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Leading global travel service provider Trip.com is pleased to announce its 6th anniversary with a gift to its valued customers – an enhanced loyalty program that features a renewed membership tier mechanism and enhanced member rewards globally.During Trip.com’s 6th anniversary promotion campaign, from now to Oct 31, Trip.com members can enjoy additional benefits on top of basic membership privileges.
Schubert Lou, Chief Operating Officer, Trip.com, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone for Trip.com as we continue journeying with our valued customers. As a sign of our continued commitment and gratitude to our loyal members, we hope these exciting new benefits and features add greater value to our customers, ultimately enhancing convenience and ensuring a safe, seamless and rewarding travel experience with Trip.com.”
Enhanced Loyalty Program: Membership Tiers
Customers can sign up for free to become a Silver member to earn rewards and enjoy discounts on bookings. Membership tier upgrades are determined by the number of valid bookings made within twelve months. Members who attain an upgrade by completing a certain number of bookings will have their new membership tier extended by one year from the date of their membership upgrade. Trip.com will reset membership tiers according to the member’s most recent settlement date.
New Services and PerksADVERTISEMENTTrip Coins already allow Trip.com members to enjoy many rewards and savings. This year, Trip.com will be rolling out new services for members to further support its ongoing commitment to excellent customer service, and mission to become a true travel companion for its global customer base.
For all member tiers, a new Emergency Assistance will be introduced that offers customers comprehensive help services ranging from medical support to translation assistance, child repatriation, and assistance with missing baggage. This service is available in all English-language regions.
Platinum and Diamond members can enjoy an exclusive Priority Assistance for Calls & Chats service for high-priority and fast access to a live Trip.com agent; a VIP Customer Specialists service for access to prompt and specialised assistance that has all of customer’s travel details; and a Free Airport VIP Lounge Access (once per calendar year for Platinum members, twice per calendar year for Diamond members). The VIP Service is available for the following countries and regions: Australia, Great Britain, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Spain, Denmark, Italy.
Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tier members can now enjoy a full waiver of the train handling fee, using the No Refund Handling Fee for Trains feature (once, twice, and four times per calendar year, respectively).
Commitment to Enhancing Customer Experiences
Trip.com continues to ensure world-class customer service, encapsulated in its all-in-one app offerings. Not only limited to flights, accommodations, attractions and car rentals, the global travel platform reiterates its commitment to customers through TripGenie – an advanced AI travel assistant designed to revolutionise travel planning and booking; the Trip Moments Community – a vibrant, travel-related social media experience that connects travellers globally; and Trip.com’s unrivalled Customer Service team, who ensure smooth customer experiences with prompt service. With this upgraded loyalty program, Trip.com aims to be the trusted travel companion for global travellers.
Download the Trip.com app now, and start exploring, befitting, and experiencing our enhanced loyalty program today.

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Heidi has officially launched in Ireland, allowing ski and board enthusiasts to enjoy a completely fresh, flexible and innovative way to book their winter breaks this season! Heidi will now carry travellers from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to resorts right across Europe with a vast range of options to choose from.
Founded in Bristol, UK, by entrepreneurial siblings Marcus and Alexander Blunt, Heidi leverages cutting-edge technology to disrupt the traditional, rigid Saturday-to-Saturday booking model or the DIY option, which can be time-consuming, expensive and leave travellers stranded without connections or holiday protection.
“Heidi’s strength lies in its expansive offerings, with access to over 100s of resorts, freedom to select flight days, and customising stay durations,” explains Marcus Blunt. Beyond the traditional week-long stays, a significant portion of Heidi’s clientele are now opting for shorter, more budget-friendly holidays, cleverly sidestepping the peak Saturday travel rush. “This strategic flexibility not only exposes skiers to lesser-known destinations but also accommodates their hectic lifestyles, often with substantial savings.”
Born out of wanting more
Marcus explains what makes Heidi a different concept from its counterparts. “Heidi’s inception was fuelled by personal frustration—the inability to effortlessly plan a ski weekend on my terms,” recalls Marcus. “We saw a niche neglected by big players who are focused on bulk bookings on bulk bookings and inflexible schedules, and by smaller operators whose personalised services can come with a hefty price tag and extended waiting periods. Then there is the DIY option, but this takes time, there is no holiday protection, you need to know where you want to travel and it isn’t always a cheaper option, as operators get preferential agency rates.”ADVERTISEMENTAlexander adds, “Modern consumers demand rapid, diverse choices with dependable support. Witnessing Heidi’s UK triumph, we knew extending into Ireland was the next logical progression. The immediate influx of bookings upon our website going live, even pre-official launch, was a positive indicator of the market’s readiness.”
Heidi offers unique smart technology
Heidi is the only company which allows for such unique search capability, across so many resorts and is the reason this popular start-up has seen massive growth figures in its first five years**. Heidi’s unique concept now sits in the middle of what is currently offered – a fantastic option for those who want more flexibility than traditional package ski holidays, but the tech makes it easier to book than doing it all yourself. 
Commitment to customer care
Addressing accountability in case of cancelled flights, transfers and hotels? Marcus concludes: “All our travellers are financially protected under the TOPP Scheme and the buck stops with us when customers book. Booking through our site offers complete peace of mind, so changed/cancelled flights get rearranged through Heidi. We have also worked diligently to get the right transfer agents in place to meet our customers’ needs, so we know our travellers are looked after every step of the way. Whilst we rely on the powers of sophisticated technology to work through all the back end booking, we also create a human interface, all of which has led to us achieving 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot with nearly 1000 reviews. As a company we’re incredibly proud of this and will keep striving to facilitate the very best mountain breaks we can.”

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TUI Group has opened a “Digital Hub” in the Portuguese city of Porto. The hub will strengthen TUI´s tech capabilities which are key to its transformation towards a global digital travel and leisure platform company.150 technology experts will work on the company’s mobile app, payment systems and drive the implementation of artificial intelligence powered technologies across its platforms. TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel welcomed the teams to TUI at the Porto office personally on Monday. The “Digital Hub Porto” is part of a network of locations offering tech talent an opportunity to work on the future of tourism, with hubs in Poland and India previously established by TUI. “Digital Hub” teams are joining the more than 2,400 technology team members working at TUI.
“We have a longstanding and successful partnership with Portugal as a popular travel destination for our customers. Hotels, flights, cruises, tours and activities – TUI is present here with its full portfolio. Now we are expanding our footprint in Portugal by opening the “Digital Hub Porto”, with teams that bring a wealth of technology experience and creativity to TUI. They strengthen our own tech capabilities. Delivering new digital products and services for our customers while ensuring high quality standards is key for our transformation. Portugal is proving that it is not only a beautiful travel destination, but also a digital innovation center where we can help build the future of tourism,” says TUI Group´s CEO Sebastian Ebel on the occasion of the opening of the “Digital Hub Porto”.
TUI plans to hire more team members in Porto in the coming months. Current plans see up to 200 technology experts working at the “Digital Hub Porto” by the end of 2024. The tourism company has an ambitious technology roadmap to unify its platforms, increase the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, and build new digital products for customers. All of these initiatives will be supported by teams in Porto, which are fully integrated within the global technology organisation of TUI, offering employees the chance to build industry leading products and platforms, in combination with unique development and career opportunities.
“We are delighted with TUI Group’s decision to setup its new Digital Hub in Matosinhos, (Porto, Portugal), a new investment in the tech sector supported by AICEP. The focus on innovation that the Digital Hub will bring to the IT ecosystem and to TUI Group’s global operations reflect Portugal’s commitment to strengthen its position as a leading European Tech Hub,” says Filipe Santos Costa, Chairman & CEO of AICEP – Portugal Trade & Investment Agency.
In 2017, TUI and IT service provider COCUS established a partnership to deliver a Software Development Hub in Portugal, supporting TUI’s digital transformation. Over the past 5 years, both parties have collaborated extensively to make a significant impact on the business. TUI and COCUS now agreed to transfer this hub to become a part of the TUI organisation as “Digital Hub”. The agreement has been signed recently.ADVERTISEMENTTUI IN PORTUGAL
TUI has three of its hotel and club brands – TUI Blue, RIU, Robinson Club – present in Portugal today. Furthermore, travelers and locals alike in Portugal can choose from more than 1,250 experiences, including excursions, activities and attraction tickets, available via the TUI experiences and Musement platforms. TUI Airline operates regular flights to holiday hotspots in Portugal, while TUI Cruises, Marella and Hapag-Lloyd, all three of the company’s cruise brands, call at Portuguese ports throughout the year. Furthermore, to support guests and partners in destination, TUI employs a dedicated service team, with offices in Faro, Funchal, Lisbon and Ponta Delgada.

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DAMAC Properties, a luxury real estate development trailblazer, unveils its latest architectural masterpiece, DAMAC Casa. Poised at the heart of Dubai, this remarkable tower reimagines the concept of vertical island living, offering residents an extraordinary fusion of water, tranquillity, and opulence.
DAMAC Casa takes inspiration from the essence of water, serving as the driving force behind this innovative architectural endeavour. Located in the Al Sufouh area and with Dubai’s iconic Palm as its backdrop, the tower encapsulates the serenity of island living in every facet of its design. Drawing inspiration from the lotus flower, which thrives in aquatic environments, the tower aims to enhance residents’ experience with unparalleled water views.“We are proud to present our latest offering, DAMAC Casa, which adds another feather to our portfolio of unique, luxury towers. With every detail thoughtfully crafted, the tower reflects our vision of providing unparalleled experiences to our discerning clientele. Drawing from our years of experience and feedback from our community, this addition exemplifies the essence of what we stand for as a company,” said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President at DAMAC. Amenities Beyond Imagination

Situated close to DAMAC’s Cavalli Tower, DAMAC Casa boasts amenities that redefine luxury living. At its heart is the “Flying Island,” a breathtaking oasis enveloped by water and its super luxury units feature circular outdoor terraces, capturing 270-degree water views.The tower will feature oasis-inspired retreats with the pools transforming into an island oasis surrounded by lush greenery, offering a Dubai living experience like no other. The Aqua Spa is an aquatic haven, with treatment rooms seemingly floating on water, providing an ethereal relaxation experience.
DAMAC Casa is set to introduce one of Dubai’s first scuba stimulators offering diverse virtual reality experiences, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, or even the wonders of space. The pools will be surrounded by palm gardens.Aqua art will embellish the tower and kids’ play area. Children can express their aquatic creativity in dedicated spaces, with their aqua sketches displayed on digital screens in the lobby.A chill-out lounge recreates the essence of island living, while a 360-degree transparent glass pool concept is under exploration. Public areas within DAMAC Casa will immerse you in an underwater world, harnessing digital components to create stunning aquatic effects. Indoor beach effects grace the walkways. The tower will offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom luxury apartments, and 3, 4 and 5-bedroom super luxury apartments with each its own private lift. Each super luxury unit boasts its own oasis-vibe pool, providing an exclusive retreat within this vertical paradise.ADVERTISEMENT

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Leading travel and leisure company, TUI, has joined forces with SignLive to be the first UK tour operator to give customers the option to have their conversations with the travel firm interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL).
Deaf customers can sign up for free to SignLive (signlive.co.uk) and call via the online directory to have their telephone conversations with TUI Accessibility teams interpreted in real time.
Sue Bradley, TUI Director of Customer Experience, said: “At TUI we want to make travelling with us as easy as possible for everyone. SignLive has come to us with an amazing solution for our customers who use British Sign Language (BSL). This service means that these customers can have conversations with our team to ensure they book the perfect holiday for them and get any additional support they might need.
“Customers can speak to our contact centre team about new or existing bookings all by signing up to SignLive for free for support with hotel information, navigating airports or booking accessible transfers in resort.”
Fiona Mackay, COO of SignLive said: “We’re delighted to be working with TUI to make travel more accessible for Deaf people. This partnership makes communication smoother and the overall experience of going on holiday much easier for British Sign Language users. Customers can travel with confidence knowing they can communicate via an interpreter throughout their journey.”ADVERTISEMENTThe service went live last week, and a video has been produced to explain all about the partnership and the service available via SignLive. Link here.

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Youth travel agency KILROY launched its first UK store in Bristol this weekend – opening its doors for the first time on Saturday 16th September with a well-attended launch party. 
KILROY celebrated the Bristol store opening at 43 Queens Road in Clifton with a jam-packed day of inspiring travel talks, prize giveaways and entertainment to attract the area’s vibrant population of students and young travellers.
Established in Denmark in 1991, and now the largest youth and student travel agency in the Nordic region, KILROY announced its launch in the UK earlier this year, which was spurred by the country’s burgeoning youth travel scene.
Niclas Lundquist, UK Commercial Director at KILROY said: “Bristol was the top choice for KILROY’s first UK store opening thanks to its young, vibrant student population and proximity to universities. The property at 43 Queens Road couldn’t be more fitting for a student and youth travel brand, having previously housed STA Travel. We’re incredibly excited to help fill the gap for tailored youth travel in the Bristol area and look forward to meeting the city’s dynamic young travellers.”   Jacob Strømfeldt, Sales Director for KILROY, travelled from Copenhagen to be part of the launch and said: “Bristol is the perfect location for our first UK store and marks the first step in our plans to be the go-to youth and student travel brand in the country. All of us at KILROY were excited to see such a great reception to the opening event and how our local team is bringing the brand to life in the UK.”
The Bristol store opens with a team of four travel advisors to help plan and design dream adventures for students and young travellers, with that number expected to grow over the coming months.  ADVERTISEMENTLundquist added: “Our expansion into the UK market is a long-term investment for KILROY. We are committed to serving the market and will do so from Bristol to begin with. We are continuously evaluating new opportunities beyond Bristol to achieve a nationwide reach througha combination of physical stores and online presence.”
From the start of Saturday’s launch event at midday to its closing at 5pm, KILROY gave away five incredible trips every hour, including a round-the-world adventure visiting three continents with stops in Thailand, Singapore, Australia and the USA. KILROY’s local team of travel experts presented talks on Thailand, Peru, surfing in Costa Rica and working holidays in Australia.
More than 170 people attended the event on Saturday and five lucky locals were thrilled to win the chance to explore the world with KILROY.There was also food and drinks, music from local DJ Bad n Boothe, free travel-themed tattoos, and a live illustration by local artist Ruby Taylor who has worked with international brands including Gordon’s Gin and Schwarzkopf.

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Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM: EMAAR) has released its financial results for the first half of 2023, showcasing consistent performance and operational efficiency across its various businesses.
Key Accomplishment HighlightsEmaar’s recorded half-year 2023 revenues of AED 12.3 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) with net profit growing by 15% compared to same period last year, reaching to AED 4.9 billion (US$ 1.3 billion). The consistent performance was driven by the growth in tourism, retail sales, and sustained real estate demand in Dubai.Emaar’s focus on improving profit margins and operational efficiencies resulted in achieving higher EBITDA, which grew by 5% to AED 6.4 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) compared to H1 2022.
Emaar achieved H1 2023 group property sales of AED 20.2 billion (US$ 5.5 billion), a 14% YoY growth.Supported by incremental property sales, the company’s revenue backlog from property sales reached AED 62.8 billion (US$ 17.1 billion) as of 30th June 2023. This backlog represents future revenue from property sales to be recognised over the next few years.
During the period, Emaar has received credit rating upgrades from major rating agencies S&P (BBB), Moody’s (Baa2) and Fitch (BBB), all with a stable outlook. These upgrades reflect Emaar’s financial performance and improved financial position. Overall, these positive indicators point to a better outlook for Emaar’s future.
Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, said: “Emaar’s recent performance reflects our ongoing commitment to sustained profitable growth and in our focus on meeting the needs of our loyal and new customers. Our investments have resulted in strong returns, driving our growth and improving our operations. We are confident in our ability to continue executing our business strategy and meeting customer demand as we move forward in the year.”ADVERTISEMENTUAE Build-To-Sell Property DevelopmentEmaar Development PJSC (DFM: EMAARDEV), a majority-owned subsidiary, achieved property sales of AED 19 billion (US$ 5.2 billion) during the first half of 2023, reflecting a growth of 25% over H1 2022.UAE build-to-sell operation reported H1 2023 revenue of AED 6.3 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) and successfully launched 16 new projects in the UAE. In June 2023, Emaar Development also unveiled yet another master-planned development, “The Oasis”, a luxury lifestyle destination.
Shopping Mall, Retail and Commercial LeasingIn H1 2023, Emaar’s shopping mall, retail, and commercial leasing operations reported an 8% growth in revenue compared to the previous year, reaching AED 3.1 billion (US$ 844 million). During the same period, the portfolio yielded an EBITDA of AED 3.2 billion (US$ 871 million), a 77% increase over H1 2022. This success is credited to robust tenant sales, which rose by approximately 30% compared to H1 2022. Emaar Malls Management’s prime mall assets achieved an impressive occupancy rate of approximately 96%.
Emaar International Emaar’s international real estate operations reported property sales of AED 1.2 billion (US$ 327 million) and revenues totalling AED 1.3 billion (US$ 354 million) during the first half of 2023. Primarily driven by operations in Egypt and India, revenues from international real estate operations represent 11% of Emaar’s total revenue.
Hospitality, Leisure, and EntertainmentIn the first half of 2023, Emaar’s hospitality, leisure, and entertainment divisions generated AED 1.6 billion (US$ 436 million) in revenue, marking an 18% increase from H1 2022. The growth was driven by the steady recovery in the tourism industry and strong domestic spending. Emaar’s UAE hotels, including those under management, reported an average occupancy rate of 70% in the first half of 2023.During the period, Emaar also announced the opening of its newest hotel, Address Jabal Omar Makkah, featuring around 1,500 keys and conveniently located at the heart of the holy city.
Recurring RevenueEmaar’s H1 2023 financial results show an 11% increase in recurring revenue compared to H1 2022.The company’s recurring revenue-generating portfolio, including malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and commercial leasing, collectively generated AED 4.7 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) during H1 2023. This revenue represents 38% of Emaar’s total revenue from these businesses.

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For over four decades, folding bike pioneer DAHON has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. Its high-quality folding bikes are at the heart and mind of bike riders around the world.To find out which folding bike does it all the best for most commuter riders and utilitarian users, the New York Times has conducted a survey on 13 popular models from 9 manufacturers, with 85+ hours of research and rigorous testing on the aspects of user experience, comfort of riding, ease of folding, and bike weight.
At last, the well-designed DAHON Mariner D8 stood out with all those aspects, combining good riding experience, high-quality components, and a reasonable price, topping the chart of “New York Times’ Best Folding Bikes”.
The design inspiration of DAHON Mariner D8 originates from the sailing concept. The super anti-rust surface of its parts is suitable for high-salt and high-humidity environments. Marine D8 can be stored on board a yacht or a boat for a long time before the rider goes for a comfortable ride on the island.
Upon folding, Mariner D8 can be stored in the trunk of a car or a recreation vehicle. Whether carrying on the bus or in the subway, commuters can easily carry it around in the hustle and bustle of the city. Mariner D8 can easily meet the travel needs of cyclists. It can be described as an “all-rounded chariot”.
The New York Times notes that “the Mariner D8 rides comfortably, smoothing over bumps and shifting fluidly up and down hills; it folds and unfolds quickly and locks securely in both modes; the design also addresses practical concerns”. It comes with fenders to keep mud from splashing in the rain; the front bag can be installed on the frame, and the rear frame can carry and hang items.ADVERTISEMENTWell-known bicycle magazines such as Canadian Cycling Magazine and Momentum Mag coined DAHON Mariner D8 as the best choice for green commuting and leisure travel.
“Good value for money with perfect craft design” is the true feeling of most riders who have experienced DAHON folding bikes.
To make the single-beam folding bike stronger, more stable and faster, the Founder and CEO Dr. David Hon led the R&D team on a rigorous research to develop a patent of “Folding Bike Frame with Reinforced Cable at the Down Tube”, giving birth to the DELTEC cable nowadays.
With DELTEC cable installed on a single-beam folding bike, a stable triangular structure is formed at the frame, which greatly increases the service life and load capacity of the overall frame structure. At the same time, the longitudinal rigidity of the whole vehicle is increased by 15%-35%, and the force of pedaling is effectively converted into propulsion, reducing energy loss and being faster than other vehicles.
In the future, DAHON will continue to innovate folding bikes’ design and actively promote green and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
For more information, please visit: www.dahon.com

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