Author: Shawon Hannan
Bordeaux’s mayor has intensified efforts to prohibit cruise ships from the city centre, citing aesthetic and ecological concerns.The call for change highlights growing tensions between urban appeal and tourism economics.Bordeaux’s Push for a Cruise BanThe mayor of Bordeaux, Pierre Hurmic, has vocally supported a complete ban on cruise ships docking in the city centre. He argues these ships not only detract from Bordeaux’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to environmental degradation in the region. Currently, there’s a cap limiting cruise ship docking at Port de la Lune to 40 a year.Environmental and Aesthetic ConcernsHurmic has noted increasing dissatisfaction among Bordeaux…
Royal Caribbean Group has signed a significant agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to construct a fourth Icon class ship, slated for delivery in 2027.The agreement, which also includes options for potentially two more vessels, marks a notable expansion in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, following the successful debut of the Icon class in January 2024.The Icon class represents a new era of cruising for Royal Caribbean, with the Icon of the Seas having set a new standard when it launched in January 2024. Following in its wake, the Star of the Seas, anticipated for a 2025 debut, and another unnamed third…
SAS has announced the resumption of its services following an agreement reached with Norwegian unions, ending a four-day cabin crew strike. The disruption affected a limited number of flights primarily in Norway.SAS has successfully negotiated with two Norwegian cabin crew unions, concluding discussions that led to an agreement on new collective bargaining arrangements. This development occurred after cabin crew members initiated a strike due to the breakdown of pay talks that lasted for two days.The strike resulted in a “limited number” of flights being affected, with the majority of disruptions occurring in Norway. SAS had projected that operations would return…
Royal Caribbean Group has taken a significant step in expanding its renowned Icon-class series, revealing plans for a new vessel.The cruise line continues to push boundaries to offer passengers extraordinary travel experiences, with innovation at the forefront of its strategy.Royal Caribbean Group’s Expanding FleetRoyal Caribbean Group has announced its plans to construct a fourth Icon-class vessel, enhancing its fleet with a capacity to accommodate 7,600 passengers. This marks a significant milestone in its portfolio, reflecting the company’s ambition to provide an unparalleled cruise experience. Such advancements are in partnership with Meyer Turku, a Finnish shipbuilder entrusted with the creation of…
Qantas recently experienced a surprising system error resulting in first-class tickets sold at a fraction of their usual cost.The Australian airline responded with rebooking or refund options, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction amid challenges.In an unexpected turn of events, Qantas sold over 300 first-class tickets, each priced at more than £10,000, at an 85% discount. This error was attributed to a glitch in the airline’s online booking system. The fortunate customers who managed to secure these tickets paid significantly less than the usual price for the luxury of first-class travel.Qantas, recognising the gravity of the error, has taken steps…
Ryanair has embarked on a strategic partnership with Trip.com, aiming to enhance its global distribution network through this alliance. This collaboration signifies Ryanair’s continued efforts to align with major online travel agencies, ensuring comprehensive access to its low-fare offerings for a global audience.As China’s leading OTA, Trip.com will now offer Ryanair flights across its myriad of platforms. This move is expected to streamline the booking process for travellers worldwide, providing seamless access to Ryanair’s extensive network of destinations.Ryanair has entered into a landmark partnership with China’s largest online travel agency, Trip.com. This collaboration marks Ryanair’s latest move to expand its…
A couple from Wrexham have uncovered a remarkable opportunity amidst challenging times. Transitioning from the hospitality sector, they have embarked on a new venture, launching their own travel agency.Ian Pritchard-Jones and Rich Goodwin’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Leveraging their extensive skills in hospitality, they have successfully established Tailormade Escapes, a part of the Not Just Travel franchise.Facing redundancy together can be daunting, but for Ian Pritchard-Jones and Rich Goodwin, it sparked an innovative idea. With strong backgrounds in hospitality, they had a wealth of transferable skills crucial to running their new travel agency. Their experience in…
Protected Trust Services (PTS) has recently announced the strategic appointment of Miya Gilritchie. This move marks a pivotal step in strengthening the company’s commercial capabilities.Gilritchie is set to enhance relationships with agents and suppliers, a core component of her role, while overseeing revenue and acquisition initiatives.The appointment of Miya Gilritchie as the commercial and partnerships manager at PTS is a significant stride in the company’s growth strategy. This move comes as Emma Taylor, the former commercial manager, steps down, providing an opportunity for Gilritchie to bring her extensive experience into play. PTS sees this change as a catalyst for strengthening…
In a remarkable turn of events, Not Just Travel has reported a significant 33% increase in bookings this August, marking a promising trend in the travel industry’s recovery.The rise in bookings is driven by an increased demand for last-minute travel and a strategic focus on the cruise sector, highlighting the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic market conditions.Remarkable Surge in BookingsIn August, Not Just Travel experienced an unprecedented rise in bookings, reporting a 33% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge is largely attributed to a high demand for trips with departure dates in less…
Hays Travel has expanded its Big Thank You initiative to include employees from Travel House and Miles Morgan Travel. This initiative, now in its third year, aims to reward outstanding employees monthly.From September to December, seven employees will be randomly selected each month to receive prizes ranging from financial support for bills to shopping sprees. This initiative underscores Hays Travel’s commitment to recognising and rewarding its dedicated staff.Expansion to Include More StaffHays Travel has extended its Big Thank You initiative to include staff from its Travel House and Miles Morgan Travel businesses. The expansion aims to foster greater inclusivity and…