Author: News Team

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…

Anne Williams has announced her decision to leave her role as Marketing Director at Hotelplan UK.After a notable tenure of over five years, Williams seeks new professional opportunities, expressing mixed emotions about her departure.During her tenure, Anne Williams was instrumental in pioneering various innovative marketing strategies. Her leadership was marked by the successful transformation of Inghams, a legacy brand, into one with a bold new identity. This transformation reflected a strengthened sense of purpose, aiming to resonate with a modern audience while honouring the brand’s heritage.Through these channels, Williams aimed to inspire creativity within her team, fostering an environment where…

Global Ports Holding has reported a notable 46% increase in passenger numbers. This rise underscores the successful growth trajectory of the cruise sector.The surge in passenger numbers is accompanied by a 47% rise in financial returns, indicating strong sector performance.The world’s largest cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding, has recorded a remarkable 46% increase in passenger numbers over the past year, reaching 13.4 million. This growth is attributed to the expansion of operations with the inclusion of new ports and the overall growth in the cruise sector. This surge reflects the industry’s upward trajectory.Global Ports Holding reported an impressive increase…

Travellers are now advised to allow extra time for check-in at Birmingham Airport due to ongoing construction and security updates.Given the development of new security facilities and recent changes in airport regulations, passengers are encouraged to arrive earlier to ensure a smooth journey.Increased Check-In Time RecommendationsTravellers departing from Birmingham Airport should now plan to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flights, with an advisory of four hours for long-haul destinations. This guidance aims to accommodate the ongoing development of a new £50 million security area, which is expected to enhance future travel experiences.The airport, in collaboration with travel…

Ambassador Cruise Line has unveiled a double booking incentive for agents to encourage winter sailings. This special promotion begins today and offers unique opportunities for agents booking trips from several UK ports.With the aim to boost winter bookings, Ambassador Cruise Line is rolling out an attractive offer for travel agents. This initiative promises rewards in the form of uncapped Love2Shop vouchers, providing added value for bookings on select itineraries and departures.Ambassador Cruise Line’s new offer is set to motivate agents to increase bookings for winter sailings. It includes uncapped £20 Love2Shop vouchers for bookings made before July 10, applicable to…