 

In just three years, 8Wonder built up its world-class reputation by meeting the demanding standards of global superstars such as Charlie Puth, Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, J Balvin, and DJ Snake. 

From stage design and sound quality to audience experience, each edition has raised the bar and turned Vietnam into a true global celebration where music, travel, and emotion come together.

Let us entertain you

The success of G-DRAGON’s sortie in Vietnam goes far beyond record ticket sales; rather, it represents the nation’s growing presence on the global entertainment map.

This year’s show will take place at 8Wonder Ocean City – Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, a 300-hectare complex often described as a lively “seaside city” within Hanoi. 

The venue offers everything visitors could want, from a saltwater lagoon and white sandy beaches to the vibrant Grand World commercial boulevard, stylish cafés, luxury hotels, and lively entertainment areas. 

After an unforgettable night of music, concertgoers can continue to enjoy the energy of the event without having to travel far.

The concert is not just one of the biggest music events of the year, but also marks a new chapter in Vietnam’s journey toward confidence, creativity, and global recognition in the live entertainment world. 

Thanks to 8Wornder’s expertise in events handling, Vietnam is now officially part of the world tour circuit of major music legends and is ready to set new records in the years ahead.

Beyond its numbers, the concert sends a powerful message about a young, dynamic, and inspiring Vietnam. 

Hanoi is no longer just a destination for local fans, but it is evolving into a must-visit city for international audiences seeking memorable music experiences in Asia.

A feather in the cap for Vingroup

Likewise, the event reaffirms Vingroup’s pioneering role in making Vietnam a new destination for music lovers across the region. 

With strong investments in infrastructure and world-class standards, Vingroup continues to promote Vietnam’s image through global brands. 

From the mega-urban Ocean City complex to the award-winning Vinpearl resort chain, every project reflects a vision of a modern, creative Vietnam that is open to the future.

With long-term vision and consistent investment, every Vingroup event, especially 8Wonder, goes beyond world-class entertainment. 

Each one becomes a cultural milestone that brings Vietnam closer to the international community, showcasing a vibrant, energetic, and globally connected nation that is ready to take its place on the world stage.

The post G-DRAGON’s Ubermensch tour cements Vietnam’s position as a world-class venue for mega-events appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Kyoto to impose Japan’s highest accommodation tax from March 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Japanese government recently approved Kyoto’s proposal to implement what is, to date, the country’s highest-ever hospitality tax.

The former capital which is also considered one of Japan’s cultural epicentres will begin to charge up to US$68 a person per night at luxury hotels within its jurisdiction beginning March 2026.

This new tax is the latest in a long line of measures proposed to curb overtourism in the country.

Per a report from the South China Morning Post, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications green-lighted the proposal on 3rd October.

How much?!?

According to a report from Japanese broadsheet Asahi Shimbun, this new taxation scheme ranges from 200 yen for budget accommodation to 10,000 yen for stays priced above 100,000 yen per night.

That said, it certainly goes well-above the country’s current maximum levy of 1,000 yen.

Still, the money earned from such taxes will go to a good cause: the continued development of Kyoto as one of Japan’s cultural hubs.

As Kyoto mayor Koji Matsui puts it: “Tourists also must bear the cost of countermeasures against overtourism. Kyoto is going to use revenue from the accommodation tax to build a sustainable tourism city, which must be good for both tourists and Kyoto citizens.”

This does not, however, mean that the tax has been universally accepted even by Japanese nationals; indeed, some critics see the tax as a deterrent that will drive travellers away from Kyoto and into neighbouring cities like Osaka, thus depriving the city of revenue.

Nevertheless, city officials have been quick to say that the new tiers are proportionate, with the lowest rate unchanged for budget travellers and the steepest increase reserved for luxury accommodations.

It has been projected that the taxes earned will come to double Kyoto’s annual revenues from 5.91 billion yen to a staggering 12.6 billion yen once the measure is implemented.

All proceeds will go into ways of mitigating the impact of overtourism on local infrastructure and to improve the overall tourist experience within the city.

The post Kyoto to impose Japan’s highest accommodation tax from March 2026 appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Tourism Authority of Thailand highlights how Healing is the New Luxury in its latest TVC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially launched its new global TVC campaign, Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury.

The new campaign seeks to encourage travellers to discover Thailand as a destination where true healing extends beyond traditional wellness. 

As such, this initiative positions Thailand as a sanctuary for the senses, where rejuvenation comes through meaningful connections, mindful travel, and the country’s distinctive way of life.

According to TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool: “Through Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury, we invite travellers to rediscover themselves in Thailand. In today’s world of constant change, travel has become a form of healing: a moment to slow down, reconnect with one’s inner self, and awaken the senses. Thailand offers endless ways to experience this through our people, nature, and culture.”

Grabbing the attention of a key audience

The campaign targets a new generation of quality travellers seeking balance and purpose in their journeys. 

Centred around the 5Rs of healing, it highlights a wide range of tourism products that deliver lasting value and emotional fulfilment: Retreats for Transformations, Rituals for Manifestations, Reels for Joy, Rhythms for High Vibrations, and Relations for Connections. 

Together, these elements celebrate the many paths to well-being that Thailand offers from wellness retreats and spiritual practices to food, festivals, and friendships.

The art of restoration

Reflecting TAT’s vision for the future of Thai tourism, “Healing is the New Luxury” embraces a broader spectrum of restorative experiences. 

Travellers can find comfort in delicious Thai food, serenity on beautiful beaches, and relaxation through Thailand’s renowned wellness culture. 

They can also capture joy in stylish cafés and creative spaces, and most memorably, feel the warmth of connection with Thai people: a hallmark of Thai hospitality that heals the heart as much as the body.

The post Tourism Authority of Thailand highlights how Healing is the New Luxury in its latest TVC appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Philippine authorities assure public that Mindanao airports and seaports operational following earthquake appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) assures both domestic and foreign travellers that all airports and seaports in Mindanao are currently operational following rigid inspection.

Safety inspections were immediately carried out on hubs throughout Mindanao Island following the 7.4 earthquake that shook the province of Davao Oriental on Friday, 10th October.

In a statement, acting transportation secretary Giovanni Lopez said he directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to continue monitoring and observing airports and seaports in the event of aftershocks.

Lopez declared in the vernacular: “All ports are operational at this point in time. Indeed, service has resumed at all airports in the region, including the Davao Airport.”

The secretary’s statement followed a direct order from Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr to ensure the operability of all airports and seaports for emergency operations in light of recent earthquakes and typhoons.

Other relevant measures

In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard has instructed its deployable response groups to assist in search and rescue missions in communities affected by the earthquake.

Love Buses have also been rerouted to areas with stranded commuters to provide free rides.

Lopez added: “Commuters and motorists, meanwhile, are being assisted by personnel from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Davao to ensure road and commuter safety. Our agencies have been authorised to help commuters shift from their original routes in order to provide transportation for those affected by the quakes.”

The President also ordered the postponement of upcoming events, including the Siargao International Surfing Cup which was slated for 23rd to 31st of this month, until the safety of all affected areas has been guaranteed.

The post Philippine authorities assure public that Mindanao airports and seaports operational following earthquake appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Sun Siyam Olhuveli gets festive for Diwali and International Chefs’ Day appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will be hosting two colourful celebrations on 20th October as the lights flicker on for Diwali and culinary excellence is celebrated on International Chefs’ Day.

The double-event features India’s Chef Meghna, alongside performances by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild, Sri Lanka’s leading dance ensemble. 

They will blend tradition and creativity, honour culinary talent and showcase the colours, tastes, and rhythms of South Asia in one unforgettable experience.

More than just a festivity, this celebration is about sharing moments, discovering new flavours, and experiencing the beauty of cross-border cultures. 

Around the resort, guests can join in with colourful rangoli art sessions, beachside fun, and hands-on cooking activities for all ages, making it a truly memorable island escape. 

Likewise, the resort’s culinary team will take part in a series of exciting games and team-building challenges designed to showcase their creativity, camaraderie, and passion for the art of cooking. 

As general manager Hassan Adil puts it: ’“As we celebrate Diwali and International Chefs Day, we’re celebrating more than food and art: we’re celebrating connection. This event is about coming together, exploring traditions, and creating memories that stay with you.”

Festive flavours

At the center of it all is Chef Meghna, the beloved creator of Meghna’s Food Magic and one of India’s most inspiring voices in the kitchen. 

With a following of more than three million, she is known for turning everyday cooking into something fun, healthy, and full of heart, from oil free samosas to sugar free cakes. 

For this special occasion, she will craft a Diwali inspired menu that celebrates plant based cooking and sustainable food choices. 

During the day, Chef Meghna will also host an interactive cooking demonstration, giving guests the chance to learn her signature style of cooking and creative twists first hand.

Dancing into celebration

The cultural celebration continues into the evening with a breathtaking performance by Chandana Wickramasinghe & The Dancers’ Guild. 

This acclaimed Sri Lankan group of 40 dancers blends centuries-old Kandyan and folk traditions with fresh choreography, creating performances that tell stories and connect cultures. 

Their shows have mesmerised audiences in more than 70 countries and now; they will light up the stage at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with movement, music, and soul.

The post Sun Siyam Olhuveli gets festive for Diwali and International Chefs’ Day appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post I Kadek Sugiantara takes helm at the kitchens of Allila Villas Uluwatu appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Balinese resort Alila Villas Uluwatu has appointed I Kadek Sugiantara as its new executive chef.

Sugiantara takes the helm of the resort’s acclaimed dining destinations, bringing nearly two decades of global experience into the role.

He said of his appointment: “Joining Alila Villas Uluwatu feels like coming home. This property has long been a beacon of soulful dining, rooted in authenticity. I look forward to creating menus that highlight the vibrant flavors of Asia, celebrate Bali’s rich culinary heritage, and make a meaningful impact by supporting local farmers, honoring community artisanship, and championing sustainable partnerships that showcase the true value of local produce and craftsmanship.”

Diving into a diverse dining selection

Sugiantara will lead the Allila Villas Uluwatu’s culinary journey across its signature venues from CIRE, renowned for its refined interpretation of Mediterranean flavors; The Warung, offering an authentic taste of Balinese and Indonesian home-style cuisine; the Sunset Cabana and Batique Bars; as well as bespoke banquets also private dining experiences.

Guests can look forward to refreshed menus, seasonal highlights, and immersive dining journeys that showcase Sugiantara’s culinary artistry and passion for innovation, thoughtfully grounded in sustainability. 

From farm-to-table creations and organic garden harvests to dishes celebrating the finest local produce, each experience reflects his commitment to both flavor and the environment.

A closer look at I Kadek Sugiantara

The chef’s expertise was honed in Michelin-starred kitchens, then shaped further by global influences as well as a deep passion for crafting soulful dining experiences.

Renowned for his mastery of Pan-Asian cuisine, he blends the bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Southeast Asia with refined technique and a strong commitment to fresh, local ingredients. 

His menus celebrate authenticity while offering innovative interpretations that resonate with both global and Indonesian palates.

Sugiantara’s culinary philosophy has been shaped by an extraordinary journey across the Caribbean, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean. 

Each destination deepened his mastery of refined techniques and broadened his perspective, allowing him to weave together diverse culinary traditions into harmonious and memorable dining experiences. 

With such a wealth of places explored and skills honed, he brings a global expertise that positions him to lead resort’s culinary experience into a new era of elevated, gastronomy journey.

The post I Kadek Sugiantara takes helm at the kitchens of Allila Villas Uluwatu appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post BWH Hotels celebrates collective achievements at its annual convention appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hospitality management enterprise BWH Hotels hosted its annual convention last week in Seattle, WA.

Centred on the theme Welcome Begins Here, the convention brought in over 3,000 attendees made up of BWH Hotels hoteliers, operators, and partners.

The convention also served as a venue in which to celebrate shared achievements and lay the foundation for continued success in the years ahead.

As BWH president and chief executive Larry Cuculic declared: “This week, we made a bold declaration: we will be the most welcoming hospitality brand in the world. Welcome Begins Here is more than our convention theme; it is the new foundation for our global transformation. Across every hotel, our shared commitment is to deliver memorable, locally inspired experiences that make every guest feel at home.”

Driven by a global strategy to enhance value at every touchpoint, BWH Hotels generated US$8.5 billion in revenue over the past year. 

Meanwhile, bookings on the Best Western To Go app surged 25 percent year-over-year, and a RevPAR Index of 108 outpaced industry benchmarks. 

The Best Western Rewards® loyalty programme likewise continued its strong growth, now serving 64 million members with points that never expire.  

Raising the bar for global hospitality

It should be noted that BWH Hotels made several key announcements at its convention.

These include:

• Enhancing the Customer Journey: Attendees received an exclusive first look at the new BestWestern.com website and mobile app experience, set to launch in 2026, offering a glimpse into the brand’s next chapter of digital innovation and guest-centric design. Powered by AI, the platform will deliver personalized recommendations, optimized content for emerging search engines and localized experiences tailored to travelers around the world;
• Tech-enabled Efficiencies: The company announced the launch of AutoClerk® Atlas, its next-generation property management system powered by HotelKey. AutoClerk Atlas marks a pivotal step forward for the guest and hotel team experience, introducing a world-class Property Management System that’s scalable and intuitive;
• Strategic Partnerships: To capitalize on the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the United States, Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) has entered into an exclusive North American partnership with Tripadvisor® in their ‘Chasing the Cup’ campaign. Travelers searching for games will find BWHR hotels near matches and along travel routes;
• Expanding Luxury & Experiential Travel: WorldHotels expanded its footprint in 2025 by adding several new properties, including, the Van der Valk Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire, a Caribbean destination joining the WorldHotels Elite collection; and the integration of Soul Spring Sanctuary, a wellness-forward concept now part of the WorldHotels Luxury collection. WorldHotels anticipates reaching 250 properties by the end of 2026;
• Partnering with Independent Developers to Drive Growth: With over 130 deals signed across its North American portfolio, the company’s Collections brands now represent over a quarter of all new developments. Additionally, Aiden, the company’s leading boutique brand, continues its rise with new projects underway in Kansas City, Toronto, Dallas, Newark, Vancouver and a newly signed hotel on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, WA;
• International Expansion: BWH Hotels signed over 300 international deals this year. In Saudi Arabia, 11 new projects reflect a strong alignment with Vision 2030. Expansion in Asia includes new openings in India, South Korea, and Vietnam. Latin America is on track for a record-breaking year, with over 20 deals signed; and
• Enabling Success: Scheduled to launch on 1st December, BWH Hotels’ new Liability Insurance Programme, developed in partnership with Willis Towers Watson® and CNA®, offers the hospitality industry’s first cost-effective, comprehensive liability coverage to help hoteliers protect assets and reduce expenses.

The post BWH Hotels celebrates collective achievements at its annual convention appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post ‘Grandcations’: How Grandparents and Grandkids Are Redefining Family Travel  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Grandparents and grandchildren are hitting the road together – and  often without parents. Skip-generation (skip-gen) holidays are rapidly gaining momentum across Asia  Pacific, according to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report released. Families are redefining how they  travel, with a stronger focus on stays that foster togetherness, create lasting memories, and  strengthen bonds across generations.

Skip-Gen Travel on the Rise: 6 in 10 Families Are Booking Holidays Without Parents Six in 10 respondents (60%) across the region report having taken – or planning to take – a skip-gen  holiday. The trend is strongest in China (86%) and India (79%), where cross-generational travel has  moved from novelty to mainstream. In China alone, more than three-quarters (77%) expect to book at  least one to two skip-gen holidays in 2026, hinting at a future where skip-gen trips may rival traditional  family vacations.

“The rise of skip-generation travel highlights a fascinating shift in how families are connecting,” said Ben  George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Hilton is committed to  creating experiences that cater to every generation under one roof – from family-friendly amenities and  Confirmed Connecting Rooms to wellness offerings that appeal to travellers of all ages. By designing  experiences that anticipate the needs of multi-generational families, we aim to make every stay as  seamless and memorable as possible, helping guests create meaningful moments together.”

More Than a Vacation: Creating Memories Is the Top Priority for Skip-Gen Travellers The opportunity to create lasting memories is the driving force behind skip-gen travel, with 58% of  families across the Asia Pacific region choosing it for this reason. The sentiment is the strongest in India  (67%), Australia (64%), and New Zealand (63%), where around two-thirds of families cite memory making as their top motivation. In Japan, however, the priority shifts, with nearly half of families (47%) – and 50% of grandparents themselves – pointing to experiencing new things together as the main reason  for these trips.

Beyond the numbers, skip-gen holidays give grandparents and grandchildren the chance to share one of-a-kind experiences, strengthen bonds, and build family traditions. In China, nearly half of  grandparents (46%) are initiating such holidays, highlighting the growing influence of older generations  in shaping family travel and the importance of choosing stays that support every generation’s needs.

Wellbeing Boost: 89% Say Skip-Gen Trips Support Grandparents’ Health 

Family holidays aren’t just about connection – they also support health and wellbeing. Nearly nine in 10  (89%) respondents believe that travelling with family improves the wellbeing of grandparents. For  grandparents, quality time with grandchildren is the most valued part of travel (50%), suggesting how  multi-generational travel can benefit both emotional and physical health.

Thoughtfully designed stays that include wellness amenities, accessible dining, and senior-friendly  services are becoming essential in ensuring that older generations can travel comfortably while reaping  the health benefits of family togetherness.

Quality Time Over Downtime: Families Prioritise Shared Experiences Over Relaxation

According to Hilton’s global research, respondents’ number one motivation to travel for leisure in 2026  is to rest and recharge (56%), but for many travelers in Asia Pacific, these motivations are different as  spending time with family now outweighs personal relaxation as the top holiday priority. Six in 10 (61%)  say quality time matters more than downtime, a sentiment particularly strong in India (72%) and China  (62%).

When it comes to activities, culinary exploration (69%) and visits to historical and cultural landmarks  (63%) lead the way, reflecting families’ desire for stays that inspire discovery, learning, and meaningful  connection. This trend is especially pronounced in Singapore, where more than eight in 10 families  (81%) cite culinary exploration as their top family activity – a nod to the city-state’s vibrant and  celebrated food scene.

Rooms for All Ages: Making Multi-Generational Travel Seamless 

Beyond skip-gen, multi-generational travel continues to grow. Nearly half (48%) of families in Asia  Pacific take holidays with three or more generations at least once a year – a trend particularly strong in  China (78%) and India (65%). The top motivations include strengthening family bonds (60%) and  creating lasting memories across generations (57%).

Accommodation plays a crucial role in enabling inclusive stays. Nearly half of families (48%) prefer  interconnecting rooms or family suites, while 42% prioritise senior-friendly facilities and services such  as mobility aids, medical assistance, and accessible dining spaces. Relaxation and wellness amenities  (42%) are also important, underscoring the need for stays that cater to every generation.

Tal Shefer, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “In Asia Pacific, travel  is deeply rooted in family and togetherness, and we’re seeing that reflected in the continued growth of  multi-generational holidays. At Hilton, every detail is designed with the holistic stay experience in mind – so that grandparents, parents, and children alike can feel connected, cared for, and create lasting  memories together. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at Waldorf Astoria, a city break at  Motto by Hilton, or a family getaway at DoubleTree by Hilton, every one of our brands is built to bring  people closer through meaningful experiences.”

Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report: Key Insights for 2026 and Beyond 

These insights were commissioned as part of research for Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, “The  Whycation: Travel’s New Starting Point,” highlighting how grandparents and grandchildren are  reshaping the way families travel. Hilton’s comprehensive survey of more than 14,000 global travellers  across 14 countries, along with proprietary insights from more than 5,000 Hilton team members and  feedback from 1,000 Hilton Honors members, highlights several additional trends, including:

• Hushpitality: Seeking Sweet Silence: In 2026, travellers will look for destinations where they  can dial down life’s distractions. Seeking calm – even moments of silence – signals a change in  why people are traveling, where they’re going and how they’ll relax.
• Home Comforts are the New ‘Carry On’: Travellers are grounding their trips in familiarity,  seeking comfort and a sense of home even while away. They’re bringing everyday routines with  them, and as familiar rhythms help travellers feel more relaxed, many are also taking time to  recharge and pursue personal passions – turning time off into time well spent.
• Inheritourism: Travel Runs in the Family: As children grow up, many continue traveling with  their parents, bringing familiar preferences shaped by years of shared travel. From hotel choices  to loyalty programs, parental influence still plays a key role in moulding how travel evolves  across generations.

 

 

The post ‘Grandcations’: How Grandparents and Grandkids Are Redefining Family Travel  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia

The post Wellington launches ‘International Conference Leaders Fund’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Business Events Wellington, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, has launched the International Conference Leaders Fund, a bold new initiative aimed at empowering Wellington-based researchers and academics to take centre stage in the global conference arena.

The fund directly addresses a key barrier for many university researchers: limited access to funding to engage with international associations and attend global conferences. By offering targeted financial support, the fund enables researchers to raise their international profiles, strengthen global networks, and attract prestigious international conferences to Wellington.

“The strength of Wellington’s conference offering lies in its world-class research community,” says Irette Ferreira, Manager of Business Events Wellington. “This fund supports our local experts to lead on the world stage, bringing more international events – and the knowledge, innovation, and economic benefits they deliver – home
to Wellington.”

The International Conference Leaders Fund has three key goals: · Support academics in building their standing within international associations. · Align conference bids with Wellington’s key strategic sectors: Science, Climate Action and Environment, Technology, and Screen. · Boost the number of successful international conference bids led by
Wellington researchers.

By investing in future conference leaders, Wellington is cultivating a sustainable pipeline of bid champions who will help position the city as a premier destination for global knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Applications are now open and will close on 21 November 2025. University-based researchers who are active members of international associations and are keen to lead future conference bids are encouraged to apply. Full criteria and application details are available on the Wellington NZ website.

National support for local leadership

Tourism New Zealand is backing the initiative through its long-standing partnership with Business Events Wellington.“Local bid champions play a vital role in attracting international conferences that drive knowledge sharing and economic impact,” says Penelope Ryan, Global Manager Business Events at Tourism New Zealand. “We’re proud to support this fund and help grow New Zealand’s next generation of global conference leaders.”

Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research, Victoria University of Wellington, also champions the fund, stating: “Wellington’s research community has a global mindset and a strong track record of collaboration. This fund will give our academics the tools and confidence to lead international bids, bringing world-class events, and new opportunities to the capital.”

 

 

The post Wellington launches ‘International Conference Leaders Fund’ appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia