Author: Shawon Hannan
Uber is expanding its travel services into safaris in South Africa.Day trips will be available from Cape Town during high tourist season.Uber Safari vehicles will take consumers to Aquila Private Game Reserve.The offer includes breakfast, lunch, and a game drive to see the big five.This initiative combines convenience with wildlife conservation support.Uber is set to transform the safari experience in South Africa by introducing its new ‘hail a safari’ service. In an effort to diversify its travel offerings and attract a wider audience, Uber is now venturing into exotic wildlife tourism. This forward-thinking move is part of the company’s ‘Go…
The Clia Conference, set to take place in Southampton from May 22 to 24, will introduce a new Expedition Summit, marking a significant moment for the event.This summit will provide delegates with the chance to explore the latest industry trends and innovations, emphasising the importance of expeditions in the modern travel landscape.Introduction of the Expedition SummitThe upcoming Clia Conference, set to run from May 22 to 24, 2025, in Southampton, promises to be a notable event in the travel industry calendar with its introduction of an Expedition Summit. This summit is an eagerly anticipated addition, offering delegates unique opportunities to…
Exploring the complexities of setting global criteria for social sustainability in travel poses significant challenges.The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils a report addressing social sustainability in travel.Christopher Imbsen highlights the difficulties faced in defining universal social sustainability criteria.Cultural diversity and varying social standards complicate global criteria setting.Reports suggest poor labour conditions hinder the travel industry’s sustainability efforts.The report on social sustainability in travel by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the intricate challenges of addressing social impacts globally. Christopher Imbsen, vice-president for research & sustainability at WTTC, highlights that assessing social impacts is more complex compared…
Sustainability in the travel industry varies across companies and markets. Stakeholders express differing priorities in sustainability efforts. Consumer interest in sustainable tourism remains limited. Industry leaders debate responsibility for driving sustainable changes. Varied approaches and strategies are highlighted among major players.Sustainability within the travel sector remains a contentious topic, with varied priorities among different market players. Donat Retif, the chief executive of Loveholidays, incorporates customer feedback into his strategy, noting that sustainability ranks low among consumers’ priorities. “Usually it comes 20th out of 36 criteria in importance,” Retif states, indicating a lack of willingness among clients to pay extra for…
The landscape of corporate travel has faced significant challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses adapt, many continue to question whether the demand for business travel is still lagging.Recent reports indicate that corporate travel has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, despite some improvements. British Airways’ parent company, IAG, highlights this trend, raising concerns within the industry.The state of corporate travel recovery remains uncertain. While some firms report business volumes returning, major airlines like British Airways suggest corporate bookings remain 30-40% below 2019 levels. Chief executives from various companies note improvements in revenue, yet acknowledge ongoing challenges.Pat McDonagh of Clarity Travel…
Amid rising tensions in Lebanon, the UK government has initiated a significant evacuation effort, ensuring the safe return of its nationals. This move comes after a series of flight cancellations and growing regional instability, highlighting the urgency and complexity of the current situation.Government Evacuation MeasuresIn response to the escalating tensions in Lebanon, the UK government has taken decisive action by chartering a commercial flight to evacuate British nationals seeking safety. This initiative comes in light of recent violence, which has left limited options for individuals to exit the country. The prioritisation of vulnerable individuals, including families with children, underscores the…
Content fragmentation presents a critical challenge for the corporate travel industry, demanding urgent and collaborative attention. A newly released white paper released by the Business Travel Association (BTA) outlines the complexities introduced by this issue and calls for unified efforts to address it. The paper, backed by various travel associations, including the Australian Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) and Guild of European Business Travel Agents (GEBTA) in Spain provides a comprehensive analysis of the problem. It highlights the roles of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and offers strategic insights into mitigating the pervasive impacts of fragmented travel content. The Growing…
Gatwick Airport has distinguished itself as the first UK airport to earn the Airports Council International (ACI) Level 1 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation.This accolade is a testament to Gatwick’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for passengers with disabilities through numerous innovative initiatives and collaborations.In a significant move, Gatwick Airport has been awarded the ACI Level 1 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, recognising its dedication to improving access for passengers with disabilities. This pioneering achievement underscores the airport’s strategic focus on inclusivity.The accreditation highlights Gatwick’s adoption of various programmes aimed at enhancing accessibility. These include the introduction of sensory rooms and the Sunflower…
Carnival Corporation has announced unprecedented third-quarter revenue results.The cruise giant’s strategic initiatives have propelled significant financial achievements, including a $1 billion increase in revenue compared to the previous year.Record-Breaking Q3 Revenue and Profit GrowthCarnival Corporation has reported an all-time high in third-quarter revenue, achieving an impressive $7.9 billion. This marks an increase of $1 billion compared to the same period last year. The net income for Q3 has surged by 60%, reaching $1.7 billion, surpassing the June guidance by $170 million. Such financial achievements are attributed to the company’s strategic focus on strong demand and cost-saving opportunities.”This quarter we delivered…
Virgin Atlantic has become the first UK airline to offer cabin crew trained in British Sign Language (BSL). To celebrate this milestone, the airline partnered with Jodie Ounsley, a deaf star from Gladiators, and deaf twin content creators, Hermon and Heroda Berhane, to test its services on a flight from London Heathrow to Washington DC. The initiative, captured in a new film released to mark International Week of Deaf People, highlights Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to making air travel more inclusive. Trained crew members provided in-flight assistance in BSL, ensuring that deaf passengers could navigate the flight, understand announcements, and enjoy…