Author: Shawon Hannan

Crystal Cruises has announced a key leadership change, promoting Stephen Joyner to senior sales manager for the UK & Ireland.This strategic move comes as the company consolidates its trade reservations operations and appoints new roles to enhance its presence in Europe.Strategic Leadership Changes at Crystal CruisesIn a significant move, Crystal Cruises has announced the promotion of Stephen Joyner to the position of senior sales manager for the UK & Ireland, following the departure of Andrew Magowan. Joyner joined the company earlier this year from A-Rosa and is set to enhance trade distribution and commercial outreach. His new role will focus…

Intrepid Travel has appointed Rochelle Turner as the new global B Corp impact manager, marking a significant step in their sustainability journey. Turner brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Exodus Adventure Travels.With over 20 years in sustainability and corporate responsibility in travel and tourism, Turner is set to elevate Intrepid’s efforts to new heights. Her appointment is expected to drive impactful changes in the company’s social and environmental strategies.Rochelle Turner, previously head of sustainability at Exodus Adventure Travels, steps into the role with a solid foundation in sustainable practices. Her background includes senior roles at World…

Star Clippers is engaging travel agents through an inventive window display contest, offering a summer picnic reward worth £250. The initiative encourages agencies to creatively showcase Star Clippers while fostering relationships.The window display competition is part of a broader strategy to boost Star Clippers’ visibility among UK high street agencies. The trade sales team will visit participating agencies to assess displays, ensuring alignment with the brand’s nautical theme.Encouraging Creativity through CompetitionTravel agencies are invited to participate in a unique competition hosted by Star Clippers, aimed at invigorating support and creativity within the industry. The challenge involves designing captivating window displays…

Colletts Travel reports a notable rise in last-minute summer bookings, underscoring a shift in travel preferences.The travel operator attributes this increase to competitive pricing and attractive packages in destinations like Greece, France, and the Maldives.There is sustained interest in Caribbean travel even during off-peak periods, highlighting consumer demand for value and family-oriented options.Touring in South America is gaining popularity, with the Amazon and Galapagos being major draws for travellers.Independent travel advisors are facilitating spontaneous bookings, ensuring tailored and worry-free travel experiences.Colletts Travel has announced a significant 30% increase in last-minute summer holiday bookings, reflecting a growing trend towards spontaneous travel…

Seaside Collection has appointed Victoria Wake as the UK sales manager. Her role focuses on sales growth in the UK.She is tasked with enhancing brand recognition, particularly for Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives and Grand Hotel Residencia.New Leadership at Seaside CollectionSeaside Collection has welcomed a seasoned professional, Victoria Wake, into the newly established role of UK sales manager. Her appointment underscores the group’s commitment to expanding its footprint within the UK market. Victoria Wake is tasked with driving both sales and brand recognition, specifically focusing on two prominent resorts: Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll in the Maldives and Grand Hotel Residencia…

The City of Edinburgh Council’s ban on advertising flights and cruises in municipal spaces has received criticism from the SPAA, highlighting concerns over its impact on the travel industry.The controversial policy is aimed at reducing carbon emissions but faces opposition from industry leaders who argue it neglects recent advancements in sustainable travel.Edinburgh’s Advertising Policy Under ScrutinyThe recent decision by the City of Edinburgh Council to impose a ban on the advertising of flights and cruises in council-owned spaces has sparked a considerable debate. This move is part of an effort to align with stringent net-zero targets, aimed at reducing carbon…

The European Court of Justice has delivered a landmark ruling favouring airlines regarding delay compensation.Clarifying the interpretation of ‘exceptional circumstances’, this decision impacts how passenger compensation claims are assessed.Background of the European Court’s DecisionThe European Court of Justice’s recent decision marks a significant turn in the ongoing dialogue between airlines and consumer rights advocates. The ruling has clarified the legal stance on what constitutes ‘exceptional circumstances’ under EU Regulation 261, which has long been a point of contention. This regulation mandates compensation for passengers who face delays exceeding three hours, barring unavoidable exceptional circumstances.The case in focus was brought forward…

Travel Zing marks a milestone with its new shop on Duke Street, bringing back in-person engagement.The pandemic had pushed the agency to remote operations, but rising demand led to this revitalised presence.Situated on Duke Street, the newly launched Travel Zing shop marks a significant return to in-person business for the Edinburgh travel agency. The celebratory event on May 28 welcomed a mix of existing and new customers, highlighting the business’s strong community ties.After three years of remote operations, the decision to reopen was driven by a heightened demand for face-to-face interactions. Owner Laura Hibbert expressed delight at the return of…

Wizz Air’s growth trajectory was recently hindered by technical challenges. Engine-related issues led to a significant grounding of aircraft, impacting capacity growth.The airline’s ability to adapt and respond strategically to these challenges is a testament to its operational resilience. This situation, however, underscores broader industry vulnerabilities tied to supply chain dependencies.Impact of Engine Groundings on CapacityThe recent engine-related groundings have significantly impacted Wizz Air’s capacity growth. In May, passenger numbers increased by a modest 2.1% to reach 5.1 million. Capacity, however, experienced only a 1.2% rise due to 45 grounded Airbus aircraft. This grounding stemmed from a recall of GTF…

Air Canada is set to enhance its travel offerings by expanding services to India this winter, leveraging London Heathrow as a key hub.This strategic move is aimed at improving connectivity for passengers travelling between Canada and India, offering more options and convenience.Enhanced Connectivity to IndiaAir Canada has strategically expanded its operations to improve connectivity between Canada and India. This expansion includes a new seasonal service between London and Delhi. By leveraging Heathrow as a connecting hub, passengers from western Canada have increased access to transatlantic routes, notably those originating from Calgary and Vancouver.This development is expected to serve not only…