Author: Shawon Hannan

The highly anticipated Allura, Oceania Cruises’ eighth ship, makes a significant milestone by floating out of dry dock in Italy.The 1,200-passenger ship is the second in its class, following the Vista, and is poised to enhance luxury cruising in the Mediterranean and beyond.Final construction phases at Fincantieri shipyard are underway, focusing on exquisite suites, lounges, and dining facilities.The Allura is scheduled to begin its journey by sailing from Trieste to Athens on July 18, 2025, before heading to North America.Oceania Cruises President, Frank Del Rio, emphasises Allura’s role in elevating the cruise line’s status within the ultra-premium segment.In a notable…

Air France-KLM has noted a major shift in travel patterns ahead of the Paris Olympics. International tourists are largely avoiding the French capital, raising concerns within the aviation and tourism sectors.The airline is bracing for a significant revenue drop, estimated between €160 million and €180 million, due to decreased travel to Paris during the Olympic period. Similar trends have been observed in hotel bookings.The avoidance trend observed in Paris presents challenges but also learning opportunities for the aviation industry.As the sector looks forward to the return of normal travel patterns post-Olympics, airlines and associated businesses are poised to adapt and…

Gold Medal announces a thrilling opportunity for travel agents with a self-drive fam trip to California, coinciding with the release of their 2024-25 brochure. This initiative, in partnership with California Tourism and United Airlines, highlights exciting destinations.The strategic collaboration aims to boost agent engagement by offering hands-on experiences in top destinations like San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Yosemite. This initiative is a testament to Gold Medal’s commitment to providing exceptional experiential learning for agents.Gold Medal has unveiled an exciting opportunity for travel agents, offering a self-drive fam trip to California. This initiative celebrates the launch of their USA & Canada…

The A&K Travel Group has made a strategic appointment, bringing Victoria Houston on board as the new agency sales manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Her extensive experience in sustainability and business development is expected to enhance A&K and Cox & Kings’ collaborations.With a background in global business development and sustainability, Victoria Houston is set to lead sales efforts for A&K Travel Group in key regions. Her role will focus on strengthening partnerships and creating memorable travel experiences for clients.A&K Travel Group has appointed Victoria Houston as the new agency sales manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland. This decision leverages…

Recent events have led almost a third of UK holidaymakers to adjust their travel plans. A survey indicates high interest in domestic travel aligning with political events.Despite these changes, the allure of travel remains strong. The majority intend to maintain or increase their travel spending in the coming year, highlighting its priority over other leisure activities.Election-Induced Travel AdjustmentsA significant portion of British travellers, approximately 16%, have adapted their holiday plans to remain in the UK during the upcoming general election. This adjustment reflects their commitment to participate in the electoral process by voting in person. For others, the election has…

Oliver’s Travels has marked a major step in its expansion strategy by acquiring Homes & Provence, adding 23 stunning properties to its French collection.The acquisition reflects Oliver’s Travels’ commitment to providing unique, luxurious holiday experiences by expanding its offerings in the charming region of Provence.Co-founder Oliver Bell describes this acquisition as a milestone, aligning perfectly with the company’s vision for growth and excellence.With this latest acquisition, Oliver’s Travels now boasts a total of 1,250 properties in France, indicating its strengthened position in the market.The company is poised for further expansion, with plans to close two significant deals internationally by the…

Riviera Travel capitalised on the election week by running a strategic poll aimed at collecting valuable feedback from agents. The poll’s findings are set to significantly impact the company’s future strategies, demonstrating Riviera’s commitment to enhancing trade partnerships based on authentic agent insights.Conducted from July 1 to July 5, 2024, the survey offers agents a chance to win cash prizes while providing essential input on trade engagement preferences. This initiative reflects Riviera Travel’s proactive approach in strengthening its collaboration with trade partners, ensuring that agent feedback is an integral part of the decision-making process.The primary aim of the poll was…

Celestyal Cruises is offering remarkable discounts of up to 70% on its voyages. Available for bookings made by August 31, these reductions aim to attract both new and returning customers.The impressive promotion offers a cruise-only price beginning at £249 for a three-night trip in winter, starting from Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Celestyal’s newly introduced programmes extending until early 2027 are included in this offer.Celestyal’s promotional offer stands out by covering its 2024, 2025, and newly introduced 2026 and early 2027 sailings. The cruise line introduces savings potentials of up to 50% across general sailings, coupled with select cabin discounts exceeding 70%.…

Virgin Voyages has introduced a compelling cash booking incentive throughout July, aiming to reward travel agents for their efforts.This initiative, presented as part of the line’s ‘First Mates Appreciation Month’, includes several enticing benefits for agents booking the 2024-25 Mediterranean and ex-UK cruises.Travel agents who make bookings with Virgin Voyages in July will receive a bonus of £50. This bonus is applicable to every Mediterranean and ex-UK cruise booking for the 2024-25 season.Additionally, agents will be entered into a draw for a chance to win £1,000 in ‘First Mate Loot’. This unique currency allows agents to enjoy money off cruises…

Hays Travel has recently integrated 450 new apprentices into its team, enhancing its workforce and operational capabilities.This influx of new talent coincides with the graduation of several apprentices who have completed their training programmes, celebrated in a distinctive event.Hays Travel has welcomed 450 new apprentices into its workforce. This marks a significant addition to the company’s already established team.These apprentices will be stationed at various branches across the UK and at Hays Travel’s head office in Sunderland.Recently, 14 head office apprentices celebrated their completion of the two-year Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship programme.The occasion was marked by a special…