Tag Archive for: Booking

Ibiza eliminates more than 14,500 short-term rental illegal beds, using Mabrian technology

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Representative Image: Aerial view of Cala Vadella, Ibiza islands, Spain

A total of 2,831 listings—representing 14,532 unregulated short-term rental (STR) beds—have been removed from Ibiza’s accommodation market. This achievement is the result of a coordinated effort led by the island government’s Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce, in collaboration with Mabrian and with the active support of Airbnb, which has reinforced its commitment to eliminating irregular tourist rental listings on the island.

Mabrian, the global travel intelligence and tourism advisory partner, supported Ibiza’s Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce by providing an advanced tourism intelligence model designed to detect and screen unregulated short-term rentals. This tool enabled the Ibiza Tourism Intelligence System (SIT Eivissa) and the IT department of the Consell Insular d’Eivissa to systematically monitor and inspect listings, owners, and hosts—allowing Airbnb to remove those that failed to comply with current regulations.

“Ibiza is the first destination in Spain to have fully removed illegal short-term rental listings from the Airbnb platform,” announced Vicent Marí, president of the Consell Insular d’Eivissa, during the presentation of the project’s results. The event was also attended by Margarita Prohens, president of the Balearic Islands Government.

President Prohens celebrated the milestone, emphasizing that this success will “allow us to extend these results to the rest of the islands more quickly,” while confirming Airbnb’s commitment to remove unregistered listings across the Balearic Islands by October.

A Milestone Project with Long-Term Vision

The first two phases of this project, carried out over 17 months, began with five months of preparatory work and concluded in July 2024 with the deployment of the final analytical model. This process led to the removal of low-quality listings that could not be considered valid rental properties, as well as those failing to provide a legitimate license number.

“This approach has allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the short-term rental market in Ibiza, and to refine the analytical model incorporating geolocation layers and profiling of hosts and owners, to compare these insights with official records, ensuring greater accuracy and effectiveness,” explained Cristina Panizo, Head of Insights & Tourism Advisory at Mabrian.

The coordinated efforts of the Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce, supported by Mabrian’s data intelligence, enabled the Ibiza’s government—working in collaboration with Airbnb—to regularise Ibiza’s short-term rentals offerings. Between July 2024 and September 17, 2025, a total of 2,831 irregular listings were identified under these criteria and removed from the market.

In terms of capacity, this represents the elimination of 14,532 illegal short-term rentals beds on the island. According to data from the Consell d’Eivissa, the 4,900 visitors who had been staying in illegal STRs each day are now accommodated in properties that comply with current legislation.

“These results represent a significant milestone for this initiative, which will continue to foster the legal short-term rental market in Ibiza through the use of data intelligence—supporting the tourism industry while enhancing the quality of life for the island’s residents,” said Cristina Panizo, Head of Insights & Tourism Advisory at Mabrian.

Vicent Marí, president of Ibiza’s government, also highlighted that the implementation of the Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce and the Ibiza Tourism Intelligence System “allowed us to base decisions on data rather than subjective perceptions, enabling us to defend the island’s legal supply, strengthen a quality tourism model, manage visitor flows, and address the sense of overcrowding experienced during the high season.”

 

 

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Velocity Charter Takes Flight as India’s Trusted Partner in Private Aviation

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Velocity Charter, a Mumbai-based private aviation company, has quietly become a dependable name for those who need to move swiftly and seamlessly across the country. From government officials to film stars, from corporate leaders to wedding parties, Velocity Charter has been behind the scenes of some of India’s most important journeys.

At the heart of the company is Nisha Sharma, a first-generation entrepreneur whose journey into aviation is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Growing up in a small village in Maharashtra, Nisha had never even boarded an aircraft until adulthood. What started as a chance entry into the aviation industry quickly became a lifelong calling.

Nisha Sharma, Founder & CEO, Velocity Charter said: “When I first came to Mumbai, my goal was to study pharmacy. Aviation wasn’t even on my radar. But once I entered this space, I was captivated. I learned every detail—operations, ground handling, even the smallest protocols. That journey shaped Velocity Charter into what it is today: a company built on resilience, precision, and trust,”

Under her leadership, Velocity Charter has grown into an operation known for its discretion and reliability—qualities essential for high-profile travelers. Today, the company is on the official panel for the Government of Maharashtra and several other state bodies, facilitating ministerial and VVIP travel with the same care it extends to celebrities, artists, and corporate heads.

As India’s appetite for private aviation grows, Velocity Charter sees itself less as a luxury service and more as an enabler—a trusted partner making sure that those who move India forward can do so with ease.

 

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Gateway Ahmedabad, Sindhu Bhavan Road opens with 116 keys in Gujarat

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Indian Hotels Company (IHCL),  announced the opening of Gateway Ahmedabad, Sindhu Bhavan Road in the heart of the city. Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL said, “Gateway, curated for the modern traveller serves as a gateway to a destination. Gateway Ahmedabad will deliver hospitality rooted in the spirit of the locale. With this opening, we continue to strengthen the brand’s presence in high-potential urban centres.”

Gateway Ahmedabad features 116 rooms and suites offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary selections at Aura, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serving global and regional favourites, and Latte@Work, a café ideal for casual meetings and artisanal brews. The hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a spa, and an indoor swimming pool. For meetings and celebrations, Gateway Ahmedabad with its versatile banqueting and conferencing spaces is ideal for weddings and social events.

Melvyn Saldhana, General Manager, IHCL said, “Gateway Ahmedabad offers the perfect balance of work and leisure with contemporary offerings and warm service. We look forward to welcoming guests in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad.”
Known for its rich heritage, thriving textile industry, and culinary culture, Ahmedabad is also recognized as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City.

 

 

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IT&CMA and CTW APAC opens in Bangkok

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IT&CMA and CTW Asia, the Asia-Pacific’s only double-billed MICE and corporate travel event, formally opened today, 23rd September, at the Bangkok Convention Centre @ CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand.

Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Media Asia, delivered the opening remarks for the event together with Supawan Teerarat, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

As with its previous editions, this year’s IT&CM and CTW Asia offered participants a highly engaging programme centred on business, education, and networking for the region’s event professionals.

Considering the needs of an emergent generation of MICE professionals

In her keynote speech which revolved around the theme Design Local Act Quenching the Thirst for Authenticity, Teerarat pointed out how the demands of the younger generation of MICE travellers are breaking the typical mould of event design. 

Indeed, crafting engaging events for such a dynamic audience now involves hands-on experience with the authentic root of the destination; and such experiences should offer an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in niche culture and heritage-embedded creation. 

Teerarat further pointed out that city destinations can exercise deeper creativity to fulfill the expectations, specifically citing the Creative City Model developed by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Through this specific launch platform, the cultural assets and indigenous wisdom of a host city may be leveraged to meet the evolving requirements of MICE audiences.

At the same time, MICE can serve as a platform to drive the development of such sought-after treasures for more refined needs.

Looking towards the future

Teerarat’s keynote was followed by a strategic outlook presentation titled Shaping the Future of Travel delivered by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chief executive Noor Ahmad Hamid.

Hamid declared that travel remains a powerful economic and social force that has been instrumental in shaping communities and cultures throughout the globe. 

In the course of the session, he shared insights into the global travel outlook over the next three years, highlighting key trends, changing traveller behaviours and strategic opportunities. 

Indeed, as the industry faces growing challenges from sustainability concerns to technological disruption, Hamid explained how destinations could foster growth through inclusive models, cross-sector partnerships, as well as innovative storytelling. 

Participants at the session included destination managers, policymakers and industry leaders looking into data-driven strategies to build a more resilient and purpose-led travel future.

Photos: Gary Marshall

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StarDream Cruises brings the thrill of pickleball to its voyages

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StarDream Cruises takes onboard fun to the next level as it brings pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport, to the high seas.

Starting this season, guests departing from Singapore aboard Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream and those sailing from Keelung and Kaohsiung on StarCruises’ Star Navigator can enjoy the thrill of pickleball while sailing across Asia’s most exciting destinations. 

The  ships’ basketball courts have been transformed into two full pickleball courts on Genting Dream and one on Star Navigator, giving travellers a new way to serve, smash and score  while cruising the high seas. 

According to StarCream Cruises president Michael Goh: “Pickleball is easy to learn, exciting to play and fun for all ages, making it perfect for families, friends, and even first-time cruisers looking to try something new. We’re thrilled to bring this trendy sport onboard so our guests can stay  active, laugh together and make unforgettable memories at sea with us.” 

Play. Cruise. Repeat. 

As of 21st September, guests sailing on the Genting Dream can combine pickleball play  with 2 Night and 3 Night itineraries sailing between Singapore and Melaka, as well as to Penang and Phuket. 

For a longer adventure, travellers can also enjoy more time onboard and more pickleball rallies on the special 5 Night Cruise to South and North Bali, departing exclusively on 30th November.

From Friday, 26th September, guests on the Star Navigator can look forward to longer, more  elaborate itineraries across Asia, enjoying pickleball with stunning sea views as a backdrop.  

From Keelung, she will showcase roundtrip sailings to Japan’s Okinawa and Kyushu, as well  as Jeju and Busan in South Korea. 

From 16th November 2025 to 30th January 2026, Star Navigator will also homeport in Kaohsiung with 2 Night and 5 Night Cruises to Okinawa  (Japan), the Philippines (Laoag, Coron, Boracay, Puerto Princesa) and Vietnam (Ha Long Bay, Da Nang) 

With panoramic sea views and fresh sea breezes, every rally becomes more than just a game: it’s an unforgettable moment at sea. 

Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a  paddle for the very first time, pickleball at sea is set to be a smash hit. 

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Veteran hoteliers take the lead at Quezon City’s Alino Hotel

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Philippine property developer Keyland Corporation announced the appointment of a senior leadership team as it prepares to open its 20-story, 128-room boutique hospitality flagship Alino Hotel.

Located along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City, Alino Hotel heralds a period of diversification for Keyland which previously focused on residential and office projects. 

The Quezon City property, scheduled to open in November 2025, is positioned to capture business travelers, medical guests, and families in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.

A seasoned general manager

Heading operations is general manager Lady May Elegado, a hotelier with more than two decades of experience in both the Philippines and Malaysia. 

Her background includes senior roles at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Berjaya Makati Hotel, and City Garden Grand Hotel. 

Over the course of her career, Elegado has overseen hotel functions ranging from pre-opening to day-to-day operations in both luxury and standard-class properties, giving her broad exposure to multiple areas of management.

An F&B expert on site

On the culinary side, executive chef Rexsan Abarquez will direct the hotel’s food and beverage program, including Kutchara, its all-day dining outlet. 

Abarquez has also logged more than 20 years in the industry, most recently as Executive Sous Chef and Acting Executive Chef at Marco Polo Ortigas. 

His resume includes time with Conrad Manila’s pre-opening team, as well as kitchen posts at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Mandarin Oriental Manila, and Makati Shangri-La.

His experience in international kitchens and high-end hotels allows him to blend global techniques with Filipino flavors.

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Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas sponsors local youth football club

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As part of its ongoing commitment to empower Thai youth through sports, Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas steps onto the pitch to champion youth sports by sponsoring local youth football club PP United.

Founded in 2020 by locals of Paknampran, PP United has built a strong reputation in local football circuits, clinching three titles in the Under-13 category at the Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX.

According to the resort’s director of marketing Niti Mokaphun: “This initiative reflects our commitment to giving children from low-to middle-income families the opportunity to experience the joy of sport and, potentially, pursue their dreams of becoming professional football players. We look forward to continuing our support for this club in the future.”

Encouraging others to help

Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi initially donated THB4,000 to help provide essential training resources for 40 young athletes, including sports equipment, apparel, coverage for competition fees, and travel and accommodation support during tournaments.

Earlier this year, the resort also provided financial assistance to the football team at Paknampran School, further reinforcing its commitment to youth development in the region. 

The resort is now inviting its business partners to boost sponsorship efforts, aiming to extend support to even more aspiring football players.

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Radisson Hotel Group expands its Cambodia portfolio with Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville

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Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville earlier today, 23rd September.

The new signing marks an exciting addition to Radisson’s expanding portfolio in Cambodia. 

Expected to open in early 2029, the newly built 176-key hotel will be located within the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights, a visionary mixed-use township on Cambodia’s southern coast.

Radisson Hotel Group has secured a prime location for the development in the heart of Bay of Lights: the Bay of Lights International Convention Center (BICC) district.

By doing so, the hotel management company secures rare advantages at the project’s early stage of development. 

According to Radisson Hotel Group’s chief development officer in the Asia-Pacific Ramzy Fenianos: “Sihanoukville is a hidden gem of Southeast Asia, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and fast-growing economic opportunities. The signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville underlines our commitment to expanding in Cambodia’s key destinations, complementing our pipeline in Phnom Penh.”

Radisson Hotel Group already has two hotels under development in the Cambodian capital: Radisson Blu Phnom Penh (160 keys) and Radisson RED Phnom Penh (200 keys), both scheduled to open in 2027. 

The addition of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville will further strengthen the Group’s upcoming presence in Cambodia and its commitment to the Southeast Asia Pacific region.

A highly anticipated development

The new hotel will feature a mix of well-appointed rooms and serviced apartments, most with panoramic ocean views, along with three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center. 

Ideally located just a 5-minute walk from a private beach and adjacent to the city’s CBD, the property will cater to both business and leisure travelers. 

It is within a 25-minute drive of Sihanoukville International Airport and 20 minutes from Serendipity Pier, the gateway to Cambodia’s pristine islands.

Surrounded by high-end amenities such as premium outlets, duty-free shopping, and a golf course, the hotel is poised to benefit from infrastructure upgrade: the government’s planned relocation of the administrative center in 2026, the expansion of the Sihanoukville Airport, and the operational Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. 

Complementing this, it is projected that conventions, events and leisure facilities are to attract 650,000 visitors annually.

Backed by the policy edge of Ream City, industrial support from Bay of Lights, and foot traffic generated by BICC, the Radisson hotel is well-positioned to meet high-end hospitality demand, ensuring strong occupancy and stable returns.

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Daryl Lee appointed Group CEO of Dida Holdings

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Global AI-first traveltech company Dida Holdings announced that Daryl Lee will take the helm as its new group CEO from 5th October.

Lee’s appointment was announced by Dida Holdings founder Rikin Wu today, 13rd September.

In an official statement, Wu declared: “Since founding Dida in 2012, our vision has been to redefine global travel distribution by blending deep partnerships with cutting-edge technology. Over the past decade, we have built an organization that is not only the leader in China but also a trusted global player. As we enter this exciting new chapter, I am proud to welcome Daryl as our Group CEO. His proven leadership, expertise and international experience will help us accelerate our mission: to bridge China and the world through smarter solutions and stronger partnerships.”

For his part, Lee remarked: “I am honoured to join Dida at such a transformative time for the company and the industry. What excites me most is Dida’s unique ability to act as a gateway for travel innovation: combining scale, speed, and AI-first technology with a global outlook. Working alongside Rikin and Dida’s experienced leadership team, I am committed to building on Dida’s remarkable success to date. Together, we will strengthen our global distribution network, expand the reach of our AI-driven solutions, and help shape the future of travel technology. Our goal is clear: to empower our partners with smarter solutions that help them grow, innovate, and thrive.”

Three pillars of growth

Even as Lee prepares to take the helm next month, Dida is well on its way to becoming a full-fledged AI-first travel tech group.

In doing so, Dida is on the fast track to bridge two worlds: the scale and innovation of China, and the diverse needs of global travel partners. 

As Dida enters its next chapter, its strategy will be guided by the ethos: “Smarter solutions powering the strongest partnerships”, focusing on three strategic pillars:

  • TRAVEL: Expanding and strengthening Dida’s high-value global distribution network, with a continued focus on maintaining its leadership position in China and APAC, while deepening partnerships in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East;
  • TECHNOLOGY: Dida is embedding AI into every aspect of hotel and distribution operations from performance insights, smarter sourcing, and instant onboarding to guest sentiment, marketing content, and even hotel infrastructure monitoring. Whatever a hotel needs to thrive, if AI can enhance it, Dida is committed to delivering it to partners worldwide; and
  • NEW VENTURES: Investing in innovation and pursuing strategic acquisitions that accelerate growth, strengthen capabilities in emerging technologies and unlock new revenue streams.

Meet Darryl Lee

Prior to this latest appointment, Lee was the global CEO at WebBeds; and, before that, he led GTA across the Middle East as well as the Asia Pacific. 

He began his career in aviation and hospitality with Singapore Airlines and earned a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics. 

Lee joins Dida at a decisive moment for both the company and the wider industry as travel and hospitality are being reshaped by AI, automation, and digital connectivity and Dida is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of these transformative shifts.

His appointment reflects Dida’s ambition to strengthen its position as the premier gateway between China and the global travel ecosystem, enabling hotels, airlines, OTAs, wholesalers, and travel agencies worldwide to access both the world’s largest outbound market and the most advanced AI-driven technologies.

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Golf, Wellness, and Luxury Living: Mandarin Oriental Unveils New Dubai Project

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Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced plans to launch its first dedicated golf resort and branded residences in Dubai. Scheduled to open in 2030, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai will be the Group’s third property in the city, combining world-class hospitality with golf, wellness, and lifestyle offerings.

Talking about the project, Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental, said: “Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates represents an important milestone for the Group as we continue to expand our presence in the region. This project, our first dedicated golf resort, highlights the strength of our partnership with Wasl and reflects our shared vision to create exceptional destinations. By combining world-class hospitality with golf, equestrian and wellness experiences, this resort will offer a lifestyle found nowhere else in the city, while the branded residences will create a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share an appreciation for exceptional living.”

Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wasl Group, added: “Partnering with Mandarin Oriental at Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Next Chapter marks a defining moment in our mission to shape Dubai’s next era of integrated living. This collaboration builds on a strong foundation of shared success, from the acclaimed Mandarin Oriental Jumeira to the iconic Wasl Tower. At Wasl, we are committed to shaping destinations that seamlessly integrate wellness, connectivity and sophistication on a global scale. This partnership reflects Dubai’s vision as a city of the future, and redefines modern living for generations to come.”

Set within the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates development, the resort aims to create a sanctuary where space, wellbeing, and nature come together. It marks a significant step for Mandarin Oriental as it deepens its presence in the Middle East while introducing a new concept of integrated living. The property will feature 121 rooms and suites, along with 97 branded residences ranging from three- to six-bedroom villas. Each residence will have private amenities, including exclusive lounge access, pools, fitness spaces, and meeting areas.

Wellness will be at the heart of the resort, anchored by The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, which will span nearly 5,000 square meters and offer signature treatments in facilities designed to immerse guests in natural surroundings. Additional features include meditation areas, male and female-only pools, a salon, a barber, and three more swimming pools, complemented by wellness-led experiences integrated throughout the property.

As part of the wider Next Chapter development at Jumeirah Golf Estates, residents and guests will also have access to championship golf facilities, including an 18-hole course, driving range, academy, and agronomy programmes. A dedicated Golf Clubhouse will provide lounges, a pro shop, gym, and sports bar.

Beyond golf, the development includes a 7,000-square-metre Equestrian Centre and Clubhouse, offering training facilities, indoor and outdoor arenas, retail spaces, and scenic riding trails. Families will benefit from a Kids’ Club and nursery, while dining options span six venues, from signature Mandarin Oriental gastronomy concepts to casual outlets including a Halfway Hut on the course.

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