Author: Shawon Hannan

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, the UK government has urged its citizens in Lebanon to take immediate action to return home. The current situation has heightened risks, necessitating prompt responses from Britons currently in the region.In light of recent hostilities, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an advisory stressing the urgency of the situation. Britons are strongly encouraged to secure the next available flights out of Lebanon while flights are still operational.The Middle East is experiencing heightened conflict. Iran has launched over 200 ballistic missiles into Israel, further intensifying the regional unrest. This event coincides…

In response to extensive passenger and agent feedback, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to elevate its renowned ‘Free At Sea’ package with the introduction of the ‘More At Sea’ initiative. This enhancement promises to offer passengers a wider range of premium inclusions and benefits, ensuring a more comprehensive cruising experience.Beginning in January 2025, passengers on seven-day or longer voyages can expect additional specialty dining options, improved connectivity, and an upgraded mobile app among other benefits. This move aligns with NCL’s commitment to continuously enhance the guest experience based on valued feedback.Enhanced Specialty DiningNCL is set to overhaul its specialty…

A misleading advertisement by an operator promised a ‘free’ holiday week in Madeira, which led to its ban by the advertising watchdog. The incident raised concerns over transparency in travel marketing, highlighting the complexities of promotional offers and their interpretations.Mercury Holidays advertised a ‘Winter Warmers’ package promising a fourth week for free, triggering consumer complaints about the misleading nature of the offer.The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled against Mercury Holidays after a consumer found that the advertised ‘free’ week wasn’t truly free when booking.ASA noted discrepancies in pricing, where a four-week stay was costlier than a three-week stay, even though…

Disneyland Paris has announced exciting seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas 2024, promising new experiences for visitors.The Halloween Festival begins on October 1, culminating in a special late-night opening on October 31.The Christmas programme kicks off on November 9, featuring a new night-time spectacular launching on January 10, 2025.Visitors can expect new characters, shows, and themed parades during both Halloween and Christmas celebrations.A special New Year’s Eve fireworks display will be held, extending the park hours until 1am.Disneyland Paris has unveiled its detailed plans for the 2024 Halloween Festival and the Christmas celebrations, introducing new and exciting experiences for visitors.…

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a new rewards programme to bolster UK trade relations.This programme expands upon previous initiatives, offering financial incentives for bookings on various Bahamian islands.Travel agents can earn between £10 to £20 per qualifying booking, encouraging greater engagement.The programme is supported by My Booking Rewards, which connects over 15,000 UK agents.Strategically aligned with increased demand, this initiative aims to streamline travel to The Bahamas.The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) introduces a fresh incentive programme to enhance collaboration with UK travel agents. This strategic move is designed to strengthen ties and support tourism…

Barrhead Travel is embarking on a significant rebranding initiative as it prepares to enter its 50th year in 2025.In collaboration with creative agency Designate, the company aims to ensure the brand remains relevant and continues its expansion across various regions.Rebranding for Relevance and GrowthBarrhead Travel has initiated a comprehensive rebranding process to align with its strategic growth objectives. By teaming up with creative agency Designate, the company seeks to redefine its brand image, ensuring it remains relevant in today’s competitive travel market.Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, emphasized the importance of maintaining relevance in the market, stating that…

Belfast International Airport has announced a significant expansion of its flight offerings for the winter season, adding seven new routes.The airport’s new destinations include Prague, Marrakech, and Fuerteventura, promising to boost regional connectivity.Expanding Horizons with New ConnectionsBelfast International Airport has made a significant move by adding seven new flight routes to its winter schedule. This strategic expansion aims to enhance connectivity for passengers traveling within the UK, Europe, and further afield. With over 400 weekly flights and 70 diverse routes now available, the airport is poised to meet growing travel demands, surpassing pre-Covid passenger levels.Record-Breaking Summer SeasonThe airport experienced a…

The travel industry sees a notable advancement with the introduction of a revamped agent portal by American Affairs. This update aims to enhance agent interaction and customer service through innovative technological solutions, reflecting a commitment to excellence. Innovation in Agent Support By introducing the enhanced travel agent portal, the company has taken significant strides to improve its support for agents. This platform features the new ‘Find My Holiday’ tool, designed to streamline the process of identifying trips based on various parameters such as duration and budget. This tool enables agents to tailor holiday options more effectively, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.…

The expedition cruise sector is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, with trade playing a crucial role in its expansion. Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), emphasises the need for robust agent engagement to sustain this development.Recent discussions at ECN’s inaugural conference highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between cruise operators and travel agents. The sector has not only doubled in size over the past five years but is also diversifying with new travel options.The inaugural ECN conference in London signalled strong enthusiasm for expedition cruising, suggesting it will likely become an annual event.The collaborative environment at the…

Hays Travel has unveiled the latest winners of its annual ‘Big Thank You’ initiative. The initiative, now in its third year, continues to surprise and delight employees.As part of the programme, seven staff members will receive monthly payments to assist with their household expenses, and next month, winners will receive even more.Details of the InitiativeHays Travel’s ‘Big Thank You’ initiative is designed to show appreciation for its employees’ hard work and dedication. This year, seven winners are set to receive £500 each month for the next six months to assist with household bills.Winners Announced This MonthThe list of winners for…