Author: Shawon Hannan

Hurricane Helene has struck Florida’s Gulf Coast with unprecedented intensity, reeling under winds reaching 140 mph. Initial reports caution against impending severe conditions across the southeastern United States. Experts urge vigilance amidst the unfolding weather crisis.The US National Hurricane Centre has categorised Helene as a category four hurricane, signalling an ‘extremely dangerous’ threat that is likely to affect millions. As Helene moves inland, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe.Impact on Florida’s Gulf CoastHurricane Helene barrelled into Florida’s Gulf Coast, exhibiting winds of up to 140 mph. This formidable force classified it as a category four hurricane,…

The Star Princess, Princess Cruises’ second Sphere class ship, has been successfully floated out at an Italian shipyard. This significant milestone marks the beginning of its journey towards completion.The Star Princess, the second Sphere class ship for Princess Cruises, was recently floated out at an Italian shipyard. This marks its inaugural introduction to water as construction advances toward completion. Boasting a capacity of 4,300 passengers, the Star Princess is a marvel of modern engineering. The ship is scheduled to join the fleet in autumn 2025, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities while adhering to sustainable practices.At the core of Star Princess is cutting-edge…

Uniworld is set to expand its offerings in 2025 with six new themed cruise itineraries, promising unique experiences for varied interests. Among these offerings are cruises exclusively tailored for women and the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.These themed cruises offer more than just traditional sightseeing; they promise immersive experiences, with activities such as truffle hunting, music workshops, and educational excursions. With these, Uniworld aims to cater to the evolving desires of modern travellers, ensuring each journey is memorable and enriching.A Pioneering Experience for WomenUniworld’s first women-only sailing, focusing on the Burgundy and Provence itinerary, is…

The team behind Not Just Travel is preparing for a remarkable journey to Peru, aiming to raise funds for breast cancer awareness through a challenging Inca Trail trek. Their goal is to conquer 25 miles in honour of breast cancer victims and survivors.Scheduled from September 29 to October 9, the hike will see more than 20 participants pushing beyond their limits in support of The Pink Ribbon Foundation. This initiative, titled ‘The Breast Trek Ever’, reflects their dedication to making a meaningful impact.A Mission with PurposeNot Just Travel (NJT) is embarking on a quest that transcends ordinary travel. A group…

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has reported a significant annual rise in passenger numbers, up 15% from the previous year.This growth highlights the ongoing recovery within the travel industry and underscores the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure.Rise in Passenger NumbersLiverpool John Lennon Airport has experienced a notable 15% increase in passenger numbers over the past year, reflecting a significant rebound in travel demand. This growth has brought the airport’s annual total to 4.3 million passengers, which, while promising, still sits 10% below pre-pandemic levels.The upward trend in passenger volumes has been largely attributed to the recovery of the travel sector…

British Airways has announced a strategic move, withdrawing its services from Southampton Airport for the summer of 2025. This decision impacts several seasonal routes that were recently introduced, raising questions about the airline’s future plans and strategies.Introduction of Seasonal RoutesBritish Airways (BA) has announced the withdrawal of its operations from Southampton Airport for the summer of 2025. This decision comes as a surprise, particularly after the airline added seasonal routes to Bergerac and Majorca just four months ago. Additionally, BA had expanded its services to Dublin, Faro, and Malaga, supporting the airport’s connectivity. The decision to pull back affects the…

Caroline Smith steps into her new role as vice president of North America and international marketing at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. With a focus on strategic marketing, Smith’s appointment is pivotal for Regent’s global expansion.Caroline Smith has been appointed as vice president of North America and international marketing at Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This significant role places her at the forefront of global marketing strategy development, directly reporting to Jessica John, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer.Since joining Regent in 2015, Smith has played a crucial part in the company’s management team. Her prior…

The cruise travel industry is experiencing significant transformations, responding to shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics. This evolution is marked by increased collaboration between land-based travel agents and the cruise sector.As the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) notes, there is a noticeable upswing in the involvement of travel agents previously engaged solely in luxury or adventure tourism, now embracing cruise travel as a viable option.Emerging Trends in Cruise TravelThe cruise travel sector is seeing noteworthy changes as industry players adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Andy Harmer of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) emphasises that the landscape is changing, with…

Leading UK tour operators Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays emphasise domestic market expansion as a key priority. Both companies have dismissed immediate plans for overseas expansion, choosing instead to focus on UK growth. Jet2holidays plans to increase capacity at its 12 UK bases, with summer 2025 and 2026 offering more opportunities. easyJet holidays sees the UK and its regions as significant growth areas, deeming the European market to be smaller in comparison. Meanwhile, Loveholidays eyes international markets, showing initial success in Germany. Leading UK tour operators Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays have made it clear that expanding their domestic presence is a…

Vishal Patel, Managing Director of Travelpack, has shared insights into the company’s promising future plans. Travelpack is poised for significant growth, supported by strategic acquisitions and advancements in service efficiency.The company aims to achieve an impressive £85 million turnover this year. This ambition is further driven by their recent business acquisition, signalling opportunities for diversification and expansion across various travel segments.While the UK remains Travelpack’s largest market, Patel is eager to explore international opportunities. There is significant potential in other regions, such as South Africa and Australia.Travelpack’s growth strategy includes tapping into these markets, aligning with Patel’s broader vision of…