Author: Shawon Hannan
A renowned homeworking agency, specialising in luxury cruise holidays, will soon open its inaugural retail store on the high street of Leicester.This strategic move aims to combine personalised service with in-person customer engagement, aligning with the evolving trends in the travel industry.Strategic Expansion into RetailThe agency, Club Voyages, led by seasoned travel journalist Samuel Ballard, is set to open doors at the Clarendon Park location on 2 September. Ballard is enthusiastic about providing a physical representation of the brand while enhancing customer interaction with bespoke travel solutions.Initially, the store will operate with a compact team. One full-time and one part-time…
Bermuda finds itself under the looming shadow of a formidable storm as Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches. The island’s tranquil environment is now bracing for possible turbulence.With winds intensifying and threats of heavy rainfall, preparedness is paramount. The local community and authorities are urged to stay vigilant as the storm advances.Tropical Storm Ernesto Approaches BermudaBermuda is currently under a hurricane watch as Tropical Storm Ernesto moves closer to the island. The storm, initially causing the closure of VC Bird airport in Antigua, has been intensifying in strength. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning confirming the potential threat…
The British travel industry’s attention has turned towards a tragic event in Sweden, where two prominent business partners were discovered dead.In a case laden with complexities, the identities of the deceased were confirmed as Farooq Abdulrazak and Juan Cifuentes, partners in a London-based travel agency.Incident OverviewIn July 2024, an unsettling discovery was made in Malmo, Sweden, as the bodies of two British nationals were found in a burnt-out vehicle. These individuals, Farooq Abdulrazak and Juan Cifuentes, were recognised business partners owning Empire Holidays in Muswell Hill, North London. Their disappearance on a seemingly routine business trip sent waves of concern…
Beginning in March 2025, Air Canada will restore its non-stop flights between Heathrow and Ottawa.Offering four weekly departures through late October, this service aims to enhance connectivity for travellers seeking direct access to Canada’s capital.Air Canada is set to reinstate its non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Ottawa starting March 31, 2025. This announcement signals the resumption of a significant route that had been paused due to the pandemic. The service will be conducted using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, designed to provide an exceptional flying experience with enhanced comfort and efficiency.For return journeys, flights are planned to leave Ottawa…
Hays Travel has initiated a six-week internship programme for three Moroccan students at its Sunderland head office. This initiative follows the successful completion of a similar programme last year.The three interns, selected through the Education for All charity, are business and management students keen to gain practical experience and insights into the travel industry.The internship programme at Hays Travel aims to provide practical experience and exposure to various aspects of the travel industry. Each intern follows a tailored programme designed to align with their academic background and professional aspirations. The goal is to equip them with critical skills and knowledge…
Ground handling staff at London City Airport are preparing for a potential strike due to ongoing pay disputes. This action stems from a lack of pay parity with workers at Gatwick Airport.The dispute has heightened tensions, with the GMB union demanding immediate attention to the financial discrepancies affecting the workforce.As negotiations continue without resolution, London City Airport stands on the brink of an unprecedented strike. The outcomes of this dispute have the potential to redefine labour relations within the aviation industry, particularly concerning wage parity.GMB’s firm stance captures the frustration and determination of the workforce to pursue equitable pay and…
Riviera Travel has announced a significant reduction in prices for 40 European escorted tours in 2025, providing cost savings to travellers.The reduction offers up to £150 off per person on select tours scheduled between April and June 2025.Joanne Lynn, Head of European Product, attributes the savings to lower-than-expected costs identified during a recent review.Prices for selected tours now start at £1,309 per person, enhancing accessibility for a broader range of guests.Riviera Travel aims to deliver exceptional value, allowing more guests to explore Europe’s rich history and culture.Riviera Travel has taken a forward-thinking approach by cutting prices on 40 of its…
AmaWaterways, a leading name in river cruising, has recently announced its decision to collaborate with Tipto, a notable trade supplier marketing group.This strategic partnership aims to strengthen AmaWaterways’ agent base and foster new relationships, ultimately aiming to convert more bookings through enhanced marketing efforts.The decision for AmaWaterways to join Tipto is a significant move aimed at fortifying its position within the cruise industry. By aligning with Tipto, AmaWaterways seeks to leverage the group’s unique face-to-face event format.This strategic collaboration is set to commence on September 1, illustrating a proactive approach in marketing and cementing trade relationships.Sales Director Andrea Stafford expressed…
Advantage Global Business Travel has announced the formation of an advisory board to bolster its growth strategy.The advisory board will include experts across diverse sectors, enhancing support for its members and partners globally.Formation of the Advisory BoardAdvantage Global Business Travel is convening an advisory board designed to leverage expertise from various sectors such as aviation, technology, and accommodation. The board aims to energise its growth strategy, thereby amplifying support for its global network members and partners.Experts from the UK and worldwide will be a part of this initiative, underscoring the consortium’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its strategic vision.…
Crystal has announced the appointment of Mario Parodi as the vice-president overseeing itinerary planning, beginning his role on September 1.Parodi brings a wealth of experience from notable roles in the cruise industry, setting a promising path for Crystal’s development in expedition cruising.Mario Parodi has been named as the new vice-president responsible for itinerary planning as well as port and fuel operations at Crystal, effective from September 1. With an impressive background in maritime operations, Parodi has garnered significant experience from his roles at Atlas Ocean Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Prestige Cruise Holdings.Beginning his career in the Italian Navy,…