Author: Shawon Hannan

Swan Hellenic has taken a significant step by partnering with Virtuoso, a global leader in luxury travel networks.This partnership allows Swan Hellenic to expand its reach and enhance its offerings to a worldwide clientele through Virtuoso’s elite platform.The luxury travel market continues to evolve with Swan Hellenic’s recent inclusion in the prestigious Virtuoso network. Virtuoso is renowned for its commitment to excellence in travel, and Swan Hellenic’s alignment with such a network underscores its dedication to offering unparalleled travel experiences. This partnership allows Swan Hellenic to access elite travel agencies across key global markets, providing significant growth opportunities. This strategic…

Air India has announced an exciting upgrade to its Heathrow-Delhi route, aiming to boost capacity and service quality.The latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be introduced, replacing older models and providing a more comfortable travel experience.Increased Capacity and Modern FleetAir India’s recent decision to introduce the Airbus A350-900 on its Heathrow-Delhi route marks a strategic move to enhance its service with increased capacity. The introduction of this aircraft translates to an additional 336 seats being available each week from September 1, a significant expansion that underscores Air India’s commitment to meeting growing passenger demand on this popular route.The Airbus A350-900 will…

At the 2024 Cruise Summit in London, industry leaders converged to explore the future of cruising, focusing on technological advancements and market trends.The event showcased discussions on automation, sustainability, and consumer engagement, offering valuable insights into how these factors will shape the cruise industry’s trajectory over the coming years.Technological Innovations Shaping the FutureThe 2024 Cruise Summit in London served as a confluence for leaders from technology giants like Google and Meta alongside pioneers of the cruise industry to chart the course of future growth. Discussions centred on the dynamic integration of emerging technologies such as automation, augmented reality, and artificial…

Classic Collection is offering an exciting incentive for agents with the launch of a new digital brochure in partnership with Domes Resorts.Agents booking stays at Domes Resorts in July could win a three-night stay, marking a first-time collaboration between the UK operator and Domes Resorts to provide a dedicated brochure.Classic Collection has teamed up with Domes Resorts, aiming to deliver an enriched experience for travel agents and their clients. This new partnership marks Domes Resorts’ initial collaboration with a UK operator to create an exclusive trade brochure.>The collaboration underscores a new milestone in Mediterranean hospitality by promoting relaxed luxury hotels.Agents…

Celestyal Cruises is leveraging its significant growth in the UK market to expand its Arabian Gulf programme. This strategic move aims to further tap into the promising UK market.The company’s decision reflects its proactive approach to adapting to evolving market conditions and enhancing its offerings in key regions like the Arabian Gulf.UK Market Success and Expansion StrategyCelestyal’s impressive performance in the UK market is marked by a triple-digit booking growth in 2024, as per the statement from Janet Parton, the vice president of business development. Her insights reveal a strategic decision to enhance their presence in the Arabian Gulf as…

Lufthansa Group is set to impose a new environmental surcharge on its flights starting January 2025.This decision reflects a response to increasing regulatory pressures and sustainability costs, affecting ticket prices across its network.Introduction of the SurchargeThe Lufthansa Group has announced the implementation of an environmental cost surcharge on its tickets, starting in 2025. This move aims to address the escalating expenses tied to regulatory environmental demands, with surcharges ranging from €1 to €72 based on the specific route and fare.Scope and ApplicationThe surcharge will apply to all flights operated by airlines under the Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels…

The UK retail sector has seen notable advancements in diversity, particularly in leadership roles, yet challenges remain in providing an inclusive environment for all employees. The British Retail Consortium’s latest report highlights significant strides in representation.With an increase in female leadership and ethnic diversity at the executive level, the retail industry is on a path toward greater inclusivity. However, the report outlines that more comprehensive efforts are needed to ensure all employees feel included and valued, addressing concerns of low inclusion sentiment among workers.According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), women now hold more than 43% of boardroom positions in…

Research indicates that a significant number of European consumers support levies on frequent flyers, recognising the environmental impact of air travel.A comprehensive survey highlights this sentiment, signalling a strong push towards sustainable practices in aviation across major markets.Public Support for Frequent Flyer LevyA recent survey across major European travel markets reveals substantial public backing for imposing levies on frequent flyers. The study, which involved over 12,000 adults from countries including the UK, Germany, and France, indicates that half of the respondents view such a levy as a fair policy. This consensus highlights a growing public awareness of the environmental impact…

An array of individuals and companies were honoured for their commitment and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the travel industry.The International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) held its second annual awards at Expedia’s London offices, recognising outstanding contributions.Judges from across the industry acknowledged the inspiring efforts of both winners and finalists in fostering inclusion and equality.Awards categories included DEI Professional, DEI Champion, Inclusive Talent and Recruitment, Allyship Heroes, Female Leader, and Female in Travel Tech.The event highlighted the often unsung progress in DEI, offering a platform for shared learning and celebration.Businesses and individuals within the travel…

The recent efforts to resolve the Aer Lingus pilots’ dispute have been a pivotal focus for Irish travel agents. With industrial action persisting, stakeholders are pushing for talks to yield a beneficial resolution.The ongoing conflict over pay has disrupted a significant portion of Aer Lingus’s operations, prompting calls for immediate dialogue. Stakeholders emphasise the importance of prioritising customer needs and securing a swift end to the stalemate.Background of the DisputeThe Aer Lingus pilots’ dispute has emerged as a significant issue, attracting the attention of numerous stakeholders. Initiated over pay disagreements, the conflict has escalated to industrial action, impacting a wide…