Author: Shawon Hannan

In an unexpected yet heartwarming turn of events, Katy Doherty, a Hays Travel Explorer franchisee, reconnected with her university friend Dominic Hurley after 30 years.Their reconnection marks a poignant milestone, as Hurley seeks to visit Cyprus, the site of a life-altering incident in their youth. Doherty is facilitating this trip as part of his ongoing healing process.A Friendship RevisitedKaty Doherty, the owner of Where to Next Travel, recently reconnected with Dominic Hurley, a friend from her university days. The reunion was sparked when Hurley reached out to Doherty via social media.Their friendship began three decades ago when they were hotel…

Explore Worldwide has undertaken significant leadership restructuring to bolster its product innovation and sustainability goals.The strategic appointments of Rachael Stone as product director and Carmel Hendry as head of product underline the company’s commitment to excellence and growth.Strategic Leadership TransitionExplore Worldwide has recently made significant changes to its leadership team by appointing a new product director along with a head of product, both through internal promotions. These adjustments follow the departure of Simon Grove, previously the product director. At the heart of this transition is Rachael Stone, who now takes on the role of product director after serving as the…

Natalie Bush is set to invigorate Loganair’s leadership as their new Chief Operating Officer.With a rich background in aviation, she transitions from Tui Airways to Scotland’s largest regional airline.New Leadership AppointmentNatalie Bush, a former pilot and seasoned aviation professional, is set to join Loganair as the new Chief Operating Officer, a role left vacant by Maurice Boyle. As she transitions from her current position as UK Director and Accountable Manager at Tui Airways, Bush brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to Scotland’s biggest regional airline.Her expansive career began in the Royal Navy as a Warfare officer before soaring…

In an effort to enhance market penetration, Playa Hotels & Resorts has appointed Silvia Catena as the new commercial director responsible for the UK and Europe. This strategic appointment aims to bolster sales and fortify existing partnerships across these crucial markets.Playa Hotels & Resorts has made a significant move by appointing Silvia Catena as the new commercial director for the UK and Europe. Her role, effective immediately, is crucial in driving sales for the company’s extensive range of brands across these geographically pivotal markets. Catena’s appointment is expected to inject new energy and strategies into managing and enhancing partnerships, and…

Iain Raeper has been appointed as the new area manager for Scotland by RateHawk, a top-tier B2B booking platform. With two decades of industry experience, Raeper’s role is pivotal in expanding the company’s presence in Scotland.Bringing substantial expertise from roles in sales and business development, Raeper’s appointment aligns with RateHawk’s strategic goals. His previous positions at notable companies like If Only and EFR Travel Group highlight his capability to drive business growth.Iain Raeper’s extensive career in the travel industry spans over 20 years, having held senior roles in notable tour operators and travel companies including If Only, EFR Travel Group,…

EasyJet has confirmed that its flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended through the winter season. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.The budget airline initially suspended its services last October and will not resume flights to Tel Aviv until next spring, affecting customers planning to travel between late October 2024 and March 2025.Reason for ExtensionEasyJet’s decision to extend the suspension of its Tel Aviv service stems from heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The airline prioritises the safety and security of its passengers and crew above all else. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “EasyJet…

The unfortunate collapse of Luxtripper has had a significant impact on the Atol refund scheme. Its failure accounted for a staggering 98% of the total refund costs in the last year.This unprecedented financial burden demands a closer evaluation of the circumstances leading to Luxtripper’s downfall. The industry’s response to this situation will be crucial in preventing similar occurrences in the future.In the financial year ending March 2024, Luxtripper represented almost the entirety of Atol’s £4 million refund costs. The collapse of the travel company was one of only six failures, yet it accounted for £3.92 million of the claims, highlighting…

Intrepid Travel has taken a significant step by appointing Payton Iheme as its first Chief Impact Officer. Based in Washington DC, Iheme will drive the company’s global sustainability and impact strategies.With a rich background in policy and advocacy, Payton Iheme will oversee Intrepid Travel’s sustainability initiatives, highlighting the firm’s commitment to responsible tourism. She aims to integrate impactful policies across the company’s operations.Intrepid Travel has consistently positioned itself as a leader in sustainability within the tourism industry. The appointment of Payton Iheme reinforces this commitment as she steps into the role of Chief Impact Officer. Her experience in senior policy…

In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts, Windstar Cruises is set to significantly expand its European offerings in 2026. The small-ship cruise line will introduce 15 innovative itineraries, enhancing its commitment to intimate and immersive travel experiences.Windstar’s new itinerary plans emphasise unique destinations and extended stays, reflecting the company’s dedication to deepening passengers’ travel experiences. With overnight stays and late departures, travellers are offered a more leisurely and enriched way of exploring Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultures.Windstar Cruises has announced an ambitious expansion of its European itineraries for 2026, introducing 15 new cruise routes. The company aims to enhance its…

Norse Atlantic Airways faced a challenging July as unexpected events impacted their performance. The global IT outage and the Olympic Games were significant factors.Despite these hurdles, the airline reported a rise in passenger numbers, yet load factors fell short of expectations compared to the previous year.In July, Norse Atlantic Airways encountered significant operational challenges, primarily due to an unforeseen global IT outage and the impact of the Olympic Games in Paris. These events collectively led to a decline in the airline’s load factor, which fell to 83%, marking a two percentage point drop from the same period last year.The airline…