Author: Shawon Hannan

Merlin Travel Group is expanding its horizons by venturing into the flight consolidator market. This strategic move follows the successful launch of its cruise and holiday divisions, showcasing their ambition to solidify their presence in the travel industry.After five years of continuous growth since its inception in 2019, the group now aims to offer its 62 current members, and prospective new ones, the flexibility to create specialised travel packages, enhancing both their product offerings and client satisfaction.Strategic Market EntryMerlin Travel Group has announced its plan to tap into the flight consolidator market within the next 12 months. This move is…

Betty Mukherjee, a notable figure from BBC’s Race Across the World, is set to speak at the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) conference.Betty, who gained fame alongside her brother James in the adventurous 50-day journey from Japan to Indonesia, will be sharing her insights at the Leeds event. The Atas annual conference aims to highlight personal growth through travel.Betty Mukherjee’s appearance at the Atas conference underscores the intersection of personal experiences and professional insights within the travel industry.Her narrative of overcoming challenges and advocating for the positive impacts of travel exemplifies the core theme of connection, encouraging attendees…

Airline operations faced imminent shutdown as Air Canada and its pilots’ union reached a crucial agreement at the last minute.The arrangement averts disruptive measures, maintaining service continuity for 5,200 flight deck crew.In a tense backdrop, Air Canada and its pilot’s union narrowly avoided a complete shutdown of operations by reaching an agreement at the last moment. The negotiations culminated in a tentative four-year collective agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing over 5,200 pilots. This dramatic settlement underscores the challenges airlines face in balancing workforce satisfaction with operational continuity.The terms of the agreement, which remain confidential pending ratification,…

Tui Group is making strides in its strategic global expansion by setting its sights on South America. The company aims for substantial growth by leveraging a new digital platform designed for travel agents and their customers in the region.The platform, now fully operational, showcases a variety of holidays and allows for dynamic itinerary packages, marking a noteworthy milestone in Tui’s comprehensive global strategy.Strategic Entry into the Latin American MarketAs Europe’s largest travel business, Tui has engaged in close collaboration with agency partners in several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Colombia. This initiative aims to offer meticulously tailored…

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda will warmly welcome esteemed travel agents this December. Participants are set to attend the inaugural Black Pineapple Awards, marking a significant year in tourism growth.Organisers plan to celebrate this achievement while reinforcing vital trade relationships. With a record number of tourist arrivals anticipated, the event underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the travel industry’s success.Antigua and Barbuda are set to host approximately 100 of the highest-performing travel agents for the maiden Black Pineapple Awards in December. This event coincides with what is projected to be a record-breaking year for tourist visits to the islands.…

Cruise Plus is offering a compelling incentive by doubling Farebank Rewards for agents during a special promotion period.This initiative aligns with Clia’s Cruise Week, aiming to elevate agent engagement and reward earnings.Increased Rewards for AgentsCruise Plus, part of dnata Travel Group UK, has introduced an enticing offer for travel agents. The brand now enables agents to earn double Farebank Rewards for bookings made during Clia’s Cruise Week. This move is part of Cruise Plus’ revamped incentives program, making the reward system more lucrative for agents when booking cruise packages for clients.From September 13 to 23, agents can earn significantly enhanced…

Swan Hellenic has announced a lucrative incentive scheme for its travel agents, offering substantial rewards per customer booking.This new incentive, applicable for a limited time, aims to strengthen relationships with travel agents while boosting the company’s booking numbers.Swan Hellenic’s New Incentive for AgentsSwan Hellenic has unveiled an enticing opportunity for its travel agents, offering up to £100 per guest booked from 12 September to mid-October. This initiative encompasses all 2025 itineraries, excluding those in Antarctica. The main objective is to strengthen alliances with travel agents by providing them with significant monetary incentives. This strategic move is expected to enhance booking…

AS Training has embarked on a significant partnership with TProfile to revolutionise training for travel apprentices across the UK. This collaboration focuses on empowering students with critical technology skills.The partnership aims to provide comprehensive training on TProfile’s advanced solutions, alongside knowledge imparted by AS Training. This alliance marks a significant step towards enhancing technical capabilities in the travel sector.Innovative Solutions through PartnershipAS Training’s collaboration with TProfile is set to transform technical training pathways within the travel industry. The initiative is designed to equip apprentices and consultants with essential technical skills necessary for navigating modern travel technology systems.TProfile, renowned for its…

Oceania Cruises’ Riviera is preparing for its inaugural Alaskan season next year.The cruise ship will offer diverse itineraries from May to September, aiming to provide an exceptional and immersive experience for its passengers.Oceania Cruises’ Riviera is set to embark on its first Alaskan season next year. This marks a significant milestone for the cruise line as it offers journeys ranging from seven to twelve days. These voyages will take place from May through September.Riviera, described by the brand as the ‘first and only cruise ship in the region designed for foodies, by foodies’, is anticipated to be a gastronomic delight…

SunExpress, a Turkish-German leisure airline, has announced the appointment of Helmut Wolfel as its new commercial director, effective October end. By bringing Wolfel onboard from Lufthansa’s Discover Airlines, SunExpress aims to capitalise on his extensive industry experience.Wolfel’s appointment marks a strategic move for SunExpress as he steps into the shoes of Peter Glade. The airline seeks to leverage his expertise to maintain and further enhance its commercial success, embarking on an ambitious journey of growth and innovation.Helmut Wolfel’s wealth of experience primarily stems from various commercial roles at Lufthansa, where he last served as chief commercial officer at Discover Airlines.…