Author: Shawon Hannan

Starting in September, the European Union will reassess security measures by reinstating the 100ml limit on liquids in cabin baggage.The restrictions, affecting the use of advanced scanning technology, aim to enhance safety but pose challenges for airport operations.Reinstatement of Liquid RestrictionsThe European Union has reintroduced 100ml liquid restrictions in cabin baggage at airports, echoing a similar decision by the UK government. This move comes with the latest updates in the EU Aviation Security Regulation, intensifying security protocols from the first of September. The 100ml limit now extends to the newest high-tech scanners, impacting travellers carrying liquid, gel, and aerosol containers.Previously,…

The landscape of the travel industry has transformed post-Covid, with technology leading the charge. One notable evolution has been Travel Counsellors’ implementation of the TC Teams platform.This strategic investment has profoundly influenced their annual financial outcomes, as evidenced by their remarkable record-breaking success last fiscal year.Travel Counsellors has underscored the pivotal role of its TC Teams technology in achieving record annual results. Over the past year, the agency’s profits have surged by 64%, reaching nearly £33 million. Concurrently, the total transaction value rose by 31% to £941.6 million. Such outcomes underscore the critical impact of investments in innovative technology which…

The picturesque city of Newport Beach is set to host a significant event in the luxury travel sector, the California Luxury Forum.From September 15-18, global buyers will connect with premium suppliers to explore and enhance the luxury travel offerings.Event OverviewNewport Beach will be the distinguished host for the eighth iteration of the California Luxury Forum. This prestigious event, organised by Connections Luxury in collaboration with Visit California and Visit Newport Beach, highlights the exceptional luxury experiences available across California. The forum is part of Visit California’s ambitious Golden State of Luxury Initiative, which aims to boost the state’s luxury travel…

Scott Dunn’s chief executive, Sonia Davies, has announced her departure from the company, effective later this year. With a successful tenure, Davies significantly contributed to the company’s growth.Davies, who initially joined as COO in 2018, became chief executive within a year. Her leadership has been marked by strategic partnerships and industry accolades, bolstering Scott Dunn’s reputation.Sonia Davies’s decision to step down from her role at Scott Dunn marks a pivotal moment for the luxury travel operator. Her leadership, which spans over six years, has been instrumental in driving significant growth and transformation within the company.During her tenure, Davies played a…

Crystal has unveiled a sophisticated online engine to enhance the booking experience for UK travel agents. This platform promises to enrich the trade by offering advanced tools to meet modern demands.From 1 August 2024, Crystal’s new engine aims to transform the booking landscape by delivering flexibility, speed, and reliability. Travel advisors are set to benefit from a user-friendly interface that streamlines processes, integrating real-time updates and personalised options.Revolutionising Booking SystemsThe newly introduced platform is designed to revolutionise how travel agents handle bookings by providing a comprehensive suite of resources. With its intuitive and seamless design, the system enables users to…

HF Holidays is breaking new ground by introducing CO2 labelling on their walking holidays, aiming to enhance ‘carbon consciousness’ among travellers and reduce environmental impact. This initiative marks a significant stride towards sustainability, reflecting the company’s commitment to transparency and ethical tourism.Pioneering Sustainability in TravelHF Holidays recently embraced the role of a pioneer in sustainable travel by introducing CO2 labels across its walking holiday offerings. This effort aims to boost awareness of carbon emissions among its customers, promoting more informed and environmentally conscious travel choices.The company, a certified B Corporation, seeks to adhere to high social and environmental standards. David…

Oceania Cruises has taken a significant step toward enhancing its engagement with UK travel agents through a newly launched webinar series. These training modules aim to equip agents with in-depth knowledge about the brand’s offerings and strategic initiatives.Oceania Cruises has recently unveiled a series of educational webinars aimed at enhancing the knowledge of its UK travel partners. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to building stronger relationships within the travel trade community.The series consists of five concise 15-minute videos, each focusing on a different aspect of Oceania Cruises. Topics covered include the brand’s core pillars, an overview of…

In recent months, CV Villas has witnessed a remarkable 37% increase in last-minute summer bookings. This trend underscores a revived interest in travel, particularly to popular European destinations.Surge in Last-Minute BookingsCV Villas has experienced a significant uptick in last-minute bookings for summer vacations, with a notable 37% increase since April. This trend reflects a growing consumer confidence in travel arrangements, despite uncertainties in the broader environment. The most popular searches on CV Villas’ website include Corfu, Algarve, Puglia, Kefalonia, and Majorca, indicating a strong preference for European destinations. These findings suggest travellers are choosing shorter, closer-to-home trips rather than long-haul…

Jonathan Davies has been appointed as the new head of sales for Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours and Emerald Cruises.This significant promotion marks a strategic shift in the organisational structure, focusing on enhancing key agent relationships and expanding training programmes.Davies’ promotion signals a strategic restructuring within the sales team. Account managers are now geared towards reinforcing key agent relationships across the UK rather than focusing on geographic areas. This shift ensures a consistent point of contact and aims to enhance relationships with strategic accounts.This reorganisation aims to streamline communication and support for agents, potentially boosting overall efficiency. With Davies at…

Peter Deer has ended his tenure at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines as the Chief Financial Officer after 20 significant years with the company.During his time, Deer played crucial roles, helping the company navigate major challenges and achieve key milestones.A Long-standing LegacyPeter Deer, the Chief Financial Officer at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, has announced his departure after a two-decade tenure with the company. During his time at Fred Olsen, Deer has been pivotal, occupying several key roles, notably as the Managing Director. His leadership saw the company navigate through challenging periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Deer was instrumental in facilitating the…