Author: Shawon Hannan

Cunard is set to enhance its relationship with travel agents by offering exclusive ship visits on the iconic Queen Mary 2. This initiative coincides with the liner’s anticipated return to Liverpool, marking a key milestone in Cunard’s historic journey.As the Queen Mary 2 arrives in Liverpool, it heralds an opportunity for travel agents to experience its luxury first-hand. The visits, scheduled for early September, are part of Cunard’s ongoing strategy to engage meaningfully with industry partners and showcase their luxury offerings.Return to Historic LiverpoolThe Queen Mary 2’s visit to Liverpool is not just a routine voyage; it’s a symbolic return…

TAP Air Portugal reports reaching 92% of its pre-Covid passenger numbers this year. The airline has also operated at 87% of its previous flight capacity, showcasing a robust recovery.Despite facing challenges, including foreign exchange losses due to the Brazilian Real’s depreciation, TAP managed to achieve a net profit of €72.2 million for the second quarter. This performance is a testament to the airline’s strategic focus and operational efficiency improvements.In the second quarter of the year, TAP Air Portugal demonstrated remarkable financial resilience, operating with 99 aircraft while overcoming significant challenges. The airline reported a notable decrease in net profits by…

Crystal Cruises has announced the availability of bookings for its luxurious voyages, extending into mid-2026.Offering a wide array of destinations, the cruise line guarantees unique experiences crafted for discerning travellers.Expanded Cruise ItinerariesCrystal Cruises has expanded its offerings with bookings now available for voyages extending into mid-2026 across its luxury fleet. With a total of 39 cruises set across the two initial quarters of 2026, passengers have a myriad of destinations to choose from. These include a diverse mix of regions such as Indonesia, Japan, East Africa, the Mediterranean, South America, Alaska, and California. This expansion reflects Crystal’s commitment to providing…

Havila Voyages has reached a significant milestone, reporting its first-ever profit in the second quarter, overcoming initial delays in ship delivery.Revenues soared to NOK 662 million (£48 million), more than doubling from the previous year, thanks to higher occupancy and increased cabin revenue.CEO Bent Martini expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the improved income and occupancy rates as indicators of the company’s growing market recognition.The company achieved a 36% reduction in CO2 emissions, exceeding the requirement set by the Ministry of Transport.Havila Voyages is optimistic about future sales and occupancy, supported by an increased brand recognition and environmentally friendly initiatives.In…

Qantas is set to redefine long-haul travel with its upcoming non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London, planned for 2026. As the aviation industry recovers post-Covid, these routes are part of Qantas’ strategy to strengthen its market presence.Amidst global capacity recovery pressures on fares, Qantas is focused on fleet expansion and strategic route planning. This initiative underlines the airline’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, aiming to offer unparalleled travel experiences.Qantas’ Strategic AmbitionsQantas is making strategic strides with its announcement to launch non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London by 2026. This move is part of the airline’s…

Designer Travel agents have successfully finished a sustainability course, enhancing their capabilities in identifying greenwashing.The sustainability course provided by Kiwano Tourism has been completed by over 40 agents from Designer Travel.The training highlighted vital issues like animal welfare, preparing agents for discerning customer interactions.Joint managing director Karen Pocock praised the course’s impact and expressed pride in her team.A new animal welfare policy will soon be implemented, supported by World Animal Protection.Designer Travel’s agents have completed a rigorous sustainability masterclass, aiming to arm themselves with the knowledge to tackle greenwashing effectively. Provided by Kiwano Tourism, this ‘level one’ course was successfully…

Holland America Line unveils its 2026 Alaska season, highlighting six ships from April to September.Travellers can choose roundtrip options from Seattle or Vancouver, or between Vancouver and Whittier, featuring a range of itineraries. The season promises picturesque journeys enriched with cultural insights.Holland America Line has officially launched the 2026 cruise season for Alaska, featuring six ships poised to navigate the scenic waters from April to September. Passengers are provided with multiple itinerary options that set sail roundtrip from Seattle, Vancouver or between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.The itineraries span from seven to 28 days and include the celebrated month-long Alaska Arctic…

In a strategic move to boost its market presence, accommodation-only provider RateHawk is on the brink of finalising significant agreements with several agency groups.These forthcoming partnerships mark a vital step in RateHawk’s commitment to expanding its reach in the trade sector, signifying a new chapter of growth and influence.Strategic Expansion through Agency CollaborationsRateHawk, renowned for its accommodation-focused services, is poised to enter into promising alliances with numerous agency groups. This development is spearheaded by Chantal Tomlinson, the newly appointed head of business development for the UK and Ireland. Her previous experience with Flexible Autos and Holiday Autos has equipped her…

In an admirable display of recognition and reward, Hays Travel has celebrated its top homeworking cruise sellers with an exclusive seven-night voyage along the Danube River. The initiative aims to acknowledge outstanding performance and offer an enriching experience to its top achievers.Fifteen dedicated agents were selected for this prestigious journey, thanks to their impressive cruise sales over the past year. The trip, hosted by AmaWaterways, provided these agents with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique aspects of river cruising.Hays Travel has distinguished its top-performing homeworking cruise sellers by awarding them a remarkable seven-night sailing on the Danube River.…

Norway has unveiled a pioneering mandate requiring cruise ships to operate with zero emissions by 2032.This bold initiative aims to transform the maritime industry and preserve the nation’s beloved fjords.The Norwegian government has announced a groundbreaking decision to impose zero-emissions regulations on cruise ships by 2032. This initiative will initially target vessels under 10,000 gross tonnes starting from 2026, with larger ships expected to comply by the 2032 deadline. This policy aims to foster technological innovation while preserving the pristine environment of Norway’s iconic fjords.Notably, the cruise industry has been recognised for its economic contributions to Norwegian coastal regions. However,…