Author: Shawon Hannan
Hurricane Helene is set to hit Florida with devastating weather conditions.The US National Hurricane Centre has issued alerts for catastrophic rain and wind.Evacuations have been mandated across 15 counties in Florida.States of emergency are declared in numerous regions for protection.Major disruptions include flight cancellations and potential flooding.Hurricane Helene is rapidly approaching Florida’s northwest coast, bringing with it the threat of severe weather conditions. Warnings of catastrophic rain, strong winds, and storm surges have been issued, prompting widespread concern across the region. The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has highlighted the urgent need for preparedness as Helene gathers strength over the…
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have rolled out their summer 2026 programme with impressive additions, promising expansive growth in the travel sector.With 18.6 million seats now on sale and the inclusion of 22 new routes, they continue to enhance their influence across the aviation and holiday markets.Ambitious Expansion PlansJet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced the launch of their ambitious summer 2026 programme. This latest offering features an impressive addition of over 700,000 seats, putting a total of 18.6 million seats on sale. With 22 new routes added, the total now spans nearly 450 routes, showcasing the companies’ commitment to expanding their destination portfolio.…
Airfares have stabilised, yet they remain at elevated levels due to soaring operational costs, asserts Virgin Atlantic’s chief commercial officer.Speaking at the Future of Travel Conference, Juha Järvinen emphasised how increased expenses are impacting fare levels, despite recent gains in revenue.Juha Järvinen, the chief commercial officer of Virgin Atlantic, recently addressed the stability of airfares. Despite a seemingly stable market, he noted that fares have reached a plateau, primarily driven by escalating operating costs. Järvinen remarked, “We’ve reached a plateau due to increased costs in salary, suppliers, and operational factors.” This points towards a complex situation where costs dictate fare…
The death of Ashley Close profoundly affected Holiday Extras, prompting an earnest commitment to mental health awareness. His passing spurred an organisational initiative focused on men’s mental health, a once-taboo topic now openly discussed amongst staff.Through establishing support groups, ‘walk and talk’ sessions, and activities like craft nights, Holiday Extras seeks to foster community and prevent mental health issues. This initiative underscores a broader cultural shift within the company towards prioritising employee well-being, illustrating a sincere response to a deeply personal loss.The Impact of Ashley Close’s PassingAshley Close, a highly regarded member of the Holiday Extras team, passed away at…
Crystal Cruises is set to enhance its trade support network with strategic new hires.These appointments are aimed at boosting service delivery and regional sales initiatives.Enhancing Regional Sales EffortsCrystal Cruises is focusing on strengthening their trade support by recruiting key personnel for regional sales, including the appointment of Ryan Bishop as the regional sales manager for the South of the UK. With a solid background in the cruise industry, Bishop joins from Seabourn and Viking, and will report to senior sales manager Stephen Joyner.Bishop’s expertise is expected to bolster regional partnerships and enhance service delivery in these key territories. His new…
Norwegian Cruise Line is capitalising on strategic growth to enhance service delivery. The company’s fleet expansion plays a crucial role.By targeting unserved markets and increasing customer-focused offerings, NCL strengthens its position.Strategic Expansion and Market PenetrationNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has strategically expanded its operations by addressing previously unserved or underserved markets. This strategic initiative has been made possible due to the recent growth in the NCL fleet, allowing the company to offer passengers more options. David Herrera, NCL’s President, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing guests with what they want through increased capacity.The additional capacity has strengthened its footholds in traditional…
Crystal Cruises is reinforcing its trade strategy by bringing on board three seasoned professionals. This move aims to bolster the company’s market presence and enhance its sales performance across key regions.The appointments include Ryan Bishop, Michael Steffl, and Ana Torres, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. Crystal is committed to delivering personalised support to its partners, emphasising its focus on expansion within the UK and EMEA.Ryan Bishop Joins as Regional Sales ManagerRyan Bishop, previously a cruise director with Seabourn and Viking, steps into his new role as the regional sales manager south for Crystal. In his capacity, Bishop…
Protected Trust Services (PTS) has outlined a goal to grow its membership to 1,000 within the next five years. The company has initiated a rebranding effort to boost its visibility and appeal to new members.Currently supporting around 400 travel agents and tour operators, PTS has launched a new logo, straplines, and a simplified website to enhance its market presence.Over the past year, Protected Trust Services has witnessed significant growth with the addition of 200 new members. This positions the organisation as a notable player, currently accounting for 12% of all Atol licences within the UK market. The surge in membership…
The Travel Corporation (TTC) announces a significant leadership change as Gavin Tollman plans to step down following the company’s acquisition by Apollo Funds.Melissa DaSilva has been appointed as the interim chief executive officer of TTC Tour Brands, a role she will assume immediately.Gavin Tollman will depart The Travel Corporation following the completion of the sale to Apollo Funds. This marks the end of an era for the company as Tollman has been an instrumental figure since the inception of TTC Tour Brands. He will assist Melissa DaSilva during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover.Melissa DaSilva, formerly president of…
Despite reports indicating a decline in consumer confidence, the travel industry remains resilient. Sales figures for September have defied expectations, with particular strength seen in the cruise sector.This unexpected robustness suggests that consumers are prioritising travel, even amidst economic uncertainty. Both agents and operators report positive trends, showcasing the steadfast appeal of travel. Their insights underscore the industry’s adaptability.Consumer Confidence Versus Travel DemandThe recent reports of declining consumer confidence, as indicated by GfK’s Consumer Confidence Barometer, suggest a worrying economic outlook. However, the travel industry seems to be resisting this trend. Travel agents and tour operators have reported exceptional sales…