Author: Shawon Hannan
The travel and tourism industry, despite facing significant economic uncertainties, is showing signs of returning to its former growth trends. Experts express cautious optimism, backed by data-driven insights.At the recent Resilience and Innovation Summit in Sarajevo, industry leaders discussed the factors contributing to this optimistic outlook, highlighting the recovery in international travel and anticipated growth. This article delves into the key insights and projections shared during the summit.Economic Outlook for Travel and TourismThe industry remains cautiously optimistic regarding the global outlook for travel and tourism despite significant economic uncertainty. David Goodger, managing director for Europe of Tourism Economics, stated at…
P&O Cruises is introducing an enticing offer of extra onboard spending money for bookings made this month.Travellers can enjoy up to £520 per balcony cabin on select Mediterranean itineraries if they book by July 15, enhancing their cruise experience.P&O Cruises has launched a promotion offering significant onboard spending money for new select price bookings on specific ships.Applicable on Arvia, Britannia, and Azura, this offer is for voyages between June 20 and October 10, 2026, enhancing the overall travel package.The promotion includes sailings from Southampton on Arvia and Britannia, as well as fly-cruises from Malta aboard Azura.The onboard spending money potential…
Kim Kent’s experience aboard the Queen Mary 2 challenged her preconceptions about ocean cruising. Initially hesitant, she embarked on a journey from Southampton to Hamburg, prompted by her partner’s interest and the ship’s allure. This experience marked a significant shift in her perspective, highlighting the unexpected pleasures of ocean travel.Departing with reservations, Kim Kent’s voyage revealed the sophisticated luxury and diverse activities that define today’s ocean cruising. Her story is one of discovery and transformation, as perceptions were reshaped by the reality of life on the Queen Mary 2.Kim Kent, traditionally not a fan of ocean cruising, found herself reconsidering…
The current cool weather opens a unique opportunity to explore last-minute sailing options with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).With an impressive fleet, NCL caters to diverse travel desires, offering unforgettable voyages throughout Europe.Exploring Last-Minute OpportunitiesThe unexpected chill in the early summer months has left many wondering how best to escape the gloom. While it may not be barbeque weather, this presents an ideal moment for potential travellers to consider a last-minute cruise experience with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). With a fleet designed to cater to diverse preferences, NCL offers a myriad of itineraries that promise both exploration and relaxation.NCL’s commitment to…
Royal Caribbean International has marked a significant milestone with the acquisition of the new ship, Utopia of the Seas, from the renowned French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique.This Oasis-class vessel is slated to commence its inaugural voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering exhilarating three to four-night sailings starting 19 July.The delivery of the Utopia of the Seas represents a crucial expansion in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, epitomising innovation and luxury. This ship is expected to surpass its predecessor, Icon of the Seas, in generating revenue by the year’s end, according to Royal Caribbean’s strategic plans.Michael Bayley, the CEO of Royal Caribbean, emphasised…
June has seen a notable increase in airline capacity, with several destinations experiencing significant growth. Industry analytics highlight remarkable trends in air travel demand.Countries such as Morocco, Cyprus, and Turkey have shown impressive growth, reflecting a robust recovery in international travel. However, traditional destinations like Spain and France are yet to reach pre-pandemic capacity levels.Morocco Leads Airline Capacity GrowthMorocco has emerged as a leader with a substantial 42.8% increase in airline capacity compared to the previous year. This growth translates to 631 flights in June alone. Such figures indicate a heightened interest in the North African destination, pointing towards its…
A-Rosa River Cruises has unveiled an exciting football-themed competition to kick off the UEFA Euro 2024 festivities. The competition offers participants a chance to showcase their football skills and win a £200 night out.Engage and CompeteThe competition encourages agents to put their football talents to the test through an engaging keepie-uppie challenge. Participants can showcase their skills and aim to secure a spot on the prestigious EU-ROSA 2024 league table. The winning agent earns the choice of a memorable team night out or a delightful party, featuring pizza, drinks, and treats, all capped at £200.With opportunities for both physical and…
Travel agents are being urged to increase awareness following the rise of new airline scams that have left many customers vulnerable.Profit, a travel anti-fraud group, is taking proactive steps by advising agents to directly contact their clients if they suspect fraudulent activity, aiming to prevent further financial loss.The travel industry is facing a growing threat of scams, with fraudulent airline booking portals becoming alarmingly prevalent. Many unsuspecting customers are deceived into paying steep fees for selecting airline seats. According to Barry Gooch, the chairman of anti-fraud organisation Profit, the vast majority of agents remain unaware of this emerging scam. Profit…
As the travel industry emerges from the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, vital lessons have come to the fore. One such lesson is the indispensable need for resilience.The path to recovery has been punctuated by significant challenges, underscoring the importance of strategic foresight and adaptability in the face of unforeseen disruptions.Resilience in the Face of UncertaintyThe travel industry has exhibited remarkable resilience in recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, yet the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Sandra Carvao, UN Tourism director for market intelligence, cautions against complacency. “Extreme weather events, following economic conditions and rising travel costs, are the primary…
A-Rosa has introduced a novel competition, engaging travel agents with a football-themed challenge as Euro 2024 commences. This initiative aims to blend professional life with exciting pastimes.The event invites agents to partake in a ‘keepie uppie’ challenge, integrating sports with business endeavours, thus fostering a vibrant and interactive atmosphere within the travel community.A-Rosa’s Initiative to Engage AgentsThe river cruise line, A-Rosa, has launched a unique campaign to engage travel agents in a football-themed competition. The initiative coincides with the start of Euro 2024, adding a sportive twist to the routine of travel agents. This engagement is designed to test the…