Author: Shawon Hannan

P&O Cruises has announced the appointment of Stuart Allison as their new Chief Commercial Officer.Allison, transitioning from his role at Princess Cruises, is set to commence his duties in mid-October, signalling a strategic move for P&O Cruises.Background and ExperienceStuart Allison joins P&O Cruises with a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Senior Vice-President for Asia Pacific, UK, and Europe at Princess Cruises in Australia. This extensive background equips him with the necessary skills to drive growth and execute strategic initiatives at P&O Cruises.Role and ResponsibilitiesAs Chief Commercial Officer, Allison will be responsible for implementing P&O Cruises’ long-term strategy…

The merger between Amex GBT and CWT, two major players in the corporate travel sector, has raised significant concerns among regulatory bodies.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has highlighted potential negative impacts on pricing, service quality, and innovation within the industry.Regulatory ConcernsThe Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally approached Amex GBT and CWT, urging them to offer solutions to address concerns surrounding their planned merger. The watchdog emphasised that the merger could lead to worsened quality of service, higher prices, and reduced innovation for Global Multinational (GMN) business travel customers.According to the CMA, the merger between the world’s largest…

P&O Cruises has made a strategic decision by appointing Stuart Allison as its first Chief Commercial Officer to drive growth in the UK cruise market.Allison’s extensive experience and leadership in international markets bode well for P&O Cruises as it seeks to leverage untapped potential and broaden its appeal among UK holidaymakers.Carnival Corporation has set a clear path for expansion by appointing Stuart Allison as Chief Commercial Officer of P&O Cruises. This move aligns with the brand’s ambition to strengthen its commercial foothold in the burgeoning UK cruise sector, reflecting a broader strategy to harness the market’s untapped potential. Allison will…

The Advantage Travel Partnership is set to host its largest cruise conference to date, from 24th to 27th October.The event will take place on the Ambassador Cruise Line’s ship, Ambience, sailing to Amsterdam and will feature prominent industry leaders.More than 180 delegates are anticipated at this milestone event. Attendees will include senior figures such as Ambassador Chief Executive Christian Verhounig, Royal Caribbean International’s UK and Ireland Senior Sales Director Aaron Langford, and Princess Cruises’ UK and Europe Vice President Eithne Williamson.The conference promises a robust business content programme. Topics will span all sectors of the cruise industry, with a significant…

Home-based travel agents are becoming increasingly important within the travel industry, driving significant business.Suppliers are employing new strategies to engage with these agents and ensure they remain connected and well-informed.Innovative Engagement MethodsSuppliers are shifting from traditional face-to-face visits to new, creative methods to engage with home-based agents. These include offering appointments in local coffee shops, hosting Zoom updates, and company-wide webinars.Some companies are also appointing business development managers (BDMs) specifically focused on homeworkers to better tailor their support and communication strategies.Gold Medal’s Pioneering ApproachGold Medal was the first tour operator to hire a dedicated homeworker account manager back in October…

G Adventures resumes its Tibet tours, incorporating new itineraries in Asia to cater to increasing demand.Safaris in Africa and Central America trips are now accessible to all ages, no longer limiting participants to those under 39.The company’s upgraded fleet and equipment enhance travel experiences in Africa while keeping accommodation basic in Central America.Relaxed visa policies in China and rising interest in South Korea prompt the reintroduction of tours in these regions.Vice President Yves Marcaeu highlights a growing market for affordable, rugged adventures among older travellers.G Adventures resumes its Tibet tours, incorporating new itineraries in Asia to cater to increasing demand.…

Simon Jeffries has been appointed to lead Elegant Resorts’ new sports travel division.The initiative aims to blend luxury with sports tourism, tapping into a growing market.Destination Sport will collaborate on the project, leveraging global sports fixtures.Jeffries’ extensive experience will steer the venture towards market leadership.The move highlights the increasing synergy between travel and sports industries.Simon Jeffries, with almost three decades of experience in the travel industry, has been confirmed as the director for the new sports travel division at Elegant Resorts. His career, marked by significant roles in product and commercial sectors, began as a contracts manager for Cresta Holidays…

Freebird Airlines has taken a proactive step by releasing its summer 2025 schedule ahead of time. The move aims to seize upon the growing demand observed in recent years.With a significant increase in capacity observed this past summer, the Turkish airline has strategically decided to launch its flight schedule early. The decision underscores their confidence in sustained demand from Gatwick to Antalya.The early release of the 2025 summer schedule by Freebird Airlines illustrates the growing demand for flights between London Gatwick and Antalya. In the past year alone, the airline has observed a 13% rise in capacity. This trend has…

In a significant strategic shift, Air New Zealand has announced the withdrawal of its 2030 carbon emissions reduction target. This decision comes amidst challenges related to new aircraft availability and alternative fuel sources.The airline will now focus on setting a more achievable target that better aligns with current industry challenges. This move highlights the complex landscape of aviation sustainability and the external factors influencing airlines’ environmental strategies.Challenges in Aircraft AvailabilityAir New Zealand’s withdrawal from its 2030 carbon emissions target largely stems from availability issues surrounding new aircraft. The global aircraft manufacturing industry is currently experiencing supply chain disruptions, impacting the…

The UK government has made a bold pledge to support the development of environmentally friendly aerospace technologies with a significant investment exceeding £100 million. This initiative is aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable growth within the aerospace sector, with a focus on projects that promise to revolutionise air travel.Government Commitment to Aerospace InnovationThe UK government has unveiled a substantial commitment to advancing the aerospace industry, with over £100 million earmarked for environmentally friendly air travel research and development projects. This funding reflects a concerted public-private investment strategy aimed at pioneering green aerospace technology, as announced by Business and Trade Secretary…