Tag Archive for: Booking

Reasons why you should visit Pompeii with children

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Traveling with kids is not always easy, and choosing a destination that captivates them while combining culture, history, and fun can become a challenge. However, there are places that spark the curiosity of the youngest and, at the same time, fascinate adults. Among them, Pompeii holds a privileged place. The city buried by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. preserves an archaeological heritage that offers an experience hard to find anywhere else in the world. And what’s interesting is that the visit can turn into a true family adventure.

A city frozen in time

Children are attracted to stories filled with mystery, and Pompeii is precisely that. Walking along its cobbled streets allows you to understand how the Romans lived two millennia ago. Houses, taverns, workshops, and even bakeries are preserved with a level of detail that surprises any visitor. Explaining to them that beneath the ash everyday objects such as vases, frescoes, or casts of people and animals trapped by the eruption remained hidden is a way of bringing history closer in a tangible form. The silence of certain corners invites questions, and those inevitable questions open conversations that perhaps no textbook could ever provoke.

The educational value of the experience

Beyond the initial fascination, visiting Pompeii with children means introducing them to active learning. The forum, the amphitheater, or the temples are not just ruins, but stages that allow them to understand concepts such as citizenship, trade, or religion in ancient Rome. It is one thing to read about gladiators in an encyclopedia, but quite another to walk through the amphitheater where thousands of people once attended real combats. Even the graffiti on the walls, many of them with trivial messages or jokes, show them that the Romans were also humans with concerns similar to ours today. In this way, the visit stops being an abstract lesson and turns into a lasting memory.

A tour adapted to the senses of the little ones

The walk through Pompeii does not require extreme physical effort, but it does demand some organization. The pathways are wide and allow walking in groups, making it easier for children to move freely without losing sight of adults. In addition, digital reconstructions and audio guides designed for young audiences make the experience much more accessible. The most curious can stop to observe mosaics and paintings, while the more restless enjoy running among the ruins as if exploring an adventure setting. Every corner holds an unexpected discovery, and that feeling of constant search keeps their attention throughout the day.

Where to stay to make the most of the visit

An essential part of the trip is choosing the right accommodation. Many visitors choose to sleep in Naples or nearby towns, but those traveling with children often value the convenience of staying close to the ruins. That’s why finding good accommodation Pompeii not only reduces travel time but also provides a quick resting point between visits. From the room, you can admire Vesuvius, organize the day calmly, and at the same time have access to services that make the stay more enjoyable for the whole family. This option also offers the advantage of discovering the everyday life of a small Campanian town that still breathes in the shadow of the volcano.

A journey that awakens emotions

The most striking aspect of Pompeii is its ability to generate mixed emotions. On one hand, there is admiration for the cultural wealth preserved in its streets; on the other, the inevitable reflection on the fragility of life in the face of nature. Walking with your children through this place is teaching them that history is not always distant, that events from centuries ago still echo in the present. And perhaps, in the midst of that contrast between grandeur and tragedy, you will discover that the true value of the experience does not lie in what you see, but in what you feel when sharing it with them.

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Sabre signs new distribution agreement with Bhutan Airlines

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Global travel tech company Sabre Corporation recently signed a new distribution agreement with Bhutan’s Tashi Air Pvt Ltd to bring Bhutan Airlines into the SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace. 

The deal will enable Bhutan Airlines to distribute its content to Sabre-connected travel agencies around the world, strengthening its visibility and access to key markets.  

Founded in 2011, Bhutan Airlines holds the distinction of being Bhutan’s first privately owned airline. 

The carrier currently serves key destinations across India, Thailand, and Nepal, with ambitious plans to expand its network to additional countries in Southeast Asia. 

This partnership is expected to provide greater travel flexibility for both Bhutanese residents and international tourists, further connecting the Kingdom to the region.

The way forward

Bhutan sits between China and India in the Eastern Himalayas, and is now a growing destination for inbound tourism and outbound travel.

That said, Bhutan Airlines plays a vital role in connecting the landlocked country with important regional hubs, and its debut on SabreMosaic will enable it to reach more markets easily. 

Airline CEO Pema N Nadik enthused: “We’re excited to open up access to our fares and offers through Sabre’s global network of travel agencies. Being part of Sabre’s marketplace will help us to broaden our market presence and serve more regional and international travelers. As Bhutan’s first private airline, we’re proud to take this next step in expanding our reach and enhancing connectivity for our passengers.” 

For his part, Sabre Travel Solutions’ vice-president for agency sales and airline distribution Brett Thorstad remarked: “Airlines of all sizes join Sabre’s global travel marketplace to effectively enhance their footprint across their target markets. Bhutan Airlines’ participation adds to our growing, multi-source content ecosystem, ensuring our travel agency partners have access to more diverse content and helping travelers discover more choice and flexibility around the world.” 

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Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary reopens following extensive refurbishment

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Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, has officially reopened following a complete rebuild and redesign that sets a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in one of Africa’s most precious wildernesses. 

The complete transformation has elevated the property into an intimate ten-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.

The lodge exemplifies Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent’s founding principle of Adventure by Day, Luxury by Night, offering transformative wildlife encounters paired with accommodation that respects both the environment and the cultural heritage of Uganda.

Exquisite and exclusive by design

Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, the lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. 

Accessible only through a winding ascent through ancient trees, the reimagined property represents a triumph of conscious design. 

Overseen by Luxury Frontiers the lodge’s redesign celebrates Ugandan craftsmanship whilst honouring the forest itself. 

Every collaboration has strengthened the artisan economy, from banana-fibre stools crafted in village workshops to woven ceiling panels produced by NGO Ride 4 a Woman, and textiles created by Florence Nakachwa’s Mekeka Designs, which empowers women through weaving.

The design draws inspiration from Bwindi’s vibrant textures and Uganda’s rich heritage: papyrus thatch roofs blend seamlessly into the tree canopy while weathered Corten steel harmonises with bark. 

Light filters through sisal basket installations and cascading beads that echo rainforest vines, and barkcloth textiles and handwoven papyrus panels preserve techniques passed down through generations.

Meanwhile, heritage touches include restored doors from the original camp, given new life by the artisans who carved them decades ago.

Each of the ten significantly enlarged suites features floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks that blur the boundary between indoors and out. 

Large baths invite guests to soak after exhilarating treks; and clay-textured plaster walls, woven banana leaf ceilings and elongated framed vistas create rhythm and harmony throughout. 

Even the rugs beneath guests’ feet tell a story, reclaimed from agricultural waste and transformed into beautiful, sustainable design elements. 

Barkcloth cushions feature QR codes linking directly to their makers, fostering genuine connection between guests and the community.

The lodge has implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives including rainwater collection systems, composting, repurposed materials and carefully considered building choices to ensure minimal waste and environmental footprint.

A property with a rich story at its foundations

The story of Gorilla Forest Lodge is deeply intertwined with Geoffrey Kent’s overarching vision for Abercrombie & Kent.

In 1985, Kent met with soon-to-be Ugandan President Museveni to discuss protection of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas. 

Their collaboration led to the establishment of the first luxury property in the area, creating a sustainable tourism model that has benefited both the gorillas and the local Batwa people for forty years.

Today, as the only luxury lodge located inside the gates of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Gorilla Forest Lodge continues this pioneering legacy. 

Expert rangers lead guests on unforgettable gorilla treks, whilst the creatures themselves have been known to wander onto the property, a testament to its harmonious integration with the forest.

As a pioneer of community-based conservation, A&K Philanthropy has demonstrated for decades that protecting wildlife and empowering local people are inseparable goals, and the Gorilla Forest Lodge stands as a shining example of this philosophy in action.

Every stay directly funds A&K Philanthropy initiatives that support the Bwindi community, wildlife and the forest itself. 

These include the Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School, improving healthcare and education for local families; the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise empowers women with sustainable transport and economic independence; and the Safe Water for Schools Uganda project provides safe water access to schools, transforming children’s health and futures.

These efforts collectively improve the health, education and economic wellbeing of local communities whilst promoting conservation awareness, ensuring that the protection of mountain gorillas benefits everyone who calls this remarkable forest home.

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Sun Group launches Sun PhuQuoc Airways

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Sun Group officially launched its airline Sun PhuQuoc Airways at a ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday, 15th October.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ debut ushers in a new era for lifestyle aviation for Vietnam as it is the first brand under the country’s resort airline model.

According to Sun Group chairman, Dang Minh Truong, the airline aims to expand travel opportunities to Phu Quoc through direct flights and a seamless experience, completing the group’s comprehensive tourism ecosystem.

The new airline aims to seamlessly connect Phu Quoc with travellers from virtually anywhere in the world.

Ticket sales have commenced on the airline’s official website, and commercial flights will take off from 1st November.

An island’s pride

Sun PhuQuoc Airways is the first Vietnamese airline named after an island, reflecting Sun Group’s strategic commitment to developing the country’s famed Pearl Island. 

The launch is particularly timely as Phu Quoc, now a special administrative unit, will host the 2027 APEC Summit, significantly increasing air travel demand. 

Under such circumstances, the airline is poised to enhance the region’s aviation and tourism infrastructure.

Symphony of the sun

The launch ceremony of Sun PhuQuoc Airways was meticulously staged under the theme Symphony of the Sun. 

The event transformed the entire space into the experience of the airline’s first-ever flight.

This maiden flight is a journey that narrates Sun Group’s aspiration to conquer the skies through music, light, and art.

Up and running

The airline has since completed the setup of its operational systems, safety procedures, and the hub-and-spoke route network plan, positioning Phu Quoc as the central hub. 

Initial routes will connect Phu Quoc with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, as well as the key domestic route, Ha Noi – TP.HCM and TP.HCM – Da Nang. 

The network will expand from December 2025 with additional routes: Hanoi – Da Nang and Cam Ranh – Phu Quoc.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam granted both the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) licence for the airline last 25th September.

To date, the airline has already taken delivery of its first three aircraft, including Airbus A321NX and A321CEO models, out of a total of eight aircraft planned for operation in 2025. 

Fleet expansion will be swift and authorities aim to have 25 aircraft by the end of 2026, and around 30 to 35 aircraft by 2027.

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Joyful Alliance to propose development of integrated resort to Wakayama City Government

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Singapore-based investment firm Joyful Alliance announced its plan to propose the development of the Wakayama Integrated Onsen Resort to the Wakayama City Government on Sunday, 19th October.

Prior to this, the two parties officially signed the memorandum of cooperation on Friday, 17th October.

Joyful Alliance managing director Thomas Tin said of the proposal: “We are honoured to be invited to discuss this historic project. We believe this project will generate tens of thousands of jobs in surrounding areas and lead the industry with green zero-carbon technologies. Given our background in green technology, we hope to bring outstanding green tech innovations from Hong Kong to collaborate locally when building in Japan. We will leverage our expertise in green investment and sustainable development to work with the team to propose a resort imbued with Wakayama City’s local character.”

Backed by family offices from Hong Kong and Singapore, Joyful Alliance, specialises in green investments, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure projects.

Why Wakayama?

Wakayama City lies in Japan’s Kansai region, adjacent to Osaka. It is well connected: the site is a 30-minute drive from Kansai International Airport. 

The proposed Wakayama Integrated Onsen Resort is planned to be a green, zero-carbon smart resort that combines Wakayama’s millennia-old Onsen culture with entertainment facilities.

Upon completion, the resort is expected to draw millions of visitors annually, injecting new vitality into Wakayama City’s tourism sector.

Currently, Joyful Alliance is actively discussing a future investment in Wakayama City of over US$2.2 billion, aiming to leverage Wakayama City’s rich natural hot springs and cultural heritage to create the world’s first zero-carbon resort. 

Simon Chua, executive counsel for the Wakayama City Urban Regeneration Corporation, stated: “Wakayama City is a historic gem blessed with natural beauty, rich culture, and a strategic location. I am very pleased to invite Joyful Alliance to discuss this potential transformative investment.”

Bringing in experts

For the Wakayama Integrated Onsen Resort development proposal, Joyful Alliance has assembled an international team of partners.

Green Matter Hub, a green technology platform, will supply low-carbon construction materials and intelligent energy solutions.

Meanwhile, CMA Testing will oversee quality assurance, ensuring that every aspect of the project meets global sustainability standards.

Green Matter Hub general manager Sherleen Tay remarked: “We are thrilled to support the upcoming Wakayama project in achieving carbon neutrality. Through our digital ecosystem, including combining certification, carbon tracking, and fintech services, we’re shaping a low-carbon future.”

Ryan Lau of CMA Testing added: “As a greenhouse verification body, we will provide expert guidance to ensure that every step of this project aligns with international standards while honouring Japan’s local regulations and environmental goals.”

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Sabre’s latest white paper predicts significant changes in the way travel gets discovered online

The post Sabre’s latest white paper predicts significant changes in the way travel gets discovered online appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel tech developer Sabre’s new white paper Chat As the New Influencer: From Conversations to Clicks is already causing a stir in the industry, thanks to its predictions regarding significant changes in the way travel is discovered, personalised, and booked. 

The paper argues that conversational commerce driven by agentic AI is not just a new channel, but a new paradigm, poised to redefine the traveler journey.

When this happens, it will unlock unprecedented growth across the industry, akin to how commerce via social media revolutionized other retail industries over the past decade.

At the same time, the paper calls on travel brands, retailers, and suppliers to act now: embrace conversational interfaces, rethink merchandising, and build for trust. 

As traveller expectations evolve, the winners will be those who meet them inside the conversation with speed, relevance, and confidence.

A looming paradigm shift

Unlike online shopping for something with low complexity, shopping for travel isn’t just about choosing a destination; it’s about syncing flights, hotels, ground transport, and availability across multiple travelers, all shaped by where you live, where you’re going and how you’ll get there. 

While social media has undeniably influenced travel decisions over the last several years, the complex travel industry has never been able to fully harness the look-to-shop commerce pipeline, until now.

According to Sabre’s chief marketing officer Jen Catto: “Conversational commerce is more than ‘just’ a tech trend for the travel industry; it’s a generational leap. It will collapse the distance between desire and delivery, turning complexity into conversion and transforming every traveler into their own influencer. Talk is no longer cheap: it’s AI-powered and driving revenue.”

What Sabre foresees for travel retail

The white paper outlines a compelling vision for the future of travel retailing:

  • Social commerce inspires travel purchases. Conversational commerce will convert. While social platforms spark wanderlust, they fall short on trust and infrastructure. Agentic AI closes the gap, turning intent into action in seconds.
  • AI is expanding the market. Over half of travelers using agentic AI discover options they wouldn’t have found otherwise, signaling true demand creation, not just share shift.
  • The storefront is changing, and agentic AI is the new UI. Travel won’t just be sold on websites and apps. It will be co-created in chat windows, voice assistants, and AI agents.
  • Trust will be the new currency. As AI adoption accelerates, transparency, governance, and data integrity will separate leaders from laggards.

With this shift, it’s finally the travel industry’s turn to lead the next digital revolution. Sabre is driving this transformation to a new frontier.

How Sabre stands to change the game

Through its SabreMosaic platform, Sabre is deploying enterprise-grade AI built on Google’s Vertex AI and Gemini solutions, powered by Sabre’s industry-leading curated travel data cloud. 

Its Sabre IQ AI Layer personalizes interactions at scale, while its IQ Assurance Layer ensures outputs are explainable, secure, and compliant.

Sabre’s chief product and technology officer Garry Wiseman declared: “Sabre isn’t just responding to change, we’re setting the pace. We’re building the platforms to turn conversations into commerce, and commerce into loyalty. This is travel retailing reimagined from static search to dynamic, personalised dialogue.”

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Alino New Manila marks Keyland Corporation’s foray into hospitality sector

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Philippine boutique property developer Keyland Corporation recently made its debut in the hospitality sector with the opening of the Alino New Manila.

This new property is a four-star, 20-storey lifestyle hotel along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue in Quezon City and is the first for Keyland’s Alino Hotels brand.

As such, it is switching things up in a portfolio long associated with residential and office projects. 

The name Alino is drawn from the phrase Alagang Filipino (Filipino care) and underscores the brand’s commitment to genuine, authentic Filipino care. 

At its heart is the value of malasakit (compassion), the uniquely Filipino way of taking away another person’s burden. 

By observing this Filipino value in travel and hospitality, Alino Hotels aims to ease the stresses of travel, offer reassurance, and deliver comfort that feels both sincere and personal.

Where growth matters

General manager Lady May Elegado, a hotelier with more than two decades of local and international experience, leads the operations at Alino New Manila. 

Her appointment reflects Keyland’s commitment to delivering a service culture defined by malasakit which differentiates the Alino Hotels brand in a competitive hospitality market. 

Likewise, Alino New Manila signals the start of Keyland Corporation’s broader strategy to diversify into hospitality and lifestyle-driven developments. 

It embodies Keyland’s vision of offering accessible, authentic, and thoughtfully designed hospitality which reflects on the Alino Hotels brand promise of Care in Every Detail, while also positioning it within the evolving hotel and lifestyle sector in Metro Manila. 

Alongside this, Alino Hotels is also committed to develop and nurture its people as it aims to be a stepping stone for staff to grow their skills and build strong careers in the hospitality industry. 

By setting international standards locally, Alino New Manila gives its team the foundation to excel with the vision of bringing Filipino talent onto the global stage. 

Convenience, comfort, and chic

Located across St. Luke’s Medical Center, Alino New Manila is within a district that bridges heritage and modernity. 

New Manila, known historically for its large post war ancestral estates and film studios is now emerging as a growth corridor with strong connectivity to Ortigas, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and beyond via the Skyway. 

Because of the location of Alino New Manila, it is able to serve diverse demand drivers such as medical tourism, visiting families, young professionals, business travelers, and long staying guests.

The hotel features 128 rooms across a range of categories, including Essential Twin, Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Queen, Premier Queen, Junior Suite, Deluxe Suite, and a Premier Suite. Standard in-room provisions include high-speed WiFi, 55-inch TV, coffee and tea setups, microwave, and electronic safe. 

A dedicated Healthcare Room with a Hepa Air purifier and hospital-grade cleaning solutions to accommodate families of patients at St. Luke’s who require a more sanitized environment. 

Additional amenities include a laundrette, outdoor pool, gym, and flexible function rooms. 

Guests can enjoy dining at Kutchara, Alino New Manila’s all-day dining Filipino restaurant led by executive chef Rexsan Abarquez. 

Kutchara celebrates local cuisine while giving it a fresh, contemporary touch. 

The menu highlights classics such as Kinilaw na Tanigue cured in suka sa niyog and calamansi, to Kansi at Baka, an Ilonggo beef shank broth with the tang of batwan fruit, to Whole Inasal na Manok marinated in calamansi and lemongrass. 

Each dish is prepared with care and designed to tell the evolving story of Filipino food.

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ITB Asia 2025: A Walkthrough in Photos

The post ITB Asia 2025: A Walkthrough in Photos appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

ITB Asia 2025, possibly the largest iteration of the annual travel and tourism event, concluded successfully on Friday, 17th October.

Welcoming over 18,000 delegates ranging from travel buyers to C-suite executives from some of the world’s leading firms in travel, tourism, hospitality, and travel technology, the three-day event served as a meeting of minds as well as a showcase of the latest innovations in the industry, as well as new offerings from global brands.

As Messe Berlin senior vice-president David Ruetz said: “ITB Asia remains the premier platform where global travel leaders connect, innovate and shape the future of tourism together. We’re proud of the scale, diversity and innovation showcased, from our inspiring ITB Asia conference sessions, covering key industry trends, MICE Show Asia programme, the new destination highlights, travel tech innovations, and our expanded regional presence at the seminar.”

Ruetz was also profuse in his gratitude to the team aty Messe Berlin in the Asia-Pacific, participating companies, media partners, and attendees, pointing out that ITB Asia’s continued success is all thanks to them.

He said: “On behalf of the entire Messe Berlin Singapore team and on behalf of Messe Berlin headquarters in Berlin, I would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to all our exhibitors, to all our buyers, partners, to the media and the government that have supported us for all these years, and thanks for your continued trust and support.”

National pavilions shine

The Visit SG pavilion showed off some of the best things about the host nation, particularly its myriad attractions and exceptional cuisine

The Amazing Thailand pavilion regaled attendees with ample information regarding Thailand’s extensive range of tourism offerings from spa escapes to ecotours

Delegates making their way to the Philippine pavilion entered an elegant minimalist space illuminated by capiz shell lanterns

A spirit of fun infused the Finalnd pavilion, especially when Rovaniemi pulled out the stops by bringing Santa Claus himself to Singapore for photo ops with delighted attendees

Kazakhstan certainly knew how to make a splash, what with its massive warriors in full regalia and an array of traditional sweets served with tea to refresh attendees

Indonesia’s former capital Jakarta sought to draw in MICE professionals with an aesthetic highlighting ITB Asia’s signature colour with traditional motifs

The Malaysian province of Borneo brought culture to the floor with a tattoo artists proudly showing off their skills

The southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung took part at ITB Asia for the first time ever, presenting its best highlights in terms of tourism and hospitality

Getting experiential at ITB Asia

ITB Asia 2025 saw the introduction of the Experience Zone, an area showcasing some of the region’s best experience providers and the facilities and activities they have on offer.

While this year’s edition only featured three companies, it is expected that the Experience Pavilion which will be part of ITB Asia 2026 will step things up with a wider range of offerings.

The Banyan Group’s upcoming 100th property made its presence felt at the Mandai Wildlife reserve pavilion

A little orangutan greets guests entering the Mandai pavilion

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The team at the Resorts World Sentosa zone beguiled attendees with a variety of cocktails and mocktails, as well as signature macarons from Pierre Herme whilst presenting current and upcoming accommodations and attractions

Let’s get technical

The show floor for the Travel Tech Asia 2025 show was 15 percent larger than in any of ITB Asia’s previous iterations.

Thanks to the greater amount of space, travel tech firms and the tech arms of several tourism boards came to show off the best of their abilities to potential customers.

A variety of talks and panels was also held at the Travel Tech Theatre, engaging participants in avid discussions on game-changing sectoral innovations.

Rakuten Travel’s Kei Shibata (far right) moderates the panel on The Impact of AI on the Future of Travel

Virtual reality developer AStation’s team was on hand to do live proof-of-concept, enabling attendees to experience the possibility of AR tech first-hand

A dedicated area for startups enabled emergent developers to meet with delegates

Could facial recognition be in the cards for the future of safer travel? The folks at Cognitec believe so

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Agoda teams up with ONYX Hospitality Group

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Southeast Asian hotel management firm ONYX Hospitality Group is now the latest to sign up for Agoda’s unique Flagship Store Initiative.

The partnership was announced on Friday, 17th October, whilst both companies were participating at ITB Asia 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

The initiative gives hotel groups enhanced brand visibility and exclusive marketing opportunities while offering travelers a dedicated digital storefront to discover and book ONYX’s hotels. 

Through this collaboration, ONYX Hospitality gains a visibility boost via exclusive entry points on Agoda’s platform, access to extensive global marketing channels, exclusive promotional opportunities, and detailed performance insights. 

For travellers, the Flagship Store makes it easier to explore ONYX Hospitality’s properties and enjoy the best available deals when booking with Agoda.

Making the most out of a multi-channel marketing solution

Agoda’s Flagship Store Initiative is a multi-channel marketing solution that enables hotel brands to create and showcase their story, build customer loyalty and support revenue growth. 

Unlike standard listings, the Flagship Store brings together a partner’s entire portfolio into one curated hub. 

As a result, Bangkok-based ONYX Hospitality Group now has its Amari, OZO, and Shama brands featured in its very own curated Flagship Store.

Agoda vice-president of supply Romain Christodoulou remarked: “The Flagship Store offering forms an important part of Agoda’s commitment to help our hotel partners stand out in a competitive market and connect more effectively with global travelers. We are excited to have ONYX Hospitality onboard, a trusted partner that shares our commitment to digital innovation and delivering excellent experiences for travellers as they book with confidence and convenience.”

Likewise, ONYX Hospitality’s vice-president for commercial Bharath Satyavolu declared: “We are excited to collaborate with Agoda, whose advanced technology and strong marketing capabilities make them the ideal partner to showcase our properties in a dedicated and engaging way. This initiative supports our commitment to combining exceptional hospitality with the latest digital solutions.”

New ways to engage with target markets

The launch of the ONYX Flagship Store represents one of the first partners on Agoda’s broader Flagship Store offering, designed to provide leading hotel groups with new ways to promote their brands and engage customers. 

As such, it highlights hoteliers’ brand identity with customized visuals, exclusive promotional placements, and tailored marketing support. 

Hospitality groups and hoteliers that have already utilized the platform include Accor Thailand. 

On the other hand, travellers get to have an experience that feels closer to booking directly with the hotel brand, while still accessing Agoda’s global deals, customer service, and loyalty benefits.

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METT Singapore opens with 84 keys in the heart of Singapore at Fort Canning Park

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Sunset Hospitality Group proudly announces the opening of METT Singapore (the brand’s flagship property in Asia Pacific and one of the year’s most anticipated hotel debuts. Nestled within the lush, historic grounds of Fort Canning Park, METT Singapore introduces Sunset’s signature mix of style, warmth and culinary flair to create a destination where heritage meets high energy, social connections are celebrated, and next generation wellness is embraced.

Joining METT’s roster in Marbella, Bodrum and Barcelona, the Singapore debut marks Sunset Hospitality Group’s bold expansion into Asia Pacific and lays the foundation for future openings across the region.

“METT Singapore marks a pivotal milestone for us. Fort Canning’s history and natural beauty and central location provide the perfect canvas for the METT spirit – a place that is warm, energetic, and soulful, where both locals and travelers can gather, celebrate, and socialize,” said Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group. “This project is more than a refurbishment — it’s a tribute to the past, a celebration of lifestyle hospitality with a Singaporean soul.”

A Cultural Icon Reimagined for a New Era

METT Singapore Junior Suite

Blending colonial charm with contemporary soul, METT Singapore pays homage to Fort Canning’s storied past, from its roots as royal grounds and Singapore’s first botanical garden, to the property’s role as a cultural landmark dating back to 1926. Today the park is Singapore’s home to nature, culture and history, offering guests instant access to museums, live events, outdoor fitness and playgrounds for little ones. With every detail designed to inspire meaningful moments, METT Singapore injects a spirit of relaxed modern luxury and magnetic energy to frame a new way of living.

Located in the heart of the city and surrounded by the rich greenery of the park, the heritage-listed property has been transformed through a contemporary lens. The 84 light-filled suites and rooms offer the luxury of space with high ceilings, ranging in size from 375 square feet up to the 1,725-square-foot Fort Canning Suite. With sweeping views of lush parkland or the city skyline and reimagined by acclaimed designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the rooms and lobby present a destination where elegant simplicity meets refined living. Guests flow effortlessly from a sunrise padel match or spa ritual to sun-drenched hours by the pool, to evenings of inspired dining and buzzing conversation.

Bringing People Together 

At the heart of the METT Singapore experience is dining as a social ritual; moments shared around the table that bring people together. Guided by Director of Culinary and F&B, Chef Daniele Sperindio, the property introduces four distinctive concepts that place METT firmly on the city’s culinary and social map.

The journey begins with the opening of L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, an ode to premium Italian coastal dining, and the lively Canning Bar & Lounge, where specialty coffee, cocktails, and connections come alive. Soon after, Sperindio’s acclaimed Art di Daniele Sperindio will find its new home at METT, followed by HANU, a vibrant and glamorous interpretation of the traditional Korean grill.

“Fort Canning is green, layered, and alive — a rare urban escape that fuels creativity. It’s a privilege to bring my vision to such a historic landmark and shape its culinary identity,” says Sperindio.

Together, these dining destinations embody METT’s belief that life’s best moments come about when excellent food, company and energy effortlessly come together, establishing the property as one of Singapore’s most compelling new social addresses.

The METT Way of Life

Beyond gastronomy, METT Singapore is the city’s ultimate destination for play, connection, and living well. The definitive place to celebrate life, host anything from intimate soirées to show-stopping galas in spaces that include a grand ballroom for up to 800 guests.

Soak up the sun with two sparkling outdoor pools, get active and energized on the padel and pickleball courts or at the fully equipped luxury gym fitted with state-of-the-art Technogym strength, cardio and functional equipment. Boutique studio classes will offer Reformer Pilates, Aerial Yoga, HIIT, TRX and Barrecore, with top-tier instructors at the helm. Refined private changing rooms, complete with a cold plunge, sauna and steam, serve as sanctuaries for both peak performance and mindful recovery.

Step into Madison House, an upcoming new private members’ club dedicated to social vitality and lifestyle living exclusively available to members. Launching in Q4 2025, the club will be home to The Longevity Suite, a cutting-edge wellness haven where biohacking meets holistic indulgence. With 35 locations across Europe, The Longevity Suite will be making its regional debut within the Madison House club, offering cryotherapy, science-driven spa and aesthetic treatments and proven biohacking and longevity protocols, all delivered by specialists at the forefront of their field.

Launching in Q1 2026, METT Singapore will offer bespoke Longevity Suite transformative and rejuvenating retreats. Designed to meet the unique demands of each guest’s mind and body, the tailored integrative protocols will range in duration from two to seven day stays with curated programmes including sleep, advanced rejuvenation and mind and body detox.

The Luxury of Living Well at METT

“METT Singapore is for the modern traveler who wants everything at their fingertips, health and wellness, social connection and good times with the city and nature at their doorstep. We are creating more than a hotel, we’re offering a state of mind – a destination where dining, wellness, and culture come alive in the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.” said Marcel Li, General Manager, METT Singapore.

METT Singapore sets a new standard for lifestyle hospitality, where wellness, vibrant social energy and exceptional dining converge in thoughtfully designed spaces. Every moment has been crafted to delight the senses, spark connection, and create memorable experiences, defining a fresh, sophisticated way to live, gather, and celebrate in the city.

METT Singapore will open in phases from Oct. 28th. Rooms start at SGD 625 including tax & service.

“Singapore, We Finally METT” Opening Offer

To mark its opening, METT Singapore presents “Singapore, We Finally METT,” an exclusive two-night package starting from SGD 998++. Guests will enjoy daily breakfast, a sidecar tour, Battlebox tickets, cocktails, welcome amenities, and an exclusive farewell gift, with one-way limousine transfers for Premier Suites. Book by Nov. 30, 2025 for stays from Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 31, 2026 (Blackout: Dec. 29, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026).

 

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Source: traveldailymedia