Author: News Team

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…

P&O Cruises Australia will disappear next year as operations are integrated into Carnival Cruise Line.This transition will see the rebranding of Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, while Pacific Explorer exits the fleet.Carnival Cruise Line will expand its presence in the South Pacific with four ships, enhancing operational efficiency.The move is driven by strategic aims to optimise Carnival Corporation’s global brand portfolio amidst higher regional costs.Carnival reassures existing passengers that current itineraries remain unaltered, with customer notifications on the way.P&O Cruises Australia, a distinguished brand within the cruise industry, is set to vanish as its operations are absorbed into Carnival Cruise…

Recent data highlights a slowdown in spending growth at travel agencies, marking the lowest since last August. This trend reflects broader economic challenges.Despite these hurdles, the travel sector remains relatively robust, with consumers prioritising experiences over other discretionary expenditures.Overview of Spending Growth TrendsCard spending in travel agencies recorded a modest 4.3% growth in May, which marks a decline from 7.1% observed in the preceding months. Despite this drop, the sector still outpaces many others, indicating resilient consumer interest in travel services.This represents the lowest growth level since August 2023, attributed to various economic factors impacting consumer spending habits. The reduced…

Cunard honours the vibrant city of Liverpool by naming it the godparent of their latest maritime marvel, Queen Anne. This symbolic gesture signifies the enduring relationship between Cunard and its spiritual home, Liverpool.The announcement, made during the Queen Anne’s grand naming ceremony, underscores Liverpool’s cultural significance and its historical ties to Cunard. Five iconic figures from the city were chosen for this momentous occasion, reflecting Liverpool’s rich contribution to arts and culture.The decision to name Liverpool as godparent to Queen Anne transcends local boundaries, positioning the city as a beacon of maritime legacy on the world stage. It reinforces the…

In a historic gesture, Cunard has chosen Liverpool as the godparent for its newest ship, Queen Anne, illustrating the deep connections between the two.This appointment recognises Liverpool’s significant role in maritime history and its enduring relationship with the cruise line, which dates back over 180 years.Cunard’s Historical Ties with LiverpoolIn a move that deviates from tradition, the City of Liverpool has been honoured as the godparent of Cunard’s latest vessel, Queen Anne. This selection is deeply rooted in the profound 184-year history they share, beginning with Cunard’s inaugural transatlantic crossing in 1840 from the city’s Royal Albert Dock.Cunard and Liverpool…

FTI Group, Europe’s third-largest tour operator, has sought insolvency protection, sparking widespread industry concern. This significant development highlights the intricate financial challenges facing major operators today.Despite recent investor engagement, FTI’s financial instability underscores the volatility present in the travel industry. Efforts to assist affected travellers are underway, reflecting the company’s commitment to mitigating disruptions.Filing for Insolvency amid Financial StrainsFTI Group, the third-largest tour operator in Europe, has filed for insolvency, creating significant repercussions within the travel industry. The decision comes after a complex investor process failed to meet expectations, leading to an increased liquidity crisis. Only FTI Touristik, a primary…