Author: Shawon Hannan

There is a growing trend among tourists shifting towards cooler travel destinations, driven by rising temperatures in Southern Europe.Independent operators report increased bookings in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, emphasizing nature-focused and active holidays.Increasing Interest in Cooler RegionsIndependent tour operators are observing a noticeable shift in traveller preferences towards cooler northern destinations. Countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland are becoming increasingly popular. This trend appears to be largely driven by the extreme temperatures that have plagued southern Europe in recent summers.Sales at Sunvil have experienced a marked increase in bookings for the Nordic region. Specifically, there’s a significant…

Bermuda is taking precautionary measures as Hurricane Ernesto draws near. LF Wade International Airport will close from 8.30pm local time on Friday. This move aims to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff amid the looming threat.The impending arrival of Hurricane Ernesto has prompted significant action from both the local government and various institutions in Bermuda. The airport’s closure is a direct response to the hurricane warning issued for the island. The Bermudian authorities are emphasising safety, urging swift preparations from residents.As Hurricane Ernesto approaches, the island braces for potential devastation. The storm, which intensified significantly after passing Puerto…

Ryanair has raised concerns over disruptions at Palma airport following adverse weather conditions. These disruptions occurred during the start of a public holiday weekend in Spain.The airline attributed this chaos to alleged ineffective decisions by the Spanish air traffic control, supposedly blocking inbound flights without sufficient weather justification.Challenges Faced at Palma AirportAccording to Ryanair, an “extreme weather phenomenon” led to substantial delays and cancellations at Palma Airport. These disruptions coincided with the onset of a widely observed public holiday in Spain, magnifying the impact on passengers and airport operations.While the adverse conditions were publicly acknowledged by the Spanish Meteorological Agency…

Simpson Travel is poised for expansion with strategic leadership appointments.The company targets growth through acquisitions and exclusive offerings.Strategic Management ExpansionSimpson Travel has recently announced the appointment of Dan Butler as Chief Financial Officer and Mark Speight as Operations Director, highlighting its strategic focus on growth and acquisition. This move illustrates the company’s ambition to expand its footprint in the European travel market, particularly in regions such as Greece, Turkey, and France. It also aims to enhance its existing portfolio with exclusive properties.The recruitment of these seasoned professionals signals Simpson Travel’s resolve to broaden its operational capabilities and streamline its financial…

Riverside Luxury Cruises is revolutionising how it manages its familiarisation trips by partnering with Jerne, a leading software provider.This collaboration is set to enhance the convenience and effectiveness with which travel advisors can apply and experience first-hand Riverside’s opulent river cruises across Europe.Riverside Luxury Cruises has officially collaborated with the software company Jerne to enhance the process of offering recruitment trips, or ‘fam’ trips. Through the innovative Jerne platform, agents can now effortlessly apply for guided trips. These trips are available on more than 500 Riverside voyages scheduled on the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Moselle, and Main rivers, extending up to…

In a significant legal development, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled against British Airways. The decision stems from BA’s appeal challenging aspects of the 2010 Equality Act regarding indirect discrimination.The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s ruling marks a critical juncture in employment equality law. It confirmed the interpretation of the Equality Act to encompass ‘indirect associative discrimination’, thereby extending protections to both male and female carers. This interpretation aligns with the Act’s objective to harmonise discrimination laws and bolster equality measures, reinforcing the Act’s intent to promote fairness and inclusivity.The airline’s appeal was met with strong arguments from both the women…

National Travel Agent Day is set to take centre stage on September 6, marking a pivotal moment for industry professionals. Initially launched by Intrepid Travel in 2020, the day underscores the vital contributions of travel agents.This annual event seeks to expand its reach, affording more members of the travel community the opportunity to join in and celebrate the work of these essential professionals.The Inception of National Travel Agent DayNational Travel Agent Day was born out of the necessity to recognise the integral role that travel agents play within the industry. Initially established in 2020 during the pandemic, this day aims…

Qatar Tourism’s recent visit to Barcelona port has provided key insights to enhance its cruise tourism sector.Focusing on operational excellence and strategic development, Qatar aims to leverage these learnings to bolster its position as a premier cruise destination.Knowledge Exchange and Operational ProcessesQatar Tourism representatives recently embarked on a three-day visit to the port of Barcelona, as part of a comprehensive knowledge exchange initiative. The purpose of this visit was to gather insights on best practices in cruise tourism, focusing on key areas such as visitor services, cruise ship arrivals, and port security systems. This exercise forms an integral part of…

The travel industry continues to exhibit strength in late sales, despite the challenges posed by firm pricing. Autumn bookings are propelled by couples and value-driven consumers eager to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of travel choices.Resilience of Late Sales Amid Tightening BudgetsIn recent months, the travel industry has witnessed a notable trend: late sales remain robust. However, consumers are finding it increasingly challenging to balance their travel desires with the prevailing economic conditions. This intriguing dynamic continues to shape booking patterns significantly.According to Tony Mann, director of Idle Travel, a substantial proportion of sales, approximately 60%, are focused on the immediate…

TUI is poised for significant growth in the UK market, but delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries have placed constraints on this potential.Despite these challenges, TUI has leveraged partnerships and dynamic packaging to maintain strong sales and profitability.TUI had planned to receive seven new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for the summer season and 24 more in the next financial year. However, deliveries were significantly delayed due to a cabin-door plug issue that occurred mid-flight in January.This setback has forced TUI to lease aircrafts to meet its operational needs, a move that has proven costly but necessary to minimise disruptions.The delayed Boeing…