Author: Shawon Hannan

AE Expeditions, renowned for its polar and remote voyages, embarks on an exciting new journey with its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.The 2026 itinerary expands to include Southeast Asia and the Atlantic Coast, presenting a diverse array of destinations, each promising unique cultural experiences.AE Expeditions has announced its first voyages to the culturally rich Mediterranean region, marking a significant expansion from its traditional polar and remote expeditions. This move is part of its broader 2026 strategy that also includes routes through the vibrant landscapes of Southeast Asia and the scenic Atlantic Coast.These cabins provide an intimate travel experience, ensuring comfort…

The Clia RiverView 2025, a premier river cruise industry event, is scheduled from March 8-10 in Budapest.This highly anticipated conference will feature various activities including conference sessions, ship visits, and a networking trade fair. Attendees can look forward to a new-to-selling river cruise masterclass.Clia’s RiverView 2025 conference is poised to be a landmark event for the river cruise industry. Taking place from March 8-10, it promises an array of activities tailored to industry professionals. These include insightful conference sessions, opportunities to explore cruise ships, and valuable networking events. Attendees can enhance their expertise through various breakout training sessions.Furthermore, the conference…

Airline carriers are on the brink of a substantial financial transformation as IATA partners with Amadeus’ Outpayce. This new collaboration introduces a payment method allowing direct account transfers, eliminating hefty card-processing fees. The aviation industry could potentially save $20 billion annually by bypassing traditional card systems. This development promises not only cost efficiency but also enhances transaction security and compliance for airlines globally.The partnership between IATA and Amadeus’ Outpayce platform heralds a new era in airline payment processing. By integrating Outpayce’s Xchange Payment Platform (XPP) with IATA Pay, airlines can now accept direct bank transfers from customers, significantly reducing transaction…

In a significant move within the travel industry, eSky Group, a leading travel technology firm in Central and Eastern Europe, has acquired Thomas Cook from Fosun Tourism Group. The purchase, excluding Thomas Cook’s operations in China, marks a pivotal expansion strategy for eSky into Western Europe, promising to bolster its market position and offerings.The acquisition is set to integrate eSky’s extensive flight inventory with Thomas Cook’s renowned brand, leveraging technological advancements to enhance travel experiences. This transaction not only enriches eSky’s portfolio but also breathes new life into Thomas Cook, a brand with an illustrious heritage. The synergy between these…

Heightened fines for unauthorised school absences have failed to prevent families from choosing term-time holidays.The financial penalties do not outweigh the cost savings parents experience, causing fines to be ineffective as a deterrent.The recent increase in fines for taking children out of school without permission, which rose from £60 to £80 per child, is not having the desired deterrent effect. Despite nearly 400,000 penalty notices being issued in the past academic year, parents continue to opt for cheaper term-time holidays. This indicates that the financial penalty is insufficient to change parental behaviour.Some parents openly admit the fines do not discourage…

CLIA has officially announced the details for its upcoming 2025 RiverView Conference, set to occur in Budapest from 8 to 10 March. This eagerly anticipated event will feature a range of activities and sessions designed to enhance the expertise of river cruise industry professionals.The RiverView Conference is renowned for its comprehensive agenda, including ship visits and networking opportunities, solidifying its status as a significant event in the cruise calendar. This year’s event promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge and connections for all attendees.Event OverviewThe 2025 RiverView Conference hosted by CLIA is slated to take place in the enchanting city…

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to re-evaluate their strategies, and Ryanair was no exception. Faced with unprecedented refund demands, the airline reshaped its relationships with travel agents and online platforms to ensure better cooperation and efficiency.Ryanair’s approach to refunds and partnerships during COVID-19 resulted in closer ties with the travel trade. This transformation has led to new agreements with multiple online travel agencies (OTAs), enabling broader access to Ryanair’s flight offerings. The carrier’s strategic shift marks a significant development in its business model.Faced with unprecedented refund demands during the pandemic, Ryanair recognised the urgent need to transform its relationships…

The hosting of the Olympics raises questions about its true benefits for tourism and city economies.Economist Andrew Zimbalist questions the economic benefits cities gain from hosting the Olympics.Political motives and construction industry interests often drive cities to host these global events.Despite the hype, the long-term advantages of hosting the Olympics remain debatable.Zimbalist highlights the significant financial, social, and environmental costs involved.The subject of whether the Olympics serve as a boon or a burden for host cities is contentious. Andrew Zimbalist, an esteemed economist, questions the rationale behind cities’ fervent pursuit to host such events. He suggests that political motives, aiming…

Oceania Cruises has set a new milestone in travel marketing with the launch of a revolutionary tool designed to bolster the efforts of its travel agents.By leveraging cutting-edge technology, it promises to streamline marketing processes, enabling agents to engage with clients more effectively and efficiently.Oceania Cruises has unveiled its latest innovation aimed at enhancing the efficiency of travel agents through a groundbreaking marketing tool. The initiative, powered by Approach Guides technology, is set to transform how travel professionals market and sell cruise experiences. It encompasses features like co-branded marketing pages and real-time pricing, designed to streamline operations and amplify success.With…

Jet2 has reported continued resilience in package holiday pricing, despite evolving market conditions. The company has observed strong momentum in late bookings, signalling robust demand.As summer 2024 progresses, Jet2 notes an increase in seat capacity, up by 12.4% compared to 2023. This growth has facilitated a modest rise in package holiday prices, reflecting a healthy market trend.Summer 2024 Sales PerformanceThe summer of 2024 has marked a period of strong demand for Jet2, with a notable 12.4% increase in seat capacity. The airline’s data suggests that July and August experienced significant late booking momentum, which has positively impacted overall performance. The…