Author: Shawon Hannan

Ryanair reports a 46% decline in profits attributed to disruptions and fare reductions.A surge in passenger numbers was insufficient to counterbalance timing issues and reduced fares.Ryanair experienced a notable decline in its profits for the second quarter, with figures dropping by 46% to €360 million. This downturn is attributed to operational disruptions, including a 10-day period marked by extensive flight delays and cancellations. Additionally, while passenger numbers increased by 20% year-on-year, the timing of Easter negatively impacted the fiscal results as it was accounted for in the previous quarter, combined with weaker than anticipated airfares.The average fare for Ryanair’s peak…

Anticipating overtourism, Barcelona aims to adjust the cruise passenger levy.The city plans to raise the existing €7 per day tax on cruise passengers.Mayor Jaume Collboni emphasizes sustainable tourism respecting local life.Funds from the tax increase will support high foot traffic and social areas.The proposed tax hike awaits approval from the Catalan regional government.The bustling city of Barcelona, a prime destination for cruise liners, is preparing to initiate a significant change in its approach to managing the influx of tourists arriving by sea. In an effort to combat overtourism, Barcelona plans to increase the tax currently imposed on cruise ship passengers…

Agent incentive programmes are becoming increasingly innovative, presenting agents with unique rewards to boost engagement.Understanding what drives agent motivation is crucial for cruise lines. Recent discussions among industry experts have shed light on the evolving nature of these programmes and their effectiveness.Recent developments in agent reward programmes have seen cruise lines reaching new heights of creativity. From offering front-row tickets to popular concerts to all-expense-paid voyages, the offerings serve a dual purpose: they motivate agents and amplify brand visibility. However, with such diverse incentives available, companies need to carefully consider what resonates most with agents to ensure effectiveness.In a roundtable…

June was an unpredictable month for travel agents, dominated by uncertainties at Birmingham airport. Many travellers reported chaos stemming from ongoing upgrades, which significantly impacted bookings.As airport operations faced challenges, travel agents had to rely increasingly on innovative strategies to meet sales goals. Creative marketing and attention-grabbing deals became essential to draw in customers, despite the turmoil.Birmingham airport’s ongoing upgrades led to operational disruptions, causing concern among passengers. Reports of prolonged waiting times and procedural confusion were common, particularly affecting families and the elderly.The airport’s efforts to mitigate congestion, such as allowing bag drop-offs the night before, helped but were…

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has once more taken the top spot in Europe for budget-conscious travellers. According to a recent report, it surpasses Turkey’s Marmaris due to economic challenges there.The Post Office Family Holiday Report reveals a rise in overall costs across Europe, yet Sunny Beach remains highly competitive, drawing more visitors each year.Overview of Sunny Beach’s Value RankingSunny Beach in Bulgaria has once again emerged as Europe’s most budget-friendly travel destination, reclaiming the title from Turkey’s Marmaris. The research, published by the Post Office Family Holiday Report, highlights significant price surges in Turkey due to its economic instability and…

Ponders Cruise & Travel is exploring the potential for a new full yacht charter with APT, building on the achievements of their inaugural venture.Following a distinguished eight-night Croatian Island Cruise, the agency is optimistic about further opportunities for exclusive travel experiences for their clientele.Successful Inauguration: A Landmark VenturePonders Cruise & Travel made history as the first agency to secure a full charter of APT’s Lady Eleganza yacht, marking a significant milestone in travel agency innovation. The owners, Clare Dudley and Paul Adams, participated in the luxurious Croatian cruise, benefiting greatly from the close-knit community atmosphere and exclusive itinerary.Dudley acknowledged the…

In light of recent global IT outages affecting transportation sectors, Abta has offered essential advice for travellers. airlines, airports, and railway services have faced significant disruptions, leading to numerous cancellations worldwide.By early Friday, more than 3,000 flights had been cancelled globally, though not all are directly tied to the ongoing IT issues. Travellers are urged to confirm the status of their routes and services via official channels.Understanding the IT Outage ImpactThe widespread IT outages that hit on Friday have posed challenges across various transportation sectors. With over 3,000 flights cancelled globally by 3pm, the aviation industry is particularly affected, although…

Liliia Ilkevych, founder of Fly&Joy, has been recognised among the top refugee entrepreneurs in Europe. Her journey from Ukraine to the UK underlines a remarkable success story.Included in the prestigious ‘Visa Everywhere Pioneer 20,’ Ilkevych’s contribution to entrepreneurship is noteworthy. Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, she established her travel agency, transforming challenges into opportunities.A Journey from Banking to EntrepreneurshipBefore the conflict in Ukraine, Liliia Ilkevych had a thriving career in the banking industry. The shift to a new country amidst such turmoil would be daunting for anyone, yet Ilkevych saw it as a chance to pursue a cherished ambition.…

A recent court ruling favoured Ryanair in its legal conflict with Booking.com, setting a crucial precedent for the travel industry.This verdict, hailed as a win by Ryanair’s CEO, addresses concerns over unauthorised fare distributions.In a landmark decision, a US court has ruled in favour of Ryanair against Booking.com, marking a significant win for the airline. The ruling, under the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, highlights that Booking.com acted with ‘intent to defraud’ by unlawfully featuring Ryanair’s fares. This verdict is seen as a major victory and a deterrent against unethical practices in the travel industry.Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, vehemently…

Bond Travel, a noteworthy name in the travel industry, celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of exceptional service.With enduring dedication and a customer-focused approach, this family-owned agency looks back on its journey, serving leisure and business travellers alike.Bond Travel, a family-run travel agency, is commemorating its remarkable milestone of 40 years in business. Established in Urmston, Greater Manchester, the agency remains steadfast in its original location, while also operating a secondary branch in Lymm. This family enterprise is led by founder Pat Bond, with her daughter Jayne having joined the team in 1995 and now holding the position of…