Author: Shawon Hannan
Mercury Holidays has announced the appointment of Christian Armond as its first Chief Marketing Officer. Armond, who possesses extensive experience in the travel and marketing sectors, is expected to drive the company’s future growth and enhance its digital marketing strategies.The decision to appoint Armond comes as Mercury Holidays aims to strengthen its market position and expand its reach. His expertise is anticipated to support the company’s strategic goals, particularly in the areas of digital marketing and customer engagement.Christian Armond’s BackgroundChristian Armond joins Mercury Holidays with a wealth of experience in the travel industry. His career includes key roles at prominent…
The integration of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into the UK aviation sector promises to keep fare increases minimal, as asserted by the aviation minister.With the transition to SAF, the government aims to responsibly reduce carbon emissions without imposing significant costs on passengers.Adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)The aviation sector is moving towards adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a solution to reduce carbon emissions. Government officials have assured that the projected effect on airfares will remain minimal. During a session in Parliament, Aviation Minister Mike Kane highlighted the negligible impact on ticket prices as a result of this transition.Projections by…
Gold Medal, a leading B2B long-haul specialist, has recently introduced its new ‘Curated Offers’ service. This initiative aims to enhance the array of deals available for agents to present to their clientele.By leveraging data from thousands of weekly generated quotes, Gold Medal seeks to empower agents with effective marketing tools. This advancement marks a significant step in supporting sales efforts across the industry.Gold Medal’s innovative ‘Curated Offers’ service is designed to bolster the sales capabilities of travel agents. By utilising a vast array of pricing quotes generated weekly, agents are now equipped with diverse options to attract clients. This service…
Anna Nash brings a wealth of experience to her new role as President of Explora Journeys, an integral part of the MSC Group.Joining from a distinguished position at Aman, Nash is set to further revolutionise the luxury cruise market with her expertise.Anna Nash has been appointed as the President of Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise line under MSC Group’s umbrella. Her role involves spearheading strategic vision and growth as the line launches the Explora II.Prior to joining Explora Journeys, Nash excelled as Chief Commercial Officer at Aman. Her vital contribution to Aman’s global strategies underscores her potential to enhance the…
Amadeus River Cruises has announced the upcoming debut of its latest ship, the Amadeus Amara, hailed as its ‘most sustainable ship ever’. Expected to set sail on the Danube in July 2025, the vessel boasts innovative design features aimed at enhancing sustainability and passenger experience, marking a significant milestone in river cruising.The Amadeus Amara exemplifies cutting-edge eco-friendly design, characterised by an innovative lightweight construction and an exceptionally shallow draft. These features facilitate operation in varying water levels, substantially reducing water resistance and fuel consumption. Moreover, the ship’s sustainable design includes an efficient hull shape, a fuel-saving autopilot system, and solar…
Explora Journeys has announced the appointment of Anna Nash as its new president. With a decade of experience at Aman, Nash brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.Her previous roles include Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Communications Officer, showcasing her diverse expertise. She officially joined Explora Journeys on September 3rd, reporting to Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Group’s executive chairman.Anna Nash’s Distinguished CareerAnna Nash’s extensive career in luxury hospitality positions her as a leading figure for Explora Journeys. Her experience at Aman is particularly noteworthy, where she held several senior roles. Most recently, she was the Chief Commercial…
Amadeus River Cruises has unveiled plans for the Amadeus Amara, set to enhance its fleet in July 2025. This addition is expected to navigate the Danube efficiently, even amidst fluctuating water levels, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to reliability and sustainability.With a focus on innovation and comfort, the Amadeus Amara promises to be a significant milestone in river cruising. It features a design that prioritises eco-friendliness and passenger experience, marking a new era for Amadeus River Cruises.Technical Innovations and Eco-Friendly DesignThe Amadeus Amara boasts a lightweight construction and shallow draft, enabling reliable operation despite seasonal water level changes. This design reduces…
Greece is set to introduce a €20 charge on cruise visitors to Santorini and Mykonos.This initiative is aimed at tackling over-tourism and supporting local infrastructure.Background and Implications of the LevyGreece has initiated a €20 levy on cruise passengers disembarking at the renowned islands of Santorini and Mykonos, as announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This strategic move comes in response to the immense pressure that cruise tourism places on these destinations, particularly during peak seasons. Mitsotakis emphasised that “Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem.” However, he acknowledged significant challenges at certain hotspots during specific times of the year…
A court in Munich has opened insolvency proceedings for the FTI Touristik group, marking a critical juncture for the company. This move comes after the group’s recent financial struggles, emphasising the broader impacts on consumers and the travel industry.The commencement of this process underscores the significant challenges faced by FTI, with repercussions extending across various stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and financial partners. The outcome of these proceedings will likely shape future industry practices and consumer protections.FTI Touristik’s Insolvency CommencesA court in Munich has initiated insolvency proceedings for the FTI Touristik group, marking a significant development after its collapse in June.…
The travel industry is mobilising strategic efforts to engage with the government effectively as Parliament reconvenes. Key associations are keen to address pivotal matters influencing the sector.Efforts are underway to ensure that the industry’s concerns align with governmental priorities. This proactive engagement aims to advocate for beneficial policies and frameworks essential for industry growth.Strategic Engagement with GovernmentAs Parliament returns, leading industry associations are setting priorities straight by collaborating with government entities. The focus is on streamlining communication concerning the upcoming EU Entry Exit System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, set to influence the sector.Maintaining a continuous dialogue…