Author: Shawon Hannan

The Palladium Hotel Group is embarking on an exciting journey as it ventures into the Middle East with its renowned Ushuaïa brand.This expansion marks the brand’s first international foray, signalling a commitment to global growth and the introduction of its luxury offerings to a new audience.Strategic Expansion into the Middle EastThe expansion of the Ushuaïa brand marks a significant milestone for the Palladium Hotel Group. The brand, known for its vibrant and dynamic experiences, will establish its presence on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, introducing 442 luxurious rooms to the Middle East. This strategic move not only enhances…

Ponant, a renowned luxury cruise line, is actively enhancing its support for UK travel agents as it seeks to expand within the competitive British market.This move includes appointing a UK country manager and focusing on educational initiatives to strengthen relationships with local agents, ultimately aiming to attract more British passengers to its fleet.Ponant’s Strategic UK ExpansionPonant, a distinguished luxury expedition cruise line, is poised to bolster its presence in the UK by appointing a country manager. This strategic move underscores the company’s intention to strengthen ties with UK travel agents, expanding its influence in the British market. The imminent expansion…

The Royal Caribbean Group has recorded its most successful wave season yet, experiencing unprecedented booking numbers and pricing strategies. This milestone reflects a significant uptick in demand and consumer spending across its brands.Unprecedented Demand and PricingThe Royal Caribbean Group has seen an unprecedented surge in demand and pricing, marking its best wave season ever. Key factors contributing to this success include increased onboard consumer spending at higher price points. The company’s brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, are experiencing newfound popularity. According to Jason Liberty, the group’s CEO, the months leading up to March 31 have been…

Princess Cruises has recently expanded its trade sales team by appointing two new strategic members.This move aims to strengthen the company’s partnerships and business opportunities within the UK market.Princess Cruises has announced a strategic expansion of its trade sales team, with the appointment of two seasoned professionals, Yasmin McKechnie and Josh Smith. These appointments bolster the team to a total of 17 members, demonstrating the company’s commitment to enhancing trade partnerships and business development.Yasmin McKechnie has been appointed as the senior sales manager, effective April 22. She joins Princess Cruises with extensive experience, having served eight years at P&O Cruises…

The Future Travel Coalition is seeking feedback from industry members as the general election approaches.A new survey aims to gauge industry perspectives on bookings, recruitment issues, and pandemic-related debt.The Future Travel Coalition, an alliance of 14 associations, is actively seeking feedback from travel businesses to understand current trends and challenges. This initiative is crucial for preparing ahead of the upcoming general election.The survey invites members of these associations to share insights on booking trends and recruitment challenges, aiming to present a comprehensive picture of the industry’s landscape to policymakers.The survey, open to members of the coalition’s associations, is designed to…

Princess Cruises has strategically bolstered its UK sales team by appointing Yasmin McKechine and Josh Smith to pivotal roles. These appointments underscore the cruise line’s commitment to reinforcing its sales strategy.Strengthening the Sales ForceIn an effort to fortify its presence in the UK market, Princess Cruises has announced the strategic appointment of Yasmin McKechine and Josh Smith to its UK sales team. McKechine, assuming her duties as senior sales manager, is expected to provide support to existing sales managers, focusing on vital accounts and nurturing strategic partnerships. She brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Carnival UK, enhancing…

Aberdeen Airport is revolutionising passenger security with the deployment of state-of-the-art scanners.With the implementation of these advanced systems, passengers can now enjoy a more convenient and efficient security experience.Enhanced Security Measures at Aberdeen AirportAberdeen Airport has recently implemented cutting-edge security measures with the introduction of next-generation scanners. This advancement marks a significant change for passengers, allowing them to keep both liquids and laptops inside their carry-on luggage. This move aligns with the wider security upgrade mandates and surpasses the typical 100ml liquid restriction, now enabling containers up to two litres. This forward-thinking approach is part of a broader initiative to…

The year 2024 has begun on a particularly positive note for G Touring’s Just You and Travelsphere brands.G Touring, the company behind these popular travel brands, has seen a significant boost in sales during the first quarter, marking their most successful period since before the pandemic.G Touring has reported a significant upswing in sales for its Just You and Travelsphere brands in early 2024. According to the company, March marked the highest sales contribution since the pre-Covid era. Solo specialist Just You and guided tour operator Travelsphere have exceeded sales targets, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the…

Norwegian Air Group showcased resilience in the first quarter, reducing its operating losses by over £10 million. This improvement signals a robust strategic direction amidst typical seasonal challenges.The acquisition of Wideroe has strengthened the fleet, adding 49 aircraft and enhancing operational capabilities. While challenges like currency fluctuations and winter disruptions impacted results, the group’s liquidity saw a positive trend.Financial Performance OverviewNorwegian Air Group reported a first-quarter operating loss of £55.7 million, marking a reduction from previous periods. This decrease comes despite the inherent challenges of a seasonally weaker quarter. The completion of the Wideroe acquisition played a significant role in…

Gold Medal successfully hosted an extensive engagement event for over 50 travel agents. The event served as a vital platform for agents to gain insights from key suppliers and equip themselves with the latest industry developments.Held at the company’s Leyland headquarters, the gathering underscored Gold Medal’s commitment to fostering informed and empowered travel agents.Gold Medal orchestrated a significant gathering, the “Access All Areas” event, at its headquarters in Leyland. More than 50 travel agents attended to receive updates from prominent supplier partners. This all-day session was designed to keep attendees informed about the latest developments within the B2B sector, ensuring…