Author: Shawon Hannan
Specialist travel operator Captivating Cuba has unexpectedly ceased trading as an ATOL holder, shaking the travel industry and leaving both agents and consumers wary. The announcement by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) points to serious operational disruptions.Civil Aviation Authority’s AnnouncementThe Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has officially disclosed the cessation of trade by specialist operator Captivating Cuba, following its long-standing service as an ATOL holder. Despite continuing to operate its website, the company, based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, experienced an operational failure last Friday. Efforts to contact the company through its telephone line were met with unavailability, signifying the abrupt nature of…
New findings indicate a notable drop in city break costs across popular destinations, reflecting economic shifts.More than 50% of city break destinations have seen a decrease in tourist expenses, attributed to a stronger sterling and reduced accommodation prices.Vilnius emerged as the most affordable city for a short break, with Amsterdam topping the list as the most expensive.Price comparisons include costs of common holiday expenses such as meals, drinks, and short-term accommodation.Planning is advised as costs vary significantly between cities, despite the general trend of price reduction.The latest survey by Post Office Travel Money reveals a significant decrease in the cost…
Scenic Eclipse, a leader in luxury cruising, has completed a series of strategic refurbishments. The enhancements come just in time for the Mediterranean summer season.From state-of-the-art spa facilities to upgraded dining areas, these renovations are designed to heighten the overall passenger experience.The Scenic Eclipse has undergone significant enhancements to its facilities in preparation for the upcoming summer season. Among the most notable upgrades is the ship’s spa, which now includes a new relaxation room offering breathtaking ocean views. Guests can enjoy the addition of infrared sauna seats and salt therapy loungers, enhancing the relaxation experience on board.In another bid to…
Seabourn has announced Tom Andrews as its new sales director for the UK and EMEA.With a rich history in the cruise industry, Andrews pledges to strengthen partnerships with agent partners.Tom Andrews’ Appointment and ExperienceTom Andrews, a seasoned professional within the cruise industry, has been appointed as the new sales director for Seabourn in the UK and EMEA. He replaces Wendy Lahmich, who recently announced her departure from the company. This appointment marks a significant transition for Seabourn as it aims to strengthen its market presence.With an impressive track record at Cunard as the senior manager of commercial planning, Andrews brings…
Dawson & Sanderson has embarked on a progressive journey by taking its apprentices on a fam trip to Spain, marking a significant milestone in their training.This hands-on experience, in collaboration with Jet2.com and H10 Hotels, is designed to elevate the apprentices’ understanding of the travel industry, bolstering their confidence and expertise.Empowering Apprentices Through Real-World ExposureDawson & Sanderson recently facilitated a fam trip for its apprentices, providing them with invaluable on-the-ground experience in Spain. This initiative, made possible in partnership with Jet2.com and H10 Hotels, marks a significant step in their professional development. Each apprentice experienced the intricate facets of travel…
Tom Andrews has been appointed as the new director of sales for Seabourn, covering the UK and EMEA regions. He steps into the role as Wendy Lahmich prepares to step down.With an impressive background from his tenure at Cunard, Andrews brings extensive knowledge and expertise that Seabourn is keen to leverage for strategic growth.Tom Andrews’ Career ProgressionTom Andrews has been appointed as the new director of sales for the UK and EMEA at Seabourn. Andrews, who will take on the role in the coming summer, is succeeding Wendy Lahmich. Currently serving as the senior manager of commercial planning at Cunard,…
In a remarkable achievement, Travel Counsellors has been recognised for the third time as one of the ‘Best Places To Work’ in the UK. This distinction, awarded by The Sunday Times in partnership with WorkL, underscores the company’s commitment to excellence in employee engagement and wellbeing.The accolade highlights Travel Counsellors’ dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment that supports diversity in gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and ability. The recognition is based on a comprehensive survey and evaluation of over 300 staff members, revealing high levels of satisfaction and pride among employees.Commitment to Employee WelfareTravel Counsellors has consistently demonstrated a strong…
Manchester Airport has reported a significant passenger surge in April, reaching over 2.4 million travellers, thereby surpassing the previous April record. This remarkable achievement underscores the airport’s status as a key player in the UK’s aviation sector.In April, Manchester Airport recorded a remarkable influx of over 2.4 million passengers, surpassing its previous record set in April 2019 by 25,000. This achievement represents an increase from 2023’s 2.2 million passengers. The airport attributed this surge to popular flight destinations such as Dublin, Amsterdam, and Dubai, as well as holiday hotspots including Alicante and Tenerife.Holiday destinations were also in high demand, with…
The latest Gold Medal brochure is a comprehensive guide for families seeking memorable holidays. It features an array of destinations tailored to different family needs.With destinations that include Orlando, Dubai, Thailand, and Mauritius, the brochure categorises options to make holiday planning a breeze. Travellers can explore diverse attractions suitable for various age groups and preferences.Gold Medal’s Family Getaways 2024-2025 brochure offers a well-curated selection of holidays. Designed to cater to families of all sizes and ages, it includes categories such as Perfect for Pre-Schoolers, School’s Out for The Summer, Travelling with Teens, and Families Travelling Together. Each category ensures that…
TUI has been recognised as one of the top ten employers in the UK, according to the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Work league.This accolade highlights TUI’s commitment to creating a positive work environment for its extensive workforce.Recognition Among Top EmployersThe Sunday Times’ annual Best Places to Work league features TUI in the category for very big organisations, which includes companies with over 2,000 employees. TUI’s inclusion among the top ten underscores its significant achievements in fostering a supportive workplace culture. Other notable companies in this category include Octopus Energy, Vitality, and David Lloyd Clubs.Furthermore, TUI received high commendation…