Author: Shawon Hannan
Airbnb is set to enhance its brand with the global expansion of its ‘Icons’ category.The company aims to diversify beyond traditional travel accommodations.Airbnb is redefining its offerings to ensure quality and reliability.Despite financial setbacks, Airbnb has seen a rise in global listings.CEO Brian Chesky emphasizes the importance of high-quality guest experiences.Airbnb has announced plans to globally expand its ‘Icons’ category, a range of ‘extraordinary experiences’ launched in May. The initiative is part of Airbnb’s strategy to redefine its brand beyond just providing travel accommodations, aiming to offer more unique and memorable experiences for users worldwide.The move to expand these experiences…
Royal Caribbean International is investing over $100 million in a comprehensive revamp of Allure of the Seas, setting sail in the Mediterranean from April 2025.The refurbishment follows the 2019 makeover of its sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, and marks Allure as the latest in the Oasis-class to be transformed.Allure of the Seas will operate seven-night itineraries from Barcelona, visiting destinations like Marseille, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, and Palma.Key features of the refurbishment include new panoramic suites, a redesigned pool deck, waterslides, and new dining and entertainment options.This ambitious project aims to deliver unparalleled experiences, combining relaxation and adventure, in line…
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reported significant strides in accessibility at UK airports.Their latest report reveals that, for the first time since 2020, no airport has been rated as ‘poor’ in terms of accessibility.The recent report from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) highlights notable improvements in accessibility standards across UK airports. For the first time since 2020, no airport received a ‘poor’ rating, marking a significant milestone in accessibility enhancements. The report evaluated airports handling over 150,000 passengers annually, categorising them as ‘very good’, ‘good’, or ‘needs improvement’ based on their accessibility services.According to the CAA report, 11 airports…
Cathay Pacific is taking a decisive step towards modernising its fleet with an order for 30 Airbus A330neo aircraft. This significant investment is aligned with the airline’s strategic goals, aiming to boost its capacity and operational capabilities.Amid growing demand, Cathay Pacific has strategically decided to fortify its fleet with 30 Airbus A330neo aircraft. This move not only anticipates a surge in travel but is designed to enhance operational efficiency. The Hong Kong-based airline aims to restore its pre-pandemic capacity by early 2025, marking a significant milestone in its recovery journey.This latest acquisition follows a rigorous evaluation as part of Cathay…
Hays Travel has initiated its second recruitment campaign targeting cabin crew, with remarkable engagement reported within days. Designed to hire during peak travel seasons, this initiative invites cabin crew to transition into customer service roles at Hays Travel outlets across the UK.In an unprecedented move, Hays Travel has opened its doors to cabin crew members seeking employment during their off-peak seasons. This initiative, first introduced in 2023, aims to bolster the workforce with skilled individuals adept in customer service. Within just three days of the campaign’s launch, over 450 applications have streamed in, highlighting the programme’s instant success.Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief…
In an ambitious move to attract more long-term travellers, Thailand has expanded its visa exemption for UK visitors from 30 to 60 days. This change aims to increase holiday durations and improve sales opportunities for travel agents.The updated visa policy, effective since July 15, includes a further extension option to 90 days. Alongside, Thailand has launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) tailored for digital nomads. This strategic initiative is set to enhance tourism and entice remote workers.Thailand has significantly changed its visa policy for citizens of the United Kingdom, allowing them to enjoy stays of up to 60 days without…
Shearings has unveiled a cutting-edge search feature that simplifies the booking process for solo travellers seeking single occupancy hotel rooms.With the introduction of the ‘Find Single Rooms’ search option, Shearings offers a streamlined approach to identifying accommodations with single rooms, supporting the growing trend of solo travel.Shearings has launched an innovative search tool specifically designed for solo travellers. This feature allows travel agents to efficiently locate single hotel rooms across 250 properties. By incorporating this functionality, Shearings provides a faster and more intuitive booking experience for those opting to travel solo. The search results display the complete pricing details, including…
Julia Lo Bue-Said, the CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, recently featured in a local radio ‘Job Swap’ quiz on BBC Three Counties Radio.During the quiz, she had an opportunity to underscore the numerous benefits of booking through travel agents, despite a light-hearted termination at its conclusion.Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, engaged in a radio segment on BBC Three Counties Radio’s ‘Job Swap’ quiz, which covers Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire. The segment aimed to highlight various professions by swapping roles temporarily. Bue-Said competed against host Babs Michel, answering three questions about celebrities and TV, whereas Michel answered…
Travel Counsellors has unveiled two innovative initiatives aimed at boosting its cruise sales. The ambitious programme seeks to empower travel agents with enhanced skills and experience.By offering a mix of educational and experiential opportunities, Travel Counsellors is poised to tap into the growing cruise market. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to leading in the travel industry.Introduction of New InitiativesTravel Counsellors has initiated dual strategies to enhance its cruise sales, recognising the sector’s growing popularity. With a commitment to empowering its network, the company introduces a six-month ‘Set Sail’ programme alongside the designation of cruise ambassadors. These initiatives are…
P&O Cruises has ventured into the sporting arena, announcing a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Southampton FC. This collaboration is the company’s first foray into sports sponsorship, aligning with the football club to bring unique benefits to fans and passengers alike.A Strategic PartnershipP&O Cruises is now the official shirt sleeve sponsor for Southampton FC, a partnership set to enhance brand visibility across multiple football teams. The deal covers the men’s, women’s, and academy teams and presents a significant marketing opportunity for the cruise line. This alignment allows P&O Cruises to leverage the club’s fan base, promoting its services to a broader…