The post Preferred Hotels & Resorts unveils new dedicated Meeting Planner website appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is pleased to announce the relaunch of its Meeting Planner website, designed to deliver a best-in-class digital experience for planners seeking luxury venues for meetings and events.

Now fully accessible through the Preferred Hotels & Resorts website, the refreshed website streamlines the venue discovery process by integrating general hotel information with meetings-specific content. Planners and sellers can quickly identify ideal venues and access key details at a glance – such as meeting room size, number of event rooms, total guestrooms, airport proximity, ideal and maximum group size, sales taxes and ancillary fees, plus more – empowering them to submit RFPs with confidence. A dedicated search experience allows users to filter by location and essential meeting criteria, while search results surface the most relevant data tailored to planner needs. Future updates in 2026 will introduce expanded search functionality, with anticipated filters for group rates, buyout availability, natural light, and room configurations, along with a cloud-based resource library offering instant access to menus, floorplans, virtual tours, and space diagrams.

“Guided by insights from our MICE Advisory Board, a dedicated group of internal stakeholders and industry experts who meet quarterly to share feedback and shape priorities, this relaunch marks a major step forward in how we support planners and sellers,” said Amy Butterfield, Senior Vice President, Global Sales – Group, for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “The updates reflect our deep commitment to the meetings and events space and ensure we continue evolving in step with the needs of our planner community.”

The refreshed Meeting Planner website also integrates the I Prefer Planner Program, which transforms booked meetings and events at 600+ independent hotels across 80+ countries into meaningful rewards and memorable escapes. Planners earn 5 points for every US$1 in actualized room revenue when booking through the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Global Sales Team, with the potential to earn up to 500,000 points per program.

To celebrate the launch, Preferred Hotels & Resorts will debut the new site at IMEX America (October 7–9). Planners are invited to visit the Preferred booth (E1241) for a live demo and a chance to win 100,000 I Prefer Points (for up to five winners each day), which can be redeemed for Free Nights, Cash + Points stays, or Reward Certificates. Certificates can be applied toward room rates and, at select participating hotels, may also be accepted for dining and spa services. Points may further be applied directly toward folio charges, a flexible redemption feature not widely available in other programs, and if individual rewards aren’t an option, planners may direct points to a Corporate Custodial Account for centralized tracking and team-wide use.

 

 

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The post Amex GBT partners with SAP Concur appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SAP Concur announced a strategic alliance with American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) and the launch of Complete by SAP Concur and Amex GBT. 

Complete, a co-developed next-gen solution with AI at its core, is intended to combine booking, servicing, payments and expense into one experience. Complete will benefit from each entity’s technology, and business travel expertise. Concur Expense will also integrate with Amex GBT Egencia providing additional options for customers interested in an integrated travel and expense solution. The two companies will allocate funding and development resources to build joint innovations on behalf of mutual customers with the vision to redefine the corporate travel and expense experience.

“This strategic alliance represents the future of travel and expense management. By uniting SAP Concur technology and global expertise with Amex GBT’s unmatched marketplace, software and service plus our mutual AI capabilities, we are delivering a unified solution that makes business travel not only easier, but smarter and more impactful for organizations everywhere,” said Fred Fredericks, General Manager and Chief Product Officer, SAP Concur.

The combined investment through this strategic alliance creates an opportunity to deliver end-to-end value in three foundational areas – marketplace, software, and services. Complete will be a streamlined solution with a single road map and integrated servicing model providing customers with accelerated innovation and program optimization including:

• The integration of the Amex GBT marketplace into Complete – access to 600+ airlines and spanning 2 million+ properties – and into the SAP Concur technology stack, offering greater incentives and cost savings.
• Access to richer airline, hotel, ground and rail options and Complete will deliver the next generation of modern retailing.
• Access to unified traveler support via an integrated chat agent designed to deliver a single experience to manage the entire trip with increased time savings and a great user experience.
• Expedited releases of NDC content delivering increased content options, choice and clarity of fares plus increased compliance within existing travel policies.
• The ability to benefit from combined AI offerings trained on the unmatched data from Concur Travel and Expense and Amex GBT that represents millions of trips and transactions to fine-tune experiences in near real-time.

“This bold step forward with SAP Concur reimagines how travel and expense solutions can deliver unprecedented value to our customers and their travelers in the AI age. Our unique collaboration empowers us to build new software together that deeply integrates our data, marketplace, and servicing capabilities across both travel and expense to deliver the future that the industry seeks,” said Evan Konwiser, Chief Product & Strategy Officer, Amex GBT.

Availability

Later this month, mutual customers will have access to Complete with additional features to follow in the coming months. Concur Expense integration into Amex GBT Egencia will be available soon. Future co-innovations will continue to roll out in core areas including content availability and display, travel manager capabilities, utilizing AI to create a new booking experience, manage travel disruptions and provide program insights. Lastly, the SAP Concur Partner Program for TMCs will transform and is intended to generate value for our mutual current and future customers.

Looking Ahead

Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Over the coming months, we will share more about how Complete is evolving and how organizations worldwide can benefit from an AI-powered travel and booking experience that is delightfully seamless, built to learn and made to fit. Learn more about Complete by SAP Concur and Amex GBT here or visit us October 15-16 in New York at the Business Travel Show Americas.

 

 

 

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The post Marriott Bonvoy Launches Limited-Time Group Booking Offers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

For a limited time, Marriott Bonvoy members can unlock two exclusive group booking deals at more than 2,100 participating hotels across the U.S. and Canada. The deals are valid for qualifying events booked between October 1 and December 31, 2025, and hosted by December 31, 2026.

The offers include:

• Double Points Group Offer: Earn up to 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for group room blocks of 10 or more rooms and qualifying event spend at participating hotels. Points are doubled based on actualized spend and includes base points, Elite bonus points (if applicable), and promotional points. To take advantage of the promotion, customers can book through the dedicated Double Points landing page and should reference code DB25 to their sales manager.

• Connect Responsibly Offer: Building upon the program introduced in 2024, meeting planners can embed sustainability into their events at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Group customers can book event space or room blocks of 10 or more rooms with a complimentary carbon offset as part of their event, and a Meeting Impact Report to measure their event’s footprint. The Meeting Impact Report provides a clear estimate of an event’s carbon footprint, evaluating energy use, catering, travel, and room nights, helping make sustainable choices and offset emissions. To take part in the promotion, customers can visit the Connect Responsibly landing page and reference code CR25 when booking.

Versatile Spaces for Every Occasion

• New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District: Once a 19th-century warehouse, this hotel blends historic charm with modern convenience. With over 26,000 sq feet of versatile event space, it’s an ideal setting for conventions, meetings, or social gatherings of any size.
• Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: Nashville’s rich musical history, friendly reputation and diverse scenery make Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center an exciting and unique venue for your next event. With over 766,000 square feet of event space, and 92 event rooms, Gaylord Opryland Resort is primed to deliver a truly flawless meeting experience.
• W Dallas: Boasting 10 unique venues across 14,000 sq ft, this Victory Park hotel is moments from the Dallas Convention Center. Host meetings in the Great Room before unwinding with a cocktail soirée at Altitude, the hotel’s 33rd-floor event space.
• Sheraton Grand Seattle: Featuring 77,000 sq ft of flexible space, including the Grand and Metropolitan Ballrooms, this hotel blends style and functionality. Floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic city views, and access to amenities set the stage, while expert event support bring concepts to life.
• The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa: An oceanfront escape with 22 event rooms and nearly 39,000 sq ft of venue space, this resort hosts everything from conferences to incentive trips. Signature experiences like The Sound of Taste, a sensory journey led by Teaker Harris, Jr,. blends blindfolded tastings, curated dishes and live music, adding dimension to any gathering.
• JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa: Discover 50,000 square feet of modern event space, where striking architecture and thoughtful design set the stage for memorable gatherings.  Indoors and out, every detail – including artful settings, seamless service, and inspired environments – is crafted to spark connection and fuel productivity.

 

 

 

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The post In the last 15 years the transatlantic market has increased by 55%: OAG appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The transatlantic air market is the fifth-largest international air market in the world, and in the last 15 years has increased in size by 55%. Just five countries account for more than three-quarters of the market, with US carriers operating the largest share of capacity, at 34% in 2025. This has fallen from a peak of 40% back in 2010. Canadian carriers operate 16% of transatlantic capacity, whilst UK and German-based carriers account for 14% respectively.  French airlines provide 11% of capacity on the transatlantic.

Have There Been New Entrants to the Transatlantic Airline Market?

 

 

The transatlantic market is attractive because of high passenger demand, but the dominance of powerful alliances, high costs, seasonality, and slot scarcity mean that new entrants rarely sustain operations long-term.

• Norwegian attempted a low-cost long-haul model operating on the transatlantic market but ended all long-haul operations in January 2021 due to the high fuel costs, competition from mainline carriers, and the lack of premium-class revenue.
• Norse Atlantic and JetBlue currently operate in niche segments of the market, with smaller scale and specialised offering.

Which Airlines Dominate the Transatlantic Market?

 

 

In Summer 2025, 49 airlines operated on this highly competitive market. The two largest carriers, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, only held 12% market share each, demonstrating the fragmented but alliance-dominated nature of the market.

Why do incumbents dominate the transatlantic market?

• Membership in global alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam) enables the carriers to coordinate schedules, pricing and capacity.
• Their loyalty programmes lock in corporate travellers and frequent flyers.
• Control of the prime take-off/landing slots at hubs like Heathrow, JFK, or Paris CDG provides convenient, high-frequency schedules.

Why do new entrants struggle?

• Low-cost, long-haul models (e.g., WOW Air, Norse Atlantic, Norwegian Long Haul) face high fuel, crew, airport slots, and aircraft leasing costs, resulting in thin margins.

How Frequent are Transatlantic Flights?

 

 

• The JFK-LHR route is the world’s busiest long-haul international route, with 44 daily flights:
  • British Airways operates 8 return flights daily.
  • Virgin Atlantic operates 6 return flights.
  • American Airlines operates 4 return flights.
  • Delta and JetBlue 2 return flights each.
• London Heathrow is a key transatlantic hub, connecting 7 of the top 10 routes.
• New York (JFK and Newark EWR) appears in 4 of the top 10 routes.
• On the Paris CDG – New York JFK route, JetBlue Airways and Norse Atlantic compete with Air France, Delta and American, only operating one daily return flight each.
• Air Canada operates 3-4 daily return flights from London to Toronto and 2 on the Paris to Montreal route, where Canadian leisure operator Air Transat operates 1-2 daily return flights.
• British Airways operates the highest frequency of transatlantic flights within the top 10 routes: 23 daily return flights. This is followed by United and Virgin Atlantic, each operating 14 daily return flights.

The transatlantic market remains one of the most lucrative and competitive in aviation, driven by dense business and leisure demand. However, it is also one of the hardest markets for new entrants to succeed in. The future of the market is likely to remain shaped by the three big alliances, dominating capacity and frequency, while niche entrants will only survive if they find unique positioning or underserved city pairs.

Source: OAG

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The post Art and storytelling are integral to our identity: Burth appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): W Kuala Lumpur is set in a city rich with history and tradition. How do you integrate Malaysian culture and heritage into the hotel’s guest experience?

Volker Burth (VB): At W Kuala Lumpur, we believe that culture is not just something you see; it’s something you experience. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with design elements, flavours, and rituals inspired by Malaysia’s rich heritage. Whether through locally inspired welcome amenities, reinterpretations of Malaysian street food in our dining venues, or curated guest experiences that immerse them in the heart of the city, we ensure that Malaysian culture is seamlessly integrated into the bold luxury of the W lifestyle.

TDM: What role does local art, design, or storytelling play in shaping the hotel’s identity and differentiating it from global counterparts?

VB: Art and storytelling are integral to our identity at W Kuala Lumpur. Our design narrative is a beautiful blend of Malaysia’s contrasts—where heritage meets modernity and tradition intersects with innovation. Throughout the property, you’ll discover local motifs, textures, and artistry, all reimagined with a contemporary flair. We believe in collaborating with local artists and creators, infusing the essence of Kuala Lumpur into our spaces, ensuring that each stay has a unique connection to the city while reflecting the unmistakable W vibe.

Moreover, W Kuala Lumpur stands as the ultimate urban oasis in the Golden Triangle, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers alongside avant-garde design. With our insider access and signature Whatever/Whenever® service, we promise that every moment spent with us is both seamless and spectacular. Through dynamic culinary collaborations and curated local experiences, we truly place our guests at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant scene.

TDM: Are there collaborations with local chefs, farmers, or food artisans to bring authentic experiences to guests?

VB: Absolutely. Food serves as a powerful link to culture, and we actively collaborate with local chefs, farmers, and artisans. We celebrate Malaysian flavours innovatively, from sourcing fresh local produce to partnering with culinary talents for special pop-ups and dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a modern Cantonese meal at YEN, reinterpret hawker classics at Flock, or try limited-time menus created with emerging local talents.

Our culinary collaborations go beyond borders, partnering with W Bangkok, W Bali, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, JW Marriott Singapore, and W Shanghai – The Bund. We also work with well-known local names like Beta, Aaliya, Tokyo Restaurant, and Phil’s Pizza. These partnerships bring vibrant flavours and new perspectives to our guests, allowing us to deliver authentic cuisine with a contemporary touch. W Kuala Lumpur is positioned as a premier destination for bold, boundary-pushing gastronomy.

TDM: Kuala Lumpur’s festive calendar – from Hari Raya to Deepavali and Chinese New Year – is vibrant. How does the hotel participate in and showcase these celebrations?

VB: Festivals are the heartbeat of Malaysia, and at W Kuala Lumpur, we bring them to life with our unique W twist. Each celebration is an opportunity to honour traditions while reimagining them through bold design, creative programming, and unforgettable experiences. From immersive décor installations in our Living Room, inspired by local motifs, to curated menus that reinvent festive classics, every moment is both authentic and unexpected.

For Hari Raya, we transform our spaces with vibrant, modern interpretations of kampung nostalgia, complemented by culinary offerings that celebrate local delicacies in innovative ways. Chinese New Year at W Kuala Lumpur is always a spectacle—whether it’s a modernised lion dance performance against the backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers or exquisite Cantonese feasts at YEN, featuring collaborations that push culinary boundaries.

Meanwhile, Christmas takes on a glamorous edge with dazzling installations, themed cocktails, and bold dining experiences, firmly establishing us as a must-visit holiday destination in the city.

What sets us apart is our ability to infuse these traditions with W’s DNA—avant-garde design, insider access, and our Whatever/Whenever® service. Each festival becomes more than just a celebration; it evolves into an elevated cultural experience that connects guests to the soul of Kuala Lumpur while remaining true to W’s bold, stylish identity.

TDM: In your view, what responsibility do hotels have in preserving and promoting local culture while delivering a global standard of hospitality?

VB: Hotels, particularly international brands, play a vital role as cultural bridges. We have a responsibility to showcase the best of our destination to a global audience while also respecting and preserving the traditions that make it unique. For me, it’s all about striking a balance—delivering world-class service and luxury while ensuring that guests leave with a deeper connection to Malaysia. That’s the hallmark of truly meaningful hospitality.

Looking ahead, our responsibility goes beyond mere celebration; it encompasses active preservation and innovation. Hotels must not only highlight culture but also invest in its sustainability. This could involve collaborating with local artisans to keep traditional crafts alive, sourcing products from local farmers to support communities, or providing platforms for emerging Malaysian creatives in fashion, music, and design. At W Kuala Lumpur, we consider ourselves more than just a hotel; we’re a stage where local culture is amplified and reimagined for a global audience.

By continuing to innovate while honouring our heritage, we ensure that culture is not frozen in time but evolves dynamically alongside global hospitality standards. This forward-thinking approach allows us to stay true to W’s DNA while ensuring our guests leave not just with memories, but with a meaningful connection to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

TDM: Looking ahead, how will the hotel continue to evolve its cultural integration while staying aligned with W’s global brand DNA?

VB: Cultural integration, for us, is not just about reflecting the city; it’s about reimagining it with a sense of bold sophistication. The future at W Kuala Lumpur will feature deeper, more curated collaborations with Malaysia’s most exciting talents in fashion, art, music, and gastronomy. We aim to create experiences that feel both contemporary and timeless.

Expect limited-edition designer showcases, progressive culinary journeys that highlight local agriculture in innovative ways, and immersive art experiences that blend tradition with modernity. By incorporating these elements into our lifestyle luxury approach, we ensure that every stay becomes more than just a visit to Kuala Lumpur; it’s a gateway into the city’s most stylish and forward-thinking expressions.

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The post From “Things Near Me” to “Things That Fit Me”: Janette Roush appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In a compelling keynote at Arival 360 Washington, Janette Roush, EVP of Marketing at Brand USA, explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping not just travel discovery, but the very purpose of travel itself. “We’re not just transforming travel,” she said. “We’re transforming the transformation process.”

Building on themes introduced by B. Joseph Pine II, Roush argued that travellers are moving beyond checklist tourism and Instagram validation. “Travel is becoming a tool for self-definition, for becoming who we want to be,” she said. “It’s less about proving you were there, and more about discovering who you are.”

She identified three key areas where AI will shape this transformation economy:

• Discovery: “We’re shifting from ‘things near me’ to ‘things that fit me.’ AI will personalize the decision-making process, not reduce touchpoints, but redefine them.”
• Decision: “Search is changing. Google’s AI Overviews now answer questions directly, scraping your content without sending traffic to your site. We need to rethink how we create content, not just for humans, but for AI agents.”
• Definition: “Post-trip reflection will shift from TripAdvisor ratings to personal resonance. What version of yourself did this experience help you become?”

Roush introduced the concept of Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new framework that allows travel products to be discoverable and bookable directly within AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. “Think of MCP servers as an app store for AI,” she explained. “They allow structured data and tools, like booking engines or live crowd feeds, to plug directly into a traveler’s personal AI environment.”

She painted a vivid picture of how this could work: “Imagine asking your AI whether to visit the Empire State Building or take the Staten Island Ferry. It could pull live crowd data, weather forecasts, and historical wait times to guide your decision, all without leaving the chat.”

Persistent memory and personalization will make these AI environments feel indispensable. “Soon, it’ll feel disruptive to leave your AI to do travel research elsewhere,” Roush said. “These tools will know you, and help you transform.”

“This is an opportunity for brands to win. If your product can be discovered and booked inside someone’s personal AI, you’re not just part of their itinerary, you’re part of their transformation.”

 

 

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The post Princess Cruises’ Star Princess officially sets sail appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Princess Cruises’ latest Sphere Class ship Star Princess officially set sail on her maiden voyage from Barcelona on 4th October.

The Star Princess is the 17th vessel in the cruise line’s fleet and its first sailing will be an 11-day voyage in the Western Mediterranean.

The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, elevated entertainment and activity offerings, and luxurious accommodation.

The voyage set forth from Barcelona, making its way to Marseille, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Cartagena and Gibraltar, before returning to Barcelona. 

After a seven-day Mediterranean voyage, Star Princess sails a transatlantic voyage before debuting in Fort Lauderdale for her Caribbean season and official naming ceremony on 6th November.

After a winter 2025 through spring 2026 season of sundrenched Caribbean cruises, visiting the best destinations the region has to offer, Star Princess sails through the Panama Canal to Seattle for a debut season of seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises in the summer of 2026. 

Indeed, Star Princess will be the newest and most spectacular ship offering voyages to Alaska.

The stars gather for the new vessel 

Camila and Matthew McConaughey will christen the ship as godparents of Star Princess, carrying forward a tradition that has included icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. 

Camila Alves McConaughey is an entrepreneur, NYT best-selling author, and founder of Women of Today. 

Likewise, actor and author Matthew McConaughey is known for his award-winning performances, best-selling books, and his off-screen philanthropic work.

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The post OMRAN Group Named WTTC’s Sustainability Data Partner appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) proudly joined the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as its official Sustainability Data. This strategic partnership was designed to strengthen global collaboration on sustainable tourism, leveraging data to shape policies, foster accountability, and accelerate positive impact across the sector.

The partnership reinforced OMRAN Group’s commitment to advancing sustainability and driving data-driven decision-making within the global tourism industry.

The Global Summit, which gathered CEOs and decision-makers from the world’s leading travel and tourism organizations, served as the stage for the unveiling of this groundbreaking index — designed to measure, benchmark, and advance the sector’s impact on people and planet.

In a highlight moment of the Summit, the CEO of OMRAN Group delivered a keynote speech entitled “Examples of Excellence,” showcasing the Group’s comprehensive human capital development strategy — #IAmTourism — ” as a pioneering model for empowering and developing human capital, aligning with the national objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and translating the pillars of the National Tourism Strategy into tangible outcomes.

The CEO also reaffirmed that this partnership with WTTC represents a pivotal milestone in the Group’s journey to embed sustainability, ESG principles, and In-Country Value at the core of tourism development. By harnessing data-driven insights and fostering global collaboration, OMRAN Group has advanced the creation of destinations that empower communities, celebrate culture, and safeguard the environment. The launch of the Environmental & Social Impact Data Index marks a significant step toward greater transparency and accountability, ensuring that the tourism sector delivers meaningful and measurable economic, social, and environmental impact.

This collaboration underscored the nation’s growing role as a thought leader in sustainable tourism, reinforcing global efforts to drive responsible growth, safeguard natural and cultural heritage, and generate lasting socio-economic value.

 

 

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The post Explore UAE with Dubai’s ‘Inside Burj Al Arab Tour’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With the return of the UAE’s much-loved outdoor season, Dubai’s Inside Burj Al Arab Tour invites guests to take advantage of the stunning weather with an exclusive guided tour of the renowned property. The Inside Burj Al Arab Tour lasts 60-90 minutes, showcasing the hotel’s most exclusive spaces, which were previously only reserved for in-house guests. The tour offers plenty of instagrammable moments, making it the perfect activity for visiting tourists and curious UAE residents.

The ‘Tour + Soft Beverage’ offer combines the iconic 60–90 minute butler-guided tour of Burj Al Arab’s most luxurious spaces with a choice of a refreshing soft beverage or coffee. The tour begins with a buggy ride across the famous Burj Al Arab bridge, providing visitors with a breathtaking vantage point for photographs. Guests then ascend in the panoramic elevator to the 25th floor, where a private guide leads them through the soaring Atrium, the regal Royal Suite, and the curated Experience Suite, designed to tell Burj Al Arab’s fascinating stories and reveal its extraordinary design details that reflect rich heritage and refined taste. Following the tour, guests can enjoy a beverage served at either the UMA Lounge, a chic outdoor destination on the Burj Al Arab terrace with breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, or the 25th-floor Observation Lounge, a serene indoor setting with panoramic vistas.

For those who love open-air ambience and want to enjoy the UAE’s outdoor season, UMA Lounge is the perfect spot. The ‘Tour + Soft Beverage’ offer is an ideal way to take in Dubai’s cooler weather while experiencing the world’s most luxurious and only 7-star hotel – Burj Al Arab.

Offer Details:

Experience: Inside Burj Al Arab Tour + Soft Beverage at UMA Lounge
Choose from: 60 to 90-minute Inside Burj Al Arab Tour and one complimentary drink at UMA Lounge or the Observation Lounge
Timing: Daily, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Dates:  ongoing
Price: AED 299 per person

 

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The post Thailand moves forward with its Green Tourism Plan 2030 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has advanced the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, marking a milestone in the nation’s journey towards sustainable tourism. 

At the heart of the initiative is the Thailand Good Travel mark, a trusted standard created to enhance the competitiveness of Thai tourism and reinforce the country’s ambition to be recognised among the world’s Top 100 sustainable destinations.

Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natreeya Taweewong declared: “Thai tourism stands at a turning point. We must address the challenges of climate change and new global rules on environmental protection, while meeting the expectations of today’s travellers. The Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 underscores our determination to be recognised as a world-class sustainable destination. By aligning our destinations and operators with international standards, we will create a tourism industry that grows responsibly while preserving cultural and social values for generations to come.”

Guided by the theme ‘Igniting the Path to Global Green Success,’ the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 unites four key partners: the Department of Tourism, Mahidol University International College as the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Centre (STAC Thailand), the Green Destinations Foundation, and Travelife for Tour Operators. 

They are joined by 49 partners across government, academia and the private sector, working together to accelerate sustainable practices and generate greater collective impact.

A mark of commitment to sustainable development

The Thailand Good Travel mark serves as a national symbol of sustainability benchmarked against international standards. 

The certification applies to destinations, community tourism enterprises, small-scale accommodations of up to 50 rooms, and tour operators, recognising balanced practices across environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. 

Developed with reference to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and strengthened by expertise from the Green Destinations Foundation and Travelife for Tour Operators, the mark assures travellers and business partners worldwide that visiting Thailand is a responsible and sustainable choice.

Defined as The Mark of Trust: Verified Journeys, Lasting Value, the Thailand Good Travel’s logo combines the image of an elephant with its tusks as a check mark, reflecting Thailand’s identity and its pledge to international quality. 

Its neon green and orange palette symbolises both digital innovation and the powerful natural phenomena that remind humanity of climate change. 

Serving as a bridge between Thai and global sustainability standards, the mark builds international confidence in Thailand as a quality destination where responsible travel and long-term business success go hand in hand.

The certification also provides a mechanism to integrate Thai tourism businesses, communities, and destinations into the global value chain, enabling them to compete internationally while contributing to balanced economic, social, and environmental development at the national level.

Boosting capacity in key sectors

To ensure the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 delivers tangible results, the Department of Tourism is strengthening industry capacity through initiatives such as the Thailand Green Coach programme. 

These mentors guide tourism businesses in applying and meeting international sustainability standards. 

Throughout this month workshops will be held in Chachoengsao, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nakhon Ratchasima, providing operators with practical opportunities to learn, self-assess, and report their sustainability progress through a national platform.

Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the Department of Tourism, said: “Preparing our destinations and businesses to meet international sustainability standards is a vital step in building global confidence in Thai tourism. With the Thailand Green Coach programme and regional workshops, we are equipping operators with the knowledge and tools they need to qualify for the Thailand Good Travel mark and compete on the world stage.”

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