Author: Shawon Hannan

Connections Luxury is set to return to Seoul this June, marking its third event in this vibrant city. This upcoming gathering will spotlight Seoul’s luxury industries, uniting a select group of global travel buyers with local suppliers.The event, in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, aims to showcase the city’s unique luxury offerings. Attendees will experience a fusion of business and culture, engaging in activities that highlight Korean traditions.Seoul as a Premier Luxury DestinationSeoul is fast emerging as a key player in the luxury travel sector, attracting discerning travellers from around the globe. The city’s unique blend of tradition and…

Nigel Bishop, the former chief executive of the Guild of Travel & Tourism, has passed away at the age of 82.His dedication to the travel and tourism industry has left an indelible mark, and he is remembered fondly by colleagues and friends alike.Nigel Bishop’s involvement with the Guild of Travel and Tourism began when the organisation was founded in 1994. Over the years, his commitment to promoting best practices and supporting professionals in the industry has been invaluable.He served as the chair of the transport advisory committee and was a chamber council member at the London Chamber of Commerce and…

In an ambitious move to solidify its position in the travel industry, TTC Tour Brands is focusing on strengthening its relationships with UK agents. The company aims to capitalise on the growing demand for touring holidays.With a strategic expansion of its sales team and an increased focus on social media engagement, TTC Tour Brands is poised to enhance its profile and boost its trade business. This initiative is aimed at meeting the substantial appetite for touring experiences in the market.Enhancing Visibility Among UK AgentsTTC Tour Brands is making strides to enhance its visibility among UK travel agents, as it recognises…

A new reader survey has been launched to gather industry insights.This survey seeks contributions from travel agents and cruise lines, aiming to uncover factors influencing recent trends.Survey Objective and ScopeThe cruise industry is witnessing remarkable changes, prompting the need for fresh insights. This survey aims to harness diverse perspectives from travel agents and cruise lines to better understand these dynamics.The survey seeks to identify the key factors driving sales within the cruise industry while also exploring shifts in consumer travel habits. It represents a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to voice their experiences and challenges, ensuring their insights contribute to the…

AmaWaterways has witnessed a significant surge in off-peak season bookings, demonstrating triple-digit growth for March and April departures.This growth is complemented by a 30% increase in Christmas cruise bookings, reflecting changing travel preferences toward quieter times of the year.AmaWaterways’ decision to enhance its February departures for the Rhine and Danube cruises has proved highly successful. This strategic move has resulted in a significant uplift in bookings for March and April, a trend the company plans to continue in 2025. Furthermore, the introduction of pre-orders for its 2025 brochure marks another step in capitalising on this growing interest.The extension of the…

The UK staycation market witnessed a notable increase in bookings over the bank holiday weekend, primarily driven by improved weather and promotional sales.Hoseasons, a key player in the self-catering sector, recorded a 44% rise in trade and direct bookings compared to the previous year.There was a 47% surge in agent sales during the same period, showcasing the effectiveness of strategic marketing efforts.Bookings for later in the month, especially for the Whitsun half-term, were significantly higher, indicating sustained consumer interest.The Great British Super Sale played a crucial role, with the most popular destinations being Devon, Cornwall, Yorkshire, and the Lake District.The…

Celestyal Cruises has embarked on a significant partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi. This agreement promises mutual promotion and collaboration aimed at enhancing tourism in the region.This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was unveiled at the prestigious Arabian Travel Market. It marks a strategic alignment between Celestyal and Abu Dhabi to bolster each other’s presence and offerings.Celestyal Cruises and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) have signed an MOU designed to enhance tourism collaboration. This agreement includes a mutual commitment to promote each other’s offerings in various regions, leveraging Abu…

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are stepping up their game for summer 2025 with a significant capacity increase of 35,000 seats. The expansion involves nine UK airports and highlights the airline’s strategic growth focus.With new routes and extended summer seasons, Jet2 is responding to customer demand and ensuring a wider range of travel opportunities across popular European destinations such as Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Croatia.Jet2’s Strategic ExpansionJet2.com and Jet2holidays are making headlines for their strategic expansion in summer 2025. The companies are increasing their capacity by an impressive 35,000 seats. The capacity hike is across nine UK airports, including the newly launched…

Royal Caribbean has witnessed a remarkable surge in engagement following its strategic partnership with the iconic Eurovision Song Contest. This collaboration aligns with Royal Caribbean’s objective to broaden its audience and strengthen its market presence across Europe, effectively leveraging one of the world’s largest entertainment platforms.Eurovision Sponsorship and Engagement SurgeRoyal Caribbean has strategically partnered with the Eurovision Song Contest, significantly elevating brand engagement. The collaboration promises extensive exposure across 37 operational countries, enhancing visibility beyond the UK and Ireland alone. Ben Bouldin, EMEA vice-president, emphasized the partnership’s potential in connecting with diverse audiences, noting the strong synergy between the global…

Havila Voyages recently hit an operational snag with the Havila Pollux. A critical motor issue led to the cancellation of a scheduled trip, disrupting plans for many.Efforts are underway to address this issue promptly. The company has expressed its commitment to safety and reliability, focusing on restoring services as quickly as possible.Unexpected Technical Challenges EmergeHavila Voyages has faced an unexpected halt in their operations due to a motor malfunction on the vessel Havila Pollux. This issue was discovered during routine testing in Bergen, causing disappointment among guests scheduled for a round-trip from Bergen. The root of the problem was identified…