Author: Shawon Hannan

Riviera Travel is set to enhance its Mekong River fleet with the introduction of the 70-passenger Victoria Mekong from 2026. The vessel, launched in 2019, boasts 33 staterooms and two suites, each with a private balcony, and a range of amenities including a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library, movie room, and spa.This expansion aims to offer an enriched travel experience through Vietnam and Cambodia with novel itineraries that include 15-night and 14-night voyages. The company plans to offer six departures in 2026, showcasing its commitment to innovation in river cruising.Introducing the Victoria MekongThe Victoria Mekong, a ship launched in…

The Scottish travel industry is mourning the loss of Denise Holmes, an esteemed professional and influential figure throughout her extensive career. Her passing has left a significant void in the community, with many expressing their deep condolences and respect for her contributions.Denise Holmes dedicated nearly 20 years to Thomas Cook in Scotland, managing one of their flagship stores before advancing to the regional manager position. Her exceptional leadership and strategic skills paved the way for substantial growth and success during her tenure.Holmes played a pivotal role in the Scottish operations of Emirates, where she was instrumental in launching services in…

Responsible Travel is spearheading a movement towards sustainable tourism, tackling carbon reduction with innovative initiatives.With a focus on renewable energy and community empowerment, they are leading a transformative journey within the travel industry.Responsible Travel, a leading figure in sustainable tourism, has launched over 500 holidays featuring accommodations powered by renewable energy. This initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Their latest impact update reveals a 3.2% decrease in CO2 emissions per passenger per day over the last year, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.The company’s portfolio now includes more than 860 holidays led by female entrepreneurs. These trips focus on benefiting…

Riviera Travel is set to launch an updated Mekong River itinerary in 2026. This will be offered on the newly introduced ship, the Victoria Mekong.The itinerary promises an immersive exploration of Vietnam and Cambodia, ensuring a unique travel experience for guests. With luxurious amenities and a thoughtfully crafted journey, Riviera Travel aims to redefine river cruising in Southeast Asia.Introducing the Victoria MekongThe Victoria Mekong, launched in 2019, is a state-of-the-art vessel featuring 33 staterooms and two suites. Each accommodation offers private balconies for stunning river views. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library, games…

Not Just Travel aims to achieve a £1 billion annual turnover within the next five years by capitalising on its existing strengths.With strategic investments in partnerships, training, and technology, the company anticipates substantial growth primarily driven by its current consultants.Co-founder Steve Witt predicts the agency’s sales will significantly increase, largely attributed to existing talent rather than new hires.Witt highlighted that investments in supplier relationships and technology have been pivotal, enabling consultants to enhance their performance.Enhancing relationships with suppliers such as Virgin Voyages has yielded remarkable results.Future plans include replicating this success with airlines, hoteliers, and tourist boards, aiming for similar…

Danny Waine, Abta’s esteemed head of membership, is set to leave his role at the close of the year, commencing a new chapter in his career. His tenure was marked by strategic support and guidance for members during pivotal industry shifts.Waine’s departure comes as part of personal aspirations and a relocation plan. His contributions over the years have left an indelible mark on the organisation, characterised by his adept handling of challenges during tumultuous times within the travel industry.Danny Waine, the head of membership at Abta, will be departing the organisation at the end of the year. Waine’s departure marks…

Tui Group has reaffirmed its forecast to achieve a significant increase in annual profits, driven by strong summer bookings and positive trading momentum. The company’s performance highlights its resilience and strategic agility in the competitive travel market.The latest update reveals a promising outlook for both short- and long-haul destinations, as well as an expanding in-house hotel portfolio and cruise offerings. This positions Tui Group favourably for sustained growth in the upcoming financial year.Tui Group has reported a notable increase in summer bookings, with a year-on-year rise of six per cent, resulting in 1.4 million additional bookings. The total for the…

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recognises the substantial benefits of engaging directly with travel agents, leading them to expand their UK trade sales team.Following the restructuring of its trade team earlier this year, NCL is set to further enhance its presence in the UK market.UK Expansion PlansNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is strategically expanding its UK trade sales team in light of the burgeoning advantages of direct engagement with travel agents. This initiative follows a significant restructuring at the beginning of the year, which saw the introduction of two new field-based roles and a training-focused position for industry expert Laura Croft.Gary Anslow,…

A devastating hurricane has struck Mexico’s Pacific coast, triggering widespread safety warnings and emergency responses. Here are the critical developments from this significant event.Hurricane John brought powerful 120 mph winds to Mexico’s southern coast overnight, causing severe damage.The storm prompted a travel warning as it made landfall, affecting areas from Guerrero to Chiapas.Authorities have urged residents to evacuate and seek shelter to ensure safety from life-threatening conditions.Emergency operations are underway, with shelters established and personnel deployed to manage the crisis.In a dramatic turn of events, Hurricane John unleashed its fury on the southern coast of Mexico, bringing with it winds…

A Spanish court has mandated Ryanair to stop making negative comments about eDreams Odigeo, escalating a dispute between the two firms.This ruling follows an injunction that suppressed certain statements by Ryanair against eDreams, creating legal tensions.Court Injunction Against RyanairThe Barcelona commercial court has ordered Ryanair to discontinue its negative remarks against eDreams Odigeo and its Prime subscription scheme. This decision is part of an ongoing legal dispute, where eDreams successfully sought interim measures to protect its business interests against such critiques from Ryanair.The injunction aims to restrict Ryanair’s use of specific language previously employed to describe the eDreams Prime product,…