Author: Shawon Hannan
Sierra Leone is gearing up for a boom in tourism with the introduction of direct flights to the UK. The anticipation surrounding this development is palpable, with stakeholders in both countries keenly observing the changes it may bring.The national airline, Air Sierra Leone, plans to launch these flights by December, bridging a gap left since 2016. There is optimism that this will not only boost tourism but also enhance bilateral relations and economic benefits.The Return of Direct FlightsThe announcement of a new direct flight route between the UK and Sierra Leone is poised to materially increase the influx of British…
Heathrow Airport has appealed to the government to formally acknowledge the crucial role aviation plays in the UK economy. The airport saw an uptick in passenger numbers during the autumn half-term, marking its busiest October with over 7.2 million passengersThis increase underscores a trend of sustained travel demand, pushing Heathrow’s annual forecast to a record-breaking 83.8 million passengers. The airport is urging for focused support to continue its growth and efforts in decarbonising the sector.October Passenger SurgeDuring the recent autumn half-term, Heathrow Airport experienced its busiest October ever, with passenger numbers exceeding 7.2 million. This marks an annual increase of…
A looming strike by catering workers in major UK airports is causing concern. More than 700 employees are casting their ballots, pointing to possible disruptions during the busy Christmas period. This action underscores significant tensions with dnata over proposed employment changes.The employees, covered by Unite union, seek to address alleged alterations in work conditions by dnata. These changes are reported to be advancing without adequate consultation. The scenario highlights the broader implications for airlines during one of the busiest travel seasons, as uncertainty lingers.Background and ContextCatering staff stationed at prominent UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, are currently involved in…
European business travel expenditure is set to surge to $391 billion in 2024, marking a significant rise from previous years. The Global Business Travel Association forecasts a 10% increase over 2023, highlighting a robust recovery post-pandemic. However, challenges persist as Europe’s share of global business travel spending stays slightly lower than pre-COVID levels due to ongoing economic and political uncertainties.Accommodation expenses lead the categories in European business travel spending, as revealed by recent analysis. Despite a noticeable growth trajectory, there’s a remark that not all travellers embrace sustainable practices, although sustainability remains a priority for many. The landscape is evolving…
The dnata travel group has reported a notable increase in half-year revenues, with strategic partners like Imagine Cruising playing a crucial role in this achievement. This growth highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic planning within the group, signalling a positive outlook for the future. Amidst these developments, the group continues to adapt to market trends and leverage its strengths to drive further success.In a period marked by economic recovery and increasing demand in the travel sector, dnata has effectively harnessed its partnerships to propel revenue growth. The group’s performance underscores the benefits of a diversified approach, with significant contributions…
As Donald Trump prepares to step into office as the newly elected President, key voices within the US travel sector are urging his administration to prioritise tourism. This pivotal moment offers an immense opportunity to reshape America’s image as a leading global travel destination, a vision strongly championed by the US Travel Association.Geoff Freeman, the association’s CEO, has been vocal in encouraging this strategic direction. As America sits on the cusp of potentially transformative policies regarding international travel, explicit recommendations are being made to ensure the travel industry not only recovers but thrives.Calls for Strategic Tourism InitiativesThe travel industry is…
A FIVE-STAR camping and glamping site in the Peak District has been named the AA Heart of England Campsite of the Year. Longnor Wood Holiday Park, near Buxton, picked up the award in the AA’s annual Caravan and Camping Awards which celebrate the UK’s best campsites and caravan parks. The award-winning adult-only site was described by the AA as a ‘hidden gem’ where guests can expect ‘a warm, friendly welcome and a high standard of customer care’. The accolade for Longnor Wood follows the site’s national success when it was named the UK’s Best Adult Only Site by Campsites.co.uk in…
A new analysis of short-term rental reviews has highlighted where the world’s most generous guests come from – and UK travellers stand out as some of the most reliable, with 59% of their reviews being 5-star, reflecting both loyalty and a tendency to reward quality service. The study, conducted by vacation rental software RentalReady, analysed reviews from platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and other popular rental sites, submitted between September 2022 and August 2024. The study examined over 1.25 million reviews where the reviewer specified their nationality or home country. It looked at the frequency of 1- to 5-star ratings to determine which nationalities…
Barrhead Travel has ascended 18 places in the Best Companies to Work For list, marking significant progress in employee engagement. Recognised for three consecutive years, Barrhead stands as a leading workplace in both the large and leisure categories. This accolade reflects its commitment to cultivating a positive work culture.By basing rankings on comprehensive employee feedback, Best Companies highlights organisations that excel in job satisfaction, development, and diversity. Barrhead’s leap up the rankings underscores its dedication to incorporating employee insights and advancing workplace conditions, setting a benchmark for the industry.Barrhead’s Rise in Best Companies RankingBarrhead Travel has made a significant leap…
The Sahara is the world’s most popular desert on Instagram, a new study has found. The travel experts at Abu Dhabi Tours from Dubai analysed Instagram posts with hashtags related to 60 deserts worldwide. Each desert was ranked based on the total number of Instagram posts to reveal which location was most popular on the platform. Polar deserts like Antarctica were not included in the study. Table: The world’s most Instagrammable deserts Rank Desert Post Count 1 Sahara Desert 3,444,566 2 Atacama Desert 1,850,202 3 Mojave Desert 445,596 4 Sonoran Desert 358,650 5 Karoo 265,112 6 Gobi Desert 261,627 7 Thar Desert 196,199 8 Negev 156,589 9 Namib 128,897 10 Bardenas Reales 100,059 North Africa’s Sahara Desert is the most Instagrammable desert worldwide. The largest desert in the world, the Sahara, proves…