How Internet of Things can create seamless stay for hotel guests and maintain worker safety

Megha Paul Dec 20, 2021

Chris King, Director of Sales, Sigfox USA talks about how the Internet of Things (IoT) can help hoteliers looking to create efficiencies and a safe, comfortable experience for both employees…

Cruise

Important Things You Should do Before Every Cruise

Joe Cusmano Feb 3, 2021

There are many (mostly) little things you still need to do before you begin your journey to the pier to board your ship.

Hotels

“We do ordinary things in extraordinary ways” – Mövenpick Boracay

Kristin Mariano Nov 1, 2018

Mövenpick Boracay Resort & Spa is one of the 157 compliant hotels that reopened its doors to tourists and here’s what I think about it.

OTAs & Tour Operators

“Google is evil”: Internet giant dips in travel

Kristin Mariano Oct 31, 2018

William Bao Bean, general partner, SOSV/managing director, Chinaccelerator, described Google and Facebook as “evil” when Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder and managing director of WiT, asked him in a…

Philippines

5 things you probably didn’t know about Holy Week in the Philippines

Tian Tolentino Mar 28, 2018

The Holy Week in the Philippines is the most significant religious event in the country. As a Filipino, I thought I'd share with you some interesting things that happen during this week,…

UK

Eight things you might not know about World Travel Market

Mark Elliott Nov 3, 2014

There were only 350 exhibitors when the show was first held, and it was at Olympia. This year that figure is nearly the amount of new exhibitors that have signed up. There are…

UK

When things don’t go to plan

Mark Elliott Aug 28, 2013

In a recent article on Cruise News about the cancellation of Sun Princess’s first cruise after dry dock, Princess Cruise Lines was at the receiving end of several scathing comments and…

Hotels

Regent offers free internet

Jul 23, 2012 15

Regent Hotels & Resorts has introduced complimentary internet access across all five of its managed hotels. The luxury hotel brand, which is owned by Taipei-based Formosa International…

Startups

MyProGuide proves tour guides is the key of every tour

Kristin Mariano Oct 28, 2019

The tourism industry is ever-changing and we have seen some ground-breaking innovations in the space such as the use of robots in airports and the inception of Internet of Things in hotels…

PR Newswire

China Mobile Hong Kong Introduces Three Popular Middle Eastern Regions into its Top Asia and Europe Day Pass Package

traveldailymedia FTRSS Apr 28, 2023 0

Day Pass for Top Asia Package starts as low as $19.9/day Easy online pre-ordering, without switching SIM upon arrival, travel to multi-destinations worldwide with ease HONG KONG, April…

Consumer

e& and Mastercard partner in 16 markets across the Middle East, Asia and Africa

Kanchan Nath Mar 1, 2023

e& has announced a strategic partnership with Mastercard that will see consumers and businesses in 16 markets across the Middle East, Asia and Africa benefit from a variety of new…

Tourism

A region of the future: Dubai’s smart evolution

Kristin Mariano Jan 10, 2023

In the past few years, Dubai has turned into a regional hub for technology and innovation. Representative of UAE’s exponential technological growth, the country is showcasing what…

Global

Safari Holding signs exclusive PropTech deal with HITEK

Kanchan Nath Nov 16, 2022

UAE-based smart property management solutions company HITEK Services, which is part of the Farnek group of companies, has signed an exclusive five-year partnership agreement with…

Cruise

Princess Cruises Unveils 360: A New Invitation-Only Experience

Kanchan Nath Nov 9, 2022

 A new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises will soon transport guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they are actually sailing – engaging all of their senses…

Cybersecurity revenue in tourism to top $2 billion in 2025

Megha Paul Jul 15, 2022

Cybersecurity will generate revenues of $2.1 billion in 2025 in the travel and tourism industry, up from $1.4 billion in 2021, forecasts GlobalData

Cruise

Princess Cruises to resume cruising in USA this fall

Kristin Mariano Jun 21, 2021

Princess has announced its intent to return to service in the United States sailing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Ft. Lauderdale this fall.

Reopening updates

How digital transformation and AI will lead future development of aviation in post COVID-19 era

Megha Paul Feb 9, 2021

Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as a platform to showcase the role of cutting edge technologies in bolstering the recovery of the aviation, aerospace and defence industries following the…

Technology Transforming the Travel Industry

Valerie Lalonde Feb 24, 2020

The travel and leisure industry is undergoing a major evolution with personalisation. Travellers’ experiences can now be deeply customisable at every stage, from research and booking to…

Dubai Tourism Innovation hub unveiled

Megha Paul Feb 18, 2020

Accenture has opened the Dubai Tourism Innovation Hub, the company’s first innovation hub in the Middle East and North Africa region. Located in Dubai Media City, it is an immersive…

The future of travel in 2040: Faster, easier and ecologically sustainable

Tian Tolentino Jan 14, 2020

Authored by futurologist Ray Hammond, 'The World in 2040' futurology series has predicted developments and trends that will impact international travel and the traveller experience over the…

Travel Tech

Travel tech this week: Start-ups raised millions for expansion

Kristin Mariano Dec 26, 2019

For travel tech news this week, it is indeed happy holidays for some start-ups as they raised millions to fuel their expansion.

Travel Tech

Gojek, Blue Bird deal: Who has the last laugh?

Kristin Mariano Dec 17, 2019

Ride hailing giant Gojek is nearing an agreement to buy 5% of Indonesia’s top taxi operator PT Blue Bird.

Hospitality

From the room and beyond: How hotels can grow their brand and business

Kristin Mariano Oct 24, 2019

The hospitality industry may look like a simple business of welcoming the guests and taking care of them during their stay, but it is actually a very complex business that involves constant…

The Rough Guide to being a travel company in 2019

Jon Reay Sep 19, 2019

Digital is transforming all industries. Businesses are becoming ever more digital. In travel, you may still be selling holidays, flights or accommodation but the way you do it has…

Travel Tech

10 wireless technology trends in 2019

Kristin Mariano Sep 9, 2019

Wireless technology plays a key role in today’s communications, and new forms of it will become central to emerging technologies including robots, drones, self-driving vehicles and new…

Hotels

Portier and Vinaphone team up to “empower next-generation tourism” in Vietnam

Alastair Newport Sep 7, 2018

Vinaphone, one of Vietnam’s biggest mobile networks, has unveiled its intentions of enhancing communications within the nation’s hospitality industry with the announcement of its new…

Travel Agents

Is data personalisation simply to improve the human touch?

Kristin Mariano Aug 6, 2018

Personalisation is the winning ingredient in travel and we have been seeing signs of it creep into more mainstream experiences. Whoever owns the traveller’s journey from end-to-end will win.

Travel Tech

Chinese tech giant Tencent inks deal with Dubai officials to promote smart tourism

Tian Tolentino May 21, 2018

Tencent, the tech conglomerate responsible for WeChat and other top mobile apps, has signed a deal with Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing to spearhead smart tourism and…

Travel Tech

TrustYou breaks down the impact of tech on the guest journey

Tian Tolentino May 18, 2018

Guest feedback platform, TrustYou, breaks down the technologies that modern hoteliers need to know through its latest eBook: The Hotelier's Tech Stack Guide - Must-have Technologies That…

Travel Tech

Amadeus to introduce ‘Smart Cities’ to improve mobility in congested APAC cities

Tian Tolentino May 7, 2018

Amadeus announced the creation of a task force dedicated to lead its new Smart Cities offer in APAC, enabling smart mobility for the world’s most densely populated cities.

Travel Tech

AI primer with Travelport VP Simon Ferguson, ahead of his keynote at the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Summit

Simon Willmore Apr 9, 2018

The week of 16 April is a crucial conference week for travel marketers from around the world and especially in Singapore, as both the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Summit and the Digital…

Startups

Startup brings the heat to Vietnam’s hospitality, tech industries

Simon Willmore Mar 2, 2018

BedLinker is a Vietnamese joint stock company providing technology solutions that allow hotels, travel agents and tour operators to work together. The start-up founded by Thuan Dao, whose…

Airlines and Aviation

Opening the skies with AirAsia Group’s Spencer Lee

Simon Willmore Mar 2, 2018

Spencer Lee, head of commercial for AirAsia Malaysia, looks quiet and unassuming. But if you talk about travel, the transport industry veteran can hardly contain his excitement. We sat down…

Entrepreneurs

‘Opaque booking format works for both hoteliers and guests’ – Travelspice co-founder

Simon Willmore Feb 27, 2018

We sat down with Travelspice co-founder and CFO Ankit Manglik for a short chat on the success of its opaque booking format, its future plans, and why its team chose “Kitney Mein Chahiye?” as…

Entrepreneurs

Young travel tech rock star seeks to connect traveller and hotelier needs

Simon Willmore Feb 13, 2018

We sat down with Tink Labs founder and CEO Terence Kwok to learn why this sharp-eyed Hong Kong native and his product have both reached rock-star status in the hospitality and tourism scene.

Travel Tech

Unpacking traveller needs made easy with Unified Inbox

Simon Willmore Jan 31, 2018

IoT and AI come together through Unified Inbox (UIB), which enables people to talk with all of their smart devices through a single integrated API.

Face‑to‑Face

‘Talk less, listen more:’ Harnessing data out of customer sentiment with Twistar

Simon Willmore Jan 28, 2018

Twistar, a mobile device that harnesses feedback into actionable data, provides engagement that businesses can customise & customers can enjoy.

Travel Tech

Keeping revenue and guest satisfaction handy

Simon Willmore Jan 26, 2018

Handy has made it possible for hotel operators to engage with guests through all stages of the travel journey, even as they step out of the actual hotel.

Travel Tech

CES 2018: WATCH: Marriott unveils ‘hotel room of the future’

Tian Tolentino Jan 15, 2018

Marriot International partners with Samsung and Legrand to introduce the world’s smartest hotel room at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018.

Travel Tech

Hospitality 2.0

Simon Willmore Jan 4, 2018 22

Information and communications technology (ICT) has made its mark in many industries. The hotel and hospitality industry is no exception to this, with everything from reservations to house…

OTAs & Tour Operators

What are the travel trends for 2018?

Jill Sayles Nov 20, 2017 18

Trafalgar CEO, Gavin Tollman indicates seven travel trends for next year.  Ready or not, we are into the final 50 days of the year. One naturally pauses to reflect on events of the past…

Travel Tech

Brain Waves: Houston’s way-finding technology, a new travel adaptor, and more

Mark Elliott Jun 27, 2017

Houston to debut new way-finding technology Passengers are now able to find their way around Houston's airports simply by checking their smartphone. A new way-finding app has been…

Hotels

Hilton, AccorHotels and Louvre Hotels Group CEOs to headline AHIC

Gemma Greenwood Feb 9, 2017

Global leaders from some of the world’s largest hotel chains will take to the stage at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2017 (AHIC), being held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from April…

Guest Column

What’s new at Travel Technology Europe 2017

Gemma Greenwood Dec 12, 2016

This year at Travel Technology Europe we’re so excited to be bringing back Launchpad and the Disrupt Award for a second year, both of which really drive the industry forward by supporting…

Travel Tech

HMH CEO discusses travel and tourism innovation strategies

Gemma Greenwood Nov 23, 2016

Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, has discussed his views on travel and tourism innovation strategies with the UAE Ministry of Economy and United Nations…

Attractions & Tours

Burj Khalifa named UAE’s ‘smartest’ building

Gemma Greenwood Nov 21, 2016

Honeywell has been named the Burj Khalifa as the UAE’s ‘smartest’ building at the Middle East’s first-ever smart building awards presentation at the Innovation Live! Summit in Dubai (Monday…

Attractions & Tours

Dubai reveals Expo legacy plans

Gemma Greenwood Sep 6, 2016

The organisers of Dubai Expo 2020 have revealed legacy plans for the event’s mega site, which include reusing or re-purposing 80% of the 4.38-square-kilometre exhibition area. The themed…

Airlines and Aviation

New partnership aims to reduce turbulence injuries

Mark Elliott Jun 17, 2016

Two companies have joined forces in an effort to reduce the number of turbulence injuries suffered by air passengers. The Weather Company, which is owned by IBM, and in-flight…

World Travel Market

UK Smart City projects to lure new visitors

Gemma Greenwood Nov 3, 2015

Digitalisation is providing new opportunities to entice tourists to visit regions outside of London, the WTM Global Trends Report 2015 has revealed.  Launched on day one of WTM 2015,…

Serviced Apartments

Ascott teams up with Samsung for high-tech rooms

Mark Elliott Apr 15, 2015

Singapore-based serviced apartment group Ascott is planning to modernise its guest experience with the launch of a series of high-tech room upgrades. Under a new joint project with…

Partner content

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit: Elevate your Bangkok experience

Joe Cusmano Sep 15, 2023

Bangkok is a city that welcomes tourists with open arms, offering a multitude of things to see and experience. From its irresistible street food to buzzing nightlife and cultural…

Features

The European Islands that British holidaymakers love the most 

Kanchan Nath Sep 3, 2023

Holidu, the holiday rental portal, has dug into data to uncover which European islands are most frequently searched for by internet users in the UK.

PR Newswire

Air Canada to Launch New Vancouver to Singapore Service

traveldailymedia FTRSS Jun 14, 2023 0

Will be the only non-stop flights from Canada to Singapore, connecting two global destinationsFour times weekly year-round flights begin Apr. 3, 2024Enhanced customer experience offering…

Features

‘Benefits and Dangers of AI’ at Hospitality Innovation Summit 2023

Kanchan Nath Mar 23, 2023

Like all businesses, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of the hospitality industry.

Features

The time to Get Modern is now

Kristin Mariano Mar 13, 2023

This isn’t going to be another one of those articles that starts with pointing out that the internet changed everything, and not just because it started by claiming not to be one of…

Tourism

Florida is the best state for a Family Spring Break

Kristin Mariano Feb 23, 2023

Spring Break is a special time and needs to be done right. It’s not just for teenagers and 20-somethings – it's for families too. So rather than leave you to scour the internet at…

Tourism Boards

VisitScotland skills up with Google and DigitalBoost 

Kanchan Nath Feb 15, 2023

VisitScotland is urging tourism businesses to embrace the power of digital to bring visitors to the shores. It has launched a series of webinars in partnership with Business Gateway’s…

Guest Column

Is Nepal Expensive To Visit?

Ranjan Pandey Feb 6, 2023

Nepal is a beautiful mountainous country seated between two giant nations; India and China. Despite being a landlocked country, Nepal is easy to access, and the democracy that prevails here…

Tourism

Discover the best Spanish and Portuguese cities for digital nomads

Kristin Mariano Jan 17, 2023

More and more workers have come to appreciate the flexibility of working remotely, and many have taken the opportunity to explore new parts of the world! Governments have noticed the…

Tourism

Top 10 travel trends for 2023: Adventure, purpose, nostalgia, and extreme immersion experiences

Kristin Mariano Dec 22, 2022

The Lemongrass Digital Insights team has researched the latest travel search trends, and drawn key findings from multiple industry reports, to bring you the top 2023 travel trends you need…

Air

Airlines Are Betting On A Thriving Post-Pandemic Future

Joe Cusmano Dec 21, 2022

The airline industry has recovered from the pandemic and is experiencing a time of exceptional prosperity. Algorithms powered by artificial intelligence are sifting through mountains…

Tourism

Maldives for female solo travellers

Kanchan Nath Nov 4, 2022

While combing through the accounts of prominent female solo travellers it was found that the Maldives is frequently present and highly recommended.

UK

Perfect winter getaways at the right price

Kanchan Nath Oct 11, 2022

With the cost-of-living crunch set to worsen as winter approaches and temperatures plummet while heating bills soar, many will wonder if they can afford mid-term and Christmas breaks – just…

UK

Winter ‘workcations’ for the Brits

Kanchan Nath Sep 23, 2022

With the cost of living on the rise, more Brits are being tempted to head overseas for a working holiday in order to save money on their bills during the colder months

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

HITEK MD to deliver keynote at MEFMA conference in Riyadh

Kanchan Nath Sep 22, 2022

Javeria Aijaz, managing director of HITEK, a UAE-based smart FM technology solutions company, will deliver the keynote address at the Middle East FM Association (MEFMA) one-day conference…

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

‘Sustainability MICE Series’ from Hilton

Kanchan Nath Sep 21, 2022

With the recent grand launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Shah Alam i-City, the hotel now introduces their latest offering: the Sustainability MICE Series.

China

What a formal China Outbound Tourism survey won’t tell you.

Anita Chan Aug 8, 2022

To set the stage right, my company respects surveys. We actually did many surveys ourselves and came up with Young Chinese Travelers’ Journey, 9+1 Chinese Travel KOLs Opinions amid &…

Top 5 tips to travel on budget

Chris Head Jun 27, 2022

We all love travelling, but the costs can mount up quickly. Here are our top 5 tips to travel on a budget and not feel a reduction in enjoyment or compromise safety.

Travel Tech

Book now or wait? Why we need the e-tourism revolution

Andrew Armitage Jun 24, 2022

With the world opening back up and a relaxation on testing restrictions, 2022 is set to be a big year for travel. Airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, and hotels are all reporting a…

Guest Column

6 Ways To Increase Traffic To Your Hotel Website

Gizem Tas Jun 6, 2022

6 Ways To Get More Traffic To Your Hotel Website  While the power of a hotel website is common knowledge, many hotel owners take it at face value but don't do enough with it. A website…

Here are the best places to go solo backpacking

Kristin Mariano Feb 11, 2022

New research by Uswitch has revealed the best locations in the world for solo backpackers.

OTAs & Tour Operators

KAYAK reveals the best countries for travel and remote working in 2022

Kristin Mariano Jan 17, 2022

As more people embrace flexible working environments and set their sights on their 2022 ‘workation’ (AKA, a vacation that blends leisure and remote working), KAYAK reveals the best countries…

KAYAK reveals the best countries for travel and remote working in 2022

Megha Paul Jan 14, 2022

Travel search engine KAYAK reveals the best countries in the world to work remotely from, with Portugal topping the list

On The Deck

From then to now! Embracing the hospitality and tech evolution

Megha Paul Nov 1, 2021

Kevin Tatem, managing director in South East Asia at STAAH reminisces about the good old days and talks about how innovation in technology and industry transformation has changed our…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Workcation is the new bleisure travel

Kristin Mariano Jul 27, 2021

Taking a page out of the digital nomad’s diary, the working staycation or “workcation” was born.

Hospitality

How perfect channel manager can help you master online distribution and boost revenue

Megha Paul Jun 21, 2021

Hotels and accommodation providers are in dire need of a good channel manager as online travel bookings are firmly growing each year and are only bound to increase post-COVID

Travel Tech

Commission-free direct bookings – a boon to hoteliers

Kristin Mariano Mar 11, 2021

All hoteliers want more direct bookings more than any type of bookings because at the end of the day that is full profit going directly into their pockets with no third-party aggregators…

Hospitality

Juniper and Hotelmize: Partnerships that bring innovation to tourism industry

Megha Paul Jan 21, 2021

One of the latest partnerships for the benefit of the tourism market is the collaboration between Juniper and Hotelmize

Travel Tech

4 Technologies with Strong Impact in Hospitality Industry

Bharat Dogra Jan 14, 2021

Various rising innovations have made the lives of hoteliers significantly simpler.

Podcast – Queensland Air Museum, Sunshine Coast – Queensland

TellMeWhere2Go Sep 17, 2020

Featuring: Tiana Templeman Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra is home to an amazing collection of aircraft and aviation artefacts, and exciting tales of courage, adventure and lucky…

Iconic India Taj Mahal Set to Reopen

Anil Mathur Sep 9, 2020

There is  much cheer and hope in the travel industry in India as finally the iconic India Taj Mahal and other monuments like the Agra Fort are set to open on September 21 after over 4 months…

Of sunshine and Vitamin Sea! Barbados is letting people move there to work remotely. Here’s how to apply

Megha Paul Jul 27, 2020

Barbados is now accepting applications for its recently launched 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp visa. Those interested in living like a ‘Bajan’ for a year can visit here to apply for…

Features

Advertising during COVID-19 pandemic: Yay or nay?

Kristin Mariano May 18, 2020

Now that many countries are easing their restrictions and are preparing to adapt to the “new normal,” should companies start advertising again?

IoT tech takes strain off hotels, quarantine facilities

Kristin Mariano Apr 16, 2020

Tech firm Essence Group, along with partner FocusCura, are installing their remote monitoring tele-care technology to provide support to COVID-19 patients who have been discharged from…

Tourism

How to plan for holidays once non-essential travel ban is lifted

Kristin Mariano Apr 15, 2020

Despite some saying that this moment could take longer to come than we would like, now could be the time to start budgeting for travel.

Revenge travelling will happen, the question is WHEN?

Anita Chan Mar 23, 2020

Do you know what Chinese are talking now? They are talking about ‘Revenge Spending’ (报复性消费).

Hotels

Why Savoy Hotel Manila is the epitome of bleisure in the Philippines

Kristin Mariano Dec 20, 2019

A stone’s throw away from Manila’s international airport, Savoy Hotel Manila is more than an ‘airport hotel’ that highlights the style and comfort.

Voice technology and improving the guest experience

Alastair Newport Sep 30, 2019

Being able to meaningfully interact with technology might have one time been nothing more than a dream, but the reality is that we are closer to that dream than ever -- writes Arthur Chapin,…

How Technology Has Changed the Way You Travel

William Padilla Sep 19, 2019

Technology has changed the world tremendously. It has made life easier and more convenient. The tasks that used to take days can be completed in hours and minutes with the help of the…

5 tips to protect your finances and data on holiday

Alastair Newport Aug 15, 2019

Security and fraud are usually at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to money and bank accounts, but online security can fall down the list of priorities when Brits go on holiday,…

Tourism

7 summer destinations to help kids unplug their devices

Kristin Mariano Jul 23, 2019

Research has shown that the blue light from a screen can affect your kid’s vision and sleep schedule. With schools out, it is easy to overdo playing video games or watching mundane videos in…

Startups

Women travelling solo are truly “wanderful”

Kristin Mariano Jul 12, 2019

More women are heading out of their comfort zone and seek high-octane adventures that provide an opportunity to develop new skills and passions.

Hotels

“We want to add value to local communities as well as clients”

Simon Willmore Jun 27, 2019

We talk to GCP Hospitality COO, Tony Chisholm

Startups

Lost and found: WishTrip is the app that every DIY traveller needs

Kristin Mariano May 7, 2019

WishTrip helps destinations shape the tourist experience and helps them become SMART tourist destinations.

Hospitality

G Talk: “Creating a community within the hotels”

Simon Willmore May 3, 2019

We spoke to Marc Bichet, chief marketing officer at GCP Hospitality, to learn more about the GTalk initiative:

Travel Agents

Future-proof your business when Gen Z takes over

Kristin Mariano Feb 26, 2019

Kids born in the year 2000 will turn 19 this year entering university or working on their first job. Generation Z is the generation that follows Millennials, born in the late ’90s and early…

Global

Aviation round up: Full stream ahead!

Alastair Newport Jan 29, 2019

This week’s aviation round up eyes up the first commercial Gulfstream G500 service,  SIA's digtial innovations lab and a team up from two giants of the flying world.

Sports Tourism

“Just getting to the golf course is an experience” Mark Siegel, GolfAsian 

Alastair Newport Jan 24, 2019

In part one of my interview with Mark Siegel, pioneer of the golfing holiday scene in SE Asia,  we spoke about why he sees running GolfAsian is akin to managing Fedex. This week we discuss…

Startups

How TripClub values women and their need of work and life balance

Kristin Mariano Jan 18, 2019

For TripClub CEO and founder Menchie Dizon, women deserve to have both worlds so she created a program that will enable women to work and take care of their personal affairs. As a woman, she…

Startups

A smarter way to site-see: Now offered by Vidi Guides

Kristin Mariano Dec 18, 2018

75% of Millennials rely on Wikipedia or Google as their source of information, but these are not designed for sightseeing. So how does one filter the information especially while in a new…

HR & Careers

Industry insights with Willem Niemeijer of Khiri Travel

MILI SEMLANI Semlani Nov 30, 2018

Celebrating 25 years in business, Khiri Travel retrospects on its journey in travel in Asia. Khiri Travel founder, Willem Niemeijer insights that inform his travel industry decision making,…

Global

From hippy central to booking world tours for major rock acts: Life of a Travel Counsellor

Alastair Newport Nov 1, 2018

Travel Counsellor Allison Barnard tells us how she got started, the best and worst features of being a TC, tricks of the trade and more.

Podcasts

Podcast: NDC’s status and potential – with VP of NDC-X, Amadeus

Brett Henry Sep 10, 2018

I spoke to Gianni Pisanello about the game-changing new platform's current status and future potential.

Podcasts

Capturing luxury Chinese travellers: We talk to Anita Chan, CEO of Compass Edge

Brett Henry Aug 6, 2018

Anita Chan, the CEO of Compass Edge, warned me that "the China that you understand is not the real China".

Podcasts

Using the cloud before it was even called ‘the cloud’

Brett Henry Jul 20, 2018

I spoke to Andrew McGregor, CEO of Guestline, about life in Asia, the early days of e-commerce, and how to expand into new markets.

Global

Why the image of the adventure seeking solo traveller could be dead

Alastair Newport Jun 21, 2018

According to data from Travelzoo the typical image of the solo traveller as a free-wheeling individual, ready to bunk down and chase adventure at the drop of hat, may not be the case.

OTAs & Tour Operators

‘Preserving something special by sharing it’ – Explora.ph founder on the challenges of bespoke travel

Tian Tolentino Jun 8, 2018

Last month, we featured Explora.ph, a travel platform that partners with locals to offer bespoke travel experiences in the Philippines. Here’s the inspiration behind the company, and some of…

Hospitality

Music Matters: Rightsify’s review of the influence of music on hotels’ atmosphere

Alastair Newport May 29, 2018

Back in March, we introduced you to a new way to fill your hotel with atmospheric, location-appropriate music to create the right environment for your business using Rightsify, a new…

Ocean Cruising

World’s largest cruise ship with over-the-top features sets sail from Barcelona

Tian Tolentino Apr 12, 2018

Symphony of the Seas is the largest – and most audacious – cruise ship in the world and it just sailed from Barcelona on its inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean.

Interviews

“Hey Angie, get me an interview with your creator” – meet the man pushing the envelope of voice-activated hotel tech

Tian Tolentino Mar 23, 2018

Back in February, I wrote about the debut of Angie, the 24-hour interactive guest-room assistant. It’s an innovative piece of technology that’s revolutionising hospitality both for guests…

Mobile & Social

“Every musician is born an entrepreneur” – how piano theory helps the founder of a messaging start-up

Simon Willmore Feb 6, 2018

We got in touch with Unified Inbox CEO and founder Toby Ruckert, to figure out how seemingly disparate interests could create a platform that allows for a harmonious relationship between…

Consumer

Genuine traveller insights keep hotels in The Know

Simon Willmore Jan 9, 2018

The Know translates the mystery shopper format into a smart, innovative and exclusive mystery guest service. It’s an invitation-only online club where seasoned travellers with discriminating…

United States

Why Millennials Are The Most Important Consumer Generation For The Travel Industry

Mark Elliott Nov 9, 2017 0

From Forbes: What’s more important to millennials than escaping from their student loans, buying a big-ticket item, or even improving relationships with their family and friends? If you…

UK

Q&A: The Lone Travellers

Jill Sayles Oct 4, 2017

Margaux Marshall, a digital product manager, has created a travel website and community for solo travellers which is due to launch this week. She tells Travel Daily all about it.  What is…

Hotel

Travel Hacks: Being Budget-Minded Vs. Indulging Yourself

Simon Willmore Mar 21, 2017 0

It has been said that “It costs 10% less to go first class” because it can be true - if you know where to look and the questions to ask. When you travel or shop, you often get unanticipated…

United States

Q&A: with CEO Hotels of The Future – hotels.com

Simon Willmore Mar 16, 2017 1

We caught up with Dr. James Canton, CEO and Chairman of the Institute for Global Futures about how hotels will look like in the future. Dr. Canton is a global futurist, social scientist,…

United States

Planning the Perfect Hawaiian Trip

Simon Willmore Feb 26, 2017 0

The decision to vacation on the island of Oahu may initially be based on getting acquainted with it simply because your plane landed here first and you “might as well” see what's around…

Iran

Iran: “the bright star with big tourism potential”

Gemma Greenwood Dec 13, 2016

The television news pictures of centrifuges, nuclear power plants and deadlocked negotiations, have given way to visions of beautiful beaches on the Caspian Sea riviera, sun-drenched islands…

Interviews

GM roundtable – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Aaron Greenwood Dec 8, 2016

Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Spain Ricardo Arranz de Miguel - GM www.slh.com/villapadierna  What are the USPs of your property?  Villa Padierna Palace Hotel is the only hotel…

Tourism Boards

Vienna Tourist Board prepares city for Chinese tourist influx

Mark Elliott Dec 7, 2016

The Vienna Tourist Board has held a seminar aimed at helping the city's tourism operators to attract and cater for the rising number of Chinese visitors. Approximately 150…

TRAVEL AGENT PROFILE: PST TRAVEL

Simon Willmore Nov 15, 2016 0

In the third of a four-part series of travel agent profiles, Travel Daily discovers how a focus on service and niche sectors has proved a winning formula for established travel agency PST…

The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior – Travel Industry Style

Chicke Fitzgerald Nov 15, 2016 0

The Background A few years ago, I received a book called Sway from the Public Relations person for a publisher. She was hoping that I would interview the author. While I normally add the…

UK

TRAVEL AGENT PROFILE: PST TRAVEL

Gemma Greenwood Nov 11, 2016

In the third of a four-part series of travel agent profiles, Travel Daily discovers how a focus on service and niche sectors has proved a winning formula for established travel agency PST…

UK

Brochures making a comeback among holidaymakers

Aaron Greenwood Nov 8, 2016

The use of the traditional holiday brochure as part of the booking process appears to be making a comeback, with a third of holidaymakers saying they relied on brochures this year, according…

United Arab Emirates

Gen Z starved of innovative hotel dining experiences: TIME

Gemma Greenwood Aug 30, 2016

Generation Z is seeking a more sophisticated hotel dining experience, the latest roundtable staged by UAE-headquartered hospitality firm TIME Hotels has revealed. The third in its…

UK

Face to face: Adam Greghni, MD of JFA Systems

Gemma Greenwood Jul 31, 2016

How did the company come about?  In 1990 Redwing Holidays - the 3rd largest tour operator in the UK at the time, carrying around 1m passengers a year - was bought out by Owners…

UK

Indie agents becoming Facebook savvy

Gemma Greenwood May 31, 2016

Independent agents across the UK are becoming much more Facebook savvy, and some of the leaders of social media activity are members of The Global Travel Group (TGTG).   So…

UK

Mobile bookings booming according to new research

Aaron Greenwood May 4, 2016

New research from Hitwise has revealed mobiles as the device of choice for budding UK travellers, with over half (52%) of visits to travel ‘destination’ sites made from a mobile. Once…

Airlines and Aviation

Crystal Cruises adds luxury passenger jet to air fleet

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2016

Crystal Cruises has revealed the newest addition to its air fleet, ahead of the launch of its Crystal Luxury Air venture. The new Bombardier Global Express XRS jet is configured to…

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2016

Qantas will start offering free, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi services to passengers on its domestic flights next year. Through a partnership with broadband provider ViaSat, using its…

Guest Column

What we learned in the ‘Age of Traveller Power’ that will mean success in 2016

Mark Elliott Jan 12, 2016

In 2015 we saw the dawn of the ‘Age of Traveller Power’, where the connected traveller sits squarely at the top of the travel food chain, wielding abundant influence and with access to a…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Frederic Barou

Mark Elliott Oct 5, 2015

This week, Travel Daily chats with Frederic Barou, Vice President of Distribution, Products & Operations at Amadeus Asia Pacific, about the future of the travel agent... Q)    How…

Tourism

HK Disneyland targets young Thais with promise of ‘sanook’

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2014

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is using the Thai love of fun, or 'sanook', to attract more young visitors to the park. The theme park arrived in Thailand last week to showcase its new…

UK

Are youth travellers finding joy in missing out (JOMO)?

Mark Elliott Sep 25, 2014

Young people may like to have access to a screen whenever they can but crave face to face interaction matters the most when it comes to travel and communication, panellists said at the…

United States

Royal Caribbean aims for 10-minute check-in for Quantum

Mark Elliott Aug 25, 2014

Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to reduce check-in time to 10 minutes for its new ship Quantum of the Seas, as part of a large technology announcement made today.…

Guest Column

The Psychology of Travel – Part Three

Mark Elliott Mar 5, 2014

A classical psychological tendency that we humans have is called 'Fundamental Attribution Bias'. It means that if something good happens to us we take credit but if anything bad happens…

UK

Teletext’s Bamboozle returns

Mark Elliott Oct 31, 2013

Teletext Holidays has revived its Bamboozle quiz on the internet. The popular TV-based quiz, along with Bamber Boozler, will now appear with 12 travel and culture questions every 24…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Arun Anand

Mark Elliott Sep 6, 2013

Travel Daily India chats with Arun Anand, Convention Chairman for Indian Association of Tour Operator (IATO) about the upcoming convention in Kochi next week and the issues it looks…

Travel Tech

Asia can lead corporate travel innovation – ACTE chief

Mark Elliott Jul 25, 2013

Countries in the Asia Pacific region could lead global innovation in the corporate travel industry, a senior industry figure has told Travel Daily. Speaking in a telephone interview from…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: David Brett, Amadeus

May 13, 2013

This week,  David Brett, President of Amadeus Asia Pacific, chats with Travel Daily about the rise of female travellers and other major forces affecting travel in the Asian region……

Ocean Cruising

The World Travel Market cruise debate…

Mark Elliott Nov 16, 2012 15

For those who weren’t able to make the WTM cruise debate with Carnival chairman and CEO Micky Arison; chief executive of Carnival UK David Dingle; and Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group;…

Guest Column

Leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience

Mark Elliott Sep 10, 2012

The biggest recent influence on how we consider, choose, book and review our travel options is without question technology. It wouldn’t be excessive to say that it has revolutionised global…

Asia

Leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience

Sep 10, 2012 0

The biggest recent influence on how we consider, choose, book and review our travel options is without question technology. It wouldn’t be excessive to say that it has revolutionised global…

UK

Small travel agents leading mobile business

Mark Elliott Jul 25, 2012 16

Travel agents are amongst the small businesses leading the way for internet search exposure on mobile phones and tablets, according to new research by T-Mobile. Travel agents, cleaners and…

Airlines and Aviation

Airline ancillary revenues worth US$22bn

Jul 23, 2012 17

Global ancillary revenues generated by airlines totalled EUR18.23 billion (US$22.15bn) last year. According to the results of the latest Amadeus Review of Ancillary Revenue Results,…

Hotels

Carlson Rezidor turns Asia ‘Blu’ with new campaign

Jul 13, 2012 17

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has launched its latest Radisson Blu brand campaign – ‘Turning the World Blu’ – in Asia Pacific. The new campaign, which was unveiled yesterday (Thursday 12…

Check-In: Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

Mark Elliott Dec 2, 2011 12

By Daniel Steffe Tokyo may be the capital of Japan, but the Kansai region is where its cultural heart lies. Every traveller’s journey to the land of the rising sun should involve a…

Features

Face-to-Face: Ho Hoong Mau, Abacus International

Mark Elliott Oct 14, 2011 12

Ho Hoong Mau, Abacus International's Division Head of Airline Distribution talks to Travel Daily about the rise of ancillary revenue, mobile applications and social media in the aviation…

ABTA Travel Convention

ABTA TC11: Agents urged to improve mobile, social strategy

Mark Elliott Oct 4, 2011

Travel agents have been urged to create mobile and socialstrategies to engage more with online consumers, delegates at the ABTA TC weretold today. David Rowan, editor of Wired UK magazine…

Hotels

Holiday Inn close to completing global refurb

Aug 31, 2011

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that the US$1 billion global Holiday Inn brand refresh programme is close to completion. Started in 2007, the project has seen more than…

United States

‘Travel advisors will never go away,” Preferred Hotel Group president

Mark Elliott Aug 23, 2011

Natural disasters, the economy and political unrest have continued to affect our lives in the past year but for Lindsey Ueberroth, president of Preferred Hotel Group (PHG), one sector will…

Features

Except tickets and hotels, Indians aren’t shopping online

Mark Elliott Jul 6, 2011

A report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said Indian are comfortable with online ticketing and hotel bookings but are not buying things online.Economic Times said a…

UK

DOCOMO debuts new cloud-based web technology

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2011

Hotel technology developer DOCOMO interTouch has debuted its latest hospitality enterprise solution, FREEDOM Internet v1.2. The cloud-based solution is designed to enable hotels to improve…

Face‑to‑Face

Chinese travellers to spend more in 2011 – survey

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2011

Travelzoo Asia Pacific, a licensee of global Internet media company Travelzoo Inc, has released the findings of a survey that makes it clear that the Greater China holidaymakers…

Australia

New tourism website for NSW’s Central Coast

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2011

Central Coast, New South Wales, has unveiled its brand new website. The leisure website now features a new branding aimed at characterising the Central Coast's natural assets. The…

Global

Nine out of ten UK consumers book with different travel provider, says survey

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2010

Nine out of 10 consumers book their holiday with a different provider each time, according to a new report. According to a new survey customer experience management company…

Global

Volunturism grows at Sandals

Mark Elliott Nov 9, 2010

Volunteer tourism, aka voluntourism, has increased in Sandals' Caribbean resorts following the launch of The Sandals Foundation two years ago. Ahead of his Hot Seat session at…

Global

STB plans its Middle East re-brand offensive

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2010

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is preparing to launch is new branding campaign - 'YourSingapore' - in the Middle East via promotion work at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and during…

Global

Face-to-Face: Martin Sinclair, General Manager, The Regent Singapore

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2010

1) Four Seasons is consistently named as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 best companies to work for. How does the Regent Singapore, as a Four Seasons hotel, keep…

Global

Tourism Australia partners MAS for ‘Only in Oz Holidays’

Mark Elliott Mar 9, 2010

9 March 2010, Kuala Lumpur - Tourism Australia, in partnership with Malaysia Airlines, announces its upcoming 'Only in Oz Holidays' campaign today. The campaign will see…

Global

Phachara Suites to open in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Jan 26, 2010

Bangkok, 14th January 2010 - The soon-to-be-launched Phachara Suites on Bangkok's Sukhumvit road is set to provide a new level of service and accommodation where even the everyday…

Features

Visit Bath website gets redesigned

Mark Elliott Jan 7, 2010

Bath Tourism Plus has re-launched the official tourism website for Bath and the surrounding area, www.visitbath.co.uk, following a complete design makeover. The new website…

Hotels

Frisky hotel guests go green

Jan 6, 2010

A decade after the first Novotel Survey was conducted in Australia and New Zealand, the new survey of in-hotel habits reveals that guests of both sexes are leaving their rooms cleaner and…

Global

Novotel survey reveals hotel guest habits

Mark Elliott Jan 6, 2010

06 Jan 10 (TravMedia.com): A decade after the first Novotel Survey was conducted in Australia and New Zealand, the new survey of in-hotel habits reveals that guests of both sexes are…

Global

Face-to-Face: Anthony Lim, Area Director of Sales, Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Mark Elliott Jan 5, 2010

1.While the past year has been a time of great stress on the regional hotel industry, Pan Pacific have seized it as a time to take new initiatives and re-invest. Can you explain?Many of…

Global

Holiday Inn relaunches 1,400 hotels

Mark Elliott Nov 12, 2009

ATLANTA - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) , the world's largest hotel company, announces the relaunch of 1,400 Holiday Inn brand hotels globally this month. The $1…

Global

MICE sector unaffected by flu fears – ACTE

Mark Elliott Oct 27, 2009

Prague (26 October 2009) - The good news for the business meetings and professional conferences industries is that fear of the H1N1 "swine" influenza is not a factor in either bookings nor…

Global

Malaysia Airports launches next gen hub

Mark Elliott Sep 14, 2009

Beijing, 14th September 2009Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) is pleased to announce that at the 15th World Route Development Forum taking place in Beijing, China, KL…

Travel Tech

EIU, Amadeus predict new age of austerity for business travellers

Mark Elliott Feb 11, 2009

Amadeus yesterday launched a report commissioned from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), into the effect of the economic downturn on executives' choice of hotel. Entitled; "The Austere…