Author: Shawon Hannan

Amidst persistent geopolitical and economic challenges, the European tourism sector is navigating a complex recovery landscape.Despite surpassing pre-pandemic levels in arrivals and overnight stays early in 2024, inflation and conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza pose significant hurdles.Geopolitical Tensions and Economic FactorsThe European tourism industry is grappling with significant challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions and ongoing economic factors. The war in Ukraine continues to disrupt tourism patterns, with notable impacts in Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the conflict in Gaza has led to a substantial decrease in travel from Israel, with arrivals down by 54% compared to the previous…

Recent data reveals significant shifts in cruise preferences among UK travellers. An increasing number are opting for shorter cruises, suggesting a change in consumer behaviour.This shift is attributed to economic factors, which have made brief expeditions more attractive. Consequently, cruise lines have adapted their offerings to meet this new demand.Rising Popularity of Shorter CruisesIn recent times, the UK cruise market has seen a remarkable surge in demand for cruises lasting between two to six nights. Online specialist, cruise.co.uk, reports a 42% year-on-year increase in bookings for such itineraries, which now outsell longer options.This trend highlights that shorter voyages are becoming…

APT & Travelmarvel has strategically appointed Tara Jerrard as the Business Development Manager for Southern England, enhancing their sales force.With a robust background in corporate and airline management, Jerrard is poised to strengthen trade partnerships and drive new business opportunities in the region.Appointment of Tara JerrardAPT & Travelmarvel has announced the strategic appointment of Tara Jerrard as the business development manager for the southern region of England. Her extensive background in senior account management within the airline and corporate sectors, notably with Etihad Airways and ACE Travel Management, positions her as an asset in enhancing the company’s trade partnerships.Jerrard is…

Tara Jerrard has joined APT & Travelmarvel as the new Business Development Manager (BDM) for the South of England. Her extensive experience includes roles with Etihad Airways and Ace Travel Management.Jerrard’s appointment is seen as a significant move to strengthen APT & Travelmarvel’s trade partnerships. Her background in corporate and airline account management will be instrumental in developing new opportunities in river cruising, small ship sailing, and touring.Tara Jerrard takes on her new role with a focus on developing APT & Travelmarvel’s trade partnerships across the South of England. With her extensive background in senior corporate, airline, and agency account…

Norwegian Air’s ambitious summer plans encountered unforeseen obstacles due to extensive air traffic control strikes across Europe. This disruption significantly affected the airline’s capacity to maintain its summer schedule. The situation resulted in unexpected flight cancellations and schedule delays impacting numerous passengers.April was particularly challenging for Norwegian Air, with over half of the cancellations concentrated in a single day. This unprecedented event was exacerbated by the simultaneous closure of airspace in Norway, affecting not only Norwegian Air but also other airlines operating in the region.Impact of European Air Traffic Control StrikesAir traffic control strikes across Europe posed significant challenges for…

The SPAA Sparkle Awards for 2024 are open for nominations, setting the stage for a celebration of the finest in Scottish travel industry talent.Recognising the dedication and expertise of travel professionals, the awards aim to highlight those who make exceptional contributions to customer service and client satisfaction.Celebrating Excellence in Scottish TravelThe 2024 SPAA Sparkle Awards have been announced to honour outstanding travel professionals across Scotland, celebrating their dedication and expertise. These prestigious awards focus on recognising those at the forefront of the travel industry, particularly the frontline staff who deliver exceptional service. A total of 12 categories ensure a broad…

Qantas has faced significant scrutiny following its admission of misleading customers about flight cancellations post-COVID. The airline’s actions involved advertising tickets for flights already marked for cancellation, impacting thousands of customers. This move has triggered legal actions and penalties.The Australian airline, Qantas, recently admitted to misleading consumers by advertising tickets for over 10,000 flights it had already decided to cancel. These so-called ‘phantom flights’ were cancelled without informing ticket holders promptly, a practice that continued from the post-COVID restart until August 2023. The airline’s conduct has been deemed ‘egregious’ and ‘unacceptable’ by authorities.Customers will receive between A$225 to A$450, aiming…

The chilly and rainy weather conditions have shifted consumer preferences towards international holidays.Recent data highlights a notable increase in overseas holiday bookings as travellers seek sunnier destinations.The recent spell of cold and wet weather has significantly impacted domestic travel preferences. Many travellers are opting out of staycations in favour of international getaways. According to findings, a substantial 32% of consumers are prioritising overseas holidays this year, influenced by the less favourable local weather conditions.As domestic travel witnesses a downturn, international holiday bookings are experiencing a marked rise. Research reveals that 39% of surveyed individuals are eager to escape the cold…

Orlando is set to revolutionise its trade with the unveiling of a new website in June. This significant digital overhaul is designed to offer enhanced functionality and accessibility, aligning with the city’s broader strategies for growth and innovation.The updated online platform is poised to offer a seamless and engaging experience for users. By incorporating modern design principles and user feedback, Orlando aims to address the evolving needs of the tourism industry effectively.Orlando is set to introduce a thoroughly revamped trade website come June, marking a significant step in digital transformation. The new platform is designed to be more user-friendly, focusing…

The planned week-long strike at Heathrow Airport has been partially suspended as union representatives and airport management prepare for further discussions.This temporary suspension aims to facilitate meaningful negotiations following heated disputes over proposed outsourcing plans, affecting nearly 800 union members.Strike action was initially called by Unite the union over concerns related to Heathrow Airport’s proposed outsourcing plans.Nearly 800 union members were set to participate in the strike scheduled from May 7 to May 13, following growing discontent regarding job security and operational changes.Unite announced the suspension of strike actions planned for May 7-8 as a gesture of goodwill to encourage…