Author: News Team
Prestige Travel is boosting its short-haul team to improve service offerings.A new appointment comes as the company prepares for upcoming strategic developments.Prestige Travel has strategically increased its short-haul specialist team as part of its growth initiative, welcoming Dave Watson as the European sales specialist. With this appointment, the team now consists of five members, poised to enhance service delivery across short-haul destinations. This move underscores Prestige Travel’s commitment to strengthening its operational capabilities and providing exceptional service.Dave Watson brings a wealth of experience to Prestige Travel, with a distinguished career starting at Thomas Cook in West Sussex. His journey from…
Viking Cruises reports significant seasonal losses in its first quarter financial results but remains optimistic about future growth.Net losses for the quarter have more than doubled compared to last year, reaching nearly $494 million.Despite the loss, total revenue shows a year-on-year increase of 14.2% due to fleet expansion and higher occupancy rates.Advanced bookings are strong, with 91% capacity sold for 2024 and 39% for 2025, indicating future stability.The company successfully closed its IPO, raising substantial funds, and continues to prioritise guest satisfaction and employee well-being.Viking Cruises has recently published its first-quarter financial results post its initial public offering in the…
Royal Caribbean Group has unveiled an industry-first loyalty initiative known as the ‘status match’ programme.This programme allows for reciprocal tier status across its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea brands.Introduction to the Status Match InitiativeRoyal Caribbean Group has announced a pioneering initiative in the cruise industry called the ‘status match’ programme, set to commence from June 5. This initiative aims to provide passengers with reciprocal tier status across its three major brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.By aligning the loyalty schemes, members of the Crown & Anchor Society, Captain’s Club, and Venetian Society can enjoy equivalent tier…
The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities in global travel and health systems, necessitating the urgent adoption of robust preventive measures.Solidarity in health strategies and digital innovation is key to ensuring seamless travel, even amid future health crises.Lessons from the PandemicThe Covid-19 pandemic brought global travel to a sudden halt, revealing vulnerabilities in our health and travel systems. It exposed the lack of preparedness and highlighted the need for robust public health infrastructures. Many industries struggled, but perhaps none more so than the travel sector, which was caught unprepared for such a global catastrophe.According to World Travel & Tourism Council president…
The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) is launching a series of focused training events aimed at boosting travel agents’ expertise in selling Antarctic expeditions.These ‘bootcamps’ are set to provide in-depth understanding of the unique offerings and challenges of Antarctic travel, ensuring agents can effectively sell this extraordinary destination.Strategic Training Initiatives for Travel AgentsThe Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has unveiled an innovative approach to boost travel agent competencies through two comprehensive ‘bootcamps’. These sessions aim to enhance agents’ abilities in promoting and selling expedition cruises to Antarctica, a unique and pristine destination. Scheduled for mid-July, the events underscore ECN’s commitment to educating…
Princess Cruises is extending its Japan and Southeast Asia itinerary for the 2025-26 season, promising remarkable experiences for travellers.This cruise line responds to significant demand by introducing diverse itineraries that capture the region’s rich cultural heritage.Expanding Cruise ItinerariesPrincess Cruises has announced an extension to its Japan and Southeast Asia itinerary for the 2025-26 season. This decision comes in response to unprecedented demand for travel to these regions. The cruise line has introduced 11 additional itineraries aboard the Diamond Princess, offering journeys ranging from nine to 22 nights and covering 25 key destinations across Japan and Southeast Asia.The new itineraries include…
Latin Routes has introduced Guatemala as the latest addition to its destination offerings, complementing recent additions in Central America.With plans to cover all of Central America by the end of the year, the operator has launched three new itineraries featuring Guatemala.Currently available offerings include an 18-day tour combining Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico, along with two other itineraries focused on Guatemala alone.The new packages aim to explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Guatemala, including ancient Maya ruins.The expansion strategy underscores Latin Routes’ commitment to providing diverse travel experiences in Central America.Latin Routes has strategically expanded its destination portfolio…
Blue Diamond Resorts has launched an innovative training programme for travel agents.These ‘lunch and learn’ sessions aim to equip agents with key product knowledge and selling techniques.Innovative Training InitiativeBlue Diamond Resorts is pioneering an innovative approach to training travel agents through their ‘lunch and learn’ sessions this summer. These sessions are designed to equip agents with crucial product updates, alongside essential selling tips. By focusing on current offers, discounts, and incentives, the initiative aims to enhance the agents’ ability to market the group’s diverse brand portfolio effectively.The sessions are structured to maximise learning within a compact, 30-minute timeframe. Catering to…
Wonky Sheep Travel, a Cardiff-based agency, is set to launch its inaugural escorted tour to Argentina. This tour aims to commemorate St David’s Day in the Welsh-speaking region of Patagonia.Primarily focused on sports and business travel, Wonky Sheep is expanding its portfolio to include leisure travel, guided by significant demand from clients keen on unique experiences.Wonky Sheep Travel has traditionally been involved in organising sports and business travel. However, the Welsh agency is making a strategic pivot towards the leisure market. This shift was prompted by rising interest from their client base.Dave Dulin, the owner of Wonky Sheep Travel, explained…
Swan Hellenic partners with Blue Marlin Ibiza to offer unique entertainment on a Caribbean cruise.International DJs from Blue Marlin Ibiza will perform on the cruise ship SH Vega.The cruise’s itinerary includes exotic locations in the Caribbean, providing a vibrant club experience at sea.From October 16-22, the cruise will travel from Saint Marteen to Barbados.This innovative collaboration highlights Swan Hellenic’s commitment to offering distinctive travel experiences.Swan Hellenic has announced an exciting collaboration with Blue Marlin Ibiza to deliver a unique entertainment experience onboard a Caribbean cruise. This partnership will see international DJs perform on the cruise ship SH Vega, presenting passengers…