Author: News Team
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is set to embark on a thrilling new season with its 2026 Worldwide Discoveries Collection, featuring over 163 itineraries that span 278 ports across 50 countries. This exciting venture aims to captivate travellers with unique experiences and exclusive voyages.The Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II yachts will navigate an expansive array of destinations. Highlights include a solar eclipse adventure in Greenland and Iceland, a festive Christmas voyage in Antarctica, a US 250th anniversary journey from New York, and a thrilling Monaco Grand Prix sailing. The new itineraries promise unforgettable memories for all.To mark the launch,…
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK is urging the next UK government to intensify its support for sustainable practices within the cruise industry.During the 2024 Cruise Summit in London, CLIA UK’s managing director, Andy Harmer, emphasised the need for accelerated sustainability efforts, highlighting the critical importance of government intervention to enhance infrastructure and alternative fuel availability.In a compelling appeal, Andy Harmer outlined the cruise industry’s pressing need for government-backed initiatives. Harmer identified the availability of alternative fuels and robust port infrastructure as crucial growth areas. He asserted that to match the strides made by Europe, the UK must prioritise…
In an impressive financial turnaround, Advantage Travel Partnership has reported a substantial increase in its net profit for the year ending September 30, 2023.The consortium’s pre-tax net profit nearly doubled, reaching £1.2 million, a testament to its post-Covid transformation efforts.Financial Performance and TurnoverAdvantage Travel Partnership’s financial results for the year ending September 30, 2023, reveal a robust increase in net profit and turnover. The group’s pre-tax net profit soared to nearly £1.2 million, up from £619,815 the previous year, while the group turnover increased from £21.5 million to £33.2 million.Total global sales turnover for the consortium’s members reached £15.6 billion,…
Ambassador Cruise Line has announced the promotion of Karen Cameron to Deputy Head of Trade. This move is designed to strengthen partnerships with UK agents.Strategic Leadership ChangeKaren Cameron, having joined Ambassador Cruise Line in February 2023 as the Divisional Sales Manager for the North, has swiftly risen to the position of Deputy Head of Trade. Her promotion is part of the company’s wider strategic plan to enhance collaboration with UK-based agents. Cameron will officially commence her new role on 1 July and is set to utilise her vast experience across the travel sector to drive the company’s sales and relationship-building…
The UK expedition cruise market is experiencing exceptional growth, outpacing its international counterparts. Recent reports indicate that significant increases in bookings are further bolstering this thriving sector.In the first half of 2024, more than two-thirds of Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) members noted a rise in bookings. Even more impressively, some members reported almost a 90% increase in year-on-year bookings, underscoring the robust expansion of the market.According to recent data from the Expedition Cruise Network, around 25% of its members report that the UK market is growing at a much faster pace compared to other regions. These insights highlight an upward…
Classic Collection is gearing up to host 250 travel agents at a series of exclusive events leading to the Agent Achievement Awards in July. This includes a VIP dinner and lunch before the main ceremony.Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Classic Collection is poised to celebrate its agent partners’ achievements. With activities like a VIP dinner, the event is set to be an icon in the travel industry calendar.Exclusive Events for AgentsClassic Collection will commence the celebrations with a VIP dinner and pre-event cocktails ahead of the awards. Held at the prestigious Park Plaza Westminster Hotel, these events are set…
Tourism’s rapid expansion necessitates careful management to prevent overtourism challenges. Recent events in popular destinations highlight the urgency of this issue. The UN’s Tourism Director emphasises the importance of sharing benefits equitably.The issue of overtourism has resurfaced as a significant concern, particularly in high-demand destinations. Recent protests in locales such as Palma, Mallorca, and Tenerife underscore the critical need to effectively manage tourism flows. Sandra Carvao, the UN Tourism Director, articulates the sentiment succinctly: ‘Tourism is challenged if tourism flows are not managed.’ This encapsulates the broader necessity for structured regulation and strategic oversight.Involving governmental bodies across sectors is essential…
Aer Lingus pilots have made a decisive move towards industrial action, highlighting a pressing dispute over pay. The development marks a critical juncture in negotiations with the airline.A substantial majority of the pilots, represented by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa), have voiced their support for action, seeking pay increases exceeding 20%. This indicates a deep-rooted concern and demand for better compensation.Background to the DisputeAer Lingus pilots, represented by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa), have overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action in their pursuit of significant pay increases. The union confirmed that nearly all of its 668 members…
The cruise industry is at a pivotal point concerning environmental responsibility. As cruise lines advance in sustainability, ports lag in the necessary infrastructure.Shore power emerges as a critical solution, allowing ships to use local electricity instead of onboard fuel while docked. Yet, the implementation remains inconsistent across regions.Current Status of Shore Power CapabilityPorts are increasingly seen as essential components in reducing the cruise industry’s environmental impact. Shore power, the ability for ships to plug into a land-based power grid while docked, is pivotal in this effort. However, significant discrepancies exist between cruise lines and ports regarding the availability and implementation…
A leading night train operator has unveiled plans for a sleeper service connecting the UK to the Alps.‘Slow travel’ is gaining traction, offering an eco-friendly alternative to flying for ski enthusiasts.Introducing the ‘Good Night Train’Plans have been announced by European Sleeper, a Belgian-Dutch enterprise, to introduce an overnight train service known as the ‘Good Night Train.’ This service aims to connect Brussels to Venice, travelling through key locations such as Innsbruck. This particular route is designed to attract ski enthusiasts from the United Kingdom using the Eurostar and a dedicated coach service, creating a seamless travel experience.Scheduled to run outbound…