Author: Shawon Hannan

A protest by Just Stop Oil at Gatwick’s South Terminal led to arrests yet left airport operations unaffected.The demonstrators sought to disrupt by blocking gates, but the attempt was efficiently managed without impacting flights.Protest OverviewIn an incident early Monday morning, a group of seven activists from Just Stop Oil executed a protest at the Gatwick Airport South Terminal. Their method involved using suitcases with lock-on devices to effectively block access to departure gates, aiming to disrupt airport operations as a statement against ongoing fossil fuel reliance. Despite their actions, airport operations remained uninterrupted, and the participants were swiftly arrested and…

Riviera Travel has announced an important appointment by promoting Claire Hills to the newly established position of national sales manager for retail and online travel agencies (OTAs), effective 1 September. Claire has been an integral part of the company since 2021, where she commenced her journey as a key account manager.Strategic Structural EnhancementThe appointment of Claire Hills signals Riviera Travel’s dedication to strengthening its retail and OTA channels. Claire, in her new capacity, is entrusted with managing five key account managers, ensuring that they align with the company’s broader objectives. She will be reporting directly to Vicky Billing, the head…

The European Commission has introduced updated guidance on air passenger rights, essential for the travel sector. These revised guidelines provide clarity on the rights of passengers, aligning with recent EU Court rulings.With significant focus on accessibility and passenger protection, the guidelines aim to inform and protect passengers across the EU and the UK. These updates are especially pertinent ahead of the peak summer travel period, emphasising the importance of awareness.Revised Guidelines for Air Passenger RightsThe European Commission has released updated guidance on air passenger rights, encompassing both existing regulations and new directives. Since 2016, the EC has regularly published these…

Audley Travel is set to transform its offerings with the launch of a dedicated cruise division, aiming to broaden its reach in the UK and US markets. This expansion demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the breadth of holiday experiences available to clients.Audley Travel has appointed Sean Atton, an industry veteran, to lead its new cruise division. Atton brings extensive experience having transitioned from Trailfinders where he contributed to product and sales for over 16 years. His strategic vision is expected to expand Audley’s reach in the cruise market significantly.Audley already has a presence in the expedition cruise market, catering to…

Classic Collection, in collaboration with SunExpress, has launched a comprehensive digital guide highlighting Turkey’s most sought-after holiday destinations. This guide aims to simplify travel planning for agents and travellers alike.By presenting a curated selection of 12 popular properties, the guide not only emphasises the richness of Turkey’s offerings but also facilitates seamless travel arrangements through direct flights from the UK.A Partnership for Enhanced Travel ExperienceClassic Collection has embarked on a landmark partnership with SunExpress, marking a first for the airline to align with a UK operator for such an initiative. This collaboration aims to revolutionise the way travel agencies plan…

Significant disruptions impacted French rail services following suspected arson attacks. Services were cancelled, affecting thousands of passengers.The fibre optic cable attacks coincided with the Paris Olympics’ commencement. SNCF and Eurostar services were particularly affected.The arson attacks, suspected to be coordinated, targeted fibre optic cables vital for the operation of high-speed TGV lines. This incident resulted in major interruptions to rail services, notably affecting SNCF and Eurostar operations. On the day of the attacks, the extent of disruption was profound, impacting an estimated quarter of a million passengers. France’s transport minister later indicated that up to 800,000 individuals could experience delays…

Luxury tour operator Scott Dunn has announced a new partnership with UK-based agency Savvi Travel, aiming to broaden their reach in the bespoke travel market.The collaboration is set to enhance client engagement by integrating Scott Dunn’s luxury holiday offerings into Savvi Travel’s portfolio, underscoring their commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences.Introduction of PartnershipScott Dunn, a prominent luxury tour operator, has strategically partnered with Savvi Travel, a family-owned agency in the UK. This collaboration is poised to bolster Scott Dunn’s reach, enabling the agency to offer a wider variety of tailor-made holiday experiences to its clientele.Established in 2011 by founders Dave…

Luton Airport has introduced advanced security scanners, streamlining the check-in process for passengers. The installation allows travellers to keep liquids and electronics in their hand luggage, facilitating a smoother journey.This technological advancement marks a pivotal moment for Luton, positioning it to handle increased traffic more efficiently. With the busy summer travel period approaching, Luton Airport is committed to providing a more seamless experience for its passengers.Luton Airport has rolled out next-generation security scanners across its terminals. This £20 million project places Luton at the forefront of technological innovation in airport security, enhancing passenger convenience by eliminating the need to remove…

Tom Dumbrell, a respected figure in the travel industry, has embarked on a significant journey as an author. His latest work, ‘A Killer and a King,’ marks a departure into the mystery genre, presenting a unique narrative that aims to captivate a new audience.Dumbrell, known for his role as national sales manager for Tauck in the UK and Ireland, celebrates the release of this novel amidst applause from his colleagues and peers. His transition from travel to writing signals a creative expansion that is bound to resonate well beyond the travel sector.Transition from Fantasy to MysteryTom Dumbrell’s latest book signifies…

Celebrity Cruises has acknowledged the significant backing it receives from UK travel agents, particularly in promoting its Celebrity Apex from Southampton.This collaboration not only strengthens Celebrity Cruises’ market presence but also enhances the traveller experience through effective partnerships.Strong Support from UK AgentsCelebrity Cruises is experiencing robust assistance from UK travel agents, particularly for its Celebrity Apex sailings from Southampton. This ship has been a pivotal part of Celebrity Cruises’ strategy, marking its debut as the first Edge Class vessel to homeport in Southampton. With a successful summer season, the support from agents has been fundamental in driving bookings and interest.…